bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of tea drinking and dysmenorrhoea among reproductive-age women in Shanghai, China (2013–2015): a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhang Rongrong , Chen Dan , Huang Rong , Tian Ying , Zhang Ping , Zhang Jun 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesTo investigate the association between tea drinking and dysmenorrhoea among women of reproductive age.DesignA cross-sectional study based on Shanghai Birth Cohort Study.SettingTwo preconceptional care clinics in Shanghai, China.Participants1183 women of reproductive age who sought preconceptional care were recruited from August 2013 to April 2015.Primary and secondary outcome measuresParticipants were asked if they had pelvic pain associated with menstrual bleeding during the past 12 months and to further grade the intensity of menstrual cramp as mild, moderate and severe. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to assess the association of tea drinking and dysmenorrhoea. Other information, such as demographic and lifestyle factors, was also collected and assessed in relation to dysmenorrhoea.ResultsThe prevalence of dysmenorrhoea was 57.8%, among whom 10.4% and 3.5% had moderate and severe dysmenorrhoea, respectively. Tea drinking was associated with a lower prevalence of dysmenorrhoea (adjusted OR [aOR]=0.68, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.93 for mild dysmenorrhoea; aOR=0.59 (95% CI 0.32 to 1.04) for moderate-to-severe dysmenorrhoea). Green tea and oolong tea appeared to have most reduction in the prevalence of dysmenorrhoea (for mild dysmenorrhoea: green tea: aOR=0.63 (95% CI 0.44 to 0.90) and oolong tea: aOR=0.60 (95% CI 0.35 to 1.03); for moderate-to-severe dysmenorrhoea: green tea: aOR=0.42 (95% CI 0.20 to 0.85) and oolong tea: aOR=0.34 (95% CI 0.11 to 1.09)).ConclusionsConsumptions of green tea and possibly oolong tea were associated with a lower prevalence of dysmenorrhoea.
What are junior doctors for? The work of Foundation doctors in the UK: a mixed methods study
Authors: Vance Gillian , Jandial Sharmila , Scott Jon , Burford Bryan 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesTo examine what activities constitute the work of Foundation doctors and understand the factors that determine how that work is constructed.DesignCross-sectional mixed methods study. Questionnaire survey of the frequency with which activities specified in curricular documents are performed. Semistructured interviews and focus groups.SettingPostgraduate medical training in the UK.ParticipantsDoctors in their first 2 years of postgraduate practice (Foundation Programme). Staff who work with Foundation doctors—supervisors, nurses and employers (clinical; non-clinical).ResultsSurvey data from 3697 Foundation doctors identified curricular activities (41/103, 42%) that are carried out routinely (performed at least once or twice per week by >75% of respondents). However, another 30 activities (29%) were carried out rarely (at least once or twice per week by <25% respondents), largely because they are routinely part of nurses’, and not doctors’, work. Junior doctors indicated their work constituted three roles: ‘support’ of ward and team, ‘independent practitioner’ and ‘learner’. The support function dominated work, but conflicted with stereotyped expectations of what ‘being a doctor’ would be. It was, however, valued by the other staff groups. The learner role was felt to be incidental to practice, but was couched in a limited definition of learning that related to new skills, rather than consolidation and practice. Activities and perceived role were shaped by the organisational context, medical hierarchies and through relationships with nurses, which could change unpredictably and cause tension. Training progression did not affect what activities were done, but supported greater autonomy in how they were carried out.ConclusionsNew doctors must be fit for multiple roles. Strategies for transition should manage graduates’ expectations of real-world work, and encourage teams and organisations to better accommodate graduates. These strategies may help ensure that new doctors can adapt to the variable demands of the evolving multiprofessional workforce.
Not quite a doctor, but should I help? A qualitative exploration of medical students’ attitudes towards responding to medical emergencies that occur in the public domain
Authors: Xie Jessica Ying-Yi , Frost Rachael , Meakin Richard 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveTo explore medical students’ views on and experiences of responding to out-of-hospital medical emergencies.SettingUniversity College London (UCL).Participants11 UCL Medical School students.Study designQualitative.Methods and outcome measuresWe carried out 11 one-to-one semistructured interviews, with participant validation and reflective work. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsThree core themes were identified. (1) ‘We Did Debate a Bit: Should We Go? Should We Not?’—Students’ decisions to respond were based on the appearance of the casualty; the presence and actions of bystanders; witnessing the incident; self-perceived competence, confidence and knowledge; and personal experiences and feelings associated with medical emergencies. (2) ‘It Would Represent the Medical Profession Well if We Did Step In and Help’—Students felt that they had an ethical and/or professional duty to help. (3) ‘No One Should Die Because of a Lack of… Basic Life-Saving Techniques’—Students felt that medical school training alone had not sufficiently prepared them to respond to out-of-hospital medical emergencies. Improvements to training were suggested: integrating first aid/response training into the horizontal (systems-based) modules; teaching both common and less common medical emergencies and presentations; training that is led by experienced first responders and that increases students’ exposure to out-of-hospital medical emergencies; and providing more revision training sessions.ConclusionsStudents felt that medical school training could be improved to better prepare them for responding to out-of-hospital medical emergencies, and wanted clarification on whether or not they have an ethical and/or professional duty to help. Further mixed-methods research using a larger sample needs to be carried out to confirm whether findings are transferable to other UK medical schools.
Ring1b-dependent epigenetic remodelling is an essential prerequisite for pancreatic carcinogenesis
Authors: Benitz Simone , Straub Tobias , Mahajan Ujjwal Mukund , Mutter Jurik , Czemmel Stefan , Unruh Tatjana , Wingerath Britta , Deubler Sabrina , Fahr Lisa , Cheng Tao , Nahnsen Sven , Bruns Philipp , Kong Bo , Raulefs Susanne , Ceyhan Güralp O , Mayerle Julia , Steiger Katja , Esposito Irene , Kleeff Jörg , Michalski Christoph W , Regel Ivonne 
Published: April 2019

