bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating miRNA‐375 as a potential novel biomarker for active Kaposi’s sarcoma in AIDS patients
Authors: Piano Maria Assunta , Gianesello Lisa , Grassi Angela , Del Bianco Paola , Mattiolo Adriana , Cattelan Anna Maria , Sasset Lolita , Zanovello Paola , Calabrò Maria Luisa 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to identify circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) that could be used as biomarkers in patients at risk for or affected by AIDS‐Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Screening of 377 miRNAs was performed using low‐density arrays in pooled plasma samples of 10 HIV/human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8)‐infected asymptomatic and 10 AIDS‐KS patients before and after successful combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). MiR‐375 was identified as a potential marker of active KS, being the most down‐regulated in AIDS‐KS patients after cART and the most up‐regulated in naïve AIDS‐KS patients compared to naïve asymptomatic subjects. Validation on individual plasma samples confirmed that miR‐375 levels were higher in AIDS‐KS compared to asymptomatic patients, decreased after cART‐induced remission in most AIDS‐KS patients and increased in patients with active KS. In asymptomatic patients miR‐375 was up‐regulated after cART in both screening and validation. Statistical analyses revealed an association between miR‐375 changes and CD4 cell counts, which could explain the discordant cases and the opposite trend between asymptomatic and AIDS‐KS patients. These data suggest that circulating miR‐375 might be a good indicator of active AIDS‐KS. Moreover, changes in miR‐375 levels may have a prognostic value in HIV/HHV8‐infected patients undergoing treatment. Further large‐scale validation is needed.
Calcium carbonate productivity by Halimeda macroloba in the tropical intertidal ecosystem: The significant contributor to global carbonate budgets
Authors: Mayakun Jaruwan , Prathep Anchana 
Published: December 2018

SUMMARYHalimeda is a potential carbon sink species and an important player in the global carbonate budget. The objectives of this study were to: (i) examine the CaCO3 and sediment productions of H. macroloba by measuring the density, growth rate, and recruitment; (ii) quantify the numbers of aragonite crystals; (iii) document reproductive events; and (iv) determine the life‐span. This study was carried out at Lidee Lek Island, Satun, Thailand during July 2015 to April 2016. The density was measured using quadrats (0.25 m2) and three 50 m line transects. Alizarin Red‐S marking technique was used for the growth rate and CaCO3 accumulation rate assessments. The recruitment, reproduction and life‐span were measured by tagging 500 individuals. Tagged individuals and new plants were counted. In this study, mean and the highest density of Halimeda were 44.42 ± 13.95 and 138.22 ± 11.68 thalli m−2, respectively, and Halimeda produced 1–2 new segments.thallus−1 day−1 or 0.021 ± 0.001 g dry weight.thallus−1.day−1. The annual biomass production was 1910–5950 g m−2 year.−1. There was a low rate of occurrence of sexual reproduction, observed in late July to September, ranging from 0.17% to 1.92%. For the mortality and recruitment rates, approximately 70–80% of individuals were lost during July to September 2015, probably from sexual reproduction and the recruitment rate varied from 5.36 ± 0.79% to 21.03 ± 2.33%. The highest density of new recruits was found in September 2015 right after the sexual reproductive event occurred. New recruits have been found up to April 2016 without any reproductive events, suggesting that both sexual and asexual reproduction helped maintain the population. The life span of Halimeda was 8–12 months. In addition, Halimeda accumulated CaCO3 at approximately 0.018 g CaCO3 thallus−1 day−1 and produced CaCO3 at approximately 291.94–908.11 g m−2 year−1, indicating that Halimeda contributes to CaCO3 and helps to sink carbon through calcification. The results in terms of the density, growth rate, and CaCO3 accumulation rate can be used to calculate the mass of carbonate sediment contributed by Halimeda.
