bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of different modalities for repeated tissue acquisition in diagnosing malignant biliary strictures: A two‐center retrospective study
Authors: Yang Xia , Guo Jie Fang , Sun Li Qi , Hu Jin Hua , Shi Yong Jun , Zhang Jun Yong , Jin Zhen Dong 
Published: November 2020

ObjectiveVarious modalities are applied for pathological diagnosis of malignant biliary strictures (MBS), including brush cytology (BC), forceps biopsy (FB) and endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA). We aimed to assess the value of these modalities in a repeated tissue acquisition process for biliary strictures with initially inconclusive pathological outcomes.MethodsPatients who were suspected of having MBS and underwent a BC in two large teaching hospitals were retrospectively included. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of the initial and repeated BC, FB and EUS‐FNA were analyzed. Their performances were compared to determine which modality was superior in repeated tissue acquisition.ResultsIn total, 476 patients were included. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in diagnosing MBS for the initial BC were 30.3%, 100% and 55.0%, respectively. Altogether 39, 27 and 44 patients underwent a repeat BC, FB and EUS‐FNA, respectively. The sensitivity for repeated BC, FB and EUS‐FNA was 41.2%, 61.1% and 44.4%, respectively, whereas their specificity all reached 100%. When comparing diagnostic accuracy, none of the modalities was superior (74.4% vs 74.1% vs 54.5%, P = 0.173). In the repeated process, one patient who underwent BC and two underwent FB developed mild pancreatitis.ConclusionsRepeated tissue acquisition achieves a conclusive diagnosis of MBS in nearly half patients who have an initially inconclusive cytological diagnosis. None of the tissue acquisition methods is significantly superior in the repeated process.
Effects of anti‐takeover provisions on the corporate cost of debt: evidence from China
Authors: Feng Yumei , Huang Haozhi , Wang Congcong , Xie Qian 
Published: November 2020

AbstractUsing a sample of Chinese listed companies, we investigate the impact of anti‐takeover provisions (ATPs) on the cost of debt. The results show that ATPs increase the cost of debt, which is contrary to findings based on US data. Moreover, executive ownership enhances the positive relationship, while hiring a reputable auditor attenuates it, indicating an agency channel. We further examine the relation between agency costs and ATPs and confirm that ATPs aggravate agency costs, leading to detrimental effects for debt borrowers. Our findings are robust to controlling for potential endogeneity issues and other robustness checks.
Illicit drug use and oral health
Authors: Rossow Ingeborg 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTPeople with drug use disorders (PWDUD) have elevated prevalence of oral diseases, in particular dental caries (tooth decay), periodontal (gum) disease and xerostomia (dry mouth). When left untreated, these oral health conditions may progress and lead to tooth ache, abscesses and tooth loss, and in turn, to poor chewing functioning and digestion, dental aesthetic problems and reduced wellbeing. Illicit drug use may, per se, cause xerostomia, which in turn increases vulnerability for dental caries. However, the other main drivers of oral diseases and their progression—poor oral hygiene, frequent sugar intake and infrequent dental visits—can mainly be ascribed to the irregular lifestyle, poor economy and mental health problems that often accompany illicit drug use. Establishment of good oral health habits is essential in the dental care for PWDUD. Dental treatment is often comprehensive and challenging; because the patients may have extensive treatment needs but also difficulties adhering to preventive measures and dental appointments. An integrated care approach for PWDUD would likely benefit both their oral and general health.
A second attempt at pulp revascularisation on an immature traumatised anterior tooth: a case report with two‐year follow‐up
Authors: Brogni Julia Knabben , Vitali Filipe Colombo , Cardoso Ihan Vitor , dos Santos Jardel Dorigon , Prado Maira , Alves Ana Maria Hecke , Duque Thais Mageste 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis report describes the second attempt at pulp revascularisation, using an association between 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) and calcium hydroxide (CH) as intracanal dressing, in an immature traumatised anterior tooth with pulp necrosis. A 21‐year‐old woman complained of pain and dental crown darkening of a permanent maxillary right central incisor. Her medical records presented a history of dental trauma, and at age 15, the first attempt at revascularisation was performed, using triple antibiotic paste (TAP) as the intracanal dressing. Recent radiographs then showed a periapical lesion associated with an immature root, which demonstrated the failure of the first attempt. The second pulp revascularisation was performed, using an association between CHX and CH as intracanal medication. The case was followed up for 24 months. Observations showed evidence of root development, dentinal wall thickening and periapical healing. In this case, the association between CHX and CH showed favourable results as an intracanal medication.
