bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of fish oil on circulating asymmetric dimethylarginine and adiponectin in overweight or obese patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Khorrami Elnaz , Hosseinzadeh‐Attar Mohammad Javad , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad , Alipoor Elham , Hosseini Mostafa , Emkanjou Zahra , Kolahdouz Mohammadi Roya , Moradmand Sina 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObesity and adipose‐derived peptides might be involved in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). Adiponectin plays a major role in the modulation of several metabolic pathways, and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) has been suggested to be predictive of AF and associated adverse events. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of fish oil supplementation on circulating adiponectin and ADMA in overweight or obese patients with persistent AF. In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, 80 overweight or obese (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2) patients with persistent AF were randomly assigned to two groups to receive either 2 g/day fish oil or placebo, for 8 weeks. Serum levels of adiponectin and ADMA, and anthropometric indexes were measured. This study showed that serum adiponectin concentrations increased significantly following fish oil supplementation compared with the placebo group (13.15 ± 7.33 vs. 11.88 ± 6.94 µg/ml; p = .026). A significant reduction was also observed in serum ADMA levels in the fish oil compared with the placebo group following the intervention (0.6 ± 0.13 vs. 0.72 ± 0.15 µmol/L; p = .001). The changes in serum adiponectin and ADMA concentrations remained significant after adjustments for baseline values, age, sex, and changes of BMI and waist circumference (p = .011 and p = .001, respectively). In conclusion, 8 weeks supplementation with fish oil increased serum adiponectin and decreased ADMA concentrations in overweight or obese patients with persistent AF. As adiponectin and ADMA are suggested to be involved in many pathways associated with AF, the current findings might be promising in the clinical management of this disease, an issue that needs further investigations.
Vancomycin therapeutic drug monitoring service quality indices and clinical effectiveness outcomes: A retrospective cohort and clinical audit
Authors: Al‐Sulaiti Fatima K. , Nader Ahmed , El‐Mekaty Eman , Elewa Hazem , Al‐Badriyeh Daoud , El‐Zubair Ahmed , Saad Mohamed O. , Awaisu Ahmed 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroductionVancomycin is commonly used for the treatment of complicated infections caused by methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The impact of vancomycin therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) quality indices on clinical outcomes has not been previously explored.ObjectivesThis study aims to relate routine vancomycin TDM service quality indices to clinical effectiveness outcomes and to develop a pragmatic vancomycin‐specific TDM quality assessment tool that can be used in quality audits.MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted on adult non‐dialysis vancomycin TDM records documented between January 2014 and October 2016 in three tertiary care hospitals under Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Qatar. Evidence‐based criteria and pilot‐testing were applied to develop a quality assessment tool. The appropriateness of vancomycin TDM service and clinical outcomes were simultaneously evaluated.ResultsA 13‐criterion vancomycin TDM quality assessment tool was developed and used to evaluate 208 TDM records involving 99 patients. The indications for TDM requests were judged appropriate in 77.4% (n = 161) of the records. However, most of the blood samples were deemed to be incorrectly timed (70.7%, n = 147). Inappropriate vancomycin TDM practices compared with appropriate practices were associated with lower therapeutic cure (47.3% vs 75%, P‐value = .009).ConclusionsVancomycin TDM requests were justified at HMC. However, inappropriate practices were associated with suboptimal clinical outcomes, signifying the importance of routine quality audits using rigorous evaluation tools. The developed tool can be used to determine setting‐specific deficiencies in routine vancomycin TDM practices.
