bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cannabis: are there any benefits?
Authors: Vickery Alistair W. , Finch Phillip M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCannabis has been used as a medicine for millennia. Prohibition in the mid‐20th century precluded early scientific investigation. ‘Cannabis’ describes three separate forms – herbal cannabis, ‘hemp’ products, pharmaceutical‐grade regulated cannabinoid‐based medical products (CBMP). In Australia, CBMP became available for prescription in November 2016. Herbal cannabis with Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is illegal, and cannabidiol (CBD) in herbal extracts, are both unregulated and unreliable sources of cannabinoids. The endocannabinoid system (ECS), delineated in the late 1990s, has increased the understanding and interest in research for appropriate clinical indications. The ubiquitous ECS has homeostatic and anti‐inflammatory effects and comprises cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids and degrading enzymes. Phytocannabinoids are partial agonists of the ECS. In pre‐clinical studies, THC and CBD produce beneficial effects in chronic pain, anxiety, sleep and inflammation. Systematic reviews often conflate herbal cannabis and CBMP, confusing the evidence. Currently large randomised controlled trials are unlikely to be achieved. Other methodologies with quality end‐points are required. Rich, valuable high‐quality real‐world evidence for the safe and effective use of CBMP provides an opportunity to examine benefits and potential harms. Evidence demonstrates benefit of CBMP in multiple sclerosis, chronic neuropathic pain, chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting, resistant paediatric epilepsy, anxiety and insomnia. CBMP are well tolerated with few serious adverse events. Additional clinical benefits are promising in many other resistant chronic conditions. Pharmaceutical grade prescribed CBMP has proven clinical benefits and provides another clinical option in the physician's pharmacopeia.
Priorities and practicalities of prescribing diabetes medicines with cardiovascular and renal protective effects: an Australian perspective
Authors: Hitchen Sarah A. , Lan Nick S. R. , Fegan P. Gerry , Yeap Bu B. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractRecent cardiovascular safety trials on sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists have demonstrated the significant cardiovascular and renal benefits of these medications. Diabetes organisations have revised their medication guidelines to include a focus on disease outcomes for cardiovascular disease, heart failure and renal disease. This article summarises latest evidence, guideline recommendations and current Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme requirements.
Role of digital technology in delivering ‘healthy futures’ and ‘healthy cities’
Authors: Makeham Meredith 
Published: November 2020

AbstractDigital health technologies and services play a critical role in the delivery of safe and efficient healthcare and better health outcomes. Interoperability of these technologies and services, as well as digital inclusion for communities are important enablers of a modern, connected health system. The ongoing development of these factors is an aspiration of Australia's National Digital Health Strategy (NDHS). The Australian Digital Health Agency co‐designed the NDHS with input from healthcare consumers and providers, digital health industry, academic and policy experts and organisations. Approved by all Australian governments in 2017, it provides a forward vision to 2022, with seven pillars that include: Access to health information through My Health record; Secure Messaging; Medicines Safety; Interoperability; Enhanced models of care; Workforce and Education and Driving Innovation. All of these pillars have interdependent features, and many play a role in enabling communities to live healthier and happier lives supported by better connected healthcare services as well as access to information in a timely and efficient manner at the point of care. A ‘Communities of Excellence’ programme has supported regional communities to connect health services to My Health Record, increase digital health tools use and provide digital health literacy support to consumers. The aims of this programme are to allow the benefits of improved interoperability and better connected care to flow to people and their clinicians, test innovation that could go on to be scaled nationally, and close the health inequity gap experienced by people in rural and remote communities.
Facilitators for improvement of psychiatric services and barriers in implementing changes: From the perspective of Finnish patients and family members
Authors: Lantta Tella , Anttila Minna , Varpula Jaakko , Välimäki Maritta 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe need for psychiatric patients and their family members to have access to quality user‐friendly services has been studied for decades, yet few improvements have been made in treatment services. This study aims to explain how patients and family members have experienced facilitators of improvements, and their thoughts about barriers in the implementation of changes. An explanatory qualitative design was adopted. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews with eight focus groups made up of a total of 35 participants from mental health associations in Finland. The Theoretical Domains Framework guided the deductive data analysis. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) was followed in the study. Participants in patient and family member associations had similar experiences and thoughts about facilitators of improvements in psychiatric services and barriers in the implementation of changes. For example, both participant groups experienced that promoting more positive roles of professionals could facilitate improvements in psychiatric care. On the other hand, a lack of theoretical competence and interpersonal skills of professionals could hinder change. We conclude that many of the facilitators that patients and families suggested could be addressed by enhancing collaboration and communication, having a more person‐centred approach, focusing on recovery throughout the course of care, and acknowledging staff’s well‐being at work. Second, the barriers to implementing changes centre around the limited knowledge and skills of staff, and a paternalistic system that focuses on managing risk and administering treatment.
