bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Helicobacter pylori urease induces pro‐inflammatory effects and differentiation of human endothelial cells: Cellular and molecular mechanism
Authors: de Jesus Souza Mariele , de Moraes João Alfredo , Da Silva Vany Nascimento , Helal‐Neto Edward , Uberti Augusto Frantz , Scopel‐Guerra Adriele , Olivera‐Severo Deiber , Carlini Célia R. , Barja‐Fidalgo Christina 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori urease (HPU) is a key virulence factor that enables bacteria to colonize and survive in the stomach. We early demonstrated that HPU, independent of its catalytic activity, induced inflammatory and angiogenic responses in vivo and directly activated human neutrophils to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). We have investigated the effects of HPU on endothelial cells, focusing on the signaling mechanism involved.MethodsMonolayers of human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC‐1) were stimulated with HPU (up to 10 nmol/L): Paracellular permeability was accessed through dextran‐FITC passage. NO and ROS production was evaluated using intracellular probes. Proteins or mRNA expressions were detected by Western blotting and fluorescence microscopy or qPCR assays, respectively.ResultsTreatment with HPU enhanced paracellular permeability of HMEC‐1, preceded by VE‐cadherin phosphorylation and its dissociation from cell‐cell junctions. This caused profound alterations in actin cytoskeleton dynamics and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation. HPU triggered ROS and nitric oxide (NO) production by endothelial cells. Increased intracellular ROS resulted in nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) activation and upregulated expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), hemeoxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1). Higher ICAM‐1 and E‐selectin expression was associated with increased neutrophil adhesion on HPU‐stimulated HMEC monolayers. The effects of HPU on endothelial cells were dependent on ROS production and lipoxygenase pathway activation, being inhibited by esculetin. Additionally, HPU improved vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR‐2) expression.ConclusionThe data suggest that the pro‐inflammatory properties of HPU drive endothelial cell to a ROS‐dependent program of differentiation that contributes to the progression of H pylori infection.
The relationship between person–team fit with supervisor–subordinate guanxi and organizational justice in a Chinese state‐owned enterprise
Authors: Zhang Shanshan , Liang Jieshuang , Zhang Jianxin 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe study examines how subordinates’ perceptions of justice in Chinese working teams are influenced by the person–team fit (or the misfit) of the supervisor–subordinate guanxi (SSG). We tested our hypotheses on a sample of 1,086 employees from 149 work groups in one state‐owned enterprise; using a combination of cross‐level polynomial regression and response surface analysis. The results showed that subordinates’ perceptions of justice, in terms of procedural, interactional, and distributive justice, were higher when individual SSG was congruent with the average SSG in the team (TSSG) at a high level than when an individual SSG was congruent with TSSG at a low level. Meanwhile, in the misfit situation, subordinates’ perceptions of the three dimensions of justice were higher when the individual SSG relative to TSSG (relative SSG, or RSSG) was surplus (individual SSG exceeded TSSG) versus RSSG deficient (TSSG exceeded individual SSG). Nevertheless, the subordinates’ perceptions of distributive justice were the highest when SSG and TSSG were almost equal in high level, as observed by integrating the fit with the misfit line. These findings highlight the important boundary cultural conditions of the psychological processes of justice and provide useful insights for international managers conducting their business in China.
Retrospective pharmaceutical financial benefits and cost avoidance analysis of clinical trial participation in the Australian haematology setting
Authors: Truong Kelvin , Kwan Yiu Lam , Nigro Lucia , Huseincehajic Admir , Trotman Judith 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundClinical trial participants receiving investigational new drugs, which subsequently become approved by a medicines regulatory authority for its trialled indication, effectively gain free early access to efficacious treatment. Participants may also benefit from receiving approved, but unsubsidised medicines. These financial benefits of clinical trial participation have not previously been defined or quantified. Additionally, there are limited Australian pharmaceutical cost avoidance studies quantifying government savings through sponsored clinical trials.AimsTo calculate pharmaceutical financial benefits and cost avoidance of clinical trial participation at a single Clinical Research Unit.MethodsRecruiting clinical trials between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2017 conducted at the Haematology Clinical Research Unit, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney were reviewed. Dispensing records were used to quantitate the pharmaceuticals dispensed to every participant. Financial calculations were based on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) pricing, or from UpToDate for non‐PBS listed agents.ResultsThirty‐six eligible clinical trials involving 245 participants accrued AU$3 971 357 in financial benefit from early access to subsequently approved investigational new drugs, AU$12 209 538 in financial benefit from accessing approved medications not PBS listed, and AU$6 728 576 in government cost avoidance. These findings totalled AU$22 909 471, 89% of which was derived in the past 5 years.ConclusionPharmaceutical financial benefit is a previously unquantified aspect of clinical trial participation, its assigned value reflecting a measure of the quality and quantity of life delivered to patients. These data, albeit from a single discipline and institution, suggest that financial benefit represents a greater value than cost avoidance, and that its inclusion in cost‐analyses may better reflect the monetary benefits of accessing efficacious pharmaceutical agents through clinical trials.
