bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The identification of key indicators to drive quality improvement in obstetric anaesthesia: results of the Obstetric Anaesthetists’ Association/National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit collaborative Delphi project
Authors: Bamber J. H. , Lucas D. N. , Plaat F. , Allin B. , Knight M. ,   collaborators for the Obstetric Anaesthetists’ Association Quality and Outcomes Working Group
Published: October 2019

SummaryA three‐stage Delphi survey process was undertaken to identify the quality indicators considered the most relevant to obstetric anaesthesia. The initial quality indicators assessed were derived from national peer‐reviewed publications and were divided into service provision, service quality and clinical outcomes. A range of stakeholders were invited to participate and divided into three panels: obstetric anaesthetists; other maternity care health professionals; and women who had used maternity services. In total, 133 stakeholders registered to participate with 80% completing all three phases of the survey process. Participants ranked indicators for their relative importance using the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation scale. From an initial list of 31 quality indicators, 11 indicators were rated as extremely important by > 90% of participants in at least two panels. These 11 indicators were presented to stakeholders; they were asked to vote for the five indicators they considered most relevant and useful for assessing and benchmarking the quality of obstetric anaesthesia provided. The indicators chosen were: the percentage of women who had an epidural/combined spinal‐epidural for labour analgesia with accidental dural puncture; the presence of guidelines for the referral of patients to an anaesthetist for antenatal review; whether there are dedicated elective caesarean section lists; the availability of point‐of‐care testing for estimation of haemoglobin concentration; and the percentage of epidurals for labour analgesia that provided adequate pain relief within 45 min of the start of epidural insertion. These indicators may be used for quality improvement and national benchmarking to support the implementation of quality standards in obstetric anaesthesia.
Clinical trial simulations of the interaction between cannabidiol and clobazam and effect on drop‐seizure frequency
Authors: Bergmann Kirsten Riber , Broekhuizen Karen , Groeneveld Geert Jan 
Published: October 2019

With this study, we aim to test the hypothesis that the effect of cannabidiol on drop‐seizure frequency in patients with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome could be attributed to a drug–drug interaction with clobazam. We performed clinical trial simulations for the effect of 20 mg/kg/day cannabidiol on drop‐seizure frequency in patients with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome. We assumed that patients taking 10 or 20 mg clobazam would have a 2‐ to 7‐fold increase in N‐desmethylclobazam exposure, whereas patients not taking clobazam would have a median reduction in drop‐seizure frequency and a variability in the percent reduction similar to the placebo group. The results show that the effect of cannabidiol on the median reduction in drop‐seizure frequency in patients with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome may be explained by a drug–drug interaction with clobazam. This may have important implications for the use of cannabidiol and its Food and Drug Administration registration.
Carbonic anhydrase II does not regulate nitrite‐dependent nitric oxide formation and vasodilation
Authors: Wang Ling , Sparacino‐Watkins Courtney E. , Wang Jun , Wajih Nadeem , Varano Paul , Xu Qinzi , Cecco Eric , Tejero Jesús , Soleimani Manoocher , Kim‐Shapiro Daniel B. , Gladwin Mark T. 
Published: October 2019

Background and purposeAlthough it has been reported that bovine carbonic anhydrase CAII is capable of generating NO from nitrite, the function and mechanism of CAII in nitrite‐dependent NO formation and vascular responses remain controversial. We tested the hypothesis that CAII catalyses NO formation from nitrite and contributes to nitrite‐dependent inhibition of platelet activation and vasodilation.Experiment approachThe role of CAII in enzymatic NO generation was investigated by measuring NO formation from the reaction of isolated human and bovine CAII with nitrite using NO photolysis‐chemiluminescence. A CAII‐deficient mouse model was used to determine the role of CAII in red blood cell mediated nitrite reduction and vasodilation.Key resultsWe found that the commercially available purified bovine CAII exhibited limited and non‐enzymatic NO‐generating reactivity in the presence of nitrite with or without addition of the CA inhibitor dorzolamide; the NO formation was eliminated with purification of the enzyme. There was no significant detectable NO production from the reaction of nitrite with recombinant human CAII. Using a CAII‐deficient mouse model, there were no measurable changes in nitrite‐dependent vasodilation in isolated aorta rings and in vivo in CAII−/−, CAII+/−, and wild‐type mice. Moreover, deletion of the CAII gene in mice did not block nitrite reduction by red blood cells and the nitrite‐NO‐dependent inhibition of platelet activation.Conclusion and implicationsThese studies suggest that human, bovine and mouse CAII are not responsible for nitrite‐dependent NO formation in red blood cells, aorta, or the systemic circulation.
