bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of puerarin on osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells
Authors: Li Jun , Peng Youjian 
Published: December 2019

Objective To investigate the effects of the flavonoid, puerarin, on osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). Methods Human PDLSCs were isolated from patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, and the cell surface markers CD146, CD34, CD45, and STRO-1 were identified by immunofluorescence. Cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay; alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured, and calcium deposition was detected by alizarin red staining. PCR was then used to detect the distributions of COL-I, OPN, Runx2, and OCN, genes related to osteogenic differentiation. Results Staining was positive for cytokines CD146, CD34, CD45, and STRO-1 in the experimental group; staining was also positive for silk protein, but negative for keratin. After 7 days of culture, exposure to puerarin significantly promoted the level of intracellular ALP; increased puerarin concentration led to increased intracellular ALP. Red mineralized nodules appeared upon exposure to puerarin and the number of nodules was concentration-dependent. PCR analysis revealed that COL-I, OPN, Runx2, and OCN expression levels increased as puerarin concentration increased. Conclusions Exposure to puerarin can promote proliferation and ALP activity in human PDLSCs, thus promoting both molecular and osteogenic differentiation; these findings may provide a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of periodontal disease with puerarin.
Prognostic value of early glycosylated hemoglobin and blood glucose levels in patients with basal ganglia cerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Sun Wentao , Hu Qunliang , Wang Juan , Zheng Ning , Chen Kai , Wang Yanmin , Zhang Shijun , Jiang Rongcai 
Published: December 2019

Objective This study was performed to analyze the relationships of the early glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb) level and blood glucose level (BGL) with prognosis in patients with basal ganglia cerebral hemorrhage (BGCH). Methods In total, 186 patients with BGCH were included in this prospective study. The GHb level, fasting BGL, bleeding volume, degree of consciousness disorder, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) score, functional outcome in patients with primary ICH (FUNC) score, ICH grading scale (ICH-GS) score, and neurological impairment were recorded during a 30-day observation period. Results The mean BGCH volume was 58.42 mL. The 30-day mortality rate was 22.32%. The ICH-GS score [odds ratio (OR) = 0.815, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.504–0.688, R = 0.624] and bleeding volume (OR = 0.882, 95% CI = 0.785–0.918, R = 0.784) were significant predictors of 30-day mortality. The GHb level (OR = 6.138, R = 0.705) and BGL (OR = 1.055, R = 0.418) were independent predictors of 30-day mortality according to the multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusion The GHb level and BGL are strong predictors of 30-day mortality in patients with BGCH and accurately predict the prognosis in these patients.
Transurethral holmium laser resection and transurethral electrocision combined with intravesical epirubicin within 24 hours postoperatively for treatment of bladder cancer
Authors: Lu Jiawei , Xue Yagang , Shen Feng , Gu Hongxing , Liu Haiyong , Hou Jianhua , Miao Huidong 
Published: December 2019

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of transurethral holmium laser resection (THOLR) and transurethral electrocision (TUR) combined with intravesical epirubicin within 24 hours postoperatively for treatment of non-muscular invasive bladder cancer. Methods A total of 218 consecutive patients who were newly diagnosed with bladder cancer were enrolled in this prospective study from July 2014 to December 2017. The patients were randomly divided into THOLR and TUR groups. All patients received intravesical epirubicin (30 mg dissolved in 5% glucose solution) within 24 hours postoperatively. The operation time, blood loss, rate of obturator reflex, hospitalization time, catheterization time, complications, and recurrence were analyzed. Results Operation, hospitalization, and catheterization times were significantly greater in the TUR group than in the THOLR group. The rates of blood loss and intraoperative obturator reflex were also significantly greater in the TUR group. There were no significant differences in complications, recurrence rate survival, or recurrence-free survival between the two groups, with the exception of bladder perforation rate. Conclusions THOLR and TUR combined with intravesical epirubicin within 24 hours postoperatively were both safe and effective for treatment of bladder tumor; however, patients who undergo THOLR might experience more rapid recovery.
Biliary self-expandable metallic stent combined with Iodine-125 seeds strand in the treatment of hilar malignant biliary obstruction
Authors: Zhou Chuanguo , Li Hui , Huang Qiang , Wang Jianfeng , Gao Kun 
Published: December 2019

