bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic Kidney Disease‐Associated Pruritus and Quality of Life in Malaysian Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Rehman Inayat U , Lai Pauline SM , Kun Lim S , Lee Learn H , Chan Kok G , Khan Tahir M 
Published: June 2019

AbstractCKD‐associated pruritus is one of the common symptoms in patients undergoing dialysis, thus contributing to the diminished and compromised quality of life. This study aimed to explore the association between the CKD‐associated pruritus on quality of life of patients undergoing hemodialysis in Malaysia. A cross‐sectional multicenter study, carried out from February to September 2017 at tertiary care settings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Patients aged 18 years and above, undergoing hemodialysis, understanding Malay language and willing to participate were included. The CKD‐associated pruritus was assessed by using Malay 5D‐itch scale and Malay FANLTC questionaiare. To determine the factors associated with pruritus and quality of life, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used having P value < 0.05 as statistically significant. Among n = 334 recruited patients with a response rate of 100%, 59.6% were males and total of 61.3% were having CKD‐associated pruritus. The results showed a statistically significant weak negative correlation between CKD‐associated pruritus and quality of life. Multivariate linear regression revealed none of these factors were found to be associated with pruritus; however, CKD‐associated prurtius was found to be associated with quality of life score. CKD‐associated pruritus is have a negative impact on the patient's quality of life including physical, social, mental/emotional, and functional well‐being. Despite the high prevalence and negative impact of CKD‐associated pruritus on quality of life, it is disregarded by most health care professionals. It is thus pertinent to monitor the potential risk factors and consider providing timely treatment implications for CKD‐associated pruritus in hemodialysis patients, in order to improve their quality of life.
Transient introduction of human telomerase mRNA improves hallmarks of progeria cells
Authors: Li Yanhui , Zhou Gang , Bruno Ivone G. , Zhang Ning , Sho Sei , Tedone Enzo , Lai Tsung‐Po , Cooke John P. , Shay Jerry W. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractHutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is characterized by accelerated senescence due to a de novo mutation in the LMNA gene. The mutation produces an abnormal lamin A protein called progerin that lacks the splice site necessary to remove a farnesylated domain. Subsequently, progerin accumulates in the nuclear envelope, disrupting nuclear architecture, chromatin organization, and gene expression. These alterations are often associated with rapid telomere erosion and cellular aging. Here, we further characterize the cellular and molecular abnormalities in HGPS cells and report a significant reversal of some of these abnormalities by introduction of in vitro transcribed and purified human telomerase (hTERT) mRNA. There is intra‐individual heterogeneity of expression of telomere‐associated proteins DNA PKcs/Ku70/Ku80, with low‐expressing cells having shorter telomeres. In addition, the loss of the heterochromatin marker H3K9me3 in progeria is associated with accelerated telomere erosion. In HGPS cell lines characterized by short telomeres, transient transfections with hTERT mRNA increase telomere length, increase expression of telomere‐associated proteins, increase proliferative capacity and cellular lifespan, and reverse manifestations of cellular senescence as assessed by β‐galactosidase expression and secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Unexpectedly, mRNA hTERT also improves nuclear morphology. In combination with the farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTI) lonafarnib, hTERT mRNA promotes HGPS cell proliferation. Our findings demonstrate transient expression of human telomerase in combination with FTIs could represent an improved therapeutic approach for HGPS.
