bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exosomal microRNAs are novel circulating biomarkers in cigarette, waterpipe smokers, E-cigarette users and dual smokers
Authors: Singh Kameshwar P. , Maremanda Krishna P. , Li Dongmei , Rahman Irfan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) produce aerosolized substances by heating a liquid, which contains large number of chemicals. The aerosol generated by E-cig may produce serious health effects. Cigarette smoke exposure may causes various diseases including COPD, atherosclerosis, and lung cancer. Waterpipe tobacco smoking also causes various acute and chronic health effects including cardiopulmonary diseases. MicroRNAs are present in higher concentration in exosomes that play a major role in various normal physiological functions and diseases. We hypothesized that the non-coding RNAs transcript may serve as susceptibility to disease biomarkers by smoking and vaping. Results Our data show the enrichment of various non-coding RNAs that include microRNAs, tRNAs, piRNAs, snoRNAs, snRNAs, Mt-tRNAs, and other biotypes in exosomes. The detailed differential expression analysis of microRNAs, tRNAs and piRNA showed significant changes between pairwise comparisons of different groups. The common changes in differential expression of 8 microRNAs that are hsa-let-7a-5p, hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-29b-3p, hsa-let-7f-5p, hsa-miR-143-3p, hsa-miR-30a-5p, hsa-let-7i-5p, and hsa-let-7g-5p were found when compared with all smoking and vaping groups with non-smoking group. The e-cig group has differentially expressed 7 microRNAs (hsa-miR-224-5p, hsa-let-7c-5p, hsa-miR-193b-3p, hsa-miR-30e-5p, hsa-miR-423-3p, hsa-miR-500b-3p, hsa-miR-365a-3p|hsa-miR-365b-3p) that is specific for this group, not expressed in other three groups. Gene set enrichment analysis of microRNA showed significant changes in the top six enriched functions that consisted of biological pathway, biological process, molecular function, cellular component, site of expression and transcription factor in all groups. Further, the pairwise comparison of tRNAs and piRNA in all groups also revealed significant changes in differential expression. Conclusions Plasma exosomes of cigarette smokers, waterpipe smokers, e-cig users and dual smokers have common differential expression of microRNAs (hsa-let-7a-5p, hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-29b-3p, hsa-let-7f-5p, hsa-miR-143-3p, hsa-miR-30a-5p, hsa-let-7i-5p, and hsa-let-7g-5p), may be biomarker for tobacco exposure. Additionally, the e-cig users have also differential expressed microRNAs (hsa-miR-224-5p, hsa-let-7c-5p, hsa-miR-193b-3p, hsa-miR-30e-5p, hsa-miR-423-3p, hsa-miR-500b-3p, and hsa-miR-365a-3p|hsa-miR-365b-3p) that is specific for this group. This study will help to better understand molecular mechanisms of plasma exosome non-coding RNAs and in developing biomarkers that may be useful in diagnosis and therapy of pulmonary injury and disease by smoking and vaping.
Defining Clusters of Young Autistic and Typically-Developing Children Based on Loudness-Dependent Auditory Electrophysiological Responses
Authors: Dwyer Patrick , Wang Xiaodong , De Meo-Monteil Rosanna , Hsieh Fushing , Saron Clifford D. , Rivera Susan M. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Autistic individuals exhibit atypical patterns of sensory processing that are known to be related to quality of life, but which are also highly heterogeneous. Previous investigations of this heterogeneity have ordinarily used questionnaires and have rarely investigated sensory processing in Typical Development (TD) alongside Autism Spectrum Development (ASD).
Methods: The present study used hierarchical clustering in a large sample to identify subgroups of young autistic and typically-developing children based the normalized global field power (GFP) of their event-related potentials (ERPs) to auditory stimuli of four different loudness intensities (50, 60, 70, 80 dB SPL): that is, based on an index of the relative strengths of their neural responses across these loudness conditions.
