bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of imidazoline‐1 receptor agonists on renal dysfunction in rats associated with chronic, sequential fructose and ethanol administration
Authors: Elkomy Nesreen M. I. M. , Ibrahim Islam A. A. E. ‐H. , El‐Fayoumi Hassan M. , Elshazly Shimaa M. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractInsulin resistance and chronic alcoholism are risk factors for renal dysfunction. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of two imidazoline‐1 receptor (I1R) agonists on renal dysfunction in rats after chronic, sequential fructose and ethanol administration. Daily drinking water was supplemented with fructose (10%, w/v) for 12 weeks and then with ethanol (20%, v/v) for another 8 weeks. Rats were treated with rilmenidine and clonidine in the last two weeks of the study. Blood glucose and serum insulin (sIns) levels, lipid profiles, kidney function and renal histopathology were evaluated at the end of the experiment. Additionally, renal gene expression of nischarin, phosphatidylcholine‐specific phospholipase C (PC‐PLC) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were measured. Renal levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and total NO (tNO) were detected, and we determined the relative renal gene expression levels of alpha smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), hydroxyproline, interleukin 10 (IL‐10), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and caspase‐3. The results showed significant deterioration of blood glucose, sIns, lipid profiles, kidney function and renal histopathology in fructose/ethanol‐fed rats. Additionally, markers of inflammation, fibrosis, apoptosis and oxidative stress were upregulated. The administration of rilmenidine or clonidine significantly improved blood glucose and sIns levels and reduced renal dysfunction. Our work showed that chronic, sequential fructose and ethanol administration induced fasting hyperglycaemia and renal impairment, and these effects were ameliorated by I1R agonists.
Cathelicidin deficiency exacerbates cardiac dysfunction in lipopolysaccharide‐induced endotoxaemic mice
Authors: Zhai Tingting , Zhang Jie , Zhang Yacheng , Wu Yan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe therapeutic potential of the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin (Camp) administration in sepsis has been widely investigated. However, little is known about the pathophysiological roles of cathelicidin in septic cardiomyopathy. In a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced endotoxaemic model, we found that the mRNA and protein expression of cardiac cathelicidin were induced in C57BL/6J wild‐type (WT) mice upon LPS challenge, accompanied by increased circulating cathelicidin levels. We showed that this peptide was mainly derived from neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages. Camp deficiency exacerbated LPS‐induced myocardial depression, while the administration of CRAMP (the mature form of mouse cathelicidin) decreased the LPS‐induced mortality in a D‐galactosamine hydrochloride (D‐GalN)‐sensitized endotoxin shock model. In vivo, LPS‐treated Camp knockout mice had a significant higher protein level of myocardial and circulating tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), a major contributing factor to septic cardiomyopathy, compared to LPS‐treated WT mice, while CRAMP administration inhibited LPS‐induced TNF‐α production in the heart and plasma in D‐GalN‐sensitized endotoxaemic mice. In vitro, CRAMP treatment suppressed LPS‐induced Tnf‐α mRNA expression in cultured neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes and reduced TNF‐α secretion in the culture supernatant. The inhibitory effects of CRAMP on TNF‐α production may be related to its neutralizing ability of LPS, since CRAMP application had no effects on another toll‐like receptor 4 ligand paclitaxel‐induced Tnf‐α mRNA expression in cardiomyocytes. These findings suggest that LPS‐induced cathelicidin protects the heart against myocardial depression partly through the inhibition of TNF‐α production via neutralizing LPS.
