bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel role of kynureninase in the growth control of breast cancer cells and its relationships with breast cancer
Authors: Liu Yingzhe , Feng Xueping , Lai Jinping , Yi Wenjun , Yang Jiu , Du Tao , Long Xueying , Zhang Ye , Xiao Yongzhi 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBreast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide. Kynureninase (KYNU) located in 2q22.2, which was associated with tryptophan utilization and metabolic diseases including cardiac, renal and limb defects syndrome 2. However, the role of KYNU in breast cancer (BC) development remains unclear. The expression of KYNU was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 137 primary BC tissues, and the correlation of KYNU expression with clinical pathological characteristics and the biomarkers (ER, PR, HER2, E‐cad and Ki‐67) was analysed. The role of KYNU in cancer cell proliferation, tumour growth and development was evaluated by MTT assay, soft agar colony formation assay and xenograft mouse models. Among 137 primary BC tissues, 46.7% (64/137) had high KYNU expression (IHC scores >4) while 53.3% (73/137) had low KYNU expression (IHC scores ≤4). The expression of KYNU was positively correlated with the expressions of ER (P = .002), PR (P = .007) and E‐cad (P = .03), while negatively associated with tumour grade (P = .008), tumour stage (P < .001) and the expressions of HER2 (P = .04) and Ki‐67 (P = .019). Overexpression of KYNU significantly inhibited cell proliferation in cell culture, colony formation in soft agar and xenograft BC development in NOD/SCID mice. Kynureninase suppresses BC cell proliferation, tumour growth and development. Kynureninase may function as a tumour suppressor in BC.
Berberine ameliorates renal impairment and inhibits podocyte dysfunction by targeting the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase–protein kinase B pathway in diabetic rats
Authors: Ni Wei‐Jian , Zhou Hong , Ding Hai‐Hua , Tang Li‐Qin 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAims/IntroductionAmelioration of renal impairment is the key to diabetic nephropathy (DN) therapy. The progression of DN is closely related to podocyte dysfunction, but the detailed mechanism has not yet been clarified. The present study aimed to explore the renal impairment amelioration effect of berberine and related mechanisms targeting podocyte dysfunction under the diabetic state.Materials and MethodsStreptozotocin (35 mg/kg) was used to develop a DN rat model together with a high‐glucose/high‐lipid diet. Renal functional parameters and glomerular ultrastructure changes were recorded. The alterations of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt) and phosphorylated Akt in the kidney cortex were determined by western blot. Meanwhile, podocyte dysfunction was induced and treated with berberine and LY294002. After that, podocyte adhesion functional parameters, protein biomarker and the alterations of the PI3K–Akt pathway were detected.ResultsBerberine reduces the increased levels of biochemical indicators, and significantly improves the abnormal expression of PI3K, Akt and phosphorylated Akt in a rat kidney model. In vitro, a costimulating factor could obviously reduce the podocyte adhesion activity, including decreased expression of nephrin, podocin and adhesion molecule α3β1 levels, to induce podocyte dysfunction, and the trends were markedly reversed by berberine and LY294002 therapy. Furthermore, reduction of PI3K and phosphorylated Akt levels were observed in the berberine (30 and 60 μmol/L) and LY294002 (40 μmol/L) treatment group, but the Akt protein expression showed little change.ConclusionsBerberine could be a promising antidiabetic nephropathy drug through ameliorating renal impairment and inhibiting podocyte dysfunction in diabetic rats, and the underlying molecular mechanisms might be involved in the regulation of the PI3K–Akt signaling pathway.
