bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An audit on a routine antenatal nonstress testing program in pregnant women with preexisting diabetes
Authors: Jørgensen Isabella L. , Vestgaard Marianne , Àsbjörnsdóttir Björg , Mathiesen Elisabeth R. , Damm Peter 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of routine (planned) antenatal nonstress tests (NSTs) in pregnant women with preexisting diabetes.Material and methodsA retrospective single‐center study of 642 consecutive pregnancies in women with preexisting diabetes who gave birth to a singleton ≥22 weeks. Weekly planned NSTs were commenced at 33‐35 weeks. In pregnancies with maternal‐fetal complications, the initiation and frequency of the planned NST were individualized. Daily maternal assessment of fetal activity was recommended from 28 weeks, and decreased fetal activity indicated an unplanned NST. Data were collected from medical records, and local and regional databases.ResultsIn total, 3016 planned NSTs were performed, with a median of five (range 0‐12) tests per pregnancy. Ninety‐five planned NSTs (3.1%) were abnormal, a finding confirmed by retesting the same day in eight cases (8.4%), thus leading to delivery. Complications were present in seven of these eight pregnancies, whereas no fetal movements for the last 3 days were reported when the planned NST was performed in the eighth pregnancy. When specifically asked, five of the eight women stated that they had observed decreased fetal activity preceding the planned NST. In 86 pregnancies (13.4%), maternal perception of decreased fetal activity indicated in total 127 unplanned NSTs. The combination of decreased fetal activity and further obstetrical assessment led to delivery in 10 of these pregnancies (11.6%). One stillbirth occurred at 37 weeks in a pregnancy complicated by fetal achondroplasia and polyhydramnios, where the weekly planned NSTs had been normal. The overall stillbirth rate was thus 1.6/1000.ConclusionsRoutine use of planned antenatal NSTs does not appear to be indicated in pregnancies in women with preexisting diabetes in the absence of maternal‐fetal complications.
Mini review shows that structured light plethysmography provides a non‐contact method for evaluating breathing patterns in children
Authors: Lauhkonen E , Cooper B G , Iles R 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAimStructured light plethysmography (SLP) is a novel light‐based method that captures chest wall movements to evaluate tidal breathing. We carried out a narrative mini review of the clinical use of SLP in paediatrics.MethodsPubMed and Google Scholar were searched for papers published in English up to December 2018. This identified a methodology paper published in 2010 and eight full papers, including three paediatric studies and one paediatric case report. We also included data from ten conference abstracts and one clinical case study.ResultsWe found data that validated the ability of SLP to differentiate airway obstruction from tidal breathing parameters and bronchodilator responsiveness for children aged two years and over. Non‐contact measurement of regional chest wall movement was a unique feature. Feasibility data were scarce and more studies are needed, especially in infants. Preliminary studies suggest that SLP has the potential to be used in cases of dysfunctional breathing and neuromuscular diseases and as a follow‐up tool after lung infections or surgery.ConclusionStructured light plethysmography has been validated to demonstrate lung function abnormality in paediatric asthma, but further studies are needed to demonstrate its benefits over current practice and how it can be used for other conditions.
Survival rates for surgically treated necrotising enterocolitis have improved over the last four decades
Authors: Fredriksson F , Engstrand Lilja H 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAimImproved survival rates for premature infants have also increased the population at risk of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). This study evaluated the outcomes of surgically treated NEC and identified risk factors for mortality, intestinal failure (IF) and IF associated liver disease (IFALD).MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study of 131 infants with surgically treated NEC from 1976 to 2016 in a Swedish tertiary referral centre: 20 in 1976–1996, 33 in 1997–2006 and 78 in 2007–2016. Data were extracted from medical records, and the Cox regression model was used to identify risk factors.ResultsWhen the first and last periods were compared, they showed decreases in both gestational age, from 30 to 26 weeks, and mortality rates, from 45% to 29%. IF was found in 67 patients (56%), IFALD in 41 patients (34%) and short bowel syndrome (SBS) in 13 (19%). The incidence of IF was high, even in infants without SBS. Low gestational age was an independent risk factor for mortality. No risk factors were identified for IF or IFALD.ConclusionSurvival rates for NEC improved from 1976–2016, despite a decrease in gestational age. Clinicians should be particularly aware of the risk of infants without SBS developing IF.