Adjunctive photodynamic therapy improves the outcomes of peri‐implantitis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang H , Li W , Zhang D , Li W , Wang Z 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) can be used for the management of peri‐implantitis. This study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of PDT for peri‐implantitis in Chinese Han patients.MethodsThis was a single‐centre, open‐label, randomized controlled trial of participants with peri‐implantitis treated at the Beijing Chao‐Yang Hospital, randomized 1:1 to PDT or no PDT. PDT was performed using toluidine blue (10 mg/mL; 3 min) and a 635‐nm laser (750 mW; 10 s/implant side; minimum of 60 mW/cm2). The primary outcome was the decline in periodontal probing depth (PD) at 6 months. The secondary outcomes were peri‐implant plaque index (PLI), sulcular bleeding index (SBI), and clinical attachment loss (CAL).ResultsPD after treatment was smaller in the PDT group (n = 66) than in controls (n = 65) (all P < 0.001 vs. baseline). At 1 month, compared with controls, the PD in the PDT group was larger, while at 3‐ and 6‐month, the PDs were smaller (all P < 0.001). CAL, PLI and SBI in the PDT group was better (P < 0.05 vs. controls).ConclusionPDT combined with mechanical debridement significantly improves PD, PLI and SBI in participants with peri‐implantitis. Importantly, PDT achieved a better CAL than mechanical debridement and cleaning.
The relationship between myocardial fibrosis detected by cardiac magnetic resonance and Tp‐e interval, 5‐year sudden cardiac death risk score in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients
Authors: Riza Demir Ali , Celik Ömer , Sevinç Samet , Uygur Begüm , Kahraman Serkan , Yilmaz Emre , Cemek Mete , Onal Yilmaz , Erturk Mehmet 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between QT (QTc) interval, Tp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QTc ratio, 5‐year sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk score, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) detected by CMR in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients.MethodA total of 74 consecutive patients who underwent CMR with HCM diagnosis were included in the study. These patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of LGE on CMR. All patients underwent detailed echocardiography and QTc interval, Tp‐e interval, and Tp‐e/QTc ratios and 5‐year SCD risk scores were calculated. These parameters were compared for two groups.ResultsCMR revealed LGE in 32 (43.2%) of 74 HCM patients. In the group with LGE, significantly higher QTc interval (p = 0.002), Tp‐e interval (p < 0.001), Tp‐e/QTc ratio (p = 0.004), and 5‐year SCD risk score were detected. In addition, QTc interval, Tp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QTc ratio, maximum wall thickness, left ventricular mass index, 5‐year SCD risk score, and cardiac fibrosis index were found to be correlated with various degrees in correlation analysis. Also, Tp‐e interval is found to be an independent predictor of LGE detected by CMR in HCM patients (p = 0.017, OR [%95 CI] = 1.017 [1.001–1.034]). In addition, the Tp‐e interval can detect the LGE with a sensitivity of 64.3% and a specificity of 84.2% at 99.4 ms. (p < 0.001, AUC [95% CI] = 0.790 [0.676–0.905]).ConclusionThe Tp‐e interval can be used to optimize SCD risk stratification in HCM patients and determine which patients will benefit from implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) treatment.
MicroRNA‐133 suppresses ZFHX3‐dependent atrial remodelling and arrhythmia
Authors: Cheng Wan‐Li , Kao Yu‐Hsun , Chao Tze‐Fan , Lin Yung‐Kuo , Chen Shih‐Ann , Chen Yi‐Jen 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimAtrial fibrillation (AF) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the modern world. Loss‐of‐function mutation in the zinc finger homeobox 3 gene (ZFHX3) is associated with increased risk of AF. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) participate in arrhythmogenesis, and thus miRNA modulators may be applicable as therapeutic modalities for AF. However, the altered miRNA profiles after ZFHX3 knockdown (KD) remain unclear. This study aimed to analyse the changes of miRNA expression in loss‐of‐function of ZFHX3 and the effect of miRNA modulation on atrial arrhythmias in this model.MethodsWe performed small RNA deep sequencing on ZFHX3‐KD and control HL‐1 mouse atrial myocytes. The effect of miRNAs on ZFHX3‐dependent atrial arrhythmia was evaluated through in vitro and in vivo assays in mice.ResultsAmong the differentially expressed miRNAs, 11 were down‐regulated and 6 were up‐regulated after ZFHX3 KD. Quantitative real‐time PCR analysis confirmed that after ZFHX3 KD, miR‐133a and miR‐133b were significantly down‐regulated, whereas miR‐184 was the most significantly up‐regulated. DIANA‐miRPath analysis suggested that miR‐133a/b down‐regulation increases the targeted signalling of miR‐133 (ie, adrenergic, Wnt/calcium and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 signalling), which could contribute to pathological remodelling of cardiomyocytes. These results were confirmed through Western blotting. After transfection of miR‐133a/b mimics in ZFHX3‐KD cells, miR‐133a/b levels increased, accompanied by the inhibition of their target signalling. Treatment with miR‐133a/b mimics diminished ZFHX3 KD–induced atrial ectopy in mice.ConclusionZFHX3‐KD promotes distinct miRNA expressional changes in atrial myocytes. MiR‐133a/b mimics may reverse signalling of ZFHX3 KD‐mediated cardiac remodelling and atrial arrhythmia.
