bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Female adolescents with overweight and obesity share their perspectives on the clinical setting and weight management
Authors: Yerges April L. , Snethen Julia A. , Carrel Aaron L.
Published: September 2020

The clinical setting remains a strategic environment for early assessment, identification and treatment of adolescents with obesity. Yet, healthcare providers' (HCPs) efforts have been unsuccessful in improving physical activity, nutritional intake or body mass index in adolescents with obesity. Obesity is a chronic condition that influences how patients interact with HCPs and experience ambulatory healthcare appointments. However, it is unknown how female adolescents with obesity perceive the clinical setting, especially regarding weight management. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of female adolescents with obesity regarding health and weight management in the clinical setting. Using a qualitative design, 28 English‐speaking female adolescents, 13 to 19 years of age, with a body mass index ≥85th percentile for height and weight participated in individual interviews. Results demonstrate that adolescents with obesity desire to be recognized as unique individuals and to be involved in their own health conversations. The participants reported that their health care was inadequate when they received impersonal and vague advice from HCPs on weight loss. Weight‐related communication was best received in a kind and empathetic manner, with a focus on improving one's health (instead of losing weight). Adolescents in this study articulated the components of healthy eating and physical exercise, yet were unable to synthesize this knowledge into specific dietary practices and daily physical activities. The insights derived from female adolescents with obesity provide guidance on how HCPs can improve their relationship and engage the adolescent in weight‐based discussions. Concrete, actionable recommendations are provided for providers who work with female adolescents who are overweight or obese.
Medium‐term evolution in French national newspaper coverage of the interrelations between biodiversity and agriculture
Authors: Delclaux Julie , Fleury Philippe
Published: September 2020

Agricultural landscapes are sites of difficult trade‐offs between conservation and production objectives. The media play a part in shaping public opinion and policies and vice‐versa. In line with the constructionist approach to public problems, we analyzed the role of media in the problem‐framing of interrelations between biodiversity and agriculture. We investigated the medium‐term evolution in French national newspaper coverage of these interrelations using a content and time analysis over a 19‐year period (1999–2017). We applied a statistical method using IRaMuTeQ (interface of R) on seven daily newspapers (Le Monde, Libération, La Croix, Les Échos, Le Figaro, L'Humanité, and La Tribune; N = 2,547). Our results reveal the growing importance of agriculture in the public problem of biodiversity loss. The increase of agriculture/biodiversity coverage is driven by environmental issues and specific political events. However, the number of articles focused on biodiversity/agriculture dynamics remains low. Around 2007, the articles shifted from an international species‐centered view to a national and local human‐centered view. These evolutions in media‐coverage create a space for ecologists, social scientists, and agronomists to combine their approaches and to develop and communicate on new actions in favor of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes.
Recent advances of quantitative modeling to support invasive species eradication on islands
Authors: Baker Christopher M. , Bode Michael
Published: September 2020

The eradication of invasive species from islands is an important part of managing these ecologically unique and at‐risk regions. Island eradications are complex projects and mathematical models play an important role in supporting efficient and transparent decision‐making. In this review, we cover the past applications of modeling to island eradications, which range from large‐scale prioritizations across groups of islands, to project‐level decision‐making tools. While quantitative models have been formulated and parameterized for a range of important problems, there are also critical research gaps. Many applications of quantitative modeling lack uncertainty analyses, and are therefore overconfident. Forecasting the ecosystem‐wide impacts of species eradications is still extremely challenging, despite recent progress in the field. Overall, the field of quantitative modeling is well‐developed for island eradication planning. Multiple practical modeling tools are available for, and are being applied to, a diverse suite of important decisions, and quantitative modeling is well placed to address pressing issues in the field.
Understanding drivers of human tolerance to gray wolves and brown bears as a strategy to improve landholder–carnivore coexistence
Authors: Marino Filippo , Kansky Ruth , Shivji Irene , Di Croce Antonio , Ciucci Paolo , Knight Andrew T.
Published: September 2020

Despite recent recovery of large carnivores throughout Europe such as the brown bear (Ursus arctos) and the gray wolf (Canis lupus), some of their populations are still threatened and their viability depends on human tolerance to share mixed landscapes. We investigated the drivers of landholders' tolerance in Abruzzo (Italy), a region with a long history of cohabitation, by applying the Wildlife Tolerance Model (WTM) (Kansky et al., 2016, Biological Conservation, 201, 137–145). Using structural equation modeling we assessed relationships between WTM variables. This framework hypothesizes that exposure to a species and experiences with a species drive perceptions of benefits and costs, and ultimately tolerance. We then sought to understand similarities and differences in tolerance drivers between the two species and across two areas that differed in the duration of human–carnivore cohabitation. Results showed both similarities and differences in drivers between species and areas, resulting in seven management proposals to foster tolerance. Increasing intangible benefits and positive experiences were two strategies that were similar for both species and areas, while five strategies differed across species and areas. Our methodological approach can be applied in other landscapes with other species to determine the extent to which multispecies management across landscapes is possible.
Spawning potential surveys in Fiji: A new song of change for small‐scale fisheries in the Pacific
Authors: Prince Jeremy , Lalavanua Watisoni , Tamanitoakula Jone , Tamata Laitia , Green Stuart , Radway Scott , Loganimoce Epeli , Vodivodi Tevita , Marama Kalisiana , Waqainabete Pitila , Jeremiah Frank , Nalasi Diana , Naleba Mosese , Naisilisili Waisea , Kaloudrau Uraia , Lagi Lepani , Logatabua Kalisiana , Dautei Rosemary , Tikaram Rahul , Sloan James , Mangubhai Sangeeta
Published: September 2020

