bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dietary L-arginine supplementation reduces lipid accretion by regulating fatty acid metabolism in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Li Senlin , Zhang Yunchang , Liu Ning , Chen Jingqing , Guo Lina , Dai Zhaolai , Wang Chao , Wu Zhenlong , Wu Guoyao 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Excessive white fat accumulation in humans and other animals is associated with the development of multiple metabolic diseases. It is unknown whether dietary L-arginine supplementation reduces lipid deposition in high fat diet-fed Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Results
In the present study, we found that dietary supplementation with 1% or 2% arginine decreased the deposition and concentration of fats in the liver; the concentrations of triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein in the serum; and the diameter of adipocytes in intraperitoneal adipose tissue. Compared with the un-supplementation control group, the hepatic activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase, and hepatic concentration of malondialdehyde were reduced but these for catalase and superoxide dismutase were enhanced by dietary supplementation with 2% arginine. Arginine supplementation reduced the total amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids, while increasing the total amounts of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the liver. These effects of arginine were associated with reductions in mRNA levels for genes related to lipogenesis (sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1, acetyl-CoA carboxylase α, stearoyl-CoA desaturase, and fatty acid synthase) but increases in mRNA levels for genes involved in fatty acid β-oxidation (carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1α and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α). In addition, hepatic mRNA levels for Δ4 fatty acyl desaturase 2 and elongase 5 of very long-chain fatty acids were enhanced by arginine supplementation.

Conclusion
These results revealed that dietary L-arginine supplementation to tilapia reduced high fat diet-induced fat deposition and fatty acid composition in the liver by regulating the expression of genes for lipid metabolism.
Living with pathological narcissism: a qualitative study
Authors: Day Nicholas J. S. , Townsend Michelle L. , Grenyer Brin F. S. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundResearch into the personality trait of narcissism have advanced further understanding of the pathological concomitants of grandiosity, vulnerability and interpersonal antagonism. Recent research has established some of the interpersonal impacts on others from being in a close relationship with someone having such traits of pathological narcissism, but no qualitative studies exist. Individuals with pathological narcissism express many of their difficulties of identity and emotion regulation within the context of significant interpersonal relationships thus studying these impacts on others is warranted.MethodWe asked the relatives of people high in narcissistic traits (indexed by scoring above a cut-off on a narcissism screening measure) to describe their relationships (N = 436; current romantic partners [56.2%]; former romantic partners [19.7%]; family members [21.3%]). Participants were asked to describe their relative and their interactions with them. Verbatim responses were thematically analysed.ResultsParticipants described ‘grandiosity’ in their relative: requiring admiration, showing arrogance, entitlement, envy, exploitativeness, grandiose fantasy, lack empathy, self-importance and interpersonal charm. Participants also described ‘vulnerability’ of the relative: contingent self-esteem, hypersensitivity and insecurity, affective instability, emptiness, rage, devaluation, hiding the self and victimhood. These grandiose and vulnerable characteristics were commonly reported together (69% of respondents). Participants also described perfectionistic (anankastic), vengeful (antisocial) and suspicious (paranoid) features. Instances of relatives childhood trauma, excessive religiosity and substance abuse were also described.ConclusionsThese findings lend support to the importance of assessing the whole dimension of the narcissistic personality, as well as associated personality patterns. On the findings reported here, the vulnerable aspect of pathological narcissism impacts others in an insidious way given the core deficits of feelings of emptiness and affective instability. These findings have clinical implications for diagnosis and treatment in that the initial spectrum of complaints may be misdiagnosed unless the complete picture is understood. Living with a person with pathological narcissism can be marked by experiencing a person who shows large fluctuations in affect, oscillating attitudes and contradictory needs.
Desire for and barriers to obtaining effective contraception among women experiencing homelessness
Authors: Corey Elizabeth , Frazin Stephanie , Heywood Samantha , Haider Sadia 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Homelessness is a significant and growing problem in the United States. Women experiencing homelessness face unique challenges as they have high rates of unintended pregnancy. They often face significant barriers to obtaining effective contraception. This study aimed to explore the contraceptive preferences, desire for, and barriers to obtaining effective contraception among women experiencing homelessness.

