bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meta‐analysis of differentially expressed microRNAs in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Zhang Lian , Wu Haijing , Zhao Ming , Lu Qianjin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveEmerging evidence suggests a possible role of microRNAs (miRNAs) that can regulate gene expression in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, contradictory results have been reported on miRNA expression in SSc. We performed a meta‐analysis to identify the consistently differentially expressed miRNAs in SSc across studies.MethodsWe performed a systematic search in PubMed using the terms “microRNAs OR Circulating MicroRNA OR miRNAs” AND “systemic sclerosis OR systemic scleroderma” to identify full‐text English publications until 1 August, 2019. After quality assessment using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 (QUADAS‐2), we utilized RevMan 5.3 and Meta‐Disc 1.4 to assess heterogeneity (I2 index and Q test P values) and perform effect size modeling.ResultsFrom 120 publications in the initial search, 16 studies on miRNA expression profiles in blood and/or dermal fibroblasts were selected after publication screening. The median number of samples in these studies was 36 (interquartile range 19‐59, range 10‐119). Meta‐analysis revealed 8 differentially expressed miRNAs, of which miR‐21 in blood, miR‐29a, miR‐155, and miR‐196a in dermal fibroblasts, and let‐7a in both serum and dermal fibroblast samples were most consistent across studies. These miRNAs have been implicated in immune activation, vascular damage, and fibroblast activation, which could potentially lead to the overproduction of collagen and extracellular protein.ConclusionStudies of miRNA expression in SSc are limited and have used a relatively small number of samples. A meta‐analysis of these reports reveals a cluster of differentially expressed miRNAs implicated in immune activation, vascular damage, and fibroblast activation that could play roles in SSc pathogenesis and serve as potential biomarkers.
Treatment and toxic effects of prophylactic cranial irradiation in stage II–III non–small cell lung cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Meng , Wang Taifang , Wen Ping , Wang Xiang , Wu Chunli 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the role of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients using meta‐analysis.MethodsPubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Review and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were systematically searched for studies published between 1 January 1980 and 31 March 2019. Search terms included “non–small cell lung cancer,” “prophylactic cranial irradiation” and “clinical trials.” The research data extracted from above studies was analyzed by Review Manager 5.3 and Stata12.0 software. The outcomes included development of brain metastases (BMs), overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS), BMs for different diagnoses, toxicity, quality of life (QoL).ResultsFifteen trials (nine RCTs and six non‐RCTs) involving 2418 NSCLC patients met the inclusion criteria. There was a significant reduction in the risk of developing BM in patients who received PCI compared with those who did not (95% CI, 0.20–0.37; P < 0.00001). PCI significantly reduced the BM of squamous cell carcinoma (P = 0.02), but not for adenocarcinoma (P = 0.07) and other pathological types (P = 0.29). There was a significant increase in DFS for the PCI compared to the non‐PCI group (P = 0.006); however, OS did not significantly differ (P = 0.15). In addition, fatigue significantly increased in the PCI group (P = 0.0002). Cognitive disturbance showed no significant difference between PCI and non‐PCI groups (P = 0.06).ConclusionThis study showed that, compared with non‐PCI, PCI significantly decreased the incidence of NSCLC BM and improved the DFS of patients, and reduced the BM rate from squamous cell carcinoma. However, it showed no effect on OS and the BM rate of adenocarcinoma and other pathological types of tumors. There were limited data concerning PCI‐related toxicity and QoL.
