bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides regulate age‐related lineage commitment between osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation
Authors: Peng Hui , Yang Mi , Guo Qi , Su Tian , Xiao Ye , Xia Zhu-Ying 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectivesExcessive oxidative stress and diminished antioxidant defences could contribute to age‐related tissue damage and various diseases including age‐related osteoporosis. Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides (DOPs), a major ingredient from a traditional Chinese medicine, have a great potential of antioxidative activity. In this study, we explore the role of DOP in age‐related osteoporosis that remains elusive.Materials and methodsOxidative stimulation and DOP were used to treat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), whose lineage commitment was measured by adipogenic‐ and osteoblastic‐induced differentiation analysis. The oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity of BMSCs under the treatment of DOP were analysed by the level of MDA, SOD. Related mechanism studies were confirmed by qRT‐PCR, Western blotting and siRNA transfection. DOP was orally administrated in aged mice whose phenotype was confirmed by micro‐CT, immunofluorescence, immunochemistry and calcein double‐labelling analysis.ResultsDendrobium officinale polysaccharide treatment markedly increased osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, while inhibiting adipogenic differentiation. In vitro, DOP could rescue H2O2‐induced switch of BMSCs differentiation fate. However, this effect was abolished in BMSCs when interfered with Nrf2 siRNA. Furthermore, administration of DOP to aged mice significantly increased the bone mass and reduced the marrow adipose tissue (MAT) accompanied with decreased oxidative stress of BMSCs.ConclusionsOur study reveals that DOP can attenuate bone loss and MAT accumulation through NRF2 antioxidant signalling, which may represent as potential therapeutic agent for age‐related osteoporosis.
DANCR promotes HCC progression and regulates EMT by sponging miR‐27a‐3p via ROCK1/LIMK1/COFILIN1 pathway
Authors: Guo Dan , Li Yarui , Chen Yifei , Zhang Dan , Wang Xin , Lu Guifang , Ren Mudan , Lu Xinlan , He Shuixiang 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectivesThis research aims to verify that the long non‐coding RNA differentiation antagonizing nonprotein coding RNA (LncRNA DANCR) could modulate the proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and it thus may work as a novel biomarker to render new orientation for early diagnosis and clinical therapy of HCC.Materials and methodsFirstly, qRT‐PCR was used to detect the expression of genes including LncRNA DANCR and miR‐27a‐3p. Next, MTT assay, Ethynyldeoxyuridine (EdU) analysis and clone formation assay were used for investigating cell growth and proliferation. Meanwhile, transwell assay and wound healing assay were applied to evaluate the capacity of cell metastasis and motility, respectively. In addition, bioinformatic analysis and dual‐luciferase reporter assay were applied to analyse molecular interaction. Next, we conducted immunofluorescence and Western blot for mechanic investigation. Last but not the least, xenograft tumours in nude mice were built by subcutaneously injecting Hep3B cells stably transfected with sh‐NC and sh‐DANCR to detect proliferation and SMMC‐7721 cells stably transfected with sh‐NC and sh‐DANCR to investigate metastasis.ResultsThe results of qRT‐PCR and bioinformatic analysis revealed the high expression of DANCR in HCC. DANCR accelerated proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells and the knockdown of DANCR had the opposite effect. Meanwhile, xenograft tumours in sh‐DANCR group grow slower and have smaller volumes compared with negative control group. Next, the antineoplastic effect of miR‐27a‐3p on cell growth and motility of HCC was confirmed. In addition, we clarified that DANCR acted as a ceRNA to decoy miR‐27a‐3p via mediating ROCK1/LIMK1/COFILIN1 pathway. In the end, we validated that DANCR/miR‐27a‐3p axis regulates EMT progression by cell immunofluorescence and Western blot.ConclusionsIn a word, DANCR promotes HCC development and induces EMT by decoying miR‐27a‐3p to regulate ROCK1/LIMK1/COFILIN1 pathway.
