bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abstract 348: Epigenetic Regulation in Heart Regeneration
Authors: Tian Shuo , Lei Ienglam , Ma Peter X , Wang Zhong 
Published: February 2019

Existing treatments for myocardial infarction (MI) include Medication, intervention, and surgical bypass. These strategies are mainly used to prevent disease progression, but do not address the fundamental problem of cardiomyocyte loss. Therefore, developing new effective therapeutic strategies to preserve the pumping function after MI is highly desired.
Acute injuries, such as MI, are companied with quick and massive loss of histone acetylation in injured cells, which lead to severe organ damage. Therefore, maintaining proper histone acetylation in a swift manner will likely protect the affected cell and organ function.
In this study, we showed that valproic acid (VPA), a pan HDAC inhibitor and a FDA approved drug for epilepsy and bipolar disorders, reduced ~50% of the infarct size and preserves the pumping function of heart after MI in rats. Moreover, 60 min after infarction, VPA administration still significantly decreased infarct size in MI rats. Mechanistically, we identified that that VPA treatment triggered a Foxm1 pathway, which in turn activated genes essential for cell survival and proliferation and inflammation suppression. Importantly, overexpression of Foxm1 provided similar heart protective effect after MI as VPA treatment. In contrast, inhibition of Foxm1 activity abolished the cardiac protective effect of VPA.
In parallel, we have applied novel biodegradable nanofibrous microspheres as cell carriers for cell transplantation. These microspheres dramatically improve engraftment of exogenously delivered cells and functional recovery of the infarcted hearts. Intriguingly, the efficacy of cell engraftment appears to correlate with the cell carrier’s ability to maintain the acetylation status of the cells.
We expect that the combined HDAC inhibitor treatment with cell carrier-mediated CM transplantation will work synergistically to regenerate infarcted heart functioning and lead to effective clinical applications in heart regeneration therapy.
Abstract 407: Defective Branched Chain Amino Acid Catabolism Impairs Exercise Endurance
Authors: Abell Lauren E 
Published: February 2019

The branched chain amino acids (BCAA), leucine, isoleucine and valine, are essential for mammals, and they play a positive role in exercise capacity, muscle development, and a lean body phenotype. BCAA supplementation is commonly paired with exercise in order to promote muscle growth, increase resistance to fatigue and reduce muscle soreness. Conversely, elevated serum BCAA is strongly and positively correlated with the development of insulin resistance, coronary heart disease, and type II diabetes, and is predictive of patient response to therapeutics and intervention outcomes. We have previously shown that defective BCAA catabolism in mice impaired glucose metabolism in the heart and increased susceptibility to stress-induced cardiac damage. In this study we sought to determine the effects of elevated BCAA levels on skeletal muscle performance and response to exercise training using mouse models with systemically elevated BCAA levels.
Here we assess the hypothesis that defective BCAA catabolism negatively impacts exercise capacity and endurance through deregulation of substrate utilization in the skeletal muscle using a mouse model with systemically elevated BCAA levels. Impairment of BCAA catabolism due to the deletion of mitochondrial-localized protein phosphatase 2C (PP2Cm), a key enzyme in activating BCAA catabolism, leads to elevated BCAA levels in mice. To study this, PP2Cm-knock out (KO) mice and their littermate controls were subjected to high-intensity and low-intensity exercise capacity tests via forced treadmill running. PP2Cm-KO mouse has a 20% reduction in exercise capacity. Reduced exercise capacity positively correlated with elevated serum BCAA levels. Additionally, KO animals supplemented with BCAAs demonstrated elevated serum succinate, alanine and glutamate levels, which are metabolic markers of physiological stress. We conclude that the inability to catabolize BCAAs has a negative effect on exercise capacity and endurance.
Index Finger Muscle Fatigue and Pistol Firing Failure
Authors: Nestler Kai , Rohde Ulrich , Witzki Alexander , Waldeck Stephan , Becker Benjamin , Leyk Dieter 
Published: February 2019