Catastrophic overfishing of small‐scale coastal fisheries through the Pacific poses a major threat to regional food security and biodiversity. Globally, approaches to fisheries assessment and management that were developed for industrial fisheries, are failing small‐scale data‐poor fisheries. The Pacific Community has called for a complete rethink of fisheries methodologies for the region; a “new song” of change for small‐scale coastal fisheries. This article describes the application in Fiji of a new approach to facilitating coastal fisheries management reform. Spawning Potential Surveys (SPS) is a pragmatic multi‐disciplinary blend of sciences, that combines a new form of length‐based assessment and communication strategies informed by theories of behavior change, nudge and diffusion, that is initiated with programs of citizen science to inform policy development and catalyze broader societal change. Our project successfully coordinated Fiji‐based NGOs to work with the Ministry of Fisheries, communities, provincial government and supply chains, to collect the data needed to assess ~90% of the Fijian reef fish catch, conduct the analyses needed to develop new management policies, and build a broad consensus in society to support the ongoing reform process that has now been initiated by the Ministry. This project demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of the SPS methodology for informing and motivating coastal fisheries reform in the Pacific, as well as the necessity of a long term and multi‐disciplinary approach to achieve the societal change needed.
Thyroid nodules 1 cm or less are related to Bethesda System nondiagnostic and suspicious for malignancy categories
Authors: Borges Felipe Abrantkoski , Camilo‐Júnior Deolino João , Xavier‐Júnior José Cândido Caldeira
Published: September 2020

Objective

To compare the frequency of fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytological results between nodules 1 cm or less and nodules greater than 1 cm.

Methods

All FNAs performed between January 2016 and December 2019 at an institute in Brazil were analysed. For each nodule, at least two conventional slides were produced (one stained by Giemsa and the other by hematoxylin and eosin). All cases were reviewed by two cytopathologists and were reported following the Bethesda System. Clinical information (gender and age) and ultrasound data (nodule size and location) were collected. The magnitude of association was measured using the prevalence ratio (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) considering two groups of nodules: 1.0 cm or less, and greater than 1 cm.

Results

A total of 3703 nodules were analysed from 3265 patients (2906 women [88.48%], 359 men [11.51%], with a combined mean age of 52 years). Considering the prevalence ratio of Bethesda categories between these two groups of nodules, the nondiagnostic or unsatisfactory category (PR: 3.0, 95% CI: 2.2‐4.2) and the suspicious for malignancy category (PR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1–2.4) were significantly associated with nodules measuring 1 cm or less.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that nodules 1 cm or less are significantly associated with the nondiagnostic and suspicious for malignancy categories of the Bethesda System when compared to nodules greater than 1 cm.
Reward‐Based Crowdfunding: The Role of Information Disclosure
Authors: Liu Jue , Liu Xiaofeng , Shen Houcai
Published: September 2020

This article studies the role and value of information disclosure in a reward‐based crowdfunding campaign for a new product development (NPD) project under quality uncertainty. The creator sets a funding target that is subject to a minimum capital requirement and prices for a leading backer and a following backer arriving in two sequential periods. The backers form a prior belief about the quality of the product and update their valuation according to their private signals before they decide whether to bid for the products. The leading backer's bid, if disclosed, may be used by the subsequent backer to infer the former's private signal. We identify two interacting effects that drive the bidding decisions and the profitability of the campaign: an observational learning effect driven by information disclosure and a targeting effect. When the target is relatively high, information disclosure can always benefit the creator. When the target is relatively low, information disclosure may hurt the creator. The optimal target level is always equal to the minimum capital requirement. We further extend the analysis to a setting with a forward‐looking leading backer who may strategically wait and identify the conditions under which information disclosure can also increase the profitability of the campaign. Interestingly, to counteract the strategic delay, the optimal target can be set higher than the minimum capital requirement in the presence of information disclosure.
Omega‐3 fatty acids and neurocognitive ability in young people at ultra‐high risk for psychosis
Authors: McLaverty Alison , Allott Kelly A. , Berger Maximus , Hester Rob , McGorry Patrick D. , Nelson Barnaby , Markulev Connie , Yuen Hok Pan , Schäfer Miriam R. , Mossaheb Nilufar , Schlögelhofer Monika , Smesny Stefan , Hickie Ian B. , Berger Gregor Emanuel , Chen Eric Y. H. , de Haan Lieuwe , Nieman Dorien H. , Nordentoft Merete , Riecher‐Rössler Anita , Verma Swapna , Thompson Andrew , Yung Alison Ruth , Amminger G. Paul
Published: September 2020

Background

Neurocognitive impairments are core early features of psychosis and are observed in those at ultra‐high risk (UHR) for psychosis. The aim of the present study was to explore whether neurocognition is associated with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), as has been observed in other clinical populations.

