bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nicotinamide mitigates radiation injury in submandibular gland by protecting mitochondrial structure and functions
Authors: Wang Xin Yue , Liu Ke Jian , Zhang Fu Yin , Xiang Bin 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundRadiation damage to salivary gland is inevitable in head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. Safe and effective treatments for protecting salivary glands from radiation are still unavailable. Mitochondrial damage is a critical mechanism in irradiated salivary gland; however, treatment targeting mitochondria has not received much attention. Nicotinamide is a key component of the mitochondrial metabolism. Here, we investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of nicotinamide on protecting irradiated submandibular gland.MethodsSubmandibular gland cells and tissues were randomly divided into four groups: control, nicotinamide alone, radiation alone, and radiation with nicotinamide pretreatment. Cell viability was detected by PrestoBlue cell viability reagent. Histopathological alterations were observed with HE staining. Pilocarpine‐stimulated saliva was measured from Wharton's duct. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling assay. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase was examined with immunofluorescence. The levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, mitochondrial membrane potential, and adenosine triphosphate were measured with the relevant kits. The mitochondrial ultrastructure was observed under transmission electron microscopy.ResultsNicotinamide significantly mitigated radiation damage both in vitro and in vivo. Also, nicotinamide improved saliva secretion and reduced radiation‐induced apoptosis in irradiated submandibular glands. Moreover, nicotinamide improved nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase and the levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide/adenosine triphosphate and mitochondrial membrane potential, all of which were decreased by radiation in submandibular gland cells. Importantly, nicotinamide protected the mitochondrial ultrastructure from radiation.ConclusionThese findings demonstrate that nicotinamide alleviates radiation damage in submandibular gland by replenishing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and maintaining mitochondrial function and ultrastructure, suggesting that nicotinamide could be used as a prospective radioprotectant for preventing radiation sialadenitis.
Effects of dynamic lighting on circadian phase, self‐reported sleep and performance during a 45‐day space analog mission with chronic variable sleep deficiency
Authors: Rahman Shadab A. , Kent Brianne A. , Grant Leilah K. , Clark Toni , Hanifin John P. , Barger Laura K. , Czeisler Charles A. , Brainard George C. , St Hilaire Melissa A , Lockley Steven W. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractSpaceflight exposes crewmembers to circadian misalignment and sleep loss, which impair cognition and increase the risk of errors and accidents. We compared the effects of an experimental dynamic lighting schedule (DLS) with a standard static lighting schedule (SLS) on circadian phase, self‐reported sleep and cognition during a 45‐day simulated space mission. Sixteen participants (mean age [±SD] 37.4 ± 6.7 years; 5 F; n = 8/lighting condition) were studied in four‐person teams at the NASA Human Exploration Research Analog. Participants were scheduled to sleep 8 h/night on two weekend nights, 5 h/night on five weekday nights, repeated for six 7‐day cycles, with scheduled waketime fixed at 7:00 a.m. Compared to the SLS where illuminance and spectrum remained constant during wake (~4000K), DLS increased the illuminance and short‐wavelength (blue) content of white light (~6000K) approximately threefold in the main workspace (Level 1), until 3 h before bedtime when illuminance was reduced by ~96% and the blue content also reduced throughout (~4000K × 2 h, ~3000K × 1 h) until bedtime. The average (±SE) urinary 6‐sulphatoxymelatonin (aMT6s) acrophase time was significantly later in the SLS (6.22 ± 0.34 h) compared to the DLS (4.76 ± 0.53 h) and more variable in SLS compared to DLS (37.2 ± 3.6 min vs. 28.2 ± 2.4 min, respectively, p = .04). Compared to DLS, self‐reported sleep was more frequently misaligned relative to circadian phase in SLS RR: 6.75, 95% CI 1.55–29.36, p = .01), but neither self‐reported sleep duration nor latency to sleep was different between lighting conditions. Accuracy in the abstract matching and matrix reasoning tests were significantly better in DLS compared to SLS (false discovery rate‐adjusted p ≤ .04). Overall, DLS alleviated the drift in circadian phase typically observed in space analog studies and reduced the prevalence of self‐reported sleep episodes occurring at an adverse circadian phase. Our results support incorporating DLS in future missions, which may facilitate appropriate circadian alignment and reduce the risk of sleep disruption.
