bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Progranulin serum levels and gene expression in subcutaneous vs visceral adipose tissue of severely obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery
Authors: Brock Judith , Schmid Andreas , Karrasch Thomas , Pfefferle Petra , Schlegel Jutta , Busse Inga , Hauenschild Annette , Schmidt Barbara , Koukou Maria , Arapogianni Efthymia , Schultz Andreas , Thomalla Miriam , Akinci Secil , Kruse Johannes , Padberg Winfried , Schäffler Andreas , Albrecht Jens 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundProgranulin represents an adipokine putatively mediating insulin resistance and inflammation. Data in humans are sparse, and the source of circulating progranulin in obesity is unknown.ObjectivesSerum progranulin concentrations and subcutaneous (sc) as well as visceral (vis) adipose tissue (AT) progranulin expression were quantified in a large cohort of patients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery (BS) (n = 153) or a low‐calorie diet (LCD) (n = 121).Cohorts and methodsPaired serum and AT mRNA samples were obtained from patients with severe obesity undergoing BS (ROBS cohort; Research in Obesity and Bariatric Surgery). Serum progranulin was measured by ELISA in both cohorts, and AT mRNA expression was analysed by quantitative real‐time PCR in bariatric patients.ResultsThere was no gender‐specific effect in serum progranulin or AT progranulin expression. Importantly, circulating progranulin was independent from adipose tissue gene expression in paired samples. sc AT progranulin expression was higher than in vis AT (P = 0.027), and there was a positive correlation between sc AT and vis AT gene expression (P < 0.001; r = +0.34). Serum progranulin strongly and rapidly increased after BS within 3 days and remained elevated up to 12 months. Serum progranulin was strongly correlated with serum CTRP‐3 levels.ConclusionsThe present study provides detailed progranulin gene expression data in sc and vis AT in a large, prospective and observational cohort of patients with severe obesity. Serum progranulin concentrations are not predicted by sc or vis AT progranulin gene expression. Thus, AT seems not to be the main source of circulating progranulin levels in obesity.
Intra‐oral single‐site comparisons of periodontal and peri‐implant microbiota in health and disease
Authors: Yu Xiao‐Lin , Chan Yuki , Zhuang Longfei , Lai Hong‐Chang , Lang Niklaus P. , Keung Leung Wai , Watt Rory M. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectivePeriodontitis and peri‐implantitis are oral infectious–inflammatory diseases that share similarities in their pathology and etiology. Our objective was to characterize the single‐site subgingival and submucosal microbiomes of implant‐rehabilitated, partially dentate Chinese subjects (n = 18) presenting with both periodontitis and peri‐implantitis.Materials and methodsSubgingival/submucosal plaque samples were collected from four clinically distinct sites in each subject: peri‐implantitis submucosa (DI), periodontal pocket (DT), clinically healthy (unaffected) peri‐implant submucosa (HI), and clinically healthy (unaffected) subgingival sulcus (HT). The bacterial microbiota present was analyzed using Illumina MiSeq sequencing.ResultsTwenty‐six phyla and 5,726 operational taxonomic units (OTUs, 97% sequence similarity cutoff) were identified. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Synergistetes, TM7, and Spirochaetes comprised 99.6% of the total reads detected. Bacterial communities within the DI, DT, HI, and HT sites shared high levels of taxonomic similarity. Thirty‐one “core species” were present in >90% sites, with Streptococcus infantis/mitis/oralis (HMT‐070/HMT‐071/HMT‐638/HMT‐677) and Fusobacterium sp. HMT‐203/HMT‐698 being particularly prevalent and abundant. Beta‐diversity analyses (PERMANOVA test, weighted UniFrac) revealed the largest variance in the microbiota was at the subject level (46%), followed by periodontal health status (4%). Differing sets of OTUs were associated with periodontitis and peri‐implantitis sites, respectively. This included putative “periodontopathogens,” such as Prevotella, Porphyromonas, Tannerella, Bacteroidetes [G‐5], and Treponema spp. Interaction network analysis identified several putative patterns underlying dysbiosis in periodontitis/peri‐implantitis sites.ConclusionsSpecies (OTU) composition of the periodontal and peri‐implant microbiota varied widely between subjects. The inter‐subject variations in subgingival/submucosal microbiome composition outweighed differences observed between implant vs. tooth sites, or between diseased vs. healthy (unaffected) peri‐implant/periodontal sites.