Background and aimsBesides well-defined genetic alterations, the dedifferentiation of mature acinar cells is an important prerequisite for pancreatic carcinogenesis. Acinar-specific genes controlling cell homeostasis are extensively downregulated during cancer development; however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Now, we devised a novel in vitro strategy to determine genome-wide dynamics in the epigenetic landscape in pancreatic carcinogenesis.DesignWith our in vitro carcinogenic sequence, we performed global gene expression analysis and ChIP sequencing for the histone modifications H3K4me3, H3K27me3 and H2AK119ub. Followed by a comprehensive bioinformatic approach, we captured gene clusters with extensive epigenetic and transcriptional remodelling. Relevance of Ring1b-catalysed H2AK119ub in acinar cell reprogramming was studied in an inducible Ring1b knockout mouse model. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Ring1b ablation as well as drug-induced Ring1b inhibition were functionally characterised in pancreatic cancer cells.ResultsThe epigenome is vigorously modified during pancreatic carcinogenesis, defining cellular identity. Particularly, regulatory acinar cell transcription factors are epigenetically silenced by the Ring1b-catalysed histone modification H2AK119ub in acinar-to-ductal metaplasia and pancreatic cancer cells. Ring1b knockout mice showed greatly impaired acinar cell dedifferentiation and pancreatic tumour formation due to a retained expression of acinar differentiation genes. Depletion or drug-induced inhibition of Ring1b promoted tumour cell reprogramming towards a less aggressive phenotype.ConclusionsOur data provide substantial evidence that the epigenetic silencing of acinar cell fate genes is a mandatory event in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. Targeting the epigenetic repressor Ring1b could offer new therapeutic options.
Longitudinal investigation of haematological alterations among permethrin-exposed pesticide applicators in the Biomarkers of Exposure and Effect in Agriculture study
Authors: Shearer Joseph J , Beane Freeman Laura E , Liu Danping , Andreotti Gabriella , Hamilton Jennifer , Happel Julie , Lynch Charles F , Alavanja Michael C , Hofmann Jonathan N 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesPermethrin use has been associated with an increased risk of multiple myeloma (MM) among pesticide applicators. However, the biological plausibility and mechanisms underlying this association are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to assess whether exposure to permethrin is related to haematological alterations among occupationally exposed pesticide applicators.MethodsWe conducted a longitudinal study among 33 pesticide applicators in the Biomarkers of Exposure and Effect in Agriculture study comparing haematological parameters in the offseason with the day after permethrin exposure and, for 27 participants, approximately 3 weeks postexposure. Complete blood counts with white blood cell differential and lymphocyte subsets were measured at each visit. Multivariate linear mixed effects models were used to assess the relationship between natural log-transformed haematological parameters and exposure to permethrin.ResultsThe adjusted geometric mean immature granulocyte count was elevated among pesticide applicators following permethrin exposure compared with their offseason levels (37% increase, 95% CI 6% to 76%). Modest but statistically significant (p<0.05) alterations in red blood cell (RBC) parameters (eg, decreased RBC count and haemoglobin and increased mean corpuscular volume and RBC distribution width-SD) were also observed the day after permethrin use compared with offseason levels; decreases in RBC count and haemoglobin and increases in RBC distribution width-SD persisted approximately 3 weeks after permethrin use.ConclusionsAltered haematological parameters could be indicative of disrupted haematopoiesis, providing insights into the biological plausibility of the observed association between permethrin use and MM risk among pesticide applicators.
Quantum-like signal-tuned approach to V1 modeling
Authors: Torreão José R. A. , Amaral Marcos S. 
Published: April 2019