Method

Erythrocyte levels of total omega‐3‐and omega‐6 PUFAs the omega‐3/omega‐6 ratio, were measured in 265 UHR individuals. Six domains of neurocognition as well a Composite Score, were assessed using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia. Pearson's correlations were used to assess the relationship between PUFAs and neurocognition. All analyses were controlled for tobacco smoking.

Results

Verbal Fluency correlated positively with eicosapentaenoic acid (P = .024) and alpha‐linolenic acid (P = .01), and negatively with docosahexanoic acid (P = .007) and Working Memory positively correlated with omega‐3/omega‐6 ratio (P = .007).

Conclusions

The current results provide support for a relationship between Verbal Fluency and omega‐3 PUFAs in UHR. Further investigation is required to elucidate whether these biomarkers are useful as risk markers or in understanding the biological underpinning of neurocognitive impairment in this population.
Diagnostic delay in ADHD: Duration of untreated illness and its socio‐demographic and clinical predictors in a sample of adult outpatients
Authors: Oliva Francesco , Malandrone Francesca , Mirabella Santina , Ferreri Paolo , di Girolamo Giulia , Maina Giuseppe
Published: September 2020

Aim

To investigate the Duration of Untreated Illness (DUI) and its socio‐demographic and clinical predictors in a sample of adult ADHD outpatients.

Methods

The DUI of 150 adult outpatients with a confirmed diagnosis of DSM‐IV ADHD was calculated. Non‐parametric tests were used to evaluate differences in DUI among subgroups and to build a correlation matrix. Subsequently, a multiple linear regression model was performed.

Results

The median DUI was 17 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 14). DUI was longer in employed patients, those with a family history of ADHD, those with a history of major depressive disorder and those who had predominantly inattentive ADHD in childhood. The current age, age at administration of the first proper treatment and education level were correlated with DUI. Current age (63.3% of total variance), family history of ADHD and the presence of a predominantly inattentive type in childhood (together, 2.6% of total variance) were all predictors of DUI.

Conclusions

Information programmes for caregivers and training for health care professionals should be promoted to foster the early recognition of covert inattentive symptoms and shorten DUI.
E‐greening the planet
Authors: Zhong Hongtao , Dixon Kingsley W.
Published: September 2020

Ant Forest, a mobile app developed by the monolithic Alibaba Group, is greening individuals’ daily activities and transforming human capacity to reverse global environmental degradation. Over 500 million e‐trees are being cultivated every day in China using Ant Forest, and over 122 million real trees have been planted over more than 112 000 ha of degraded land. Ant Forest showcases how internet technology innovation combined with digital financing and philanthropy is contributing to solving environmental issues while attracting and retaining customer loyalty. This powerful business model has the potential to spread to all manner of environmental outcomes.
Long‐term efficacy and safety of eslicarbazepine acetate monotherapy for adults with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy: An open‐label extension study
Authors: Trinka Eugen , Rocamora Rodrigo , Chaves João , Moreira Joana , Ikedo Fábio , Soares‐da‐Silva Patrício ,   the BIA‐2093‐311/EXT Investigators Study Group
Published: September 2020

Objective

To assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) monotherapy during long‐term treatment.

Methods

An open‐label extension (OLE) study was conducted in adults completing a phase 3, randomized, double‐blind, noninferiority trial, during which they had received monotherapy with either once‐daily ESL or twice‐daily controlled‐release carbamazepine (CBZ‐CR) for newly diagnosed focal epilepsy. In the OLE study, all patients received ESL (800‐1600 mg/d) for 2 years. Primary efficacy outcome was retention time (from baseline of the OLE study). Secondary efficacy assessments included seizure freedom rate (no seizures during the OLE study) and responder rate (≥50% seizure frequency reduction from baseline of double‐blind trial). Safety assessments included evaluation of treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs).

Results

Of 206 randomized patients, 96 who received ESL in the double‐blind trial (ESL/ESL) and 88 who received CBZ‐CR in the double‐blind trial (CBZ‐CR/ESL) were treated with ESL monotherapy (89.3% overall). Treatment retention time was similar between groups, with low probability of ESL withdrawal overall (<0.07 at any time). After 24 months, the probability of ESL withdrawal was 0.0638 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.0292‐0.1366) in the ESL/ESL group and 0.0472 (95% CI = 0.0180‐0.1210) in the CBZ‐CR/ESL group. Seizure freedom rates were 90.6% (ESL/ESL) and 80.7% (CBZ‐CR/ESL; P = .0531). Responder rates remained >80% in both groups throughout the study. Incidence of serious TEAEs was similar between groups (7.3% vs 5.7%; 0% vs 1.1% possibly related), as were the incidences of TEAEs considered at least possibly related to treatment (17.7% vs 18.2%) and TEAEs leading to discontinuation (3.1% vs 4.5%). The types of TEAEs were generally consistent with the known safety profile of ESL.

