bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Keratin 19‐expressing hepatocellular carcinoma and small‐duct type intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma show a similar postoperative clinical course but have distinct genetic features
Authors: Akita Masayuki , Ajiki Tetsuo , Fukumoto Takumi , Itoh Tomoo , Zen Yoh 
Published: April 2019

AimsThe present study aimed to systematically compare clinicopathological and genetic features between keratin 19 (K19)‐expressing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA).Methods and resultsConsecutive cases of HCC (n = 430) were classified into K19+ and K19− using immunohistochemistry. ICCA cases were also separated into small‐(S‐iCCA; n = 36) and large‐duct types (n = 22) based on recently proposed criteria, with the former being used in the present study. Mutational hot‐spots in TERT, CTNNB1, KRAS and IDH1 were sequenced. Twenty‐six cases (6%) of HCC expressed K19. K19+ HCC was more strongly associated with chronic hepatitis B than K19− HCC and S‐iCCA (46% versus 17% and 6%; both P < 0.001). Lymph node metastasis was observed in K19+ HCC (8%) and S‐iCCA (22%), but was exceptional in K19− HCC (1%). K19+ HCC had TERT promoter mutations less frequently than K19− HCC (31% versus 59%; P = 0.022), and lacked alterations in KRAS and IDH1. CTNNB1 mutations were similarly observed in K19+ and K19− HCC (23% and 19%, respectively), but rare in S‐iCCA (3%). The postoperative survival curve of K19+ HCC was almost identical to that of S‐iCCA in the first 5 years (approximately 50% at 5 years), and significantly worse than that of K19− HCC (P = 0.040). Extrahepatic recurrence was more common in K19+ HCC (50%) and S‐iCCA (35%) than in K19− HCC (15%) (P = 0.001).ConclusionsAlthough K19+ HCC and S‐iCCA showed similar biological behaviours, they did not share any driver gene mutations, suggesting the possible involvement of epigenetic alterations in the iCCA‐like features of K19+ HCC.
Non‐inferiority of microencapsulated mesenchymal stem cells to free cells in cardiac repair after myocardial infarction: A rationale for using paracrine factor(s) instead of cells
Authors: Karpov Andrey A. , Puzanov Maxim V. , Ivkin Dmitry Yu. , Krasnova Marina V. , Anikin Nikita A. , Docshin Pavel M. , Moiseeva Olga M. , Galagudza Michael M. 
Published: April 2019

SummaryA major translational barrier to the use of stem cell (SC)‐based therapy in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) is the lack of a clear understanding of the mechanism(s) underlying the cardioprotective effect of SCs. Numerous paracrine factors from SCs may account for reduction in infarct size, but myocardial salvage associated with transdifferentiation of SCs into vascular cells as well as cardiomyocyte‐like cells may be involved too. In this study, bone marrow‐derived rat mesenchymal SC (MSCs) were microencapsulated in alginate preventing viable cell release while supporting their secretory phenotype. The hypothesis on the key role of paracrine factors from MSCs in their cardioprotective activity was tested by comparison of the effect of encapsulated vs free MSCs in the rat model of MI. Intramyocardial administration of both free and encapsulated MSCs after MI caused reduction in scar size (12.1 ± 6.83 and 14.7 ± 4.26%, respectively, vs 21.7 ± 6.88% in controls, P = 0.015 and P = 0.03 respectively). Scar size was not different in animals treated with free and encapsulated MSC (P = 0.637). These data provide evidence that MSC‐derived growth factors and cytokines are crucial for cardioprotection elicited by MSC. Administration of either free or encapsulated MSCs was not arrhythmogenic in non‐infarcted rats. The consistency of our data with the results of other studies on the major role of MSC secretome components in cardiac protection further support the theory that the use of live, though encapsulated, cells for MI therapy may be replaced with heart‐targeted‐sustained delivery of growth factors/cytokines.