Developing biocultural indicators for resource management
Authors: Dacks Rachel , Ticktin Tamara , Mawyer Alexander , Caillon Sophie , Claudet Joachim , Fabre Pauline , Jupiter Stacy D. , McCarter Joe , Mejia Manuel , Pascua Pua‘ala , Sterling Eleanor , Wongbusarakum Supin 
Published: May 2019

AbstractResource management and conservation interventions are increasingly embracing social–ecological systems (SES) concepts. While SES frameworks recognize the connectedness of humans and nature, many fail to acknowledge the complex role of sociocultural factors in influencing people's interactions with the environment. As such, when indicators in SES frameworks are used to measure the social dimension, easy to measure, socioeconomic indicators are the norms, while more complex social and cultural indicators are rare. To develop meaningful indicators of resilience in SES we need to understand local definitions of resilience. In this paper we describe methods used in a biocultural approach to illuminate sociocultural factors that Pacific Islanders identify as important for resilient communities. We focus specifically on two dimensions of sociocultural factors, “Connectedness to People and Place” and “Indigenous and local knowledges, skills, practices, values and worldviews,” which relate to many interventions, but are not usually monitored. We offer examples of indicators that may be appropriate to measure under these dimensions. Increased use of biocultural indicators will bring additional insight on the types and combinations of indicators that work best in given contexts.
Patients' perceptions of a culturally targeted Hispanic Kidney Transplant Program: A mixed methods study
Authors: Alhalel Nathan , Francone Nicolas O. , Salazar Alice M. , Primeaux Sharon , Ruiz Richard , Caicedo Juan Carlos , Gordon Elisa J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractDisproportionately fewer waitlisted Hispanics receive living donor kidney transplants (LDKTs) compared to non‐Hispanic whites. Northwestern Medicine's® culturally targeted Hispanic Kidney Transplant Program (HKTP) is associated with a significant increase in LDKTs among Hispanics. This multisite study assessed potential kidney recipients' and donors' and/or family members' perceptions of the HKTP's cultural components through semi‐structured interviews and validated surveys. Qualitative thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were performed. Thirty‐six individuals participated (62% participation rate) comprising 21 potential recipients and 15 potential donors/family (mean age: 51 years, 50% female, 72% preferred Spanish). Participants felt confident about the educational information because a transplant physician delivered the education and viewed the group format as effective. Participants felt that education sessions addressed myths about transplantation shared by Hispanics. Primary use of Spanish enhanced participants' understanding of transplantation. While few knew about living donation before attending the HKTP, most were “more in favor of” kidney transplantation (97%) and living donation (97%) afterward. Few reported learning about the HKTP from outreach staff and suggested leveraging community leaders to promote HKTP awareness. Our findings suggest the HKTP's cultural components were viewed favorably and positively influenced perceptions of kidney transplantation and living donation, which may help reduce transplant disparities in Hispanics. (Clinicaltrial.gov registration # NCT03276390, date of registration: 9‐7‐17, retrospectively registered).
Impact of asymptomatic bacteriuria incidence and management post–kidney transplantation
Authors: Bohn Brian C. , Athans Vasilios , Kovacs Christopher S. , Stephany Brian R. , Spinner Michael L. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most commonly occurring infectious complication following kidney transplantation. Questions remain regarding whether asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) should be treated. The aim was to evaluate the incidence and management of ASB in kidney transplant recipients at a large academic medical center.MethodsAll subjects receiving an isolated kidney transplant between September 2012 and October 2016, and with at least one ASB episode were included. Demographics, symptomatology, and urine culture data were collected on subjects with bacteriuria in the first year post‐transplant. Cultures were classified by symptoms, ASB treatment trends were analyzed, and ASB‐to‐UTI progression was compared between ASB treatment and non‐treatment.ResultsA total of 527 subjects were transplanted with 64 developing at least one ASB episode. The incidence of ASB was 12.1% and treated 74.6% of the time. Neither lack of ASB treatment (P = 0.463) nor ASB within the first month post‐transplant (P = 0.303) were associated with ASB‐to‐UTI progression.ConclusionDespite high ASB treatment rate, this was not found to be protective against ASB‐to‐UTI progression. ASB within the first month post‐transplant also did not correlate with increased progression risk. These results suggest minimization of ASB treatment in kidney transplant recipients remains an important antimicrobial stewardship target.
