bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knockout of AKAP150 improves impaired BK channel‐mediated vascular dysfunction through the Akt/GSK3β signalling pathway in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhu Yan‐Rong , Jiang Xiao‐Xin , Ye Peng , Wang Zhi‐Mei , Zheng Yaguo , Liu Zhizhong , Chen Shao‐Liang , Zhang Dai‐Min 
Published: March 2020

AbstractVascular dysfunction resulting from diabetes is an important factor in arteriosclerosis. Previous studies have shown that during hyperglycaemia and diabetes, AKAP150 promotes vascular tone enhancement by intensifying the remodelling of the BK channel. However, the interaction between AKAP150 and the BK channel remains open to discussion. In this study, we investigated the regulation of impaired BK channel‐mediated vascular dysfunction in diabetes mellitus. Using AKAP150 null mice (AKAP150−/−) and wild‐type (WT) control mice (C57BL/6J), diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. We found that knockout of AKAP150 reversed vascular remodelling and fibrosis in mice with diabetes and in AKAP150−/− diabetic mice. Impaired Akt/GSK3β signalling contributed to decreased BK‐β1 expression in aortas from diabetic mice, and the silencing of AKAP150 increased Akt phosphorylation and BK‐β1 expression in MOVAS cells treated with HG medium. The inhibition of Akt activity caused a decrease in BK‐β1 expression, and treatment with AKAP150 siRNA suppressed GSK3β expression in the nuclei of MOVAS cells treated with HG. Knockout of AKAP150 reverses impaired BK channel‐mediated vascular dysfunction through the Akt/GSK3β signalling pathway in diabetes mellitus.
Local application of enamel matrix derivative prevents acute systemic inflammation after periodontal regenerative surgery: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Graziani Filippo , Peric Marina , Marhl Urska , Petrini Morena , Bettini Laura , Tonetti Maurizio , Gennai Stefano 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to compare surgical treatment of periodontal intra‐bony defects (IBD) with or without the adjunct of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in terms of acute‐phase responses in healthy patients.MethodsThirty‐eight periodontitis‐affected subjects, one IDB each, were randomized to minimally invasive periodontal surgery (MIS) with or without EMD. Periodontal parameters were recorded at baseline and 6‐months. Blood samples were collected at baseline, 1, 7 and 180 days after treatment.ResultsAt 24 hr, the group treated MIS with EMD showed lower values of C‐reactive protein (CRP; p < .01) as no inflammatory perturbation was noticed. Conversely, MIS group resulted in an acute inflammatory response at 24 hr (p < .05) that regressed to its baseline values at day 7. The EMD group showed a higher number of cases without residual BOP or PPD ≥ 5mm 6 months after surgery (p < .05), and post‐surgical gingival recession was lower (p < .05).ConclusionsThe adjunctive application of EMD during surgical treatment resulted in a minor increase in serum CRP 24‐hr after surgery. These findings suggest a possible systemic anti‐inflammatory effect of EMD. Within its limitations, this pilot trial confirmed better clinical periodontal outcomes in the EMD group. NCT03590093.
The current extent of and need for shared decision making in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis in the Netherlands: an online survey study amongst patients and physicians
Authors: van der Kraaij G.E. , Vermeulen F.M. , Smeets P.M.G. , Smets E.M.A. , Spuls P.I. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn shared decision making (SDM), patients and physicians work together to choose the best treatment option for an individual patient. Atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis are particularly suitable for SDM, considering that the best treatment option depends on a patient’s preferences and values (preference‐sensitive decisions). Currently, it is unknown to what extent SDM is applied in treatment decisions for these diseases in the Netherlands.ObjectivesPrimary, to assess the current extent of SDM in AD and psoriasis in the Netherlands amongst patients and dermatologists. Secondary, to assess the degree to which patients and physicians endorse SDM, to explore which characteristics are related to their preference to be involved in SDM and to identify which barriers and facilitators for SDM they perceive.MethodsTwo similar online surveys, one for patients with AD or psoriasis and one for (resident) dermatologists, were carried out. The surveys comprised validated questionnaires (shared decision making questionnaire (SDM‐Q; range 0–100), Control Preference Scale) and study‐specific statements mainly regarding barriers and facilitators for SDM.ResultsThe responses of 219 patients and 147 physicians were analysed. Dermatologists