Cognitive and behavioural strategies employed to overcome “lapses” and prevent “relapse” among weight‐loss maintainers and regainers: A qualitative study
Authors: Lawlor Emma R , Hughes Carly A , Duschinsky Robbie , Pountain Gillian D , Hill Andrew J , Griffin Simon J , Ahern Amy L 
Published: August 2020

SummaryWhile many behavioural weight management programmes are effective in the short‐term, post‐programme weight regain is common. Overcoming “lapses” and preventing “relapse” has been highlighted as important in weight‐loss maintenance, but little is known on how this is achieved. This study aimed to compare the cognitive and behavioural strategies employed to overcome “lapses” and prevent “relapse” by people who had regained weight or maintained weight‐loss after participating in a weight management programme. By investigating differences between groups, we intended to identify strategies associated with better weight‐loss maintenance. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 26 participants (58% female) recruited from the 5‐year follow‐up of the Weight Loss Referrals for Adults in Primary Care (WRAP) trial (evaluation of a commercial weight‐loss programme). Participants who had lost ≥5% baseline weight during the active intervention were purposively sampled according to 5‐year weight trajectories (n = 16 'Regainers', n = 10 'Maintainers'). Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically. Key differences in strategies were that Maintainers continued to pay attention to their dietary intake, anticipated and planned for potential lapses in high‐risk situations, and managed impulses using distraction techniques. Regainers did not report making plans, used relaxed dietary monitoring, found distraction techniques to be ineffective and appeared to have difficulty navigating food within interpersonal relationships. This study is one of the longest qualitative follow‐ups of a weight loss trial to date, offering unique insights into long‐term maintenance. Future programmes should emphasize strategies focusing on self‐monitoring, planning and managing interpersonal relationships to help participants successfully maintain weight‐loss in the longer‐term.
COVID‐19 and immunological regulations – from basic and translational aspects to clinical implications
Authors: Schön Michael P. , Berking Carola , Biedermann Tilo , Buhl Timo , Erpenbeck Luise , Eyerich Kilian , Eyerich Stefanie , Ghoreschi Kamran , Goebeler Matthias , Ludwig Ralf J. , Schäkel Knut , Schilling Bastian , Schlapbach Christoph , Stary Georg , von Stebut Esther , Steinbrink Kerstin 
Published: August 2020

SummaryThe COVID‐19 pandemic caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 has far‐reaching direct and indirect medical consequences. These include both the course and treatment of diseases. It is becoming increasingly clear that infections with SARS‐CoV‐2 can cause considerable immunological alterations, which particularly also affect pathogenetically and/or therapeutically relevant factors.Against this background we summarize here the current state of knowledge on the interaction of SARS‐CoV‐2/COVID‐19 with mediators of the acute phase of inflammation (TNF, IL‐1, IL‐6), type 1 and type 17 immune responses (IL‐12, IL‐23, IL‐17, IL‐36), type 2 immune reactions (IL‐4, IL‐13, IL‐5, IL‐31, IgE), B‐cell immunity, checkpoint regulators (PD‐1, PD‐L1, CTLA4), and orally druggable signaling pathways (JAK, PDE4, calcineurin). In addition, we discuss in this context non‐specific immune modulation by glucocorticosteroids, methotrexate, antimalarial drugs, azathioprine, dapsone, mycophenolate mofetil and fumaric acid esters, as well as neutrophil granulocyte‐mediated innate immune mechanisms.From these recent findings we derive possible implications for the therapeutic modulation of said immunological mechanisms in connection with SARS‐CoV‐2/COVID‐19. Although, of course, the greatest care should be taken with patients with immunologically mediated diseases or immunomodulating therapies, it appears that many treatments can also be carried out during the COVID‐19 pandemic; some even appear to alleviate COVID‐19.
Y‐chromosome haplotypes are associated with variation in size and age at maturity in male Chinook salmon
Authors: McKinney Garrett J. , Seeb James E. , Pascal Carita E. , Schindler Daniel E. , Gilk‐Baumer Sara E. , Seeb Lisa W. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractVariation in size and age at maturity is an important component of life history that is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. In salmonids, large size confers a direct reproductive advantage through increased fecundity and egg quality in females, while larger males gain a reproductive advantage by monopolizing access to females. In addition, variation in size and age at maturity in males can be associated with different reproductive strategies; younger smaller males may gain reproductive success by sneaking among mating pairs. In both sexes, there is a trade‐off between older age and increased reproductive success and increased risk of mortality by delaying reproduction. We identified four Y‐chromosome haplogroups that showed regional‐ and population‐specific variation in frequency using RADseq data for 21 populations of Alaska Chinook salmon. We then characterized the range‐wide distribution of these haplogroups using GT‐seq assays. These haplogroups exhibited associations with size at maturity in multiple populations, suggesting that lack of recombination between X and Y‐chromosomes has allowed Y‐chromosome haplogroups to capture different alleles that influence size at maturity. Ultimately, conservation of life history diversity in Chinook salmon may require conservation of Y‐chromosome haplotype diversity.