A phenomenological case study on immigrant workers' gambling addiction in Korea
Authors: Kang Sun Kyung , Shin Seungnam 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThis study explores the experiences that have led some of Korea's immigrant workers into gambling addiction and examines possible social welfare services that could support treatment. Immigrant workers' gambling experience as aliens in Korea was analyzed through the methodology of a phenomenological case study. The participants, who voluntarily consented to the study, were five immigrant workers addicted to gambling. Data were collected through one‐on‐one, in‐depth interviews over 6 months, starting in July 2018. The essential themes that emerged in the interviews were “changing strategies for survival,” “forgetting oneself without any sense of responsibility or shame,” “gambling as routine daily life,” “obsession with making a fortune in one go,” and “no home to return to.” Based on its results, this study makes suggestions for the prevention of gambling addiction in immigrant workers. Further, future research needs to be broadened to analyze nationwide cases of immigrant workers with more diverse demographic backgrounds.
Low concordance between HbA1c and OGTT to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes in overweight or obesity
Authors: Chatzianagnostou Kyriazoula , Vigna Luisella , Di Piazza Silvana , Tirelli Amedea Silvia , Napolitano Filomena , Tomaino Laura , Bamonti Fabrizia , Traghella Irene , Vassalle Cristina 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundGlycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test, introduced for diagnosing prediabetes and diabetes by the American Diabetes Association for some years, is currently under extensive discussion for contradictory data on the concordance between this test and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).HypothesisTo assess concordance between HbA1c and OGTT to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes in subjects with overweight or obesity, focusing on possible gender‐related differences.MethodsA total of 949 outpatients with overweight or obesity at risk for diabetes (mean age 50 ± 15 years; 660 F) were enrolled and underwent HbA1c test and OGTT.ResultsIn both genders, HbA1c test identified more patients with prediabetes than OGTT (42% vs 22% in males, 40% vs 18% in females, respectively): a slight concordance between HbA1c and OGTT (60% of total tests in both genders).In subjects diagnosed by OGTT, post‐OGTT insulin levels and HOMA INDEX were significantly higher than those found in HbA1c(+) cases. Instead, those diagnosed with HbA1c were significantly older and showed higher uric acid than those with both tests (−).ConclusionsHbA1c test and OGTT did not reach full concordance for the diagnosis of diabetes and prediabetes in both genders. The two tests likely reflect different physiopathological aspects of dysglycaemia, suggesting that the ‘diagnostic thresholds’ could be reconsidered in light of the discordance observed.