LncRNA FOXD1‐AS1 acts as a potential oncogenic biomarker in glioma
Authors: Gao Yuan‐Feng , Liu Jun‐Yan , Mao Xiao‐Yuan , He Zheng‐Wen , Zhu Tao , Wang Zhi‐Bin , Li Xi , Yin Ji‐Ye , Zhang Wei , Zhou Hong‐Hao , Liu Zhao‐Qian 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimsAltered activities of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been associated with cancer development, and lncRNA FOXD1‐AS1 (FOXD1‐AS1) is the antisense transcript of the gene encoding for FOXD1, known for its role as an oncogene in several tumor types including glioma. However, the role of FOXD1‐AS1 in the differentiation and progression of glioma is not well known.MethodsExpression profile chip and qPCR were used to screen and identify FOXD1‐AS1. Glioma cells were transfected with siRNA or eukaryotic expression vector to observe FOXD1‐AS1 function in vitro and in vivo. Dual luciferase reporter gene analysis, Western blot, and ChIRP‐MS were used to detect microRNAs and protein that combine with FOXD1‐AS1.ResultsFOXD1‐AS1 was upregulated and directly correlated with the glioma grade, and it was localized in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm of the glioma cell. FOXD1‐AS1 silencing caused tumor suppressive effects via inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis, while FOXD1‐AS1 overexpression resulted in opposite effects. Additionally, in vivo experiments showed that FOXD1‐AS1 knockdown reduced tumor volume and weight. More importantly, mechanical studies revealed that FOXD1‐AS1 targeted both miR339‐5p and miR342‐3p (miR339/342). Furthermore, protein eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5 subunit A (eIF5a) resulted a direct target of FOXD1‐AS1.ConclusionsThese data indicated that FOXD1‐AS1, a miR339/342 target, affected biological processes via protein eIF5a; thus, it might be considered as a new therapeutic target for glioblastoma.
Serum prealbumin is a prognostic indicator in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Li Biyun , Zhang Xinran , Xu Guodong , Zhang Shu , Song Huifang , Yang Kaiyuan , Dai Huaping , Wang Chen 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIntroductionIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal interstitial lung disease characterized by variable progression. The prealbumin (PA) is a parameter in a routine blood biochemistry examination. We sought to investigate the prognostic value in IPF patients.ObjectivesTo evaluate the prognosis value in patients with IPF.MethodsBlood biochemistry examination, demographics, pulmonary function data from patients with IPF consulted in Beijing Chao‐Yang Hospital and China‐Japan Friendship Hospital between July 2012 and December 2016 were collected. Infection, liver and kidney dysfunction and lung transplantation are excluded from the cohort.ResultsThe result of multivariate Cox analysis showed that PA was significant prognostic indicator of survival along with BMI, FVC, serum albumin protein and serum global protein. The patients with PA concentration <0.2 mg/L had shorter survival compared with those whose PA were normal. Although the survival had no significant difference between the patients with PA concentration < 0.2 mg/L and albumin < 35 g/L and those with PA concentration < 0.2 mg/L, the average survival time of patients with PA concentration < 0.2 mg/L and albumin < 35 g/L were shorter.ConclusionsOur study indicated that IPF patients with PA concentration < 0.2 mg/L have poorer outcome. Further studies are warranted to indentify PA as a predictor for IPF patients outcomes and explore the role of PA in the pathogenesis of IPF.