Treating osteosarcoma with CAR T cells
Authors: Köksal Hakan , Müller Elisabeth , Inderberg Else Marit , Bruland Øyvind , Wälchli Sébastien 
Published: December 2018

AbstractNovel therapies to treat patients with solid cancers that have developed resistance to chemotherapy represent unmet needs of considerable dimensions. In the present review, we will address the attempts to develop chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeted immunotherapy against osteosarcoma (OS). This aggressive cancer displays its peak incidence in children and young adults. The main cause of patient death is lung metastases with a 5‐year survival as low as 5%‐10% in the primary metastatic setting and 30% in the relapse situation, respectively. Effective adjuvant combination chemotherapy introduced more than 40 years ago improved the survival rates from below 20% to around 60% in patients; however, since then, no major breakthroughs have been made. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors has been disappointing in OS, while other types of immunotherapies such as CAR T cells remain largely unexplored. Indeed, for CAR T‐cell therapy to be efficacious, two main criteria need to be fulfilled: (a) CAR T cells should target an epitope selectively expressed on the cell surface of OS in order to prevent toxicities in normal tissues and (b) the target should also be widely expressed on OS metastases. These challenges have already been undertaken in OS and illustrate the difficulties in developing tomorrow's CAR‐T treatment in a solid tumour. We will discuss the experiences with CAR‐T therapy development and efficacy to combat the clinical challenges in OS.
Molecular epidemiology of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the Brazilian primary health care system
Authors: Pereira‐Franchi Eliane Patricia Lino , Barreira Maria Rachel Nogueira , da Costa Natália de Sousa Lima Moreira , Riboli Danilo Flávio Moraes , Abraão Ligia Maria , Martins Katheryne Benini , Victória Cassiano , Cunha Maria de Lourdes Ribeiro de Souza da 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the molecular epidemiology and to georeference Staphylococcus aureus isolated from wounds and nares of patients seen at Basic Health Units (BHUs) of a Brazilian city.MethodsObservational, cross‐sectional study conducted from 2010 to 2013. A total of 119 S. aureus strains isolated from the wounds and nares of 88 patients were studied. The isolates were characterised by identifying virulence genes encoding enterotoxins A–E, haemolysins α, β and δ, exfoliatins A, B and D, biofilm production, Panton‐Valentine Leukocidin and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1, and by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), multilocus sequence and spa typing.ResultsEighteen methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (6 SCCmec type II and 12 SCCmec type IV) and 101 (85%) MSSA were identified. PFGE typing resulted in the formation of eight clusters, with STs 1, 5, 8, 30, 188, 1176 and 1635 and spa type t002 being the predominant types among MSSA. The 18 MRSA belonged to STs 5, 8 and 1176 and spa types t002 and t062.ConclusionThe results demonstrate widespread dissemination of MSSA and MRSA clones carrying haemolysin, biofilm and toxin genes. Kernel density estimation revealed the highest density of S. aureus in the 4, 5 and 8 BHUs.
Insights into the pulmonary vascular complications of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Lai Yen‐Chun , Wang Longfei , Gladwin Mark T. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPulmonary hypertension in the setting of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (PH‐HFpEF) is a growing public health problem that is increasing in prevalence. While PH‐HFpEF is defined by a high mean pulmonary artery pressure, high left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure and a normal ejection fraction, some HFpEF patients develop PH in the presence of pulmonary vascular remodelling with a high transpulmonary pressure gradient or pulmonary vascular resistance. Ageing, increased left atrial pressure and stiffness, mitral regurgitation, as well as features of metabolic syndrome, which include obesity, diabetes and hypertension, are recognized as risk factors for PH‐HFpEF. Qualitative studies have documented that patients with PH‐HFpEF develop more severe symptoms than those with HFpEF and are associated with more significant exercise intolerance, frequent hospitalizations, right heart failure and reduced survival. Currently, there are no effective therapies for PH‐HFpEF, although a number of candidate drugs are being evaluated, including soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, sodium nitrite and endothelin receptor antagonists. In this review we attempt to provide an updated overview of recent findings pertaining to the pulmonary vascular complications in HFpEF in terms of clinical definitions, epidemiology and pathophysiology. Mechanisms leading to pulmonary vascular remodelling in HFpEF, a summary of pre‐clinical models of HFpEF and PH‐HFpEF, and new candidate therapeutic strategies for the treatment of PH‐HFpEF are summarized.