Integrating opportunistic glaucoma screening into general health examinations in China: A pilot study
Authors: Zhang Shaodan , Sun Jing , Liu Shanshan , Liang Yuanbo , Hu Ying , Congdon Nathan , Pang Chi Pui , Wang Hailin 
Published: June 2019

AbstractImportanceUnder‐detection and late diagnosis are major causes of glaucoma‐related visual impairment. Cost‐effective opportunistic glaucoma screening is of great interest in the early identification and prevention of glaucoma.BackgroundTo describe the results of a health examination centre‐based opportunistic glaucoma screening and referral model.DesignThis single centre cross‐sectional study was conducted in a health examination centre affiliated to a tertiary hospital in Shenyang, northeastern China.ParticipantsFrom 21 March to 30 September 2016, 14 367 individuals aged ≥ 30 years undergoing routine physical examinations were invited for this glaucoma screening.MethodsPresenting visual acuity, non‐contact pneumotonometry and non‐mydriatic fundus photography were evaluated. Fundus photographs were classified as non‐glaucoma, possible, probable and definitive glaucoma. Participants with probable and definite glaucomatous discs or intraocular pressure ≥ 24 mmHg were referred for definitive examinations.Main Outcome MeasuresDetection rate of glaucoma suspects and ocular hypertension (OHT). Cost to identify a single case with suspected and diagnosed glaucoma was also calculated.ResultsAltogether, 277 glaucoma suspects and 327 ocular hypertension suspects were identified. Among 190 participants with probable/definite glaucomatous discs, 93 (48.9%) accepted further examination. Among these, 78 were diagnosed as glaucoma, seven as suspects and eight were excluded. Only 98 ocular hypertension suspects (30.0%) accepted further examinations: eight had primary angle closure and 23 had confirmed ocular hypertension. The cost to identify a single glaucoma suspect and definite glaucoma case were US$135 and US$857, respectively.Conclusions and RelevanceThis novel screening model provides opportunities to improve glaucoma detection at low cost. Interventions to improve follow‐up are needed.
Hypothermia protects retinal ganglion cells against hypoxia‐induced cell death in a retina organ culture model
Authors: Klemm Patricia , Hurst José , Dias Blak Matthias , Herrmann Thoralf , Melchinger Marion , Bartz‐Schmidt Karl U. , Zeck Günther , Schultheiss Maximilian , Spitzer Martin S. , Schnichels Sven 
Published: June 2019

BackgroundHypoxia contributes to retinal damage in several retinal diseases, including central retinal artery occlusion, with detrimental consequences like painless, monocular loss of vision. Currently, the treatment options are severely limited due to the short therapy window, as the neuronal cells, especially the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), are irreversibly damaged within the first few hours. Hypothermia might be a possible treatment option or at least might increase the therapy window.MethodsTo investigate the neuroprotective effect of hypothermia after retinal hypoxia, an easy‐to‐use ex vivo retinal hypoxia organ culture model developed in our laboratory was used that reliably induced retinal damage on a structural, molecular and functional level. The neuroprotective effect of hypothermia after retinal hypoxia was analysed using optical coherence tomography scans, histological stainings, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and microelectrode array recordings.ResultsTwo different hypothermic temperatures (30°C and 20°C) were evaluated, both exhibited strong neuroprotective effects. Most importantly, hypothermia increased RGC survival after retinal hypoxia. Furthermore, hypothermia counteracted the hypoxia‐induced RGC death, reduced macroglia activation, attenuated retinal thinning and protected from loss of spontaneous RGC activity.ConclusionsThese results indicate that already a mild reduction in temperature protects the RGCs against damage and could function as a promising therapeutic option for hypoxic diseases.
Achieving conservation impact by shifting focus from human attitudes to behaviors
Authors: Nilsson Danielle , Fielding Kelly , Dean Angela J. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAttitudes have been a commonly used psychological measure of program effectiveness in conservation social science research. The major limitation of this approach is that attitudes do not always translate into behavior and therefore may not provide an accurate assessment of program success. Given that achieving conservation goals generally relies on understanding and changing human behavior, we argue for the need to assess behavior rather than attitudes as an indicator of conservation outcomes. Psychological theory shows that attitudes and behavior are distinct, but related, concepts. Measuring conservation behaviors involves identifying the target behavior or behaviors and the optimal time to measure and then selecting the most appropriate method of measurement (i.e., direct observation, objective indicators, self‐reported behavior, and behavioral intentions) that considers the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. We call for conservation programs to focus on influencing behavior rather than attitudes alone and encourage conservation practitioners and researchers to collect high‐quality behavioral data to more effectively inform policy and programs.