Achieving enhanced bone regeneration using monetite granules with bone anabolic drug conjugates (C3 and C6) in rat mandibular defects
Authors: Sheikh Zeeshan , Abdallah Mohamed‐Nur , Al‐Jaf Faik , Chen Gang , Hamdan Nader , Young Robert N. , Grynpas Marc D. , Glogauer Michael 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBone grafting procedures are commonly used to manage bone defects in the craniofacial region. Monetite is an excellent biomaterial option for bone grafting, however, it is limited by lack of osteoinduction. Several molecules can be incorporated within the monetite matrix to promote bone regeneration. The aim was to investigate whether incorporating bone forming drug conjugates (C3 and C6) within monetite can improve their ability to regenerate bone in bone defects. Bilateral bone defects were created in the mandible of 24 Sprague–Dawley rats and were then packed with monetite control, monetite+C3 or monetite+C6. After 2 and 4 weeks, post‐mortem samples were analyzed using microcomputed tomography, histology and back‐scattered electron microscopy to calculate the percentages of bone formation and remaining graft material. At 2 and 4 weeks, monetite with C3 and C6 demonstrated higher bone formation than monetite control, while monetite+C6 had the highest bone formation percentage at 4 weeks. There were no significant differences in the remaining graft material between the groups at 2 or 4 weeks. Incorporating these anabolic drug conjugates within the degradable matrix of monetite present a promising bone graft alternative for bone regeneration and repair in orthopedic as well as oral and maxillofacial applications.
Diagnostic accuracy of LAMP assay for HBV infection
Authors: Chen Chu‐Mao , Ouyang Shi , Lin Li‐Ying , Wu Li‐Juan , Xie Tian‐Ao , Chen Juan‐Jiang , Li Zhen‐Xing , Zhu Guo‐Dong , Ji Tian‐Xing , Pan Zhi‐Yong , Xia Yong , Guo Xu‐Guang 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundDetection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is vital for the diagnosis of hepatitis B infection. A novel test loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) has been successfully applied to detect various pathogens. However, the accuracy of LAMP in diagnosing HBV remains unclear. Therefore, in the present study, the accuracy of LAMP for HBV detection was evaluated systematically.MethodsEmbase, Cochrane Library, and PubMed databases were searched for studies using LAMP to detect HBV. Then, two researchers extracted data and assessed the quality of literature using the QUADAS‐2 tool independently. I2 statistic and chi‐square test were analyzed to investigate the heterogeneity, and Deek's funnel plot assessed the publication bias. The pooled sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive LR (PLR), negative LR (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and 95% confidence intervals were displayed in forest plots. We calculated the area under the curve (AUC) to assess the overall efficiency of LAMP for HBV detection.ResultsA total of nine studies with 1298 samples were finally included in this evaluation. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of HBV detection were 0.91 (95% CI: 0.89 ~ 0.92) and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.94 ~ 0.99), respectively. The PLR, NLR, and DOR were 16.93 (95% CI: 6.15 ~ 46.55), 0.08 (95% CI: 0.05 ~ 0.14), and 397.57 (95% CI: 145.41 ~ 1087.07). Besides, the AUC was 0.9872, and Deek's plot suggested that there existed publication bias in the studies.ConclusionCompared with PCR, LAMP is a simple, rapid, and effective assay to diagnose HBV. However, additional evidence is essential to confirm that LAMP can replace other methods in diagnosing HBV infection.
MicroRNA‐34c suppresses proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cell via modulating high mobility group box protein 1
Authors: Chen Li‐Bo , An Zhe , Zheng Hai‐Kuo , Wang Xin‐Peng , Shan Rui‐Ting , Mao Cui‐Ying , Zhang Wen‐Qi 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundAtherosclerosis is the most frequent pathological process that causes cardiovascular diseases.ObjectiveThe present study aimed to confirm miRNAs associated with atherosclerosis and explore the molecular mechanism of miR‐34c and its target high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) in the control of growth of smooth muscle cells in the development of atherosclerosis.MethodsReal‐time PCR was firstly performed to confirm miRNA correlation with atherosclerosis, and computational analysis and luciferase assay were performed to explore the target of miR‐34c, Western blot, and real‐time PCR were also utilized to reveal the effect of whether high glucose (HG) and miR‐34c affect miR‐34c, HMGB1 levels, NF‐κB p65 and TNF‐α levels, and the role of miR‐34c on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) viability induced by HG. Students' unpaired t test was performed to compare data between two groups.ResultsMiR‐34c level was associated with atherosclerosis with different expression between VSMCs treated with high glucose or normal VSMCs. Then, HMGB1 is a virtual target of miR‐34c with predicted binding site resided in HMGB1 3′UTR and further verified by that miR‐34c remarkably reduced luciferase activity of wild HMGB1 3′UTR under a concentration‐dependent fashion, and miR‐34c cannot influence luciferase activity of mutant HMGB1 3′UTR.ConclusionsThe results suggested miR‐34c might be a novel therapeutic strategy in the management of atherosclerosis by suppressing the expression of HGMB1 and its downstream effectors.
