bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA‐199a‐5p aggravates angiotensin II–induced vascular smooth muscle cell senescence by targeting Sirtuin‐1 in abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Tao Wuyuan , Hong Yimei , He Haiwei , Han Qian , Mao Mengmeng , Hu Bei , Zhang Hao , Huang Xiaoran , You Wei , Liang Xiaoting , Zhang Yuelin , Li Xin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractVascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) senescence contributes to abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) formation although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of miR‐199a‐5p in regulating VSMC senescence in AAA. VSMC senescence was determined by a senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal) assay. RT‐PCR and Western blotting were performed to measure miRNA and protein level, respectively. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated by H2DCFDA staining. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was used to validate the target gene of miR‐199a‐5p. VSMCs exhibited increased senescence in AAA tissue relative to healthy aortic tissue from control donors. Compared with VSMCs isolated from control donors (control‐VSMCs), those derived from patients with AAA (AAA‐VSMCs) exhibited increased cellular senescence and ROS production. Angiotensin II (Ang II) induced VSMC senescence by promoting ROS generation. The level of miR‐199a‐5p expression was upregulated in the plasma from AAA patients and Ang II–treated VSMCs. Mechanistically, Ang II treatment significantly elevated miR‐199a‐5p level, thereby stimulating ROS generation by repressing Sirt1 and consequent VSMC senescence. Nevertheless, Ang II–induced VSMC senescence was partially attenuated by a miR‐199a‐5p inhibitor or Sirt1 activator. Our study revealed that miR‐199a‐5p aggravates Ang II–induced VSMC senescence by targeting Sirt1 and that miR‐199a‐5p is a potential therapeutic target for AAA.
Corneal confocal microscopy: A useful tool for diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Jin Yu , Wang Weimin , Chen Wei , Guo Simin , Li Chenxi , Zhu Dalong , Bi Yan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAimTo investigate the diagnostic utility of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) for small fiber neuropathy in type 2 diabetes.Materials and MethodsThere were 186 participants with type 2 diabetes enrolled in this cross‐sectional research. Pure small fiber neuropathy and mixed fiber neuropathy were defined using clinical examination, electromyography, and quantitative sensory testing. Demographics and clinical data, corneal confocal microscopy parameters, and other neuropathy measures were compared among the groups. The diagnostic utility of corneal confocal microscopy for small fiber neuropathy was assessed by the receiver operating curve.ResultsOf the 186 patients, 24.7% had a pure small fiber neuropathy and 17.2% of patients were diagnosed with mixed fiber neuropathy. The corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve fiber branch density (CNBD), and corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) were significantly lower in subjects with pure small fiber neuropathy compared with those without diabetic peripheral neuropathy (all P < 0.05). The receiver operating curve analysis for corneal confocal microscopy diagnosing small fiber neuropathy demonstrated the area under the curve for CNFD of 0.791, CNFL of 0.778, CNBD of 0.710.ConclusionsPatients with type 2 diabetes with pure small fiber neuropathy showed more corneal nerve loss compared with those without diabetic peripheral neuropathy. It was revealed that corneal confocal microscopy can be a reasonable marker in the diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy in type 2 diabetes.
Pigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF) and derived peptides promote survival and differentiation of photoreceptors and induce neurite‐outgrowth in amacrine neurons
Authors: Michelis Germán , German Olga Lorena , Villasmil Rafael , Soto Tamara , Rotstein Nora P. , Politi Luis , Becerra S. Patricia 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF) is a cytoprotective protein for the retina. We hypothesize that this protein acts on neuronal survival and differentiation of photoreceptor cells in culture. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the neurotrophic effects of PEDF and its fragments in an in vitro model of cultured primary retinal neurons that die spontaneously in the absence of trophic factors. We used Wistar albino rats. Cell death was assayed by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry through TUNEL assay, propidium iodide, mitotracker, and annexin V. Immunofluorescence of cells for visualizing rhodopsin, CRX, and antisyntaxin under confocal microscopy was performed. Neurite outgrowth was also quantified. Results show that PEDF protected photoreceptor precursors from apoptosis, preserved mitochondrial function and promoted polarization of opsin enhancing their developmental process, as well as induced neurite outgrowth in amacrine neurons. These effects were abolished by an inhibitor of the PEDF receptor or receptor‐derived peptides that block ligand/receptor interactions. While all the activities were specifically conferred by short peptide fragments (17 amino acid residues) derived from the PEDF neurotrophic domain, no effects were triggered by peptides from the PEDF antiangiogenic region. The observed effects on retinal neurons imply a specific activation of the PEDF receptor by a small neurotrophic region of PEDF. Our findings support the neurotrophic PEDF peptides as neuronal guardians for the retina, highlighting their potential as promoters of retinal differentiation, and inhibitors of retinal cell death and its blinding consequences.