Quantifying cellular forces: Practical considerations of traction force microscopy for dermal fibroblasts
Authors: De La Pena Abigail , Mukhtar Marah , Yokosawa Ryosuke , Carrasquilla Santiago , Simmons Chelsey S. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTraction force microscopy (TFM) is a well‐established technique traditionally used by biophysicists to quantify the forces adherent biological cells exert on their microenvironment. As image processing software becomes increasingly user‐friendly, TFM is being adopted by broader audiences to quantify contractility of (myo)fibroblasts. While many technical reviews of TFM’s computational mechanics are available, this review focuses on practical experimental considerations for dermatology researchers new to cell mechanics and TFM who may wish to implement a higher throughput and less expensive alternative to collagen compaction assays. Here, we describe implementation of experimental methods, analysis using open‐source software and troubleshooting of common issues to enable researchers to leverage TFM for their investigations into skin fibroblasts.
Red king crab larval advection in Bristol Bay: Implications for recruitment variability
Authors: Daly Benjamin , Parada Carolina , Loher Timothy , Hinckley Sarah , Hermann Albert J. , Armstrong David 
Published: August 2020

AbstractRecruitment variability is poorly understood for Bering Sea crab stocks. The nearshore area in southwest Bristol Bay (Alaska, USA) is hypothesized as having historically (i.e., prior to ~ 1980) been the most important spawning ground for Bristol Bay red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) because post‐larvae are thought to have been most likely to reach optimal settlement habitat along the Alaska Peninsula when hatched from this area as part of an endless‐belt reproductive strategy. We coupled a biophysical and oceanographic circulation model to test this hypothesis, investigate larval connectivity of more recent female spatial distributions, and evaluate the importance of climate variability on larval advection trajectories. Predicted settlement success varied through changes in larval pelagic duration and oceanographic circulation patterns: Shorter advective distance was associated with warmer conditions, causing higher rates of local retention relative to cold conditions. Contrary to earlier models, most larvae hatched in southwest Bristol Bay were advected offshore away from good habitat, whereas larvae hatched in central and nearshore Bristol Bay were retained in or advected to good habitat along the Alaska Peninsula. Our results suggest contemporary spatial distributions can supply settlement‐competent larvae to nurseries along the Alaska Peninsula and that under certain conditions, larvae may reach the Pribilof Islands when hatched from southwest Bristol Bay. Our study informs the role of environmental variability on larval transport and provides context within which to structure future investigations of recruitment mechanisms.
Associations of DXA‐measured abdominal adiposity with cardio‐metabolic risk and related markers in early adolescence in Project Viva
Authors: Wu Allison J. , Rifas‐Shiman Sheryl L. , Taveras Elsie M. , Oken Emily , Hivert Marie‐France 
Published: August 2020

SummaryBackgroundIncreased visceral adipose tissue (VAT) precedes development of insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in adults. The associations of abdominal adiposity derived from dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), including VAT, subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (SAAT) and total abdominal adipose tissue (TAAT) with cardio‐metabolic risk in adolescents are understudied.ObjectivesWe examined the cross‐sectional associations of DXA‐measured abdominal adiposity with cardio‐metabolic risk and related markers in early adolescence (mean [SD] age 13.0 [0.7] years).MethodsWe collected data from 740 adolescents (374 girls and 366 boys) in Project Viva, a U.S. pre‐birth cohort. We used DXA estimates of VAT, SAAT and TAAT area. We conducted overall and sex‐stratified linear regression models, adjusting for age, sex (in overall models), race/ethnicity, puberty score and body mass index (BMI) z‐score.ResultsMean BMI z‐score was 0.59 (1.28). After adjustment, greater VAT (per 1 SD score) was associated with higher metabolic risk z‐score (β 0.14 units; 95% CI 0.08, 0.20), higher log high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (β 0.51 mg/L; 0.36, 0.66) and log leptin (β 0.36 ng/mL; 0.27, 0.44), and lower log adiponectin (β −0.08 ug/mL; −0.13, −0.02). SAAT and TAAT showed similar associations as VAT with comparable or greater effect sizes.ConclusionIn early adolescence, DXA‐measured VAT, SAAT and TAAT are associated with cardio‐metabolic risk and related markers, independent of current BMI. Among two adolescents with the same BMI, there is an associated higher cardio‐metabolic risk in the adolescent with greater DXA‐measured abdominal adiposity.