Targeting RAGE prevents muscle wasting and prolongs survival in cancer cachexia
Authors: Chiappalupi Sara , Sorci Guglielmo , Vukasinovic Aleksandra , Salvadori Laura , Sagheddu Roberta , Coletti Dario , Renga Giorgia , Romani Luigina , Donato Rosario , Riuzzi Francesca 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundCachexia, a multifactorial syndrome affecting more than 50% of patients with advanced cancer and responsible for ~20% of cancer‐associated deaths, is still a poorly understood process without a standard cure available. Skeletal muscle atrophy caused by systemic inflammation is a major clinical feature of cachexia, leading to weight loss, dampening patients' quality of life, and reducing patients' response to anticancer therapy. RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end‐products) is a multiligand receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily and a mediator of muscle regeneration, inflammation, and cancer.MethodsBy using murine models consisting in the injection of colon 26 murine adenocarcinoma (C26‐ADK) or Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells in BALB/c and C57BL/6 or Ager−/− (RAGE‐null) mice, respectively, we investigated the involvement of RAGE signalling in the main features of cancer cachexia, including the inflammatory state. In vitro experiments were performed using myotubes derived from C2C12 myoblasts or primary myoblasts isolated from C57BL/6 wild type and Ager−/− mice treated with the RAGE ligand, S100B (S100 calcium‐binding protein B), TNF (tumor necrosis factor)α±IFN (interferon) γ, and tumour cell‐ or masses‐conditioned media to analyse hallmarks of muscle atrophy. Finally, muscles of wild type and Ager−/− mice were injected with TNFα/IFNγ or S100B in a tumour‐free environment.ResultsWe demonstrate that RAGE is determinant to activate signalling pathways leading to muscle protein degradation in the presence of proinflammatory cytokines and/or tumour‐derived cachexia‐inducing factors. We identify the RAGE ligand, S100B, as a novel factor able to induce muscle atrophy per se via a p38 MAPK (p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase)/myogenin axis and STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3)‐dependent MyoD (myoblast determination protein 1) degradation. Lastly, we found that in cancer conditions, an increase in serum levels of tumour‐derived S100B and HMGB1 (high mobility group box 1) occurs leading to chronic activation/overexpression of RAGE, which induces hallmarks of cancer cachexia (i.e. muscle wasting, systemic inflammation, and release of tumour‐derived pro‐cachectic factors). Absence of RAGE in mice translates into reduced serum levels of cachexia‐inducing factors, delayed loss of muscle mass and strength, reduced tumour progression, and increased survival.ConclusionsRAGE is a molecular determinant in inducing the hallmarks of cancer cachexia, and molecular targeting of RAGE might represent a therapeutic strategy to prevent or counteract the cachectic syndrome.
The effect of different obturation methods on sealer penetration alongside apically separated rotary nickel–titanium instruments: A confocal laser scanning microscopy study
Authors: Aktemur Türker Sevinç , Uzunoğlu Özyürek Emel , Tek Vildan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe effects of different obturation techniques on calcium silicate‐based sealer penetration in the presence of apically separated rotary files were evaluated. Forty‐eight extracted mandibular incisors were used. ProTaper F2 rotary files were separated at the apical thirds. Samples were divided into four groups (n = 12) according to obturation technique used: (a) cold lateral compaction (CLC); (b) single cone; (c) bulk‐fill (BF) without a core material; and (d) thermoplastic injection (TI). Specimens were sectioned horizontally at 1 and 3 mm from the apex and studied using a confocal scanning laser microscope. The maximum tubule penetration depth and percentage of penetration were measured. Data were statistically analyzed using parametric and nonparametric tests with a significance level of 5%. Regarding penetration depth, a significant difference was found at 1 mm (p < .05), while no significant difference was found at 3 mm (p > .05). At the 3 mm level, all of the obturation techniques showed similar penetration depths. Regarding penetration percentage, the values of the CLC and TI groups were statistically less when compared with the BF group at 1 and 3 mm levels, respectively (p < .05). Under the limitations of this in vitro study, results suggest that the obturation technique may present a significant effect on sealer penetration.
