bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The curative treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia: Liver transplantation
Authors: Gulsoy Kirnap Nazli , Kirnap Mahir , Bascil Tutuncu Neslihan , Moray Gokhan , Haberal Mehmet 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundFamilial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by premature mortal cardiovascular complications. Liver transplantation (LT) is the only curative treatment option. In this study, the long‐term clinical follow‐up data of 8 patients who underwent LT with a diagnosis of FH in our center are presented.Materials and MethodsA total of 638 LT were performed between December 1985 and June 2019 at Baskent University, of which 8 patients underwent LT with a diagnosis of FH and were evaluated retrospectively.ResultsOf the 8 patients, 4 underwent deceased donor and 4 living donor transplantation. Five patients had preoperative cardiovascular disease and consequent interventional operations. There was significant reduction in postoperative LDL‐C and TC levels starting from the first week, and stabilizing at the first month and first year. The median survival time of patients was 5 years (2‐12 years). All patients are still alive. None of the complications of patients with preoperative cardiovascular complications had progressed.ConclusionLiver transplantation is the preferred curative treatment for the pathophysiology of FH. In our study, LDL‐C levels were brought under control with LT performed on patients with FH. Median 5‐year follow‐up of patients showed that the progression of cardiac complications was abated.
A restrictive alcohol social supply law change is associated with less supply to friends under 18 years
Authors: Huckle Taisia , Romeo Jose , Casswell Sally 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIntroduction and AimsThis study aimed to assess the early impacts of a 2013 law change to restrict the social supply of alcohol to under 18s in New Zealand by assessing changes in social suppliers' behaviour.Design and MethodsNational surveys of drinkers aged 16–65 years were collected before (2013) and after (2015) the law change. Suppliers were asked: to whom they supplied alcohol, how often and how much; if the supplier thought the alcohol they provided would be shared; whether the supplier had permission to supply from parent/guardian, and if they supervised their supply. General estimating equation models were used to conduct analyses.ResultsSons and daughters were commonly supplied to, as were friends, but friends were supplied greater quantities on average [13 drinks compared to four drinks for sons/daughters (at baseline)]. Following the law change, friends were less commonly supplied to (8% decrease), were supplied with fewer drinks (down from 13 to 11 drinks) and there was greater supervision of social supply to friends (16% increase) (and to other relatives). However, the number of drinks supplied by parents increased from four to six drinks.Discussion and ConclusionsThere was evidence of some early reductions in social supply in relation to the law change, in particular where the legislation aimed to have effect; specifically, less supply to friends under 18 years. We found no effect of the new law on parental supply. As quantities supplied are still very high, further policy restriction and public health interventions would be appropriate.
Dermatological complications of therapy with biologics in inflammatory autoimmune diseases
Authors: Sondermann Wiebke , Herz Saskia , Sody Elsa , Körber Andreas 
Published: October 2019

SummaryBackground and objectiveCutaneous adverse events (CAEs) occur in up to 10 % of patients with immune‐mediated inflammatory disease (IMID) treated with antitumor necrosis factor (TNF)α agents. The aim of this clinical study was to track and observe the course of CAEs in all biologic therapies.Patients and methodsThe population for this study consisted of patients with CAEs under biologic therapy who were examined by experienced board‐certified dermatologists in the outpatient department of the University Hospital Essen, Department of Dermatology.ResultsAltogether 39 patients with a total of 45 CAEs were included in this study. In 60 % of the cases a form of paradoxical psoriasis was diagnosed. Two thirds (66.6 %) of the patients with CAEs were diagnosed with an underlying inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). TNFα antagonists were the triggering agents in about 95 % of the cases. Changes in biological therapy were required in nearly half of the cases (46.2 %). Almost 90 % of the patients had either a complete (42.1 %) or a partial response (47 %).ConclusionsManagement of CEAs under biological therapy can be challenging in clinical practice. Case discussions between gastroenterologists, rheumatologists and dermatologists should be undertaken to best manage patients with CAEs and avoid unnecessary changes of therapy.
