bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Venlafaxine‐induced damage to seminiferous epithelium, spermiation, and sperm parameters in rats: A correlation with high estrogen levels
Authors: de Santi Fabiane , Beltrame Flávia L. , Rodrigues Beatriz M. , Junior Marcio J. V. P. , Scaramele Natália F. , Lopes Flávia L. , Cerri Paulo S. , Sasso‐Cerri Estela 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundVenlafaxine (selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) use has increased worldwide. However, the impact of venlafaxine on testes and sperm parameters has not been investigated.ObjectivesWe evaluated venlafaxine impact on testicular and sperm parameters and verified whether the changes are reversible.MethodsAnimals from venlafaxine‐35 days and venlafaxine‐65 days groups received 30 mg/kg of venlafaxine for 35 days. Control‐35 days and control‐65 days received distilled water. In control‐65 days and venlafaxine‐65 days, the treatment was interrupted for 30 days. Sperm concentration, morphology, motility, and mitochondrial activity were analyzed. Number of step 19 spermatids (NLS), frequency of tubules with spermiation failure, Sertoli cells number, and TUNEL‐positive germ cells were quantified. Testicular aromatase, connexin 43 (Cx43) immunoexpression, Cx43 protein levels, and Cx43 expression were evaluated. Either intratesticular testosterone or estrogen levels were measured.ResultsVenlafaxine impaired sperm morphology, reduced sperm concentration, mitochondrial activity, and sperm motility. The frequency of tubules with spermiation failure and NLS increased in parallel to increased Cx43 immunoexpression; mRNA and protein levels; and aromatase, testosterone, and estrogen levels. An increase in germ cell death and decreased Sertoli cells number were observed. In venlafaxine‐65 days, except for sperm motility, mitochondrial activity, Sertoli cells number, and germ cell death, all other parameters were partially or totally recovered.ConclusionVenlafaxine increases testosterone aromatization and Cx43. This drug, via high estrogen levels, disturbs Sertoli cells, induces germ cell death, and impairs spermiation and sperm parameters. The restoration of spermiation associated with the decreased Cx43 and hormonal levels in venlafaxine‐65 days reinforces that high estrogen levels are related to venlafaxine‐induced changes. The presence of damaged Sertoli cells, germ cell death, and low sperm motility in venlafaxine‐65 days indicates that interruption of treatment for 30 days was insufficient for testicular recovery and points to a long‐term estrogen impact on the seminiferous epithelium.
Botulinum toxin injection for chronic pelvic pain: A systematic review
Authors: Luo Fang Yuan , Nasr‐Esfahani Maryam , Jarrell John , Robert Magali 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionBotulinum toxin has proven therapeutic effects in alleviating pain in several myofascial disorders, with an expanding potential in chronic pelvic pain. The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin injection as an off‐label treatment for female chronic pelvic pain.Material and methodsUsing PRISMA guidelines, MEDLINE, EBM Reviews, PubMed, CINAHL, TRIP Database, EMBASE, Web of Science and gray literature were searched. Studies assessing the efficacy of botulinum toxin for chronic pelvic pain in adult females, with 10 or more women, published in English up to 13 January 2020, were included. All eligible studies were reviewed and data were extracted by two independent reviewers using a standardized form. Quality of evidence was graded using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool for randomized controlled trials and the Ottawa‐Newcastle scale for observational studies.ResultsIn all, 491 records were screened. Seventeen articles were included in the final review: 5 randomized controlled trials and 12 observational studies. The quality of evidence ranged from low to high. There was a large degree of heterogeneity in study designs, and thus a meta‐analysis was not feasible. All observational studies concluded that botulinum toxin was an effective treatment for chronic pelvic pain, with the greatest change in visual analog scale from 8.69 at baseline to 3.07 at 24 months post‐injection. However, only one of the five randomized controlled trials found statistical significant differences favoring botulinum toxin in the reporting of the EQ‐5D (botulinum 0.78 [0.69‐1.00], control 0.69 [0.25‐0.81], P = .03) and frequency of intercourse (botulinum 1 [1‐1.75], placebo 1 [0‐1], P = .025). The most common adverse effect was transient localized pain at injection site (6%‐88%). No serious adverse events were reported.ConclusionsAlthough observational studies were encouraging, there is insufficient high quality evidence to recommend botulinum toxin injection for chronic pelvic pain. However, it appears to be safe to use. Future studies of higher quality in its treatment efficacy are indicated.
