bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microencapsulated parathyroid allotransplantation in the omental tissue
Authors: Yucesan Emrah , Basoglu Harun , Goncu Beyza , Akbas Fahri , Ersoy Yeliz Emine , Aysan Erhan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPermanent hypoparathyroidism is a severe clinical condition accompanied by low parathyroid hormone level. Conventional treatment requires lifelong medication, and daily drug usage has some side effects. To avoid this circumstance, transplantation is an alternative and curative option. Microencapsulation may be used as a transplantation approach particularly to evade immune response. In order to define treatment of permanent hypoparathyroidism, a 37‐year‐old female recipient who has permanent hypoparathyroidism was evaluated for 3 years. Routine tests, viral markers, and T and B lymphocyte cross‐match tests were analyzed. In addition intradermal skin test was performed for ultrapure alginate. Microencapsulation of cultured parathyroid cells was performed with ultrapure alginate. Cell suspension was prepared and spheroids were generated with calcium chloride. Afterward, transplantation was performed with a laparoscopic approach in the omental tissue. The recipient was discharged from the hospital without complications. Serum calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and phosphorus levels were observed throughout 1 year. During the follow‐up period, no complications were observed. Serum calcium levels were increased significantly on day 10 and PTH levels were increased on day 25 as well. According to our knowledge, this is the first study where ultrapure alginate‐based microencapsulated parathyroid cells were transplanted in the omental tissue. A significant increment of PTH levels was detected. Microencapsulated parathyroid cells showed the functionality of this technique for more than 1 year. This study showed that using ultrapure alginate‐based microencapsulation without immunosuppression appears to be a promising technique.
Association between glaucoma and the risk of Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review of observational studies
Authors: Xu Xiao‐He , Zou Jing‐Yu , Geng Wen , Wang Ai‐Yuan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTo address inconsistency as well as investigate the relationship between glaucoma and the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We systematically conducted this meta‐analysis based on observational studies published up to 15 January 2018, identified from PubMed and Web of Science. Two team members independently extracted the data and assessed the quality of each included study. Summary relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random‐effects model. Eight observational studies with 6870 AD cases were included. The majority of these studies (n = 6) were graded as low risk according to the Newcastle‐Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Individuals diagnosed with glaucoma, compared to those who were not, had an increased risk of AD (RR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.41–1.63; I2 = 97%, p < 0.001). A significant finding was also observed for primary open‐angle glaucoma (RR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.41–1.63; I2 = 97%, p < 0.001). However, when stratified by study design, only the case–control studies (RR = 1.08; 95% CI: 0.89–1.31; I2 = 37.3%, p = 0.207) yielded significant results, while the cohort studies did not (RR = 1.08; 95% CI: 0.89–1.31; I2 = 97.7%, p < 0.001). Of note, our meta‐regression analysis suggested that study design might be a source of heterogeneity (p = 0.009). Additionally, a significantly positive association was observed when the analyses were restricted to Asia (RR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.02–4.07). There was no significant publication bias in these analyses. Recent evidence suggests that glaucoma may increase the risk of AD. Additional cohort studies are needed to confirm these findings and to have improved knowledge on the true nature of this association.
Oct angiography compared to fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography and optical coherence tomography in the detection of choroidal neovascularization in pigment epithelial detachment
Authors: de Oliveira Tauan , Isaac David Leonardo Cruvinel , Garcia Jose Mauricio Botto de Barros , Schelini Maria Claudia , Avila Marcos Pereira 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the agreement between multimodal imaging—MI (fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, optical coherence tomography) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in the detection of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in patients with pigment epithelial detachment with subretinal/intraretinal fluid (PED+F) compared to patients with PED without subretinal/intraretinal fluid (PED‐F).MethodsTwenty‐two eyes of 15 patients were divided into two groups (PED+F and PED‐F). All patients underwent MI and OCTA with manual and automatic segmentation. MI findings were compared to OCTA findings and then analysed.ResultsIn the PED+F group (10 eyes), all studied eyes demonstrated CNV in MI. In manual segmentation OCTA assessment, 9 of 10 eyes (90%) were detected with CNV. When evaluated by automatic segmentation, 8 of 10 eyes (80%) revealed the presence of CNV. In the PED‐F (12 eyes) group, all eyes did not demonstrate CNV in MI and OCTA evaluations, either by manual or automatic segmentation. The agreement between MI and OCTA shows concordance (k: 0.908; 95% CI, 0.491–1.000); the evaluation of the agreement between the automatic and manual segmentation also shows concordance (k: 0.904; 95% CI, 0.488–1.000).ConclusionThe solid agreement between the multimodal imaging regarding the ability of OCTA to identify possible initial CNV in a patient with PED‐F was observed. Accuracy was 95.45%. In addition, the agreement between manual and automatic segmentation to identify CNV on OCTA was also shown.
Extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase in the rectal flora of patients undergoing transrectal prostate biopsy: a study of the prevalence in a major metropolitan hospital
Authors: Sewell James , Chow Ken , De Sousa Antonio , Sapre Nikhil , Norris Briony , Namdarian Benjamin , Sinickas Vincent , Huang James G. , Anderson Paul 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL) in patients undergoing transrectal prostate biopsy, to assess the incidence of postoperative sepsis, to correlate the development of sepsis with the presence of preoperative ESBL on rectal swabs, and to assess the adequacy of prophylactic antibiotic guidelines in the context of local ESBL prevalence.MethodsPatients undergoing transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐guided biopsy at the Royal Melbourne Hospital between January 2012 and July 2016 had rectal swabs taken immediately prior to TRUS with specific cultures to identify the presence of ESBL. Patients were given a prophylactic antibiotic, 500 mg oral ciprofloxacin, 1 h before the TRUS procedure. Data were collected prospectively, with retrospective review of all readmitted patient files and audit data to ensure complete capture of events.ResultsA total of 387 TRUS‐guided biopsy procedures were performed. Rectal swabs were correctly collected in 352 patients (91%). The median patient age was 65 years. In all, 25 (7%) ESBL‐positive swabs were identified. Most ESBL were Escherichia coli. Half (50%) of ESBL were resistant to ciprofloxacin and all were sensitive to meropenem. A small increase in ESBL prevalence over time was not significant (R2 = 0.35). Four patients (1.1%) were readmitted with sepsis; ESBL Pseudomonas had previously grown in one patient, but sepsis was attributable to non‐ESBL E. coli. In one of the readmitted patients ESBL E. coli was present, but this patient did not have ESBL preoperatively. There were no deaths or high‐dependency/intensive care unit admissions.ConclusionsThis study represents the largest Australian series to investigate ESBL prevalence, and reveals a rate lower than that of many other nations. Our sepsis rate is lower than many international series, perhaps because of our low ESBL rate and strict antibiotic prophylaxis. Preoperative swab results did not predict postoperative sepsis, and the process was therefore not useful for guiding antibiotic therapy. In this patient population, TRUS biopsy, with ciprofloxacin prophylaxis, remains a safe option for diagnostic prostate biopsy.
Pattern of cell‐to‐cell transfer of microRNA by gap junction and its effect on the proliferation of glioma cells
Authors: Peng Yuexia , Wang Xiyan , Guo Yunquan , Peng Fuhua , Zheng Ningze , He Bo , Ge Hui , Tao Liang , Wang Qin 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMicroRNA is expected to be a novel therapeutic tool for tumors. Gap junctions facilitate the transfer of microRNA, which exerts biological effects on tumor cells. However, the length of microRNA that can pass through certain gap junctions composed of specific connexin remains unknown. To address this question, the present study investigated the permeability of gap junctions composed of various connexins, including connexin 43, connexin 32 or connexin 37, to microRNAs consisting of 18‐27 nucleotides in glioma cells and cervical cancer cells. Results indicated that all of the microRNAs were able to be transferred from donor glioma cells to neighboring cells through the connexin 43 composed gap junction, but not the gap junctions composed of connexin 32 or connexin 37, in cervical cancer cells. Downregulation of the function of gap junctions comprising connexin 43 by pharmacological inhibition and shRNA significantly decreased the transfer of these microRNAs. In contrast, gap junction enhancers and overexpression of connexin 43 effectively increased these transfers. In glioma cells, cell proliferation was inhibited by microRNA‐34a. Additionally, these effects of microRNA‐34a were significantly enhanced by overexpression of connexin 43 in U251 cells, indicating that gap junctions play an important role in the antitumor effect of microRNA by transfer of microRNA to neighboring cells. Our data are the first to clarify the pattern of microRNA transmission through gap junctions and provide novel insights to show that antitumor microRNAs should be combined with connexin 43 or a connexin 43 enhancer, not connexin 32 or connexin 37, in order to improve the therapeutic effect.