Relationship between myological variables and different take‐off and landing behaviours in frogs
Authors: Soliz Mónica , Tulli María J. , Abdala Virginia 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAlthough landing behaviour in anurans differs significantly among species, a take‐off behaviour seems to be largely conserved in the evolution of frogs and toads. The ancestral mode of landing is hypothesized to involve the body crash‐landing on the substrate, after which the anuran cycles the limbs forward and then backward to their resting position. The part of the body that first contacts the substrate may vary among taxa. The limbs and pectoral girdle muscles as well as those of the caudopelvic region, involved with landing and take‐off behaviours, are investigated. The existence of a relationship exists between myology and different take‐off and landing behaviours is explored. The results suggest that most of the muscles involved in both take‐off and landing are conserved morphologically, with only few differing, depending on the locomotor behaviour. Two muscles tend to be longer; the m. coracobrachialis, which is involved with landing, and the m. coccygeosacralis, related to the take‐off.
Glacier outburst floods reconstructed from lake sediments and their implications for Holocene variations of the plateau glacier Folgefonna in western Norway
Authors: Røthe Torgeir O. , Bakke Jostein , Støren Eivind Wilhelm Nagel 
Published: March 2019

A sudden release of large volumes of water during a glacier outburst flood (GLOF) is a major hazard worldwide. Here, we identify the sedimentary signature of glacial and non‐glacial processes, including GLOFs, based on lacustrine sediments from the distal glacier‐fed Lake Buarvatnet in western Norway. Historically documented GLOFs in 2002 CE and during the 1980s CE are identified in the 210Pb‐ and 14C‐dated sediments. These events have the same sedimentary signature as 12 earlier events throughout the Holocene interpreted to represent previous GLOFs in the catchment. The GLOFs are interpreted to have occurred during periods when the glacier extent was similar to the modern positions, and the events are thus used to pinpoint past positions of the glacier terminus and, hence, the equilibrium line altitudes (ELAs). The results indicate that the glacier Svartenutbreen, located at the eastern part of Folgefonna, had a similar size in 2002 CE as c. 8200–8300 cal. a BP, corresponding to the 8.2 ka event in the North Atlantic region. The regrowth of Sørfonna after the Holocene Thermal Optimum occurred at c. 6900 cal. a BP and Svartenutbreen was at modern size and extent in the periods c. 6400, c. 5450, c. 4850, c. 3850, c. 3550 and c. 1650 cal. a BP. Since 1650 cal. a BP, we infer that the glacier was larger than the 2002 CE glacier extent until 1910 CE when a GLOF occurred. Svartenutbreen has been retreating since 1910 CE, which led to the ice damming of the two historical GLOFs in the 1980s and 2002 CE separated by a glacier advance in the 1990s CE. The findings are discussed and compared to other regional glacier reconstructions in Norway, and emphasize the value of identifying and utilizing GLOFs as an indicator of past ELA variability.
Erucin exhibits vasorelaxing effects and antihypertensive activity by H2S‐releasing properties
Authors: Martelli Alma , Piragine Eugenia , Citi Valentina , Testai Lara , Pagnotta Eleonora , Ugolini Luisa , Lazzeri Luca , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo , Manzo Onorina Laura , Bucci Mariarosaria , Ghelardini Carla , Breschi Maria Cristina , Calderone Vincenzo 
Published: March 2019

Background and PurposeHydrogen sulfide (H2S)‐releasing agents are viewed as potential antihypertensive drugs. Recently, natural isothiocyanates emerged as original H2S‐donor agents. Among them, erucin, present in some edible cruciferous plants, shows suitable H2S‐releasing properties and features of “druggability.” The aim of this work was to investigate the erucin‐mediated release of H2S inside vascular cells, its vasorelaxing effects, and activity on BP of normo and hypertensive animals.Experimental ApproachIntracellular H2S‐release and the hyperpolarizing effect of erucin were tested using fluorescent dye, in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). Its direct vasorelaxing effect and ability to inhibit noradrenaline‐induced vasoconstriction were evaluated on endothelium‐intact or ‐denuded rat aortic rings. Its vasodilator properties were tested in coronary arteries using Langendorff‐perfused rat hearts. Finally, erucin's antihypertensive activity was evaluated in vivo in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) by recording systolic BP using the tail‐cuff method.Key ResultsErucin induced the release of H2S inside HASMCs. Moreover, erucin hyperpolarized the membrane of HASMCs membrane in a concentration‐dependent manner. It induced vasodilatation of rat aortic rings, in endothelium‐denuded vessels. This effect was further improved by the presence of endothelial NO. When pre‐incubated with rat aortic rings, erucin induced concentration‐dependent inhibition of noradrenaline‐induced vasoconstriction. Erucin did not affect basal coronary flow but restored the flow to normal in pre‐contracted coronary vessels. Finally, in vivo, erucin decreased systolic BP in SHRs by about 25%, and restored the BP to values observed in normotensive rats.Conclusions and ImplicationsErucin is an H2S donor endowed with vasorelaxing and antihypertensive effects.