bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparative clinical trial of vaginal misoprostol versus intracervical normal saline infiltration as a cervical ripening agent at time of hysteroscopy
Authors: Hameed Ban H. , Farhan Fatin S. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCervical status has a great impact on the duration and success of its dilatation especially during hysteroscopy, so cervical ripening employed before the procedure can increase the success rate and minimize the complications.AimTo compare the efficacy of vaginal misoprostol and intracervical normal saline infiltration as cervical ripening agents.MethodsA randomized comparative clinical trial had been conducted in AL Yarmouk Teaching Hospital involving two methods for cervical ripening before the hysteroscopic procedure. One Hundred women were enrolled in the study, fifty of them were those who used preoperative vaginal misoprostol and the other fifty patients were those who had been submitted to intracervical normal saline infiltration during surgery. Basal cervical dilatation, time to achieve 8 mm cervical dilatation, difficulties, and complications encountered during the procedure were evaluated and compared for both groups.ResultsThe participants had been admitted for hysteroscopy for the following indications: Abnormal uterine bleeding, missed loop, infertility, polypectomy, endometrial resection, and myomectomy. Regarding operative findings, the basal cervical dilatation was not significantly different between them, the time required to achieve the required dilatation was significantly shorter for the normal saline infiltration group, 66.95 sec. ± 10.85 than for the misoprostol group which was 87.9 sec. ± 13.11. There was more difficulty in dilatation with more complications in the misoprostol group than in the normal saline infiltration group.ConclusionsNormal saline infiltration is a simple, readily available at the time of surgery and with fewer complications and shorter time of dilatation in comparison to vaginal misoprostol for a comparable efficacy.
Role of vitamin D‐calcium supplementation on metabolic profile and oxidative stress in gestational diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gunasegaran Preetha , Tahmina Sultana , Daniel Mary , Nanda Sunil K. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimTo assess role of vitamin D‐calcium supplementation on the metabolic profile and oxidative stress in women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) controlled on diet.MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Seventy women diagnosed as GDM at 24–28 weeks of gestation, controlled on a diabetic diet, were randomized to receive either vitamin D 1000 IU and calcium 1000 mg (group A, n = 34) or vitamin D 250 IU and calcium 500 mg (group B, n = 36) daily for 6 weeks. Levels of serum 25‐hydroxy vitamin D, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), serum insulin, fasting lipid profile and total glutathione (GSH) were analyzed both prior to and after supplementation. Means, standard deviations and mean change were computed. Paired and independent t‐tests were used to determine statistical significance between the two groups.ResultsWomen in group A showed a significant reduction in FPG level (P‐value = 0.007), fasting serum insulin level (P‐value = 0.000), LDL (P‐value = 0.000), total cholesterol levels (P‐value = 0.000) and increase in HDL levels (P‐value = 0.000). Group B had a significant fall only in FPG after 6 weeks supplementation. A significant change in total glutathione level (P‐value = 0.000) was observed in both groups.ConclusionVitamin D and calcium supplementation at a dose of 1000 IU and 1000 mg, respectively, has a beneficial role in glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in GDM.