Does time matter? WhatsApp vs electronic mail for dental education. A pilot study
Authors: Poblete Paulina , Nieto Eugenio 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIntroductionWhatsApp is an instant multimedia messaging and social media software which can be used for multiple purposes such as data, text, photographs and document transfer. Due to its versatility and multiple utilities, WhatsApp has been used within the educational setting in medicine and dentistry, proving a positive attitude of students towards its use.AimTo compare the reception time and the response time of WhatsApp with the traditional electronic email within the dental educational environment.MethodA two‐group comparative study was designed. Four multiple choice questions were sent via WhatsApp (group WA) and via electronic mail (group eM) to dental students. Data collected focused on the reception time and response time of students. Specifications of WhatsApp were used to collect data whilst an email tracker was used for the eM group. Excel software and Stata/IC version 15.1 software were used for data analysis.ResultsSeventy‐four dental students from the University x (anonymised for reviewing purposes) dental school agreed to take part in this experience. However, 59 provided their responses (80%). Forty‐four were females, and 15 were males. Twenty‐seven participants were randomly allocated to the WA group and 32 to the eM group. The statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between groups: Reception time, P: .0286 value and response time, P: .0448 value indicating that the WA group was significantly faster in terms of reception and response time.ConclusionThis pilot study suggests that WhatsApp is more efficient in terms of reception and response time than electronic emails.
The involvement of school teachers in research‐related activities: Extent, quality and predictors
Authors: Papanastasiou Elena C. , Karagiorgi Yasemina 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn view of the need to develop school teachers as research‐oriented professionals and the reported complexities of this endeavour internationally, this article explores teacher involvement in research‐related‐activities in Cyprus. It aims to measure the extent and quality of such involvement and explore possible predictors. Data were collected from a sample of 420 public primary and secondary school teachers. Most respondents reported involvement in activities for the consumption of research, which was found to be related to teachers' background in research methods courses and work context (primary/secondary school). Teachers' involvement in activities for the production of research was less extensive, whilst statistical associations with the specific background variables were not traced. On the basis of the findings, recommendations for the transition towards research‐oriented teachers are discussed in terms of developing research knowledge, skills and attitudes and providing supportive measures to schools.
Complementarity effects are strengthened by competition intensity and global environmental change in the central boreal forests of Canada
Authors: Searle Eric B. , Chen Han Y. H. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIncreases in niche complementarity have been hypothesised to reduce the intensity of interspecific competition within natural forests. In regions currently experiencing potentially enhanced growth under global environmental change, niche complementarity may become even more beneficial. However, few studies have provided direct evidence of this mechanism. Here, we use data from 180 permanent sample plots in Manitoba, Canada, with a full spatial mapping of all stems, to show that complementarity effects on average increased with neighbourhood competition intensity and temporally rising CO2, warming and water availability. Importantly, complementarity effects increased with both shade tolerance and phylogenetic dissimilarity between the focal tree and its neighbours. Our results provide further evidence that increasing stand functional and phylogenetic diversity can improve individual tree productivity, especially for individuals experiencing intense competition and may offer an avenue to maintain productivity under global environmental change.
Sex differences in main olfactory system pathways involved in psychosexual function
Authors: Cherry James A. , Baum Michael J. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWe summarize literature from animal and human studies assessing sex differences in the ability of the main olfactory system to detect and process sex‐specific olfactory signals (“pheromones”) that control the expression of psychosexual functions in males and females. A case is made in non primate mammals for an obligatory role of pheromonal signaling via the main olfactory system (in addition to the vomeronasal‐accessory olfactory system) in mate recognition and sexual arousal, with male‐specific as well as female‐specific pheromones subserving these functions in the opposite sex. Although the case for an obligatory role of pheromones in mate recognition and mating among old world primates, including humans, is weaker, we review the current literature assessing the role of putative human pheromones (eg, AND, EST, “copulin”), detected by the main olfactory system, in promoting mate choice and mating in men and women. Based on animal studies, we hypothesize that sexually dimorphic effects of putative human pheromones are mediated via main olfactory inputs to the medial amygdala which, in turn, transmits olfactory information to sites in the hypothalamus that regulate reproduction.