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Cover Image for this issue: https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.15089
Comparative analysis of effects induced by hyaluronic acid and its combined formula on skin functional parameters in second‐degree photoaging
Authors: Azaryan Helen G. , Khachikyan Khachik M. , Taha Ahmed , Badawy Ezzat 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackground and AimsThe study aimed to compare the effectiveness of intradermal injections of modified hyaluronic acid (mHA) and combined injections of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) and mHA (HA‐PRP) on clinical and functional parameters in women with second‐degree photoaging.MethodsSeventy‐six healthy female participants diagnosed with second degree of skin photoaging were involved in two interventional study groups. The first group was treated with “bio‐reparative” method (mHA) and the second group with “combined HA‐PRP therapy”. Additionally, 20 practically healthy women, with the first degree of photoaging according to Glogau classification, constituted the control group. Parameters of facial skin were evaluated in all groups before and after the injections. The patients in both interventional groups were compared based on skin therapy outcomes, using corneometry, sebumetry, cutometry, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and skin pH assessments. A post‐interventional analysis was conducted to evaluate the level of satisfaction in physicians and study participants in accordance with GAIS. Intragroup and between‐group analysis for the selected parameters was performed.ResultsCompared with the control group, the combined therapy group did not show significant difference in parameters (p > 0.05) and the scores were significantly improved compared to mHA group (p < 0.001). Control and HA‐PRP–treated groups were different only in sebumetry scores (SigDev = 2.1%). Significant difference was observed in the GAIS scores for patients between the interventional groups (p = 4.03297E−11 and 3.4093E−09, respectively).ConclusionImplementation of combined therapy is significantly effective compared to the mHA therapy alone. The higher efficacy is derived from significant recovery of functional parameters and GAIS survey results.
Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as an early treatment for amniotic fluid embolism with cardiac arrest: A case report
Authors: Adachi Mariko , Adachi Takeshi , Fujita Tomoe , Hyuga Shunsuke , Onishi Yoko , Okutomi Toshiyuki 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAmniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare but fatal obstetric complication, characterized by sudden cardiovascular collapse, respiratory failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Maternal mortality associated with AFE is high, making early recognition and prompt treatment important. In AFE with cardiac arrest, survival following acute cardiopulmonary dysfunction is crucial. In recent years, venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA‐ECMO) has attracted attention as an aggressive treatment for AFE with cardiac arrest. A 40‐year‐old woman experienced sudden cardiac arrest due to AFE during cesarean section. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and VA‐ECMO (also called percutaneous cardiopulmonary support) were initiated early. Finally, she recovered without any complications. VA‐ECMO can provide temporary respiratory and hemodynamic support until cardiopulmonary function improves after a few days in intensive care. VA‐ECMO should be considered as an early treatment for AFE with cardiac arrest.