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Hydrogen Sulfide in Biology & Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.4/issuetoc
Enhanced responsiveness of platelets to vicagrel in IL‐10‐deficient mice through STAT3‐dependent up‐regulation of the hydrolase arylacetamide deacetylase in the intestine
Authors: Jia Yu‐Meng , Zhou Huan , Tai Ting , Gu Tong‐Tong , Ji Jin‐Zi , Mi Qiong‐Yu , Huang Bei‐Bei , Li Yi‐Fei , Zhu Ting , Xie Hong‐Guang 
Published: March 2019

Background and PurposeVicagrel is a novel promising antiplatelet drug designed for overcoming clopidogrel resistance. There is limited evidence indicating that exogenous IL‐10 suppresses CYP3A4 activity in healthy subjects and that IL‐10 knockout (KO) mice exhibit increased clopidogrel bioactivation compared with wild‐type (WT) mice. In this study, we sought to determine whether IL‐10 could play an important role in the metabolism of and platelet response to vicagrel in mice.Experimental ApproachIL‐10 KO and WT mice were administered vicagrel, then their plasma H4 (active metabolite of vicagrel) concentrations were determined by LC–MS/MS, and inhibition of ADP‐induced whole‐blood platelet aggregation by vicagrel was assessed with an aggregometer. The mRNA and protein levels of several relevant genes between IL‐10 KO and WT mice were measured by qRT‐PCR and Western blots, respectively. Intestinal Aadac protein levels were measured in IL‐10 WT mice injected i.p. with vehicle control, Stattic, or BAY 11‐7082.Key ResultsCompared with WT mice, IL‐10 KO mice exhibited significantly increased plasma levels of H4 and enhanced platelet responses to vicagrel, as well as significantly higher mRNA and protein levels of arylacetamide deacetylase (Aadac) in the intestine. In WT mice, STAT3, not NF‐κB, mediated Aadac expression in the intestine.Conclusions and ImplicationsIL‐10 suppresses metabolic activation of vicagrel through down‐regulation of Aadac in mouse intestine in a STAT3‐dependent manner and, consequently, attenuates platelet responses to vicagrel, suggesting that the antiplatelet effect of vicagrel may be modulated by changes in plasma IL‐10 levels in relevant clinical settings.
Small molecule‐facilitated anion transporters in cells for a novel therapeutic approach to cystic fibrosis
Authors: Fiore Michele , Cossu Claudia , Capurro Valeria , Picco Cristiana , Ludovico Alessandra , Mielczarek Marcin , Carreira‐Barral Israel , Caci Emanuela , Baroni Debora , Quesada Roberto , Moran Oscar 
Published: March 2019

Background and PurposeCystic fibrosis (CF) is a lethal autosomal recessive genetic disease that originates from the defective function of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, a cAMP‐dependent anion channel involved in fluid transport across epithelium. Because small synthetic transmembrane anion transporters (anionophores) can replace the biological anion transport mechanisms, independent of genetic mutations in the CFTR, such anionophores are candidates as new potential treatments for CF.Experimental ApproachIn order to assess their effects on cell physiology, we have analysed the transport properties of five anionophore compounds, three prodigiosines and two tambjamines. Chloride efflux was measured in large uni‐lamellar vesicles and in HEK293 cells with chloride‐sensitive electrodes. Iodide influx was evaluated in FRT cells transfected with iodide‐sensitive YFP. Transport of bicarbonate was assessed by changes of pH after a NH4+ pre‐pulse using the BCECF fluorescent probe. Assays were also carried out in FRT cells permanently transfected with wild type and mutant human CFTR.Key ResultsAll studied compounds are capable of transporting halides and bicarbonate across the cell membrane, with a higher transport capacity at acidic pH. Interestingly, the presence of these anionophores did not interfere with the activation of CFTR and did not modify the action of lumacaftor (a CFTR corrector) or ivacaftor (a CFTR potentiator).Conclusion and ImplicationsThese anionophores, at low concentrations, transported chloride and bicarbonate across cell membranes, without affecting CFTR function. They therefore provide promising starting points for the development of novel treatments for CF.