Profiles of advanced hepatic fibrosis evaluated by FIB‐4 index and shear wave elastography in health checkup examinees
Authors: Yamamura Sakura , Kawaguchi Takumi , Nakano Dan , Tomiyasu Yoshiko , Yoshinaga Shinobu , Doi Yumi , Takahashi Hirokazu , Anzai Keizo , Eguchi Yuichiro , Torimura Takuji , Shiba Naoto 
Published: October 2019

AimAdvanced hepatic fibrosis is seen in individuals with potential hepatocellular carcinoma and cardiovascular disease. Hepatic fibrosis can be assessed using a combination of the FIB‐4 index and imaging modalities, including shear wave elastography. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of advanced fibrosis in the general population and the profiles associated with advanced fibrosis using a data‐mining analysis.MethodsWe enrolled 1155 health checkup examinees (median age 53 years, 685 women, 470 male). Advanced fibrosis was defined by FIB‐4 index ≥1.3 and liver stiffness ≥8.07 kPa using shear wave elastography. Participants were classified as normal‐mild fibrosis (n = 1035) or advanced fibrosis (n = 120). Factors associated with advanced fibrosis were analyzed by logistic regression and decision‐tree analyses.ResultsAdvanced fibrosis was observed in 10.4% of participants (120/1155). In the logistic regression analysis, independent factors for advanced fibrosis were age (≥75 years; OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.021–4.415; P = 0.0419) and the presence of metabolic syndrome (OR 2.51, 95% CI 1.416–4.462; P = 0.0017). The decision‐tree analysis showed two profiles associated with advanced fibrosis: profile 1 – individuals aged ≥65 years with metabolic syndrome and mild‐to‐moderate alcohol consumption (prevalence of advanced fibrosis 73.3%); and profile 2 – individuals without metabolic syndrome, aged ≥75 years, with no exercise habit (prevalence of advanced fibrosis 56.3%).ConclusionsAdvanced fibrosis was observed in 10.4% of health checkup examinees. Furthermore, we showed that aging, metabolic syndrome with mild‐to‐moderate alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity were associated with advanced fibrosis. Thus, prevention of metabolic syndrome and alcohol withdrawal, as well as exercise habits, might inhibit the progression of hepatic fibrosis.
Chlorhexidine gluconate transparent dressing does not decrease central line‐associated bloodstream infection in critically ill patients: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yu Kunrong , Lu Meishan , Meng Yanling , Zhao Yanwei , Li Zheng 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundCentral line‐associated blood stream infections are accompanied by increased mortality and health care costs. The application of different types of dressings in infection control has not been fully investigated to date.AimTo assess the effects of two different dressing types on central line‐associated bloodstream infections.MethodsA randomized, nonblinded, controlled trial was conducted. Central lines were randomly allocated to intervention (chlorhexidine gluconate transparent dressing, n = 259) and control groups (standard dressing, n = 215). The central line‐associated bloodstream infection rate was assessed.ResultsA statistically nonsignificant difference was noted in the overall central line‐associated bloodstream infection rates between the two groups. The frequency of dressing changes in the patients with the chlorhexidine gluconate transparent dressing was significantly lower than that in the patients with a standard dressing. The predominant type of infectious microorganisms isolated from the central line‐associated bloodstream infection episodes was Gram‐negative bacteria (57.2%). Gram‐positive bacteria and fungi were noted at lower percentages (28.5% and 14.3%, respectively).ConclusionThe use of a chlorhexidine gluconate transparent dressing does not decrease the central line‐associated bloodstream infection rate, although it decreases the frequency of dressing changes so may save nursing time.