Regular use of proton pump inhibitor and risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Yuan Jinqiu , Zhang Changhua , Sparks Jeffrey A. , Malspeis Susan , Tsoi Kelvin Kam‐Fai , Kim Jean H. , Fisher Benjamin A. , Gao Fang , Sumerlin Tim , Liu Yan , Liu Yuxing , Pan Yihang , He Yulong , Sung Joseph J.Y. 
Published: June 2020

SummaryBackgroundProton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have a significant impact on the gut microbiome, which in turn, might increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).AimTo evaluate regular use of PPIs and risk of RA.MethodsThis is a prospective analysis of the US nurses who reported PPI use data, and were free of RA from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS 2002‐2014) and NHS II (2003‐2015). The exposure was regular use of PPI in the past 2 years, which was repeatedly evaluated in biennial surveys. RA was confirmed by the 1987 or 2010 American College of Rheumatology criteria. We estimated the hazard ratios (HRs) and confidence interval (CIs) with time‐dependent Cox regression adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsWe documented 421 cases of RA over 1 753 879 person‐years of follow‐up. Regular PPI users had a 44% higher risk of RA as compared with non‐regular users (adjusted HR = 1.44; 95%CI, 1.10‐1.89). The risk of RA increased with the total duration of PPI use (P‐trend = 0.008). Compared with non‐regular users, the adjusted HRs were 1.22 (95%CI, 0.93‐1.62) for women with >0 to 4 years’ use and 1.73 (95% CI, 1.14 to 2.61) for >4 years’ use.ConclusionsRegular use of PPI was associated with increased risk of RA in women, with a higher risk observed in individuals with a longer duration of PPI use. Due to the observational study design, large prospective trials are still required to confirm our finding.
Review article: chronic liver disease and pregnancy
Authors: Faulkes Rosemary E. , Chauhan Abhishek , Knox Ellen , Johnston Tracey , Thompson Fiona , Ferguson James 
Published: June 2020

SummaryBackgroundThe prevalence of chronic liver disease in women of child bearing age is increasing, leading to a higher incidence of pregnancy in this cohort. Chronic medical conditions have a significant adverse effect on maternal morbidity and mortality. To date, reviews on this topic have been written either from a hepatology or obstetrics viewpoint, and no specific guidelines are available solely for the management of chronic liver disease in pregnancy.AimsTo produce a comprehensive review on the clinical management of women with chronic liver disease during pregnancy, addressing the risks of pregnancy to mother and child, how these risks can be ameliorated, and what additional considerations are required for management of chronic liver disease in pregnancy.MethodsData were collected up to May 2020 from the biomedical database PubMed, national and international guidelines in gastroenterology and hepatology.ResultsDuring pregnancy, women with cirrhosis are more likely to develop decompensated disease, worsening of portal hypertension, and to deliver premature infants.ConclusionsThe risks associated with pregnancy can be ameliorated by advanced planning, assessing risk using the model for end stage liver disease score and risk reduction through varices screening. A multidisciplinary approach is paramount in order to minimise complications and maximise the chance of a safe pregnancy and birth for mother and baby.
