bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiac function and pulmonary hypertension in Central Asian highlanders at 3250 m
Authors: Lichtblau Mona , Saxer Stéphanie , Furian Michael , Mayer Laura , Bader Patrick R. , Scheiwiller Philipp M. , Mademilov Maamed , Sheraliev Ulan , Tanner Felix C. , Sooronbaev Talant M. , Bloch Konrad E. , Ulrich Silvia 
Published: May 2020

The question addressed by the studyChronic exposure to hypoxia increases pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) in highlanders, but the criteria for diagnosis of high-altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH) are debated. We assessed cardiac function and PAP in highlanders at 3250 m and explored HAPH prevalence using different definitions.Patients and methodsCentral Asian highlanders free of overt cardiorespiratory disease, permanently living at 2500–3500 m compared to age-matched lowlanders living <800 m. Participants underwent echocardiography close to their altitude of residence (at 3250 mversus760 m).Results173 participants (97 highlanders, 76 lowlanders), mean±sdage 49±9 years (49% females) completed the study. Results in lowlandersversushighlanders were systolic PAP (23±5versus30±10 mmHg), right ventricular fractional area change (42±6%versus39±8%), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (2.1±0.3versus2.0±0.3 cm), right atrial volume index (20±6versus23±8 mL·m−2), left ventricular ejection fraction (62±4%versus57±5%) and stroke volume (64±10versus57±11 mL); all between-group comparisons p<0.05. Depending on criteria, HAPH prevalence varied between 6% and 35%.The answer to the questionChronic exposure to hypoxia in highlanders is associated with higher PAP and slight alterations in right and left heart function compared to lowlanders. The prevalence of HAPH in this large highlander cohort varies between 6% according to expert consensus definition of chronic high-altitude disease to 35% according to the most recent definition of pulmonary hypertension proposed for lowlanders.
Fully weekly antituberculosis regimen: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Kort Fatma , Fournier Le Ray Laure , Chauffour Aurélie , Jarlier Vincent , Lounis Nacer , Andries Koen , Aubry Alexandra , Guglielmetti Lorenzo , Veziris Nicolas 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundThe World Health Organization recommends supervising the treatment of tuberculosis. Intermittent regimens have the potential to simplify the supervision and improve compliance. Our objective was to analyse the sterilising activity of once-weekly regimens based on drugs with a long half-life, bedaquiline and rifapentine, in a murine model of tuberculosis.Methods300 Swiss mice were infected intravenously infected with ×10−6 CFUMycobacterium tuberculosisH37Rv. Mice were treated once weekly with regimens containing: 1) bedaquiline, rifapentine and pyrazinamide (BPZ); 2) BPZ plus moxifloxacin (BPZM); 3) BPZM plus clofazimine (BPZMC); 4) the standard daily regimen of tuberculosis. All regimens were given for 4 or 6 months. Bactericidal and sterilising activity were assessed.ResultsAfter 2 months of treatment, the mean count in lungs was 0.76±0.60 log10CFU in mice treated with the daily control regimen and negative in all mice treated with once-weekly regimens (p<0.05 compared to the daily control). All mice had negative lung cultures on completion of either 4 or 6 months of treatment, whereas 3 months after 4 and 6 months of treatment, respectively, the relapse rate was 64% and 13% in the standard daily regimen, 5% and 0% in BPZ, 0% and 0% in BPMZ and 0% and 5% in BPMZC (p<0.05 for all once-weekly regimensversus4-month daily control; p>0.05 for all once-weekly regimensversus6-month daily control).ConclusionsBPZ-based once-weekly regimens have higher sterilising activity than the standard daily regimen and could greatly simplify treatment administration and possibly shorten the duration of tuberculosis treatment.
Development of colorless wood via two-step delignification involving alcoholysis and bleaching with maintaining natural hierarchical structure
Authors: Horikawa Yoshiki , Tsushima Rino , Noguchi Keiichi , Nakaba Satoshi , Funada Ryo 
Published: May 2020