experienced significantly more SDM than patients (SDM‐Q 82 vs 55; P < 0.01).Most patients and dermatologists prefer to share treatment decisions. Mainly facilitators for SDM were perceived, including the positive perception of patients and dermatologists regarding SDM. The perceived barriers included lack of continuity of care by the same physician and lack of time.ConclusionDespite the dermatologists’ optimistic perspective, patients experience a limited extent of SDM and physicians should be aware of this gap. Improvement of SDM in AD and psoriasis is needed. The positive attitude of patients and dermatologists towards the process and outcome of SDM is important facilitators, while barriers were mainly perceived on an organizational level.
The importance of proper and prompt treatment of ocular syphilis: a lesson from permanent vision loss in 52 eyes
Authors: Gu X. , Gao Y. , Yan Y. , Marks M. , Zhu L. , Lu H. , Guan Z. , Shi M. , Ni L. , Peng R. , Zhao W. , Wu J. , Qi T. , Lu S. , Qian Y. , Gong W. , Zhou P. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundOcular involvement can occur at any stage of syphilis. Prompt diagnosis and proper treatment of ocular syphilis are vital to avoid long‐term consequences.ObjectivesTo describe the risk factors for ocular syphilis and clinical features of blindness caused by syphilis.MethodsWe report risk factors for ocular syphilis amongst patients seen at the Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital between October 2009 and October 2017. We identify patients with ocular syphilis resulting in blindness and report the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings and treatment outcomes of these patients.ResultsA total of 8310 new cases of syphilis were seen, of which 213 patients had ocular disease and 50 patients had blindness due to syphilis. Increasing age and higher RPR titres were associated with ocular involvement but there was no association with HIV status. Blindness in syphilis was restricted predominantly to patients with optic nerve involvement and not patients with isolated uveitis. Fifty patients (and a total of 67 eyes) met the WHO definition of blindness prior to treatment for syphilis. At the end of follow‐up, vision had improved in 24 of 67 eyes (35.8%) after treatment. Successful treatment of uveitis was associated with the best improvement in visual acuity, whilst patient with underlying optic atrophy prior to treatment had the worst visual outcome.ConclusionsOcular involvement is an important manifestation of syphilis which may result in blindness. Our data demonstrate outcomes for ocular syphilis are poor if detected late; early recognition and diagnosis is therefore vital to avoid permanent visual loss.
Knowledge about and attitude toward cosmeceuticals among pharmacists in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almeman Ahmad A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundWhitening cosmeceuticals are commonly used for beauty purposes and managing pigmentation disorders. There is significant variability across the world with regard to knowledge as well as legislation of cosmeceuticals.AimTo evaluate the knowledge of and attitude toward whitening cosmeceuticals among pharmacists in Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis was a descriptive cross‐sectional observational study based on an online survey conducted between February and August 2019. The participants were registered pharmacists in different sectors in Saudi Arabia. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Qassim, Ministry of Health. The pharmacists’ response to questions on demographic characteristics, occupation, knowledge, and attitude toward whitening cosmeceuticals were collected in an online sheet.ResultsIn all, 584 pharmacists completed the survey; of these, 5.49%, 24.82%, and 70% were consultants, pharmacists I, and pharmacists, respectively. The male‐to‐female ratio was 1.6:1. The most common response in the survey is “I don't know.” Interestingly, 324 (59.12%) of the participants could define whitening cosmeceuticals, but 520 (90%) did not identify the term's source. Regarding practice, 196 (35.77%) participants had never used a whitening cosmetic, whereas 72 (13.14%) had but could not identify the agent. Forty percent of the participants were unaware of the possibility of combining two or more whitening cosmeceuticals and 13.14% thought that such combinations are contraindicated.ConclusionThere is significant variability among pharmacists in Saudi Arabia regarding the understanding and practice of whitening cosmeceuticals. Our results indicate that further measures are essential for increasing the awareness of pharmacists in Saudi Arabia.
The “Peter Principle” revisited—Reflections on science, surgery and research
Authors: Thomson Peter 
Published: March 2020