Results: Four clusters of participants were defined. Normalized GFP responses to sounds of different intensities differed strongly across clusters. There was considerable overlap in cluster assignments of autistic and typically-developing participants, but autistic participants were more likely to display a pattern of relatively linear increases in response strength accompanied by a disproportionately strong response to 70 dB stimuli. Autistic participants displaying this pattern trended towards obtaining higher scores on assessments of cognitive abilities. There was also a trend for typically-developing participants to disproportionately fall into a cluster characterized by disproportionately/nonlinearly strong 60 dB responses. Greater auditory distractibility was reported among autistic participants in a cluster characterized by disproportionately strong responses to the loudest (80 dB) sounds, and furthermore, relatively strong responses to loud sounds were correlated with both auditory distractibility and noise distress. This appears to provide evidence of coinciding behavioural and neural sensory atypicalities.
Limitations : Replication may be needed to verify exploratory results. This analysis may ignore some variability related to classical ERP latencies and topographies. The sensory questionnaire employed was not specifically designed for use in autism. Variability in sensory responses unrelated to loudness is ignored, leaving much room for additional research.
Conclusions: Taken together, these data demonstrate the broader benefits of using electrophysiology to explore individual differences. They illuminate different neural response patterns and suggest relationships between sensory neural responses and sensory behaviours, cognitive abilities, and autism diagnostic status.
Health-related quality of life in adult Mediterranean women with polycystic ovary syndrome attending to a tertiary hospital: a case-control study.
Authors: Sánchez-Ferrer María L , Adoamnei Evdochia , Prieto-Sánchez María T , Mendiola Jaime , Corbalán-Biyang Shiana , Moñino-García Miriam , Palomar-Rodríguez Joaquín A , Torres-Cantero Alberto M 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Previous studies evaluating health-related quality of Life (HRQoL) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) present some methodological limitations. Moreover, differences in the HRQoL between different PCOS phenotypes have never been analyzed. Therefore, the aim of our study was to compare the HRQoL between women with PCOS -and its phenotypes- and controls attending to a tertiary hospital. Methods This is a case-control study carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at “ Virgen de la Arrixaca ” University Hospital (Murcia, Spain). A group of 117 women with PCOS and 153 controls were studied between 2014 and 2016. Controls were women without PCOS attending the gynecological outpatient clinic for routine examinations. Cases were women attending the same setting and diagnosed with PCOS. PCOS diagnose was performed following the Rotterdam Criteria and women were further classified by anovulatory or ovulatory phenotypic subtype. Women underwent physical and gynecological exams and completed health questionnaires including the Short Form-12v2. Eight scales and two component summary scores [Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS), respectively] were calculated. Results All PCOS and anovulatory PCOS presented lower score in PCS compared to controls [mean (95%CI): 53.7 (52.5-54.9) and 52.9 (51.5-54.4) vs. 55.8 (54.8-56.8); p-values<0.01], as well as lower scores for five out of the eight scales (p-values < 0.05) after adjusting by age, body mass index, infertility, educational level and current occupation. No significant differences were observed for the MCS between women with or without PCOS or its phenotypic subtypes. Conclusions HRQoL was significantly decreased in adult Mediterranean women with PCOS and its anovulatory phenotype compared to controls attending the outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital. These results may have implications for the clinical practice and suggest the need for specific interventions in women with PCOS.
The role of a virtual avatar in attention and memory tasks in Rett Syndrome
Authors: Fabio Rosa Angela , Pergolizzi Giorgia , Nucita Andrea , Iannizzotto Giancarlo , Caprì Tindara 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Since patients with Rett syndrome (RTT) focus their attention mainly on the faces of people with whom they interact, in this study the role of a human-like avatar in enhancing cognitive processes was examined. More in depth, this study examined patients with RTT performing attention and memory tasks with and without a virtual avatar.Methods Thirty-six girls with RTT participated in the study. They were matched for mental age and randomly submitted to two conditions (with and without virtual avatar) with two tasks (over-selectivity and memory paradigms). Results Results indicated that the RTT group exposed to the virtual avatar condition, presented better attention and memory abilities than the matched RTT group without the avatar condition. Conclusions Results were discussed in light of the relationship between motivation, attention and memory RTT.