Sex differences in sleep quality and psychological distress: Insights from a middle‐aged twin sample from Spain
Authors: Madrid‐Valero Juan J. , Kirkpatrick Robert M. , González‐Javier Francisca , Gregory Alice M. , Ordoñana Juan R. 
Published: August 2022

SummaryThere is a moderate association between poor sleep and psychological distress. There are marked sex differences in the prevalence of both variables, with females outnumbering males. However, the origin of these sex differences remains unclear. The objectives of this study were to: (1) study genetic and environmental influences on the relationship between poor sleep quality and psychological distress; and (2) test possible sex differences in this relationship. The sample comprised 3544 participants from the Murcia Twin Registry. Univariate and multivariate twin models were fitted to estimate the magnitude of genetic and environmental influences on both individual variance and covariance between poor sleep quality and psychological distress. Sleep quality and psychological distress were measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the EuroQol five‐dimensions questionnaire, respectively. The results reveal a strong genetic association between poor sleep quality and psychological distress, which accounts for 44% (95%CI: 27%–61%) of the association between these two variables. Substantial genetic (rA = 0.50; 95%CI: 0.32, 0.67) and non‐shared environmental (rE = 0.41; 95%CI: 0.30, 0.52) correlations were also found, indicating a moderate overlap between genetic (and non‐shared environmental) factors influencing both phenotypes. Equating sexes in sex‐limitation models did not result in significant decreases in model fit. Despite the remarkable sex differences in the prevalence of both poor sleep quality and psychological distress, there were no sex differences in the genetic and environmental influences on these variables. This suggests that genetic factors play a similar role for men and women in explaining individual differences in both phenotypes and their relationship.
Clinical outcome and Ki67 evaluation in dogs with nodal small cell B‐cell lymphoma diagnosed by flow cytometry
Authors: Rout Emily D. , Fernandez Monica , Yoshimoto Janna A. , Hughes Kelly L. , Avery Anne C. , Burton Jenna H. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundNodal small cell B‐cell lymphoma subtypes in dogs cannot be distinguished by flow cytometry and information regarding treatment, prognosis, and outcome are limited.Hypothesis/ObjectivesObjectives were to describe outcome in dogs with nodal small cell B‐cell lymphoma diagnosed by flow cytometry and correlate clinical and laboratory data with survival. We hypothesized that B‐cell Ki67 expression measured by flow cytometry is associated with shorter progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).AnimalsForty‐nine dogs with nodal small cell B‐cell lymphoma, defined by >80% CD21+ B‐cells by flow cytometry and small‐sized B‐cells by forward scatter.MethodsRetrospective study reviewing treatment and outcome data extracted from medical records. Percentage of Ki67‐expressing B‐cells was measured by flow cytometry. Clinical, laboratory, and flow cytometry data were assessed for association with outcome.ResultsMedian percentage of B‐cell Ki67 was 41% (range, 3%‐97%). Median PFS was 119 days and median OS was 222 days (n = 49). Among cases treated with CHOP‐based chemotherapy (n = 32), median PFS was 70 days, median OS was 267 days, and 50% of cases achieved complete response. Low percentage of B‐cell Ki67 (≤11%) was associated with prolonged OS by univariable analysis. Greater age, substage B, high B‐cell CD25 expression and low B‐cell CD21 and class II major histocompatibility complex expression by flow cytometry were independently associated with shorter OS.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceMost nodal small cell B‐cell lymphoma cases had aggressive disease. Low Ki67 expression can help identify cases with better prognosis. Age, substage, and flow cytometry variables are useful prognostic factors.