Objective To assess the safety and effectiveness of a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) combined with Iodine-125 seeds strand to treat hilar malignant biliary obstruction (MBO). Methods This retrospective study included patients who had received SEMS with 125I seeds strand (seeds group) or SEMS alone (controls) to treat hilar MBO. Demographic, biochemical, stent patency, overall survival and complications data were extracted and analysed. Results A total of 76 patients were included (seeds group, n = 40; controls, n = 36), with a total of 608 seeds deployed in the seeds group (mean, 15.2 ± 4.1 [range, 8–25] seeds per patient). Statistically significant between-group differences were shown in median stent patency time (seeds group, 387.0 ± 27.9 days [95% confidence interval {CI} 332.4, 441.6] versus controls, 121.0 ± 9.1 days [95% CI 103.2, 138.8]) and in median overall survival (seeds group, 177.0 ± 17.9 days [95% CI 141.8, 212.2] versus controls, 123.0 ± 20.4 [95% CI 83.0, 163.0]). There were no statistically significant between-group differences in complication rates. Conclusion SEMS combined with 125I seeds strand is safe, feasible, and tolerable in treating patients with hilar MBO, and may be effective in prolonging stent patency time and overall survival.
Incidence of scoliosis among junior high school students in Zhongshan city, Guangdong and the possible importance of decreased miR-30e expression
Authors: Huang Fuli , Liu Yongheng , Wu Junzhe , Yang Junlin , Huang Sizhe , Zhang Zhenshan , Li Dagang , Gao Dawei 
Published: December 2019

Objective We investigated scoliosis incidence among junior high school students in Zhongshan city, Guangdong, China and the expression of miR-30e among those with scoliosis. Methods A total 41,258 students were included. From July 2015 to December 2017, all students underwent screening including routine observation of the standing and sitting posture, Adam's forward bend test, dorsal tilt angle measurement, and X-ray examination. Age, sex, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to assess miR-30e expression among students with scoliosis and 200 healthy students. Results Overall, 743 students were diagnosed with scoliosis, with an incidence rate of 1.80%. A total 646 (86.9%) students were diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis, 38 (5.1%) with congenital scoliosis, and 59 (7.9%) with other scoliosis types. Compared with healthy students, height was significantly greater whereas weight and BMI were significantly lower among students with scoliosis, and expression of miR-30e was significantly lower. However, no significant difference was found in height, weight, BMI, and mean Cobb angle between high/low miR-30e groups. Conclusion The incidence rate for scoliosis was 1.80%, Compared with healthy students, those with scoliosis were taller, had lower weight and BMI, and miR-30e expression was significantly downregulated.
Identification of key genes and pathways in abdominal aortic aneurysm by integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Liu Yihai , Wang Xixi , Wang Hongye , Hu Tingting 
Published: December 2019

Objectives To identify key genes associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) by integrating a microarray profile and a single-cell RNA-seq dataset. Methods The microarray profile of GSE7084 and the single-cell RNA-seq dataset were obtained from the Gene Express Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were chosen using the R package and annotated by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics analysis. The hub genes were identified based on their degrees of interaction in the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Expression of hub genes was determined using single-cell RNA-seq analysis. Results In total, 507 upregulated and 842 downregulated DEGs were identified and associated with AAA. The upregulated DEGs were enriched into 9 biological processes and 10 biological pathways, which were closely involved in the pathogenesis and progression of AAA. Based on the PPI network, we focused on six hub genes, four of which were novel target genes compared with the known aneurysm gene database. Using single-cell RNA-seq analysis, we explored the four genes expressed in vascular cells of AAA: CANX, CD44, DAXX, and STAT1. Conclusions We identified key genes that may provide insight into the mechanism of AAA pathogenesis and progression and that have potential to be therapeutic targets.
Application of computed tomography angiography for evaluating clinical morphology in intracranial aneurysms – monocentric study
Authors: Sui Ru-de , Wang Chun-guo , Han Dong-wei , Zhang Xiu-qing , Li Qing , Xu Chun-fu , Gong Pi-bao 
Published: December 2019