AbstractLignin-free wood has been successfully developed via a two-step chemical treatment while maintaining its inherent hierarchical structure. The first step was alcoholysis which was conducted using ethylene glycol, and whose condition was optimized by monitoring the removal of lignin using infrared spectroscopy. The second step was bleaching wherein the delignification proceeded from the surface to the core of the wood block, and finally resulted in complete decolorization. Although the wood block was free from lignin and hemicellulose as approximately confirmed by the chemical composition analysis, the 3-dimensional colorless wood block was almost unaltered, even after freeze–drying. Then, multidirectional observation was performed to investigate whether the natural hierarchical structure from anatomical- to nano-level was maintained. Optical microscopy, X-ray microcomputed tomography, X-ray diffractometry, and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that all the stages of hierarchical structure were maintained. The lignin-free wood block has great potential for novel materials that are supported by a 3-dimensional wooden architecture. The derived lignin-free wood is also a suitable specimen that can be used to understand the formation and functionality of the anatomical structure and lignified cell wall.
A qualitative research of adolescents with behavioral problems about their experience in a dialectical behavior therapy skills training group
Authors: Pardo Eva Sesma , Rivas Aránzazu Fernández , Barnier Pablo Orgaz , Mirabent Marina Beá , Lizeaga Iñaki Kerexeta , Cosgaya Aída Díaz , Alcántara Ana Catalán , González Esther Vivanco , Aguirre Blaise , Torres Miguel Angel González 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Several quantitative studies support the effectiveness of the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) psychosocial skills training group component for adolescents with impulse-control disorder and/or emotional dysregulation. However, qualitative research to assess this psychotherapeutic tool in the adolescent population is sparse. This study aims to examine the subjective experience of adolescents with behavioral issues who have completed DBT skills training group, as well as using this experience to extract hypotheses regarding its usefulness which can then be verified at a later time by means of quantitative instruments.

Methods
We developed a qualitative study by using focus groups with adolescents (N = 20) whose diagnosis includes symptoms such as behavior disorder, impulse-control disorder and/or emotional dysregulation, and good informants, who have completed DBT skills training. Three focus groups were created.

Results
The subjective experience of adolescents who have completed a DBT skills training group is collected in four main categories: experience of illness, motivation for therapy, experience of therapy and results of the therapy.

Conclusions
Adolescents with behavioral problems assess their participation in the DBT skills training group positively, even recommending its usefulness to healthy population. Beyond learning skills, they emphasize the intrapsychic changes (as improvement in reflective activity) that they objectify after the group experience.
Effect of lifestyle modifications on anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical parameters in adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abdolahian Somayeh , Tehrani Fahimeh Ramezani , Amiri Mina , Ghodsi Delaram , Yarandi Razieh Bidhendi , Jafari Mahdi , Majd Hamid Alavi , Nahidi Fatemeh 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of childbearing age. This study aimed to compare the effects of lifestyle interventions on anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical parameters in adolescent girls with PCOS.

Methods
PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was systematically searched to retrieve studies investigating the effects of lifestyle modifications in adolescent girls with PCOS, which were published up to December 2019. The primary outcome was Body Mass Index (BMI) and secondary outcomes were all manifestations of PCOS, including clinical, metabolic, and hormonal parameters. Random effect meta-analysis was applied for significant results. Publication bias was assessed using the Egger test.