No association between proton pump inhibitor use and risk of dementia: Evidence from a meta‐analysis
Authors: Hussain Salman , Singh Ambrish , Zameer Saima , Jamali Mohammad Chand , Baxi Harveen , Rahman Syed Obaidur , Alam Mahtab , Altamish Mohammad , Singh Avinash Kumar , Anil Dasari , Hussain Md Sarfaraj , Ahmad Adil , Najmi Abul Kalam 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackground and AimA growing body of literature suggests the association between dementia risk and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between PPI use and dementia risk.MethodsAn extensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane till March 31, 2019. All the studies (cohort and case–control) assessing the association between PPI use and dementia risk were eligible for inclusion. Articles were selected based on the screening of title and abstract, data were extracted, and risk of bias was assessed using Newcastle–Ottawa scale. The primary outcome was pooled risk of dementia among PPI user as compared with non‐PPI user. Secondary outcomes include dementia risk based on subgroups. Statistical analysis was performed using review manager software.ResultsTwelve studies (eight cohort and four case–control) were found to be eligible for inclusion. Majority of the studies were of high quality. Dementia was diagnosed based on International Classification of Diseases 9/10 codes in majority of the included studies. PPI use was not associated with the dementia risk, with a pooled relative risk (RR) of 1.05 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.96–1.15), P = 0.31. Subgroup analysis based on study design (cohort: P = 0.14; case–control: P = 0.14), sex (RR 1.25 [95% CI: 0.97–1.60], P = 0.08), histamine 2 receptor antagonist blockers (P = 0.93), and Alzheimer's disease (RR 1.00 [95% CI: 0.91–1.09], P = 0.93) revealed no significant association between PPI use and dementia risk.ConclusionWe found no significant association between PPI use and the risk of dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
Suboptimal treatment of dyslipidemia in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Khoo Stanley , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Goh George Boon‐Bee , Fan Jiangao , Chan Wah Kheong , Seto Wai‐Kay , Chow Wan Cheng 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackground and AimNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients often have dyslipidemia, and optimal treatment of dyslipidemia lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Our aim was to study the prescription of statin and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol treatment targets in NAFLD patients.MethodsConsecutive NAFLD patients attending five clinics in Asia were included in this study. The 10‐year cardiovascular disease risk was calculated based on the Framingham Heart Study, and patients were categorized as moderate, high, or very high risk for cardiovascular disease on the basis of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologist 2017 Guidelines. The low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol treatment goal for each of the risk groups was 2.6, 2.6, and 1.8 mmol/L, respectively.ResultsThe data for 428 patients were analyzed (mean age 54.4 ± 11.1 years, 52.1% male). Dyslipidemia was seen in 60.5% (259/428), but only 43.2% (185/428) were on a statin. The percentage of patients who were at moderate, high, and very high risk for cardiovascular disease was 36.7% (157/428), 27.3% (117/428), and 36.0% (154/428), respectively. Among patients who were on a statin, 58.9% (109/185) did not achieve the treatment target. Among patients who were not on a statin, 74.1% (180/243) should be receiving statin therapy. The percentage of patients who were not treated to target or who should be on statin was highest among patients at very high risk for cardiovascular disease at 79.6% (78/98) or 94.6% (53/56), respectively.ConclusionThis study highlights the suboptimal treatment of dyslipidemia and calls for action to improve the treatment of dyslipidemia in NAFLD patients.
Lipotoxicity, neuroinflammation, glial cells and oestrogenic compounds
Authors: Hidalgo‐Lanussa Oscar , Baez‐Jurado Eliana , Echeverria Valentina , Ashraf Ghulam Md , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Garcia‐Segura Luis Miguel , Melcangi Roberto C. , Barreto George E. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe high concentrations of free fatty acids as a consequence of obesity and being overweight have become risk factors for the development of different diseases, including neurodegenerative ailments. Free fatty acids are strongly related to inflammatory events, causing cellular and tissue alterations in the brain, including cell death, deficits in neurogenesis and gliogenesis, and cognitive decline. It has been reported that people with a high body mass index have a higher risk of suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Hormones such as oestradiol not only have beneficial effects on brain tissue, but also exert some adverse effects on peripheral tissues, including the ovary and breast. For this reason, some studies have evaluated the protective effect of oestrogen receptor (ER) agonists with more specific tissue activities, such as the neuroactive steroid tibolone. Activation of ERs positively affects the expression of pro‐survival factors and cell signalling pathways, thus promoting cell survival. This review aims to discuss the relationship between lipotoxicity and the development of neurodegenerative diseases. We also elaborate on the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in neuroprotection induced by oestrogens.
