bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Managerial ability and bond rating changes
Authors: Harper Joel , Kemper Kristopher J. , Sun Li 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis study examines the relation between managerial ability and bond credit rating changes. We attempt to add to the credit rating agency literature by exploring the role managerial ability plays in the initial bond rating assignments and in rating changes. We predict firms with more‐able managers are more likely to have higher bond ratings and to be more able to have a positive influence on rating changes. We find a significant and positive relation between managerial ability and change in credit ratings, suggesting that more‐able managers can take effective actions to improve their credit ratings.
Elimination of hepatitis C virus infection in patients with haemophilia in Belgium: A single‐centre experience
Authors: Fransen Lennert , D'hondt Pauline , Bielen Rob , Van den Ende Natalie , Robaeys Geert , Peerlinck Kathelijne , Nevens Frederik 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroductionPatients with haemophilia are one of the subgroups with a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. They are a potential target group to eliminate HCV infection thanks to the availability of direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy.AimTo investigate the results of DAA therapy in a cohort of patients with bleeding disorders.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted between July 2018 and April 2019. All patients born before 1990 with haemophilia, von Willebrand factor Disease, factor V deficiency, factor VII deficiency or afibrinogenemia were included in this study.ResultsOf 299 patients, 297 (99.3%) were tested for HCV antibody presence and 211 (71.0%) were positive. Of these, 205 (97.1%) were tested for HCV RNA and 153 (72.1%) were chronically infected. In total, 127 (83.0%) received antiviral therapy, and 110 (71.8%) patients were cured by antiviral treatment. The presence of cirrhosis was significantly higher in patients without a cure for HCV infection when compared to patients who achieved sustained virologic response by treatment or never infected (32.6% vs. 12.8% vs. 0%; P < .001). At the end of follow‐up in 2019, only 14 (9.1%) patients had a remaining HCV infection. Ten (71.4%) were lost to follow‐up, one (7.1%) patient refused, two (14.2%) had comorbidities and one (7.1%) will start treatment soon.ConclusionIn this cohort, the elimination targets for HCV infection in 2030 as proposed by the World Health Organization were already reached. Nevertheless, in order to cure every patient, monitoring tools are necessary.
Catch them if you can! Do traits of individual European dragonfly species affect their detectability?
Authors: Harabiš Filip , Jakubec Pavel , Hronková Jana 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Odonates are an ancient group of freshwater invertebrates that have complex life cycles and highly variable phenotypes and behaviours. These traits make odonates a very attractive model group to study various aspects and phenomena in the fields of ecology, behaviour, and evolutionary biology.
Such variability in appearance and behaviour can influence the detectability of individual species under natural conditions; and this variability in detection rates, if not statistically treated, may lead to significant distortions of results and misleading conclusions.
In the present study, we used detectability models to predict the time to detection (TTD) of individual odonate species and generalised linear mixed models to analyse the effects of morphological and behavioural traits on the TTD of the first individual of a species.
We found that only abundance had a significant effect on the TTD of both Anisoptera and Zygoptera, while the larger Anisoptera were generally detected earlier. No such patterns were observed in Zygoptera; however, dispersal ability was found to have had some influence.

Surprisingly, coloration and activity were not found to influence the TTD of odonates. Therefore, although there are considerable differences between species, with the exception of abundance and size, we did not detect any easily measurable traits that would unequivocally explain the differences in the detection rates of individual species.
Competencies for rating perceived exertion in amateur soccer players with and without intellectual disabilities
Authors: Schmitz Gerd , Meis Jakob M. , Hafferkamp Matthias , Schmitz Sabine 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundPerception of exertion is essential for self‐regulation in sports. The ability to rate perceived exertion (RPE) is regarded as psychophysiological competence, although cognitive components of RPE are largely unknown. The present study tested the hypothesis that cognitive processing speed, perseveration and figural fluency correlate with RPE.MethodsThe present study tested relationships between the performance in neuropsychological tests and the competence for RPE assessed during soccer training in 30 adults with and 22 adults without intellectual disabilities.ResultsMean correlation coefficients for RPE and heart rate differed significantly between participants with intellectual disabilities (r = .41) and participants without intellectual disabilities (r = .71). The variance of RPE could be partially explained by neuropsychological performance measures reflecting cognitive processing speed and perseveration and by age.ConclusionsThe results point to an impaired perception of exertion in people with intellectual disabilities, which can be partially explained by individual neuropsychological competencies.
