bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preoperative weight loss program involving a 20‐day very low‐calorie diet for obesity before laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer
Authors: Inoue Kentaro , Yoshiuchi Sawako , Yoshida Mika , Nakamura Natsuko , Nakajima Sachiko , Kitamura Akiko , Mouri Keiko , Michiura Taku , Mukaide Hiromi , Ozaki Takashi , Miki Hirokazu , Yanagimoto Hiroaki , Satoi Sohei , Kaibori Masaki , Hamada Madoka , Kimura Yutaka , Kon Masanori 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe increased visceral fat in patients with obesity can increase the technical difficulty of surgery. This study was performed to evaluate a preoperative 20‐day very low‐calorie diet for obesity before laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer.MethodsThis prospective single‐center study involved patients with obesity who were planning to undergo laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Obesity was defined according to the Japanese criteria: BMI ≥25 kg/m2 or waist circumference ≥85 cm in men and ≥90 cm in women. The patients underwent a preoperative 20‐day very low‐calorie diet and received nutritional counseling. Weight loss, body composition, visceral fat mass, and operative outcomes were evaluated.ResultsThirty‐three patients were enrolled from September 2013 to August 2015. Their median age was 71 years, and 78.8% were men. Their median bodyweight and BMI were 72.3 kg (range, 53.8–82.5 kg) and 26.0 kg/m2 (range, 23.5–31.0 kg/m2), respectively. The patients achieved a mean weight loss of 4.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.8–5.1), corresponding to 3.2 kg (95%CI: 2.7–3.7 kg). Body fat mass was significantly decreased by a mean of 2.5 kg (95%CI: 1.9–3.1), whereas skeletal muscle mass was unaffected (mean: −0.20 kg [95%CI: −0.55–0.15]). The visceral fat mass reduction rate was high as 16.8% (range, 11.6%–22.0%). All patients underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy as planned. Severe postoperative morbidity (Clavien–Dindo grade ≥III) was seen in only one patient (3.0%).ConclusionThe preoperative 20‐day very low‐calorie diet weight loss program is promising for the treatment of obesity before laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer.
MiR‐330‐5p negatively regulates ovine preadipocyte differentiation by targeting branched‐chain aminotransferase 2
Authors: Shi Tao , Yan Xiaoru , Qiao Liying , Li Baojun , Cheng Lifen , Pan Yangyang , Jing Jiongjie , Cao Ningxian , Liu Wenzhong 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe differentiation of preadipocytes into adipose tissues is tightly regulated by various factors including microRNAs and cytokines. This article aims to study the effect of miR‐330‐5p on expression of BCAT2 in ovine preadipocytes. Ovine preadipocytes were isolated, and we found that the miR‐330‐5p expression decreased gradually during the early differentiation of ovine preadipocytes, while BCAT2 expression increased. BCAT2 was identified as a direct target of miR‐330‐5p, ectopic expression of miR‐330‐5p could change the expression of both BCAT2 mRNA and protein. Silencing BCAT2 had the same inhibition effects as overexpressing miR‐330‐5p on the preadipocyte differentiation, but overexpressing BCAT2 had the converse effects. Taken together, we demonstrated that miR‐330‐5p is a negative regulator of differentiation by targeting BCAT2, and clarified the role of BCAT2 and miR‐330‐5p during preadipocyte differentiation.
Effects of polyphenolic extract from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver leaf on growth performance, digestibility, rumen fermentation and antioxidant status of fattening lambs
Authors: Liu Huawei , Li Ke , Zhao Jinshan , Deng Wen 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTo investigate the effects of polyphenolic extract from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver leaf (PEEU) on growth performance, digestibility, rumen fermentation and antioxidant status of fattening lambs, 30 weaned male Huzhou lambs were equally divided into three treatments and fed the basal diet supplemented with 0 (CON), 5 (PEEU5) or 10 (PEEU10) g/kg PEEU. Dietary PEEU supplementation did not affect growth performance and apparent digestibility of nutrients. Compared with the CON group, lambs in the PEEU10 group had lower ammonia nitrogen concentration (p < .01) and acetic acid to propionic acid ratio (p < .05) and higher the molar proportion of propionate (p < .05) in rumen fluid. Ammonia nitrogen concentration (p < .01) and the molar proportion of propionate (p < .05) were affected by an interaction between PEEU and sampling day. Dietary PEEU supplementation at 10 g/kg increased total antioxidant capacity (p < .05), superoxide dismutase (p < .05) and glutathione peroxidase (p < .01) activities in serum and glutathione peroxidase activity (p < .05) in liver and decreased (p < .05) malondialdehyde content in serum and liver compared with the CON group. In conclusion, dietary PEEU supplementation affected rumen fermentation patterns and improved antioxidant status of fattening lambs.
Neuromuscular structure of the larva to early ancestrula stages of the cyclostome bryozoan Crisia eburnea
Authors: Nielsen Claus , Bekkouche Nicolas Tarik , Worsaae Katrine 
Published: March 2018