Association between diabetes mellitus and hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Labenz Christian , Nagel Michael , Kremer Wolfgang M. , Hilscher Max , Schilling Caroline A. , Toenges Gerrit , Kuchen Robert , Schattenberg Jörn M. , Galle Peter R. , Wörns Marcus‐Alexander 
Published: June 2020

SummaryBackgroundDiabetes mellitus may lead to increased serum ammonia and systemic inflammation thereby promoting hepatic encephalopathy (HE).AimTo investigate the potential association between diabetes mellitus/glycaemic control and the presence of covert HE as well as the development of overt HE in a prospective setting.MethodsA total of 240 patients with liver cirrhosis were included into this prospective cohort study and followed for a median of 17 months. Covert HE was diagnosed by pathological results in the Portosystemic Hepatic Encephalopathy Score. Predictors for the presence of covert HE or the development of overt HE were analysed using logistic regression or Cox‐regression models.ResultsAt study inclusion, 65 patients (27.1%) presented with diabetes mellitus and covert HE was detected in 33.3%. Patients with diabetes mellitus had a more preserved liver function as compared to patients without diabetes mellitus (MELD 9 vs 10; P = 0.043). In regression analyses after adjustment for confounders, diabetes mellitus was independently associated with the presence of covert HE at study inclusion and the development of overt HE during follow‐up. These associations were confirmed in separate propensity‐score‐weighted regression models. In subgroup analyses, patients with worse glycaemic control (HbA1c >= 6.5%) had a pronounced risk for covert HE (OR 2.264, 95% CI 1.002‐5.118) and overt HE (HR 4.116, 95% CI 1.791‐9.459).ConclusionsDiabetes mellitus may associate with higher risk for the presence of covert HE and the development of overt HE in patients with liver cirrhosis. Adequate glycaemic control may be a potential target to attenuate this important complication.
Effects of statins and exercise on postprandial lipoproteins in metabolic syndrome vs metabolically healthy individuals
Authors: Alvarez‐Jimenez Laura , Moreno‐Cabañas Alfonso , Ramirez‐Jimenez Miguel , Morales‐Palomo Felix , Ortega Juan F. , Mora‐Rodriguez Ricardo 
Published: June 2020

AimsTo determine if the combination of exercise and statin could normalize postprandial triglyceridaemia (PPTG) in hypercholesteraemic individuals.MethodsEight hypercholesteraemic (blood cholesterol 182 ± 38 mg dL−1; low‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol [LDL‐c] 102 ± 32 mg dL−1) overweight (body mass index 30 ± 4 kg m−2) individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS) were compared to a group of 8 metabolically healthy (MetH) controls (blood cholesterol 149 ± 23 mg dL−1; LDL‐c 77 ± 23 mg dL−1, and body mass index 23 ± 2 kg m−2). Each group underwent 2 PPTG tests, either 14 hours after a bout of intense exercise or without previous exercise. Additionally, MetS individuals were tested 96 hours after withdrawal of their habitual statin medication to study medication effects.ResultsA bout of exercise before the test meal did not reduce PPTG in MetS (P = .347), but reduced PPTG by 46% in MetH (413 ± 267 to 224 ± 142 mg dL−1 for 5 h incremental area under the curve; P = .02). In both trials (i.e., either after a bout of intense exercise or without previous exercise), statin withdrawal in MetS greatly increased PPTG (average 65%; P < .01), mean LDL‐c (average 25%; P < .01), total cholesterol (average 16%; P < .01) and apolipoprotein (Apo) B48 (24%; P < .01), without interference from exercise. However, Apo B100 was not affected by statin withdrawal.ConclusionHypercholesteraemic MetS individuals (compared to MetH controls) fail to show an effect of exercise on reducing PPTG. However, chronic statin medication blunts the elevations in triglyceride after a fat meal (i.e., incremental area under the curve of PPTG) reducing their cardiovascular risk associated with their atherogenic dyslipidaemia. Statin decreases PPTG by reducing the secretion or accelerating the catabolism of intestinal Apo B48.
What does physiological synchrony reveal about metacognitive experiences and group performance?