The relationship between Toxoplasma infection in mothers and offspring gender
Authors: Bahreini mohammad saleh , Zarei Fatemeh , Dastan Naghme , Pourzargham Pegah , Asgari Qasem 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background:Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most common parasitic protozoan in humans. It is a classical model for the study of manipulation hypothesis. The behavioral and hormonal changes, memory disorder, hyperactivity and even alterations in secondary sex ratio can be induced by manipulative activity of Toxoplasma. The secondary sex ratio may be influenced by many factors such as stress, immunosuppression and the age of parents. In this study, we evaluated the correlation between offspring gender and Toxoplasma infection in seropositive and seronegative mothers to anti-Toxoplasma IgG. Methods:From 2014 woman who had been tested for toxoplasmosis, the data of 137 mothers with chronic toxoplasmosis and 137 healthy counterparts were collected from clinics and hospitals of Shiraz, Iran.The sex of the offspring, the mother’s age, the number of girls and boys in previous pregnancies, the number and gender of abortions, contact with cats, food habits, education level, and residency were recorded for analysis.Results: The number of girls in Toxoplasma-seropositive and Toxoplasma-seronegative mothers was 165 (49.44%) and 136 (45.48%), respectively. Also, it was 163(54.51%) in the control group and 166(50.15%) in the seropositive group for male offsprings. there were significant sex ratio difference in the control group. No significant difference was observed for sex ratio of aborted fetuses between groups. However, in Toxoplasma-seropositive group, the sex ratio of aborted fetuses showed that the male aborted fetus were significantly higher in number.Conclusion:In this study, a significant relationship was found between chronic Toxoplasma infection and secondary sex ratio. However, it is suggested that this relationship be investigated in further studies as well as an animal study.
Quality of life of transplanted children and their parents: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Duvant Pauline , Fillat Magali , Garaix Florentine , Roquelaure Bertrand , Ovaert Caroline , Fouilloux Virginie , Tsimaratos Michel , Auquier Pascal , Fabre Alexandre , Baumstarck Karine 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background.Transplantation is a saving therapeutic that has heavy consequences. The quality of life (QoL) of transplanted children and their parents has been little studied and should help physicians better manage these patients. The objectives of the study were to assess: i) the QoL of transplanted children and parents and compare it with that of children with other chronic conditions associated with long-term consequences, and ii) potential variables modulating the QoL.Methods.This cross-sectional study was performed in a multidisciplinary paediatric unit (Timone Hospital, Marseille, France). Children were less than 18 years old; had a liver, kidney or heart transplant; and had a time since transplantation of 1 to 10 years. Socio-demographics and clinical data were recorded from medical forms. The QoL was assessed using the VSP-A (Vécu et Santé Perçue de l’Adolescent et de l’Enfant) and the WhoQoL self-reported questionnaires. Results.Forty-five families were included (response rate: 76%). The transplanted organs were the liver for 20 children, the kidney for 15 children, and the heart for 10 children. The QoL of transplanted children reported by their parents was better than that of children with inborn errors of metabolism and similar to that of childhood leukaemia survivors. The QoL of parents of transplanted children was better than that of parents of children with inborn errors of metabolism and did not differ from French norms. The QoL did not differ according to the nature of the transplanted organ, sex or the main sociodemographic data. The main modulators decreasing QoL were residual treatment level, medications switch and the presence of another regular treatment. Conclusion.Transplanted children and their families reported moderate deterioration of their QoL compared with children with other chronic health conditions. Special attention should be given to QoL modulators related to therapeutic management (medication switches, regular treatments) that might be amenable to improve the QoL.