Diffusion and Perfusion MRI Predicts Response Preceding and Shortly After Radiosurgery to Brain Metastases: A Pilot Study
Authors: Shah Akash Deelip , Shridhar Konar Amaresha , Paudyal Ramesh , Oh Jung Hun , LoCastro Eve , Nuñez David Aramburu , Swinburne Nathaniel , Vachha Behroze , Ulaner Gary A. , Young Robert J. , Holodny Andrei I. , Beal Kathryn , Shukla‐Dave Amita , Hatzoglou Vaios 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSETo determine the ability of diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) to predict long‐term response of brain metastases prior to and within 72 hours of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).METHODSIn this prospective pilot study, multiple b‐value DWI and T1‐weighted DCE‐MRI were performed in patients with brain metastases before and within 72 hours following SRS. Diffusion‐weighted images were analyzed using the monoexponential and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) models. DCE‐MRI data were analyzed using the extended Tofts pharmacokinetic model. The parameters obtained with these methods were correlated with brain metastasis outcomes according to modified Response Assessment in Neuro‐Oncology Brain Metastases criteria.RESULTSWe included 25 lesions from 16 patients; 16 patients underwent pre‐SRS MRI and 12 of 16 patients underwent both pre‐ and early (within 72 hours) post‐SRS MRI. The perfusion fraction (f) derived from IVIM early post‐SRS was higher in lesions demonstrating progressive disease than in lesions demonstrating stable disease, partial response, or complete response (q = .041). Pre‐SRS extracellular extravascular volume fraction, ve, and volume transfer coefficient, Ktrans, derived from DCE‐MRI were higher in nonresponders versus responders (q = .041).CONCLUSIONSQuantitative DWI and DCE‐MRI are feasible imaging methods in the pre‐ and early (within 72 hours) post‐SRS evaluation of brain metastases. DWI‐ and DCE‐MRI‐derived parameters demonstrated physiologic changes (tumor cellularity and vascularity) and offer potentially useful biomarkers that can predict treatment response. This allows for initiation of alternate therapies within an effective time window that may help prevent disease progression.
Porphyromonas gingivalis facilitated the foam cell formation via lysosomal integral membrane protein 2 (LIMP2)
Authors: Yang Yanan , He Xiaoli , Xia Siying , Liu Feng , Luo Lijun 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe involvement of lysosomal integral membrane protein 2 (LIMP2) in cholesterol transport and formation of foam cells under the infection of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is yet to be elucidated. The current study verified the role and explored the mechanism of LIMP2 in promoting foam cell formation by P. gingivalis.BackgroundAn association between periodontitis and atherosclerosis (AS) has been established. P. gingivalis is a key pathogen of periodontitis that promotes foam cell formation by regulating activities of CD36 scavenger receptors expressed on the macrophages. LIMP2, a member of CD36 superfamily, is involved in cholesterol efflux. However, whether LIMP2 is involved in the formation of foam cells promoted by P. gingivalis remains unclear.MethodsThe formation of foam cells was examined by Oil Red O staining. The knockdown of limp2 was identified by qRT‐PCR. The accumulation of cholesterol was monitored by Cholesterol Assay Kit. The location of P. gingivalis was visualized by confocal microscopy. Cathepsin L activity was monitored with Magic Red Cathepsin L Assay Kit. The key genes and pathways in P. gingivalis‐infected macrophages were explored by RNA sequencing. The protein level was investigated by Western blotting.ResultsPorphyromonas gingivalis increases foam cells formation and upregulates the expression of LIMP2 in foam cells. The knockdown of limp2 decreases the number of foam cells and increases cholesterol export, which is related to lysosomal functions. In addition, the interaction between LIMP2 and caveolin‐1(CAV1) might contribute to this process, and NF‐κB and JNK activity is required for increased expression of P. gingivalis‐induced LIMP2.ConclusionsThis study suggested that LIMP2 is involved in the foam cells formation facilitated by P. gingivalis, which favors a close connection between periodontitis and atherosclerosis (AS).
Performance of an ambulatory electroencephalogram sleep monitor in patients with psychiatric disorders
Authors: Miyata Seiko , Iwamoto Kunihiro , Banno Masahiro , Eguchi Junichi , Kaneko Satoshi , Noda Akiko , Ozaki Norio 
Published: December 2020

AbstractKey clinical symptoms observed among individuals with psychiatric disorders include difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep, poor sleep quality and nightmares. Those suffering from sleep disorders often present with symptoms of discontent with regard to sleep quality, timing and quantity, and these symptoms have an adverse impact on function and quality of life. A minimally invasive technique would be preferable in patients with psychiatric disorders, who tend to be sensitive to environmental change. Accordingly, we evaluated the performance of Zmachine Insight Plus, an ambulatory electroencephalography sleep monitor, in patients with psychiatric disorders. One hundred and three patients undergoing polysomnography were enrolled in this study. Zmachine Insight Plus was performed simultaneously with polysomnography. Total sleep time, sleep efficiency, wake after sleep onset, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, light sleep (stages N1 and N2) and deep sleep (stage N3) were assessed. Total sleep time, sleep efficiency, wake after sleep onset, REM sleep duration and non‐REM sleep duration of Zmachine Insight Plus showed a significant correlation with those of polysomnography. Lower sleep efficiency and increased frequency of waking after sleep onset, the arousal index and the apnea–hypopnea index on polysomnography were significantly associated with the difference in sleep parameters between the two methods. Among patients with psychiatric disorders who are sensitive to environmental change, Zmachine Insight Plus would be a useful technique to objectively evaluate sleep quality.