Management of stroke in the Australian Indigenous population: from hospitals to communities
Authors: Tiedeman Clare , Suthers Belinda , Julien Benjamin , Hackett Anna , Oakley Patrick 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundIschaemic strokes lead to significant morbidity and mortality within the Australian Indigenous population, with known variances in the management of strokes between indigenous and non‐indigenous populations.AimsTo compare investigations and management of indigenous and non‐indigenous patients presenting to a New South Wales rural referral hospital with an ischaemic stroke to the national stroke standards across inpatient and outpatient settings.MethodsHistorical cohort study of 43 indigenous and 167 non‐indigenous patients admitted to Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital with an ischaemic cerebrovascular accident.ResultsIndigenous patients were significantly less likely to have investigations completed, including carotid imaging (93.8% vs 100%, P = 0.012) and echocardiography (73.3% vs 97.7%, P = 0.004). Discharge follow up was significantly lower for the indigenous population (74.4% vs 87.4%, P = 0.034). Indigenous stroke patients were 15.8 years younger than non‐indigenous subjects (56.8 vs 72.6 years old; P < 0.001). Indigenous patients were more likely to have stroke risk factors, including smoking (51.2% vs 15.0%; P < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (37.2% vs 16.8%, P = 0.003) and past history of cerebrovascular accident or transient ischaemic attack (50.2% vs 31.1%, P = 0.032).ConclusionsThe investigation and post‐discharge care of indigenous ischaemic stroke patients is inferior to non‐indigenous patients. Indigenous patients within rural NSW have a higher prevalence of preventable disease, including those that confer a higher stroke risk. Further research is needed to investigate the cause of these discrepancies and to improving indigenous stroke care between hospitals and primary care providers.
Epicardial‐endocardial breakthrough site ablation: Demonstration of alternative target for perimitral atrial tachycardia
Authors: Sato Yoshikazu , Kusa Shigeki , Hachiya Hitoshi , Iesaka Yoshito 
Published: March 2019

AbstractA 62‐year‐old man underwent the catheter ablation for persistent atrial tachycardia (AT) with a cycle length of 357 milliseconds. An ultrahigh resolution mapping revealed that this tachycardia was a clockwise perimitral AT despite the conduction was apparently blocked across the lateral mitral isthmus line both at the endocardium and within the coronary sinus. The AT was terminated by the single radiofrequency application at the site below the mitral isthmus line where the endocardial activation breakout was seen. This case suggests that the epicardial‐endocardial conduction breakthrough site may be an alternative ablation target in a difficult ablation case of perimitral AT.
The fourth cryoballoon generation with a shorter tip to facilitate real‐time pulmonary vein potential recording: Feasibility and safety results
Authors: Straube Florian , Dorwarth Uwe , Pongratz Janis , Brück Benedikt , Wankerl Michael , Hartl Stefan , Hoffmann Ellen 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIntroductionTime‐to‐isolation (TTI) guided ablation protocols have been developed to ensure durable pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in cryoballoon ablation (CBA). The aim was to determine the feasibility and safety of the fourth generation cryoballoon (CBG4) with a shortened tip.Methods and ResultsConsecutive patients scheduled for initial atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation were prospectively included. PVI with the 28 mm CBG4 and the latest 20 mm spiral‐mapping catheter (SMC) was performed.A total of 302 pulmonary veins (PVs) in 76 patients (64.8 ± 10.4 years, paroxysmal AF 49%) were treated with 617 applications. Left atrium (LA) time, fluoroscopy time, and dose‐area product were 65.5 ± 19.2 minutes, 14.6 ± 5.6 minutes, and 1094 (738; 2097) cGy·cm2, respectively. PVI in cryoballoon technique was achieved in 302 of 302 (100%) PVs. TTI was determined in 256 (84.8%) of PVs. The mean TTI was 45.3 ± 26.4 seconds. Single‐shot isolation was achieved in 247 (82%) PVs. In 6 of 302 (2.0%) PV the SMC was changed to a stiff wire to isolate the PV because of instability, and in 17 of 302 (5.6%) of PVs, the 23 mm CB was used to isolate. No radiofrequency touch‐up applications were applied. The mean nadir balloon temperature was −44.8°C ± 6.6°C. Balloon dislodgement during positioning occurred in 3 of 617 (0.5%) applications without complications. One PN palsy occurred which resolved until discharge. One patient suffered from the inflammatory syndrome.ConclusionThe CBG4 with a shorter distal tip seems to be safe and effective, and allows determining the TTI in 84.8% of PVs. In case of balloon instability, the exchange of the SMC to a stiff wire or, in small PV, the 23 mm cryoballoon facilitate PVI.