Science and art of anticancer drug dosing: nine steps to personalised therapy
Authors: Ackland Stephen P. , Michael Michael , de Souza Paul , Martin Jennifer H. , Clarke Stephen J. , Francis Kay , Karapetis Christos S. , Gurney Howard 
Published: August 2020

AbstractCancer medicine is a challenging field with an increasing range of promising therapies and combinations. Increasingly, personalised medicine shows promise to improve cancer outcomes – response, symptom control, survival and cure. However, optimal dosing is an under‐appreciated aspect of personalised anticancer therapy, with few clinical trials addressing this specific issue. This position paper aims to inform various health professionals about the principles that guide anticancer drug dose selection and modifications. We discuss the available evidence base for personalised dosing, as well as the professional judgement required by experienced oncology physicians to determine the most appropriate dose for each patient. We provide nine steps to guide clinicians and trainees in this process, based on: pharmacology of each agent (absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination and mechanism of action); scientific evidence for recommended doses; professional knowledge of patients' unique phenotype (adiposity, comorbidities, etc.); previous drug tolerance; individual dose adjustment in combination therapy; communication and documentation, with the added need for ongoing monitoring and adjustment. We strongly propose professional education and future research towards optimal dosing.
What came first, the virus or the egg: Innate immunity during viral coinfections
Authors: Rippee‐Brooks Meagan D. , Marcinczyk Riley N. , Lupfer Christopher R. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractInfections with any pathogen can be severe and present with numerous complications caused by the pathogen or the host immune response to the invading microbe. However, coinfections, also called polymicrobial infections or secondary infections, can further exacerbate disease. Coinfections are more common than is often appreciated. In this review, we focus specifically on coinfections between viruses and other viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi. Importantly, innate immune signaling and innate immune cells that facilitate clearance of the initial viral infection can affect host susceptibility to coinfections. Understanding these immune imbalances may facilitate better diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of such coinfections.
Horses for courses? Assessing the potential value of a surrogate, point‐of‐care test for SARS‐CoV‐2 epidemic control
Authors: Ismail Sharif A. , Huntley Catherine , Post Nathan , Rigby Samuel , Shrotri Madhumita , Williams Sarah V. , Peacock Sharon J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPoint‐of‐care tests (POCTs) offer considerable potential for improving clinical and public health management of COVID‐19 by providing timely information to guide decision‐making, but data on real‐world performance are in short supply. Besides SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific tests, there is growing interest in the role of surrogate (non‐specific) tests such as FebriDx, a biochemical POCT which can be used to distinguish viral from bacterial infection in patients with influenza‐like illnesses. This short report assesses what is currently known about FebriDx performance across settings and populations by comparison with some of the more intensively evaluated SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific POCTs. While FebriDx shows some potential in supporting triage for early‐stage infection in acute care settings, this is dependent on SARS‐CoV‐2 being the most likely cause for influenza‐like illnesses, with reduction in discriminatory power when COVID‐19 case numbers are low, and when co‐circulating viral respiratory infections become more prevalent during the autumn and winter. Too little is currently known about its performance in primary care and the community to support use in these contexts, and further evaluation is needed. Reliable SARS CoV2‐specific POCTs—when they become available—are likely to rapidly overtake surrogates as the preferred option given the greater specificity they provide.
“Tomorrow, I’ll Be Fine”: Impacts and coping mechanisms in adolescents and young adults with primary dysmenorrhoea
Authors: Allyn Katherine , Evans Subhadra , Seidman Laura C. , Payne Laura A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimsTo understand the experiences of adolescents and young adults with primary dysmenorrhoea through the lens of structured frameworks extant in contemporary pain literature.DesignDescriptive qualitative study.MethodsThirty‐nine adolescents and young adults (ages 16–24 years) with primary dysmenorrhoea participated in semi‐structured in‐person interviews. Transcripts of the interviews were analysed using deductive thematic analysis from November 2018 to April 2019.ResultsTwo overarching themes, each with subthemes, were identified. The first theme, primary dysmenorrhoea impacts the whole person, contained the following subthemes: biological, social, and psychological. The second theme, coping mechanisms of women with primary dysmenorrhoea, contained the following subthemes: primary, secondary, and passive coping.ConclusionWomen experience several primary dysmenorrhoea‐related impacts on their biological, social, and psychological functioning. Women employ a variety of coping mechanisms to manage their primary dysmenorrhoea pain.ImpactThis study emphasizes the significant effects of primary dysmenorrhoea on nearly every aspect of women's lives and contributes to an understanding of the ways women cope with this pain. The findings of this study underscore the need for continued consideration of primary dysmenorrhoea as a debilitating pain process as well as the need for additional interventions to help women manage this condition.