Angiotensin‐(1‐7) mitigated angiotensin II‐induced abdominal aortic aneurysms in apolipoprotein E‐knockout mice
Authors: Xue Fei , Yang Jianmin , Cheng Jing , Sui Wenhai , Cheng Cheng , Li Hongxuan , Zhang Meng , Zhang Jie , Xu Xingli , Ma Jing , Lu Lin , Xu Jinfeng , Zhang Meng , Zhang Yun , Zhang Cheng 
Published: October 2019

Background and PurposeTo test the hypothesis that angiotensin‐(1‐7) [Ang‐(1‐7)] may attenuate abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) via inhibiting vascular inflammation, extracellular matrix degradation, and smooth muscle cell (SMC) apoptosis, an animal model of AAA was established by angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion to apolipoprotein E‐knockout (ApoE‐/‐) mice.Experimental ApproachAll mice and cultured SMCs or macrophages were divided into control, Ang II‐treated, Ang II + Ang‐(1‐7)‐treated, Ang II + Ang‐(1‐7) + A779‐treated and Ang II + Ang‐(1‐7) + PD123319‐treated groups respectively. In vivo, aortic mechanics and serum lipids were assessed. Ex vivo, AAA were examined by histology, immunohistochemistry and zymography. Cultured cells were analysed by RT‐PCR, western blots and TUNEL assays.Key ResultsIn vivo, Ang‐(1‐7) reduced the incidence and severity of AAA induced by Ang II infusion, by inhibiting macrophage infiltration, attenuating expression of IL‐6, TNF‐α, CCL2 and MMP2, and decreasing SMC apoptosis in abdominal aortic tissues. Addition of A779 or PD123319 reversed Ang‐(1‐7)‐mediated beneficial effects on AAA. In vitro, Ang‐(1‐7) decreased expression of mRNA for IL‐6, TNF‐α, and CCL2 induced by Ang II in macrophages. In addition, Ang‐(1‐7) suppressed apoptosis and MMP2 expression and activity in Ang II‐treated SMCs. These effects were accompanied by inhibition of the ERK1/2 signalling pathways via Ang‐(1‐7) stimulation of Mas and AT2 receptors.Conclusion and ImplicationsAng‐(1‐7) treatment attenuated Ang II‐induced AAA via inhibiting vascular inflammation, extracellular matrix degradation, and SMC apoptosis. Ang‐(1‐7) may provide a novel and promising approach to the prevention and treatment of AAA.
Lateralized Neural Responses to Letters and Digits in First Graders
Authors: Lochy Aliette , Schiltz Christine 
Published: October 2019

The emergence of visual cortex specialization for culturally acquired characters like letters and digits, both arbitrary shapes related to specific cognitive domains, is yet unclear. Here, 20 young children (6.12 years old) were tested with a frequency‐tagging paradigm coupled with electroencephalogram recordings to assess discrimination responses of letters from digits and vice‐versa. One category of stimuli (e.g., letters) was periodically inserted (1/5) in streams of the other category (e.g., digits) presented at a fast rate (6 Hz). Results show clear right‐lateralized discrimination responses at 6 Hz/5 for digits within letters, and a trend for left‐lateralization for letters. These results support an early developmental emergence of ventral occipito‐temporal cortex specialization for visual recognition of digits and letters, potentially in relation with relevant coactivated brain networks.