Structural and functional characterization of β2‐glycoprotein I domain 1 in anti‐melanoma cell migration
Authors: Leu Shr‐Jeng Jim , Lee Tzong‐Yi , Cheng Shu‐Wei , Tsai Meng‐Ying , Lin Yu‐Shan , Chiou Tzeon‐Jye , Huang Kai‐Yao , Chiang An‐Na 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe previously found that circulating β2‐glycoprotein I inhibits human endothelial cell migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis by diverse mechanisms. In the present study, we investigated the antitumor activities of β2‐glycoprotein I using structure‐function analysis and mapped the critical region within the β2‐glycoprotein I peptide sequence that mediates anticancer effects. We constructed recombinant cDNA and purified different β2‐glycoprotein I polypeptide domains using a baculovirus expression system. We found that purified β2‐glycoprotein I, as well as recombinant β2‐glycoprotein I full‐length (D12345), polypeptide domains I‐IV (D1234), and polypeptide domain I (D1) significantly inhibited melanoma cell migration, proliferation and invasion. Western blot analyses were used to determine the dysregulated expression of proteins essential for intracellular signaling pathways in B16‐F10 treated with β2‐glycoprotein I and variant recombinant polypeptides. Using a melanoma mouse model, we found that D1 polypeptide showed stronger potency in suppressing tumor growth. Structural analysis showed that fragments A and B within domain I would be the critical regions responsible for antitumor activity. Annexin A2 was identified as the counterpart molecule for β2‐glycoprotein I by immunofluorescence and coimmunoprecipitation assays. Interaction between specific amino acids of β2‐glycoprotein I D1 and annexin A2 was later evaluated by the molecular docking approach. Moreover, five amino acid residues were selected from fragments A and B for functional evaluation using site‐directed mutagenesis, and P11A, M42A, and I55P mutations were shown to disrupt the anti‐melanoma cell migration ability of β2‐glycoprotein I. This is the first study to show the therapeutic potential of β2‐glycoprotein I D1 in the treatment of melanoma progression.
Interventions for families with multiple problems: Similar contents but divergent formats
Authors: Visscher Loraine , Jansen Danielle E. M. C. , Evenboer K. Els , van Yperen Tom A. , Reijneveld Sijmen A. , Scholte Ron H. J. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractFor families with multiple problems (FMP), knowledge is lacking on the practice elements of interventions (the distinct techniques practitioners use to promote positive outcomes) and their program elements (intervention design and delivery systems). The aim of this study is to identify both common and specific practice and program elements so as to determine contents and overlap between interventions. For FMP, we selected interventions that had at least moderate (>0.5) effect sizes in the Dutch context (N = 8). A deductive content analysis was used to assess the manuals of these interventions with the taxonomy of interventions for FMP. We defined as common those elements found in at least five of the eight interventions and as specific those found in fewer than five. Of the practice elements, 79% were common across the interventions, and 21% were intervention specific. Interventions with the highest percentages of intervention‐specific elements derived from the taxonomy were 10 for the Future (15%), Family Central (14%), Intensive Family Therapy (14%), and Multisystemic therapy (11%). Core program elements: duration, intensity, intervision, supervision, and consultation, varied greatly between interventions. Among interventions for FMP, we found practice elements to have considerable overlap. Among program elements, we found greater variety.
Using text mining for personalization and recommendation for an enriched hybrid learning experience
Authors: Liu Lei , Vernica Rares , Hassan Tamir , Damera Venkata Niranjan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractStudents are nowadays given many options to consume educational content in digital formats as alternatives to printed material. Previous research suggests that while digital content has advantages, printed media still provides other benefits that cannot be matched by digital. Therefore, technology should leverage the benefits of both. In this paper, we present the Meaningful Education and Training Information System, a multifaceted hybrid textbook learning platform. The goal of the system is to provide an easy digital‐to‐print‐to‐digital content creation and reading service. The Meaningful Education and Training Information System incorporates technologies for layout, personalization, cocreation, and assessments. These facilitate common teacher/student tasks and help provide a richer, more effective learning experience. Our system has been demonstrated in multiple international education events, partner engagements, and pilots with local universities and high schools.
On the predictability of domain‐independent temporal planners
Authors: Cenamor Isabel , Vallati Mauro , Chrpa Lukáš 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTemporal planning is a research discipline that addresses the problem of generating a totally or a partially ordered sequence of actions that transform the environment from some initial state to a desired goal state, while taking into account time constraints and actions' duration. For its ability to describe and address temporal constraints, temporal planning is of critical importance for a wide range of real‐world applications. Predicting the performance of temporal planners can lead to significant improvements in the area, as planners can then be combined in order to boost the performance on a given set of problem instances.This paper investigates the predictability of the state‐of‐the‐art temporal planners by introducing a new set of temporal‐specific features and exploiting them for generating classification and regression empirical performance models (EPMs) of considered planners. EPMs are also tested with regard to their ability to select the most promising planner for efficiently solving a given temporal planning problem.Our extensive empirical analysis indicates that the introduced set of features allows to generate EPMs that can effectively perform algorithm selection, and the use of EPMs is therefore a promising direction for improving the state of the art of temporal planning, hence fostering the use of planning in real‐world applications.