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze finger strength and effects of muscle fatigue on the ability to shoot. Background: The finger and hand muscles of soldiers are subject to high loads. For example, the trigger pull of military pistols can amount up to 58 N (≈6 kg) and could cause muscle fatigue in the trigger finger. For soldiers, however, maintaining the ability to shoot is essential for self-defense and survival. Method: The marksmanship training of 30 German soldiers (15 female) ages 18 to 40 years was evaluated. Three consecutive exercises with a total of 60 rounds were fired from target ranges of 5 and 10 m, equally using a single-action and double-action trigger mode. Maximum voluntary isometric contraction of the index finger (MVCIF) was measured before and after each of the three firing exercises. Results: Shooting reduced MVCIF in female (88.2 ± 15.8 N to 67.3 ± 17.7 N, p < .001) and male soldiers (145.8 ± 21.7 N to 112.7 ± 26.6 N, p < .001). Of the 30 subjects, 23 were unable to shoot due to fatigue, including 15 of 15 female soldiers. The higher MVCIF was at rest, the less commonly ( r = .73, p < .001) and the later ( r = 0.82, p < .001) task failure occurred. Two intermissions of approximately 6 min did not suffice for a significant recovery. Conclusion: Excessive trigger pull weight causes muscle fatigue of the index finger and can ultimately lead to task failure during pistol marksmanship training. Short breaks are insufficient for the recovery of finger muscles. Application: This study presents a new perspective on ideal trigger pull weight, which should be carefully considered by manufacturers to allow repetitive firing and simultaneously ensure safe handling.
Physical Performance of Participants of Sports Education Camps for Children with Visual Impairments
Authors: McMahon John , Emerson Robert S. Wall , Ponchillia Paul , Curtis Amy 
Published: February 2019

Introduction: Youths with visual impairments (i.e., those who are blind or have low vision) often demonstrate reduced involvement in sports and related negative effects. This study looked at data from sports education camps to see whether involvement in this short-term intervention positively affected the performance of component sports skills such as running, throwing, and catching. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of interview and performance data taken at sports education camps in one of 12 U.S. states in the years 1989, 1996, and 2000–2010. Data included questions about students’ attitudes toward and involvement in physical activities and sports. Skill performance measured before and after each camp included standing long jump, overarm softball throw, underarm softball throw, and goalball throw. Results: First-time attendees at the sports education camps demonstrated significant improvement in overarm throw, underarm throw, and standing long jump. Boys had slightly greater increases in standing long jump and overarm throw, and girls had a larger increase in underarm throw. Participants who initially felt safe running improved more in overarm throw and those who initially felt unsafe running improved more in underarm throw and standing long jump. Girls and those who initially felt unsafe running had a significant increase in goalball throwing speed. Discussion: The sports education camp model of short-term intervention for basic sports skill instruction is highly effective in improving physical performance for students who are visually impaired. Implications for practitioners: Students with visual impairments who are demonstrating negative effects from not being active or involved in sports might positively benefit from involvement in a sports education camp.
Catecholaminergic effects on inhibitory control depend on the interplay of prior task experience and working memory demands
Authors: Bensmann Wiebke , Zink Nicolas , Roessner Veit , Stock Ann-Kathrin , Beste Christian 
Published: February 2019

Background: Catecholamines affect response inhibition, but the effects of methylphenidate on inhibitory control in healthy subjects are heterogenous. Theoretical considerations suggest that working memory demands and learning/familiarization processes are important factors to consider regarding catecholaminergic effects on response inhibition. Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the role of working memory demands and familiarization for methylphenidate effects on response inhibition. Methods: Twenty-eight healthy adults received a single dose of methylphenidate (0.5 mg/kg) or placebo in a randomised, double-blind, crossover study design. The subjects were tested using a working memory-modulated response inhibition paradigm that combined a Go/Nogo task with a mental rotation task. Results: Methylphenidate effects were largest in the most challenging mental rotation condition. The direction of effects depended on the extent of the participants’ task experience. When performing the task for the first time, methylphenidate impaired response inhibition performance in the most challenging mental rotation condition, as reflected by an increased false alarm rate. In sharp contrast to this, methylphenidate seemed to improve response execution performance in the most challenging condition when performing the task for the second time as reflected by reaction times on Go trials. Conclusion: Effects of catecholamines on inhibitory control processes depend on the interplay of two factors: (a) working memory demands, and (b) learning or familiarization with a task. It seems that the net effect of increases in gain control and decreases in working memory processes determines the methylphenidate effect on response inhibition. Hence, crossover study designs likely underestimate methylphenidate effects on cognitive functions.
An Analysis of Psychoactive Medications Initiated in the ICU but Continued Beyond Discharge: A Pilot Study of Stewardship
Authors: Kovacic Nicole Lynn , Gagnon David J. , Riker Richard R. , Wen Sijin , Fraser Gilles L. 
Published: February 2019

Background: Psychoactive medications (PM) are frequently administered in the intensive care unit (ICU) to provide comfort. Interventions focused on preventing their continuation after the acute phase of illness are needed. Objective: To determine the frequency that patients with ICU-initiated PM are continued upon ICU and hospital discharge. Methods: This single-center, prospective, observational study assessed consecutive adult ICU patients who received scheduled PM. Frequency of PM continued at ICU and hospital discharge was recorded. The patient’s primary treatment team was contacted by the pharmacist within 72 hours of ICU discharge to establish rationale for continued use or to suggest discontinuation. Results: Of the 60 patients included, 72% were continued on PM at ICU discharge and 30% at hospital discharge. The pharmacist contacted 40% of treatment teams after ICU discharge and intervention resulted in PM discontinued in 50% of patients. Post ICU discharge, the indication of 41% of patients’ PM was unknown by the non-ICU care team or incorrect. Medical ICU patients or those transferred to an outside facility were more likely remain on PM at hospital discharge. Conclusion: PM are frequently continued during transitions of care and often without knowledge of the initial indication. Future studies should establish effective PM stewardship methods.
The impact of SLE on health-related quality of life assessed with SF-36: a systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gu M , Cheng Q , Wang X , Yuan F , Sam NB , Pan H , Li B , Ye D 
Published: February 2019