MicroRNA‐378‐3p/5p represses proliferation and induces apoptosis of oral squamous carcinoma cells via targeting KLK4
Authors: Cui Zhi , Bao Xingfu , Liu Qilin , Li Qianpeng , Huang Lei , Wang Hanchi , Jiao Kun 
Published: December 2019

AbstractOral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common types of head and neck neoplasm. Down‐regulation of hsa‐microRNA‐378 (miR‐378) has been proved in OSCC tissues, suggesting that miR‐378 might play crucial roles in the progression of OSCC. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of miR‐378‐3p/5p on the proliferation and apoptosis of OSCC in vitro and in vivo. According to the results, lentivirus‐mediated overexpression of miR‐378 lowered the colony formation efficiency, blocked cell cycle progression, and decreased the percentage of Ki‐67 positive cells, whereas knockdown of miR‐378‐3p/5p led to the opposite results. Furthermore, the apoptosis of OSCC cells was induced by the overexpression of miR‐378 as evidenced by decreasing Bcl‐2/Bax ratio, increasing cleaved caspase‐9, cleaved caspase‐3, and cleaved PARP levels, and promoting the release of cytochrome c into the cytoplasm. However, the above results were reversed by miR‐378‐3p/5p silencing. In addition, the overexpression of miR‐378 inhibited the activation of PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. Conversely, miR‐378‐3p/5p knockdown resulted in the inactivation of PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. Mechanically, we validated that miR‐378‐3p/5p could target kallikrein‐related peptidase 4 (KLK4), and enforced overexpression of KLK4 counteracted miR‐378 overexpression‐induced apoptosis. Finally, tumourigenesis in nude mice was suppressed by the overexpression of miR‐378, which was promoted by miR‐378‐3p/5p silencing. Taken together, these results suggest that miR‐378 may be a potential target in the diagnoses and treatment of OSCC.
Postprandial microvascular blood flow in skeletal muscle: Similarities and disparities to the hyperinsulinaemic‐euglycaemic clamp
Authors: Roberts‐Thomson Katherine M. , Betik Andrew C. , Premilovac Dino , Rattigan Stephen , Richards Stephen M. , Ross Renee M. , Russell Ryan D. , Kaur Gunveen , Parker Lewan , Keske Michelle A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSkeletal muscle contributes to ~40% of total body mass and has numerous important mechanical and metabolic roles in the body. Skeletal muscle is a major site for glucose disposal following a meal. Consequently, skeletal muscle plays an important role in postprandial blood glucose homeostasis. Over the past number of decades, research has demonstrated that insulin has an important role in vasodilating the vasculature in skeletal muscle in response to an insulin infusion (hyperinsulinaemic‐euglycaemic clamp) or following the ingestion of a meal. This vascular action of insulin is pivotal for glucose disposal in skeletal muscle, as insulin‐stimulated vasodilation increases the delivery of both glucose and insulin to the myocyte. Notably, in insulin‐resistant states such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, this vascular response of insulin in skeletal muscle is significantly impaired. Whereas the majority of work in this field has focussed on the action of insulin alone on skeletal muscle microvascular blood flow and myocyte glucose metabolism, there is less understanding of how the consumption of a meal may affect skeletal muscle blood flow. This is in part due to complex variations in glucose and insulin dynamics that occurs postprandially—with changes in humoral concentrations of glucose, insulin, amino acids, gut and pancreatic peptides—compared to the hyperinsulinaemic‐euglycaemic clamp. This review will address the emerging body of evidence to suggest that postprandial blood flow responses in skeletal muscle may be a function of the nutritional composition of a meal.
Investigating the effectiveness of idiom intervention for 9–16‐year‐olds with developmental language disorder
Authors: Benjamin Lucy , Newton Caroline , Ebbels Susan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundIdiom skills are essential for children to access age‐appropriate media, curriculum resources and teaching. Children with developmental language disorder (DLD) require support to develop the ability to understand and define idioms. However, research investigating one‐to‐one and classroom‐based idiom skill intervention for children with DLD is limited.AimsTo investigate the effectiveness of one‐to‐one speech and language therapist (SLT) and classroom‐based interventions to develop and maintain progress of the idiom skills of 9–16‐year‐olds with DLD.Methods & ProceduresForty‐nine 9–16‐year‐olds from a specialist school for children with DLD received 20 intervention sessions to develop idiom skills during two school terms. Following a baseline period, 24 participants (aged 11–16) received ten 30‐min one‐to‐one SLT intervention sessions once per week for the first term and classroom‐based intervention for the second term. A total of 25 participants (aged 9–16) received the same intervention in the reverse order. Classroom‐based intervention was delivered collaboratively by English teachers and SLTs during English lessons. All participants were assessed on their ability to identify, interpret, explain and use idioms 3 months before, directly before and after each intervention and 3 months post‐intervention, using a bespoke assessment including 48 idioms randomly assigned to three sets: one‐to‐one intervention, classroom‐based intervention and control idioms.Outcomes & ResultsParticipants made significantly more progress during the intervention blocks than during the baseline period (block 1:d= 1.91; block 2:d= 1.01) and post‐intervention levels were maintained 3 months post‐intervention. Idiom skills showed significant progress when targeted through both one‐to‐one (d= 2.18) and classroom‐based intervention (d= 0.91) but one‐to‐one intervention was significantly more effective than classroom‐based intervention (d= 0.63). Examination of the specific idiom skills targeted revealed that although idiom identification and interpretation skills did not progress significantly more during intervention blocks than the baseline period, idiom explanation (block 1:d= 1.02; block 2:d= 0.97); and use did (block 1:d= 0.94; block 2:d= 0.81). One‐to‐one intervention was more effective than classroom‐based intervention for developing idiom explanation (d= 1.32) and use (d= 0.65). Progress on control items was not significantly different during intervention blocks than during the baseline period overall or for any of the individual idiom skills.Conclusions & ImplicationsBoth one‐to‐one SLT and classroom‐based intervention are effective (although one‐to‐one is more effective) for teaching and maintaining idiom skills, particularly explanation and use. This means that SLTs and English teachers can help children to develop idiom skills which may enable better access to the curriculum and popular media.