Simvastatin protects photoreceptors from oxidative stress induced by all‐trans‐retinal, through the up‐regulation of interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein
Authors: Zhang Ting , Gillies Mark , Wang Ying , Shen Weiyong , Bahrami Bobak , Zeng Shaoxue , Zhu Meidong , Yao Wenjuan , Zhou Fanfan , Murray Michael , Wang Ke , Zhu Ling 
Published: March 2019

Background and PurposeSimvastatin is a 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl CoA reductase inhibitor with multiple targets and effects. It protects neurons in the brain, but its protective effects on photoreceptors are unclear. In this study, we evaluated the neuroprotective effect of simvastatin on photoreceptors exposed to stress induced by all‐trans‐retinal (atRAL).Experimental ApproachAlamarBlue and LDH assays were used to evaluate the viability and metabolic activity of Y79 cells (a retinoblastoma cell line) exposed to atRAL‐induced stress with or without simvastatin pretreatment. Changes in cellular ROS were evaluated using flow cytometry and mitochondrial stress markers JC‐1 and HSP60. Changes in levels of two photoreceptor‐specific markers, cone‐rod homeobox protein (CRX) and interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein (IRBP), were evaluated with western blot. The results were validated in ex vivo human retinal explants and a mouse model of photoreceptor degeneration.Key ResultsSimvastatin improved mitochondrial function, alleviated oxidative stress and up‐regulated the photoreceptor‐specific markers IRBP and its upstream regulator CRX in Y79 cells and ex vivo human retinal explants under atRAL‐induced stress. Simvastatin attenuated photoreceptor degeneration in association with up‐regulation of IRBP and CRX expression after knockdown of IRBP in a murine model.Conclusion and ImplicationsOur findings suggest that simvastatin has a novel role in protecting photoreceptors from atRAL‐induced stress. Simvastatin treatment resulted in up‐regulation of IRBP and its upstream transcription factor CRX in Y79 cells, ex vivo human retinal explants, and murine retinas in vivo. Further studies of simvastatin to treat photoreceptor degeneration are warranted.
RETRACTED: Diosmetin induces apoptosis and enhances the chemotherapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel in non‐small cell lung cancer cells via Nrf2 inhibition
Authors: Chen Xiangcui , Wu Qipeng , Chen Yueming , Zhang Jiahao , Li Huachao , Yang Zhicheng , Yang Yang , Deng Yanchao , Zhang Luyong , Liu Bing 
Published: March 2019

Background and PurposeNon‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for up to 80–85% of all lung cancers and has a disappointing prognosis. Flavonoids exert anticancer properties, mostly involving stimulation of ROS production without significant toxicity to normal cells. This study was aimed to delineate the effect of diosmetin, a natural flavonoid, on NSCLC cells and its ability to enhance the antitumour activity of paclitaxel.Experimental ApproachNSCLC cells, normal cell lines HLF‐1 and BEAS‐2B, and immunodeficient mice were chosen as models to study the effects of diosmetin. Changes in cell viability, apoptosis, and ROS were analysed by MTT assay, flow cytometry assay, and fluorescent probe DCFH‐DA. Expression of proteins and mRNA was determined by Western blotting and real‐time RT‐PCR. Growth of xenografted tumours was measured. Spleens and other vital organs were analysed with histological and immunohistochemical techniques.Key ResultsDiosmetin induced selective apoptotic death in NSCLC cells but spared normal cells, via ROS accumulation. Diosmetin induced ROS production in NSCLC cells probably via reducing Nrf2 stability through disruption of the PI3K/Akt/GSK‐3β pathway. The in vitro and in vivo xenograft studies showed that combined treatment of diosmetin and paclitaxel synergistically suppressed NSCLC cells. Histological analysis of vital organs showed no obvious toxicity of diosmetin, which matched our in vitro findings.Conclusions and ImplicationsDiosmetin selectively induced apoptosis and enhanced the efficacy of paclitaxel in NSCLC cells via ROS accumulation through disruption of the PI3K/Akt/GSK‐3β/Nrf2 pathway. Therefore, diosmetin may be a promising candidate for adjuvant treatment of NSCLC.