Objective To evaluate the impact of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessed with SF-36 and explore factors associated with HRQoL in SLE patients. Methods A random-effect meta-analysis was performed to calculate extracted data. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to distinguish sources of heterogeneity. Results A total of 36 articles were finally included in this meta-analysis, including 6510 patients. The pooled mean scores of SF-36 physical component summary and mental component summary were 46.10 (95% confidence interval (CI): 43.09–49.10) and 50.37 (95% CI: 47.78–52.87), respectively. Spearman's correlation analysis found that mean age, proportion of female participants, and publication decades were negatively associated with some of the SF-36 domains. Sample size and SLEDAI were positively associated with some of the SF-36 domains. Patients with SLE have lower HRQoL in comparison to the general population. Conclusions SLE has a significant impact on HRQoL, which proves that the necessity of improving HRQoL in SLE patients cannot be ignored. Measuring HRQoL should be considered as an indispensable part of the overall evaluation of health conditions of SLE patients.
The selective mineralocorticoid receptor modulator AZD9977 reveals differences in mineralocorticoid effects of aldosterone and fludrocortisone
Authors: Bamberg Krister , William-Olsson Lena , Johansson Ulrika , Jansson-Löfmark Rasmus , Hartleib-Geschwindner Judith 
Published: February 2019

Introduction: AZD9977 is a novel mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) modulator, which in preclinical studies demonstrated organ protection without affecting aldosterone-regulated urinary electrolyte excretion. However, when tested in humans, using fludrocortisone as an MR agonist, AZD9977 exhibited similar effects on urinary Na+/K+ ratio as eplerenone. The aim of this study is to understand whether the contradictory results seen in rats and humans are due to the mineralocorticoid used. Materials and methods: Rats were treated with single doses of AZD9977 or eplerenone in combination with either aldosterone or fludrocortisone. Urine was collected for five to six hours and total amounts excreted Na+ and K+ were assessed. Results: AZD9977 dose-dependently increased urinary Na+/K+ ratio in rats when tested against fludrocortisone, but not when tested against aldosterone. Eplerenone dose-dependently increased urinary Na+/K+ ratio when tested against fludrocortisone as well as aldosterone. Conclusions: The data suggest that the contrasting effects of AZD9977 on urinary electrolyte excretion observed in rats and humans are due to the use of the synthetic mineralocorticoid fludrocortisone. Future clinical studies are required to confirm the reduced electrolyte effects of AZD9977 and the subsequent lower predicted hyperkalemia risk.
Community pharmacists’ experiences with the Saskatchewan Medication Assessment Program
Authors: Currie Krysta , Evans Charity , Mansell Kerry , Perepelkin Jason , Jorgenson Derek 
Published: February 2019

Background: The Saskatchewan Medication Assessment Program (SMAP) is a publicly funded community pharmacy–based medication assessment service with limited previous evaluation. The purpose of this study was to explore community pharmacists’ experiences with the SMAP. Methods: Online, self-administered questionnaire that consisted of a combination of 53 Likert scale and free-text questions. All licensed pharmacists who were practising in a community pharmacy setting in Saskatchewan were eligible to participate. Results: Response rate was 20.3% ( n = 228/1124). Most respondents agreed that the SMAP is achieving all of its intended purposes. For example, 89.7% agreed that the SMAP improved medication safety for patients who receive the service. Most pharmacists enjoyed performing the assessments (84.6%) and were confident in their ability to identify drug-related problems (88.3%). Pharmacists reported lack of time, patients having difficulty coming to the pharmacy and restrictive eligibility criteria as the top barriers to the SMAP. Good teamwork, employer support and personal professional commitment were the top recognized facilitators. Respondents made several suggestions to improve the SMAP in the free-text areas of the questionnaire. Conclusions: Community pharmacists in Saskatchewan were positive and confident about performing medication assessments, and most agreed that the SMAP is achieving all of the intended purposes. Respondents also identified several barriers to providing SMAP services, which have resulted in specific recommendations that should be addressed to improve the program.
Impact of in-hospital cardiac rehabilitation on mortality and readmissions in heart failure: A population study in Lombardy, Italy, from 2005 to 2012
Authors: Scalvini Simonetta , Grossetti Francesco , Paganoni Anna Maria , Teresa La Rovere Maria , Pedretti Roberto FE , Frigerio Maria 
Published: February 2019