Assessment of potential clinical cascade between oral hypofunction and physical frailty: Covariance structure analysis in a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Hihara Tsukasa , Goto Takaharu , Ichikawa Tetsuo 
Published: July 2019

AbstractNo report has yet examined the impact of oral hypofunction on physical frailty in relation to intra‐relationships of physical frailty assessment items. The purpose of this study was to verify the potential of a clinical cascade between oral hypofunction and physical frailty, and especially to support the hypothesis that the influence of oral hypofunction on physical frailty is greater than the intra‐relationships among elements of physical frailty and that sex differences significantly affect these relationships. The participants were 272 older adults (101 men and 171 women; mean age 75.1 ± 7.5 years). Maximum occlusal force (MOF) and oral dryness (OD), as indicators of oral hypofunction, and grip strength (GS) and walking speed (WS), as indicators of physical frailty, were measured. Mutual relationship of four variables was verified using covariance structure analysis. In men, three paths from MOF to WS and GS and from WS to GS were confirmed, and those from MOF to WS and from WS to GS were found to be significant (P < .01). In women, three paths from MOF to WS and GS and from WS to GS were also confirmed, as with the men, and those from MOF to WS and from MOF to GS were found to be significant (P < .01). Model adaptability was shown to be good for both men and women. The results suggest our hypothesis was verified, and it is expected that the early detection of oral hypofunction, that is MOF, may be important for assessing physical frailty, especially in women.
Evaluation of tissue oxygen saturation of the masseter muscle during standardised teeth clenching
Authors: Satokawa Chiho , Nishiyama Akira , Suzuki Katsuhiko , Uesugi Shunsuke , Kokai Satoshi , Ono Takashi 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundHaemodynamics during recovery after teeth clenching is poorly understood.ObjectiveTo clarify factors influencing tissue blood oxygenation recovery after clenching with altered muscle activity and duration, but constant total muscle activity.MethodsThe following tasks were based on constant maximum voluntary clenching (100% MVC): (a) 50% MVC × 30 seconds; (b) 30% MVC × 50 seconds; and (c) 10% MVC × 150 seconds. Tissue oxygenated (oxy‐Hb), deoxygenated (deoxy‐Hb) and total haemoglobin (total‐Hb) were recorded using near‐infrared spectroscopy in the masseter muscle during recovery after each task. Participants rested for 30 seconds before each task; average resting values were set as baseline. Respective ratios to baseline at 20, 60, 120 and 180 seconds after each task were calculated; the tasks were compared at each time point using one‐way repeated‐measures ANOVA.ResultsOxy‐Hb and total‐Hb decreased and deoxy‐Hb increased during the tasks and recovered thereafter. For Task 3, not all values recovered to baseline, even after 180 seconds (oxy‐Hb: 96.85%, total‐Hb: 98.31%, deoxy‐Hb: 102.98%). Oxy‐Hb (after 180 seconds, Task 1‐Task 3: P < .001, Task 2‐Task 3: P = .013) and total‐Hb (after 180 seconds, Task 1‐Task 3: P < .001, Task 2‐Task 3: P = .005) were significantly lower, and deoxy‐Hb (after 180 seconds, Task 1‐Task 3: P < .001, Task 2‐Task 3: P = .005) was significantly higher for Task 3 than other tasks, at all times during and after recovery.ConclusionDespite the same total muscle activity, weak‐force, long‐duration clenching is more harmful than strong‐force, short‐duration clenching, suggesting a greater effect of awakening bruxism than sleep bruxism on myalgia.