Atractylenolide II reverses the influence of lncRNA XIST/miR‐30a‐5p/ROR1 axis on chemo‐resistance of colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Ruijuan , Wang Zhijun , Yu Qianyun , Shen Jun , He Wenji , Zhou Dongqing , Yu Qingqing , Fan Jiawei , Gao Shurong , Duan Lihong 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis investigation was conducted to elucidate whether atractylenolide II could reverse the role of lncRNA XIST/miR‐30a‐5p/ROR1 axis in modulating chemosensitivity of colorectal cancer cells. We totally collected 294 pairs of colorectal cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues and also purchased colorectal cancer cell lines and human embryonic kidney cell line. 5‐fluorouracil, cisplatin, mitomycin and adriamycin were designated as the chemotherapies for colorectal cell lines, and atractylenolides were arranged as the Chinese drug. The expressions of XIST, miR‐30a‐5p and ROR1 were quantified with aid of qRT‐PCR or Western blot, and luciferase reporter gene assay was implemented to determine the relationships among XIST, miR‐30a‐5p and ROR1. Our results demonstrated that XIST and ROR1 expressions were dramatically up‐regulated, yet miR‐30a‐5p expression was down‐regulated within colorectal cancer tissues (P < 0.05). The overexpressed XIST and ROR1, as well as under‐expressed miR‐30a‐5p, were inclined to promote viability and proliferation of colorectal cells under the influence of chemo drugs (P < 0.05). In addition, XIST could directly target miR‐30a‐5p, and ROR1 acted as the targeted molecule of miR‐30a‐5p. Interestingly, atractylenolides not only switched the expressions of XIST, miR‐30a‐5p and ROR1 within colorectal cancer cells but also significantly intensified the chemosensitivity of colorectal cancer cells (P < 0.05). Finally, atractylenolide II was discovered to slow down the viability and proliferation of colorectal cancer cells (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the XIST/miR‐30a‐5p/ROR1 axis could be deemed as pivotal markers underlying colorectal cancer, and administration of atractylenolide II might improve the chemotherapeutic efficacy for colorectal cancer.
SP/NK‐1R promotes gallbladder cancer cell proliferation and migration
Authors: Deng Xue‐Ting , Tang Si‐Min , Wu Pei‐Yao , Li Quan‐Peng , Ge Xian‐Xiu , Xu Bo‐Ming , Wang Hui‐Shan , Miao Lin 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAberrant substance P/neurokinin‐1 receptor (SP/NK‐1R) system activation plays a critical role in various disorders, however, little is known about the expression and the detailed molecular mechanism of the SP and NK‐1R in gallbladder cancer (GBC). In this study, we firstly analyzed the expression and clinical significance of them in patients with GBC. Then, cellular assays were performed to clarify their biological role in GBC cells. Moreover, we investigated the molecular mechanisms regulated by SP/NK‐1R. Meanwhile, mice xenografted with human GBC cells were analyzed regarding the effects of SP/NK1R complex in vivo. Finally, patient samples were utilized to investigate the effect of SP/NK‐1R. The results showed that SP and NK‐1R were highly expressed in GBC. We found that SP strongly induced GBC cell proliferation, clone formation, migration and invasion, whereas antagonizing NK‐1R resulted in the opposite effects. Moreover, SP significantly enhanced the expression of NF‐κB p65 and the tumor‐associated cytokines, while, Akt inhibitor could reverse these effects. Further studies indicated that decreasing activation of NF‐κB or Akt diminished GBC cell proliferation and migration. In consistent with results, immunohistochemical staining showed high levels of Akt, NF‐κB and cytokines in tumor tissues. Most importantly, the similar conclusion was obtained in xenograft mouse model. Our findings demonstrate that NK‐1R, after binding with the endogenous agonist SP, could induce GBC cell migration and spreading via modulation of Akt/NF‐κB pathway.