AbstractFor the first time, the development of a cyclostome bryozoan has been studied with immunochemistry and confocal laser scanning microscopy, with emphasis on nerves and muscles. The larva is covered by multiciliated cells, which are latitudinally strongly elongated and show phalloidin‐stained cell junctions. We hypothesize that these cells contract at metamorphosis and squeeze the apical invagination and the adhesive sac out. Ectodermal, longitudinal muscle cells extend from the cells of the inner, conical cuticularized part of the apical invagination to the lower part of the corona, around the adhesive sac pore. These muscles are retained in the ancestrula. Scattered monociliated nerve cells are interspersed between the coronal ciliary cells. An equatorial nerve in the larva disappears at metamorphosis. The central, conical part of the cuticle becomes the terminal membrane of the ancestrula, and the underlying ectodermal and mesodermal cell layers differentiate into the polypide bud, forming a deep narrow invagination, differentiating into vestibule–atrium, mouth ring and pharynx–stomach–rectum. Tentacles develop from the ring of cells around the mouth, and a small ganglion with four nerves innervating each of the tentacles develops at the anal side of the mouth. These new findings yield further support for previous homology statements of bryozoan larvae and development.
First‐in‐man–proof of concept study with molidustat: a novel selective oral HIF‐prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor for the treatment of renal anaemia
Authors: Böttcher M. , Lentini S. , Arens E. R. , Kaiser A. , van der Mey D. , Thuss U. , Kubitza D. , Wensing G. 
Published: March 2018

AimsInsufficient erythropoietin (EPO) synthesis is a relevant cause of renal anaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease. Molidustat, a selective hypoxia‐inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIF‐PH) inhibitor, increases endogenous EPO levels dose dependently in preclinical models. We examined the pharmacokinetics, safety, tolerability and effect on EPO levels of single oral doses of molidustat in healthy male volunteers.MethodsThis was a single‐centre, randomized, single‐blind, placebo‐controlled, group‐comparison, dose‐escalation study. Molidustat was administered at doses of 5, 12.5, 25, 37.5 or 50 mg as a polyethylene glycol‐based solution.ResultsIn total, 45 volunteers received molidustat and 14 received placebo. Molidustat was absorbed rapidly, and the mean maximum plasma concentration and area under the concentration–time curve increased dose dependently. The mean terminal half‐life was 4.64–10.40 h. A significant increase in endogenous EPO was observed following single oral doses of molidustat of 12.5 mg and above. Geometric mean peak EPO levels were 14.8 IU l–1 (90% confidence interval 13.0, 16.9) for volunteers who received placebo and 39.8 IU l–1 (90% confidence interval: 29.4, 53.8) for those who received molidustat 50 mg. The time course of EPO levels resembled the normal diurnal variation in EPO. Maximum EPO levels were observed approximately 12 h postdose and returned to baseline after approximately 24–48 h. All doses of molidustat were well tolerated and there were no significant changes in vital signs or laboratory safety parameters.ConclusionsOral administration of molidustat to healthy volunteers elicited a dose‐dependent increase in endogenous EPO. These results support the ongoing development of molidustat as a potential new treatment for patients with renal anaemia.
An update on the clinical evidence that supports biosimilar approvals in Europe
Authors: Mielke Johanna , Jilma Bernd , Jones Byron , Koenig Franz 
Published: March 2018