Gamification in employee selection: The development of a gamified assessment
Authors: Georgiou Konstantina , Gouras Athanasios , Nikolaou Ioannis 
Published: April 2019

AbstractGamification has attracted increased attention among organizations and human resource professionals recently, as a novel and promising concept for attracting and selecting prospective employees. In the current study, we explore the construct validity of a new gamified assessment method in employee selection that we developed following the situational judgement test (SJT) methodology. Our findings support the applicability of game elements into a traditional form of assessment built to assess candidates' soft skills. Specifically, our study contributes to research on gamification and employee selection exploring the construct validity of a gamified assessment method indicating that the psychometric properties of SJTs and their transformation into a gamified assessment are a suitable avenue for future research and practice in this field.
Factors influencing obesity among preschoolers: multilevel approach
Authors: Park S.H. , Park C.G. , Bahorski J.S. , Cormier E. 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundChildhood obesity is a complex and multifaceted problem involving interactions among child, family and community environment.AimThe purpose of this study was to examine the contributing factors to early childhood obesity within a multilevel context, including child and family, childcare setting and community.MethodsA cross‐sectional, quantitative research design was employed. A total of 129 preschoolers and their parents in northwest Florida participated in this study. Child height and weight were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Parents and directors of preschools completed survey questionnaires to assess child/family, childcare setting and community factors, respectively. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to evaluate the association of each level of factors with childBMIz‐score.ResultsTwenty‐one per cent of children were overweight or obese (≥85thBMIpercentile). In hierarchical multiple regression, household income, parent beliefs, attitudes and practices for child feeding, family obesogenic environment, child routines (screen time on weekends, sleep hours, bedtime) and physical activity environment were significantly related to childBMIz‐score.ConclusionsThe findings of this study provide a broader understanding of factors that influence childBMIz‐score. Shaping a non‐obesogenic environment by establishing healthy routines for children in the home, childcare setting and community is essential in childhood obesity prevention.Implications for nursing practice and health policyPaediatric nurses should routinely assess accurate parental perception of child weight, feeding style and child routines in well‐child care visits. Healthcare professionals and health policymakers should enact policies that build a healthy environment for preschoolers in their childcare setting and community.
TSP‐1 is downregulated and inversely correlates with miR‐449c expression in Cushing's disease
Authors: Ren Jie , Gu Changwei , Yang Yong , Xue Jun , Sun Yuhao , Jian Fangfang , Chen Dongjiang , Bian Liuguan , Sun Qingfang 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe pathogenesis of Cushing's disease, which is caused by pituitary corticotroph adenoma, remains to be studied. Secreted angioinhibitory factor thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1) is an adhesive glycoprotein that mediates cell‐to‐cell and cell‐to‐matrix interactions and is associated with platelet aggregation, angiogenesis and tumorigenesis. We have found that the expression of TSP‐1 is significantly lower in human pituitary corticotroph tumours compared with normal adenohypophysis. This study aims to elucidate the role of TSP‐1 in regulating the tumour function of pituitary adenomas. Forced overexpression of TSP‐1 in a murine AtT20 pituitary corticotroph tumour cell line decreased corticotroph precursor hormone proopiomelanocortin (POMC) transcription and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion. Functional studies showed that TSP‐1 overexpression in pituitary adenoma cells suppressed proliferation, migration and invasion. We have demonstrated that TSP‐1 is a direct target of miR‐449c. Further study showed that miR‐449c activity enhanced tumorigenesis by directly inhibiting TSP‐1 expression. Low expression of lncTHBS1, along with low expression of TSP‐1, was associated with the high expression of miR‐449c in Cushing's disease patients. Furthermore, RNA‐immunoprecipitation associates miR‐449c with lncTHBS1 suggesting that lncTHBS1 might be a negative regulator of miR‐449c. Taken together, this study has demonstrated that lncTHBS1 might function as competing endogenous RNA for miR‐449c, which could suppress the development of Cushing's disease.