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Indigenous health worker support for patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial of the Mana Tū programme
Authors: Selak Vanessa , Stewart Tereki , Jiang Yannan , Reid Jennifer , Tane Taria , Carswell Peter , Harwood Matire 
Published: December 2018

IntroductionType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its complications are more common among Māori and Pacific people compared with other ethnic groups in New Zealand. Comprehensive and sustained approaches that address social determinants of health are required to address this condition, including culturally specific interventions. Currently, New Zealand has no comprehensive T2DM management programme for Māori or Pacific people.Methods and analysisThe Mana Tū programme was developed by a Māori-led collaborative of primary healthcare workers and researchers, and codesigned with whānau (patients and their families) in order to address this gap. The programme is based in primary care and has three major components: a Network hub, Kai Manaaki (skilled case managers who work with whānau with poorly controlled diabetes) and a cross-sector network of services to whom whānau can be referred to address the wider determinants of health. The Network hub supports the delivery of the intervention through training of Kai Manaaki, referrals management, cross-sector network development and quality improvement of the programme. A two-arm cluster randomised controlled trial will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the Mana Tū programme among Māori, Pacific people or those living in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation who also have poorly controlled diabetes (glycated haemoglobin, HbA1c, >65 mmol/mol (8%)), compared with being on a wait list for the programme. A total of 400 participants will be included from 10 general practices (5 practices per group, 40 participants per practice). The primary outcome is HbA1c at 12 months. Secondary outcomes include blood pressure, lipid levels, body mass index and smoking status at 12 months. This protocol outlines the proposed study design and analysis methods.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval for the trial has been obtained from the New Zealand Health and Disability Ethics Committee (17/NTB/249). Findings will be presented to practices and their patients at appropriate fora, and disseminated widely through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.Trial registration numberACTRN12617001276347; Pre-result.
Clinical and genetic associations of renal function and diabetic kidney disease in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Osman Wael M , Jelinek Herbert F , Tay Guan K , Khandoker Ahsan H , Khalaf Kinda , Almahmeed Wael , Hassan Mohamed H , Alsafar Habiba S 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesWithin the Emirati population, risk factors and genetic predisposition to diabetic kidney disease (DKD) have not yet been investigated. The aim of this research was to determine potential clinical, laboratory and reported genetic loci as risk factors for DKD.Research design and methodsFour hundred and ninety unrelated Emirati nationals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were recruited with and without DKD, and clinical and laboratory data were obtained. Following adjustments for possible confounders, a logistic regression model was developed to test the associations of 63 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 43 genetic loci with DKD (145 patients with DKD and 265 without DKD). Linear regression models, adjusted for age and gender, were then used to study the genetic associations of five renal function traits, including 83 SNPs with albumin-to-creatinine ratio, 92 SNPs with vitamin D (25-OH cholecalciferol), 288 SNPs with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), 363 SNPs with serum creatinine and 73 SNPs with blood urea.ResultsPatients with DKD, as compared with those without the disease, were mostly men (52%vs38% for controls), older (67vs59 years) and had significant rates of hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Furthermore, patients with DKD had T2DM for a longer duration of time (16vs10 years), which in an additive manner was the single factor that significantly contributed to the development of DKD (p=0.02, OR=3.12, 95% CI 1.21 to 8.02). Among the replicated associations of the genetic loci with different renal function traits, the most notable includedSHROOM3with levels of serum creatinine, eGFR and DKD (Padjusted=0.04, OR=1.46);CASR,GCandCYP2R1with vitamin D levels; as well asWDR72with serum creatinine and eGFR levels.ConclusionsAssociations were found between several genetic loci and risk markers for DKD, which may influence kidney function traits and DKD in a population of Arab ancestry.