Interpreters’ perceptions of culture bumps in genetic counseling
Authors: Rosenbaum Marc , Dineen Richard , Schmitz Karen , Stoll Jessica , Hsu Melissa , Hodges Priscila D. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCulture bump theory provides a practical and goal‐oriented framework for addressing cultural differences that can impact communication and patient care. Differences in language and culture, coupled with a lack of knowledge or competency regarding these differences, often contribute to ‘culture bumps’ between healthcare providers and patients. Interpreters serve the unique role of ‘cultural brokers’, going beyond bridging the linguistic divide to close cultural gaps. Research from the perspective of interpreters focused on culture bumps and cultural competency within genetic counseling sessions is lacking. We aimed to assess interpreters’ experiences with significant ‘culture bumps’ in genetic counseling sessions, obtain interpreters’ perspectives regarding genetic counselors’ gaps in cultural competency, and explore interpreters’ perceptions of the impact of cultural competency on the genetic counseling sessions. Spanish and Polish interpreters experienced in working in person with genetic counselors were recruited through interpreter supervisors at medical centers, hospitals, and interpreter training and service agencies in the Chicagoland area. Using a semi‐structured interview guide, phone interviews were conducted with eligible participants and transcribed verbatim. A codebook was developed between two coders, and inter‐rater reliability was assessed (κ = 0.82). Grounded theory was used as a guiding principle to code data. The results of this study revealed significant culture bumps identified by interpreters in genetic counseling sessions in the areas of exchange of information, gender and family dynamics, and incorporation of religious and faith beliefs. Interpreters identified the impact on rapport, both negative and positive, due to gaps and strengths in cultural competency, respectively. These responses offer useful insight for training and providing practicing genetic counselors with tools to promote cultural competency, in order to provide optimal care for patients with limited English proficiency (LEP). Further research is necessary to explore these concepts within other languages and cultures, as well as to determine the most appropriate methods for implementing these suggestions for improvement.
Pathogenic variants in SQOR encoding sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase are a potentially treatable cause of Leigh disease
Authors: Friederich Marisa W. , Elias Abdallah F. , Kuster Alice , Laugwitz Lucia , Larson Austin A. , Landry Aaron P. , Ellwood‐Digel Logan , Mirsky David M. , Dimmock David , Haven Jaclyn , Jiang Hua , MacLean Kenneth N. , Styren Katie , Schoof Jonathan , Goujon Louise , Lefrancois Thomas , Friederich Maike , Coughlin Curtis R. , Banerjee Ruma , Haack Tobias B. , Van Hove Johan L. K. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractHydrogen sulfide, a signaling molecule formed mainly from cysteine, is catabolized by sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase (gene SQOR). Toxic hydrogen sulfide exposure inhibits complex IV. We describe children of two families with pathogenic variants in SQOR. Exome sequencing identified variants; SQOR enzyme activity was measured spectrophotometrically, protein levels evaluated by western blotting, and mitochondrial function was assayed. In family A, following a brief illness, a 4‐year‐old girl presented comatose with lactic acidosis and multiorgan failure. After stabilization, she remained comatose, hypotonic, had neurostorming episodes, elevated lactate, and Leigh‐like lesions on brain imaging. She died shortly after. Her 8‐year‐old sister presented with a rapidly fatal episode of coma with lactic acidosis, and lesions in the basal ganglia and left cortex. Muscle and liver tissue had isolated decreased complex IV activity, but normal complex IV protein levels and complex formation. Both patients were homozygous for c.637G > A, which we identified as a founder mutation in the Lehrerleut Hutterite with a carrier frequency of 1 in 13. The resulting p.Glu213Lys change disrupts hydrogen bonding with neighboring residues, resulting in severely reduced SQOR protein and enzyme activity, whereas sulfide generating enzyme levels were unchanged. In family B, a boy had episodes of encephalopathy and basal ganglia lesions. He was homozygous for c.446delT and had severely reduced fibroblast SQOR enzyme activity and protein levels. SQOR dysfunction can result in hydrogen sulfide accumulation, which, consistent with its known toxicity, inhibits complex IV resulting in energy failure. In conclusion, SQOR deficiency represents a new, potentially treatable, cause of Leigh disease.