What are the effects of care bundles on the incidence of ventilator‐associated pneumonia in paediatric and neonatal intensive care units? A systematic review
Authors: Niedzwiecka Teresa , Patton Declan , Walsh Simone , Moore Zena , O’Connor Tom , Nugent Linda 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this review was to ascertain the impact of ventilator bundles on the incidence of ventilator‐associated pneumonia in mechanically ventilated neonates and children in intensive care units.MethodsA systematic review was conducted. Key computerised databases (CINAHL, Medline, Embase and Cochrane) as well as additional sources, with no publication date limitations, were extensively searched in January 2018. Inclusion criteria focused on ventilator bundles used in mechanically ventilated neonates and children aged from 0 to 18 years. After identification and inclusion, all studies were critically appraised for quality. Data were analysed and narratively synthesised.ResultsEight studies of observational and nonrandomised interventional methods design were included in the review. However, the validity of five of the eight studies which were reviewed was considered substandard. In addition, there were variations in the care bundles elements studied. Nevertheless, all these studies demonstrated that the incidences of VAP in mechanically ventilated neonates and children were found to be significantly reduced by the use of ventilator bundles.Practice ImplicationsThis systematic review determines that ventilator bundles impact positively on the incidence of VAP in critically ill neonates and children in the neonatal intensive care unit and paediatric intensive care unit. However, the variations in the bundle elements and insufficient valid evidence necessitates further research in the area to validate the findings and to ensure standardisation of clinical practice. Prevention of VAP is aimed at avoiding the risk of aspiration in the lungs, colonisation of respiratory tract with pathogenic microorganisms and contamination of respiratory equipment. Moreover, the implementation of evidence‐based interventions grouped together is fundamental to improve patient outcomes. It is recommended that a further bona fide research is required to standardise the components of paediatric ventilator bundles.
Interruptions experienced by nurses during pediatric medication administration in China: An observational study
Authors: Zhao Junwen , Zhang Xiaoling , Lan Qiaoling , Wang Wuni , Cai Yinsha , Xie Xiaohua , Xie Jianfei , Zeng Yingchun 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPurposeThe objectives of this study were to describe (a) the frequency of interruptions experienced by a pediatric nurse per hour, (b) the sources of interruptions experienced by a pediatric nurse, and (c) the interruption outcomes during pediatric medication administration.Design and MethodsThis design of this study was a cross‐sectional observational study. A convenience sample of pediatric nurses was used in this study. The interruption observation sheet was used to collect data about the frequency, sources, and outcomes of interruptions.ResultsThere was a total of 43 nurses were observed in more than 180 medication administration rounds. An interruption rate of 94.51% occurred during pediatric medication administration. The frequency of interruptions was three or more times (51.04%). The most common source of interruption was attributed to the working environment (32.37%). The second most frequent reason for interruption came from personnel, such as caregivers (24.48%), followed by physicians (10.79%), and other nursing staff (9.54%). The third most common source of interruption was communication issues, including patient interviews, patient reports, and case discussion (8.71%). Six errors (2.49%) were reported out of 241 interruptions as a result of interruptions. In specific, causes of errors during pediatric medication administration were due to wrong medication dose.Practice ImplicationsThis study provides important information on interruptions experienced by pediatric nurses during medication administration in Chinese hospital settings and found that interruptions frequently occur in pediatric units.
Prevalence of Babesia spp. and clinical characteristics of Babesia vulpes infections in North American dogs
Authors: Barash Nanelle R. , Thomas Brittany , Birkenheuer Adam J. , Breitschwerdt Edward B. , Lemler Erica , Qurollo Barbara A. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundBabesiosis is an important cause of thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia in dogs. Babesia vulpes, reported in European dogs and North American foxes, rarely has been reported in domestic North American dogs. Newly optimized polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers facilitate more sensitive amplification of B. vulpes DNA.ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of Babesia sp. infections in dogs being tested for Babesia infection, and to describe co‐infections and clinicopathologic abnormalities in B. vulpes positive dogs.AnimalsDog blood or tissue samples (n = 9367) submitted to a diagnostic laboratory between June 2015 and June 2018 were tested using an optimized Babesia PCR assay.MethodsComprehensive canine vector‐borne disease diagnostic testing was performed on convenience samples.Results
Babesia sp. DNA was amplified from 269/9367 (2.9%) North American dogs. Babesia sp. infections included B. gibsoni monoinfection (157; 1.7%), B. vulpes monoinfection (19; 0.20%), and B. gibsoni and B. vulpes coinfection (29; 0.31%). Forty‐three of the 48 total B. vulpes‐infected dogs were American Pit Bull Terrier‐type breeds, of which 36 historically were involved with dog fights. Coinfections with Mycoplasma, Dirofilaria immitis, or Wolbachia and coexposures to Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia spp. were documented in B. vulpes‐infected dogs. Clinicopathologic data in B. vulpes‐infected dogs both with and without coinfections included anemia, thrombocytopenia, hyperglobulinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and proteinuria.Conclusions and Clinical Importance
Babesia vulpes infection in domestic North American dogs is commonly found in conjunction with other coinfections, including B. gibsoni and hemotropic Mycoplasma. Similar to B. gibsoni, dog‐to‐dog transmission of B. vulpes may be a frequent mode of transmission.
