bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aberrant expression of miR‐29b‐3p influences heart development and cardiomyocyte proliferation by targeting NOTCH2
Authors: Yang Qian , Wu Fang , Mi Yaping , Wang Feng , Cai Ke , Yang Xiaoshan , Zhang Ranran , Liu Lian , Zhang Yawen , Wang Youhua , Wang Xu , Xu Mingqing , Gui Yonghao , Li Qiang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectivesmicroRNA‐29 (miR‐29) family have shown different expression patterns in cardiovascular diseases. Our study aims to explore the effect and mechanism of miR‐29 family on cardiac development.Materials and methodsA total of 13 patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) and 7 controls were included in our study. Tissues were obtained from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) after surgical resection or autopsy. The next‐generation sequencing was applied to screen the microRNA expression profiles of CHD. Quantitative RT‐PCR and Western blot were employed to measure genes expression. Tg Cmlc2: GFP reporter zebrafish embryos were injected with microRNA (miRNA) to explore its role in cardiac development in vivo. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was designed to validate the target gene of miRNAs. CCK‐8 and EdU incorporation assays were performed to evaluate cardiomyocyte proliferation.ResultsOur study showed miR‐29b‐3p expression was significantly increased in the RVOT of the CHD patients. Injection of miR‐29b‐3p into zebrafish embryos induced higher mortality and malformation rates, developmental delay, cardiac malformation and dysfunction. miR‐29b‐3p inhibited cardiomyocyte proliferation, and its inhibitor promoted cardiomyocyte proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we identified that miR‐29b‐3p influenced cardiomyocyte proliferation by targeting NOTCH2, which was down‐regulated in the RVOT of the CHD patients.ConclusionThis study reveals that miR‐29b‐3p functions as a novel regulator of cardiac development and inhibits cardiomyocyte proliferation via NOTCH2, which provides novel insights into the aetiology and potential treatment of CHD.
Pulsed echinocandin therapy in azole intolerant or multiresistant chronic pulmonary aspergillosis: A retrospective review at a UK tertiary centre
Authors: Osborne William , Fernandes Michelle , Brooks Sophie , Grist Emily , Sayer Charlie , Hansell David M. , Wilson Robert , Shah Anand , Loebinger Michael R. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIntroductionChronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a fungal disease with high mortality and morbidity. Guidelines suggest treatment with azoles as first‐line therapy. However, patients often develop treatment intolerance or increasingly azole resistance.ObjectivesThis retrospective review assesses outcomes in azole resistant or intolerant patients with CPA treated with cyclical echinocandin therapy.MethodsWe retrospectively examined records of 25 patients with CPA treated with cyclical caspofungin, 6 of whom were either azole‐resistant or azole intolerant. Baseline characteristics, high‐resolution computed tomography severity scores, forced expiratory volume after 1 minute (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), body mass index and serology (Aspergillus fumigatus‐specific IgG, Aspergillus fumigatus‐specific IgE, total IgE and CRP) were assessed before and after caspofungin.ResultsOf the six patients, four (66%) started caspofungin due to intolerance and two (33%) due to pan‐azole resistance. On treatment, there was stability in FEV1 with an overall mortality of 33% during the follow‐up period with a median survival of 875.5 days (IQR 529‐1024). No significant change in serology (A. fumigatus‐specific IgG and CRP was seen.ConclusionsWith pulsed echinocandin therapy, azole‐intolerant or pan‐resistant CPA patients have similar mortality rates to azole‐naïve CPA patients. Pulsed echinocandin therapy may present a strategy to stabilize CPA in patients with pan resistance or intolerance to, azole therapy.