Five years of dermatological disease requiring specialist care in the Kimberley region of Western Australia
Authors: Haggett Malindi G. , Tait Clare P. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundEpidemiological studies that document the burden of skin diseases in rural and remote regions of Australia are vital in ensuring proper health‐care planning and management. The purpose of this study was to establish the burden of skin disease requiring specialist dermatology input for both the Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal communities in the Kimberley.MethodsA retrospective audit of all outpatient encounters with the primary Country Health Service visiting dermatology specialist in the Kimberley region between January 2012 and January 2017.ResultsA total of 2281 encounters were recorded with 1459 unique patients seen. The most common disease categories seen in the general population were premalignant and malignant skin disease (40%), eczema and dermatitis (17%) and benign skin neoplasms (12%). Among Aboriginal patients, the most common conditions were eczema and dermatitis (19%), autoimmune connective tissue disease/rheumatological and autoinflammatory syndromes (17%), adnexal diseases (10%), pigmentary disorders (7%) and benign skin neoplasms (7%).ConclusionThese findings can be used to enhance, direct and plan dermatological services for both the Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal populations in the Kimberley region.
Angiogenic cytokine and interleukin 8 levels in early luteal phase after triggering ovulation with gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist in high‐responder patients
Authors: Martazanova Bella , Mishieva Nona , Vtorushina Valentina , Vedikhina Irina , Levkov Lev , Korneeva Irina , Kirillova Anastasia , Krechetova Lubov , Abubakirov Aydar , Sukhikh Gennady T. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractProblemInterleukin 8 (IL‐8), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), its receptors 1 (VEGFR1) and 2 (VEGFR2) are associated with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) pathophysiological mechanisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of these cytokines depending on the way of ovulation triggering.Method of StudyA total of 51 high‐responder patients underwent IVF program and received gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) trigger + 1500 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) support on the oocyte pick‐up (OPU) day (group I), dual trigger (GnRHa + 1500 IU hCG; group II), or hCG trigger 10,000 IU (group III) for the final oocyte maturation. The concentrations of cytokines were evaluated in serum by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit.Result(s)VEGFR2 levels were significantly lower in groups I and II than in group III in serum on the OPU (I vs. III, p = .0456; II vs. III, p = .0122) and OPU + 5 day (I vs. III, p = .0004; II vs. III, p = .0082). VEGFA levels were lower in group I than in group III (p = .0298) on the OPU day, however, were similar in all groups on the OPU + 5 day.Conclusion(s)A small dose of hCG elicits similar concentrations of VEGFA to a full dose of hCG; however, GnRHa triggering reduces the concentrations of VEGFR2, which could lead to the OHSS prevention.
Temporary decrease in tacrolimus clearance in cytochrome P450 3A5 non‐expressors early after living donor kidney transplantation: Effect of interleukin 6–induced suppression of the cytochrome P450 3A gene
Authors: Enokiya Tomoyuki , Nishikawa Kohei , Hamada Yugo , Ikemura Kenji , Sugimura Yoshiki , Okuda Masahiro 
Published: November 2020

AbstractTacrolimus is important for immunosuppression in kidney transplantation. In this historical cohort and in vitro study, we evaluated the changes in tacrolimus pharmacokinetics early after living donor kidney transplantation and the effects of interleukin (IL)‐6 on cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and cytochrome P450 3A5 (CYP3A5) expression. In the historical cohort study, 22 patients who met the inclusion criteria were classified into CYP3A5 expressors and non‐expressors (n = 16 and 6, respectively). The blood tacrolimus concentration per dose ratio (C/D) temporarily increased post–kidney transplantation on days 3‐4 only in CYP3A5 non‐expressors. The effects of IL‐6 on CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 expression were also investigated in vitro using HepG2 and Caco‐2 cells. IL‐6 induced a significant concentration‐ and time‐dependent decrease in CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 expression in both cells. The mean CYP3A4 expression level at 12 hours after IL‐6 exposure (% of 0 hour) was 44.0 and 62.6 in HepG2 and Caco‐2 cells, respectively, whereas the CYP3A5 expression level was 30.7 and 52.4, respectively. We hypothesize that CYP3A5 non‐expressors might exhibit a temporary decrease in the oral clearance of tacrolimus via an increase in serum IL‐6 concentrations early after kidney transplantation. These results may help develop strategies to improve kidney transplant outcome.