Results
This study showed significant improvements in luteinizing hormone (LH) (Pooled SMD = − 0.1.23; 95% CI, − 2.44 to − 0.03), and Free Androgen Index (FAI) levels (Pooled SMD = − 0.78 95% CI, − 0.1.42 to − 0.13) in adolescent girls receiving lifestyle intervention compared to baseline. This study also revealed that diet modifications alone were associated with a significant decrease in Body Mass Index (BMI) (Pooled SMD = − 0.45; 95% CI, − 0.76 to − 0.13), and FG score (Pooled SMD = − 0.81; 95% CI, − 1.33 to − 0.28). Exercise interventions were associated with significant changes in the menstrual cycles (Pooled SMD = 1.16; 95% CI, 0.72 to 1.61), Ferriman-Gallwey (FG) score (Pooled SMD = − 0.57; 95% CI, − 0.99 to − 0.15), LH (Pooled SMD = − 056; 95% CI, − 0.98 to − 0.14), Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) (Pooled SMD = − 0.81; 95% CI, − 0.1.24 to − 0.38), and Triglyceride (TG) levels (Pooled SMD = − 0.32; 95% CI, − 0.62 to − 0.02).

Conclusion
This meta-analysis concluded lifestyle interventions, such as diet and exercise, can improve some clinical, metabolic, and hormonal parameters in adolescent girls with PCOS.
Access to Oral health care: a focus on dental caries treatment provision in Enugu Nigeria
Authors: Uguru Nkolika , Onwujekwe Obinna , Ogu Udochukwu Ugochukwu , Uguru Chibuzo 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Dental caries, despite improvement in oral health across the globe, is still a large contributor to the global burden of oral diseases and a major public health concern. In Enugu state, Nigeria, there is minimal access to adequate and proper oral health care. This study examined the determinants of dental caries treatment provision and the challenges of providing equitable access to oral health care.

Method
This was a mixed-method cross-sectional descriptive urban-rural study conducted in selected oral health facilities offering primary oral health care in Enugu state. The study was conducted in two phases over a 2 month period. Quantitative data was initially collected from all selected oral health care providers using a survey questionnaire format after which qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews of heads of the selected oral health facilities. The determinants of dental caries treatment services were explored with a focus on provider behavior, cost of dental services, human resource availability and availability of dental equipment.

Results
Quantitative findings show that to a larger extent, the cost of raw materials (100%), human resources (98.1%), infection control resources (98.1%), geographical location (98.1), Government policies (88%) and the price of other goods (80.8%) influence provision of dental caries treatment services. Qualitative results show that location and number of oral health facilities, government funding and policies for oral health, cost of dental equipment and materials, the ability of consumers to pay, human resource availability and consumer awareness of oral health are also factors that influence the provision of dental caries treatment services.

Conclusion
Adequate access to oral health care services is a major concern that affects all aspects of healthcare and a determining factor in the country’s drive to achieve universal health coverage. In order to address this, oral health facilities need to be strategically located and have adequate materials, equipment and skilled staff. There is a need to incorporate oral health into the general health care system and improve government policies and funding for oral health.
Equity and the financial costs of informal caregiving in palliative care: a critical debate
Authors: Gardiner Clare , Robinson Jackie , Connolly Michael , Hulme Claire , Kang Kristy , Rowland Christine , Larkin Phil , Meads David , Morgan Tessa , Gott Merryn 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Informal caregivers represent the foundation of the palliative care workforce and are the main providers of end of life care. Financial pressures are among the most serious concerns for many carers and the financial burden of end of life caregiving can be substantial.

Methods
The aim of this critical debate paper was to review and critique some of the key evidence on the financial costs of informal caregiving and describe how these costs represent an equity issue in palliative care.

Results
The financial costs of informal caregiving at the end of life can be significant and include carer time costs, out of pocket costs and employment related costs. Financial burden is associated with a range of negative outcomes for both patient and carer. Evidence suggests that the financial costs of caring are not distributed equitably. Sources of inequity are reflective of those influencing access to specialist palliative care and include diagnosis (cancer vs non-cancer), socio-economic status, gender, cultural and ethnic identity, and employment status. Effects of intersectionality and the cumulative effect of multiple risk factors are also a consideration.