LncRNA TNK2‐AS1 regulated ox‐LDL‐stimulated HASMC proliferation and migration via modulating VEGFA and FGF1 expression by sponging miR‐150‐5p
Authors: Cai Tianzhi , Cui Xiuzhen , Zhang Kelin , Zhang Anji , Liu Baixue , Mu Jian‐jun 
Published: August 2019

AbstractLong non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been indicated for the regulatory roles in cardiovascular diseases. This study determined the expression of lncRNA TNK2 antisense RNA 1 (TNK2‐AS1) in oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL)‐stimulated human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) and examined the mechanistic role of TNK2‐AS1 in the proliferation and migration of HASMCs. Our results demonstrated that ox‐LDL promoted HASMC proliferation and migration, and the enhanced proliferation and migration in ox‐LDL‐treated HASMCs were accompanied by the up‐regulation of TNK2‐AS1. In vitro functional studies showed that TNK2‐AS1 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation and migration of ox‐LDL‐stimulated HASMCs, while TNK2‐AS1 overexpression enhanced HASMC proliferation and migration. Additionally, TNK2‐AS1 inversely regulated miR‐150‐5p expression via acting as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA), and the enhanced effects of TNK2‐AS1 overexpression on HASMC proliferation and migration were attenuated by miR‐150‐5p overexpression. Moreover, miR‐150‐5p could target the 3’ untranslated regions of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) to regulate FGF1 and VEGFA expression in HASMCs, and the inhibitory effects of miR‐150‐5p overexpression in ox‐LDL‐stimulated HASMCs were attenuated by enforced expression of VEGFA and FGF1. Enforced expression of VEGFA and FGF1 also partially restored the suppressed cell proliferation and migration induced by TNK2‐AS1 knockdown in ox‐LDL‐stimulated HASMCs, while the enhanced effects of TNK2‐AS1 overexpression on HASMC proliferation and migration were attenuated by the knockdown of VEGFA and FGF1. Collectively, our findings showed that TNK2‐AS1 exerted its action in ox‐LDL‐stimulated HASMCs via regulating VEGFA and FGF1 expression by acting as a ceRNA for miR‐150‐5p.
The bifunctional SDF‐1‐AnxA5 fusion protein protects cardiac function after myocardial infarction
Authors: Huang Fang‐Yang , Xia Tian‐Li , Li Jun‐Li , Li Chang‐Ming , Zhao Zhen‐Gang , Lei Wen‐Hua , Chen Li , Liao Yan‐Biao , Xiao Dan , Peng Yong , Wang Yun-Bing , Liu Xiao‐Jing , Chen Mao 
Published: August 2019

AbstractStromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) is a well‐characterized cytokine that protects heart from ischaemic injury. However, the beneficial effects of native SDF‐1, in terms of promoting myocardial repair, are limited by its low concentration in the ischaemic myocardium. Annexin V (AnxA5) can precisely detect dead cells in vivo. As massive cardiomyocytes die after MI, we hypothesize that AnxA5 can be used as an anchor to carry SDF‐1 to the ischaemic myocardium. In this study, we constructed a fusion protein consisting of SDF‐1 and AnxA5 domains. The receptor competition assay revealed that SDF‐1‐AnxA5 had high binding affinity to SDF‐1 receptor CXCR4. The treatment of SDF‐1‐AnxA5 could significantly promote phosphorylation of AKT and ERK and induce chemotactic response, angiogenesis and cell survival in vitro. The binding membrane assay and immunofluorescence revealed that AnxA5 domain had the ability to specifically recognize and bind to cells injured by hypoxia. Furthermore, SDF‐1‐AnxA5 administered via peripheral vein could accumulate at the infarcted myocardium in vivo. The treatment with SDF‐1‐AnxA5 attenuated cell apoptosis, enhanced angiogenesis, reduced infarcted size and improved cardiac function after mouse myocardial infarction. Our results suggest that the bifunctional SDF‐1‐AnxA5 can specifically bind to dead cells. The systemic administration of bifunctional SDF‐1‐AnxA5 effectively provides cardioprotection after myocardial infarction.