High‐definition transcranial direct current stimulation—An open‐label pilot intervention in alleviating depressive symptoms and cognitive deficits in late‐life depression
Authors: Wong Hau‐lam , Chan Wai Chi , Wong Yiu‐lung , Wong Sze‐nga , Yung Hui‐yan , Wong Sau‐man Corine , Cheng Pak‐wing Calvin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe efficacy of high‐definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD‐tDCS) in late‐life depression (LLD) remains unknown due to limited research on its therapeutic effects on the hallmarks of LLD—the depressive and cognitive symptoms. The present open‐label pilot study aimed to examine the effectiveness of HD‐tDCS as an augmentation therapy with antidepressants in improving the depressive and cognitive symptoms for LLD. Significant improvements were hypothesized in the depressive, cognitive, and daily functioning outcomes over time. A total of 15 subjects with LLD (13 females, mean age = 73.27 ± 6.25) received five consecutive daily sessions of 20‐minute active HD‐tDCS interventions weekly for 2 weeks, with a 2 mA anodal stimulation over F3 and cathodal stimulation over FC1, AF3, F7, and FC5. Depressive symptoms and cognitive and daily functioning were assessed across five assessment timepoints. The results revealed that the HD‐tDCS was effective in reducing the depressive severity and the remission rates, with a sustained effect at both the 1‐month and 3‐month follow‐up. Pre‐post improvements were seen in the overall cognitive functioning and in verbal fluency, but not in executive functioning. Our pilot study provides a preliminary result of HD‐tDCS in LLD, which was a safe and effective treatment in alleviating depressive symptoms, with mild cognitive improvements observed. Further larger scale randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm this result.
Isothiazolinones in cleaning products: Analysis with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry of samples from sensitized patients and market
Authors: Marrero‐Alemán Gabriel , Borrego Leopoldo , Antuña Ana González , Macías Montes Ana , Pérez Luzardo Octavio 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundMethylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) and methylisothiazolinone (MI) contact dermatitis is a severe problem. The high concentrations of these substances and other isothiazolinones such as benzisothiazolinone (BIT) and octylisothiazolinone (OIT) contained in cleaning products may cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized patients.ObjectivesTo evaluate the exposure to isothiazolinones contained in cleaning products on the market and from sensitized patients, and to verify the accuracy of labeling.MethodsA total of 34 cleaning products were collected (17 supplied by sensitized patients and 17 bought randomly). Analysis was made of the concentrations of MI, MCI, BIT, and OIT using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS).ResultsMI and BIT were the components most frequently detected. Of all the products analyzed, 76.5% contained at least one isothiazolinone. Twelve products had an MI concentration above the permitted level for rinse‐off cosmetics. Most of them were coming into direct contact with the skin in daily use. Mislabeling occurred in eight products.ConclusionsSome cleaning products with high concentrations of isothiazolinones may cause cutaneous symptoms in sensitized patients, especially in spray form. The labeling should be correct, also regarding the use of each article.
Primary cutaneous Epstein‐Barr virus‐positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, in a nonimmunocompromised young man: A case report
Authors: Mo Xiang‐lan , Zhou Min‐yan , Ye Qiu‐rong 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPrimary cutaneous EBV (Epstein‐Barr virus)‐positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (DLBCL, NOS), is an extremely rare disease. The clinical and pathological features of DLBCL, NOS have not been clearly illustrated. We report a case of primary cutaneous EBV‐positive DLBCL, NOS in a 35‐year‐old Chinese male with multiple ulcerated and nodular lesions on his trunk and arms for 6 months. No other organs, except the skin, were involved. The lesions were localized in the dermis with focal necrosis. The tumor cells were immunoblastic‐ or centroblastic‐like cells and diffusely distributed. There were numerous inflammatory cells in the background. The tumor cells were positive for CD20, PAX‐5, MUM1, LMP1, CD30, and Epstein‐Barr virus encodedsmall RNA, but negative for EBNA2. Polymerase chain reaction showed a monoclonal IG gene rearrangement. The patient received 6 cycles of CHOP (cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, Oncovin®, prednisone) chemotherapy and went into complete remission. There was no evidence of relapse after 35 months of follow‐up.
Do individual liquor permit systems help Indigenous communities to manage alcohol?