Objective To examine the clinical effect of computed tomography angiography (CTA) on parameters of intracranial aneurysms in different locations and with different sizes using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the standard. Methods Patients with intracranial aneurysms who underwent CTA examinations at the same center and received DSA examinations within 3 days were analyzed retrospectively. The morphological parameters of the aneurysms and parent arteries were measured with these two methods. Results Mean aneurysm size and parent artery diameter were not different between CTA and DSA. The size of microaneurysms was significantly smaller with DSA than with CTA. The aneurysmal neck width was not different between CTA and DSA. DSA could clearly evaluate the relationship between the aneurysmal neck and the parent artery in all cases. However, CTA had a 90% accuracy rate of visualizing this relationship. Conclusion The accuracy rates of evaluating aneurysm size and the aneurysmal neck width and parent artery diameter are similar between CTA and DSA. A DSA examination is essential for evaluating the relationship among microaneurysms, the aneurysmal neck, and the parent artery. CTA is widely applied and more safe in clinical practice, while DSA has a better guiding effect than CTA for some complicated aneurysms.
The alignment effects of CEO stock incentives in the presence of government ownership: International evidence from Gulf Cooperation Council countries
Authors: Agha Mahmoud , Eulaiwi Baban 
Published: December 2019

This article investigates whether government ownership in publicly listed firms of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries affects the behaviour of CEOs who are granted stock incentives, that is, an ownership stake in these firms. The results suggest that government ownership may create an environment that could be abused by these managers. In particular, we find that when government ownership reaches a certain threshold, the alignment effect of CEO stock incentives is reversed such that borrowing increases; capital expenditure decreases; selling, general and administrative (SGA) expenses increase; and firm performance decreases with the level of CEO stock incentives. Our results could have implications for investors and policymakers in GCC countries, and other developing markets, where governments usually have substantial equity stakes in some publicly listed firms. JEL Classification: G32, G34, G35, G38
In the driving seat: Executive’s perceived control over environment
Authors: Schwarz Gavin M , Sanders Karin , Bouckenooghe Dave 
Published: December 2019

This study investigates executives’ perceived control over their environment. Drawing on managerial cognition and upper echelons theory, we test a model that specifies perceived control over environment as made up of organizational routines (i.e. information processing capability and decision comprehensiveness) and executive understanding of performance (i.e. organizational effectiveness and organizational slack). Findings from a scenario study of 46 executives in 14 pharmaceutical firms show perceived control over the internal environment can be explained by information processing capability, and the interactions between organizational routines and resources. Perceived control over the external task environment can be explained by information processing. This difference accounts for the extent to which executives perceive that they can control their environment, adding to the more traditional view focused on the requirements for a strategic fit to environment. JEL Classification: M10, M12, L20
Initial conservative management strategy of HeartWare left ventricular assist device thrombosis with intravenous heparin or bivalirudin
Authors: Bouzas-Cruz Noelia , Gonzalez-Fernandez Oscar , Ferrera-Durán Carlos , Woods Andrew , Robinson-Smith Nicola , Tovey Sian , Jungschleger Jérôme , Booth Karen , Shah Asif , Parry Gareth , MacGowan Guy A , Schueler Stephan 
Published: December 2019