Clinical effectiveness of pharmacy-led versus conventionally delivered antiviral treatment for hepatitis C in patients receiving opioid substitution therapy: a study protocol for a pragmatic cluster randomised trial
Authors: Radley Andrew , de Bruin Marijn , Inglis Sarah K , Donnan Peter T , Dillon John F 
Published: December 2018

IntroductionHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects 0.7% of the general population, and up to 40% of people prescribed opioid substitution therapy (OST) in Scotland. In conventional care, less than 10% of OST users are tested for HCV and less than 25% of these initiate treatment. Community pharmacists see this group frequently to provide OST supervision. This study examines whether a pharmacist-led ‘test & treat’ pathway increases cure rates for HCV.Methods and analysisThis protocol describes a cluster-randomised trial where 60 community pharmacies provide either conventional or pharmacy-led care. All pharmacies offer dried blood spot testing (DBST) for HCV. Participants have attended the pharmacy for OST for 3 months; are positive for HCV genotype 1 or 3; are not co-infected with HIV and/or hepatitis B; have no decompensated liver disease; are not pregnant. For conventional care, pharmacists refer HCV-positive participants to a local centre for assessment. In the pharmacy-led arm, pharmacists assess participants themselves in the pharmacy. Drug prescribing is by nurse prescribers (conventional arm) or pharmacist prescribers (pharmacy-led arm). Treatment in both arms is delivered as daily modified directly observed therapy in a pharmacy. Primary trial outcome is number of sustained virological responses at 12 weeks after treatment completion. Secondary trial outcomes are number of tests taken; treatment uptake; completion; adherence; re-infection. An economic evaluation will assess potential cost-effectiveness. Qualitative research interviews with clients and health professionals assess acceptability of a pharmacist-led pathway.Ethics and disseminationThis protocol has been ethically approved by the East of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2 (15/ES/0086) and complies with the Declaration of Helsinki and principles of Good Clinical Practice. Caldicott guardian approval was given on 16 December 2016 to allow NHS Tayside to pass information to the cluster community pharmacies about the HCV test status of patients that they are seeing to provide OST supervision. NHS R&D approvals have been obtained from each health board taking part in the study. Informed consent is obtained before study enrolment and only anonymised data are stored in a secured database, enabling an audit trail. Results will be submitted to international peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences.Trial registration numberNCT02706223; Pre-results.
Impact of workplace incivility in hospitals on the work ability, career expectations and job performance of Chinese nurses: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Zhang Shu’e , Ma Chongyi , Meng Dexin , Shi Yu , Xie Fengzhe , Wang Jinghui , Dong Xinpeng , Liu Jiao , Cang Shuang , Sun Tao 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to investigate new nurses’ experiences of workplace incivility; verify the mediating role of work ability in the relationship between workplace incivility and job performance and examine the moderating role of career expectations in the relationship between workplace incivility and job performance.DesignThis cross-sectional survey was conducted in China in May 2016.SettingsThe research settings included 54 cities across 29 provinces of China.ParticipantsOf the 903 participants recruited, 696 new nurses (<3 years of nursing experience) agreed to complete the online questionnaire of the study. The effective response rate was 77.1%. The inclusion criteria were voluntary participation, <3 years of nursing experience and recognition as a registered nurse. The exclusion criteria were refusal to participate, >3 years of nursing experience or not recognised as a registered nurse.ResultsNew nurses (60.7%) experienced some level of workplace incivility in the previous year, and it was more frequent among those with higher educational degrees. Work ability mediated the relationship between workplace incivility and job performance, and this relationship was moderated by career expectations.ConclusionIncivility towards new nurses was relatively common in the workplace. Workplace incivility impairs job performance by weakening the work ability of new nurses. Higher career expectations may buffer workplace incivility and contribute to the maintenance of job performance by buffering the detrimental effects of workplace incivility.