AbstractRevisiting the eponymous “Peter Principle,” in this article the author reflects upon a professional lifetime as a clinician, surgeon and researcher, and summarises his efforts to improve contemporary understanding of oral cancer development, refine diagnostic procedure and facilitate efficacious, early treatment intervention to halt the process of carcinogenesis. The author reviews the principles underpinning effective translational research. Utilising his own work in oral epithelial cell science, interventional surgery and potentially malignant disorder patient management and surveillance, a number of significant advances in our knowledge base and their specific clinical application and potential impact are discussed. Research remains an active and ongoing process, however, and the author believes it essential for future relevance that hypotheses should always be initiated, led and mentored by experienced clinical practitioners.
Hepatitis B prophylaxis in adolescents who present for examination after alleged sexual assault
Authors: Jones Michael E , Tully Joanna M 
Published: March 2020

AimIn Australia, the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission from single sexual contact is low. This, combined with assumed widespread immunity from vaccination, has resulted in a lack of clarity surrounding the necessity for hepatitis B post‐exposure prophylaxis following recent sexual assault.MethodsThis retrospective audit was conducted through the Victorian Forensic Paediatric Medical Service (VFPMS) at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Subjects were patients aged 13–17 years who presented to VFPMS between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2016 for forensic medical examination following an alleged penetrative sexual assault. Data collected included subject demographics, immunisation status, route of potential HBV exposure, time between alleged sexual assault and presentation, whether HBsAb levels were tested and the results and whether HBV prophylaxis was administered to the subject and its timing.ResultsA total of 2121 records were reviewed, and 420 subjects were found to be eligible for inclusion; 26.2% (n = 110) had HBsAb levels measured at initial presentation. Of these 110 subjects, 45.5% (n = 50) had titre levels less than 10 (deemed to be non‐protective) and were therefore vulnerable to HBV infection. Of the 420 subjects, 4.5% (n = 19) received HBV prophylaxis as a result of their assessment.ConclusionsResults suggest that a high proportion of Australian adolescents presenting following recent sexual assault may be at risk of hepatitis B infection. Very few received timely prophylaxis. Follow‐up attendance rates were poor. Administration of the hepatitis B booster vaccine at the point of contact may reduce the risk of HBV infection in this group of adolescents.
Pharmacokinetics of three formulations of vitacoxib in horses
Authors: Wang Jianzhong , Qiu Jicheng , Xiao Hongzhi , Gong Xiaohui , Sun Pan , Li Jing , Zhang Suxia , Cao Xingyuan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe pharmacokinetic properties of three formulations of vitacoxib were investigated in horses. To describe plasma concentrations and characterize the pharmacokinetics, 6 healthy adult Chinese Mongolian horses were administered a single dose of 0.1 mg/kg bodyweight intravenous (i.v.), oral paste, or oral tablet vitacoxib in a 3‐way, randomized, parallel design. Blood samples were collected prior to and at various times up to 72 hr postadministration. Plasma vitacoxib concentrations were quantified using UPLC‐MS/MS, and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using noncompartmental analysis. No complications resulting from the vitacoxib administration were noted on subsequent administrations, and all procedures were tolerated well by the horses throughout the study. The elimination half‐life (T1/2λz) was 4.24 ± 1.98 hr (i.v.), 8.77 ± 0.91 hr (oral paste), and 8.12 ± 4.24 hr (oral tablet), respectively. Maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was 28.61 ± 9.29 ng/ml (oral paste) and 19.64 ± 9.26 ng/ml (oral tablet), respectively. Area under the concentration‐versus‐time curve (AUClast) was 336 ± 229 ng hr/ml (i.v.), 221 ± 94 ng hr/ml (oral paste), and 203 ± 139 ng hr/ml, respectively. The results showed statistically significant differences between the 2 oral vitacoxib groups in Tmax value. T1/2λz (hr), AUClast (ng hr/ml), and MRT (hr) were significantly different between i.v. and oral groups. The longer half‐life observed following oral administration was consistent with the flip‐flop phenomenon.
Risk factors for child food contamination in low‐income neighbourhoods of Maputo, Mozambique: An exploratory, cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bick Sarah , Perieres Lauren , D'Mello‐Guyett Lauren , Baker Kelly K. , Brown Joe , Muneme Bacelar , Nala Rassul , Dreibelbis Robert , Cumming Oliver 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn low‐ and middle‐income countries, food may be a critical transmission route for pathogens causing childhood diarrhoea, but basic food hygiene is often overlooked in public health strategies. Characterising child food contamination and its risk factors could help prioritise interventions to reduce foodborne diarrhoeal disease, especially in low‐income urban areas where the diarrhoeal disease burden is often high. This cross‐sectional study comprised a caregiver questionnaire coupled with food sampling, and food preparation observations, among the study population of an ongoing sanitation trial in Maputo. The aim was to determine the prevalence of child food contamination and associated risk factors. The prevalence of Enterococcus spp., as an indicator of faecal contamination, was estimated in food samples. Risk factor analyses were performed through zero‐inflated negative binomial regression on colony counts. A modified hazard analysis and critical control point approach was used to determine critical control points (CCPs) that might effectively reduce risk. Fifty‐eight linked caregiver questionnaires and food samples were collected, and 59 food preparation observations were conducted. The prevalence of enterococci in child foods exceeding 10 colony forming units per gram was 53% (95% confidence interval [40%, 67%]). Risk factors for child food contamination were identified, including type of food, food preparation practices, and hygiene behaviours. CCPs included cooking/reheating of food and food storage and handling. This exploratory study highlights the need for more research into diarrhoeagenic pathogens and foodborne risks for children living in these challenging urban environments.
ATM suppresses leaf senescence triggered by DNA double‐strand break through epigenetic control of senescence‐associated genes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Zhonghai , Kim Jin Hee , Kim Jeongsik , Lyu Jae Il , Zhang Yi , Guo Hongwei , Nam Hong Gil , Woo Hye Ryun 
Published: March 2020