Introduction and objectives: Pump thrombosis is a serious left ventricular assist device complication, though there are no guidelines regarding its treatment. The main aim of this study was to describe a strategy of intravenous anticoagulation as the initial treatment in these patients and then to compare intravenous heparin with bivalirudin. Methods: All consecutive patients who received a HeartWare left ventricular assist device from July 2009 to March 2019 were retrospectively analysed. Patients developing a pump thrombosis were selected, and treatment, outcomes and complications were recorded. Results: During this period of time (116 months), 220 patients underwent HeartWare left ventricular assist device implantation and 57 developed pump thrombosis, with an incidence rate of first pump thrombosis of 0.17 events per patient-year of support (incidence rate of all episodes of pump thrombosis: 0.30 events per patient-year of support). All the patients were initially treated medically, predominantly with either intravenous heparin (n = 26) or bivalirudin (n = 16). Patients treated with bivalirudin during the first pump thrombosis episode had less subsequent re-thrombosis episodes (18.7% vs 57.7%, p < 0.05). In addition, percentage time in therapeutic range was greater for bivalirudin compared with heparin (68.5% ± 16.9% vs 37.4% ± 31.0%, p < 0.01). During the first pump thrombosis episode, 26.3% of the patients needed surgery (left ventricular assist device exchange (n = 8), transplant (n = 6) or decommissioning (n = 1)). The overall survival at 1 year was 61.4%, and there was no significant difference in survival. Conclusion: Left ventricular assist device thrombosis is a serious life-threatening complication; hence, we propose an initial conservative management of pump thrombosis with enhanced intravenous anticoagulation with either intravenous heparin or bivalirudin, with surgery reserved for refractory cases.
Impact of Community Pharmacist Interventions With Managed Care to Improve Medication Adherence
Authors: Daly Christopher J. , Verrall Kelly , Jacobs David M. 
Published: December 2019

Background: Nonadherence to medications is a concern due to adverse outcomes and higher costs of care. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has made adherence a key measurement for Star ratings. Objective: To evaluate the impact of a collaborative pilot program between a third-party payer, local pharmacy organization, and academic institution focusing on improving medication adherence with community pharmacies. Methods: Twenty-five community pharmacies implemented adherence-based interventions in patients ≥65 years old, who were Medicare Advantage Plan members, taking targeted medications (statins, oral diabetic medications, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors [ACE-Is] and angiotensin receptor blockers [ARBs]). Outcome measures were (1) pharmacy intervention completion rate, (2) type of adherence interventions, (3) change in the proportion of days covered (PDC) following pharmacist intervention based on adherence group, and (4) nonadherence barriers. Results: A total of 1263 interventions met the eligibility criteria, and common interventions included explaining the benefit of the medication (n = 453, 35.9%) and provider follow-up (n = 109, 8.6%). Among nonadherent subjects who became adherent, the mean PDC increased by 14% (74%-88%, P < .0001), with a 12% decrease in mean PDC score in the nonadherent who remained nonadherent group (71%-58%, P < .0001). Common patient barriers for nonadherence were forgetfulness (n = 451, 35.7%) and denial (n = 84, 6.7%). System and therapeutic barriers included complexity (n = 155, 12.3%) and adverse side effects (n = 42, 3.3%). Conclusion: This collaborative effort successfully implemented a community pharmacist-led adherence intervention in 25 independent pharmacies. Our findings highlight increased interactions with patients and in some cases improved adherence measures. Future research must include implementation outcomes in order to effectively implement these interventions in the community pharmacy setting.
Predicting Social Well-being Using Time Perspective in Emerging Adults
Authors: Dwivedi Akansha , Rastogi Renu 
Published: December 2019