Elective or emergency heart transplantation: Cost comparison in a single center
Authors: Farrero Marta , Flores‐Umanzor Eduardo J. , Pomar Jose Luis , Sagarra Joan , Santiago Evelyn , Perez‐Villa Felix 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackground and aimsHeart transplantation (HT) is the treatment of choice for selected cases of advanced heart failure. There is an increasing rate of emergency HT in our country. The aim of this study was to determine the cost of HT in our hospital according to emergent vs. elective transplantation status.MethodsThe costs of all consecutive HTs performed in our center between January 2010 and May 2015 were analyzed. The cost of elective and emergent HT was compared.ResultsHT mean cost at our institution was €62 203 ± 47 976. Elective HT mean cost was €47 540 ± 25 140, whereas emergent HT cost was €102 733 ± 68 050 (emergency status 1, as regional priority, was €66 077 ± 28 067 and emergency status 0, as the highest national priority, was €136 056 ± 77 080; P < 0.001). Increased emergent HT cost was mainly related to a longer admission (32 ± 24 days vs. 69 ± 53 days; P = 0.006; accounting for a cost of €14 517 ± 12 475 vs. €37 846 ± 31 702; P < 0.001) and increased drug‐related expenses (€6622 ± 7465 vs. €15,171 ± 15,758; P < 0.02). Elective HT survival rate was 96%, compared to 68% for emergent HT; P = 0.002.ConclusionsElective HT showed a high survival rate with a relatively low and less variable cost, leading to a favorable economic balance in today's public health reimbursement system. In contrast, emergent HT showed a higher cost and a lower survival rate. New treatment strategies should be identified for heart failure patients at risk of requiring emergency HT.
The development of executive function in early childhood is inversely related to change in body mass index: Evidence for an energetic tradeoff?
Authors: Blair Clancy , Kuzawa Christopher W. , Willoughby Michael T. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA well‐established literature demonstrates executive function (EF) deficits in obese children and adults relative to healthy weight comparisons. EF deficits in obesity are associated with overeating and impulsive consumption of high calorie foods leading to excess weight gain and to problems with metabolic regulation and low‐grade inflammation that detrimentally affect the structure and function of prefrontal cortex. Here, we test a complementary explanation for the relation between EF and body mass index (BMI) grounded in the energy demand of the developing brain. Recent work shows that the brain accounts for a lifetime peak of 66% of resting metabolic rate in childhood and that developmental changes in brain energetics and normative changes in body weight gain are closely inversely related. This finding suggests a trade‐off in early childhood between energy used to support brain development versus energy used to support physical growth and fat deposition. To test this theorized energetic trade‐off, we analyzed data from a large longitudinal sample (N = 1,292) and found that change in EF from age 3 to 5 years, as a proxy for brain development in energetically costly prefrontal cortex, is inversely related to change in BMI from age 2 to 5 years. Greater linear decline in BMI predicted greater linear increase in EF. We interpret this finding as tentative support for a brain–body energetic trade‐off in early childhood with implications for lifetime obesity risk.
New approaches to studying early brain development in Down syndrome
Authors: Baburamani Ana A , Patkee Prachi A , Arichi Tomoki , Rutherford Mary A 
Published: May 2019

Down syndrome is the most common genetic developmental disorder in humans and is caused by partial or complete triplication of human chromosome 21 (trisomy 21). It is a complex condition which results in multiple lifelong health problems, including varying degrees of intellectual disability and delays in speech, memory, and learning. As both length and quality of life are improving for individuals with Down syndrome, attention is now being directed to understanding and potentially treating the associated cognitive difficulties and their underlying biological substrates. These have included imaging and postmortem studies which have identified decreased regional brain volumes and histological anomalies that accompany early onset dementia. In addition, advances in genome‐wide analysis and Down syndrome mouse models are providing valuable insight into potential targets for intervention that could improve neurogenesis and long‐term cognition. As little is known about early brain development in human Down syndrome, we review recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging that allow non‐invasive visualization of brain macro‐ and microstructure, even in utero. It is hoped that together these advances may enable Down syndrome to become one of the first genetic disorders to be targeted by antenatal treatments designed to ‘normalize’ brain development.What this paper adds

Magnetic resonance imaging can provide non‐invasive characterization of early brain development in Down syndrome.