Semiparametric imputation using conditional Gaussian mixture models under item nonresponse
Authors: Lee Danhyang , Kim Jae Kwang 
Published: November 2020

AbstractImputation is a popular technique for handling item nonresponse. Parametric imputation is based on a parametric model for imputation and is not robust against the failure of the imputation model. Nonparametric imputation is fully robust but is not applicable when the dimension of covariates is large due to the curse of dimensionality. Semiparametric imputation is another robust imputation based on a flexible model where the number of model parameters can increase with the sample size. In this paper, we propose a new semiparametric imputation based on a more flexible model assumption than the Gaussian mixture model. In the proposed mixture model, we assume a conditional Gaussian model for the study variable given the auxiliary variables, but the marginal distribution of the auxiliary variables is not necessarily Gaussian. The proposed mixture model is more flexible and achieves a better approximation than the Gaussian mixture models. The proposed method is applicable to high‐dimensional covariate problem by including a penalty function in the conditional log‐likelihood function. The proposed method is applied to the 2017 Korean Household Income and Expenditure Survey conducted by Statistics Korea.
Joint calibrated estimation of inverse probability of treatment and censoring weights for marginal structural models
Authors: Yiu Sean , Su Li 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMarginal structural models (MSMs) with inverse probability weighted estimators (IPWEs) are widely used to estimate causal effects of treatment sequences on longitudinal outcomes in the presence of time‐varying confounding and dependent censoring. However, IPWEs for MSMs can be inefficient and unstable if weights are estimated by maximum likelihood. To improve the performance of IPWEs, covariate balancing weight (CBW) methods have been proposed and recently extended to MSMs. However, existing CBW methods for MSMs are inflexible for practical use because they often do not handle dependent censoring, nonbinary treatments, and longitudinal outcomes (instead of eventual outcomes at a study end). In this paper, we propose a joint calibration approach to CBW estimation for MSMs that can accommodate (1) both time‐varying confounding and dependent censoring, (2) binary and nonbinary treatments, (3) eventual outcomes and longitudinal outcomes. We develop novel calibration restrictions by jointly eliminating covariate associations with both treatment assignment and censoring processes after weighting the observed data sample (i.e., to optimize covariate balance in finite samples). Two different methods are proposed to implement the calibration. Simulations show that IPWEs with calibrated weights perform better than IPWEs with weights from maximum likelihood and the “Covariate Balancing Propensity Score” method. We apply our method to a natural history study of HIV for estimating the effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy on CD4 cell counts over time.