Predictors and consequences of declining insulin therapy by individuals with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Turchin A. , Hosomura N. , Zhang H. , Malmasi S. , Shubina M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAimTo determine the relationship between decline of insulin therapy by individuals with type 2 diabetes and subsequent blood glucose control.MethodsWe retrospectively studied adults with type 2 diabetes and suboptimal (HbA1c ≥ 53 mmol/mol [7.0%]) glycaemic control followed at two academic hospitals between 2000 and 2014 who were recommended insulin therapy. Decline of insulin therapy recommendations was identified using natural language processing of provider notes. Time to HbA1c < 53 mmol/mol (7.0%) served as the primary outcome.ResultsOf 5307 study participants, 2267 (42.7%) declined insulin therapy. Median time to HbA1c control in individuals who declined vs. started insulin therapy was 50 vs. 38 months, respectively (P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, decline of insulin therapy was associated with hazard ratio for HbA1c control of 0.89 (95% CI 0.82 to 0.97; P = 0.008). Participants were more likely to accept insulin therapy recommendations if they had diabetes complications (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.13 to 1.53; P < 0.001) or a higher HbA1c (OR 1.10; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.13; P < 0.001), and less likely if they were older (OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.76 to 0.86; P < 0.001) or were taking more non‐insulin diabetes medications (OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.74 to 0.83; P < 0.001).ConclusionsIndividuals with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes who declined insulin therapy subsequently had worse glycaemic control. These findings highlight the need to improve our understanding of the relationship of this common but poorly explored clinical phenomenon to blood glucose control and ultimately diabetes complications.
The methionine aminopeptidase 2 inhibitor ZGN‐1061 improves glucose control and weight in overweight and obese individuals with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Wentworth John M. , Colman Peter G. ,   Zafgen Study Group
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe methionine aminopeptidase 2 (MetAP2) inhibitor ZGN‐1061 lowered weight and improved glucose in preclinical studies. We sought to determine its efficacy and safety by performing a multicentre, phase 2, randomized controlled trial involving overweight and obese adults with type 2 diabetes and HbA1c between 7% and 11% inclusive. Participants were randomized to receive subcutaneous treatment with placebo or 0.05, 0.3, 0.9 or 1.8 mg ZGN‐1061 every third day for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was change in HbA1c at week 12. Relative to placebo, the 0.9 and 1.8 mg doses induced clinically meaningful reductions in HbA1c of 0.6% (95% CI 0.2% to 0.9%; P = 0.0006) and 1.0% (95% CI 0.6% to 1.4%; P < 0.0001), respectively. The 1.8 mg dose also induced weight loss of 2.2% (95% CI 1.1% to 3.3%; P = 0.0002). The incidence of adverse events was balanced across the treatment groups. We conclude that MetAP2 inhibition with ZGN‐1061 for 12 weeks improved glucose control and aided weight loss in overweight and obese people with type 2 diabetes. However, given safety issues, Zafgen has discontinued MetAP2 inhibitor development.
Multimodality imaging in preparation for resection of a right atrial cavernous hemangioma
Authors: Gao Ying , Wu Wenqian , Zhang Li , Sun Zhenxing , Xie Yuji , Li Yuman , Xie Mingxing 
Published: February 2020

AbstractA cardiac cavernous hemangioma is an extremely rare primary benign cardiac tumor. Herein, we report a case of cavernous hemangioma in the right atrium and close to the coronary sinus of an asymptomatic 56‐year‐old male who underwent multimodality imaging and successful resection of the cavernous hemangioma. Our case highlights that multimodality imaging plays an important role in characterizing cardiac hemangiomas and determining the surgical plan.
Comparison of differentiation gene batteries for migratory mechanosensory neurons across bilaterians
Authors: Zhao Di , Chen Siyu , Horie Takeo , Gao Yimeng , Bao Hongcun , Liu Xiao 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn embryos of distantly related bilaterian phyla, their lateral neural borders give rise to the peripheral nervous system elements, including various mechanosensory cells derived from migratory precursors, such as hair cells and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in vertebrates, bipolar tail neuron (BTN) in Ciona, chordotonal organ in Drosophila, and AVM/PVM in Caenorhabditis elegans. Developmental genetics studies had revealed a couple of transcription factors (TFs) regulating differentiation of mechanosensory cells shared by vertebrates and arthropods. However, unbiased systematic profiling of regulators is needed to demonstrate conservation of differentiation gene batteries for mechanosensory cells across bilaterians. At first, we observed that in both C. elegans Q neuroblasts and Drosophila lateral neuroectoderm, conserved NPB specifier Msx/vab‐15 regulates Atoh1/lin‐32, supporting the homology of mechanosensory neuron development in lateral neural border lineage of Ecdysozia. So we used C. elegans as a protostomia model. Single‐cell resolution expression profiling of TFs and genetic analysis revealed a differentiation gene battery (Atonh1/lin‐32, Drg11/alr‐1, Gfi1/pag‐3, Lhx5/mec‐3, and Pou4/unc‐86) for AVM/PVM mechanosensory neurons. The worm‐gene battery significantly overlaps with both that of placode‐derived Atonh1/lin‐32‐dependent hair cells and that of NPB‐derived Neurogenin‐dependent DRG neurons in vertebrates, supporting the homology of molecular mechanisms underlying the differentiation of neural border‐derived mechanosensory cells between protostome and deuterostome. At last, Ciona BTN, the homolog of vertebrate DRG, also expresses Atonh1/lin‐32, further supporting the homology notion and indicating a common origin of hair cells and DRG in vertebrate lineage.