Parents’ Expectations for and Reactions to Children's Racial Biases
Authors: Scott Katharine E. , Shutts Kristin , Devine Patricia G. 
Published: March 2019

How do parents think about and react to their children's racial biases? Across three studies (N = 519) we investigated whether and how parents’ Internal Motivation to Respond without Prejudice Scale (IMS) predicted standards for their children's race‐related behavior, and tested parents’ affective reactions to imagining their children violating their standards. Studies 1 and 2 demonstrated that parents (of 4‐ to 12‐year‐old children) with high IMS set more stringent standards for their children's race‐related behavior than their low IMS counterparts. Upon considering their children expressing racial bias, high IMS parents reported negative self‐directed affect (i.e., guilt; Studies 2 and 3), an affective response that motivates prejudice reduction in adults. The results have implications for involving parents in prejudice interventions targeting children's biases.
Diagnosis and management of asthma, COPD and asthma‐COPD overlap among primary care physicians and respiratory/allergy specialists: A global survey
Authors: Jenkins Christine , FitzGerald J. Mark , Martinez Fernando J. , Postma Dirkje S. , Rennard Stephen , van der Molen Thys , Gardev Asparuh , Genofre Eduardo , Calverley Peter 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIntroductionAsthma‐chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap (ACO) is a heterogenous condition with clinical features shared by both asthma and COPD.ObjectivesThis online global survey of respiratory/allergy specialists and primary care practitioners (PCPs) was performed to understand current clinical approaches to the differential diagnosis and management of asthma, COPD and ACO.MethodsRespondents were recruited through: (a) a global online physician respondent community (49,980 PCPs and 7205 specialists); (b) market research agents; (c) experts; (d) professional societies; (e) colleague invitation. Respondents were presented with a survey including hypothetical clinical scenarios of diagnostic uncertainty to identify management approaches.Results891 responses (447 PCPs and 444 specialists) were collected across 13 countries. Reported features used for diagnosis of asthma and COPD were consistent with practice guidelines, but there was variability in those selected for ACO diagnosis. Features typically selected by specialists focused on spirometry/history, while PCPs focused on previous treatment/symptoms. Most respondents could correctly diagnose patients with features of ACO; however, features selected for theoretical diagnosis were often different to those selected in the case scenarios. Additionally, treatment selection was often inconsistent with guidelines, with over half of respondents not recommending inhaled corticosteroids in a patient with ACO and dominant features of asthma.ConclusionWhile most PCPs and respiratory/allergy specialists can reach a working diagnosis of ACO, there remains uncertainty around which diagnostic features are most important and what constitutes optimal management. It is imperative that clinical studies including patients with ACO are initiated, allowing the generation of evidence‐based management strategies.
No “Gadgil effect”: Temperate tree roots and soil lithology are effective predictors of wood decomposition
Authors: Malik Rondy J. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe “Gadgil effect” hypothesizes that root associations may slow down decomposition through pre‐emptive competition. In the context of recalcitrant litter decomposition, specifically coarse wood debris, it is uncertain as to what is the relative importance of soil communities associated with living roots when compared to those without roots. Here, it is hypothesized that the presence of live roots and active photosynthates will enhance wood decomposition. To test this hypothesis, the presence or absence of temperate tree roots was used in this study. Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and white oak (Quercus alba) roots were manipulated at three sites of either limestone or shale parent rock residuum. At each site, wood substrate was placed in soils beneath the canopy of either A. saccharum or Q. alba, while in the presence of roots (root+). At the same time, wood substrate was placed in the same soil community, but live root exposure was eliminated by trenching (root−). This eliminated active photosynthate supply to the soil microbial community. Results determined that live root exposure promoted faster decomposition and greater mycelial colonization of wood substrate. Also, sites of shale parent rock residuum had higher rates of decomposition in comparison with limestone parent rock residuum. Although additional work is needed to determine the extent in which roots and lithology can facilitate wood decomposition, these findings suggest that living roots impact decomposers and provide a pathway towards humus and soil organic matter formation.