Neighbourhood characteristics and cumulative biological risk: evidence from the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey 2008: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cunningham-Myrie Colette Andrea , Mabile Emily , Govia Ishtar , Younger Novie O , Tulloch-Reid Marshall Kerr , McFarlane Shelly , Francis Damian , Gordon-Strachan Georgiana , Wilks Rainford , Greene Lisa-Gaye , Lyew-Ayee Parris , Theall Katherine P 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveTo examine whether neighbourhood characteristics are associated with cumulative biological risk (CBR) and sex differences in CBR in a nationally representative sample in Jamaica, a small island developing country with increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).DesignCross-sectional studySettingA population-based cross-sectional survey, the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey 2008 (JHLS II) recruited persons at their homes over a 4 month period from all 14 parishes and 113 neighbourhoods defined as enumeration districts (EDs).Participants2544 persons aged 15–74 years old from the 2008 Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey (JHLS II), who completed interviewer-administered questionnaires and had biomarkers assessed, and whose home addresses could be reliably geocoded.Primary outcomeA summary measure CBR was created using seven markers—systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings, waist circumference, body mass index, total cholesterol, fasting blood glucose levels and self-reported asthma. Weighted multilevel models examined clustering, using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), of CBR across neighbourhoods and the impact of neighbourhood characteristics (recreational space availability and neighbourhood disorder) on CBR.ResultsWomen had significantly higher mean CBR scores than men across all age groups. There was significant clustering of CBR by ED, and among women versus men (ICC: F=6.9%, M=0.7%). Women living in more disordered neighbourhoods were 26% more likely to have high CBR as those in less disordered ones (aOR=1.26, 95% CI=1.08 to 1.47; p<0.05). Individuals living in EDs with greater recreational space availability were 25% less likely to have a high CBR (aOR=0.75, 95% CI=0.64 to 0.90; p<0.05).ConclusionsPolicy-makers in Jamaica should pay greater attention to neighbourhood factors such as recreational space availability and neighbourhood disorder that may contribute to CBR in any effort to curtail the epidemic of NCDs.
Study protocol for a double-blind randomised controlled trial investigating the impact of 12 weeks supplementation with aFucus vesiculosusextract on cholesterol levels in adults with elevated fasting LDL cholesterol who are overweight or have obesity
Authors: Murray Margaret , Dordevic Aimee L , Cox Katherine H M , Scholey Andrew , Ryan Lisa , Bonham Maxine P 
Published: December 2018

IntroductionHyperlipidaemia, hyperglycaemia and chronic inflammation are risk factors for chronic diseases cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Polyphenols are bioactive compounds found in marine algae with potential antihyperlipidaemic, antihyperglycaemic and anti-inflammatory effects. The modulation of these risk factors using bioactive polyphenols may represent a useful strategy for disease prevention and management; research in humans, however, remains limited. This trial aims to determine the impact of a polyphenol-rich brown seaweed extract on fasting hyperlipidaemia, hyperglycaemia and inflammation. Effects on mood and cognition will also be evaluated.Methods and analysisFifty-eight hypercholesterolaemic participants who are overweight or have obesity will be randomised to receive either a polyphenol-rich brown seaweed extract (2000 mg dose containing 600 mg polyphenols) or placebo (2000 mg rice flour) daily for 12 weeks. Fasting venous blood samples will be taken at baseline, week 6 and week 12 of the intervention to assess serum cholesterol (total, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein) and triglyceride concentrations, plasma glucose and insulin concentrations and markers of inflammation. Mood and cognitive function will be evaluated as exploratory outcomes. Independent t-tests or equivalent will be used to determine differences between the two groups in changes from baseline to week 12. Analysis of variance will be used to assess differences between the groups across the three time points (baseline, week 6 and week 12).Ethics and disseminationEthics approval has been granted by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (2017-8689-10379). Results from this trial will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals, national and international presentations, and a PhD thesis. These results are essential to inform the use of polyphenol-rich brown seaweeds as a functional food or nutritional supplement ingredients for health promotion and disease prevention and management in humans.Trial registration numberACTRN12617001039370; Pre-results.