The effect of pre–heart transplant body mass index on posttransplant outcomes: An analysis of the ISHLT Registry Data
Authors: Doumouras Barbara S. , Fan Chun‐Po S. , Mueller Brigitte , Dipchand Anne I. , Manlhiot Cedric , Stehlik Josef , Ross Heather J. , Alba Ana C. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWe evaluated the effect of pre–heart transplant body mass index (BMI) on posttransplant outcomes using the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Registry. Kaplan‐Meier analysis and a multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression model were used for all‐cause mortality, and cause‐specific hazard regression for cause‐specific mortality and morbidity. We assessed 38 498 recipients from 2000 to 2014 stratified by pretransplant BMI. Ten‐year survival was 56% in underweight, 59% in normal weight, 57% in overweight, 52% in obese class I, 54% in class II, and 47% in class III patients (P < 0.001). Mortality was increased in underweight (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.24‐1.35), obese class I (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.13‐1.26), class II (HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.08‐1.32), and class III patients (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.15‐1.83). Obesity was independently associated with increased death from myocardial infarction, chronic rejection, infection, and renal dysfunction. An underweight BMI lead to increased death from infection, acute and chronic rejection, malignancy, and bleeding. Obese patients had a higher incidence of renal dysfunction, diabetes, stroke, acute rejection, cardiac allograft vasculopathy, and malignancy, and underweight recipients had increased acute rejection. We have shown that pretransplant obese and underweight patients have increased post–heart transplant mortality and morbidity. This has implications for candidate selection and posttransplant management.
Ageing significantly impacts the biomechanical function and structural composition of skin
Authors: Langton Abigail K. , Graham Helen K. , Griffiths Christopher E. M. , Watson Rachel E. B. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSkin ageing is a complex process involving the additive effects of skin's interaction with its external environment, predominantly chronic sun exposure, upon a background of time‐dependent intrinsic ageing. Here, using non‐invasive cutometry and ballistometry, we explore the consequences of ageing on the biomechanical function of skin in otherwise healthy White Northern European volunteers. Intrinsic skin ageing caused biomechanical decline; skin loses both resilience (P < 0.01) and elasticity (P < 0.001), which is characterised histologically by modest effacement of rete ridges (P < 0.05) and disorganisation of papillary dermal elastic fibres. At photoexposed sites, biomechanical testing identified significant loss of biomechanical function—particularly in the aged cohort. Photoaged forearm displayed severe loss of resilience (P < 0.001) and elasticity (P < 0.001); furthermore with repetitive testing, fatigue (P < 0.001), hysteresis (P < 0.001) and viscous “creep” (P < 0.001) were exacerbated. Histologically, both young and aged forearm displayed flattening of rete ridges and disruption to the arrangement of elastic fibres. We conclude that maintenance of skin architecture is inherently associated with optimal biomechanical properties. Modest perturbations to skin architecture—as exemplified by intrinsic ageing—result in moderate functional decline. Chronic sun exposure causes fundamental changes to the clinical and histological appearance of skin, and these are reflected by an extreme alteration in biomechanical function.
Why does sweat lead to the development of itch in atopic dermatitis?
Authors: Murota Hiroyuki , Yamaga Kosuke , Ono Emi , Murayama Naoya , Yokozeki Hiroo , Katayama Ichiro 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSweating plays an important role in maintaining temperature homeostasis in humans. However, under certain circumstances, sweat can cause itching. For example, when excessive sweat accumulates on the skin surface for a long period, miliaria can develop and cause itching. Subjects with dermatoses, such as atopic dermatitis (AD), suffer from itch when exposed to heat or psychological stresses, which are also known perspiration stimuli. Recently, some mechanisms of sweat‐induced itch have been revealed. For instance, attenuated sweating ability is observed in subjects with AD, causing heat retention, skin dryness, and high susceptibility to itch. Furthermore, the decreased tight junction of the sweat gland in AD leads to sweat leakage in the dermis, which could be designated as a “sweat endocrine response” and may be the cause of tingling itch during sweating. Additionally, metabolomic analysis of sweat from patients with AD revealed that glucose concentration in sweat increases according to disease severity. Sweat with elevated glucose concentration retards the recovery of the damaged skin barrier and may promote itching. This viewpoint essay outlines the relationship between sweat and itch based on recent evidence.