The brightest colors: A Fourier‐transform Raman, surface‐enhanced Raman, and thin‐layer chromatography‐surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy study of fluorescent artists' paints
Authors: Boscacci Maddalena , Francone Serena , Galli Katia , Bruni Silvia 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAmong the so‐called “special effect” pigments, fluorescent ones play an important role, thanks to their application to a wide range of objects in everyday life. Also in the artistic field, they have been exploited since 1950s by several painters (among others Andy Warhol and Frank Stella), thus representing a particular class of materials with which conservators must confront themselves.Not much information is available about the complete composition of commercial fluorescent paints that are based on fluorescent dyes dispersed in a transparent and brittle resin. Herein, Fourier‐transform Raman spectroscopy and surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) were used to recognize the main dye components of the paints, whereas thin‐layer chromatography was coupled with SERS to better distinguish further chromophore mixes responsible for the color and/or the fluorescence emission due to the presence of optical brighteners. This methodology results suitable to more fully define the composition of such fluorescent paints originally used by artists in their works, thus providing valuable information to conservators for restoration and retouching efforts.
Liquid chromatographic separation of alkaloids in herbal medicines: Current status and perspectives
Authors: Zhao Wen‐Jing , Chen Xu‐Yan , Liu Yu‐Qian , Li Ping , Li Hui‐Jun 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAlkaloids are a widespread group of basic compounds in herbal medicines and have attracted great interest due to various pharmaceutical activities and desirable druggability. Their distinctive structures make chromatographic separation fairly difficult. Peak tailing, poor resolution, and inferior column‐to‐column reproducibility are common obstacles to overcome. In order to provide a valuable reference, the methodologies and/or strategies on liquid chromatographic separation of alkaloids in herbal medicines proposed from 2012 to 2019 are thoroughly summarized.
Laryngeal Mucosa Alterations in Mice Model of Gastroesophageal Reflux: Effects of Topical Protection
Authors: Figueiredo Aline A. , Sales Thiago M. A. L. , Nicolau Lucas A. D. , Nunes André A. A. , Costa‐Filho Humberto B. , Moreira Rhubens L. R. , Nascimento Renata R. , Sousa Maria K. A. , Silva Lorena D. , Carmo‐Neto João P. , Sidou Flávio M. N. O. , Paula Suliana M. , Medeiros Jand V. R. , Silva Durcilene A. , Sifrim Daniel , Souza Marcellus H. L. P. 
Published: March 2020

Objectives/HypothesisThe objectives of this study were to evaluate laryngeal inflammation and mucosal integrity in a murine model of reflux disease and to assess the protective effects of topical agents including alginate, hyaluronic acid, and cashew gum.Study DesignAnimal study.MethodsA surgical murine model of reflux disease was evaluated at 3 or 7 days postsurgery, and laryngeal samples were collected to measure inflammation (wet weight and myeloperoxidase [MPO]) and mucosal integrity (transepithelial resistance [TER] and mucosal permeability to fluorescein). Additional groups of animals were administered one of several topical agents (alginate, hyaluronic acid, or cashew gum) daily, and laryngeal inflammation and mucosal integrity were evaluated at 3 days postsurgery.ResultsAt 3 days, and not 7 days postsurgery, we observed increased laryngeal wet weight and MPO, decreased laryngeal TER, and increased laryngeal mucosa permeability. Alginate partially decreased laryngeal inflammation (wet weight and not MPO) and dramatically improved laryngeal mucosal integrity. Conversely, hyaluronic acid eliminated the inflammation; however, it had no effect on laryngeal mucosal integrity impairment. Cashew gum eliminated laryngeal inflammation as well as the impairment in laryngeal mucosal integrity.ConclusionsThis study shows that a surgical model of reflux disease induced laryngeal inflammation and impairment in laryngeal barrier function. These observed alterations were partially attenuated by alginate and hyaluronic acid and completely reversed by cashew gum.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 2020