AimSponsors and regulators have more than 10 years of experience with the development of biosimilars in Europe. However, the regulatory pathway is still evolving. The present article provides an update on biosimilar development in practice by reviewing the clinical development programmes of recently approved biosimilars in Europe.MethodsWe used the European public assessment reports (EPARs) which are published by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for a comparison of the clinical development programmes of the 37 approved biosimilars in Europe. Here, we present novel strategies in the development of biosimilars by focusing specifically on the 17 biosimilars that have gained approval in the last year, but we also compare additional key characteristics for all approved biosimilars.ResultsThe high variability of the clinical development strategies that we found previously was confirmed in the present analysis. Compared with earlier biosimilar applications, more nonstandard development strategies have been used recently. This includes, for example, applications without any studies in patients, and more complex study designs. During this study, we found that the EPARs for biosimilars seem to be improving; however, we identified important details which were still often missing. We provide a proposal for a checklist of the minimum information that should be included in biosimilar EPARs for giving the general public insights into the rationale for the approval of biosimilars.ConclusionsEuropean regulators still seem to be open to consider approaches that differ from the guidelines or previous applications, as long as justification is provided.
The relationship between frailty and polypharmacy in older people: A systematic review
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Valencia M. , Izquierdo M. , Cesari M. , Casas‐Herrero Á. , Inzitari M. , Martínez‐Velilla N. 
Published: March 2018

AimsFrailty is a complex geriatric syndrome resulting in decreased physiological reserves. Frailty and polypharmacy are common in older adults and the focus of extensive studies, although little is known about the impact they may have on each other. This is the first systematic review analysing the available evidence on the relationship between frailty and polypharmacy in older adults.MethodsSystematic review of quantitative studies. A comprehensive literature search for publications in English or Spanish was performed on MEDLINE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Database and PsycINFO in September 2017 without applying restrictions on the date of publication. Studies reporting any relationship between frailty and polypharmacy in older adults were considered.ResultsA total of 25 publications were included, all of them observational studies. Evaluation of Fried's frailty criteria was the most common approach, followed by the Edmonton Frail Scale and FRAIL scale. Sixteen of 18 cross‐sectional analyses and five of seven longitudinal analyses demonstrated a significant association between an increased number of medications and frailty. The causal relationship is unclear and appears to be bidirectional. Our analysis of published data suggests that polypharmacy could be a major contributor to the development of frailty.ConclusionsA reduction of polypharmacy could be a cautious strategy to prevent and manage frailty. Further research is needed to confirm the possible benefits of reducing polypharmacy in the development, reversion or delay of frailty.
Combination of RIZ1 Overexpression and Radiotherapy Contributes to Apoptosis and DNA Damage of HeLa and SiHa Cervical Cancer Cells
Authors: Yang Shanshan , Xing Linan , Gu Lina , Cheng Haiyan , Feng Yue , Zhang Yunyan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAlthough radiotherapy has been widely applied to treating cervical cancer in the clinic, its therapeutic efficacy is often restricted to the radioresistance of cancer cells. Retinoblastoma protein‐interacting zinc finger gene 1 (RIZ1) has been suggested as a tumour suppressor gene, whereas its role in cervical cancer with or without radiotherapy has been unclear. In this study, two cervical cancer cell lines, HeLa and SiHa cells, stably transfected with RIZ1 overexpression plasmid were subjected to ionizing radiation, and their survival fractions were calculated by assessing their clonogenic abilities. Our results showed that the forced overexpression of RIZ1 significantly reduced the clonogenic survival rates of both HeLa and SiHa cells exposed to ionizing radiation. By analysing the cell apoptotic status, we found that the RIZ1‐overexpressed cervical cancer cells under ionizing radiation were more vulnerable to damage, and more γ‐H2AX foci were found in these cells. Furthermore, the volumes of tumour xenografts formed by the RIZ1‐overexpressed cells in nude mice under ionizing radiation were smaller than those generated by the control cells. There were more morphological changes, apoptosis cells and lower expression of PCNA in RIZ1‐overexpressed tumour tissues of mice after exposure to ionizing radiation. Taken together, our study demonstrates that the overexpression of RIZ1 combined with radiotherapy facilitates apoptosis and DNA damage of cervical cancer cells.
Identifying Off‐Label Prescriptions Through Data Mining in Danish Community Pharmacy Servers: An Exploratory Study on Desmopressin, Diclofenac, Fucidin, Mirtazapine and Quetiapine
Authors: Andrulyte Monika , Bjerrum Ole Jannik 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe term off‐label use describes the prescription and administration of medicines outside of the terms for which it officially has been approved, including age, dose and indication. Off‐label data can be generated from the Danish National Prescription Registry through combinations with diagnoses; however, the community pharmacy servers provide equal, local, albeit less data through a faster and less constrained collection process. The data collection for this exploratory study took place at five community pharmacies in Denmark. Five drugs were chosen for the investigation and collection of prescription data across a 2‐year period. Off‐label use by age was observed to be 1.9% for diclofenac, 1.7% for desmopressin and 2.3% for quetiapine. The percentages were based on total number of 3881, 925, 2712 prescriptions, respectively. Off‐label monitored by dosage appeared to be 75% for quetiapine; by box label text analysis, off‐label indication was found to be 10–15% and 15–23% for quetiapine and mirtazapine (from a total number of 3178 prescriptions), respectively. By route of administration where fucidin ointment was applied to the nose in 60 patients, 83% were prescribed off‐label (non‐dermatological). This exploratory study revealed that pharmacy servers represent a reliable and up‐to‐date source to collect a substantial amount of raw prescription data. The method gives straightforward and simple access to analysis of off‐label use by age and dose, whereas it is possible but difficult to interpret off‐label indications and route of administration from the box label text.
Inventing a new measurement for inhibitory control in preschoolers
Authors: Buttelmann David , Berger Philipp 
Published: March 2018