A double‐blind, paralleled‐arm, placebo‐controlled and randomized clinical trial of the effectiveness of probiotics as an adjunct in periodontal care
Authors: Pelekos George , Ho Sze Nga , Acharya Aneesha , Leung Wai Keung , McGrath Colman 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAimThis study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri as an adjunct to non‐surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT).Materials and MethodsA double‐blind, paralleled‐arm, placebo‐controlled and randomized clinical trial was conducted. Probiotics L. reuteri or placebo lozenges were randomly prescribed for use twice‐daily for 28 days. Primary outcomes were clinical attachment levels (CAL) and probing pocket depths (PPD). All participants underwent NSPT, and follow‐up clinical assessments were performed at day 90 and day 180.ResultsThe trial response rate was 69.5% (41 out of 59). Among the test and control groups, there were significant intra‐group differences in primary outcomes: CAL (both, p < .001) and PPD (both, p < .001); and in secondary outcomes: percentage of sites with ‘bleeding on probing’ (both, p < .001) and visible plaque (both, p < .001). There were no statistically significant inter‐group differences in any outcomes at any time points (all, p > .05) nor in the changes in outcomes (∆) with time (all, p > .05). There was a trend of a greater magnitude of statistical change occurring among the test group compared to the control group.ConclusionThe adjunctive use of probiotics with NSPT did not show any additional clinical effectiveness when compared to NSPT alone in the management of periodontitis (ChiCTR‐IOR‐17010526).
Identification of a compound heterozygous inactivating ABCC8 gene mutation responsible for young‐onset diabetes with exome sequencing
Authors: Matsutani Norihiko , Furuta Hiroto , Matsuno Shohei , Oku Yoshimasa , Morita Shuhei , Uraki Shinsuke , Doi Asako , Furuta Machi , Iwakura Hiroshi , Ariyasu Hiroyuki , Nishi Masahiro , Akamizu Takashi 
Published: September 2019

AbstractActivating mutations in the ABCC8 gene cause diabetes and inactivating mutations usually cause hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia in infancy. Patients with hypoglycemia in infancy due to a heterozygous inactivating mutation have been reported to occasionally progress to diabetes later in life. We explored the gene responsible for diabetes in two brothers, who were suspected to have diabetes at 15 and 18 years‐of‐age, respectively, with whole exome sequencing, and identified a compound heterozygous ABCC8 gene mutation (p.Arg168Cys and p.Arg1421Cys). Although their father and mother were heterozygous carriers of the p.Arg168Cys and the p.Arg1421Cys mutation, respectively, neither parent had diabetes. These mutations have been reported to be responsible for hypoglycemia in infancy and function as an inactivating mutation. Our results suggest that the inactivating ABCC8 gene mutation is also important in the etiology of diabetes.
Assessing and Validating Effects of a Data‐Based Decision‐Making Intervention on Student Growth for Mathematics and Spelling
Authors: Keuning Trynke , van Geel Marieke , Visscher Adrie , Fox Jean‐Paul 
Published: September 2019

AbstractData‐based decision making (DBDM) is presumed to improve student performance in elementary schools in all subjects. The majority of studies in which DBDM effects have been evaluated have focused on mathematics. A hierarchical multiple single‐subject design was used to measure effects of a 2‐year training, in which entire school teams learned how to implement and sustain DBDM, in 39 elementary schools. In a multilevel modeling approach, student achievement in mathematics and spelling was analyzed to broaden our understanding of the effects of DBDM interventions. Student achievement data covering the period from August 2010 to July 2014 were retrieved from schools’ student monitoring systems. Student performance on standardized tests was scored on a vertical ability scale per subject for Grades 1 to 6. To investigate intervention effects, linear mixed effect analysis was conducted. Findings revealed a positive intervention effect for both mathematics and spelling. Furthermore, low‐SES students and low‐SES schools benefitted most from the intervention for mathematics.