How alcohol advertising and sponsorship works: Effects through indirect measures
Authors: Zerhouni Oulmann , Bègue Laurent , O'Brien Kerry S. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIntroduction and AimsWe tested whether incidental exposure to alcohol marketing messages in sporting events: (i) influenced automatic evaluation of brands and alcohol in general; and (ii) if these processes occur through deliberative (conscious) or non‐conscious processes.Design and MethodsUsing an experimental design, participants watched a sport event containing: (i) a prototypical alcohol brand; (ii) a brand unrelated to alcohol; or (iii) a non‐prototypical alcohol brand. One hundred and nine participants were randomly assigned to either a cognitively depleting task to impair motivation for effortful conscious processing before watching the excerpt, or a control task. We measured indirect (implicit) and direct (explicit) attitudes toward alcohol and brands, and self‐report measures assessing affective response toward the event, involvement in processing the message and identifications toward the playing teams.ResultsWe found a positive main effect of incidental exposure to alcohol brands on indirect measures of attitudes toward alcohol as well as the specific brand. No effect of cognitive fatigue on indirect measure toward brands and alcohol was observed.Discussion and ConclusionsIncidental exposure to alcohol marketing messages appear to impact indirect measures of attitudes toward the brand and alcohol in general, and seems to rely on non‐conscious automatic processes.
Early feeding after esophageal variceal band ligation in cirrhotics is safe: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sidhu Sandeep Singh , Goyal Omesh , Singh Saurabh , Kishore Harsh , Chhina Rajoo Singh , Sidhu Samarth Singh 
Published: May 2019

Background and AimOral feeding following variceal ligation in cirrhotics is usually delayed due to fear of rebleeding. Solid diet is usually further delayed (until 72 h) despite lack of evidence. We aimed to compare the impact of early versus delayed feeding on rebleeding following variceal ligation.MethodsThis was a prospective randomized controlled trial including patients undergoing variceal ligation for active esophageal variceal bleeding. Patients were randomized into two groups. In the early‐feeding group, liquid diet was given after 1 h following variceal ligation and a regular solid diet was resumed after 4 h. In the delayed‐feeding group, patients fasted for the first 4 h after variceal ligation, liquid diet was given until 24 h, soft diet for the next 48 h and a regular solid diet after 72 h.ResultsThere were 52 and 49 patients in the early and delayed feeding groups, respectively. Very early rebleeding rates [2 (3.84%) vs 1 (2.04%); P ≥ 0.99] and delayed rebleeding rates [2 (3.84%) vs 4 (8.16%); P = 0.75] were similar in both groups. Protein and calorie intake in the early‐feeding group was significantly better and early infections in active bleeders were significantly lower compared to the delayed‐feeding group. One‐month mortality was similar in both groups [3 (5.76%) vs 4 (8.16%); P = 0.75].ConclusionEarly feeding with a regular solid diet in conscious patients after successful variceal ligation for esophageal varices is safe, provides better nutrition and results in lower incidence of infections in bleeders compared to delayed feeding.
Rapid and efficient generation of GFP‐knocked‐in Drosophila by the CRISPR‐Cas9‐mediated genome editing
Authors: Kina Hirono , Yoshitani Takashi , Hanyu‐Nakamura Kazuko , Nakamura Akira 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe CRISPR‐Cas9 technology has been a powerful means to manipulate the genome in a wide range of organisms. A series of GFP knocked‐in (GFPKI) Drosophila strains have been generated through CRISPR‐Cas9‐induced double strand breaks coupled with homology‐directed repairs in the presence of donor plasmids. They visualized specific cell types or intracellular structures in both fixed and live specimen. We provide a rapid and efficient strategy to identify KI lines. This method requires neither co‐integration of a selection marker nor prior establishment of sgRNA‐expressing transgenic lines. The injection of the mixture of a sgRNA/Cas9 expression plasmid and a donor plasmid into cleavage stage embryos efficiently generated multiple independent KI lines. A PCR‐based selection allows to identify KI fly lines at the F1 generation (approximately 4 weeks after injection). These GFPKI strains have been deposited in the Kyoto Drosophila stock center, and made freely available to researchers at non‐profit organizations. Thus, they will be useful resources for Drosophila research.