One of the most prominent tasks to measure spatial‐conflict inhibitory control in preschoolers is the windows task (Russell et al., 1991, Br. J. Dev. Psychol., 9, 331). However, this task has been criticized given its high demands on abilities other than inhibition. The aim of the current set of studies was to establish the ‘car task’ as a novel instrument to assess conflict inhibition in children. In this task, children are asked to point at the current location of an occluded object. To do so, they have to inhibit a misleading colour cue in front of the locations in critical trials. In Study 1, we demonstrated that 3‐ to 6‐year‐old children's (N = 88) performance in the car task correlated positively with that in the windows task (even after controlling for age). Study 2 investigated whether children's failure in the car task might be caused by their inability to master the basic processes involved in the task rather than a lack of inhibition. We presented a new group of preschoolers (N = 85) with a modified version of the task without any misleading colour cues. Performance significantly improved, indicating that the difficulty of the car task lies in the necessity to inhibit the misleading colour cue leading towards the incorrect location. These findings suggest that the car task is a valid measurement of spatial‐conflict inhibition in children.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Inhibitory control (IC) is important for action planning and execution.

One of the most prominent measurements of spatial‐conflict IC is the windows task.

This task has been criticized for additionally requiring rule inference to succeed.

What does this study adds?

Performance in the novel car task correlates with that in the windows task.

Study 2 controls for demands other than IC such as memory or task difficulty.