Cardiac fibroblast miR‐27a may function as an endogenous anti‐fibrotic by negatively regulating Early Growth Response Protein 3 (EGR3)
Authors: Teng Lifeng , Huang Yubing , Guo Jun , Li Bin , Lin Jin , Ma Lining , Wang Yudai , Ye Cong , Chen Qianqian 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPathological myocardial fibrosis and hypertrophy occur due to chronic cardiac stress. The microRNA‐27a (miR‐27a) regulates collagen production across diverse cell types and organs to inhibit fibrosis and could constitute an important therapeutic avenue. However, its impact on hypertrophy and cardiac remodelling is less well‐known. We employed a transverse aortic constriction (TAC) murine model of left ventricular pressure overload to investigate the in vivo effects of genetic miR‐27a knockout, antisense inhibition of miR‐27a‐5p and fibroblast‐specific miR‐27a knockdown or overexpression. In silico Venn analysis and reporter assays were used to identify miR‐27a‐5p's targeting of Early Growth Response Protein 3 (Egr3). We evaluated the effects of miR‐27a‐5p and Egr3 upon transforming growth factor‐beta (Tgf‐β) signalling and secretome of cardiac fibroblasts in vitro. miR‐27a‐5p attenuated TAC‐induced cardiac fibrosis and myofibroblast activation in vivo, without a discernible effect on cardiac myocytes. Molecularly, miR‐27a‐5p inhibited transforming growth factor‐beta (Tgf‐β) signalling and pro‐fibrotic protein secretion in cardiac fibroblasts in vitro through suppressing the pro‐fibrotic transcription factor Early Growth Response Protein 3 (Egr3). This body of work suggests that cardiac fibroblast miR‐27a may function as an endogenous anti‐fibrotic by negatively regulating Egr3 expression.
Herbal formula LLKL ameliorates hyperglycaemia, modulates the gut microbiota and regulates the gut‐liver axis in Zucker diabetic fatty rats
Authors: Li Mei , Ding Lei , Hu Yu‐Li , Qin Ling‐Ling , Wu You , Liu Wei , Wu Li‐Li , Liu Tong‐Hua 
Published: November 2020

AbstractLLKL, a new traditional Chinese medicine formula containing Edgeworthia gardneri (Wall.) Meisn., Sibiraea angustata and Crocus sativus L. (saffron), was designed to ameliorate type 2 diabetes mellitus. Despite the therapeutic benefits of LLKL, its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This study evaluated the LLKL anti‐diabetic efficacy and its effect on gut microbiota to elucidate its mechanism of action in Zucker diabetic fatty rats. We found that administration of different LLKL concentrations (4.68, 2.34 and 1.17 g/kg/d) improved several diabetic parameters after a 6‐week treatment. Moreover, LLKL modulated gut microbiota dysbiosis, increased the expression of occluding and maintained intestinal epithelial homeostasis, leading to a reduction in LPS, TNF‐α and IL‐6 levels. Hepatic transcriptomic analysis showed that the Toll‐like receptor signalling pathway was markedly enriched by LLKL treatment. RT‐qPCR results validated that LLKL treatment decreased the expressions of TLR4, MyD88 and CTSK. Furthermore, a gene set enrichment analysis indicated that LLKL enhanced the insulin signalling pathway and inhibited glycerolipid metabolism and fatty acid metabolism, which were verified by the liver biochemical analysis. These findings demonstrate that LLKL ameliorates hyperglycaemia, modulates the gut microbiota and regulates the gut‐liver axis, which might contribute to its anti‐diabetic effect.