Hyponatremia in horses with septic pneumopathy
Authors: Migliorisi Alessandro , Barger Anne , Austin Scott , Foreman Jonathan H. , Wilkins Pamela 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundHyponatremia is common in horses with bacterial pleuropneumonia, but no further characterization of this abnormality has been reported.ObjectivesDescribe admission plasma sodium concentration ([Na]) in horses with septic pneumopathy and evaluate any association of plasma [Na] with markers of systemic inflammation.AnimalsMedical records of horses >1 month of age that between 2008 and 2021 had a transtracheal aspirate (TTA) performed, abnormal TTA cytology, positive TTA culture, pulmonary disease on ultrasonography, radiography or both, and plasma [Na] assessed by direct ion‐selective‐electrode (dISE). Horses with concurrent diarrhea or azotemia were excluded.MethodsClinical and clinicopathological variables of interest between hypo‐ and normonatremic horses were compared. Spearman correlation and Fisher exact tests were used to identify significant associations (P < .05).ResultsTwenty of 35 horses had hyponatremia (median, 132 mmol/L; 25‐75th interquartile range [IQR], 129.7‐133.1 mmol/L; reference range, 134.2‐138.4 mmol/L). A higher proportion of horses with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) had hyponatremia (P = .01). Hyponatremic patients had higher mean plasma fibrinogen concentration (461 ± 160.5 mg/dL;P = .01) and higher rectal temperature (38.8 ± 0.7°C;P = .02) than normonatremic horses. Negative correlations were found between plasma [Na] and fibrinogen (P = .001;ρ = −0.57) concentrations and between plasma [Na] and rectal temperature (P = .001;ρ = −0.51). Presence or absence of pleural effusion did not influence severity of hyponatremia. Mean duration of hospitalization was longer (P = .04) in hyponatremic horses (9.8 ± 6.6 days).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceHyponatremia at admission is associated with the presence of inflammation, SIRS, and with longer duration of hospitalization.
Bridging the Gap Between Researchers and Teachers: A Curricular Perspective
Authors: LEOW RONALD P. , THINGLUM ANNE , HAVENNE MAUDE , TSENG RINA 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThis study investigated the researcher–teacher interface issue by exploring second language (L2) teachers’ experiences of being involved in a large instructed second language acquisition empirical study aimed at curricular changes. The study addressed two goals. First, by involving the entire teaching staff at all levels of the multisection language teaching program in the administration of the empirical study, it examined the interface at the individual and the professional level. Second, by involving the teachers in every aspect of the study, it investigated the interface at the curricular level. Participants were 27 L2 teachers of Spanish at a private research university in the United States comprising graduate students of all disciplines and full‐time and adjunct faculty. The interface data were obtained via a survey with questions related to teachers’ academic backgrounds, pedagogical beliefs, experiences with academic journals, beliefs regarding the present study, overall experience, and their involvement in the research project. Two teachers also participated in in‐depth personal reflections. The results showed that the active participation by the teachers raised their level of awareness of the researcher–teacher and research–curriculum interfaces and also increased their overall personal and professional development as informed teachers who employ theoretically driven and empirically supported activities in their lesson plans.
Market Volatility, Monetary Policy and the Term Premium
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Mallick Sushanta , Mohanty Madhusudan , Zampolli Fabrizio 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIn this article, we use time‐varying VAR models to study the effects of option‐implied measures of equity and bond market volatilities on the government bond term premium and key macroeconomic variables. We show that the high correlation between the two volatilities requires the shocks to these variables to be jointly identified. We find that a positive shock to the VIX reduces the term premium. We interpret this effect as the result of investors shifting their portfolios away from riskier assets. Also, a positive shock to the VIX has contractionary and disinflationary effects. By contrast, a positive shock to the Merrill Lynch Option Volatility Expectations (MOVE), which reflects heightened uncertainty about future changes in interest rates, raises the term premium. Similar to a VIX shock, an increase in bond market volatility also has a contractionary effect, although the negative effects on output and inflation are smaller. Both VIX and MOVE shocks resemble negative demand shocks, albeit of different intensity, to which the central bank responds by easing monetary policy. Depending on the type of volatility impacting the economy, a contraction in output can be associated either with a flattening or steepening of the yield curve.