Subgroup differences in situational judgment test scores: Evidence from large applicant samples
Authors: Herde Christoph N. , Lievens Filip , Jackson Duncan J. R. , Shalfrooshan Ali , Roth Philip L. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractTo promote diversity in organizations it is important to have accurate knowledge about subgroup differences associated with selection procedures. However, current estimates of subgroup differences in situational judgment tests (SJTs) are overwhelmingly based on range‐restricted incumbent samples that are downwardly biased. This study provides much‐needed applicant level estimates of SJT subgroup differences (N = 37,530). As a key finding, Black‐White differences (d = 0.66) were higher than in incumbent samples (d = 0.38). Overall, sex differences were small. Females scored higher for management jobs (d = −0.13) and males scored higher for administrative jobs (d = 0.15). By analyzing applicant samples that do not suffer from range restriction, this study adds knowledge about subgroup differences in SJTs.
Hyperglycemia aggravates acute liver injury by promoting liver‐resident macrophage NLRP3 inflammasome activation via the inhibition of AMPK/mTOR‐mediated autophagy induction
Authors: Wang Qi , Wei Song , Zhou Shun , Qiu Jiannan , Shi Chenyu , Liu Rui , Zhou Haoming , Lu Ling 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAlthough the detrimental effects of diabetes mellitus/hyperglycemia have been observed in many liver disease models, the function and mechanism of hyperglycemia regulating liver‐resident macrophages, Kupffer cells (KCs), in thioacetamide (TAA)‐induced liver injury remain largely unknown. In this study, we evaluated the role of hyperglycemia in regulating NOD‐like receptor family pyrin domain‐containing 3 protein (NLRP3) inflammasome activation by inhibiting autophagy induction in KCs in the TAA‐induced liver injury model. Type I diabetes/hyperglycemia was induced by streptozotocin treatment. Compared with the control group, hyperglycemic mice exhibited a significant increase in intrahepatic inflammation and liver injury. Enhanced NLRP3 inflammasome activation was detected in KCs from hyperglycemic mice, as shown by increased gene induction and protein levels of NLRP3, cleaved caspase‐1, apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain and interleukin‐1β, compared with control mice. NLRP3 inhibition by its antagonist CY‐09 effectively suppressed inflammasome activation in KCs and attenuated liver injury in hyperglycemic mice. Furthermore, inhibited autophagy activation was revealed by transmission electron microscope detection, decreased LC3B protein expression and p‐62 protein degradation in KCs isolated from TAA‐stressed hyperglycemic mice. Interestingly, inhibited 5′ AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) but enhanced mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation was found in KCs from TAA‐stressed hyperglycemic mice. AMPK activation by its agonist 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR) or mTOR signaling knockdown by small interfering RNA restored autophagy activation, and subsequently, inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation in KCs, leading to ultimately reduced TAA‐induced liver injury in the hyperglycemic mice. Our findings demonstrated that hyperglycemia aggravated TAA‐induced acute liver injury by promoting liver‐resident macrophage NLRP3 inflammasome activation via inhibiting AMPK/mTOR‐mediated autophagy. This study provided a novel target for prevention of toxin‐induced acute liver injury under hyperglycemia.
Efficient gene correction of an aberrant splice site in β‐thalassaemia iPSCs by CRISPR/Cas9 and single‐strand oligodeoxynucleotides
Authors: Xiong Zeyu , Xie Yingjun , Yang Yi , Xue Yanting , Wang Ding , Lin Shouheng , Chen Diyu , Lu Dian , He Lina , Song Bing , Yang Yinghong , Sun Xiaofang 
Published: October 2019

Abstractβ‐thalassaemia is a prevalent hereditary haematological disease caused by mutations in the human haemoglobin β (HBB) gene. Among them, the HBB IVS2‐654 (C > T) mutation, which is in the intron, creates an aberrant splicing site. Bone marrow transplantation for curing β‐thalassaemia is limited due to the lack of matched donors. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (Cas9), as a widely used tool for gene editing, is able to target specific sequence and create double‐strand break (DSB), which can be combined with the single‐stranded oligodeoxynucleotide (ssODN) to correct mutations. In this study, according to two different strategies, the HBB IVS2‐654 mutation was seamlessly corrected in iPSCs by CRISPR/Cas9 system and ssODN. To reduce the occurrence of secondary cleavage, a more efficient strategy was adopted. The corrected iPSCs kept pluripotency and genome stability. Moreover, they could differentiate normally. Through CRISPR/Cas9 system and ssODN, our study provides improved strategies for gene correction of β‐Thalassaemia, and the expression of the HBB gene can be restored, which can be used for gene therapy in the future.