MicroRNA‐92a promotes vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration through the ROCK/MLCK signalling pathway
Authors: Wang Jingyu , Zhang Chenxu , Li Cai , Zhao Dandan , Li Shuyao , Ma Le , Cui Ying , Wei Xiaoqing , Zhao Ying , Gao Ying 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTo identify the interaction between known regulators of atherosclerosis, microRNA‐92a (miR‐92a), Rho‐associated coiled‐coil‐forming kinase (ROCK) and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), we examined their expressions during proliferation and migration of platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB)‐regulated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), both in vivo and in vitro. During the formation of atherosclerosis plaque in mice, a parallel increase in expression levels of MLCK and miR‐92a was observed while miR‐92a expression was reduced in ML‐7 (an inhibitor of MLCK) treated mice and in MLCK‐deficient VSMCs. In vitro results indicated that both MLCK and miR‐92a shared the same signalling pathway. Transfection of miR‐92a mimic partially restored the effect of MLCK's deficiency and antagonized the effect of Y27632 (an inhibitor of ROCK) on the down‐regulation of VSMCs activities. ML‐7 increased the expression of Kruppel‐like factor 4 (KLF4, a target of miR‐92a), and siRNA‐KLF4 increased VSMCs' activity level. Consistently, inhibition of either MLCK or ROCK enhanced the KLF4 expression. Moreover, we observed that ROCK/MLCK up‐regulated miR‐92a expression in VSMCs through signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation. In conclusion, the activation of ROCK/STAT3 and/or MLCK/STAT3 may up‐regulate miR‐92a expression, which subsequently inhibits KLF4 expression and promotes PDGF‐BB‐mediated proliferation and migration of VSMCs. This new downstream node in the ROCK/MLCK signalling pathway may offer a potential intervention target for treatment of atherosclerosis.
Birth weight, verbal cognition in early adolescence, and lexical and reading skills in late adolescence: a formal mediation analysis using a potential outcomes approach
Authors: Silva Anderson Ribeiro da , Puglisi Marina Leite , Pompéia Sabine , Ploubidis George B. , Swardfager Walter , Cogo‐Moreira Hugo 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundOral and written language in late adolescence are influenced by many pre‐ and postnatal factors, including cognitive performance at earlier ages. We investigated whether the association between birth weight and lexical knowledge and reading comprehension in late adolescence (14–16 years) is mediated by verbal cognition during early adolescence (10–11 years).MethodsWe conducted a mediation analysis via a potential outcomes approach to data from three United Kingdom (UK) prospective birth cohorts – The National Child Development Study (NCDS; year of birth (Y.B.) = 1,958; analytic sample size (A.N.) = 9,399; original sample size (O.N.) = 18,558), British Cohort Study (BCS70; Y.B. = 1,970; A.N. = 6,591; O.N. = 17,196), and Millennium Cohort Study (MCS; Y.B. = 2,000–2,001; A.N. = 3,950; O.N. = 18,552) – to evaluate the indirect effects of birth weight on lexical knowledge (BCS and MCS) and reading comprehension measures (NCDS) in adolescence.ResultsWe found an indirect effect but no statistically significant direct effects for the BCS and MCS cohorts. The proportion of the effect of birth weight on oral and written language in late adolescence mediated by early adolescence verbal cognition was 59.19% (BCS) and 8.41% (MCS) for lexical knowledge and 61.00% when the outcome was reading comprehension (NCDS). Sensitivity analyses, used to assess whether unmeasured variables could have affected our mediation estimates, showed that for reading comprehension, in NCDS, the indirect effect is robust; only unmeasured confounders highly correlated with the mediator and outcome (ρ = .68) would explain away the indirect effect. For lexical knowledge, smaller correlations with hypothetical confounders (ρ = .33 for BCS) would suffice to render the indirect effect non‐significant; the indirect effect for MCS non statistical significant.ConclusionsBirth weight affects oral and written language skills (lexical knowledge and reading comprehension) in late adolescence via verbal cognition in early adolescence in two cohorts born in 1958 and 1970, but not in a cohort born at the turn of the millennium. These indirect effects were stronger than the direct effects and are unlikely to be explained by unmeasured confounders when the outcome involves complex skills such as reading comprehension.