Serum amyloid A 1 protein isoforms induce Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Leung Elaine Lai-Han , Lai Huan-Ling , Li Run-Ze , Pan Hu-Dan , Jiang Ze-Bo , Li Ying , Duan Fu-Gang , Xu Jia-Hui , Zhang Yi-Zhong , Shi A-Xi , Wei Chun-Li , Zhang Fang-Yuan , Yao Xiao-Jun , Liu Liang 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: SAA1 in RA pathogenesis and its complications remains unknown, making early diagnosis and risk prevention difficult. This study is to determine the pathogenetic mechanisms of three different SAA1 protein isoforms in RA progression. Methods: We modified an experimental adenovirus infection protocol in order to successfully introduce SAA1.2, SAA1.3, SAA1.5 gene alleles into the rear knee joints of C57BL/6 mice. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis was applied to determine changes in bone morphology and density. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), flow cytometry, ELISA and real-time PCR were used to investigate disease progression and cytokine alterations in the course of adenoviral SAA-induced knee joint inflammation and bone destruction. Results: The pathogenetic functions of SAA1.2, SAA1.3 and SAA1.5 protein isoforms in promoting the initiation and progression of RA were determined. We established that SAA1.2 was the most aggressive factor in RA induction and progression. Mechanistically, we found that the arthritis-inducing effect of SAA1.2 transcription in the knee joints and mutant SAA1 protein secretion in blood results in stimulation of immune responses, leading to CD8+ T cell and pro-inflammatory cytokine elevation, with subsequent synovial inflammation and bone destruction. Conclusions: These findings indicate that SAA1 protein isoforms, particularly SAA1.2, play a significant role in the induction and progression of RA and may have potential value in the early diagnosis and severity prediction for RA.
Continuous glucose monitoring in polycystic ovary syndrome: what interest?
Authors: kammoun ines , Saada Wafa Ben , Kandara Hajer , Gharbi Radhouane , Said Rania Ben , Slama Claude Ben , Jemel Manel 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Purpose The aim of our study was to detect subclinical abnormalities in carbohydrate metabolism in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Methods Cross-sectional study including 20 patients with PCOS diagnosed according to 5- the Rotterdam criteria. All the patients had normal carbohydrate tolerance (fasting blood 6- glucose<5.6 mmol/l, 2-h plasma glucose after a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test<7.8 mmol/l andglycated hemoglobin <5.8%). For each patient, we performed a continuous glucose monitoring over 72h, measuring the interstitial glucose every 5 minutes (288 measurements per day). We collected data about: the mean blood glucose, obtained by determining the mean values of the 288 measurements made by 24h - the mean amplitude of glycemic excursions, which is the difference between the maximum and minimum glycemic values - the time (in hours) in which the blood glucose was <0.7 g/l and / or>1.4 g/l. Results The mean blood glucose (over 72h) was 0.94±0.07 g/l (0.81-1.11).The mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (over 72h) was 0.81 ± 0.23 g/l (0.47-1.31).Fourteen patients (pathologic group) had subclinical glycemic abnormalities: 14 patients had glycemic values<0.7 g/l and 5 patients had also glycemic values>1.4 g/l. The mean amplitude of glycemic excursions was significantly lower (p=0.016) in the normal group (6 patients, 0.64 g/l) compared to the pathologic group(14 patients, 0.88 g/l).The other clinical and biological parameters were comparable between the two groups. Conclusions Our findings confirm the high frequency of subclinical abnormalities of carbohydrate metabolism in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. A regular follow-up of these patients is necessary.
Psychometric Properties of an English Short Version of the Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress
Authors: Petrowski Katja , Braehler Elmaer , Schmalbach Bjarne , Hinz Andreas , Bastianon Christina , Ritz Tomas 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Although a variety of instruments are available that capture stress experience, the assessment of chronic stress has been hindered by the lack of economical screening instruments. Recently, an English-language version of the Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress (TICS-EN) consisting of 57 items according to a systemic-requirement-resource model of health in nine subdomains of the chronic stress experience has been introduced. We constructed a new 9-item short version of the TICS covering all nine subdomains and evaluated it in two samples (total N =685). This version showed a highly satisfactory model fit, was invariant across participant gender, demonstrated a very high correlation with the original TICS ( r =.94), and showed a moderate correlation ( r =.58) with a measure of perceived stress in the past month. Therefore, this theoretically driven instrument can be recommended as a short version of the TICS in English language.