Summary

All living organisms are unavoidably exposed to various endogenous and environmental stresses that trigger potentially fatal DNA damage, including double‐strand breaks (DSBs). Although a growing body of evidence indicates that DNA damage is one of the prime drivers of aging in animals, little is known regarding the importance of DNA damage and its repair on lifespan control in plants.

We found that the level of DSBs increases but DNA repair efficiency decreases as Arabidopsis leaves age. Generation of DSBs by inducible expression of I‐PpoI leads to premature senescence phenotypes.

We examined the senescence phenotypes in the loss‐of‐function mutants for 13 key components of the DNA repair pathway and found that deficiency in ATAXIA TELANGIECTASIA MUTATED (ATM), the chief transducer of the DSB signal, results in premature senescence in Arabidopsis. ATM represses DSB‐induced expression of senescence‐associated genes, including the genes encoding the WRKY and NAC transcription factors, central components of the leaf senescence process, via modulation of histone lysine methylation.

Our work highlights the significance of ATM in the control of leaf senescence and has significant implications for the conservation of aging mechanisms in animals and plants.
Intravenous Combined with Topical Tranexamic Acid Administration Has No Additional Benefits Compared with Intravenous Administration Alone in High Tibial Osteotomy: A Retrospective Case‐Control Study
Authors: Li Songlin , Lu Qunshan , Guo Xingzhi , Zhang Meng , Miao Zhuang , Luo Desu , Liu Peilai 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveTo investigate whether intravenous combined with topical administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) is superior to intravenous administration alone in terms of blood loss, incision complications, functional recovery, and pain relief in high tibial osteotomy (HTO).MethodsClinical data of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) treated with unilateral HTO were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were grouped according to the TXA administration method, with 24 patients in the combined group and 21 in the solo group. In the combined group, 100 mL saline containing 1 g TXA was intravenously administered before application of a tourniquet, and 20 mL saline containing 2 g TXA was injected through a drainage tube after closure of the incision. Alternatively, 100 mL of saline containing 1 g TXA was intravenously administered before application of a tourniquet in the solo group. The blood loss and adverse events were compared between the two groups.ResultsAll patients were followed for more than half a year. The drainage volume on the first day and total blood loss on the second day after surgery in the combined and single treatment groups were 130.06 ± 29.22 and 165.35 ± 43.08 mL (P < 0.05), respectively, and 327.17 ± 64.26 and 385.45 ± 63.31 mL (P < 0.05). There were no blood transfusions in either group. One case of delayed incision healing was observed in the solo group, and no such event occurred in the combined group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the following factors: the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT); levels of fibrinogen (FIB) and D‐dimer on the second day after surgery; numbers of hospitalization days and thromboembolism events; and knee joint function and visual analog score 6 months after surgery.ConclusionIntravenous combined with topical TXA administration in HTO is superior to intravenous administration alone for reducing postoperative blood loss and drainage volume without thromboembolic complications. However, even with only intravenous TXA administration, no cases of blood transfusion and only 1 case of incision complication occurred. At the same time, the combined use of TXA did not improve the recovery of knee joint function and pain relief after HTO.
Characterization of novel regulators for heat stress tolerance in tomato from Indian sub‐continent
Authors: Balyan Sonia , Rao Sombir , Jha Sarita , Bansal Chandni , Das Jaishri Rubina , Mathur Saloni 
Published: March 2020