Impact of chronic intermittent hypoxia on the long non‐coding RNA and mRNA expression profiles in myocardial infarction
Authors: Hu Chaowei , Li Jing , Du Yunhui , Li Juan , Yang Yunyun , Jia Yifan , Peng Lu , Qin Yanwen , Wei Yongxiang 
Published: November 2020

AbstractChronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is the primary feature of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a crucial risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in myocardial infarction (MI) pathogenesis have drawn considerable attention. However, whether CIH participates in the modulation of lncRNA profiles during MI is yet unclear. To investigate the influence of CIH on MI, cardiac damage was assessed by histology and echocardiography, and lncRNA and mRNA integrated microarrays were screened. MI mouse model showed myocardial hypertrophy, aggravated inflammation and fibrosis, and compromised left ventricle function under CIH. Compared with normoxia, 644 lncRNAs and 1084 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified following CIH for 4 weeks, whereas 1482 lncRNAs and 990 mRNAs were altered at 8 weeks. Strikingly, reoxygenation after CIH markedly affected 1759 lncRNAs and 778 mRNAs. Of these, 11 lncRNAs modulated by CIH were restored after reoxygenation and were validated by qPCR. The GO terms and KEGG pathways of genes varied significantly by CIH. lncRNA‐mRNA correlation further showed that lncRNAs, NONMMUT032513 and NONMMUT074571 were positively correlated with ZEB1 and negatively correlated with Cmbl. The current results demonstrated a causal correlation between CIH and lncRNA alternations during MI, suggesting that lncRNAs might be responsible for MI aggravation under CIH.
The immuno‐reactivity of polypseudorotaxane functionalized magnetic CDMNP‐PEG‐CD nanoparticles
Authors: Lan Haiqiang , Huang Tao , Xiao Jiangwei , Liao Zhaohong , Ouyang Jun , Dong Jianghui , Xian Cory J. , Hu Jijie , Wang Liping , Ke Yu , Liao Hua 
Published: November 2020

AbstractpH‐magnetic dual‐responsive nanocomposites have been widely used in drug delivery and gene therapy. Recently, a polypseudorotaxane functionalized magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) was developed by synthesizing the magnetic nanoparticles with cyclodextrin (CD) molecules (CDMNP) via polyethylene glycol (PEG) (CDMNP‐PEG‐CD). The purpose of this study was to explore the antigenicity and immunogenicity of the nanoparticles in vivo prior to their further application explorations. Here, nanoparticles were assessed in vivo for retention, bio‐distribution and immuno‐reactivity. The results showed that, once administered intravenously, CDMNP‐PEG‐CD induced a temporary blood monocyte response and was cleared effectively from the body through the urine system in mice. The introduction of β‐CD and PEG/β‐CD polypseudorotaxane on SiO2 magnetic nanoparticles (SOMNP) limited particle intramuscular dispersion after being injected into mouse gastrocnemius muscle (GN), which led to the prolonged local inflammation and muscle toxicity by CDMNP and CDMNP‐PEG‐CD. In addition, T cells were found to be more susceptible for β‐CD–modified CDMNP; however, polypseudorotaxane modification partially attenuated β‐CD–induced T cell response in the implanted muscle. Our results suggested that CDMNP‐PEG‐CD nanoparticles or the decomposition components have potential to prime antigen‐presenting cells and to break the muscle autoimmune tolerance.
Neuroretinal dysfunction revealed by a flicker electroretinogram correlated with peripheral nerve dysfunction and parameters of atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes
Authors: Kawai Miyuka , Himeno Tatsuhito , Shibata Yuka , Hirai Nobuhiro , Asada‐Yamada Yuriko , Asano‐Hayami Emi , Ejima Yohei , Kasagi Rina , Nagao Eriko , Sugiura‐Roth Yukako , Nakai‐Shimoda Hiromi , Nakayama Takayuki , Yamada Yuichiro , Ishikawa Takahiro , Morishita Yoshiaki , Kondo Masaki , Tsunekawa Shin , Kato Yoshiro , Nakamura Jiro , Kamiya Hideki 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAims/IntroductionDiabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) develops in the early stage of diabetes. However, no common diagnostic protocol has yet been established. Here, to verify that the flicker electroretinogram using a hand‐held device can detect the early dysfunction of the peripheral nervous system in patients with diabetes, we investigated the correlation between the progression of DPN and neuroretinal dysfunction.Materials and MethodsIn total, 184 participants with type 1 or 2 diabetes underwent a flicker electroretinogram (ERG) using a hand‐held device RETeval™ and nerve conduction study. Participants were also evaluated for intima‐media thickness, ankle‐brachial index, toe brachial index and brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity. Parameters of the nerve conduction study were used to diagnose the severity according to Baba’s classification. A multiple regression analysis was used to examine the associations of ERG parameters with the severity of DPN categorized by Baba’s classification. Diagnostic properties of the device in DPN were evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve.ResultsA multiple regression model to predict the severity of DPN was generated using ERG. In the model, moderate‐to‐severe DPN was effectively diagnosed (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.692, sensitivity 56.5%, specificity 78.3%, positive predictive value 70.6%, negative predictive value 66.1%, positive likelihood ratio 2.60, negative likelihood ratio 0.56). In the patients without diabetic retinopathy, the implicit time and amplitude in ERG significantly correlated with the parameters of the nerve conduction study, brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity and intima‐media thickness.ConclusionsElectroretinogram parameters obtained by the hand‐held device successfully predict the severity of DPN. The device might be useful to evaluate DPN.