Authors: d'Abbs Peter , Crundall Ian 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIntroduction and AimsLiquor permits were once used throughout Scandinavia and North America for managing alcohol, but largely disappeared in the late 20th century. Today, they are used in some Indigenous communities in Nunavut, Canada and the Northern Territory, Australia. This paper examines the extent to which liquor permits: (i) contribute to reducing alcohol‐related harms in Indigenous communities; and (ii) offer a viable mechanism for managing alcohol in Indigenous communities.Design and MethodsThe study draws on published and unpublished international literature on liquor permit systems in Indigenous communities, and on field visits to northern territory (NT) communities.ResultsApart from one anecdotal report, the study found no evidence that liquor permit systems in Nunavut communities have reduced alcohol‐related problems. In the NT, they have reduced alcohol‐related harms in some communities. However, management of liquor permit systems generates significant administrative demands in communities.Discussion and ConclusionsEffectiveness of liquor permit systems is a product of five factors: permits themselves; agencies and procedures for issuing and managing permits; agencies and procedures for supplying liquor; enforcement of permit conditions, and the presence of other agencies—legal and illegal—affecting supply and consumption of liquor. Liquor permits continue to be valued by some Indigenous communities for managing alcohol. This study suggests that they can do so provided: (i) agencies administering permits have adequate support; (ii) controls over non‐legal purchasing and consumption of liquor are effective, and (iii) the permit system is viewed in the community as legitimate, equitable and transparent.
Deceptive pollination of Calanthe by skippers that commonly act as nectar thieves
Authors: Luo Huolin , Liang Yuelong , Xiao Hanwen , Liu Nannan , Chen Yanru , Wang Wu , Tang Jiang , Xiong Dongjin , Yang Boyun , Ren Zongxin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractFlowers have developed different strategies to attract pollinators through visual or olfactory signals. Most flowers offer pollinators a reward (e.g. nectar and pollen) for the pollination service. However, one‐third of Orchidaceae have been shown not to provide a reward. Calanthe are terrestrial orchids distributed throughout China, Nepal, Japan and tropical Asia. Despite its high diversity, the pollination biology of Calanthe remains largely unknown, even though it is an important aspect of plant conservation. In the study, through field surveying, there were three Hesperiidae butterflies pollinating two species of Calanthe and the pollination behavior differed between the two species of Calanthe, which might lead to different fruit setting rates. There was no nectar in the flowers of the two species, indicating deceptive pollination. Using a glass cylinder experiment, it was deduced that the two species of Calanthe were most likely to attract pollinators by generalized food deception. Interestingly, Hesperiidae butterflies were traditionally thought to be nectar thieves and generally do not transmit pollinia. However, our findings showed that, in this case, the thieves were deceived by the plants and pollinated them for free.
Comparing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Systemic Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder: Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial (SOPHO‐CBT/ST)
Authors: Hunger Christina , Hilzinger Rebecca , Klewinghaus Laura , Deusser Laura , Sander Anja , Mander Johannes , Bents Hinrich , Ditzen Beate , Schweitzer Jochen 
Published: October 2019

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to pilot the newly developed manualized and monitored systemic therapy (ST) for social anxiety disorder (SAD), as compared to manualized and monitored cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). We conducted a prospective multicenter, assessor‐blind pilot RCT on 38 outpatients (ICD F40.1; Structured Clinical Interview for DSM (SCID); Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, LSAS‐SR >30). The primary outcome was level of social anxiety (LSAS‐SR) at the end of treatment. A total of 252 persons were screened, and 38 patients were randomized and started therapy (CBT: 20 patients; ST: 18 patients; age: M = 36 years, SD = 14). Within‐group, simple‐effect intent‐to‐treat analyses (ITT) showed significant reduction in LSAS‐SR (CBT:d = 1.04; ST:d = 1.67), while ITT mixed‐design ANOVA demonstrated the advantage of ST (d = 0.81). Per‐protocol analyses supported these results. Remission based on reliable change indices also demonstrated significant difference (LSAS‐SR: 15% in CBT; 39% in ST;h: 0.550), supported by blind diagnosticians’ ratings of those who completed therapy (SCID; 45% in CBT, 78% in ST,p = .083). No adverse events were reported. CBT and ST both reduced social anxiety, supporting patient improvement with the newly developed ST for SAD; this has yet to be verified in a subsequent confirmatory RCT.