Small RNA coaR contributes to intestinal colonization in Vibrio cholerae via the two‐component system EnvZ/OmpR
Authors: Xi Daoyi , Li Yujia , Yan Junxiang , Li Yuehua , Wang Xiaochen , Cao Boyang 
Published: December 2019

SummaryVibrio cholerae is a waterborne bacterium responsible for worldwide outbreaks of acute and fatal cholera. Recently, small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) have become increasingly recognized as important regulators of virulence gene expression in response to environmental signals. In this study, we determined that two‐component system EnvZ/OmpR was required for intestinal colonization in V. cholerae O1 EI Tor strain E12382. Analysis of the characteristics of OmpR revealed a potential binding site in the intergenic region between vc1470 and vc1471, and qRT‐PCR showed that expression of the intergenic region increased 5.3‐fold in the small intestine compared to LB medium. Race and northern blot assays were performed and demonstrated a new sRNA, coaR (cholerae osmolarity and acidity related regulatory RNA). A ΔcoaR mutant showed a deficient colonization ability in small intestine with CI of 0.15. We identified a target of coaR, tcpI, a negative regulator of the major pilin subunit of TcpA. The ΔtcpI mutant has an increased colonization with CI of 3.16. The expression of coaR increased 2.8‐fold and 3.3‐fold under relative acidic and hypertonic condition. In summary, coaR was induced under the condition of high osmolarity and acid stress via EnvZ/OmpR and explained that tcpI relieves pH‐mediated repression of toxin co‐regulated pilus synthesis.
Sudden Death Caused by Rupture of Spontaneous Ductus Arteriosus Aneurysm in an Adult
Authors: Fukuta Mamiko , Horita Tetsuya , Seko‐Nakamura Yoshimi , Kato Hideaki , Kanno Sanae , Monma‐Otaki Jun , Aoki Yasuhiro 
Published: December 2019

AbstractA 55‐year‐old man complained of sudden onset of severe neck pain. This was followed by prompt loss of consciousness and death. Autopsy revealed rupture of a saccular aneurysm, which was considered to have resulted from enlargement of the remaining ductal tissue, and was located on the medial aspect of the uppermost portion of the descending aorta. Dense blood extravasation was noted in the posterior mediastinum and extending to the strap muscles of the neck and larynx. Histological examination of the rupture site revealed disappearance of the medial elastic fibers and thickened intima covered with dense fibrous tissue. Spontaneous ductus arteriosus aneurysm in adults is a rare finding, but widespread use of imaging technologies has revealed that it develops more frequently than previously recognized. Fatal complications may occur even when the aneurysm is relatively small. Therefore, pathologists should be aware of this aneurysm as a potential cause of sudden death.