Oxygen uptake, heart rate and activities of locomotor muscles during a critical swimming speed protocol in the gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata
Authors: Hachim Mouniboudine , Rouyer Tristan , Dutto Gilbert , Kerzerho Vincent , Bernard Serge , Bourjea Jérôme , McKenzie David J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractOxygen uptake, heart rate and contraction frequencies of slow oxidative (SO) and fast glycolytic (FG) muscle were measured simultaneously in gilthead seabream Sparus aurata submitted to stepwise increases in current speed in a swimming respirometer. Variation in oxygen uptake was closely related to variation in heart rate, over initial steps these rose in concert with an increase in contraction frequency of SO muscle. There was an asymptote in oxygen uptake and heart rate at high speeds that reflected a transition from exclusive use of aerobic SO muscle to a combination of SO and anaerobic FG muscle, and which preceded fatigue.
A Context‐Informed Perspective of Child Risk and Protection: Deconstructing Myths in the Risk Discourse
Authors: Nadan Yochay , Roer‐Strier Dorit 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis article discusses context‐informed conceptualization in the study of children's risk and protection. It begins by defining this perspective, challenging the universalistic approach and the view of cultures as uniform, monolithic and static and acknowledging hybridity, complexity, and the dynamics of change and power relations. In the second part of the article, we exemplify three contexts (religion and spirituality, racism and exclusion, political conflict and violence) that emerged from our large‐scale qualitative research project in Israel exploring perceptions of child risk and protection in different contexts. In the third part of the article, we rethink the ontological nature of the categories of child “risk” and “protection.” We outline and deconstruct three prevalent myths identified in the risk discourse, discuss the stance of the observer and the issue of power, the discrepancies and value mismatch between parents and professionals, and the concept of complexity in the risk discourse.
A follow‐up survey of patients with acquired angioedema due to C1‐inhibitor deficiency
Authors: Pólai Zs. , Balla Zs. , Andrási N. , Kőhalmi K. V. , Temesszentandrási Gy. , Benedek Sz. , Varga L. , Farkas H. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundAcquired angioedema due to C1‐inhibitor deficiency (C1‐INH‐AAE) is a rare form of bradykinin‐mediated angioedema. It is diagnosed by complement testing; its treatment consists of the management of angioedema (AE) attacks and of underlying disease.ObjectiveEvaluate the results of the clinical follow‐up of patients with C1‐INH‐AAE.MethodsBetween 1999 and 2020, 3938 patients with angioedema were evaluated, and 17 diagnosed with acquired C1‐INH deficiency were followed‐up.ResultsMean age of the 17 patients was 61 years at diagnosis. In 33%, ACE inhibitors provoked AE attacks. Autoantibodies against C1‐INH were detected in 10 patients at diagnosis and in a further patient during follow‐up. The AE attacks involved the skin in 70.6%, the upper airways in 41.2% and the tongue/lip in 52.9% of patients. Twelve of the 17 patients had an underlying condition, mainly (n = 11) lymphoproliferative disease. In 10 patients diagnosed with a haematological disorder, AAE symptoms preceded the onset of the latter. One patient has not experienced an AE attack since diagnosis. Twelve patients were treated for angioedema attacks, and 32% of the attacks required acute treatment. PdC1‐INH was used to relieve AE attacks, and rituximab for the treatment of underlying disease (in six patients). Six patients had multiple AE attacks before any treatment. The symptom‐free period increased in five patients after the on‐demand administration of pdC1‐INH concentrate and following treatment of the underlying disease in two patients.ConclusionEarly diagnosis of C1‐INH‐AAE and underlying disease is indispensable to reduce disease burden by introducing appropriate, individualized treatment and regular follow‐up.