Nanopore sequencing: Review of potential applications in functional genomics
Authors: Kono Nobuaki , Arakawa Kazuharu 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMolecular biology has been led by various measurement technologies, and increased throughput has developed omics analysis. The development of massively parallel sequencing technology has enabled access to fundamental molecular data and revealed genomic and transcriptomic signatures. Nanopore sequencers have driven such evolution to the next stage. Oxford Nanopore Technologies Inc. provides a new type of single molecule sequencer using protein nanopore that realizes direct sequencing without DNA synthesizing or amplification. This nanopore sequencer can sequence an ultra‐long read limited by the input nucleotide length, or can determine DNA/RNA modifications. Recently, many fields such as medicine, epidemiology, ecology, and education have benefited from this technology. In this review, we explain the features and functions of the nanopore sequencer, introduce various situations where it has been used as a critical technology, and expected future applications.
Safety profile of ultrasound enhancing agents in echocardiography
Authors: Kumar Suwen , Purtell Chris , Peterson April , Gibbons Paul , Khan Abigail M. , Heitner Stephen B. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIntroductionUltrasound enhancing agents (UEAs) are often utilized to enhance ultrasound image quality; however, concerns about adverse reactions have limited their use. Moreover, these agents had been either contraindicated or are labeled with a warning in patients with intra‐cardiac shunts because of a theoretic risk of systemic microvascular obstruction. This labeling was recently removed in the United States, but data in these patients are lacking.MethodsOver a 15‐month period, patients receiving three different FDA‐approved UEAs at our center were prospectively evaluated for clinically significant adverse events (AEs).ResultsA total of 5521 UEA administrations were performed (Definity®: 3306, Lumason®: 2137, Optison®: 78). There were 14 AEs (0.25%) reported (Lumason®: 0.05% [n = 1] vs Definity®: 0.39% [n = 13], P = 0.02). Back pain was the most common complaint (n = 9), followed by headache (n = 2), rash (n = 2), dyspnea (n = 2), and palpitations (n = 1). Among the 33 patients known to have intra‐cardiac shunts, there were no AEs. Known right‐to‐left shunts with positive saline bubble study were present in 20 patients (Lumason®: n = 9, Definity®: n = 11). Left‐to‐right atrial shunts based on color Doppler were present in 10 patients (Lumason®: n = 5, Definity® n = 5). Three patients were known to have ventricular septal defect with left‐to‐right flow (Definity®: n = 2, Optison®: n = 1).ConclusionAdverse events were significantly higher with Definity®; however, overall incidences were low, and AEs were minor. Furthermore, no AEs were reported in patients with known intra‐cardiac shunts. UEAs showed a good safety profile in our study and should be afforded to all appropriate patients, including those with known intra‐cardiac shunts.
Echocardiographic assessment of pulmonary arterial stiffness in human immunodeficiency virus‐infected patients
Authors: Cerik Idris Bugra , Meric Murat , Gulel Okan , Ozturk Cerik Hatun , Coksevim Metin , Soylu Korhan , Deveci Aydin , Sahin Mahmut 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundPulmonary hypertension (PH) is one of the complications of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Despite the emergence of effective therapies, pulmonary arterial hypertension is commonly seen, especially at advanced stages. At the time of diagnosis, a majority of patients are at New York Heart Association‐Functional Class III or IV. Many of the current screening modalities are dependent on detecting a rise in pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP). However, high capacitance of the pulmonary circulation implies that early microcirculation loss is not accompanied by a change in resting PAP. Therefore, we aimed to demonstrate early changes in pulmonary vascular disease in HIV‐infected patients with a new echocardiographic parameter, called as pulmonary arterial stiffness (PAS).Methods and ResultsThirty‐six HIV‐infected patients and 36 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy control subjects were enrolled in this study. PAS was calculated echocardiographically by using maximal frequency shift and acceleration time of the pulmonary artery flow trace. There was no significant difference in diastolic functions, right ventricular diameters, systolic PAP, inferior vena cava widths, right atrial area, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion values between the two groups. However, PAS was calculated as 24.3 ± 6.4 Hz/msn in HIV‐infected patients and 19.3 ± 3.1 Hz/msn in healthy control group (P < 0.001). Increase in PAS was correlated with duration of HIV infection (P < 0.05).ConclusionOur results suggest that HIV infection affects pulmonary vascular bed starting early onset of disease and this can be demonstrated by an easy‐to‐measure echocardiographic parameter.