Purpose: The present study provides an insight into the issue of social well-being of emerging adults in the Indian context and introduces time perspective (TP) as an individual factor that could influence it. Design/Methodology/Approach: The present study is basically correlational in nature. Data were collected from 130 participants; of these, 84.61 per cent ( n = 110) were male and 15.38 per cent ( n = 20) female. The mean age of students was 18.5 years; all are the students of different technological institutes of Roorkee. The responses of the participants had been collected using two questionnaires: Zimbardo time inventory (Zimbardo & Boyd, 1999, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 77(6), 1271–1288) and social well-being inventory (Keyes, 1998). Multiple regression analysis was used for data analysis. Findings: The results demonstrated that future TP emerges as a significant predictor of social well-being. Originality/Value: The study offers a model that extends the scope of previous researches in the field of social health. It provides a new research paradigm to the area of emerging adulthood and introduces some individual factors that could produce variance in emerging adults’ social well-being.
Experiences at the End of Life From the Perspective of Bereaved Parents: Results of a Qualitative Focus Group Study
Authors: Sedig Laura K. , Spruit Jessica L. , Paul Trisha K. , Cousino Melissa K. , Pituch Kenneth , Hutchinson Raymond 
Published: December 2019

Background: Palliative care principles are known to support the experiences of children and their families throughout the illness trajectory. However, there is little knowledge of the parental perceptions of care delivered and gaps experienced by families receiving end-of-life care. We report the most helpful aspects of care provided during the end of life and identify opportunities to improve care delivery during this critical time. Methods: This study consists of 2 one-hour focus group sessions with 6 participants each facilitated by a clinical psychologist to explore the experiences of bereaved parents of pediatric oncology patients at the end of their child’s life. The data were transcribed and coded using constant comparative analysis and evaluated for inter-rater reliability using intraclass correlation coefficient. Results: Four common themes were identified through qualitative analysis: (1) valued communication qualities, (2) valued provider qualities, (3) unmet needs, and (4) parental experiences. The most prevalent of these themes was unmet needs (mentioned 51 times). Subthemes were identified and evaluated. Parents described struggling with communication from providers, loss of control in the hospital environment, and challenges associated with transition of care to hospice services. Conclusion: Interventions that support the complex needs of a family during end-of-life care are needed, especially with regard to coordination of care.
Pathogens Causing Respiratory Tract Infections in Children Less Than 5 Years of Age in Senegal
Authors: Knobbe Rebecca B , Diallo Abdallah , Fall Amary , Gueye Aida D , Dieng Assane , van Immerzeel Tabitha D , Ba Abou , Diop Amadou , Diop Abdoulaye , Niang Mbayame , Boye Cheikh SB 
Published: December 2019

Introduction: While acute respiratory tract infections are the main cause of paediatric mortality and morbidity worldwide, pathogen patterns shift due to factors such as hygiene, vaccinations, and antibiotic resistance. Knowledge about current cause of respiratory infections is lacking, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to identity the various respiratory pathogens causing acute respiratory tract infections in children below 5 years of age visiting a sub-urban primary care clinic in Senegal. Methods: A case-control study was performed in September and October 2018. Oropharyngeal swabs were collected from cases; infants with fever and respiratory symptoms, and controls; children involved in the vaccination programme. Viral identification was conducted by polymerase chain reaction for 21 different viruses; bacteria were identified by culture studies. Associations between microorganisms, acute respiratory infection and severity of disease were calculated by multivariate regression adjusting for confounders such as age, sex, and living area. Results: Overall, 102 cases and 96 controls were included. Microorganisms were detected in 90.1% of cases and 53.7% of controls ( P < .001). Influenza virus A (including H1N1), influenza virus B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and Streptococcus pneumoniae were independently associated with acute respiratory tract infections. Co-detection of two or more pathogens was present in 49.5% of cases; 31.7% of cases had a pneumonia and 90.2% was treated with antibiotics. Conclusions: This case-control study in a primary care setting in sub-Saharan Africa found influenza virus A and B, RSV, and S pneumoniae to be the main causes of acute respiratory tract infections in children below 5 years of age. We recommend evaluation of antibiotics prescription behaviour in this setting.