Conclusions
Various groups of informal end of life carers are systematically disadvantaged financially. Addressing these, and other, determinants of end of life care is central to a public health approach to palliative care that fully recognises the value of carers. Further research exploring these areas of inequity in more depth and gaining a more detailed understanding of what influences financial burden is required to take the next steps towards meeting this aspiration. We will address the conclusions and recommendations we have made in this paper through the work of our recently established European Association of Palliative Care (EAPC) Taskforce on the financial costs of family caregiving.
Mitochondrial tRNA methylation in Alzheimer’s disease and progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Silzer Talisa K. , Pathak Gita A. , Phillips Nicole R. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Methylation of mitochondrial tRNAs (mt-tRNA) at the 9th position (“p9 site”) is known to impact translational efficiency and downstream mitochondrial function; however, direct assessment of mt-RNA methylation is challenging. Recent RNA sequence-based methods have been developed to reliably identify post-transcriptional methylation. Though p9 methylation has been studied in healthy human populations and in the context of cancer, it has not yet been analyzed in neurodegenerative disease, where mitochondrial dysfunction is a prominent and early hallmark of disease progression.

Methods
Mitochondrial p9 methylation was inferred from multi-allelic calls in RNA-seq data. Gene-based association studies were performed in FUMA. Correlations between nuclear gene expression and p9 methylation were tested using Spearman’s rho. Fisher’s Exact test was used in PANTHER and IPA to test for overrepresentation and enrichment of biological processes and pathways in the top nuclear genes correlated with p9 methylation.

Results
Variable methylation was observed at 11 p9 sites in post-mortem cerebellar tissue of elderly subjects who were either healthy or diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) or pathological aging (PA). Similarities in degree of methylation were observed between AD and PSP. Certain nuclear encoded genes were identified as significantly associated with p9 methylation. Expression of 5300 nuclear encoded genes was significantly correlated with p9 methylation, with AD and PSP subjects exhibiting similar expression profiles. Overrepresentation and enrichment testing using the top transcripts revealed enrichment for a number of molecular processes, terms and pathways including many of which that were mitochondrial-related.

Conclusion
With mitochondrial dysfunction being an established hallmark of neurodegenerative disease pathophysiology, this work sheds light on the potential molecular underpinnings of this dysfunction. Here we show overlap in cerebellar pathophysiology between common tauopathies such as Alzheimer’s disease and progressive supranuclear palsy. Whether p9 hypermethylation is a cause or consequence of pathology remains an area of focus.
Regional and socioeconomic variations in dietary patterns in a representative sample of young polish females: a cross-sectional study (GEBaHealth project)
Authors: Czarnocinska Jolanta , Wadolowska Lidia , Lonnie Marta , Kowalkowska Joanna , Jezewska-Zychowicz Marzena , Babicz-Zielinska Ewa 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Associations between dietary patterns (DPs) and socioeconomic correlates among adolescents from emerging economy countries are not fully understood. The study analysed variations in DPs adherence depending on country regions and family socioeconomic status (SES) among Polish females.

Methods
Data from a representative sample (n = 1107) of Polish females 13–21-year-old was used. Four DPs were previously identified by principal component analysis. Regions were ranked by Gross Domestic Product. A SES index as an overall measure of family SES was developed. Multiple logistic regression models adjusted for age and body mass index were created.

Results
Higher adherence to ‘Fast-food and sweets’ DP was found in the less affluent (North) region when compared to four other regions (Odds ratio (OR): 1.94 to 1.63). Higher adherence to ‘Fruit and vegetables’ DP was found in more affluent regions when compared to poorer regions: East and North-East (OR 1.71 to 1.81 and 1.69 to 2.23, respectively). Higher adherence to ‘Traditional Polish’ DP was found in 4 out of 5 regions (OR 2.02 to 2.53) when compared to the East. Higher family SES was associated with higher adherence to ‘Fruit and vegetables’ DP (OR 2.06) and lower adherence to ‘Traditional Polish’ DP (OR 0.27).