Genetic parameter estimation and gene association analyses for meat quality traits in open‐air free‐range Iberian pigs
Authors: Fernández‐Barroso Miguel Á. , Silió Luis , Rodríguez Carmen , Palma‐Granados Patricia , López Adrián , Caraballo Carmen , Sánchez‐Esquiliche Fernando , Gómez‐Carballar Fernando , García‐Casco Juan M. , Muñoz María 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMeat quality of Iberian pigs is defined by the combination of their genetic characteristics and the particular production system. To carry out a genetic analysis of the main meat quality traits, we estimated their heritabilities, genetic correlations and the association effects of 32 selected SNPs of 12 candidate genes. A total of ten traits were measured in longissimus dorsi samples from 1,199 Iberian pigs fattened in the traditional free‐range system: water holding capacity (thawing, cooking and centrifuge force water losses), instrumental colour (lightness L*, redness a* and yellowness b*), myoglobin content, shear force on cooked meat, and shear force and maximum compression force on dry‐cured loin. Estimated heritability values were low to moderate (0.01 to 0.43) being the lowest for L* and the highest for cooking loss. Strong genetic correlations between water holding capacity traits (0.93 to 0.96) and between myoglobin content and a* (0.94) were observed. The association analyses revealed 19 SNPs significantly associated with different traits. Consistent and strong effects were observed between PRKAG3 SNPs (rs319678464G > C and rs330427832C > T), MYH3_rs81437544T > C, CASP3_rs319658214G > T and CTSL_rs332171512A > G and water losses. Also for CAPN1_rs81358667G > A and CASP3_rs319658214G > T and shear force. The SNPs mapping on PRKAG3 showed the highest effects on Minolta colour traits. Genotyping of these SNPs could be useful for the selection of Iberian young boars with similar estimated breeding values for productive traits.
Optimal blood pressure for the prevention of hypertensive nephropathy in nondiabetic hypertensive patients in Taiwan
Authors: Kao Ting‐Wei , Huang Chin‐Chou , Chen Jaw‐Wen 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHypertension is a global health burden. However, clinical reference for the adequate management of blood pressure (BP) to prevent renal injury has yet to be established. Thus, this study aimed to investigate whether optimal control and maintenance of BP at < 140/90, < 130/80, or < 120/70 mmHg could prevent hypertensive nephropathy in nondiabetic hypertensive patients. A single‐center observational study of 351 nondiabetic hypertensive patients was conducted in Taiwan. The average age of the participants was 64.0 years, and approximately 57.8% of the participants were men. Kidney function was assessed using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The baseline eGFR was 83.8 ± 19.8 mL/min/1.73 m2. All patients were followed up every 3 months and underwent office BP measurement and blood sampling. Renal events were defined as> 25% and> 50% decline in eGFR. During an average follow‐up period of 4.2 ± 2.3 years, a> 25% and> 50% decline in eGFR was noted in 49 and 11 patients, respectively. The Cox regression analysis revealed that a baseline BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.965; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.099–3.514, P = 0.023) and ≥ 130/80 mmHg (HR: 2.799; 95% CI: 1.286–6.004, P = 0.009) increased the risk of> 25% decline in eGFR. Moreover, a baseline BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg (HR: 8.120; 95% CI: 1.650–39.956, P = 0.010) and follow‐up BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg (HR: 6.402; 95% CI: 1.338–30.637, P = 0.020) increased the risk of> 50% decline in eGFR. In conclusion, a stringent baseline BP < 130/80 mmHg and a follow‐up BP < 140/90 mmHg can be considered optimal cutoff values for clinical practice to prevent hypertensive nephropathy.