The changes and potential effects of zinc homeostasis in periodontitis microenvironment
Authors: Liu Yitong , Li Xiaoyan , Liu Siyan , Du Juan , Xu Junji , Liu Yi , Guo Lijia 
Published: August 2022

AbstractZinc is a very important and ubiquitous element, which is present in oral environment, daily diet, oral health products, dental restorative materials, and so on. However, there is a lack of attention to the role of both extracellular or intracellular zinc in the progression of periodontitis and periodontal regeneration. This review summarizes the characteristics of immunological microenvironment and host cells function in several key stages of periodontitis progression, and explores the regulatory effect of zinc during this process. We find multiple evidence indicate that zinc may be involved and play a key role in the stages of immune defense, inflammatory response and bone remodeling. Zinc supplementation in an appropriate dose range or regulation of zinc transport proteins can promote periodontal regeneration by either enhancing immune defense or up‐regulating local cells proliferation and differentiation functions. Therefore, zinc homeostasis is essential in periodontal remodeling and regeneration. More attention is suggested to be focused on zinc homeostasis regulation and consider it as a potential strategy in the studies on periodontitis treatment, periodontal‐guided tissue regeneration, implant material transformation, and so on.
RNA 5‐Methylcytosine Regulator NSUN3 promotes tumor progression through regulating immune infiltration in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Jin Shufang , Li Jiayi , Shen Yihan , Wu Yiqun , Zhang Zhiyuan , Ma Hailong 
Published: August 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to determine whether the RNA, 5‐methylcytosine (m5C), is involved in the progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).Materials and methodsWe used least absolute shrinkage and selection operator to establish a prognostic score (PS) model based on the m5C regulator expression. Immune scores were calculated using the estimation of stromal and immune cells in malignant tumor tissues using expression data. The biological functions of the m5C regulator, NOP2/Sun RNA methyltransferase 3 (NSUN3), were thoroughly investigated in vitro and in vivo.ResultsThe PS model acted as efficient prognostic factors in HNSCC. The expression of NSUN3, with the maximum weight, was found to be upregulated and indicated a poor prognosis. Meanwhile, NSUN3 knockdown inhibited the tumor proliferation and growth both in vitro and in vivo. High PS status was negatively correlated with CD8+ T, γδ+ T, and M1 macrophage percentages. NSUN3 knockdown increased the infiltration of M1 macrophages but decreased the percentage of M2 macrophages.ConclusionsThe PS index is a novel and promising biomarker for predicting the prognosis and immune infiltration microenvironment in HNSCC. Moreover, NSUN3 plays a key role in this process and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for HNSCC.
Associations of direct and indirect selection for pregermination anaerobic stress tolerance in soybean (Glycine max)
Authors: Rajendran Ambika , Lal Sanjay Kumar , Raju Dhandapani , Ramlal Ayyagari 
Published: August 2022

AbstractA set of diverse soybean genotypes were evaluated to identify contrasting phenotypes for understanding the genetics of waterlogging and response to the selection of primary and discernable traits for pregermination anaerobic stress tolerance. Agro‐morphological characterization of genotypes was also carried out. Screening and tolerance to waterlogging were based on the ability of genotypes to germinate in excessive stress duration in days. The existence of significant variability in genotypes of soybean suggested the use of systematic selection for improving pregermination anaerobic stress tolerance. The study revealed that waterlogging tolerance was governed by testa colour of genotypes. Our results indicated a significant (P < 0.05) correlation with seed weight, flower, hypocotyl and testa colour under pregermination anaerobic stress. In conclusion, the study points out that testa integrity and delay in germination are required to be used as one of the criteria for indirect selection in breeding for pregermination waterlogging tolerance.
Diiodinated Mono‐ and Dipyridylvinyl BODIPY Dyes: Photophysicochemical Properties, in vitro Antibacterial Studies, Molecular Docking and Theoretical Calculations
Authors: Sen Pinar , Sindelo Azole , Nnaji Nnaemeka , Mack John , Nyokong Tebello 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACTIn this study, novel mono‐ and dipyridylvinyl boron dipyrromethene dyes are prepared to compare their photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) activities against Staphylococcus aureus to the corresponding core dyes. Pyridylvinyl substitution at the 3‐ or 3,5‐positions of a meso‐4‐bromophenylBODIPY core dye via a Knoevenagel reaction with an aromatic 2‐bromopyridinecarboxaldehyde shifts the major BODIPY spectral band to longer wavelength. The extended π‐conjugation red shifts the main spectral band into the 602–618 nm region in CHCl3, THF, ethanol and DMSO after monopyridylvinyl substitution and to 685–704 nm after dipyridylvinyl substitution. An enhancement of the population of the T1 state through the incorporation of iodine atoms at the 2,6‐positions results in moderately high singlet oxygen quantum yields in DMSO. The π‐extended dyes were found to have significantly lower PACT activities than the diiodinated core dye.