No mate preference associated with the supergene controlling social organization in Alpine silver ants
Authors: Avril Amaury , Zahnd Sacha , Djordjevic Jelisaveta , Chapuisat Michel 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDisassortative mating is a powerful mechanism stabilizing polymorphisms at sex chromosomes and other supergenes. The Alpine silver ant, Formica selysi, has two forms of social organization—single‐queen and multiple‐queen colonies—determined by alternate haplotypes at a large supergene. Here, we explore whether mate preference contributes to the maintenance of the genetic polymorphism at the social supergene. With mate choice experiments, we found that females and males mated randomly with respect to social form. Moreover, queens were able to produce offspring irrespective of whether they had mated with a male from the same or the alternative social form. Yet, females originating from single‐queen colonies were more fertile, suggesting that they may be more successful at independent colony founding. We conclude that the pattern of asymmetric assortative mating documented from mature F. selysi colonies in the field is not caused by mate preferences or major genetic incompatibilities between social forms. More generally, we found no evidence that disassortative mate preference contributes to the maintenance of polymorphism at this supergene controlling ant social organization.
Differences in leptin biosynthesis in the stomach and in serum leptin level between men and women
Authors: Kasacka Irena , Piotrowska Żaneta , Niezgoda Michał , Łebkowski Wojciech 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackground and AimAlthough the stomach has been identified as an important source of leptin, the detailed biosynthesis sites of leptin in human gastrointestinal tract have not been fully elucidated. The study objective was to compare leptin distribution and expression in the stomach and its serum level between healthy men and women.MethodsNineteen subjects (organ donors; 10 men and 9 women) with normal gastric mucosa histology were recruited. Research material contained gastric samples from the cardia, fundus, and pyloric regions. Gastric mucosa leptin content and leptin gene expression were determined by immunohistochemistry and real‐time polymerase chain reaction method. Plasma leptin level was measured using ELISA method.ResultsIn the stomach of healthy adult subjects, leptin‐immunoreactive cells were mainly found in the fundus, and the number of immunoreactive cells was higher in women than in men. Leptin‐containing cells were less numerous in the cardia and pylorus mucosa. Similarly, leptin gene expression was the highest in the fundus and higher in women than in men. Serum leptin level was higher in women than in men and was found to correlate positively with body mass index and weight in both sexes. A negative correlation between leptin level and age was noted in women, but not in men.ConclusionsThe current study is the first to provide evidence for the presence of leptin‐containing cells in all segments of the human stomach. The differences in gastric leptin biosynthesis and serum leptin levels between men and women suggest that leptin secretion can be controlled by sex hormones or other unknown factors.
Open‐label study assessing the efficacy and tolerability of topical skin care and sun protection alone and in combination with intense pulsed light therapy
Authors: Deaver Peterson Jennifer , Katz Tracy M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundIntense pulsed light therapy (IPL) decreases facial erythema and telangiectasias associated with rosacea. Topical skin care products decrease facial erythema by the action of active ingredients and masking effects.ObjectivesTo assess the efficacy and tolerability of combining a topical skin care regimen (TSCR) comprised of a multifunctional three‐in‐one facial cream and a mineral‐based brush‐on SPF50 powder sunscreen with a single IPL treatment for treating mild‐to‐severe facial redness associated with rosacea.MethodsTwenty female subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types I‐III received TSCR monotherapy for 12 weeks. At that time, subjects received a single IPL treatment and continued TSCR for 6 additional weeks. Subjects were evaluated at Baseline and at Weeks 4, 8, 12, and 18.ResultsUsing a 7‐point redness scale, the overall mean (SD) redness score significantly improved from 3.05 (0.97) at baseline to 2.05 (0.76) at Week 18 (P < 0.01). There was a decrease in investigator‐rated erythema from baseline (bare skin) to Week 12 (bare skin, before IPL) when TSCR was used as monotherapy which did not achieve significance (P = 0.12). Most subjects (80%) were satisfied or Very satisfied with the TSCR at Week 18. All subjects (100%) agreed that it improved their baseline skin redness and most (85%) would recommend TSCR to others. TSCR was well‐tolerated with no significant changes in skin dryness, scaling, or itching. Mild burning occurred immediately following the IPL treatment at Week 12.ConclusionTSCR in combination with a single IPL treatment produced a significant improvement in overall facial redness in patients with rosacea. Longer‐term treatment with TSCR may produce continued improvement.