Aims The 2016 European guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure classified cardiac rehabilitation as a mandatory class I intervention. We aimed to analyse in heart failure patients the impact of an in-hospital cardiac rehabilitation programme on all-cause mortality and readmissions. Methods From the Lombardy healthcare administrative database, we analysed in patients with incident heart failure, from 2005 to 2012, the number of all hospitalisations, cardiac rehabilitation admissions, post-discharge deaths, outpatient drug prescriptions and visits. We divided patients into hospitalised for heart failure in acute care only (group A) versus patients with one or more admission to cardiac rehabilitation for an in-hospital cardiac rehabilitation programme (group B). Results Of 140,552 incident cases, 100,843 (71%) were in group A and 39,709 (29%) in group B. Patients in group B had 3.26 ± 1.78 admissions to acute care before referral to an in-hospital cardiac rehabilitation programme. Male gender, age in women and comorbidities (more than two) were higher in group B ( P < 0.0001). Patients in group B had a higher number of interventional procedures ( P < 0.0001), drug prescription and outpatient visit rate ( P < 0.0001). Total mortality was 30% in group A versus 29% in group B. At Cox and logistic regression analyses, after adjustment for covariates, group B had a significantly lower risk of mortality (hazard ratio 0.5768, 95% confidence interval 0.5650–0.5888, P < 0.0001) and readmissions (0.7997, 0.7758–0.8244, P < 0.0001) than group A. Conclusion This study showed in a large population of heart failure patients that in-hospital cardiac rehabilitation is associated with a reduction of all-cause mortality and rehospitalisations in heart failure. Given its potential significant benefit, referral of heart failure patients to an in-hospital cardiac rehabilitation programme should be promoted.
A qualitative study examining medical provider advice, barriers, and perceived effectiveness in addressing childhood obesity to patients and families from a low-income community health clinic
Authors: Sastre Lauren R , Matson Stephanie , Gruber Kenneth J , Haldeman Lauren 
Published: February 2019

Objective: To examine medical provider (n = 16) perceptions in addressing and managing pediatric obesity with a diverse, low-income patient population. Methods: Semi-structured audio-recorded interviews were performed at three pediatric clinics. Transcripts were reviewed using content analysis and consensus was reached among authors for themes. Themes were grouped into categories including: (1) initiation of weight discussions, (2) advice and perceived effectiveness, and (3) barriers. Results: Most providers reported being comfortable addressing weight and use a variety of methods to initiate conversations; however, many challenges were reported, which include limited time and parent misperceptions of child’s weight. A broad range of lifestyle advice was utilized, but preference to discuss physical activity over nutrition was reported. Conclusion: Results suggest that successful management of children’s weight involves addressing issues at both the parent and the provider levels. Improved nutrition resources or training for providers is suggested; however, time must also be available for individualized counseling. Incorporation of registered dietitians may also reduce the burden.
Computer-aided assessment of the extra-cellular matrix during pancreatic carcinogenesis: a pilot study
Authors: Grizzi Fabio , Fiorino Sirio , Qehajaj Dorina , Fornelli Adele , Russo Carlo , de Biase Dario , Masetti Michele , Mastrangelo Laura , Zanello Matteo , Lombardi Raffaele , Domanico Andrea , Accogli Esterita , Tura Andrea , Mirandola Leonardo , Chiriva-Internati Maurizio , Bresalier Robert S. , Jovine Elio , Leandri Paolo , Di Tommaso Luca 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Background
A hallmark of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is the desmoplastic reaction, but its impact on the tumor behavior remains controversial. Our aim was to introduce a computer -aided method to precisely quantify the amount of pancreatic collagenic extra-cellular matrix, its spatial distribution pattern, and the degradation process.

Methods
A series of normal, inflammatory and neoplastic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded Sirius red stained sections were automatically digitized and analyzed using a computer-aided method.

Results
We found a progressive increase of pancreatic collagenic extra-cellular matrix from normal to the inflammatory and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The two-dimensional fractal dimension showed a significant difference in the collagenic extra-cellular matrix spatial complexity between normal versus inflammatory and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. A significant difference when comparing the number of cycles necessary to degrade the pancreatic collagenic extra-cellular matrix in normal versus inflammatory and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was also found. The difference between inflammatory and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was also significant. Furthermore, the mean velocity of collagenic extra-cellular matrix degradation was found to be faster in inflammatory and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma than in normal.

Conclusion
These findings demonstrate that inflammatory and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas are characterized by an increased amount of pancreatic collagenic extra-cellular matrix and by changes in their spatial complexity and degradation. Our study defines new features about the pancreatic collagenic extra-cellular matrix, and represents a basis for further investigations into the clinical behavior of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and the development of therapeutic strategies.