Down syndrome mouse models enable study of underlying pathology and potential intervention strategies.

Potential therapies could modify brain structure and improve early cognitive levels.

Down syndrome may be the first genetic disorder to have targeted therapies which alter antenatal brain development.
A critical assessment of anti‐corruption strategies for economic development in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Senu Oluwafemi 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMotivationMany countries in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) experience thwarted economic development and corrupt public administration. As the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) focuses on implementation mechanisms in SSA, there is a need to examine the causes of the setbacks affecting these mechanisms, looking at the current trends of corruption and their impact on socioeconomic development.PurposeThis article focuses on assessing setbacks in anti‐corruption strategies to advance economic development in SSA, primarily looking at how and in what conditions UNCAC prevents corruption and manages responses in SSA.ApproachThis article adopts a descriptive and an explanatory perspective, using case studies of Kenya and Nigeria to explain and show how far the objectives of anti‐corruption strategies have been met, and assessing the causes of setbacks. In this context, the article also explores the challenges facing the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID).ConclusionsSocioeconomic development in SSA is hard to separate from maladministration and large‐scale corruption. The findings reveal the gravity of this impact and its interrelated factors of “active” and “benign” corruption. This article concludes that for SSA to create sustainable economic environments, the causes of the failure to stamp out corruption need to be addressed, and dishonesty, maladministration, illicit activities, nepotism curtailed, along with corrupt influences on anti‐corruption legislation.Policy implicationsThe article concludes that if governance does not prevent the failures of anti‐corruption strategies, an interventionist response will only weaken national endeavours, making it difficult to reach UNCAC’s vision of sustainable and corruption‐free economic environments.
Leadership and career development curriculum in Australian dental and oral health programmes
Authors: Hayes Melanie J. , Ingram Kelsey 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIntroductionThere is very little evidence of dental schools offering leadership or career development training for students. Given that tertiary students come from diverse backgrounds with differing experiences, it is important that all students learn skills that improve their employability by preparing them for a range of career paths and equipping them with the confidence to lead their profession into the future. This study mapped current leadership and career development training in dental education programmes throughout Australia, focusing on the capacity, barriers and enablers.MethodsIn 2018, an electronic survey was sent to the Program Convenors of all nineteen dental programmes in Australia. Survey questions were sourced from existing literature and the current regulatory competencies.ResultsWhilst the majority of respondents (n = 17, 89% response rate) indicated that their programmes included both leadership training (72%) and career development activities (88%), it is clear that the content focus, hours allocated and assessment items vary widely across the country. Further, curriculum appeared to focus almost exclusively on clinical work, which does not provide an avenue for students to explore alternative, non‐clinical career options or pathways or develop their skills beyond treating individual patients. Time constraints and ideological differences were reported as the biggest barriers to implementing leadership and career development curricula.ConclusionDespite an inconsistent approach nationally, it appears there is an opportunity for faculty across institutions to collaborate, potentially to develop a set of leadership and career development competencies and best practice teaching and learning activities.
A very potent factor V inhibitor interferes with the levels of all coagulation factors and causes a fatal hemorrhagic syndrome
Authors: Hoffmann Claire , Amiral Jean , Rezig Schéhérazade , Kerspern Hélène , Jantzem Hélène , Robin Sara , Collins Adam , Mornet Clelia , Mingant Fanny , Pan Petesch Brigitte , Ianotto Jean‐Christophe , Lippert Eric , Galinat Hubert 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWe report a very high factor V inhibitor affecting the measurement of all coagulation factors besides fibrinogen, all these factors being dramatically decreased. This inhibitor could be linked to antibiotic use. The patient died of massive hemorrhage before a plasma exchange could be initiated.
How to define chronic prurigo?