Epidemiology and effects of fluid bolus administration in the paediatric emergency department
Authors: Solan Tom , Stephens David J , Williams Amanda , Babl Franz E , Long Elliot 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveFluid bolus therapy (FBT) is recommended as the initial form of acute circulatory support for many disease processes. The epidemiology of its use in the ED is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess indications, use patterns and short‐term effects of FBT in a paediatric ED.MethodsRetrospective observational study in the ED of the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia (annual census >90 000) using hospital electronic medical record data for all patients who received an i.v. fluid bolus in the ED over the calendar year 2018 were included in the study. We extracted demographics, indications, volume, content of FBT as well as subsequent vital sign and biochemical changes.ResultsOne thousand five hundred and thirty‐nine fluid boluses were administered to 1343/90 000 children (1.5%), 1185 received 1, 123 received 2, 32 received 3, and 3 received 4 boluses. Fluid bolus volume of 10 mL/kg was used in 45.3%, 20 mL/kg in 35.7%, 500 mL in 6.4% and 1000 mL in 7.1%. The fluid content was 0.9% saline in 99.9% of cases. The most common indications for FBT were: vomiting/diarrhoea (23%), acute febrile illness (11%) and pneumonia or sepsis (10% each). FBT was associated with a reduction in median heart rate by 6 beats per minute (P < 0.01), reduction in mean blood pressure by 3 mmHg (P < 0.01), and reduction in venous lactate by 0.2 mmol/L (P < 0.01).ConclusionsFluid bolus therapy is a commonly used intervention in the paediatric ED, most often for dehydration. Variability in indications, dose and effects of FBT warrant further exploration.
Working capital (mis)management – impact of executive age
Authors: Adhikari Hari P. , Krolikowski Marcin W. , Malm James , Sah Nilesh B. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSeveral recent studies have used the upper echelons theory to explain the impact of personal traits of top executives on various corporate policies. In this, first of its kind, study we find that older executives invest more in working capital; take longer to convert inventories to cash; and pay their suppliers sooner. These findings are consistent with the argument that risk aversion increases with executive age. Our findings indicate that executive age has significant bearing on working capital management policies. This study also initiates new avenues in research relating behavioral aspect of executives with short‐term financial management.
The epidemiology of subcutaneous panniculitis‐like alpha‐beta T‐cell lymphoma in New Zealand
Authors: Kim Yena , Coomarasamy Christin , Jarrett Paul 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesSubcutaneous panniculitis‐like alpha‐beta T‐cell lymphoma is a rare disease, which comprises less than 1% of all non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. The epidemiology of this disorder has not been established in New Zealand, particularly the ethnic variation.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted from 2005 to 2017 in South Auckland, New Zealand. Patients with histopathologically confirmed subcutaneous panniculitis‐like alpha‐beta T‐cell lymphoma, according to the WHO‐EORTC classification, were included. Cases were identified from multiple data sources to ensure the study population was completely surveyed. Census data were used as the denominator.ResultsTen cases were identified. Five were men and five women. The median age at diagnosis was of 38.5 years (range 17–73 years). Nine were Māori/Pacific, and one was European. The ethnic relative risk of subcutaneous panniculitis‐like alpha‐beta T‐cell lymphoma in Māori/Pacific versus European was 11.1 (95% Cl 1.83–246.1, P = 0.005).ConclusionMāori and Pacific have a higher relative risk of subcutaneous panniculitis‐like alpha‐beta T‐cell lymphoma compared to non‐Māori/Pacific.
Think before you shave: Factors influencing choice of biopsy technique for invasive melanoma and effect on definitive management
Authors: de Menezes Sara Lee , Wolfe Rory , Kelly John William , Farrugia Helen , Mar Victoria Jane 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackground/ObjectivePartial biopsies are sometimes used for melanoma diagnosis with anticipated time and cost savings compared to excisional biopsy. However, their impact on subsequent melanoma management is unknown. Determine factors related to choice of partial over excisional biopsy to diagnose invasive melanoma and examine the effect of partial biopsies on definitive melanoma management.MethodRetrospective repeated cross‐sectional population‐based study through the Victorian Cancer Registry of diagnosed melanomas in 2005, 2010 and 2015. A random sample of 400 patients per year, stratified by tumour thickness, was selected.ResultsA total of 1200 patients had 833 excisional and 337 partial biopsies. Omission of suspected diagnosis on pathology requests affected 46% (532/1151) of all diagnostic biopsies. Diagnostic suspicion did not influence preference for partial over excisional biopsy [Odds Ratio (OR) 1.2, 95%CI 0.8–1.7; P = 0.40]. The partial:excisional biopsy usage ratio was higher in patients aged > 50 years than patients aged <50 years [relative risk ratios (RRR) 1.5; 95%CI 1.0 to 2.2; P = 0.03]. In 34% and 17% of tumours diagnosed with punch and shave, respectively, three procedures were required for definitive excision instead of two, compared with 5% of excisional biopsies When partial biopsy was used, patients were at greater risk of requiring three‐staged excisions when controlled for age, anatomical site, melanoma subtype and thickness (RRR 6.7; 95%CI 4.4–10.1; P < 0.001).ConclusionDiagnostic suspicion does not appear to be a major factor influencing choice of biopsy technique. Using partial biopsy to diagnose melanoma often leads to an extra procedure for definitive treatment compared with excisional biopsy.