Role of risk attitude and time preference in preventive aspirin use adherence
Authors: Zhu Jingrong , Shi Yunfeng , Li Jinlin , Zhang Zengbo 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundPoor adherence to medication that is taken chronically for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to occur. Poor adherence is a primary barrier to treatment success and affects not only the patient but also the health care system.ObjectiveWe aim to explore the impacts of risk attitudes and time preferences on the decisions of patients to begin and comply with aspirin therapy for CVD prevention.MethodsThree hundred fifty‐seven patients who used low‐dose aspirin for CVD prevention under the guidance of their doctors completed the survey. The risk attitudes and time preferences of the patients were elicited using a multiple price list experiment. Logistic regression models were used to examine the predictors of adherence to aspirin use.ResultsRisk‐seeking behaviours were significantly associated with both nonparticipation (P < .01) and lower compliance (P < .05) in patients. The coefficient for time preference was only significant at the 0.05 level for the decision to initiate aspirin use, which indicated that more impatient patients were less likely to begin with the use of aspirin. Forgetfulness in using aspirin on time and a lack of knowledge (as well as a lack of belief in the use of aspirin) could largely explain the poor adherence to aspirin therapy.ConclusionsThe identification of risk seekers and of those individuals who discount the future to a lesser degree may help providers to formulate tailored strategies to their patients, thus effectively enhancing their adherence to treatment.
The usefulness of bevacizumab for relief from symptomatic malignant ascites in patients with heavily treated recurrent ovarian cancer
Authors: Shimizu Yusuke , Kajiyama Hiroaki , Yoshida Kosuke , Tamauchi Satoshi , Nakanishi Toru , Kikkawa Fumitaka 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAimAccumulation of ascites fluid is a major obstacle in the late phase of epithelial ovarian cancer. However, there is no consensus on a specific treatment for malignant ascites. The present study evaluated the clinical benefit of half‐dose bevacizumab therapy (7.5 mg/kg every 3–4 weeks).MethodsThis was a single‐arm interventional study performed at Aichi Cancer Center Hospital. Four patients with platinum‐resistant epithelial ovarian cancer and symptomatic malignant ascites were no longer considered candidates for standard chemotherapy. As a palliative approach, half‐dose bevacizumab therapy (7.5 mg/kg every 3–4 weeks) was used with informed consent. The clinical data of these patients were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsAll patients had been heavily pretreated and showed progressive disease. Thus, standard chemotherapy was no longer feasible, and palliative paracentesis for malignant ascites was clinically needed. Among the four patients, three did not require additional paracentesis after bevacizumab therapy, and there were no adverse events. One patient needed paracentesis owing to lymphorrhea.ConclusionThe use of bevacizumab therapy as a palliative approach for malignant ascites might be an option in patients with terminal‐stage ovarian cancer. However, further evaluation is needed with regard to the possibility of severe side effects and medical expenses.
Melatonin/PGC1A/UCP1 promotes tumor slimming and represses tumor progression by initiating autophagy and lipid browning
Authors: Xiao Wen , Xiong Zhiyong , Xiong Wei , Yuan Changfei , Xiao Haibing , Ruan Hailong , Song Zhengshuai , Wang Cheng , Bao Lin , Cao Qi , Wang Keshan , Cheng Gong , Xu Tianbo , Tong Junwei , Zhou Lijie , Hu Wenjun , Ru Zeyuan , Liu Di , Yang Hongmei , Zhang Xiaoping , Chen Ke 
Published: August 2019

AbstractMetabolic adaptations are emerging hallmarks of cancer progression and cellular transformation. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a metabolic disease defined histologically by lipid accumulation and lipid storage, which promote tumor cell survival; however, the significance of eliminating the lipid remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that melatonin activates transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1A (PGC1A) and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)‐dependent lipid autophagy and a lipid browning program to elicit a catabolic state called “tumor slimming,” thus suppressing tumor progression. Metabolic coregulator data analysis revealed that PGC1A expression was decreased in ccRCC tissues versus normal tissues, and poor patient outcome was associated with lower expression of PGC1A in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA‐KIRC). PGC1A was downregulated in ccRCC and associated with disease progression. Restoration of PGC1A expression by melatonin in ccRCC cells significantly repressed tumor progression and eliminated the abnormal lipid deposits. Furthermore, a phenomenon called “tumor slimming” was observed, in which tumor cell volume was reduced and lipid droplets transformed into tiny pieces. Additional studies indicated that melatonin promoted “tumor slimming” and suppressed ccRCC progression through PGC1A/UCP1‐mediated autophagy and lipid browning. During this process, autophagy and lipid browning eliminate lipid deposits without providing energy. These studies demonstrate that the novel “tumor slimming” pathway mediated by melatonin/PGC1A/UCP1 exhibits prognostic potential in ccRCC, thus revealing the significance of monitoring and manipulating this pathway for cancer therapy.