SummaryThe footprint of tomato cultivation, a cool region crop that exhibits heat stress (HS) sensitivity, is increasing in the tropics/sub‐tropics. Knowledge of novel regulatory hot spots from varieties growing in the Indian sub‐continent climatic zones could be vital for developing HS‐resilient crops. Comparative transcriptome‐wide signatures of a tolerant (CLN1621L) and sensitive (CA4) cultivar pair shortlisted from a pool of varieties exhibiting variable thermo‐sensitivity using physiological‐, survival‐ and yield‐related traits revealed redundant to cultivar‐specific HS regulation. The antagonistically expressing genes encode enzymes and proteins that have roles in plant defence and abiotic stresses. Functional characterization of three antagonistic genes by overexpression and silencing established Solyc09g014280 (Acylsugar acyltransferase) and Solyc07g056570 (Notabilis) that are up‐regulated in tolerant cultivar, as positive regulators of HS tolerance and Solyc03g020030 (Pin‐II proteinase inhibitor), that are down‐regulated in CLN1621L, as negative regulator of thermotolerance. Transcriptional assessment of promoters of these genes by SNPs in stress‐responsive cis‐elements and promoter swapping experiments in opposite cultivar background showed inherent cultivar‐specific orchestration of transcription factors in regulating transcription. Moreover, overexpression of three ethylene response transcription factors (ERF.C1/F4/F5) also improved HS tolerance in tomato. This study identifies several novel HS tolerance genes and provides proof of their utility in tomato thermotolerance.
Increased Risk of ADHD at Short and Long Interpregnancy Intervals in a National Birth Cohort
Authors: Cheslack‐Postava Keely , Sourander Andre , Suominen Auli , Jokiranta‐Olkoniemi Elina , McKeague Ian W. , Brown Alan S. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundShort or long interpregnancy interval (IPI) may adversely impact conditions for foetal development. Whether attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is related to IPI has been largely unexplored.ObjectivesTo examine the association between IPI and ADHD in a large, population‐based Finnish study.MethodsAll children born in Finland between 1991 and 2005 and diagnosed with ADHD (ICD‐9 314x or ICD‐10 F90.x) from 1995 to 2011 were identified using data from linked national registers. Each subject with ADHD was matched to 4 controls based on sex, date of birth, and place of birth. A total of 9564 subjects with ADHD and 34,479 matched controls were included in analyses. IPI was calculated as the time interval between sibling birth dates minus the gestational age of the second sibling. The association between IPI and ADHD was determined using conditional logistic regression and adjusted for potential confounders.ResultsRelative to births with an IPI of 24 to 59 months, those with the shortest IPI (<6 months) had an increased risk of ADHD (odds ratio [OR] 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12, 1.51) and the ORs for the longer IPI births (60‐119 months and ≥120 months) were 1.12 (95% CI 1.02, 1.24) and 1.25 (95% CI 1.08, 1.45), respectively. The association of longer IPI with ADHD was attenuated by adjustment for maternal age at the preceding birth, and comorbid autism spectrum disorders did not explain the associations with ADHD.ConclusionsThe risk of ADHD is higher among children born following short or long IPIs although further studies are needed to explain this association.