Helicobacter pylori inhibits GKN1 expression via the CagA/p‐ERK/AUF1 pathway
Authors: Guo Yanlei , Zhang Ting , Shi Yanyan , Zhang Jing , Li Mingyu , Lu Fengmin , Zhang Jing , Chen Xiangmei , Ding Shigang 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies have shown that gastrokine 1 (GKN1), an important tumor suppressor gene, is downregulated in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infected gastric mucosa and gastric cancer. However, the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Herein, we investigated the potential mechanism of H. pylori‐induced GKN1 downregulation.Materials and methodsGKN1 and AU‐rich element RNA‐binding factor 1 (AUF1) expressions were assessed by quantitative real‐time PCR, Western blot, or immunohistochemistry in H. pylori‐infected tissues and H. pylori co‐cultured cell lines. The regulation of AUF1 on GKN1 was determined by RNA pulldown assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, mRNA turnover, and luciferase activity assays. The involvement of phosphorylated extra‐cellular signal‐regulated kinase (p‐ERK) or CagA in H. pylori‐induced AUF1 expression was verified using p‐ERK inhibitor or CagA knockout H. pylori. In addition, the cell proliferation and migration capacities of AUF1‐knockdown cells were investigated.ResultsGKN1 expression progressively decreased from H. pylori‐infected gastritis to gastric cancer tissues. H. pylori co‐culture also induced significant GKN1 reduction in GES‐1 and BGC‐823 cells. Besides, the mRNA level of GKN1 and AUF1 in human gastric mucosa showed negative correlation significantly. AUF1 knockdown resulted in upregulation of GKN1 expression and promoted GKN1 mRNA decay by binding the 3′ untranslated region of GKN1 mRNA H. pylori‐induced AUF1 expression was associated with p‐ERK activation and CagA. Furthermore, knockdown of AUF1 significantly inhibited cell viability, migration ability, and arrested fewer cells in S‐phase.ConclusionOur data demonstrated that H. pylori infection downregulated GKN1 expression via the CagA/p‐ERK/AUF1 pathway. AUF1 promoted gastric cancer at least partly through downregulating GKN1, which presented a novel potential target for the treatment of gastric cancer.
Local release of metalloproteinases and their inhibitors after a successful revascularisation procedure
Authors: Grande Raffaele , Brachini Gioia , Sterpetti Antonio V. , Borrelli Valeria , Serra Raffaele , Pugliese Francesco , D'Ermo Giuseppe , Tartaglia Elvira , Rubino Paolo , Mingoli Andrea , Sapienza Paolo 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAn altered balance between metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitor tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) may influence the healing process of a minor amputation following a successful vein graft. To speed up this process, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and advanced moist wound dressing have been proposed. We determined the systemic and local release of MMP‐1, ‐2, ‐3, ‐9, TIMP‐1, and TIMP‐2 by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique and their influences in the healing process in 26 patients who underwent minor amputation after a successful revascularisation procedure. Twelve patients (group 1) were medicated with NPWT and 14 (group 2) with advanced moist wound dressing. Plasma samples were collected on the morning of surgery and thereafter at 1, 3, and 5 months; exudates were collected 3 days after surgery when amputation was performed and thereafter at 1, 3, and 5 months. Fifteen age‐matched healthy male volunteers served as controls. All wounds healed in 5 ± 0.5 months. Follow‐up plasma and local release of MMP‐1, ‐2, ‐3, and ‐9 were overall significantly lower when compared with the preoperative levels, while those of TIMP‐1 and ‐2 were significantly higher with no differences among the groups. Despite no differences in the healing process being observed among the two types of medications, at 1 month the local release of MMP‐2 and ‐9 was significantly lower (P = .013 and .047, respectively) and that of TIMP‐1 was significantly higher (P = .042) in group 1 as compared to group 2. A correct and aggressive local approach to the wound is able to promote the healing of the lesion stimulating the extracellular matrix turnover with local MMP/TIMP adequate balance and favouring the creation of granulation tissue. However, a successful restoration of an adequate blood flow remains the key point of a durable and rapid wound healing.