Antibiotic resistance and clonal relatedness of Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from stomach biopsy specimens in northeast of Iran
Authors: Hamidi Sara , Badmasti Farzad , Sadeghpour Heravi Fatemah , Safapoor Mohammed Hossein , Mohammad Ali Tabrizi Amir , Ghorbani Mohammad , Azizi Omid 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundResistant Helicobacter pylori to commonly used antimicrobial agents are associated with severe upper gastrointestinal disorders. To provide an epidemiological picture of H pylori and characterize the resistance pattern and genetic variation of clinical isolates, stomach biopsies from patients with functional dyspepsia were evaluated in northeast of Iran.Materials and methodsIn this study, 80 patients were recruited. Finally, fifty H pylori strains were isolated from antrum and corpus biopsies by culturing on Columbia agar. All strains were identified by standard laboratory procedures. Susceptibility testing of antibiotics was performed using minimum inhibitory concentration test. Allele‐specific primer (ASP)‐PCR of 23S rRNA which associated with clarithromycin resistance was done among resistant strains. Moreover, cagA gene and polymorphism in vacA were detected. Random amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD‐PCR) was applied to investigate the genetic variations among all strains.ResultsAntibiotic resistance pattern of H pylori strains was as follows: 68% (34/50) to metronidazole, 50% (25/50) to rifampicin, 30% (15/50) to amoxicillin, 28% (14/50) to levofloxacin, 22% (11/50) to clarithromycin, and 16% (8/50) to tetracycline. Multidrug‐resistant strains were observed in 19 strains (38%). ASP‐PCR of 23S rRNA showed four strains had A2143G mutation, six strains had A2142G mutation, and one strain had a Wt+A2143G mutation. Amplification of virulence‐associated genes revealed that cagA was present in 27 isolates (54%) and vacA in 36 isolates (72%). The most common genotype of H pylori was vacA s1am2 (40%) followed by vacA s2m2 (14%), vacA s1am1 (12%), vacA s1bm1 (4%), and vacA s1bm2 (2%). DNA fingerprinting pattern indicated a high heterogeneity among isolated strains.ConclusionAn alarming level of resistance to metronidazole and rifampicin and high heterogeneity among H pylori isolates highlighted the importance of continued monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility and epidemiological surveillance of this pathogen.
Internet penetration and consumption inequality in China
Authors: Zhang Shu , Li Feng , Xiao Jing Jian 
Published: February 2020

AbstractGrowing research shows that information technology accelerates economic growth and development, but the effect of Internet penetration on inequality is less well documented, especially about consumption inequality. On the one hand, Internet lowers transaction costs and offers equal access to online products especially beneficial for remote and poor populations, seemingly reducing inequality. On the other hand, uneven access to the Internet may increase divergences. This study examines the relationship between Internet penetration and consumption inequality. Using data from 155 counties available from 2010 to 2016 China Family Panel Studies, this study examines whether Internet penetration potentially impacts consumption inequality considering regional heterogeneity. Based on fixed‐effect models and the two‐stage least squares regressions, results suggest the Internet penetration may increase consumption inequality measured by the Gini index. Furthermore, higher education and over a certain Internet penetration rate buffer the positive impact of the Internet. In some cases, the Internet has smaller positive or even negative impacts on consumption inequality in regions with higher education levels and over threshold penetrations.