Knee joint function, walking ability and quality of life within 6 weeks after total knee arthroplasty: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Chang Su‐Yu , Lin Li‐Hwa , Lin Pi‐Chu 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAims and objectivesTo track changes in patients’ knee function, walking ability and quality of life (QOL) before and after knee arthroplasty surgery and explore factors that influenced these parameters.BackgroundThe number of days as an inpatient for those who undergo joint replacement operations has been greatly reduced in recent years. However, it remains unclear whether shortening the inpatient time has affected patients’ recovery or their QOL.DesignProspective cohort study.MethodIn total, 101 participants who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were enrolled, with data collected preoperatively and at the 2nd and 6th weeks postoperatively. We followed the STROBE checklist to ensure the rigour of our study.ResultsForty‐nine participants underwent unilateral TKA (UTKA; 48.5%), and 52 underwent simultaneous bilateral TKA (SBTKA; 51.5%). At the 2nd week postoperatively, knee joint function was significantly worse than that preoperatively. However, these patients did not exhibit significant differences in the EQ‐5D utility index (EQ‐5D UI) compared to their preoperative scores. At the 6th week postoperatively, the knee joint function and EQ‐5D UI were significantly better than preoperative values. Participants who underwent UTKA scored higher on the Oxford knee score (OKS) than did SBTKA participants. However, no significant differences were noted between the two groups for the knee flexion angle, the timed up and go (TUG) test, or the EQ‐5D UI score.Conclusions and suggestionsAt the postoperative 6th week, participants exhibited improved knee joint function and QOL, but there was no difference in the walking ability compared to preoperative values. At the 6th week after surgery, patients who underwent SBTKA exhibited poorer joint function than did those who underwent UTKA.Relevance to clinical practice.These results can assist nursing staffs and serve as a reference for providing patient education and nursing intervention to TKA patients.
Parents’ journey caring for a preterm infant until discharge from hospital‐based neonatal home care—A challenging process to cope with
Authors: Lundqvist Pia , Weis Janne , Sivberg Bengt 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAims and objectivesTo present parents’ lived experience of having a preterm infant cared for at the neonatal unit until discharge from hospital‐based neonatal home care (HNHC).BackgroundBecoming a parent to a preterm infant has been reported as an experience that may influence the parent's lifeworld also after discharge. Interventions have been implemented at the NICUs, for example introduction of family‐centred care aiming to reduce parent–infant separation, increased integration of the parents, to support them in their altered parental role.DesignA descriptive phenomenological interview study.MethodsSix parent couples at a NICU in Sweden were included and interviewed individually after discharge from HNHC. The interviews were analysed from the perspective of caring sciences using a descriptive phenomenological method. The study followed the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist.ResultThe journey from birth to discharge from hospital‐based neonatal home care affected the parents’ lifeworld. The parents’ experiences differed. Mothers experienced more physiological reactions that triggered feelings of existential loneliness and guilt and difficulties in combining the role of mother with partner. The fathers faced conflicts managing their partners’ demands, family challenges and employers who claimed their time and energy, which negatively affected their transition into fatherhood.Both mothers and fathers experienced ambivalent feelings in the relationships with the professional staff, which was more strongly expressed by the mothers.ConclusionIt is important for healthcare providers to help parents clarify their individual needs and values in caring for a preterm infant to help them achieve parental and family well‐being.Relevance to clinical practiceThese findings can guide healthcare providers to help parents improve care for their preterm infants in the NICU. Integrating a person‐centred approach such as supportive person‐centred dialogues focused on parents’ individual needs might be one way to support parents.