Social equity and LGBTQ populations in African public administration: A macro‐ and micro‐approach
Authors: Meyer Seth J. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractHow do public administrators understand social equity toward lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals and communities? To better understand social equity, this study uses data on the views of public and nonprofit administrators in 33 countries in Africa on LGB people. Based on these responses, we gain a better understanding of homophobia in public administrators. Furthermore, this data helps public administrators to explore how social equity might look differently to public and nonprofit administrators in different countries. Building on this foundation, this study proposes understanding social equity from both a Micro (individual) and a Macro (cultural)‐perspective. Bringing in this micro‐ and macro‐perspective can help public administrators and researchers to discuss how individuals and organizations identify “vulnerable” populations and appropriate ways to support vulnerable groups.
Global, regional and national burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease over a 30‐year period: Estimates from the 1990 to 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study
Authors: Li Hao‐Yang , Gao Teng‐Yu , Fang Wei , Xian‐Yu Chen‐Yang , Deng Nian‐Jia , Zhang Chao , Niu Yu‐Ming 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackground and objectiveChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most prevalent chronic respiratory disease. This study investigated the global, regional and country burden of COPD based on gender, age and socio‐demographic indices (SDIs) in the last 30‐year period from 1990 to 2019.MethodsThe COPD data, including incidence, mortality and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs), were obtained from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study. If age‐standardized incidence rate (ASIR) or death rate (ASDR) remains almost constant or decreases, the number of cases will still increase as the global population increases substantially. Estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was calculated to assess incidence, mortality and DALY trends.ResultsThe incidence of COPD increased by 85.89% from 8,722,966 cases in 1990 to 16,214,828 cases in 2019, and the ASIR decreased from 216.48/100,000 persons in 1990 (95%UI, 204.56–227.33) to 200.49 per 100,000 persons (95%UI, 188.63–212.57) in 2019. The ASIR increased (EAPC = 0.05, 95%CI, 0.01–0.10) in the low SDI region, was stable in the high SDI region, and fell in the other three SDI regions. Men had a higher ASIR than women over the past 30 years, and there were differences in the incidence rates for different age groups. Male mortality and DALYs were higher than female mortality. ASDR decreased by 2.13% (95%CI, −2.23% to −2.02%) per year and the annual age‐standardized DALY rate decreased by 1.97% (95%CI, −2.05% to −1.89%).ConclusionsThe ASIR, ASDR and age‐standardized DALY rate of COPD declined overall in the last 30 years, and were highest in the low‐middle SDI region.
Minimum income in the Western Balkans: From socialism to the European Pillar of Social Rights
Authors: Žarković Jelena , Mustafa Artan , Arandarenko Mihail 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIn this article, we examine the evolution of minimum income programmes in the Western Balkans (comprising Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia). During socialism, Yugoslavia developed a rudimentary minimum income protection programme, while Albania did not have one. As countries moved towards a market economy, socialism's legacy remained relevant, but especially since 2000, governments have taken more direct responsibility for the minimum income schemes—typically under the influence of the World Bank. The attention was paid to strict targeting accuracy rather than to adequacy or sufficient coverage of the lowest deciles. In essence, neither socialist nor neoliberal policymakers ever recognised anything but the poverty relief function of the minimum income. Both ideologies were hostile, or at best indifferent, to increasing the adequacy and generosity of minimum income programmes, perceiving them as impediments and distractions that slowed socialist and neoliberal transformations. Despite some reform initiatives supported by the World Bank and, more recently, the European Union, the generosity and adequacy of minimum income programmes remain low, and coverage keeps declining. There have been very few efforts to develop inclusion function of the minimum income, while the activation aspect has achieved very little, sometimes degrading into punitive programmes of unpaid community work. In this dismal picture, the European Pillar of Social Rights action framework could serve as a guide for a long overdue third phase in the Western Balkans' minimum income policy evolution.