Improvement in cognitive impairment following a 12‐week aerobic exercise intervention in individuals with non‐cirrhotic chronic hepatitis C
Authors: O’Gorman Philip , Strahan Orla , Ferguson Damien , Monaghan Ann , Kennedy Megan , Forde Cuisle , Melo Ashanty M. , Doherty Derek G. , O’Brien Kelly K. , McKiernan Susan , Kenny Rose Anne , Coen Robert , Doherty Colin , Bergin Colm , Gormley John , Norris Suzanne 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCognitive impairment occurs in 30%–50% of patients with non‐cirrhotic chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Exercise is beneficial in preventing and treating cognitive impairment and cardiometabolic abnormalities in many chronic inflammatory diseases, but there are few studies investigating the impact of exercise in HCV infection. The study aimed to assess the effect of a 12‐week aerobic exercise intervention on cognition and extrahepatic manifestations in individuals with HCV. In this nonrandomized controlled pilot study, individuals with HCV participated in a 12‐week aerobic exercise intervention. Outcome measures included cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MOCA], Trail Making Test A & B [TMT‐A; TMT‐B], Digit Symbol Test [DST]), cardiorespiratory fitness (estimated ), physical activity (accelerometry), anthropometry, quality of life (depression; fatigue; sleep quality) and biochemical markers. Outcomes were assessed at baseline (T0), intervention completion (T1) and 12 weeks after intervention completion (T2). Thirty‐one patients completed the study (exercise group n = 13, control group n = 18). In the exercise group, cognition improved at T1 in the TMT‐A (31% mean improvement, p = 0.019), TMT‐B (15% mean improvement, p = 0.012) time and MOCA (14% mean improvement, p ≤ 0.001). These improvements were not maintained at T2. Depression (p = 0.038), sleep quality (p = 0.002), fatigue (p = 0.037) and estimated (7.8 mL kg−1 min−1 [22%] mean increase, p = 0.004) also improved at T1. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the benefits of a 12‐week aerobic exercise intervention in improving cognition, quality of life and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with HCV. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and strategies for continued exercise engagement in individuals with HCV are warranted for sustained benefits.
Long‐term clinical outcome of HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B patients who discontinued nucleos(t)ide analogues
Authors: Manolakopoulos Spilios , Kranidioti Hariklia , Kourikou Anastasia , Deutsch Melanie‐Maria , Triantos Christos , Tsolias Chrysostomos , Manesis Emanuel K. , Mathou Nicoletta , Alexopoulou Alexandra , Hadziyannis Emilia , Papatheodoridis George 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground & AimsDiscontinuation of nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) remains a debatable issue in HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study aimed to address the outcome of HBeAg‐negative CHB patients who discontinued NA therapy.MethodsThis prospective study included 57 non‐cirrhotic HBeAg‐negative Caucasian CHB patients who discontinued NA therapy after median virological remission of 6 years. All patients had regular blood tests. Virological relapse was defined as HBV DNA > 2000 IU/mL or >20 000 IU/mL and biochemical relapse as ALT > ULN (40 IU/mL) or >2xULN. All patients with retreatment predefined criteria restarted entecavir or tenofovir.ResultsOf the 57 patients, 29 remained without retreatment after median follow‐up of 65 months (range: 36‐87) following treatment discontinuation. At 3, 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months, cumulative rates of retreatment were 16%, 20%, 32%, 35%, 46% and 50%, while the proportion of patients with HBV DNA < 2000 IU/mL and ALT < ULN were 73%, 60%, 52%, 52%, 47% and 37% respectively. All patients had virological and biochemical response after retreatment. No patient developed liver failure, hepatocellular carcinoma or death. Cumulative rates of HBsAg loss were 2%, 4%, 7%, 10% and 20% at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. HBsAg levels < 100 IU/mL at the end of NA treatment could predict HBsAg loss (P = .001).ConclusionsOur study supports that NA therapy can be safely stopped in non‐cirrhotic patients with HBeAg‐negative CHB. Over a median follow‐up of more than 5 years, half of the patients remained without retreatment with a substantial proportion of them achieving functional cure.