Internal podalic version for delivery of high floating head during cesarean section and neonatal outcome
Authors: Elshwaikh Shereef L. , Elsokary Amal A. , Abuhamama Ashraf M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimTo evaluate the technique of internal podalic version for delivery of high floating head during cesarean section as an alternative for other methods for its delivery and its effects on neonatal outcome.MethodsThis study used clinical randomized controlled study design. Three groups of patients each group has 50 patients who attended for elective cesarean section and found to have high floating head during operation, Group I: the babies were delivered by internal podalic version. Group II: the babies were delivered by short curved forceps. Group III: the babies were delivered by vacuum. All groups were compared in regard to time required for delivery of baby, fetal condition, maternal complications, fetal complications and postoperative complications.ResultsHundred‐and‐fifty patients were selected in the course of preparation of elective cesarean section, all had high floating fetal head, and they were randomly distributed into three groups, each group had 50 patients. There was significant relationship for the favor of Group 1 (study group) as regard the time required for the maneuver as calculated from the end of uterine incision till delivery of whole baby, (24.86, 59.48,54.52 s for Group I, Group II, Group III, respectively) with P‐value <0.00001*. Also there was significant relationship as regard the intraoperative maternal complications for the favor of Group I with P‐value =0.004. While there was an insignificant relationship between the three groups as regard preoperative data, APGAR score, fetal birth weight, postoperative pain and postoperative maternal data. Despite that there was a significant difference as regard the postoperative neonatal complications, with P‐value =0.002*, all these complications were minor and did not need long‐term treatment.ConclusionUse of internal podalic version for delivery of high floating head during cesarean section is a safe and rapid technique, with less maternal and neonatal complications.
Promoting Math Talk in Adult–Child Interactions Through Grocery Store Signs
Authors: Hanner Erinn , Braham Emily J. , Elliott Leanne , Libertus Melissa E. 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTYoung children have better math abilities when their parents engage in more math‐related conversations with them. Yet, previous studies have found that math talk occurs only very infrequently in everyday interactions. In the present study, we sought to promote adult–child conversations about math in a naturalistic context using minimal instructions. We observed 179 adult–child dyads while they shopped in grocery stores with signs prompting them to engage in math‐related conversations (math condition), signs prompting them to talk about other topics (general language condition), or without any signs (baseline condition). In the math condition, more adults talked about math compared to the general language or the baseline condition, and this finding could not be explained by demographic characteristics of the dyad or the overall amount of conversations. This study demonstrates that cost‐effective signs placed in everyday contexts can promote math‐related conversations and potentially provide math learning opportunities for children.
Specialized foraging habits of adult female California sea lions Zalophus californianus
Authors: Rosas‐Hernández Martha P. , Aurioles‐Gamboa David , Hernández‐Camacho Claudia J. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIndividual foraging specialization occurs when organisms use a small subset of the resources available to a population. This plays an important role in population dynamics since individuals may have different ecological functions within an ecosystem related to habitat use and prey preferences. The foraging habitat fidelity and degree of specialization of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) were evaluated by analyzing the stable isotopes values of carbon and nitrogen in vibrissae collected from 16 adult females from the reproductive colony on Santa Margarita Island, Magdalena Bay, Mexico, in 2012 and 2013. Based on the degree of individual specialization in δ15N, 62.5% of the females assessed can be considered specialist consumers focusing on the same prey or different prey from the same trophic level. The degree of individual specialization in δ13C indicated that 100% of the individuals showed fidelity to their foraging habitat as some fed in the lagoon, others foraged along the coast, and a third group preferred prey from the pelagic environment during both the breeding and nonbreeding seasons, suggesting diversification of foraging areas. Foraging area fidelity persisted despite the 2°C increase in the sea surface temperature over the course of the study period.