Authors: Dindar Muhterem , Järvelä Sanna , Haataja Eetu 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThere is a growing body of research on physiological synchrony (PS) in Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS). However, the current literature presents inconclusive findings about the way in which PS is reflected in cognitive and affective group processes and performance. In light of this, this study investigates the relationship between PS and metacognitive experiences (ie, judgement of confidence, task interest, task difficulty, mental effort and emotional valence) that are manifested during CPS. In addition, the study explores the association between PS and group performance. The participants were 77 university students who worked together on a computer‐based CPS simulation in groups of three. Participants’ electrodermal activity (EDA) was recorded as they worked on the simulation and metacognitive experiences were measured with situated self‐reports. A Multidimensional Recurrence Quantification Analysis was used to calculate the PS among the collaborators. The results show a positive relationship between continuous PS episodes and groups’ collective mental effort. No relationship was found between PS and judgement of confidence, task interest, task difficulty or emotional valence. The relationship between PS and group performance was also non‐significant. The current work addresses several challenges in utilising multimodal data analytics in CPS research and discusses future research directions.
Enhancing students’ choreography and reflection in university dance courses: A mobile technology‐assisted peer assessment approach
Authors: Hsia Lu‐Ho , Hwang Gwo‐Jen 
Published: June 2020

AbstractChoreography is an important and challenging educational objective in dance courses. However, most previous technology‐enhanced learning studies for dance education mainly focused on students’ dance skills, while the issue concerning the approaches to promoting students’ choreographic performance has generally been ignored. To address this issue, the present study developed a mobile technology‐assisted peer assessment approach based on social constructivism for use in a university general education dance routine choreography class. A total of 266 university students were divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experiment lasted for 15 weeks and involved two rounds of peer assessment. The results showed that mobile peer assessment could significantly enhance the innovative competence of dance routines and dance skills. In addition, according to the students’ feedback, the dance routine choreography class was conducive to improving social skills, innovative competence, and intrinsic motivation, while mobile peer assessment could assist students in understanding accurate evaluation criteria, reflecting on their own in a more objective way, and broadening the aspects of appreciating the work.
Effects of propofol on the development of cancer in humans
Authors: Xu Yichi , Pan Shuya , Jiang Wenxiao , Xue Fang , Zhu Xueqiong 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCancer is one of most the significant threats to human health worldwide, and the primary method of treating solid tumours is surgery. Propofol, one of the most widely used intravenous anaesthetics in surgery, was found to be involved in many cancer‐related pathophysiology processes, mainly including anti‐tumour and minor cancer‐promoting effects in various types of cancer. An increasing number of studies have identified that propofol plays a role in cancer by regulating the expression of multiple signalling pathways, downstream molecules, microRNAs and long non‐coding RNAs. Emerging evidence has indicated that propofol can enhance the anti‐tumour effect of chemotherapeutic drugs or some small molecular compounds. Additionally, in vivo animal models have shown that propofol inhibits tumour growth and metastasis. Furthermore, most clinical trials indicate that propofol is associated with better survival outcomes in cancer patients after surgery. Propofol use is encouraged in cancers that appear to have a better prognosis after its use during surgery. We hope that future large and prospective multicenter studies will provide more precise answers to guide the choice of anaesthetics during cancer surgery.
Assessment of left ventricular diastolic function by three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography
Authors: Badano Luigi P. , Muraru Denisa , Ciambellotti Francesca , Caravita Sergio , Guida Valentina , Tomaselli Michele , Parati Gianfranco 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDoppler echocardiography assessment of left ventricular (LV) filling pressures at rest and during exercise is the most widely used imaging technique to assess LV diastolic function in clinical practice. However, a sizable number of patients evaluated for suspected LV diastolic function show an inconsistency between the various parameters included in the flowchart recommended by current Doppler echocardiography guidelines and results in an undetermined LV diastolic function. Current three‐dimensional echocardiography technology allows obtaining accurate measurements of the left atrial volumes and functions that have been shown to improve the diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value of the algorithms recommended for assessing both LV diastolic dysfunction and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Moreover, current software packages used to quantify LV size and function provide also volume‐time curves showing the dynamic LV volume change throughout the cardiac cycle. Examining the diastolic part of these curves allows the measurement of several indices of LV filling that have been reported to be useful to differentiate patients with normal LV diastolic function from patients with different degrees of diastolic dysfunction. Finally, several software packages allow to obtain also myocardial deformation parameters from the three‐dimensional datasets of both the left atrium and the LV providing additional functional parameters that may be useful to improve the diagnostic yield of three‐dimensional echocardiography for the LV diastolic dysfunction. This review summarizes the current applications of three‐dimensional echocardiography to assess LV diastolic function.