Conclusions
The study revealed that region’s affluence is strongly reflected in dietary behaviours of young females from a transitioning country. Recognising geographical distribution of dietary patterns within the country and shifting the resources to economically disadvantaged regions might be more effective than current national public health interventions.
RNA demethylase ALKBH5 prevents pancreatic cancer progression by posttranscriptional activation of PER1 in an m6A-YTHDF2-dependent manner
Authors: Guo Xingya , Li Kai , Jiang Weiliang , Hu Yangyang , Xiao Wenqin , Huang Yinshi , Feng Yun , Pan Qin , Wan Rong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant reversible methylation modification of eukaryotic mRNA, and it plays vital roles in tumourigenesis. This study aimed to explore the role of the m6A demethylase ALKBH5 in pancreatic cancer (PC).

Methods
The expression of ALKBH5 and its clinicopathological impact were evaluated in PC cohorts. The effects of ALKBH5 on the biological characteristics of PC cells were investigated on the basis of gain-of-function and loss-of-function analyses. Subcutaneous and orthotopic models further uncovered the role of ALKBH5 in tumour growth. mRNA and m6A sequencing and assays of m6A methylated RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (MeRIP-qPCR) were performed to identify the targeted effect of ALKBH5 on PER1. P53-binding sites in the ALKBH5 promoter were investigated by ChIP and luciferase assays to reveal the interplay between ALKBH5 and PER1-activated ATM-CHK2-P53/CDC25C signalling.

Results
ALKBH5 loss characterized the occurrence and poor clinicopathological manifestations in patients with PC. Overexpression of ALKBH5 reduced tumoural proliferative, migrative, invasive activities in vitro and ameliorated tumour growth in vivo, whereas ALKBH5 knockdown facilitated PC progression. Mechanistically, ALKBH5 posttranscriptionally activated PER1 by m6A demethylation in an m6A-YTHDF2-dependent manner. PER1 upregulation led to the reactivation of ATM-CHK2-P53/CDC25C signalling, which inhibited cell growth. P53-induced activation of ALKBH5 transcription acted as a feedback loop regulating the m6A modifications in PC.

Conclusion
ALKBH5 serves as a PC suppressor by regulating the posttranscriptional activation of PER1 through m6A abolishment, which may highlight a demethylation-based approach for PC diagnosis and therapy.
Chia (Salvia hispanica)-supplemented diet ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its metabolic abnormalities in humans
Authors: Medina-Urrutia Aida , Lopez-Uribe Angel R. , El Hafidi Mohamed , González-Salazar Maria del Carmen , Posadas-Sánchez Rosalinda , Jorge-Galarza Esteban , del Valle-Mondragón Leonardo , Juárez-Rojas Juan G. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a public health problem lacking an approved pharmacological treatment. Omega-3 fatty acids have shown to reverse NAFLD. Chia is a seed rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA), antioxidants, and fiber; therefore, it could be useful to treat NAFLD.

Methods
In a single arm experimental design study, the effect of 25 g/day of milled chia was assessed in 25 patients with NAFLD. After two weeks of dietary stabilization (basal condition) and eight weeks of a chia-supplemented isocaloric diet, liver:spleen attenuation index and visceral abdominal fat (VAF) were measured by computed tomography. Lipids, lipoproteins, free fatty acids (FFA), and ALA plasma concentrations were also determined.

Results
Dietary chia supplementation induced an increase in plasma ALA concentration (75%) and dietary fiber (55%) consumption. After chia supplementation, VAF (9%), body weight (1.4%), total cholesterol (2.5%), non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (3.2%), and circulating FFA (8%) decreased. Furthermore, NAFLD regressed in 52% of the treated patients (P < 0.05 for all).

Conclusions
The results of the present study show that 25 g/day of milled chia ameliorates NAFLD. Chia is an accessible vegetal source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber, which could have the potential to prevent metabolic abnormalities in NAFLD patients. Considering that there is no pharmacological treatment approved for NAFLD, the findings of the present study suggest that a chia-supplemented diet could be an innovative alternative to control this disease.

Retrospectively registered
https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03942822