Babu and Magon uterine closure technique during cesarean section: A randomized double‐blind trial
Authors: Tahermanesh Kobra , Mirgalobayat Shahla , Aziz‐Ahari Alireza , Maleki Maryam , Hashemi Neda , Samimi Mansooreh , Fazel Anvari‐Yazdi Abbas , Shahriyaripour Roya , Pecks Ulrich , Allahqoli Leila , Alkatout Ibrahim 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAimWe compared the effectiveness of the Babu and Magon uterine closure technique and unlocked double‐layer uterine closure on the integrity and thickness of the uterine scar.MethodsA randomized double‐blind trial was performed at Hazrat‐e Rasoul ‐e‐Akram Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from March 2018 to December 2019, in 72 pregnant women who were candidates for cesarean section for the first time. Women were randomly assigned to the Babu and Magon uterine closure technique (intervention group, n = 34) or double‐layer closure of the uterine incision (control group, n = 38). The primary outcome of the study was the frequency of myometrial defects at the site of the scar (niche), and a large niche. Secondary outcomes, including the time taken for uterine closure and postpartum hemorrhage (early and late), were compared between groups.ResultsAdjacent myometrium thickness (AMT) between the two groups was not statistically significant. A niche was reported in 23.5% (8/34) and 50% (19/38) of women in the intervention and controls, respectively (p = 0.02). A large niche was reported in 2.9% (1/34) and 23.7% (9/38) of women in the intervention and controls, respectively (p < 0.01). The duration of uterine closure was not statistically significant between the two groups. Hemoglobin levels did not differ significantly between groups during the first 24 h post‐surgery.ConclusionThe results of the study showed that the technique of uterine closure is one of the main potential determinants of myometrial healing. The Babu and Magon uterine closure technique seems to lead to tissue alignment during suturing and consequently cause better myometrial healing, although this issue calls for well‐founded longer studies of appropriate design.
Sentence comprehension in ageing and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: van Boxtel Willem , Lawyer Laurel 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe ability to correctly interpret complex syntax and long sentences is gradually impaired as people age. Typical ageing is characterised by working memory deficits, which are thought to play an important role in determining whether syntax can be comprehended correctly, and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) are thought to exacerbate these limitations. Furthermore, declines in processing speed appear to cause increasing difficulty in the proper allocation of cognitive resources necessary for sentence processing. Typically ageing adults may compensate for these deficits successfully when interpreting sentences using semantics or intact cognitive functions, but AD patients may exhibit deficits too severe for this to occur. The causes of syntax comprehension deficits in Alzheimer's are still contested, and may consist of language‐specific impairments or deficits in general cognition impacting linguistic behaviour. In this review, we aim to give an overview of the main markers of cognitive ageing and AD in the domain of sentence comprehension, as well as discuss potential underlying factors that may affect sentence comprehension in older speakers and Alzheimer's patients.
Maternal depression is associated with less dietary diversity among rural Nepali children
Authors: Miller Laurie C. , Neupane Sumanta , Sparling Thalia M. , Shrestha Merina , Joshi Neena , Lohani Mahendra , Thorne‐Lyman Andrew 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMaternal depression has been associated with adverse child growth and development; less is known about its relation to children's diet. In a cross‐sectional study embedded at endline of a longitudinal community development intervention, mothers of 629 children (age 23–66 months) in rural Nepal responded to household and children's diet questionnaires and were screened for depression. Child anthropometry and development (Ages and Stages Questionnaire) were assessed. Regression models examined children's diet, growth and development, adjusting for household, child and maternal characteristics. The prevalence of maternal depression was 21%. Maternal depression was associated with 11% lower likelihood that the child consumed one additional food group [Poisson regression, adjusted relative risk (aRR) 0.89, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI 0.81, 0.99), p = 0.024] and 13% lower likelihood that the child consumed one additional animal source food (ASF) [aRR 0.87, (95% CI 0.76, 1.01), p = 0.061] compared with children of nondepressed mothers. However, maternal depression was not associated with either child anthropometry or development: these outcomes were strongly associated with better home child‐rearing quality. Stunting also related to child age and intervention group; child development related to mother's education and household wealth. This study suggests a correlation between maternal depression and child dietary diversity. This association could be due to unmeasured confounders, and therefore, further research is warranted. Understanding the relationship of depression to child outcomes—and the role of other potentially compensatory household factors—could help address some of the earliest, modifiable influences in a child's life and contribute to innovative approaches to improve child well‐being.