Study design
In this cross-sectional study, 54 women experiencing homelessness in Chicago who were at risk for unintended pregnancy were surveyed.

Results
While 94% of the women experiencing homelessness surveyed desired avoiding pregnancy, most were using the least effective contraceptive methods. Among participants, 80% had health insurance, 75% had a high school diploma, and 90% knew where to obtain birth control. Despite these factors, participants faced barriers to obtaining contraception. One significant barrier was lack of comprehensive contraceptive counseling as 62% report a physician had never counseled them on LARC methods. Approximately half of participants desired or would consider using a LARC in the future.

Conclusions
Women experiencing homelessness in our study demonstrate significant unmet needs for effective contraception. Women experiencing homelessness would benefit from comprehensive contraceptive counseling and improved access to effective forms of contraception.
Halo score (temporal artery, its branches and axillary artery) as a diagnostic, prognostic and disease monitoring tool for Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)
Authors: Sebastian Alwin , van der Geest Kornelis S. M. , Coath Fiona , Gondo Prisca , Kayani Abdul , Mackerness Craig , Hadebe Bernard , Innes Sue , Jackson Jo , Dasgupta Bhaskar 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundGiant cell arteritis (GCA) is a common large vessel vasculitis of the elderly, often associated with sight loss. Glucocorticoids (GC remain the mainstay of treatment, although biologic treatments have been approved. Biomarkers predicting disease severity, relapse rates and damage are lacking in GCA.EULAR recommends ultrasound (US) as the first investigation for suspected GCA. The cardinal US finding, a non-compressible halo, is currently categorised as either negative or positive. However, the extent and severity of this finding may vary.In this study, we hypothesise whether the extent and severity of the halo sign [calculated as a single composite Halo score (HS)] of temporal and axillary arteries may be of diagnostic, prognostic and monitoring importance; whether baseline HS is linked to disease outcomes, relapses and damage; whether HS can stratify GCA patients for individual treatment needs; whether HS can function as an objective monitoring tool during follow up.MethodsThis is a prospective, observational study. Suspected GCA Participants will be selected from the GCA FTC at the participating centres in the UK. Informed consent will be obtained, and patients managed as part of standard care. Patients with GCA will have HS (temporal and axillary arteries) measured at baseline and months 1,3,6 and 12 long with routine clinical assessments, blood sampling and patient-reported outcomes (EQ5D). Non-GCA patients will be discharged back to the referral team and will have a telephone interview in 6 months.We aim to recruit 272 suspected GCA referrals which should yield 68 patients (25% of referrals) with confirmed GCA. The recruitment will be completed in 1 year with an estimated total study period of 24 months.DiscussionThe identification of prognostic factors in GCA is both timely and needed. A prognostic marker, such as the HS, could help to stratify GCA patients for an appropriate treatment regimen. Tocilizumab, an IL-6R blocking agent, switches off the acute phase response (C-Reactive Protein), making it difficult to measure the disease activity. Therefore, an independent HS, and changes in that score during treatment and follow-up, maybe a more objective measure of response compare to patient-reported symptoms and clinical assessment alone.
Polymerization of deoxygenated sickle hemoglobin in the presence of fractionated leaf extracts of Anacardium occidentale, Psidium guajava, and Terminalia catappa
Authors: Chikezie Paul C. , Ekeanyanwu Raphael C. , Chile-Agada Adaeze B. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
The present study evaluated levels of polymerization of deoxygenated sickle hemoglobin molecules (poly-dHbS-M) in the presence of fractionated leaf extracts of Anacardium occidentale Linn., Psidium guajava Linn., and Terminalia catappa Linn in vitro as well as identified, quantified, and characterized the phytocomponents from fractionated leaf extracts that exhibited comparatively high potency to impede poly-dHbS-M. Non-hemolyzed sickle erythrocytes were premixed with 40, 60, and 80 mg/100 mL of each of the separate fractionated leaf extracts of A. occidentale, P. guajava, and T. catappa in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; pH = 7.4), osmotically equivalent to 9.0 g/L NaCl. Poly-dHbS-M was induced by adding 2.0 g/100 mL Na2S2O5 to the erythrocyte suspension. The absorbance of the erythrocyte suspension was measured at regular intervals of 30 s for 180 s. Identification, quantification, and characterization of phytocomponents from fractionated leaf extracts were carried out using GC-MS, FT-IR, and UV-visible systems protocols.