Significance

ESL monotherapy was efficacious and generally well tolerated over the long term, including in patients who transitioned from CBZ‐CR monotherapy. No new safety concerns emerged.
Comprehensive review of the impact of direct oral anticoagulants on thrombophilia diagnostic tests: Practical recommendations for the laboratory
Authors: Siriez Romain , Dogné Jean‐Michel , Gosselin Robert , Laloy Julie , Mullier François , Douxfils Jonathan
Published: September 2020

There is a laboratory and clinical need to know the impact of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) on diagnostic tests to avoid misinterpretation of results. Although the regulatory labelling documents provide some information about the influences of each DOAC on diagnostic tests, these are usually limited to some of the most common tests and no head to head comparison is available. In this paper, we report the impact of DOACs on several thrombophilia tests, including assessment of antithrombin, protein S and protein C activity assays, detection of activated protein C resistance and assays used for lupus anticoagulant. Results are compared and discussed with data obtained from literature. The final goal of this comprehensive review is to provide practical recommendations for laboratories to avoid misdiagnosis due to oral direct factor Xa (FXa) or IIa (FIIa) inhibitors. Overall, oral direct FXa (apixaban, betrixaban, edoxaban and rivaroxaban) and FIIa (dabigatran) antagonists may affect clot‐based thrombophilia diagnostic tests resulting in false‐positive or false‐negative results. An effect on FIIa‐based thrombophilia diagnostic tests is observed with dabigatran but not with anti‐FXa DOACs and conversely for FXa‐based thrombophilia diagnostic tests. No impact was observed with antigenic/chromogenic methods for the assessment of protein S and C activity. In conclusion, interpretation of thrombophilia diagnostic tests results should be done with caution in patients on DOACs. The use of a device/chemical compound able to remove or antagonize the effect of DOACs or the development of new diagnostic tests insensitive to DOACs should be considered to minimize the risk of false results.
R2 and the corporate signaling effect
Authors: Hao Wei , Wongchoti Udomsak , Young Martin , Chen Jianguo
Published: September 2020

If corporate announcements provide additional signals about firms' future prospects, the degree of investors' dependency on these news should vary with the relative importance of firm‐specific information on such publicly traded firms. We show that price, volume and volatility reactions to dividend change announcements are significantly stronger for less synchronized firms (e.g., low R2 stocks). This indicates that lower R2 stocks are less informative and thus more surprises on firm‐specific news are experienced. These findings are particularly strong for dividend decrease announcements. We also show that signals about firms' earnings prospects from dividend decrease announcements are more reliable among these companies.
Future planning for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: Perspectives of siblings in South Korea
Authors: Lee Chung eun , Kim Kyung Mee
Published: September 2020

Background

Future planning has emerged as a global issue for families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities due to the longer lives and limited long‐term services and supports in the adult disability system. While it has received greater attention, most future planning studies only included parents of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities within the context of European or American countries. The purpose of this study was to examine future planning among siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in South Korea.

Method

In this study, 185 Korean siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities responded to a survey.

Results

Few siblings engaged in future planning activities and reported a range of barriers to conduct future planning. Further, greater future planning involvement was associated with older siblings, greater advocacy level and greater sibling caregiving.

Conclusion

For future research, culturally relevant measures and intervention should be addressed.
Neglected lead tip erosion: An unusual case of S‐ICD inappropriate shock
Authors: Mitacchione Gianfranco , Schiavone Marco , Gasperetti Alessio , Viecca Maurizio , Curnis Antonio , Forleo Giovanni B.
Published: September 2020

A 52‐year‐old man experienced a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (S‐ICD) inappropriate shock due to electrode tip decubitus. The device, implanted two years before with a three‐incision technique, was extracted, and a new electrode was implanted along the contralateral parasternal line with a two‐incision technique, in a one‐stage procedure. One‐year follow‐up was eventless. Early S‐ICD electrode extraction and reimplantation during the same procedure is effective and should be considered as soon as initial signs of decubitus appear to avoid inappropriate shocks. A two‐incision technique should be preferred to reduce the risk of electrode tip decubitus.
Incidence and clinical impact of early recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia after surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Choi Jin Hee , Hwang Ki Won , Jung Soon Myung , Lee Soo Yong , Lee Sang Hyun , Chon Min‐Ku , Kim Jeong‐Su , Je Hyung Gon , Park Yong‐Hyun , Kim June Hong , Lee Sang Kwon , Chun Kook Jin
Published: September 2020

Background

Atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATAs) are common within the 3‐month blanking period after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, little evidence is available regarding the current guidelines on the blanking period after surgical AF ablation. We investigate the incidence and significance of early recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia (ERAT) and evaluate the optimal blanking period after surgical AF ablation.

Methods

Data from 259 patients who underwent surgical AF ablation from 2009 to 2016 were collected. ERAT was defined as documented ATA episodes lasting for 30 s. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was constructed to evaluate the role of ERAT as a predictor of late recurrences (LR) for AF.

Results

In total, 127 patients (49.0%) experienced their last episodes of ERAT during the first (n = 65), second (n = 14), or third (n = 48) month of the 3‐month blanking period (p < .001). One year freedom from ATAs was 97.8% in patients without ERAT compared with 95.4%, 64.3%, and 8.3% in patients with ERAT in the first, second, and third months after the index procedure, respectively (p < .001). Hazard ratios of LR according to the timing of the last episode of ERAT first, second, and third months after the procedure were 2.84, 16.70, and 119.75, respectively.