Student engagement with school and personality: a biopsychosocial and person‐centred approach
Authors: Moreira Paulo A. S. , Inman Richard A. , Cloninger Kevin , Cloninger C. Robert 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundEngagement with school is a key predictor of students’ academic outcomes, yet little is known about its association with personality. No research has considered this association using Cloninger’s biopsychosocial model of personality. This model may be particularly informative because it posits the structure of human personality corresponds to three systems of human learning and memory that regulate associative conditioning, intentionality, and self‐awareness, all of which are relevant for understanding engagement.AimsTo test for defined personality phenotypes and describe how they relate to student engagement.Sample469 adolescents (54.2% female) attending the eighth (Mage = 13.2,SD = .57) or 11th(Mage = 16.5,SD = .84) grades.MethodsStudents completed self‐report measures of personality and engagement. We used mixture models to identify latent classes defined by common (1) temperament profiles, (2) character profiles, and (3) joint temperament–character networks, and then tested how these classes differed in engagement.ResultsLatent class analysis revealed three distinct joint temperament–character networks:Emotional‐Unreliable(emotionally reactive, low self‐control, and low creativity),Organized‐Reliable(self‐control but not creative), andCreative‐Reliable(highly creative and prosocial). These networks differed significantly in engagement, with the emotional‐unreliable network linked to lower engagement. However, the magnitudes of these differences across engagement dimensions did not appear to be uniform.ConclusionsDifferent integrated configurations of the biopsychosocial systems for associative conditioning, intentionality, and self‐awareness (differences in personality) underlie student engagement. Our results offer a fine‐grained understanding of engagement dimensions in terms of their underlying personality networks, with implications for educational policies and practices.
Stimulation of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) by riociguat attenuates heart failure and pathological cardiac remodelling
Authors: Rüdebusch Julia , Benkner Alexander , Nath Neetika , Fleuch Lina , Kaderali Lars , Grube Karina , Klingel Karin , Eckstein Gertrud , Meitinger Thomas , Fielitz Jens , Felix Stephan B. 
Published: November 2020

Background and PurposeHeart failure is associated with an impaired NO–soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC)–cGMP pathway and its augmentation is thought to be beneficial for its therapy. We hypothesized that stimulation of sGC by the sGC stimulator riociguat prevents pathological cardiac remodelling and heart failure in response to chronic pressure overload.Experimental ApproachTransverse aortic constriction or sham surgery was performed in C57BL/6N mice. After 3 weeks of transverse aortic constriction when heart failure was established, animals receive either riociguat or its vehicle for 5 additional weeks. Cardiac function was evaluated weekly by echocardiography. Eight weeks after surgery, histological analyses were performed to evaluate remodelling and the transcriptome of the left ventricles (LVs) was analysed by RNA sequencing. Cell culture experiments were used for mechanistically studies.Key ResultsTransverse aortic constriction resulted in a continuous decrease of LV ejection fraction and an increase in LV mass until week 3. Five weeks of riociguat treatment resulted in an improved LV ejection fraction and a decrease in the ratio of left ventricular mass to total body weight (LVM/BW), myocardial fibrosis and myocyte cross‐sectional area. RNA sequencing revealed that riociguat reduced the expression of myocardial stress and remodelling genes (e.g. Nppa, Nppb, Myh7 and collagen) and attenuated the activation of biological pathways associated with cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Riociguat reversed pathological stress response in cultivated myocytes and fibroblasts.Conclusion and ImplicationsStimulation of the sGC reverses transverse aortic constriction‐induced heart failure and remodelling, which is associated with improved myocardial gene expression.LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue on cGMP Signalling in Cell Growth and Survival. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.11/issuetoc
Interleukin 6 regulates the expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 in thyroid cancer
Authors: Zhang Guo‐Qiang , Jiao Qiong , Shen Chen‐Tian , Song Hong‐Jun , Zhang Hui‐Zhen , Qiu Zhong‐Ling , Luo Quan‐Yong 
Published: November 2020

AbstractProgrammed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1), inducing T cell exhaustion to facilitate immune escape of tumor cells, is upregulated by interleukin 6 (IL‐6) in T cell lymphoma and ovarian cancer. The purpose of this study is to investigate the expression of IL‐6 and PD‐L1 in thyroid cancer, and whether IL‐6 regulates PD‐L1 expression. As a result, IL‐6 and PD‐L1 were highly expressed in thyroid cancer tissues. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that tumor size, distant metastasis, and risk stratification were significantly associated with IL‐6 expression (P < .05), and multifocality, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, risk stratification, and IL‐6 expression were identified as the independent predictors of PD‐L1 expression (P < .05). The invasiveness of thyroid cancer was significantly enhanced after IL‐6 treatment or PD‐L1 overexpression. PD‐L1 positive rate correlated with IL‐6 expression in cancer tissues (P < .001), and after IL‐6 treatment, the PD‐L1 expression in TPC‐1 and BCPAP significantly increased. The mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway (MAPK) and the Janus‐activated kinase (JAK)–signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathways were activated by IL‐6, and the IL‐6–induced PD‐L1 expression decreased after treatment with these two signaling pathway inhibitors. Knockdown of transcription factors c‐Jun and stat3 suppressed the expression of PD‐L1 induced by IL‐6, and these two factors could bind to PD‐L1 gene promoter directly and promote its transcription. It is concluded that IL‐6 and PD‐L1 are overexpressed in thyroid cancer and are related to tumor invasiveness. IL‐6 upregulates PD‐L1 expression through the MAPK and JAK‐STAT3 signaling pathways, which function via transcription factors c‐Jun and stat3.