The interaction between bank solvency and funding costs: A crucial effect in stress tests
Authors: Schmitz Stefan W. , Sigmund Michael , Valderrama Laura 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis paper presents new evidence on the empirical relationship between bank solvency and funding costs. Building on a newly constructed data set drawing on the supervisory data of 54 large banks from six advanced countries over 2004–2013, we use a simultaneous equation approach with panel data to estimate the contemporaneous interaction between solvency and funding costs. Our results and test statistics show that these two are (a) determined simultaneously and (b) more pronounced than suggested by the existing empirical literature. A 100‐bps increase in regulatory capital ratios is associated with a decrease of bank funding costs of about 113 bps. A 100‐bps increase in funding costs reduces regulatory capital buffers by 48 bps. Applying our estimation results to the 2014 EU‐wide stress test reveals that neglecting the solvency‐funding cost nexus leads to the systematical and significant underestimation of the impact of shocks on bank capital ratios.
The impact of foreign and domestic remittance types and senders on education outcomes
Authors: Stanley Denise , Fleming Nicolas 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMigration and remittances are very important for Nepal, yet the country continues to be plagued by low financial development. Increases in human capital investments, such as enrollment of school‐aged children, are a possible gain from the country's labor movements, which can be leveraged further through an understanding of the microeconomic processes involved. This study examines how remittances from both household and nonhousehold members affect school enrollment rates for children in Nepalese families. We analyze the positive and negative impacts of migration and remittances separately and consider both the type and location of the remittance sender using the Nepal Living Standards Survey (NLSS‐III) of 9,335 school‐aged children. We find enrollment more associated with an exogenous process and use this to estimate marginal effects in which remittances significantly increase children's school enrollment by about 2% points in most cases. These results suggest policymakers should encourage domestic migration (which allows proximity between senders and recipients of remittances as well as less family disruption).
Preclinical dental training: Association between difficulty in performing restorative procedures and the adoption of ergonomic posture
Authors: Neves Tamíris da Costa , Viana Lauriane Nogueira , Wajngarten Danielle , Garcia Patrícia Petromilli Nordi Sasso 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine any correlations between difficulty in performing restorative procedures and the adoption of ergonomic posture by dental students in a preclinical course.MethodsThe sample was composed of second‐year undergraduate students enrolled in the School of Dentistry of São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara (n = 56). The data were collected from weekly records in which students who had participated in training in a preclinical restorative dentistry laboratory registered the difficulty they experienced performing given proposed preclinical procedures and adopting ergonomic posture (positioning of students’ legs, thighs, spine, arms, and forearms, as well as the positioning of both the dental light and the dental mannequin's head, the distance between the operating field and the operator's eyes, and the location of the instruments used in the procedures). Answers were provided on a scale of zero to ten points (zero = no difficulty; 10 = maximum difficulty). A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. The correlation between the level of difficulty in performing the restorative procedures and in the adoption of ergonomic posture was estimated using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r), and its significance was tested using Student's t test. To evaluate the effect of time on students’ perceived difficulties in implementing ergonomic posture, the first 2 weeks of training was defined as the initial time, whilst the last 2 weeks was defined as final time (scores from these periods were averaged). After the normality assumptions were verified, Student's t test for paired samples was performed. The significance level adopted was <5%.ResultsA correlation was found between the difficulty students experienced performing the preclinical procedures and their difficulties implementing ergonomic posture; the correlation was significant, though the correlation ranged from slight to moderate (P < 0.001; r = 0.38‐0.63). In addition, the data also showed that the students’ perceptions of how difficult it was to implement these posture items decreased significantly over time (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe correlation between perceived difficulty in performing the preclinical restorative dentistry procedures and the application of ergonomic posture was slight to moderate, and the students’ perceived difficulties in maintaining ergonomic posture decreased over the course of the school year.