Two‐year treatment programme showed that younger age and initial weight loss predicted better results in overweight and obese children aged 2‐16 years
Authors: Dalby Sina , Vahlkvist Signe , Østergaard Inge , Park Jørgensen Joan , Bogh Juhl Claus 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAimWe investigated an outpatient programme that followed the Danish Paediatric Society's recommended multidisciplinary approach to treating overweight and obesity.MethodsOur cohort comprised 179 participants (55.3% girls) treated from April 2011 until March 2016 at the Hospital of Southwest Jutland, Esbjerg, Denmark. The participant's age ranged from 2.3 to 16.6 years. The body mass index‐standard deviation score was registered at inclusion and after three, 12 and 24 months.ResultsThe girls were more obese than the boys at inclusion, and the mean reduction in the body mass index‐standard deviation score was 0.3 units during the study. Half of the participants achieved a reduction in body mass index‐standard deviation score of at least 0.25 units, and the frequency of obesity and severe obesity decreased from 69.3% to 47.5%. Predictors of weight loss were younger age and weight loss during the first 3 months. More than half (53.1%) completed the programme, and they were more likely to be younger and male.ConclusionThe two‐year programme reduced the body mass index‐standard deviation score and the frequency of obesity. Younger age and early weight loss predicted success and younger age, and male sex predicted completion rates.
Developing and validating a scale for measuring teachers’ readiness for flipped classrooms in junior high schools
Authors: Chou Chih‐Lun , Hung Min‐Ling , Tsai Chia‐Wen , Chang Yu‐Chih 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe aim of this research is to examine the dimensions of junior high school teachers’ readiness for implementing a flipped classroom approach and to construct and validate an instrument—the Flipped‐Classroom Teacher Scale (FCTS). Two sets of samples (170 and 495 junior high school teachers) served to explore and confirm the constructs of the FCTS model proposed by this study. The model has been empirically validated via exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis. The research participants were from different geographical locations in Taiwan. The FCTS consists of four factors: institutional support, technology self‐efficacy (TSE), teacher beliefs and teaching strategies (TS). The results show that the FCTS model is a valid and reliable scale. Teachers may use the FCTS to gain a greater understanding of their instructional design and strategies in relation to flipped classrooms.
Chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy as a bridge to haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for refractory/relapsed B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Zhang Yan , Chen Huiren , Song Yanzhi , Tan Xiyou , Zhao Yongqiang , Liu Xiaodong , Li Zhihui , Yang Fan , Jiang Min , Gao Zhiyong , Wu Tong 
Published: December 2019

SummaryAlthough chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR‐T) targeted at CD19 or CD22 have achieved high complete remission (CR) in refractory/relapsed B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B‐ALL), it is uncertain if allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) should be performed after CAR‐T therapy to accomplish a sustainable remission. Fifty‐two cases with relapsed/refractory B‐ALL who underwent allo‐HSCT after CR by CD19 or CD22 CAR‐T were enrolled. The median time from CAR‐T infusion to allo‐HSCT was 50 (34–98) days. Myeloablative reduced‐intensity conditioning (RIC) with total body irradiation/fludarabine‐based or busulfan/fludarabine‐based regimens was used. Incidences of grade II–IV acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) and severe aGVHD were 23·1% and 5·8% respectively. Of 48 evaluable cases, 16 developed chronic GVHD (cGVHD) and in three of them the pattern was extensive. With a median follow‐up of 334 (41–479) days, one‐year overall survival and event‐free survival (EFS) were 87·7% and 73·0%. One‐year relapse rate and transplant‐related mortality (TRM) were 24·7% and 2·2% respectively. With quick bridge to allo‐HSCT after CAR‐T therapy, high EFS for refractory/relapsed B‐ALL has been achieved in this relatively large cohort. Our myeloablative RIC regimens have resulted in low incidences of aGVHD, cGVHD, viral reactivation and very low TRM even majority of transplants from haploidentical donors. Long‐term follow‐up is warranted.