Application of clot‐fibrinolysis waveform analysis to assessment of in vitro effects of direct oral anticoagulants on fibrinolysis
Authors: Oka Shusaku , Wakui Masatoshi , Fujimori Yuta , Kuroda Yuko , Nakamura Shoko , Kondo Yoshino , Nakagawa Terumichi , Katagiri Hisako , Murata Mitsuru 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIntroductionAcceleration of fibrinolysis by direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) has been reported by several groups, suggesting contribution of not only anticoagulant but also fibrinolytic effects to the therapeutic efficacy. The present study aims to evaluate the usability of clot‐fibrinolysis waveform analysis (CFWA) for assessment of in vitro effects of DOACs on fibrinolysis.MethodsThe experimental conditions were optimized according to how t‐PA concentrations and a time length after t‐PA adjustment affect parameters of CFWA. Addition of the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) reagent followed by that of calcium and t‐PA was done to obtain clotting and fibrinolytic reaction curves which were mathematically differentiated for CFWA (APTT‐CFWA). The positive and negative modes of waveforms were defined as the direction toward fibrin generation and that toward fibrin degradation, respectively. The maximum positive and negative values (Maxp1 and Maxn1) correspond to the maximum coagulation velocity and the maximum fibrinolysis velocity, respectively. Plasma spiked with each of DOACs (rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban, and dabigatran) was subjected to APTT‐CFWA.ResultsOptimization of t‐PA use was based on Maxn1. Roughly biphasic effects of rivaroxaban and dabigatran but not apixaban or edoxaban on fibrinolysis were observed through Maxn1 and the fibrinolysis peak time, which was defined as a time length from the time when Maxp1 (Maxp1 time) to the time when Maxn1 appears (Maxn1 time).ConclusionThe results suggest the usability of CFWA for assessment of DOAC effects and provide insights into relevance of anticoagulation to therapeutic efficacy and bleeding risk from the perspective of fibrinolysis.
Fair value accounting: Current practice and perspectives for future research
Authors: McDonough Ryan , Panaretou Argyro , Shakespeare Catherine 
Published: February 2020

AbstractA fundamental issue debated in the accounting literature centres on the appropriate basis for measuring firms’ assets and liabilities. During the last several decades, scholars have generated a growing body of important insights about the use of the fair value measurement attribute in financial reports around the globe. In this paper, we provide an overview of the institutional background of fair value accounting and the associated accounting standards that prescribe the use of fair value measurements under International Financial Reporting Standards and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the US. We discuss and document the extent to which firms across different industries and accounting regimes recognize and disclose in their financial reports assets and liabilities measured at fair value and we reflect on aspects of the fair value accounting literature. In doing this, we identify several areas in which additional research can further our understanding of fair value measurements and disclosures.
Optical coherence tomography in diagnosis of inflammatory scalp disorders
Authors: Rajabi‐Estarabadi A. , Vasquez‐Herrera N.E. , Martinez‐Velasco M.A. , Tsatalis J. , Verne S.H. , Nouri K. , Tosti A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe common inflammatory scalp disorders share similar clinical manifestations, and patient work up require invasive, undesirable diagnostic procedures like biopsy to ensure correct diagnosis. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non‐invasive high‐resolution imaging modality that has found a valuable tool to assist in the diagnose and evaluation of different skin diseases.ObjectivesTo describe the structural and vascular dynamic OCT (D‐OCT) findings of inflammatory scalp disorders including scalp psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis and contact dermatitis and to compare trichoscopy and OCT features.MethodsSubjects with diagnosis of seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis or contact dermatitis were enrolled in this study. OCT scans were taken on involved scalp, and the same scalp regions were evaluated by trichoscopy and compared with healthy scalp.ResultsA total of fourteen subjects (two healthy controls, four seborrhoeic dermatitis, five psoriasis and three contact dermatitis) participated. D‐OCT imaging of vascular pattern in healthy scalp and the inflammatory scalp disorders were described. D‐OCT images could enhance the clinician's ability to distinguish psoriasis from seborrhoeic dermatitis by objectively detect and assess red loop density. In scalp contact dermatitis, the vessels of the deep plexus were more dilated and fewer in number than those found in seborrhoeic dermatitis.ConclusionDynamic OCT provides information that more clearly elucidates changes at the level of the superficial and deep plexuses without invasively interfering with superficial structures. In the context of inflammatory scalp disorders, this is useful to discern disorders with overlapping symptoms and minimize the use of invasive biopsies to diagnose.