RETRACTED: Six2 promotes non–small cell lung cancer cell stemness via transcriptionally and epigenetically regulating E‐cadherin
Authors: Hou Huaying , Yu Xiaoming , Cong Ping , Zhou Yong , Xu Ying , Jiang Yuhua 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe roles and related mechanisms of six2 in regulating non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells progression are unclear. This work aimed to explore the roles of six2 in NSCLC cell stemness.Materials and MethodsKaplan‐Meier plotter analysis was used to examine the correlation between six2 expression and the survival of NSCLC patients. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR and Western blot were performed to detect six2 expression in clinical samples. Moreover, transwell migration, tumour spheroid formation and in vivo tumour formation assays were used to examine the effects of six2 on NSCLC cell progression. Additionally, methylation analysis was carried out to measure E‐cadherin methylation level in different cells. Finally, cell viability assay was performed to explore the effects of six2 on chemotherapeutic sensitivity of NSCLC cells.ResultsLung cancer patients with a higher six2 expression level displayed a shorter overall survival. Six2 expression was higher in lung cancer tissues than in normal adjacent tissues. Additionally, six2 knockdown suppressed NSCLC cell stemness. Mechanistically, six2 overexpression inhibited epithelial marker E‐cadherin expression via stimulating its promoter methylation. And E‐cadherin knockdown rescued six2 knockdown‐induced decrease of NSCLC cancer cell stemness. Notably, six2 knockdown enhanced cisplatin sensitivity in parental NSCLC cells and attenuated cisplatin resistance in cisplatin‐resistant NSCLC cells.ConclusionsOur results suggest that six2 facilitates NSCLC cell stemness and attenuates chemotherapeutic sensitivity via suppressing E‐cadherin expression.
Hepatitis B core‐related antigen to detect hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in heart transplant recipients with past HBV infection: A pilot study
Authors: Iossa Domenico , Vitrone Martina , Liotti Antonietta , Portella Giuseppe , Durante‐Mangoni Emanuele , Zampino Rosa 
Published: April 2019

AbstractHepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg) has been proposed as a new marker of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication. We analyzed HBcrAg dynamics in 15 heart transplant recipients with active or prior HBV infection and correlated it with quantitative (QT)‐HBsAg and HBV‐DNA pre‐ and post‐transplant. Serum HBcrAg was detected in HBsAg/HBV‐DNA‐positive subjects but not in recipients with past HBV infection. HBcrAg levels correlated with QT‐HBsAg in pre‐ and post‐transplant samples. In prior HBV infection, HBcrAg levels were unrelated to HBV‐DNA positivity. In heart transplant recipients with prior HBV infection, HBcrAg does not correlate with viral replication and cannot be applied to detect HBV reactivation during follow‐up.
Therapeutic patient education and self‐management support for patients with psoriasis – a systematic review
Authors: Dressler Corinna , Lambert Jo , Grine Lynda , Galdas Paul , Paul Carle , Zidane Miriam , Nast Alexander 
Published: April 2019

SummaryPsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Patient education may be one option to improve adherence and coping. The aim of this systematic review is to identify studies evaluating educational interventions for psoriasis patients. The review was conducted following the methods recommended by Cochrane. We searched seven databases, one trial register and three grey literature repositories. Data screening and extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0, ROBINS‐I, and NIH tools were used. Additionally, the APEASE criteria were applied. We evaluated 16 studies. Two randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluated patient‐practitioner or patient‐nurse one‐to‐one interventions, one RCT assessed a web‐based intervention and three RCTs reported group interventions taking place frequently; one RCT reported one‐off group sessions. The remaining RCT compared the healthcare professionals involved. The risk of bias rating ranged from “some concerns” to “high”. Three RCTs found an effect. We included four controlled clinical trials (CCTs), one of which had an effect. One of the four before‐and‐after‐studies warrants further investigation. Despite similarities in delivery mode across the interventions, patients who were eligible and settings in which interventions were delivered differed. Interventions that included an individual (one‐to‐one) session appeared to be successful. Two interventions seem suitable for adaptation using APEASE: the topical treatment program and motivational interviewing after climate therapy.
The Rise of Design Dyslexia and How to Overcome It
Authors: Chew JiaYing , Lehtonen Miikka J. , Schilli Katharina S. 
Published: April 2019

An intensive three‐week introductory course within Aalto University's International Design Business Management (IDBM) graduate program emphasizes the role of social and cultural context in design, characterized by ambiguous, open‐ended, complex environments. It teaches students that design is more than a simple matter of Post‐it Notes and double‐diamond diagrams.Universities worldwide continue to attempt to integrate “design methodologies” into their curricula. What happens when non‐designers take their newfound knowledge into the messy real world?
Observations on the State of Design Education: Past, Present, Future
Authors: Vogel Craig M. , Wang Xi (Cecilia) 
Published: April 2019

This educator challenges design schools to clarify their role as a branch of the “sciences of the artificial” and to explore how design can work with other existing and emerging branches.Maintaining a sense of historical continuity—past, present, and future—within design education asks us: Where do we go from here?