Inhibitory effect of exogenous IL‐4 on orthodontic relapse in rats
Authors: Wu Minting , Liu Jing 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveInterleukin‐4 is proven to regulate bone metabolism. This study aimed to assess the effect of exogenous interleukin‐4 on orthodontic relapse.Materials and methodsBilateral maxillary first molars of 25 male Sprague Dawley rats were moved mesially for 3 weeks using orthodontic appliances an activating force of 50 g. After tooth movement, exogenous interleukin‐4 was injected into the buccal and palatine sides of the right maxillary first molars (experimental group), and phosphate‐buffered saline was injected at the same sites on the left side (negative control group). At the end of the study, the relapse distance between the mesial fissure of the first molar and the distal fissure of the second molar was measured. Three different histological stains were used to visualize the changes in the periodontium.ResultsAfter interleukin‐4 injection, the relapse distance significantly reduced. Time‐dependent effects played a more important role than the dose‐dependent effects, and there was no correlation between these factors. Tissue staining showed that interleukin‐4 reduced osteoclastogenesis and promoted osteoblastogenesis.ConclusionExogenous interleukin‐4 reduced the relapse of orthodontically treated teeth by promoting osteoblastogenesis and inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. Our findings can potentially benefit specialists in the future by improving their patients' treatment outcomes.
Catheter ablation of arrhythmias in some European countries: Toy or tool?
Authors: Toniolo Mauro 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn the last decades, catheter ablation of arrhythmias is rapidly evolving in Europe. Despite the high number of procedures performed, in some European countries, both the organization of the electrophysiology labs and the training of clinical electrophysiologists are still not completely effective and not in line with the standard recommendations of National Electrophysiology Societies. For these reasons, it is probably desirable for arrhythmia sections to become independent units in order to assure high quality and safety standards.
Immunosuppressive therapy in childhood‐onset arrhythmogenic inflammatory cardiomyopathy
Authors: Peretto Giovanni , Barzaghi Federica , Cicalese Maria Pia , Di Resta Chiara , Slavich Massimo , Benedetti Sara , Giangiobbe Sara , Rizzo Stefania , Palmisano Anna , Esposito Antonio , De Cobelli Francesco , Gulletta Simone , Basso Cristina , Casari Giorgio , Aiuti Alessandro , Della Bella Paolo , Sala Simone 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe present, to our knowledge, the first case of immunosuppressive therapy (IST) application in a 12‐year‐old child with arrhythmogenic inflammatory cardiomyopathy resulting from the overlap between autoimmune myocarditis and primary arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Indication to off‐lable IST was compelling, because of recurrent drug‐refractory ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). We show that IST was feasible, safe, and effective on multiple clinical endpoints, including symptoms, VA recurrences, and T‐troponin release. Remarkably, all diagnostic and therapeutic strategies were worked out by a dedicated multidisciplinary team, including specialized pediatric immunologists.