Conclusions

The ERAT occurred in 49.0% of patients within the first 3 months after surgical ablation. The occurrence of ERAT within 3 months after surgical AF ablation was a significant independent predictor of LR. Hence, the currently accepted 3‐month blanking period may be considered for redefining in patients with AF surgical ablation.
miR‐5188 augments glioma growth, migration and invasion through an SP1‐modulated FOXO1‐PI3K/AKT‐c‐JUN‐positive feedback circuit
Authors: Yi Renhui , Yang Shaochun , Lin Xian , Zhong Liangying , Liao Yuanyuan , Hu Zheng , Huang Tengyue , Long Hao , Lin Jie , Wu Zhiyong , Xie Cheng , Ding Shengfeng , Luo Jie , Luo Qisheng , Song Ye
Published: September 2020

The biological effect and molecular mechanism of miR‐5188 have not been thoroughly investigated. The study aims at elucidating the role of miR‐5188 in glioma progression. Human glioma cell lines and tissues were used for functional and expression analysis. Cellular and molecular techniques were performed to explore the functions and mechanisms of miR‐5188 in glioma. In our investigation, we demonstrated that miR‐5188 promoted cell proliferation, the G1/S transition of the cell cycle, migration and invasion in glioma and reduced the lifespan of glioma‐bearing mice. miR‐5188 directly targeted FOXO1 and activated PI3K/AKT‐c‐JUN signalling, which enhanced miR‐5188 expression. Moreover, the c‐JUN transcription factor functionally bound to the miR‐5188 promoter region, forming the positive feedback loop. The feedback loop promoted glioma progression through activating the PI3K/AKT signalling, and this loop is augmented by the interaction between SP1 and c‐JUN. Moreover, it was also found that the miR‐5188/FOXO1 axis is facilitated by SP1‐activated PI3K/AKT/c‐JUN signalling. In glioma samples, miR‐5188 expression was found to be an unfavourable factor and was positively associated with the mRNA levels of SP1 and c‐JUN, whereas negatively associated with the mRNA levels of FOXO1. Our investigation demonstrates that miR‐5188 could function as a tumour promoter by directly targeting FOXO1 and participating in SP1‐mediated promotion of cell growth and tumorigenesis in glioma.
Mechanical stress regulates autophagic flux to affect apoptosis after spinal cord injury
Authors: Zhang Xin , Jing Yingli , Qin Chuan , Liu Changbin , Yang Degang , Gao Feng , Yang Mingliang , Du Liangjie , Li Jianjun
Published: September 2020

Increased mechanical stress after spinal cord injury (SCI) expands the scope of nerve tissue damage and exacerbates nerve function defects. Surgical decompression after SCI is a conventional therapeutic strategy and has been proven to have neuroprotective effects. However, the mechanisms of the interaction between mechanical stress and neurons are currently unknown. In this study, we monitored intramedullary pressure (IMP) and investigated the therapeutic benefit of decompression (including durotomy and piotomy) after injury and its underlying mechanisms in SCI. We found that decreased IMP promotes the generation and degradation of LC3 II, promotes the degradation of p62 and enhances autophagic flux to alleviate apoptosis. The lysosomal dysfunction was reduced after decompression. Piotomy was better than durotomy for the histological repair of spinal cord tissue after SCI. However, the autophagy‐lysosomal pathway inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) partially reversed the apoptosis inhibition caused by piotomy after SCI, and the structural damage was also aggravated after CQ administration. An antibody microarray analysis showed that decompression may reverse the up‐regulated abundance of p‐PI3K, p‐AKT and p‐mTOR caused by SCI. Our findings may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanism of decompression and the effects of mechanical stress on autophagy after SCI.
Inhibitory effect of Ubenimex combined with fluorouracil on multiple drug resistance and P‐glycoprotein expression level in non‐small lung cancer
Authors: Wan Jun , Ling Xie‐an , Wang Jian , Ding Guang‐gui , Wang Xi
Published: September 2020

Tumour drug resistance is one of the most urgent issues faced by anti‐tumour therapies. P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) has been reported to be correlated with drug resistance. In this study, we aimed to study the synergistic effect of fluorouracil (5FU) and Ubenimex (UBE) on drug resistance in lung cancer. In this study, the tumour inhibitory role of 5FU and UBE was assessed in nude mice bearing A549 or A549/ADR. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot and immunohistochemical were performed to analyse the mRNA and protein expression of P‐gp. TUNEL assay was used to evaluate the apoptosis of A549/ADR cells under 5FU and UBE treatment. MTT assay was performed to calculate the IC50 value of 5FU and UBE in A549 or A549/ADR. Combined administration of 5FU and UBE significantly inhibited the tumour growth of multidrug‐resistant cell lines A549/ADR in nude mice by down‐regulating the mRNA and protein expression of P‐gp. The apoptosis of A549/ADR was remarkably elevated in nude mice treated with 5FU and UBE. The IC50 value of 5FU and UBE was dramatically declined in A549/ADR cells compared with that of 5FU or UBE alone. Combined treatment of 5FU and UBE remarkably enhanced the apoptosis of A549/ADR cells by enhancing the intracellular accumulation of the drugs. The results of this study demonstrated that UBE combined with fluorouracil attenuated multiple drug resistance and inhibited the expression of P‐gp in lung cancer.
A novel danshensu derivative ameliorates experimental colitis by modulating NADPH oxidase 4‐dependent NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Pan Li‐Long , Ren Zhengnan , Liu Yanyan , Zhao Yalei , Li Hongli , Pan Xiaohua , Fang Xin , Liang Wenjie , Wang Yang , Yang Jun , Sun Jia
Published: September 2020