The role of sleep dysfunction in temporomandibular onset and progression: A systematic review and meta‐analyses
Authors: Burr Meghan R. , Naze Garrett S. , Shaffer Stephen M. , Emerson Alicia J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundPainful temporomandibular (TM) disorders result in 4.3 billion dollars spent annually in the United States. The complex interplay of physiological processes in persistent pain and dysfunctional sleep has been established. Recently, dysfunctional sleep has been identified as a potential pathway to the onset of painful TM disorder.ObjectivesThe aims were to (1) identify self‐report outcome measures (SROMs) of sleep quality that are clinimetrically sound in patients with painful TM disorders and (2) determine whether sleep dysfunction has any diagnostic or prognostic value for this population.MethodsA systematic search following PRISMA guidelines was run in six databases: CINAHL, Dental, PsychALL, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Any study involving minors was excluded. Risks of biases were examined in all studies. Diagnostic pooled findings were reported.ResultsOf the identified articles (n = 681), 18 were included in this systematic review (n = 1 clinimetric studies, n = 11 diagnostic studies, n = 6 prognostic studies). Nine different assessment tools were used; only the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) has been validated in patients with painful TM disorders. Overall, sleep dysfunction was diagnostic for painful TM disorders. The pooled relative risk of sleep dysfunction was 1.71 (95% CI 1.30. 2.26). When PSQI scores were greater than 5/21, the unadjusted hazard ratio for development of painful TM disorders was reported to be 2.1.ConclusionAt present, the only SROM that has diagnostic and prognostic value in evaluating and managing patients with painful TM disorders is the PSQI.
The geography of COVID‐19 and the structure of local economies: The case of Italy
Authors: Ascani Andrea , Faggian Alessandra , Montresor Sandro 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe aim of this article is to analyze the subnational spread of COVID‐19 in Italy using an economic geography perspective. The striking spatial unevenness of COVID‐19 suggests that the infection has hit economic core locations harder, and this raises questions about whether, and how, the subnational geography of the disease is connected to the economic base of localities. We provide some first evidence consistent with the possibility that the local specialization in geographically concentrated economic activities acts as a vehicle of disease transmission. This could generate a core‐periphery pattern in the spatiality of COVID‐19, which might follow the lines of the local economic landscape and the tradability of its outputs.
Attitudes, Subjective Norms, and Perceived Behavioral Control Associated with Age of First Use of Cannabis among Adolescents
Authors: Korn Liat , Haynie Denise L. , Luk Jeremy W. , Sita Kellienne , Simons‐Morton Bruce G. 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDPrevention of early age initiation of cannabis use is a national priority, highlighting the importance of identifying cannabis‐specific attitudes, norms, and perceived behavioral control in relation to initiation age.METHODSData were from the NEXT Generation Health Study, a national longitudinal sample of US adolescents followed from 10th grade (N = 1850). Cannabis‐specific attitudes, norms, and perceived behavioral control were assessed at 10th grade. Age of first use was reported retrospectively 2‐3 years after high‐school and participants were categorized as early initiators (<14 years; 3.8%), high‐school (HS) initiators (14‐18 years; 35.6%), post‐HS initiators (>18 years; 8.3%), or never users (52.3%).RESULTSRelative to never users, early initiators were more likely to endorse pro‐use attitudes (AOR [adjusted odds ratio] = 2.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27‐4.50), less disapproving parental attitudes toward use (AOR = 2.50, 95% CI = 1.45‐4.28), higher cannabis use among friends (AOR = 3.81, 95% CI = 2.21‐6.60), and higher ease of access (AOR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.14‐3.87); HS initiators were similarly more likely to report less disapproving attitudes toward use (AOR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.25‐1.91), higher cannabis use among friends (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI = 2.18‐3.65), and higher ease of access (AOR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.21‐2.28).CONCLUSIONSEarlier cannabis initiation was associated with more favorable cannabis attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, highlight these variables as potential intervention targets.