A case–control study of risk factors associated with Zoon balanitis in men
Authors: Piaserico S. , Orlando G. , Linder M.D. , Cappozzo P. , Zarian H. , Iafrate M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundZoon balanitis (ZB) is a chronic inflammatory benign mucositis. Its etiopathogenesis still remains hypothetical and speculative.ObjectivesTo determine risk factors associated with genital ZB in men.MethodsThis is a case–control study including 30 patients diagnosed with ZB and 54 patients with dermatological diseases other than ZB enrolled in the Dermatological Clinic of the University of Padova, Italy, from September 2015 to June 2018. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used for analysis of data collected.ResultsAccording to multivariate logistic regression analysis, risk factors for ZB were as follows: the mean daily cigarettes consumption (OR 1.065; 95% CI 1.8‐11.4; P = 0.006) and the number of weekly foreskin retractions (OR 0.847; 95% CI 5.5–24.1; P = 0.003). There were no statistically significant differences between cases and controls according to age, presence of circumcision as well in number of sexual partners.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first case–control study showing that smoking and poor genital hygiene are associated with being affected by ZB.
Association of sensitive skin with sensitive corneas and sensitive eyelids
Authors: Misery L. , Cochener B. , Brenaut E. , Séité S. , Taieb C. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundSensitive scalp or irritable bowel syndrome has been previously shown to be associated with sensitive skin. We wondered whether sensitive eyelids and sensitive eyes could also be associated with sensitive skin.MethodsA cross‐sectional epidemiological study was carried out on a representative sample of French people, according to the quota method, using a questionnaire.ResultsA total of 2048 subjects were included in the present study. Notably, 52.2% declared sensitive eyes, which was more frequent in women than in men. The subjects who reported sensitive eyes were more numerous according to the severity of skin sensitivity, the severity of sleep disorders and the presence of bright eyes. More than half of the subjects with sensitive eyes thought that they were sensitive to sun exposure, dust, computer or touch pads or dry air. The presence of sensitive eyelids was reported by 18.65% (more frequent in women) and was associated with sensitive skin and sensitive eyes, sun exposure and exposure to dust.ConclusionThis study is the first to investigate sensitive eyelids or sensitive eyes. Sensitive eyelids can be considered a localization of sensitive skin. The concept of sensitive eyes is not commonly used by ophthalmologists and remains to be more precisely defined.
Cholelithiasis: Presentation and Management
Authors: Littlefield Amber , Lenahan Christy 
Published: March 2019

AbstractCholelithiasis affects approximately 15% of the US population. Rising trends in obesity and metabolic syndrome have contributed to an increase in diagnosis of cholelithiasis. There are several risk factors for cholelithiasis, both modifiable and nonmodifiable. Women are more likely to experience cholelithiasis than are men. Pregnancy, increasing parity, and obesity during pregnancy further increase the risk that a woman will develop cholelithiasis. The classic presentation of persons experiencing cholelithiasis, specifically when gallstones obstruct the common bile duct, is right upper quadrant pain of the abdomen that is often elicited upon palpation during physical examination and documented as a positive Murphy's sign. Referred pain to the right supraclavicular region and/or shoulder, nausea, and vomiting are also frequently reported by persons with cholelithiasis. Cholelithiasis can result in complications, including cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) and cholangitis (inflammation of the bile duct). Lack of physical examination findings does not rule out a diagnosis of cholelithiasis. Laboratory tests such as white blood cell count, liver enzymes, amylase, and lipase may assist the clinician in diagnosing cholelithiasis; however, ultrasonography is the gold standard for diagnosis. Management is dependent on severity and frequency of symptoms. Lifestyle and dietary modifications combined with medication management, such as use of gallstone dissolution agents, may be recommended for persons who have a single symptomatic episode. If symptoms become severe and/or are recurrent, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is recommended. It is recommended that individuals with an established diagnosis of cholelithiasis be referred to a surgeon and/or gastroenterologist within 2 weeks of initial presentation regardless of severity or frequency of symptoms.