Results
The level of poly-dHbS-M of the control sample was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of the samples containing 40, 60, and 80 mg/100 mL ethylacetate extracts of A. occidentale at t < 60 s. The relative cumulative polymerization index (RCPI%) of dHbS-M in the presence of fractionated leaf extract of A. occidentale varied within a wide range of 3.8–59.4%. A. occidentale (petroleum ether and ethylacetate extracts), P. guajava (n-hexane, chloroform, and ethylacetate extracts), and T. catappa (ethylacetate extract) exhibited comparatively high potency to inhibit poly-dHbS-M.

Conclusion
The fractionated leaf extracts of A. occidentale, P. guajava, and T. catappa exhibited differential capacities to impede poly-dHbS-M. The combinations of aliphatic hydrocarbons, methylated esters, methylated fatty acids, aliphatic alcohols, d-erythro-sphinganine, aromatic derivatives, cycloalkanes, phthalates, isothiocyanates, aminated sugars, cyclo-alcohols, and nitro-compounds impeded poly-dHbS-M.
Antibiotics stewardship in Ghana: a cross-sectional study of public knowledge, attitudes, and practices among communities
Authors: Jimah Tamara , Fenny Ama P. , Ogunseitan Oladele A. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Antibiotic resistance is a major contributing factor to global morbidity and mortality and is associated with inappropriate medication use. However, the level of antibiotic consumption and knowledge about antibiotic resistance in Ghana is inadequately quantified. Our study identifies strategies for improved stewardship of antibiotics to prevent the proliferation of resistant pathogens by assessing the level of antibiotic knowledge, attitudes, and consumption behaviors by region, gender, age, and education in rural and urban Ghana.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 12 communities in the urban Greater Accra and rural Upper West regions of Ghana. A questionnaire survey was administered to 400 individuals aged 18 years and older in selected locations during September–October 2018 to collect data on individual knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Multivariate analysis was used to investigate the association between demographic characteristics and knowledge, attitudes, and related behaviors.

Results
Over 30% (125/400) had not received a doctor’s prescription during their last illness. Seventy percent (278/400) had taken at least one antibiotic in the year prior to the survey. The top five frequently used antibiotics were Amoxicillin, Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin, and Metronidazole. Women and older adults had higher knowledge compared to their respective counterparts (p < 0.01). Furthermore, prudent antibiotic use was significantly more prevalent in women than men (p < 0.05). Although no regional differences were found in overall knowledge, compared to urban residents, individuals residing in rural settings exhibited higher knowledge about the ineffectiveness of antibiotics for viruses like the cold and HIV/AIDS (p < 0.001). Two hundred and fifty-two (63%) respondents were unaware of antibiotic resistance. There was generally a low level of self-efficacy among participants regarding their role in preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics.

Conclusion
Antibiotic knowledge, attitudes, and use varied significantly across demographics, suggesting a context-specific approach to developing effective community interventions.
Universal orbital angular momentum spectrum analyzer for beams
Authors: Fu Shiyao , Zhai Yanwang , Zhang Jianqiang , Liu Xueting , Song Rui , Zhou Heng , Gao Chunqing 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe orbital angular momentum (OAM) of beams provides a new dimension, and have already found lots of applications in various domains. Among such applications, the precisely and quantitatively diagnostic of intensity distributions among different OAM modes, namely the OAM spectrum of a beam, is of great significance. In this paper we propose and experimentally validate a simple interferential method to achieve this goal. By analyzing the interference pattern formed by the beam and a reference field, the OAM spectrum can be obtained instantaneously. Furthermore, the proposed method is also available for more complex light fields, for instance, the multi-ring optical vortices. In the proof-of-concept experiment, the OAM spectra of both single-mode and N-fold multiplexed OAM modes with various intensity distributions are well detected. Our work offers a new way to precisely measure the OAM spectra of beams and will advance the development of many applications ranging from classical to quantum physics as the OAM based large-capacity data transmissions, rotation detection, quantum manipulation and so on.
Rucaparib in Men With Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Harboring aBRCA1orBRCA2Gene Alteration
Authors: Abida Wassim , Patnaik Akash , Campbell David , Shapiro Jeremy , Bryce Alan H. , McDermott Ray , Sautois Brieuc , Vogelzang Nicholas J. , Bambury Richard M. , Voog Eric , Zhang Jingsong , Piulats Josep M. , Ryan Charles J. , Merseburger Axel S. , Daugaard Gedske , Heidenreich Axel , Fizazi Karim , Higano Celestia S. , Krieger Laurence E. , Sternberg Cora N. , Watkins Simon P. , Despain Darrin , Simmons Andrew D. , Loehr Andrea , Dowson Melanie , Golsorkhi Tony , Chowdhury Simon ,   on behalf of the TRITON2 investigators
Published: August 2020