Complex frequency identification using real modal shapes for a structure with proportional damping
Authors: Qu Chun‐Xu , Yi Ting‐Hua , Yao Xiao‐Jun , Li Hong‐Nan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractModal identification is based on modal superposition theory. For structures with proportional damping, the structural responses are recognized as real modal shapes multiplied by real modal coordinates. However, it is not true because the actual modal shapes should be complex even though they can be normalized to real ones. If the modal shapes are recognized as real ones, the modal superposition theory cannot reflect the actual modal parameters. This paper proposes an innovative method to identify complex frequencies for a structure with proportional damping using the identified real modal shapes, where the complex modal shapes are considered. The proportional damping is ideal but always assumed in practical engineering. The characteristic of the proposed method is that the complex property of frequencies is considered along with modal identification process. First, the reason why the complex modal shapes are hidden is revealed. When the real modal shapes are obtained, the Hilbert transform of analytical responses is used to estimate complex coordinates. Then, formulas to identify the complex frequencies are derived. The k‐means clustering method is employed. Finally, the proposed method is used in a numerical example and a practical bridge example. The results show that the proposed method can estimate the complex frequencies effectively, and can be used in practical engineering.
Reimbursement of innovative pharmaceuticals in English and Spanish hospitals—The example of isavuconazole
Authors: Jeck Julia , Wingen‐Heimann Sebastian M. , Thielscher Christian , Kron Anna , Bonn Jennifer , Jakobs Florian , Grau Santiago , Enoch David A. , Micallef Christianne , Cornely Oliver A. , Kron Florian 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundKron et al (Mycoses, 64, 2021, 86) found cost savings for the use of the innovative pharmaceutical isavuconazole in the inpatient setting in Germany (Bismarck‐based healthcare system). Little is known about the reimbursement of innovative pharmaceuticals in the inpatient setting of Beveridge‐based healthcare systems.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the market access process and reimbursement of isavuconazole, exemplary for innovative pharmaceuticals, in England and Spain.Patients/MethodsMarket access processes of both countries were described. Focussing on typical patient clusters for isavuconazole treatment, reimbursement data regarding inpatients with (i) allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation or (ii) acute myeloid leukaemia was considered. Data were publicly available and of high topicality (England 2020/2021, Spain 2018). Discounting and a currency conversion to Euro were applied.ResultsThis study showed that market access processes of both countries are broadly similar. Further, full reimbursement of isavuconazole as an innovative pharmaceutical may lead to reduction in resource utilisation. Without medication costs, isavuconazole can thus result in cost savings for both patient clusters due to a reduction in length of stay.ConclusionsExpenses for innovative pharmaceuticals may be balanced or even lead to cost savings due to a reduction in length of stay. The latter contributes to a greater patient benefit. For both healthcare system, the analyses highlighted drugs’ cost‐effectiveness and assessing its added value into reimbursement decisions is highly relevant.
Photosensitization Reactions of Biomolecules: Definition, Targets and Mechanisms
Authors: Baptista Maurício S. , Cadet Jean , Greer Alexander , Thomas Andrés H. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPhotosensitization reactions have been demonstrated to be largely responsible for the deleterious biological effects of UV and visible radiation, as well as for the curative actions of photomedicine. A large number of endogenous and exogenous photosensitizers, biological targets and mechanisms have been reported in the past few decades. Evolving from the original definitions of the type I and type II photosensitized oxidations, we now provide physicochemical frameworks, classifications and key examples of these mechanisms in order to organize, interpret and understand the vast information available in the literature and the new reports, which are in vigorous growth. This review surveys in an extended manner all identified photosensitization mechanisms of the major biomolecule groups such as nucleic acids, proteins, lipids bridging the gap with the subsequent biological processes. Also described are the effects of photosensitization in cells in which UVA and UVB irradiation triggers enzyme activation with the subsequent delayed generation of superoxide anion radical and nitric oxide. Definitions of photosensitized reactions are identified in biomolecules with key insights into cells and tissues.