Evaluation of the clinical performance of 2 point‐of‐care cryptococcal antigen tests in dogs and cats
Authors: Reagan Krystle L. , McHardy Ian , Thompson George R. , Sykes Jane E. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundPoint‐of‐care (POC)Cryptococcusantigen assays may provide veterinarians with a more rapid, patient‐side diagnosis when compared with traditional laboratory‐based latex agglutination tests.ObjectiveTo determine the sensitivity and specificity of 2 POC lateral flow cryptococcal serum antigen tests, CrAg LFA (Immy, Norman, OK) and the CryptoPS (Biosynex, Strasbourg, France) for diagnosis of cryptococcosis in dogs and cats, using the cryptococcal antigen latex agglutination system (CALAS) as the reference standard.Animals102 serum samples from 51 dogs and 40 cats.MethodsSpecimens were classified as CALAS‐positive (n = 25) or CALAS‐negative (n = 77). The sensitivity and specificity of each POC assay was calculated by comparing the results to the serologic reference standard results.ResultsThe CrAg LFA assay correctly classified 23/25 CALAS‐positive specimens and 69/74 CALAS‐negative specimens resulting in a sensitivity of 92.0% (confidence interval [CI], 75.0%‐98.6%) and specificity of 93.2% (CI, 85.1%‐97.1%). The CryptoPS assay correctly classified 8/10 tested CALAS‐positive specimens and 56/59 tested CALAS‐negative specimens resulting in a sensitivity of 80.0% (CI, 49.0%‐96.5%) and specificity of 94.9% (CI, 86.1%‐98.6%).Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceThe POC assays appear to be a sensitive and specific alternative to the traditional CALAS assay with more rapid turnaround times, which may result in earlier diagnosis and treatment.
High incidence of lower urinary tract dysfunction in women with recurrent urinary tract infections
Authors: Lee Ping‐Jui , Kuo Hann‐Chorng 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) in women with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). One hundred consecutive female patients with recurrent UTIs who underwent videourodynamic study (VUDS) were included. Another 25 women free from recurrent UTIs served as controls. All the underlying diseases, urine analysis and culture results, VUDS findings, and treatment outcomes of voiding dysfunction were carefully reviewed and analyzed. The mean age of the recurrent UTIs patients was 64.0 ± 16.0 years. Storage and voiding dysfunctions were found in 90 (90%) patients, including bladder neck dysfunction in 19 (19%), detrusor hyperactivity with impaired contractility in 6 (6%), detrusor overactivity in 5 (5%), detrusor underactivity in 10 (10%), dysfunctional voiding in 25 (25%), hypersensitive bladder in 6 (6%), and poor relaxation of the pelvic floor muscle in 20 (20%). Only 10 (10%) patients had normal urodynamic tracings. Compared with the controls, the recurrent UTI patients had significantly smaller cystometric bladder capacity, lower maximum flow rate, smaller voided volume, higher detrusor pressure, and larger PVR volume. However, only 6 (11.3%) patients with recurrent UTIs were free from subsequent UTIs following individualized treatment for their voiding dysfunction. A high incidence of vide urodynamic LUTD was identified in women with recurrent UTIs. Despite receiving individualized treatments based on their VUDS findings, only a small portion of these patients were subsequently free from UTIs.