Effect of a restrictive pacemaker implantation strategy on mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Schoechlin Simon , Minners Jan , Jadidi Amir , Abduljalil Fares , Ruile Philip , Neumann Franz‐Josef , Arentz Thomas 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectivesWe sought to assess the safety of a restrictive permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) strategy after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) as compared to a liberal strategy.BackgroundConduction disturbances resulting in PPI are common after TAVI. However, conduction disturbances may be transient and PPI may be superfluous in some patients.MethodsUntil August 2015, we performed PPI in all patients with new complete left bundle branch block (LBBB, QRS > 120 milliseconds) or higher degree atrioventricular (AV) blocks (liberal strategy). From September 2015 onwards, LBBB established an indication for PPI only in the presence of new‐onset AV block (PQ > 200 milliseconds) (restrictive strategy). We analyzed the impact of the restrictive strategy on pacemaker implantation rate, duration of hospital stay, and 1‐year mortality.ResultsBetween January 2014 and December 2016, 383 consecutive, pacemaker‐naive patients underwent TAVI with the liberal PPI strategy and subsequently 384 with the restrictive strategy. The restrictive strategy significantly reduced the percentage of patients undergoing PPI before discharge (17.2% vs. 38.1%, p < .001) and length of hospital stay (intensive care unit 52 ± 55 vs. 60 ± 52 hours, p < .001; general ward 10.6 ± 5.7 vs. 11.5 ± 5.7 days, p = .001). One‐year all‐cause mortality was not significantly different between groups (14.1% vs. 11.7%, log‐rank p = .28). However, sudden death was more frequent in the restrictive group (3.4% vs. 1.3%, log‐rank p = .049).ConclusionsAs compared to a liberal indication for PPI, a restrictive indication reduced PPI rate and length of hospital stay without significantly affecting all‐cause mortality. The observed increase in the risk of sudden death with the restrictive PPI indication deserves further investigation.
Morphological reproductive characteristics of testes and fertilization capacity of cryopreserved sperm after the Fukushima accident in raccoon (Procyon lotor)
Authors: Komatsu Kazuki , Iwasaki Tsugumi , Murata Kosuke , Yamashiro Hideaki , Goh Valerie Swee Ting , Nakayama Ryo , Fujishima Yohei , Ono Takumi , Kino Yasushi , Simizu Yoshinaka , Takahashi Atsushi , Shinoda Hisashi , Ariyoshi Kentaro , Kasai Kosuke , Suzuki Masatoshi , Palmerini Maria Grazia , Belli Manuel , Macchiarelli Guido , Oka Toshitaka , Fukumoto Manabu , Yoshida Mitsuaki A. , Nakata Akifumi , Miura Tomisato 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSince the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident, we have established an archive system of livestock and wild animals from the surrounding ex‐evacuation zone. Wildlife within the alert zone have been exposed to low‐dose‐rate (LDR) radiation for a long continuous time. In this study, we analysed the morphological characteristics of the testes and in vitro fertilization (IVF) capacity of cryopreserved sperm of racoons from the ex‐evacuation zone of the FDNPP accident. The radioactivity of caesium‐137 (137Cs) was measured by gamma‐ray spectrometry, and the measured radioactivity concentration was 300–6,630 Bq/kg in the Fukushima raccoons. Notably, normal spermatogenesis was observed in the seminiferous tubules of the testes, with the germinal epithelium composed of a spermatogenic cell lineage with no evident ultrastructural alterations; freeze‐thawing sperm penetration ability was confirmed using the interspecific zona pellucida‐free mouse oocytes IVF assays. This study revealed that the chronic and LDR radiation exposure associated with the FDNPP accident had no adverse effect on the reproductive characteristics and functions of male raccoons.
A design process for developing agricultural life science‐focused model eliciting activities
Authors: Bostic Jonathan D. , Clark Quintana M. , Vo Tina , Esters Levon T. , Knoblach Neil A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAgricultural life science topics include but are not limited to (1) agriculture and the environment, (2) culture, society, and economy, and (3) energy. These topics have potential to come up during mathematics and science instruction and offer learning opportunities. One way for agricultural life science topics to be part of such instruction is through tasks that encourage problem solving. Model‐eliciting activities (MEAs) are tasks that promote problem solving, draw upon real‐life experiences, and have potential to engage in learning across multiple disciplines. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe a qualitative, exploratory multiple case study. It answers the research question: What are important design features when developing Agricultural Life Science MEAs? Results from this study provide a viable roadmap as an approach to develop MEAs that address Agricultural Life Science issues. This roadmap includes six stages: problem identification, assessing developmental readiness, identifying potential engagement in the MEA, considering pedagogical supports, practitioner reviews, and finally field testing.