A study of residual lesions in horses that recovered from clinical signs of chronic equine dysautonomia
Authors: Milne Elspeth M. , Pirie R. Scott , Hahn Caroline N. , del‐Pozo Jorge , Drummond Dawn , Moss Sharon , McGorum Bruce C. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundEquine dysautonomia (ED) causes degeneration and loss of autonomic neurons. Approximately 50% of chronic cases recover, but it is unclear how they survive neuronal loss.ObjectivesTo assess lesions, autonomic neuron numbers, interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), and neurodegeneration in recovered cases.AnimalsThirteen cases (group ED), euthanized 10.3 ± 5.2 (1–16) years from diagnosis and 6 age‐matched controls (group C).MethodsProspective, case control; routine post mortem examination, neuron counts in peripheral and enteric ganglia and immunohistochemical assessment of neural networks (Protein gene product [PGP] 9.5), ICC (c‐kit), and neurodegeneration (beta‐amyloid precursor protein and ubiquitin) in intestine.ResultsPostmortem findings in group ED were small intestinal dilation (4/12, 33%) and muscular hypertrophy (4/12, 33%), and gastric mucosal hypertrophy (3/11, 27%) and ulceration (4/11, 36%). Neuron density was lower in group ED (mean 39% lower for cranial cervical ganglion [P < .001], median 44% lower in celiacomesenteric ganglion [P = .01]). In intestine, neuronal depletion was worst in ileum (median 100% lower in submucosal plexus [P < .001], 91% lower in myenteric plexus [P = .004]). Group ED had less PGP 9.5 staining in ileal myenteric plexus (mean 66% lower [P = .04]) and circular muscle (median 75% lower [P = .006]). In ileum, there was less c‐kit staining in myenteric plexus (median 57% lower [P = .02]) but not muscularis externa. Beta‐amyloid precursor protein and ubiquitin results were not indicitive of neurodegeneration.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceIntact ICC in muscularis externa might help maintain motility after neuronal loss. Treatment supporting ICC function warrants investigation.
Referral pathways for patients with NAFLD based on non‐invasive fibrosis tests: Diagnostic accuracy and cost analysis
Authors: Crossan Catriona , Majumdar Avik , Srivastava Ankur , Thorburn Douglas , Rosenberg William , Pinzani Massimo , Longworth Louise , Tsochatzis Emmanuel A. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackground/aimsNon‐invasive fibrosis tests (NITs) can be used to triage non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients at risk of advanced fibrosis (AF). We modelled and investigated the diagnostic accuracy and costs of a two‐tier NIT approach in primary care (PC) to inform secondary care referrals (SCRs).MethodsA hypothetical cohort of 1,000 NAFLD patients with a 5% prevalence of AF was examined. Three referral strategies were modelled: refer all patients (Scenario 1), refer only patients with AF on NITs performed in PC (Scenario 2) and refer those with AF after biopsy (Scenario 3). Patients in Scenarios 1 and 2 would undergo sequential NITs if their initial NIT was indeterminate (FIB‐4 followed by Fibroscan®, enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF)® or FibroTest®). The outcomes considered were true/false positives and true/false negatives with associated mortality, complications, treatment and follow‐up depending on the care setting. Decision curve analysis was performed, which expressed the net benefit of different scenarios over a range of threshold probabilities (Pt).ResultsSequential use of NITs provided lower SCR rates and greater cost savings compared to other scenarios over 5 years, with 90% of patients managed in PC and cost savings of over 40%. On decision curve analysis, FIB‐4 plus ELF was marginally superior to FIB‐4 plus Fibroscan at Pt ≥8% (1/12.5 referrals). Below this Pt, FIB‐4 plus Fibroscan had greater net benefit. The net reduction in SCRs was similar for both sequential combinations.ConclusionsThe sequential use of NITs in PC is an effective way to rationalize SCRs and is associated with significant cost savings.