We have previously reported a novel compound [4‐(2‐acetoxy‐3‐((R)‐3‐(benzylthio)‐1‐methoxy‐1‐oxopropan‐2‐ylamino)‐3‐oxopropyl)‐1,2‐phenylene diacetate (DSC)], derived from danshensu, exhibits cytoprotective activities in vitro. Here, we investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of DSC on dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)‐induced experimental colitis. We found that DSC treatment afforded significant protection against the development of colitis, evidencing by suppressed inflammatory responses and enhanced barrier integrity. Intriguingly, DSC specifically down‐regulated DSS‐induced colonic NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) expression, accompanied by a balanced redox status, suppressed nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and NLRP3 inflammasome activation and up‐regulated nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 and haeme oxygenase‐1 expression. In vitro study also demonstrated DSC also markedly decreased Nox4 expression and activity associated with inhibiting reactive oxygen species generation, NF‐κB activation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in bone marrow‐derived macrophages. Either lentiviral Nox4 shRNA‐mediated Nox4 knockdown or Nox4‐specific small‐interfering RNA mimicked effects of DSC by suppressing NLPR3 inflammasome activation to alleviate experimental colitis or inflammatory macrophage response. Collectively, our results provide the first evidence that DSC ameliorates experimental colitis partly through modulating Nox4‐mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Periodontal regeneration using a xenogeneic bone substitute seeded with autologous periodontal ligament‐derived mesenchymal stem cells: A 12‐month quasi‐randomized controlled pilot clinical trial
Authors: Sánchez Nerea , Fierravanti Ludovica , Núñez Javier , Vignoletti Fabio , González‐Zamora María , Santamaría Silvia , Suárez‐Sancho Susana , Fernández‐Santos María Eugenia , Figuero Elena , Herrera David , García‐Sanz Jose A. , Sanz Mariano
Published: September 2020

Aim

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of autologous periodontal ligament‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (PDL‐MSCs) embedded in a xenogeneic bone substitute (XBS) for the regenerative treatment of intra‐bony periodontal defects.

Material and Methods

This quasi‐randomized controlled pilot phase II clinical trial included patients requiring a tooth extraction and presence of one intra‐bony lesion (1–2 walls). Patients were allocated to either the experimental (XBS + 10 × 106 PDL‐MSCs/100 mg) or the control group (XBS). Clinical and radiographical parameters were recorded at baseline, 6, 9 and 12 months. The presence of adverse events was also evaluated. Chi‐square, Student's t test, Mann–Whitney U, repeated‐measures ANOVA and regression models were used.

Results

Twenty patients were included. No serious adverse events were reported. Patients in the experimental group (n = 9) showed greater clinical attachment level (CAL) gain (1.44, standard deviation [SD] = 1.87) and probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction (2.33, SD = 1.32) than the control group (n = 10; CAL gain = 0.88, SD = 1.68, and PPD reduction = 2.10, SD = 2.46), without statistically significant differences.

Conclusion

The application of PDL‐MSCs to XBS for the treatment of one‐ to two‐wall intra‐bony lesions was safe and resulted in low postoperative morbidity and appropriate healing, although its additional benefit, when compared with the XBS alone, was not demonstrated.
The burden in chronic prurigo: patients with chronic prurigo suffer more than patients with chronic pruritus on non‐lesional skin
Authors: Zeidler C. , Pereira M.P. , Dugas M. , Augustin M. , Storck M. , Weyer‐Elberich V. , Schneider G. , Ständer S.
Published: September 2020

Background

Chronic prurigo (CPG) is known as a high burdensome disease characterized by severe pruritus and multiple pruriginous lesions. Interestingly, the disease‐specific burden is not well established and there are no data which compare the impact of CPG with chronic pruritus (CP) on non‐lesional skin (CP‐NL).

Objectives

To address this issue, we analysed datasets from 4484 patients with either CPG or CP‐NL.

Methods

Demographic medical data and additional information collected by validated patient reported outcome tools were analysed. The visual analogue scale and numerical rating scale (NRS) were used for assessing the pruritus intensity, the ItchyQoL for patients' quality of life, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Patient Needs Questionnaire' as a part of Patient Benefit Index for Pruritus for measuring the importance of 27 patient needs in terms of treatment goals. The Neuroderm questionnaire was used to assess the history of pruritus characteristics and the impact on sleep.

Results

Patients with CPG suffered longer and with a higher intensity from pruritus [NRS worst the last 24 h, CPG 6.0 (4.0;8.0) vs. CP‐NL 3.0 (5.0;7.0), P < 0.001]. In them, pruritus occurred more often and the whole day and night which led to more loss in sleeping hours [CPG 3.0 h (2.0;4.0) vs. CP‐NL 2.0 h (1.0;4.0), P < 0.001]. Patients with CPG showed higher scores for depression [HADS‐D, CPG 6.0 (3.0;10.0) vs. CP‐NL 5.0 (2.0;8.0), P < 0.001], more impaired quality of life [ItchyQol; CPG: 72.6 (61.6;83.6) vs. CP‐NL 59.4 (48.4;70.4), P < 0.001] and higher weighted needs in the predefined treatment goals.