Devoting ourselves to the manifestly unattainable*
Authors: Southwood Nicholas , Wiens David 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIt is tempting to think (1) that we may sometimes have what we callhopelessly utopian dutiesand yet (2) that “ought” implies “can.” How might we square these apparently conflicting claims? A simple solution is to interpret hopelessly utopian duties as duties topursuethe achievement of manifestly unattainable outcomes (as opposed to duties toachievethe outcomes), thereby promising to vindicate the possibility of such duties in a way that is compatible with “ought” implies “can.” The main challenge for this simple solution is to say what the relevant “duties to pursue” are supposed to involve. We survey several existing candidates and argue that none of them succeeds in delivering on the promise of the simple solution. We then propose a previously untheorized class of duties that we call duties todevote ourselvesto achieving an outcome, and argue that such duties provide us with an interpretation of hopelessly utopian duties that is up to the task.
Longitudinal changes in total and regional body composition in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Machado Felipe V. C. , Spruit Martijn A. , Coenjaerds Miranda , Pitta Fabio , Reynaert Niki L. , Franssen Frits M. E. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackground and objectiveLow fat‐free mass (FFM) is common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and contributes to morbidity and mortality. Few studies have evaluated longitudinal changes in body composition in patients with COPD compared with non‐COPD controls. This study aimed to compare longitudinal changes in total and regional body composition between patients with COPD and non‐COPD controls and investigate predictors of changes in body composition in COPD.MethodsPatients with COPD and non‐COPD controls participating in the Individualized COPD Evaluation in relation to Ageing (ICE‐Age) study, a single‐centre, longitudinal, observational study, were included. Subjects were assessed at baseline and after 2 years of follow‐up. Among other procedures, body composition was measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scan. The number of exacerbations/hospitalizations 1 year before inclusion and during follow‐up were assessed in patients with COPD.ResultsA total of 405 subjects were included (205 COPD, 87 smoking and 113 non‐smoking controls). Patients with COPD and smoking controls presented a significant decline in total FFM (mean [95% CI]: −1173 [−1527/−820] g and −486 [−816/−156] g, respectively) while body composition remained stable in non‐smoking controls. In patients with COPD, the decline in FFM was more pronounced in legs (−174 [−361/14] g) and trunk (−675 [−944/406] g) rather than in arms (54 [−19/126] g). The predictors of changes in total and regional FFM in patients with COPD were gender, number of previous hospitalizations, baseline values of FFM and BMI.ConclusionPatients with COPD present a significant decline in FFM after 2 years of follow‐up, this decline is more pronounced in their legs and trunk.
Bruxism and type of breathing as factors associated with oral herpes lesion in Brazilian para‐athletes
Authors: Storrer Carmen Lucia Mueller , Costa Eugenio Esteves , Scariot Rafaela , Pivetta Petinati Maria Fernanda , Winckler Ciro , Deliberador Tatiana Miranda , Küchler Erika Calvano , Brancher João Armando 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAimsThe present study investigated if recurrent manifestation of oral herpes lesions is associated with other factors and impacts the oral health‐related quality of life in para‐athletes.Methods and resultsThe studied population was composed of a convenience sample of 370 Brazilian para‐athletes. All included individuals answered questionnaires and were submitted to an oral examination. A self‐reported questionnaire addressed demographic and oral health data, including the recurrent manifestation of oral herpes lesions. The Oral Health Impact Profile was also applied in its reduced version with 14 questions (OHIP‐14). The population was categorized according to results from previous competitions into a high‐performance level, medium‐performance level, and regional‐performance level. Chi‐square or Fisher's exact tests, odds ratio calculation, logistic regression analysis, and t‐tests were performed (α = 5%). Sixty (16.2%) para‐athletes reported recurrent manifestations of oral herpes lesions. Para‐athletes with sleep bruxism (p = .007) and awake bruxism (p = .048) had a higher chance of reporting oral herpes lesions. Type of breathing was also associated with oral herpes lesions (p = .031). The OHIP‐14 mean distribution among the groups was not statistically significant (p > .05).ConclusionBruxism and type of breathing were associated with self‐reported oral herpes lesions in Brazilian para‐athletes.