PURPOSEBRCA1 or BRCA2 ( BRCA) alterations are common in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and may confer sensitivity to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors. We present results from patients with mCRPC associated with a BRCA alteration treated with rucaparib 600 mg twice daily in the phase II TRITON2 study.METHODSWe enrolled patients who progressed after one to two lines of next-generation androgen receptor–directed therapy and one taxane-based chemotherapy for mCRPC. Efficacy and safety populations included patients with a deleterious BRCA alteration who received ≥ 1 dose of rucaparib. Key efficacy end points were objective response rate (ORR; per RECIST/Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Working Group 3 in patients with measurable disease as assessed by blinded, independent radiology review and by investigators) and locally assessed prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response (≥ 50% decrease from baseline) rate.RESULTSEfficacy and safety populations included 115 patients with a BRCA alteration with or without measurable disease. Confirmed ORRs per independent radiology review and investigator assessment were 43.5% (95% CI, 31.0% to 56.7%; 27 of 62 patients) and 50.8% (95% CI, 38.1% to 63.4%; 33 of 65 patients), respectively. The confirmed PSA response rate was 54.8% (95% CI, 45.2% to 64.1%; 63 of 115 patients). ORRs were similar for patients with a germline or somatic BRCA alteration and for patients with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 alteration, while a higher PSA response rate was observed in patients with a BRCA2 alteration. The most frequent grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse event was anemia (25.2%; 29 of 115 patients).CONCLUSIONRucaparib has antitumor activity in patients with mCRPC and a deleterious BRCA alteration, but with a manageable safety profile consistent with that reported in other solid tumor types.
CD133 Expression in Medullary Thyroid Cancer Cells Identifies Patients with Poor Prognosis
Authors: Cordero-Barreal Alfonso , Caleiras Eduardo , López de Maturana Evangelina , Monteagudo María , Martínez-Montes Ángel M , Letón Rocío , Gil Eduardo , Álvarez-Escolá Cristina , Regojo Rita M , Andía Víctor , Marazuela Mónica , Guadalix Sonsoles , Calatayud María , Robles-Díaz Luis , Aguirre Miguel , Cano Juana M , Díaz José Ángel , Saavedra Pilar , Lamas Cristina , Azriel Sharona , Sastre Julia , Aller Javier , Leandro-García Luis J , Calsina Bruna , Roldán-Romero Juan María , Santos María , Lanillos Javier , Cascón Alberto , Rodríguez-Antona Cristina , Robledo Mercedes , Montero-Conde Cristina 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Context
The identification of markers able to determine medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) patients at high-risk of disease progression is critical to improve their clinical management and outcome. Previous studies have suggested that expression of the stem cell marker CD133 is associated with MTC aggressiveness.

Objective
To evaluate CD133 impact on disease progression in MTC and explore the regulatory mechanisms leading to the upregulation of this protein in aggressive tumors.

Patients
We compiled a series of 74 MTCs with associated clinical data and characterized them for mutations in RET and RAS proto-oncogenes, presumed to be related with disease clinical behavior.