Authors: Pereira Manuel P. , Ständer Sonja 
Published: May 2019

AbstractChronic prurigo impairs quality of life and is immensely challenging to treat. Until recently, no clear definition or classification system was available for this disease. A European task force specialized in pruritus defined chronic prurigo as a distinct disease characterized by chronic pruritus, a lengthy scratching behaviour and the presence of pruriginous lesions. Papular, nodular, plaque, umbilicated and linear prurigo were identified as clinical subtypes according to the most prominent lesion type observed in the physical examination. Various clinical and pathophysiological aspects, which are common across the range of clinical manifestations of chronic prurigo, argue for chronic prurigo as a disease in its own right. Chronic prurigo should be clearly demarcated from other conditions such as so‐called acute or subacute prurigo forms as well as from psychogenic self‐inflicted skin lesions, since different diagnostic criteria apply for these diseases. This viewpoint essay provides a detailed definition and classification of chronic prurigo including its obligatory and associated diagnostic criteria and discusses chronic prurigo as a distinct disease as well as the demarcation to other relevant conditions.
Clinical features of Kaposi's sarcoma: experience from a Taiwanese medical center
Authors: Huang Alice Ya‐Yun , Lin Chi‐Ling , Chen Gwo‐Shing , Hu Stephen Chu‐Sung 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundMost of the previous reports regarding the clinical features of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) have been performed in Western and African countries. The clinical characteristics of KS have not been well defined in Han Chinese or Taiwanese patients. In this study, we analyzed the clinical features of KS patients in a Taiwanese medical center.MethodsMedical records from Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital over the past 20 years (1996–2016) were comprehensively reviewed.ResultsThere were 55 patients with KS (50 males and 5 females), including 37 patients (67%) with classic disease, 17 patients (31%) with AIDS‐associated disease, and one patient (2%) with immunosuppressive medication‐related disease. The average age was 58.7 years (range 20–87 years), and the average age was younger for AIDS patients (33.8 years) compared with non‐AIDS patients (69.8 years). Among patients with classic KS, lesions were mostly localized to the lower extremities, whereas AIDS‐associated KS patients were more likely to develop disseminated skin lesions, skin lesions on atypical sites (head and neck, trunk), and extracutaneous involvement (particularly oral cavity). The most common underlying diseases were diabetes mellitus (20% of patients) and hepatitis B (15% patients), and 38% of KS patients were smokers. Patients with AIDS‐associated KS usually responded well to chemotherapy, whereas only 32% of patients with non‐AIDS‐associated KS showed complete response to radiotherapy.ConclusionsThe findings of the current study will serve as important references for clinicians in the diagnosis of KS and may form the basis for the implementation of KS clinical practice guidelines in Taiwan.
Effect of glass composition on the physical properties and luminescence of Pr3+ ion‐doped chalcogenide glasses
Authors: Ma Chengcheng , Guo Haitao , Xu Yinsheng , Wu Zhihao , Li Mingming , Jia Xiaomeng , Nie Qiuhua 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn this work, Pr3+ ion‐doped Ge20Ga15−xSbxSe65 (x = 0, 5, 10, in mol%), Ge20Sb15−yInySe65 (y = 5, 10, in mol%), Ge20Ga15−zInzSe65 (z = 0, 5, 10, in mol%), and Ge20Ga5Sb10Se60I5 glasses were prepared. The structural units, thermal properties, and optical properties of these glasses were analyzed. In addition, a comprehensive comparison study of the effects of metal ions (Sb, Ga, and In), S/Se ratio, and I content on the mid‐infrared (MIR) luminescence of Pr3+ ions was conducted. Under a 1.55‐μm laser pump, 0.2 mol% of Pr3+ ion‐doped chalcogenide glasses performed strong photoluminescence in the wavelength range of 3.5‐5.5 μm. Results indicated that the Sb‐containing glass performed the strongest emission intensity among the studied glasses. Moreover, halogen element I can reduce the phonon energy of the matrix, which is beneficial to the luminescence of Pr3+ ions and provide significant possibilities for developing MIR lasers and amplifiers.