Long non‐coding RNA MEG3 knockdown attenuates endoplasmic reticulum stress‐mediated apoptosis by targeting p53 following myocardial infarction
Authors: Li Xueling , Zhao Jinxuan , Geng Jin , Chen Fu , Wei Zilun , Liu Chen , Zhang Xinlin , Li Qiaoling , Zhang Jingmei , Gao Ling , Xie Jun , Xu Biao 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMounting evidence has indicated that long non‐coding RNA maternally expressed gene 3 (lncRNA MEG3) regulates cell apoptosis, and is involved in a variety of diseases. However, its exact role in myocardial infarction (MI) has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we firstly observed that the expression levels of the lncRNA MEG3 in infarct hearts and hypoxic neonatal mice ventricular myocytes (NMVMs) were up‐regulated by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). Then, we knocked down lncRNA MEG3 by lentiviral delivery in the myocardial border region following multipoint injection. Following 28 days of MI, the lncRNA MEG3 knockdown mice indicated better cardiac function, and less cardiac remodelling by ultrasonic cardiogram and histological analysis. In addition, we indicated that lncRNA MEG3 knockdown reduced myocyte apoptosis and reactive oxygen species production in MI mice model and hypoxic NMVMs. Furthermore, we revealed that knockdown of lncRNA MEG3 protected against endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)‐mediated myocardial apoptosis including the induction of PERK‐eIF2α and caspase 12 pathways. At last, we provided evidence that p53 was identified as a protein target of lncRNA MEG3 to regulate NF‐κB‐ and ERS‐associated apoptosis. Taken collectively, our findings demonstrated that lncRNA MEG3 knockdown exerted cardioprotection by reducing ERS‐mediated apoptosis through targeting p53 post‐MI.
Down‐regulation of GAS5 ameliorates myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury via the miR‐335/ROCK1/AKT/GSK‐3β axis
Authors: Wu Nan , Zhang Xiaowen , Bao Yandong , Yu Hang , Jia Dalin , Ma Chunyan 
Published: October 2019

AbstractGrowth arrest‐specific transcript 5 (GAS5), along non‐coding RNA (LncRNA), is highly expressed in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‐cardiomyocytes and promotes H/R‐induced apoptosis. In this study, we determined whether down‐regulation of GAS5 ameliorates myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and further explored its mechanism. GAS5 expression in cardiomyocytes and rats was knockdown by transfected or injected with GAS5‐specific small interfering RNA or adeno‐associated virus delivering small hairpin RNAs, respectively. The effects of GAS5 knockdown on myocardial I/R injury were detected by CCK‐8, myocardial enzyme test, flow cytometry, TTC and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) staining. qRT‐PCR and luciferase reporter assay were carried out to analyse the relationship between GAS5 and miR‐335. The regulation of GAS5 on Rho‐associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) expression, the activation of PI3K/AKT/GSK‐3β pathway and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening was further evaluated. The results indicated that GAS5 knockdown enhanced the viability, decreased apoptosis and reduced the levels of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase‐MB in H/R‐treatment cardiomyocytes. Meanwhile, down‐regulation of GAS5 limited myocardial infarct size and reduced apoptosis in I/R‐heart. GAS5 was found to bind to miR‐335 and displayed a reciprocal inhibition between them. Furthermore, GAS5 knockdown repressed ROCK1 expression, activated PI3K/AKT, thereby leading to inhibition of GSK‐3β and mPTP opening. These suppressions were abrogated by miR‐335 inhibitor treatment. Taken together, our results demonstrated that down‐regulation of GAS5 ameliorates myocardial I/R injury via the miR‐335/ROCK1/AKT/GSK‐3β axis. Our findings suggested that GAS5 may be a new therapeutic target for the prevention of myocardial I/R injury.