Results
We found that CD133 immunohistochemical expression was associated with adverse clinicopathological features and predicted a reduction in time to disease progression even when only RET-mutated cases were considered in the analysis (log-rank test P &lt; 0.003). Univariate analysis for progression-free survival revealed CD133 expression and presence of tumor emboli in peritumoral blood vessels as the most significant prognostic covariates among others such as age, gender, and prognostic stage. Multivariate analysis identified both variables as independent factors of poor prognosis (hazard ratio = 16.6 and 2; P = 0.001 and 0.010, respectively). Finally, we defined hsa-miR-30a-5p, a miRNA downregulated in aggressive MTCs, as a CD133 expression regulator. Ectopic expression of hsa-miR-30a-5p in MZ-CRC-1 (RETM918T) cells significantly reduced CD133 mRNA expression.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that CD133 expression may be a useful tool to identify MTC patients with poor prognosis, who may benefit from a more extensive primary surgical management and follow-up.
11-Oxygenated C19 Steroids Do Not Distinguish the Hyperandrogenic Phenotype of PCOS Daughters from Girls with Obesity
Authors: Torchen Laura C , Sisk Ryan , Legro Richard S , Turcu Adina F , Auchus Richard J , Dunaif Andrea 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Context
Hyperandrogenemia (HA) is a consistent reproductive phenotype in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and their relatives. Increased testosterone levels are present in premenarchal daughters of affected women (PCOS-d). Obese girls (OB-g) without a family history of PCOS also have peripubertal HA. The sources and significance of HA in these groups remains unknown.

Objective
11-oxygenated 19-carbon (C19) steroids are adrenally derived androgens that are elevated in hyperandrogenic disorders, including PCOS. We performed this study to test the hypothesis that peripheral serum 11-oxygenated steroids would differ in PCOS-d compared with OB-g suggesting distinct etiologies of HA in affected girls.

Design, Setting, and Participants
We compared peripheral serum 11-oxygenated steroid levels in 21 PCOS-d, 29 OB-g, and 17 lean control girls (LC) of comparable age at an academic medical center.

Results
Body mass index (BMI) differed by design (P &lt; 0.001). 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione, 11-ketoandrostenedione, and 11β-hydroxytestosterone levels did not differ between the groups. Compared with LC, PCOS-d and OB-g had similar elevations in 11-ketotestosterone (11KT) (analysis of variance [ANOVA] P = 0.03; PCOS-d vs LC, P = 0.04; OB-g vs LC, P = 0.05; PCOS-d vs OB-g, P = 0.97). In multivariate regression, 11KT levels were associated with DHEAS (P = 0.008), but not with BMI z score, breast Tanner stage, testosterone, anti-Müllerian hormone or sex hormone–binding globulin levels.

Conclusions
Circulating 11KT levels were similarly elevated in peripubertal PCOS-d and OB-g, suggesting an adrenal component of HA in both groups. We found that 11-oxygenated 19-carbon steroid profiles did not identify subtypes of HA girls.
Genetic Variation and Hot Flashes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Crandall Carolyn J , Diamant Allison L , Maglione Margaret , Thurston Rebecca C , Sinsheimer Janet 
Published: August 2020

AbstractContextApproximately 70% of women report experiencing vasomotor symptoms (VMS, hot flashes and/or night sweats). The etiology of VMS is not clearly understood but may include genetic factors.Evidence AcquisitionWe searched PubMed and Embase in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidance. We included studies on associations between genetic variation and VMS. We excluded studies focused on medication interventions or prevention or treatment of breast cancer.Evidence SynthesisOf 202 unique citations, 18 citations met the inclusion criteria. Study sample sizes ranged from 51 to 17 695. Eleven of the 18 studies had fewer than 500 participants; 2 studies had 1000 or more. Overall, statistically significant associations with VMS were found for variants in 14 of the 26 genes assessed in candidate gene studies. The cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily A member 1 (CYP1B1) gene was the focus of the largest number (n = 7) of studies, but strength and statistical significance of associations of CYP1B1 variants with VMS were inconsistent. A genome-wide association study reported statistically significant associations between 14 single-nucleotide variants in the tachykinin receptor 3 gene and VMS. Heterogeneity across trials regarding VMS measurement methods and effect measures precluded quantitative meta-analysis; there were few studies of each specific genetic variant.ConclusionsGenetic variants are associated with VMS. The associations are not limited to variations in sex-steroid metabolism genes. However, studies were few and future studies are needed to confirm and extend these findings.