Discussion

Not only the presence of severe pruritus and pruriginous lesions but also sleep disorders and other mental symptoms may contribute to a higher burden in patients with CPG when compared with patients with CP‐NL.
The Chronic Urticaria Registry: rationale, methods and initial implementation
Authors: Weller K. , Giménez‐Arnau A. , Grattan C. , Asero R. , Mathelier‐Fusade P. , Bizjak M. , Hanna M. , Maurer M. ,   the CURE Investigators
Published: September 2020

Background

Chronic urticaria (CU) is a common disease, characterized by the recurrent appearance of wheals, angioedema or both for more than 6 weeks. Its underlying biology is not well understood, and many patients do not obtain sufficient relief from recommended treatments. Patient registries are rapidly growing as a form of research, because they can provide powerful, data‐driven insights about the epidemiology of diseases, real‐world effectiveness of treatments, rare patient types, safety monitoring, healthcare costs and opportunities for quality improvement of healthcare delivery.

Objectives

The Chronic Urticaria Registry (CURE) has been designed to improve the scientific understanding, clinical treatment and healthcare planning of CU patients. This report describes the rationale, methods and initial implementation of this registry.

Methods

Chronic Urticaria Registry is an ongoing, prospective, international, multicentre, observational, voluntary registry of patients with CU. Participation in CURE is open to any physician treating CU patients, regardless of location, medical specialty or type of practice setting. CURE aims to collect data on all CU patients, with no intentional selection or exclusion criteria. It collects baseline and follow‐up data on the patient's demographics, history, symptoms, trigger and risk factors, therapies and healthcare utilization.

Results

Chronic Urticaria Registry is a landmark achievement of the global urticaria medical community. As of 26 February 2020, 39 centres around the world have joined the registry and 35 have entered baseline data on a total of 2946 patients. Publications of this data will be forthcoming soon.

Conclusions

Chronic Urticaria Registry is eagerly seeking the participation of more physicians and the support of more governmental, charitable and commercial sponsors from around the world. Here, in this paper, we invite other physicians to join this unique project to improve the lives of patients with CU.
Changing trends in surgical hair restoration: Use of Google Trends and the ISHRS practice census survey
Authors: Gupta Aditya K. , Quinlan Emma M.
Published: September 2020

Background

Hair loss affects most people at some point in their lifetime, causing anxiety and decreased self‐esteem. There are multiple surgical and nonsurgical treatments available, with the surgical options having greater and longer‐lasting effects. Such treatments have evolved over time with advances in technology and research, with numerous patients researching these treatments on Google. Many surgeons who provide these treatments belong to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons (ISHRS).

Aims

To investigate trends in surgical hair restoration treatment from both the surgeon and patient perspectives.

Methods

Patient epidemiological and surgical data from the ISHRS were combined with search trend data from Google to analyze changing trends in surgical hair restoration treatment.

Results

Worldwide Internet searches for “hair transplant” have increased from 2004 to the present. Follicular unit excision (FUE) has supplanted follicular unit transplant (FUT) as the most popular hair transplant performed. Since 2004, there has been an increase in both nonsurgical and surgical female patients. Beard and eyebrow transplants have increased in popularity. Google searches follow this trend. Nonsurgical treatments such as platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) are being searched more frequently. Hair restoration clinics and Google searches were affected adversely by the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Conclusion

Technological advances in available therapies, improvement in delivery systems, changes in hair fashion, and global events have direct impact on hair restoration treatments offered by physicians and researched by patients. It is in the best interest of all hair restoration providers to keep abreast of changing technologies and treatment trends to stay at the forefront of their profession.
Implications of cigarette smoking on early‐onset androgenetic alopecia: A cross‐sectional Study
Authors: Salem Ahmed S. , Ibrahim Hany S. , Abdelaziz Heba H. , Elsaie Mohamed L.
Published: September 2020

Background

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a condition affecting both males and females. Aims We aimed to assess the demographic and clinical features of early‐onset AGA among smokers and nonsmokers and to evaluate whether prevalence of AGA was affected by smoking.

Paatients/Methods

One thousand (1000) healthy males aged between 20 and 35 years not complaining of any local scalp condition and free of any mental illness were recruited for this study and divided into two groups of 500 each based on their smoking attitudes. Androgenetic alopecia was classified according to the Hamilton baldness scale, and trichoscopy was used to confirm the diagnosis of AGA. A designed questionnaire to determine basic physical and smoking habits completed and results was interpreted and analyzed.

Results

The majority of smokers (425) had a form of AGA, while only (200) nonsmokers had a degree of AGA (P < .01). Of the smokers group, 235 (47%) had grade III AGA and 120 subjects (24%) had grade IV AGA. In the nonsmokers group, 100 subjects (20%) had grade II AGA and 50 subjects (10%) had either grade III or IV AGA.