Judith Butler leitora de Merleau-Ponty: Por uma crítica ao corpo com ser sexuado
Authors: Warmling Diego Luiz , Paez Javier Andres 
Published: February 2020

Entre Merleau-Ponty e Butler, avaliaremos quão produtivas são as derivações da fenomenologia às performances de gênero. De Merleau-Ponty, se o corpo é veículo das vivências pessoais, é pela sexualidade que somos coabitados por outrem. A sexualidade está pressuposta em todas as atmosferas da vida. Contudo, diz Butler, Merleau-Ponty reedita a hipótese de uma essência heteronormativa, não-corporificada e fundante do comportamento. Pautado pela diferença sexual, Merleau-Ponty olvida o quanto as construções de gêneros estão apoiadas no fato de que os corpos se enformam às situações civilizacionais. Trata-se, então, de interpelar a enformação do corpo em gêneros normativos... É preciso que ampliemos a perspectivas sobre como os corpos dramatizam os signos culturais. Só assim vislumbraremos os gêneros como atos intencionais, performáticos e não-referenciais. Tais performances dão lugar à uma ótica onde as identidades alternativas assumem um papel crítico diante das sanções masculinistas.
Projeto Escola de Governo: Programa de capacitação de recursos humanos para o planejamento e a gestão governamental
Authors: IPARDES Instituto Paranaense de Desenvolvimento - 
Published: February 2020

O Projeto Escola de Governo: Programa de capacitação de recursos humanos para o planejamento e a gestão governamental - visa capacitar recursos humanos da administração pública estadual de forma a possibilitar um aumento efetivo e sistemático da capacidade de governo, através do levantamento das experiências já realizadas em nível estadual e nacional que possibilitem a elaboração de metodologias quanto ao conteúdo e à forma de realização dos eventos melhor adaptados à realidade funcional do Estado.
Reinventando o governo
Authors: Domingos Guilherme Afif 
Published: February 2020

As instituições apresentam importante papel para o desenvolvimento político, econômico e social dos países, ao fornecer marco estável para a interação humana. O Brasil precisa de instituições que estimulem os indivíduos a promover o crescimento econômico, o que exige revisão constitucional e reengenharia do Estado segundo o princípio da subsidariedade e com base no "Governo orientado pelo cliente”. Redefinição do papel do Estado, reforma administrativa, desregulamentação e privatização são as bases da reengenharia do Estado para torná-lo forte, para atuar em suas áreas de competência e estimular o setor privado a promover o desenvolvimento. Fernando Henrique Cardoso, com o respaldo das urnas, tem condições políticas para conduzir esse processo.
Burocracia e a revolução gerencial — a persistência da dicotomia entre política e administração
Authors: Martins Humberto Falcão 
Published: February 2020

Este ensaio trata da integração entre política e administração no contexto da chamada revolução gerencial. O texto está estruturado em cinco segmentos. Os dois primeiros delineiam uma interpretação weberiana do problema da burocracia: a dicotomização entre política e administração, tanto no nível teórico da governança contemporânea, onde propõe-se um quadro de referência analítica à integração entre política e administração, quanto no contexto da modernização da administração pública brasileira. O terceiro segmento busca caracterizar os atributos do modelo ideal de administração pública preconizado pela revolução gerencial, a partir da contraposição de outros paradigmas reconstituídos da literatura: um ortodoxo, um liberal, outro empreendedor. O quarto segmento sustenta que os modelos de administração pública preconizados pela revolução gerencial apresentam o mesmo caráter dicotomizante entre política e administração típica da burocracia. O sexto segmento ensaia algumas reflexões sobre a validade da revolução gerencial, sua contribuição para a experiência brasileira e sobre o advento de uma revolução pós-gerencial.
Seguridade Social no Brasil
Authors: Baptista Tatiana Wargas de Faria 
Published: February 2020

Este artigo analisa a política de seguridade social brasileira na perspectiva de sua formulação legal na Carta Constitucional de 1988, com o objetivo de discutir três enfoques relativos a esta política: os grupos de interesse implicados no projeto da seguridade social na Assembléia Nacional Constituinte de 1987/88; os princípios político-ideológicos que nortearam a definição deste modelo protetor; e os obstáculos surgirdos na elaboração e operacionalização desta proposta. Passados nove anos da promulgação da “Constituição Democrática”, os princípios norteadores da Seguridade Social ainda não foram implementados, e os três setores nela inseridos — saúde, assistência e previdência social — deram prosseguimento à elaboração de políticas setorializadas e independentes. Este artigo discute, assim, as perspectivas da política protetora brasileira, utilizando como referência o debate histórico de formulação desta política e apresentando os principais impasses no desenvolvimento da política protetora.