Dopamine depletion induces neuron‐specific alterations of GABAergic transmission in the mouse striatum
Authors: Boccalaro Ida Luisa , Schwerdel Cornelia , Cristiá‐Lara Leonardo , Fritschy Jean‐Marc , Rubi Lena 
Published: June 2020

AbstractLack of dopamine (DA) in the striatum and the consequential dysregulation of thalamocortical circuits are major causes of motor impairments in Parkinson's disease. The striatum receives multiple cortical and subcortical afferents. Its role in movement control and motor skills learning is regulated by DA from the nigrostriatal pathway. In Parkinson's disease, DA loss affects striatal network activity and induces a functional imbalance of its output pathways, impairing thalamocortical function. Striatal projection neurons are GABAergic and form two functionally antagonistic pathways: the direct pathway, originating from DA receptor type 1‐expressing medium spiny neurons (D1R‐MSN), and the indirect pathway, from D2R‐MSN. Here, we investigated whether DA depletion in mouse striatum also affects GABAergic function. We recorded GABAergic miniature IPSCs (mIPSC) and tonic inhibition from D1R‐ and D2R‐MSN and used immunohistochemical labeling to study GABAAR function and subcellular distribution in DA‐depleted and control mice. We observed slower decay kinetics and increased tonic inhibition in D1R‐MSN, while D2R‐MSN had increased mIPSC frequency after DA depletion. Perisomatic synapses containing the GABAAR subunits α1 or α2 were not affected, but there was a strong decrease in non‐synaptic GABAARs containing these subunits, suggesting altered receptor trafficking. To broaden these findings, we also investigated GABAARs in GABAergic and cholinergic interneurons and found cell type‐specific alterations in receptor distribution, likely reflecting changes in connectivity. Our results reveal that chronic DA depletion alters striatal GABAergic transmission, thereby affecting cellular and circuit activity. These alterations either result from pathological changes or represent a compensatory mechanism to counteract imbalance of output pathways.
Satisfaction in the Soul: Common Factors Theory Applied to Traditional Healers in Rural Nepal
Authors: Pham Tony V. , Koirala Rishav , Kohrt Brandon A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractTo explore the relationship between traditional healers and conventional psychotherapy, we conducted a combined ethnographic study and structured observational rating of healers in the middle hill region of central Nepal. We conducted in‐depth interviews and ethnographic observations of healing with 84 participants comprising 29 traditional healers and 55 other community members. Overall, our observations and participant responses yielded a range of interventions that improved health through belief, satisfaction in the soul, social support, transference, and symbolic narration. The findings from our overall ethnography suggest that healers offer a platform for their patients to accept a disease state, cope with it, and to experience palliation of distress. We additionally focused on one participant who saw multiple healers for a case study, during which we rated healing behavior using an observational measure of empathy, emotional validation, and therapeutic alliance. Using this measure, healers who were perceived as successful, scored high on alliance, empathy, promoting expectations of recovery, and use of cultural models of distress. The results of our structured observation suggest healers draw upon processes also observed in psychotherapy. Further research is needed to explore if these practices can be generalized to healers in other parts of Nepal and other settings.
Out but in. The reconfiguration of American health policy expertise and the advent of a “peri‐administration” (1970–2010)
Authors: Lepont Ulrike 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis article shows that, in the health policy sector, an infrastructure of expertise external to the state has developed in the United States from the 1970s on, representing a reserve of health‐care specialists in many ways comparable to a specialized, high‐level civil service. Decision makers can delve into that pool of experts when looking for advice, or to find loyal and competent managers to fill administrative positions. By identifying this infrastructure as a “peri‐administration,” this article links up with a recent line of thinking on the American State that reconsiders the classical interpretative frames proposed by the Weberian model. The article examines the contribution of this category of policy experts to the evolution of the policy framework and shows how they were instrumental in narrowing the alternatives available in U.S. health‐care policy from the 1970s to the Affordable Care Act of 2010.