Can primary care access reduce health care utilization for patients with obesity‐associated chronic conditions in medically underserved areas?
Authors: Dashputre Ankur A. , Surbhi Satya , Podila Pradeep S.B. , Shuvo Sohul A. , Bailey James E. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe prevalence and burdens of obesity‐associated chronic conditions (OCC) are rising nationwide, particularly in health professional shortage areas (HPSA). This study examined the impact of access to primary care on health care utilization for vulnerable populations with OCC in the South.MethodsAdult patients with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), greater than or equal to one additional OCC, and self‐reported primary care access data were retrospectively identified from hospital and emergency department (ED) electronic medical records of a major health care system in the South. Multivariable logistic regression assessed factors associated with self‐reported access to primary care. Multivariable zero‐inflated negative binomial models assessed effect of HPSA residence on relationships between self‐reported access to primary care and health care utilization.ResultsA total of 29 674 patients were identified. Hypertension (76.1%), type 2 diabetes mellitus (34.1%), and hyperlipidemia (32.9%) were the most prevalent OCC. Males (odds ratio [OR]: 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40‐0.47), unmarried (OR: 0.69; 95% CI, 0.63‐0.76), and uninsured (OR: 0.29; 95% CI, 0.27‐0.32) had lower odds of access to primary care. For patients living in HPSA (vs non‐HPSA), access to primary care was associated with higher incidence of overall ED use (relative risk [RR]: 1.38; 95% CI, 1.19‐1.61) and lower incidence of potentially preventable hospital use (RR: 0.59; 95% CI, 0.38‐0.92).ConclusionParadoxically, access to primary care may increase ED use while reducing potentially preventable hospital utilization for patients with OCC in HPSA. Increasing access to primary care alone, without strengthening its capacity to serve the needs of vulnerable patients, may be insufficient to reduce hospital utilization.
The commercially important shoemaker spinefoot, Siganus sutor, connects coral reefs to neighbouring seagrass meadows
Authors: Ebrahim Ameer , Bijoux Jude P. , Mumby Peter J. , Tibbetts Ian R. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSpatial management of fish populations can potentially be optimized by determining the area of influence of a particular species. We performed an acoustic tagging study implemented on Denis Island in the Seychelles to assess the area of influence of the heavily targeted shoemaker spinefoot, Siganus sutor. We investigated whether this species acts as a mobile link between coral patches and seagrass meadows, and whether their movements differed between day and night. The study incorporated an array of 22 acoustic stations deployed within dense coral patches, seagrass meadows and mixed habitats of both seagrass and coral. Fifteen S. sutor carrying internal acoustic tags were monitored from November 2016 until May 2017. Detection patterns revealed them to be diurnal herbivores, with only rare nocturnal movements. Home‐range estimates showed that individuals differed in their spatial range extents and habitats used, covering ~15% of the total shallow subtidal coastline of the island. However, they displayed very small daily movements (<200 m), concentrated mainly around sites within mixed coral and seagrass habitats. An optimal number of detections was recorded when the coral to seagrass area ratio was approximately 1.6:1. This ratio was confirmed through statistical prediction modelling. Identification of such links of commercially important species between networked habitats may help authorities consider incorporating seagrass meadows of the Seychelles into management discussions, which are currently lacking.
Bank Quality, Judicial Efficiency, and Loan Repayment Delays in Italy
Authors: SCHIANTARELLI FABIO , STACCHINI MASSIMILIANO , STRAHAN PHILIP E. 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACTItalian firms delay payment to banks weakened by past loan losses. Exploiting Credit Register data, we fully absorb borrower fundamentals with firm‐quarter effects. Identification therefore reflects firm choices to delay payment to some banks, depending on their health. This selective delay occurs more where legal enforcement of collateral recovery is slow. Poor enforcement encourages borrowers not to pay when the value of their bank relationship comes into doubt. Selective delays occur even by firms able to pay all lenders. Credit losses in Italy have thus been worsened by the combination of weak banks and weak legal enforcement.