As‐needed anti‐inflammatory reliever therapy for asthma management: evidence and practical considerations
Authors: Bianco Andrea , Contoli Marco , Di Marco Fabiano , Saverio Mennini Francesco , Papi Alberto ,   the participants of the regional meetings
Published: November 2020

AbstractAsthma is a chronic respiratory disease in which airway inflammation is a key feature, even in the milder expressions of the disease. The conventional pharmacological approach to mild asthma has long relied on reliever therapy with as‐needed short‐acting beta‐agonists (SABAs), while anti‐inflammatory maintenance with inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) has been reserved for patients with more persistent asthma. Poor adherence to maintenance treatment is an important issue in asthma management, and can partly explain suboptimal symptom control. Over‐reliance on SABA bronchodilators for rapid symptom relief is common in real life and potentially leads to an increased risk of asthma morbidity and mortality. Combined anti‐inflammatory and reliever medications in a single inhaler have the potential to overcome these limitations. Recent studies in patients with mild asthma have shown that anti‐inflammatory reliever therapy with budesonide‐formoterol, given on an as‐needed basis, is superior to SABA in ensuring asthma control and non‐inferior to budesonide maintenance therapy in preventing exacerbations. To address the implications of these important findings for the management of patients with asthma, Italian specialists convened at a series of meetings held during the second half of 2018 across Italy. This article presents their position on these topics and includes a review of the evidence supporting the use of anti‐inflammatory reliever therapy in mild asthma and the implementation of this novel approach in clinical practice.
Effects of probiotics on bowel function restoration following ileostomy closure in rectal cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yoon Byung Jun , Oh Heung‐Kwon , Lee Jeehye , Cho Jung Rae , Kim Myung Jo , Kim Duck‐Woo , Kang Sung‐Bum 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimThe aim was to determine the efficacy of probiotics in restoring bowel function following ileostomy reversal in patients with rectal cancer.MethodThis was a pilot, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. The probiotic used in this study, Lactobacillus plantarum CJLP243, was derived from kimchi. Patients were randomly allocated to a probiotic or placebo group and medication was taken once daily from preoperative day 1 to day 21. Primary outcomes were the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre Bowel Function Index (MSKCC BFI) instrument and the low anterior resection syndrome score. The secondary outcomes were the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 and CR29 questionnaire responses.ResultsForty patients were enrolled, and 36 patients (probiotics, n = 17; placebo, n = 19) completed the primary outcomes. Total scores for the MSKCC questionnaire (56.2 ± 12.0 vs. 55.0 ± 10.7, P = 0.356) and low anterior resection syndrome scores (33.3 ± 7.6 vs. 36.0 ± 5.3, P = 0.257) were not significantly different between the probiotic and placebo groups, respectively. In the MSKCC BFI, the postoperative dietary scale score at week 1 was significantly higher in the probiotic group (13.1 ± 3.8 vs. 9.0 ± 3.0, P < 0.001). There were no other significant differences between the two groups for any other questionnaire scores.ConclusionThere were no significant effects supporting the use of a probiotic for improved bowel function in patients following ileostomy reversal. Nevertheless, the administration of probiotics showed trends toward improvements in some subscale bowel function measures, suggesting further studies may be warranted.