This task can thus be used to measure IC more purely without demanding rule inference.
Quality of both parents’ cognitive guidance and quantity of early childhood education: Influences on pre‐mathematical development
Authors: Sorariutta Anne , Silvén Maarit 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundOnly a handful of longitudinal studies have explored the effects of both parents in early parenthood on children's cognitive development, and no study has controlled for simultaneous early childhood education and care (ECEC) experiences.AimsTo examine the similarity of each parent's cognitive guidance and contribution to children's pre‐mathematical outcomes across parent gender while controlling for amount of ECEC.SampleA longitudinal study on 66 Finnish two‐parent families and their children.MethodsBoth parents’ autonomy support and scaffolding behaviour were observed during play interactions with the child at 2;0. Children's numerical and spatial skills were tested at 3;0 and 4;0. Parental reports on amount of ECEC in months were collected at 2;0, 3;0, and 4;0.ResultsThe two parenting constructs were conceptually similar across parent gender as demonstrated by fairly strong measurement equivalence. While mothers on average showed more scaffolding and equal amounts of autonomy support compared to fathers during play interaction, they displayed less variability in the former and more variability in the latter behaviour. The contribution of mothers’ and fathers’ cognitive guidance was more similar for children's numerical than spatial development. Both parents’ education positively predicted autonomy support but not amount of ECEC exposure, which was positively related to numerical development. As expected, parents’ education did not predict ECEC exposure, and child gender was not related to child outcomes.ConclusionsThe findings are discussed in relation to measurement invariance and gender‐neutral parenting in the context of early childhood.
Shared decision‐making in tinnitus care – An exploration of clinical encounters
Authors: Pryce Helen , Hall Amanda , Marks Elizabeth , Culhane Beth‐Anne , Swift Sarah , Straus Jean , Shaw Rachel L. 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesThis study examined clinical encounters between clinicians and patients to determine current practice for the diagnosis and treatment of tinnitus. The objective was to develop an understanding of the ideal clinical encounter that would facilitate genuine shared decision‐making.DesignVideo ethnography was used to examine clinical encounters for the diagnosis and treatment of tinnitus.MethodsClinical encounters were video‐recorded. Patients were interviewed individually following their clinic appointment. Data were analysed using constant comparison techniques from Grounded Theory. Initial inductive analyses were then considered against theoretical conceptualizations of the clinician–patient relationship and of the clinical encounter.ResultsAlignment between clinician and patient was found to be essential to a collaborative consultation and to shared decision‐making. Clinician groups demonstrated variation in behaviour in the encounter; some asked closed questions and directed the majority of the consultation; others asked open questions and allowed patients to lead the consultation.ConclusionsA shift away from aetiology and physiological tests is needed so that tinnitus is managed as a persistent unexplained set of symptoms. This uncertainty is challenging for the medical professionals; lessons could be learned from the use of therapeutic skills. Further research is required to test techniques, such as the use of decision aids, to determine how we might create the ideal clinical encounter.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Tinnitus is a condition in which sound is heard in the absence of an external source. Current approaches to managing tinnitus vary depending on clinical site (Hoare & Hall, 2011).

In most instances, tinnitus does not have a straightforward medical cause. Tinnitus care is challenging to traditional biomedical encounters because the process of diagnosis may not lead to a defined treatment.

Clinicians are required to consider not only what the tinnitus sounds like but more importantly, what it means for the affected individual. This requires a careful and skilled approach to eliciting a patient's current behaviour, coping, and preferences for both outcomes and treatment approaches.

What does this study add?

We provide the first in‐depth description of decision‐making in clinical services for tinnitus.

Findings suggest a shift in focus is required to move away from the current prioritization of the biomedical treatment of tinnitus.

There is variation to the extent different clinicians were able to deal with the uncertainty presented by the symptoms of tinnitus.
Economic Integration and State Responses: Change in European Industrial Relations since Maastricht
Authors: Meardi Guglielmo 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe article analyses industrial relations change in the six largest EU countries since 1992 in relation to increased internationalization pressures. Based on qualitative and quantitative analysis, it distinguishes between associational and state governance, and detects that despite a predominant, but not universal, trend of weakening trade unions and collective bargaining, no overall liberalization has occurred in the political regulation of employment (employment policies, welfare state, labour law, state support to collective bargaining, public sector). Rather than converging towards neoliberalism, industrial relations emerge as more politically contingent and dependent on multiple forms of power, which are affected by internationalization in different ways.