Conclusion

The prevalence of AGA among smokers was statistically higher than among nonsmokers, while severity of AGA was not associated with the intensity of smoking. Nicotine and its derivative cotinine might be responsible for accelerating AGA progress pending further validation.
Risk of occult atypical hyperplasia or cancer in women with nonatypical endometrial hyperplasia
Authors: Lee Nara , Lee Kwang‐Beom , Kim Kidong , Hong Jin Hwa , Yim Ga Won , Seong Seok Ju , Lee Banghyun , Lee Jong‐Min , Cho Jaehyun , Lim Soyi , Ouh Yung‐Taek , Kim Yong Beom
Published: September 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify subsets of patients diagnosed with nonatypical endometrial hyperplasia (NAEH) by endometrial biopsy who had high risk for occult atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) or endometrial cancer (EC).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 281 patients who underwent hysterectomy within 6 months after a diagnosis of NAEH. We collected data on age, body mass index, menopausal status, tamoxifen use, previous history of NAEH, details of endometrial biopsy (location, curettage vs. pipelle sampling), NAEH subtype (simple vs. complex), interval between endometrial biopsy and hysterectomy, indication of hysterectomy and the presence of occult AEH or EC in hysterectomy specimen. Associations between variables and occult AEH or EC were analyzed. Risk of occult AEH or EC in subsets were calculated and visualized using a heatmap.

Results

Among 281 patients, 34 (12.1%) and 9 (3.2%) had occult AEH and EC in hysterectomy specimens, respectively. Using univariate analysis, we found age, menopausal status and subtype were associated with occult AEH or EC. Using multivariate analysis, older age (odds ratio = 1.09, P < 0.01) and complex subtype (odds ratio = 3.34, P < 0.01) were independent risk factors. Patients at an age ≥ 51 years with complex NAEH had about 50% risk of occult AEH or EC.

Conclusion

Women at an age ≥ 51 years with complex NAEH had high risk for occult AEH or EC and surgical treatment can be considered for these patients.
Placenta previa may acquire invasive nature by factors associated with epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and matrix metalloproteinases
Authors: Soyama Hiroaki , Miyamoto Morikazu , Ishibashi Hiroki , Iwahashi Hideki , Matsuura Hiroko , Kakimoto Soichiro , Suzuki Rie , Sakamoto Takahiro , Hada Taira , Takano Masashi
Published: September 2020

Aim

To investigate the differences in epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐ and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐related factors among placenta previa with and without placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) (n = 69), and normal placenta (n = 51).

Methods

The women diagnosed with placenta previa with or without PAS, and normal placentas, who delivered at our institution between 2006 and 2016, were enrolled. The difference of EMT‐related factors' expression by immunochemical analysis in chorionic villi and decidual cells between the normal placenta and placenta previa with or without PAS were evaluated.

Results

In chorionic villi of placenta previa with and without PAS, E‐cadherin expression decreased, while that of ZEB1, SNAIL2 and MMP‐9 increased than that in normal placenta. In decidual cells of placenta previa with and without PAS, expression of vimentin, ZEB1 and MMP‐9 increased than that in normal placenta. In placenta previa with and without PAS, there was strong co‐expression of ZEB1 and vimentin in chorionic villi, of ZEB1 and MMP‐2 or MMP‐9 in decidual cells, and of SNAIL2 and vimentin or MMP‐9 in both chorionic villi and decidual cell. Vimentin expression in both chorionic villi and decidual cells was higher in placenta previa with PAS (n = 18) than in placenta previa without PAS (n = 51). MMP‐2 expression in decidual cells was higher in placenta previa with PAS than in placenta previa without PAS.

Conclusion

This study revealed that EMT‐ and MMP‐associated factors may be related to placenta previa with and without PAS. Furthermore, placenta previa without PAS may acquire invasive nature.
The first quantitative histomorphological analyses of bone vitality and inflammation in surgical specimens of patients with medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw
Authors: Mamilos Andreas , Spörl Steffen , Spanier Gerrit , Ettl Tobias , Brochhausen Christoph , Klingelhöffer Christoph
Published: September 2020

Background

The purpose of the study was to categorize the vitality and inflammation of resected bone of patients with medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) and to correlate the grade of inflammation with the surgical success.

Methods

This prospective study includes 44 patients with stage III MRONJ. Necrotic bone was resected in a block fashioned way. After demineralization and staining, histological analyses were performed by measuring the areas of necrotic, vital, and regenerative bone. Areas of chronic and acute inflammation were categorized as non, mild, moderate, and severe and were correlated with surgical success and parameters of inflammation in blood plasma (C‐reactive protein and leukocytes).

Results

An average area of 59.0% was necrotic in the examined specimen. Vital bone was measured with an average area of 40.9%. The stage of chronic inflammation correlated with the amount of vital bone (P < .001) and the success of surgery (P = .002). If acute inflammation was dominant, chronic inflammation areas were found less while necrotic areas were observed more (P < .001). Also, the risk of relapses, wound healing disorders, and the level of C‐reactive protein were elevated if acute inflammation was severe or moderate (P = .031). Areas of bone regeneration were seen only in 11.3% of vital bone areas and occurred independently of infection stages.

Conclusion

If possible, surgery should be delayed in patients with signs of severe acute inflammation. Patients may profit from prolonged pre‐operative antibiotic therapy to reduce the level of acute inflammation.