Signal-tuned Gabor functions — Gaussian-modulated sinusoids whose parameters are determined by a spatial or spectral “tuning signal” — have previously been shown to provide a plausible model for the stimulus-dependent receptive fields and responses of the simple and complex cells of the primary visual cortex (V1). The signal-tuned responses obey Schrödinger equations, which has led to the proposal of a quantum-like model for V1 cells: by considering the squared magnitude of a particular signal-tuned wave function as a probability density, one arrives at a Poisson spiking process which appears consistent with the neurophysiological findings. Here, by incorporating Hermite-polynomial factors to the signal-tuned Gabor functions, we obtain a generalized quantum-like signal-tuned model for which further relevant properties are demonstrated, such as receptive-field coding of the stimulus and its derivatives, saturating spatial summation curves and half-wave rectification of the simple cell responses. Although only a one-dimensional approach is considered here, such properties will carry over to a two-dimensional model, in which case, as our preliminary analysis indicates, end-stopping — another important feature of cortical cells — can also be accommodated.
Studies of dielectric and piezoelectric properties of PbTi0.8−x Te0.2GdxO3 nano ceramics prepared by high energy ball milling
Authors: Sinha S. K. , Kumari S. , Chaudhary R. K. 
Published: April 2019

Incorporation of Te and Gd were done based on the stoicheometric formula PbTi[Formula: see text] Te[Formula: see text]GdxO3 (PTTeG). TG characterization of green powder revealed the completion of solid state reaction at temperature 450∘ C. XRD of modified PTTeG powders milled for 10[Formula: see text]h was found most suitable as it gives pure single-phase tetragonal structure. Dielectric constant was found as 2543 at curie temperature of 480∘C in the case of 5[Formula: see text]wt.% of Gd in PTTeG. Piezoelectric Coefficient was found as 241 [Formula: see text] 10 [Formula: see text] C/N at 39[Formula: see text]Kv/cm of poling field. The results obtained were comparable and even better than so far reported in similar kind of materials.
Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Promotes Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer and Neuroendocrine Differentiation by Activated ZBTB46
Authors: Liu Yen-Nien , Niu Shaoxi , Chen Wei-Yu , Zhang Qingfu , Tao Yulei , Chen Wei-Hao , Jiang Kuo-Ching , Chen Xufeng , Shi Huaiyin , Liu Aijun , Li Jinhang , Li Yanjing , Lee Yi-Chao , Zhang Xu , Huang Jiaoti 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Purpose:
The molecular targets for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) are unknown because the disease inevitably recurs, and therapeutic approaches for patients with CRPC remain less well understood. We sought to investigate regulatory mechanisms that result in increased therapeutic resistance, which is associated with neuroendocrine differentiation of prostate cancer and linked to dysregulation of the androgen-responsive pathway.

Experimental Design:
The underlying intracellular mechanism that sustains the oncogenic network involved in neuroendocrine differentiation and therapeutic resistance of prostate cancer was evaluated to investigate and identify effectors. Multiple sets of samples with prostate adenocarcinomas and CRPC were assessed via IHC and other assays.

Results:
We demonstrated that leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) was induced by androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and was upregulated by ZBTB46 in prostate cancer to promote CRPC and neuroendocrine differentiation. LIF was found to be induced in patients with prostate cancer after ADT and was associated with enriched nuclear ZBTB46 staining in high-grade prostate tumors. In prostate cancer cells, high ZBTB46 output was responsible for the activation of LIF-STAT3 signaling and neuroendocrine-like features. The abundance of LIF was mediated by ADT-induced ZBTB46 through a physical interaction with the regulatory sequence of LIF. Analysis of serum from patients showed that cases of higher tumor grade and metastatic prostate cancer exhibited higher LIF titers.

Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that LIF is a potent serum biomarker for diagnosing advanced prostate cancer and that targeting the ZBTB46–LIF axis may therefore inhibit CRPC development and neuroendocrine differentiation after ADT.
Hearts Donated After Circulatory Death and Reconditioned Using Normothermic Regional Perfusion Can Be Successfully Transplanted Following an Extended Period of Static Storage
Authors: Ribeiro Roberto V. P. , Alvarez Juglans S. , Yu Frank , Paradiso Emanuela , Adamson Mitchell B. , Maria Ruggeri Giulia , Fukunaga Naoto , Bissoondath Ved , Serrick Cyril , Meineri Massimiliano , Ross Heather , Rao Vivek , Badiwala Mitesh V. 
Published: April 2019

Background:
There has been an increased interest in donation after circulatory death (DCD) to expand donor pool for cardiac transplantation. Normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) allows in situ assessment of DCD hearts, allowing only acceptable organs to be procured. We sought to determine if extended cold storage was possible for DCD hearts following NRP and to compare hearts stored using standard cold storage with a novel cardioprotective solution designed for room temperature storage.

Methods and Results:
Donor pigs underwent hypoxic cardiac arrest (DCD) followed by 15 minutes of warm ischemia and resuscitation on NRP. They were then randomly assigned to static storage with histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) at 4°C (HTK group, n=5) or SOM-TRN-001 at 21°C (SOM group, n=5). Conventional beating-heart donations were used as controls (n=4). Fourteen transplants were successfully performed. HTK hearts showed initial dysfunction following reperfusion; however, they demonstrated significant recovery up to 3 hours post-transplant. No significant differences were seen between HTK and control hearts post-transplantation (cardiac index: control 49.5±6% and HTK 48.5±5% of baseline). SOM improved myocardial preservation; hearts showed stable contractility after transplantation (cardiac index: 113.0±43% of NRP function) and improved diastolic function compared with HTK. Preservation in SOM also significantly reduced proinflammatory cytokine production and release following transplantation and partially prevented endothelial dysfunction.

Conclusions:
DCD hearts stored using a standard preservation solution demonstrated comparable post-transplantation myocardial function to standard controls. Thus, short periods of cold storage following successful NRP and documented adequate function is an acceptable strategy for DCD hearts. Preservation in SOM at room temperature is feasible and can improve cardiac recovery by minimizing endothelial dysfunction and tissue injury.
Assessment of Long-Term Structural Deterioration of Transcatheter Aortic Bioprosthetic Valves Using the New European Definition
Authors: Durand Eric , Sokoloff Anastasia , Urena-Alcazar Marina , Chevalier Bernard , Chassaing Stephan , Didier Romain , Tron Christophe , Litzler Pierre-Yves , Bouleti Claire , Himbert Dominique , Hovasse Thomas , Bar Olivier , Avinée Guillaume , Iung Bernard , Blanchard Didier , Gilard Martine , Cribier Alain , Lefevre Thierry , Eltchaninoff Hélène 
Published: April 2019

Background:
The durability of transcatheter aortic bioprosthetic valves is a crucial issue, but data are scarce, especially beyond 5 years of follow-up. We aimed to assess long-term (7 years) structural valve deterioration (SVD) and bioprosthetic valve failure of transcatheter aortic bioprosthetic valves.

Methods and Results:
Consecutive patients with at least 5-year follow-up available undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation from April 2002 to December 2011 in 5 French centers were included. Incidence of SVD and bioprosthetic valve failure were defined according to newly standardized criteria of the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions/European Society of Cardiology/European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery and reported as cumulative incidence function to account for the competing risk of death. One thousand four hundred three consecutive patients were included with a mean age of 82.6±7.5 years and with a mean logistic EuroSCORE (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation) of 21.3±7.5%. A balloon-expandable valve was used in 83.7% of cases. Survival rates were 83.5% (95% CI, 81.4%–85.5%) and 18.6% (95% CI, 15.3%–21.8%) at 1 and 7 years, respectively. Median duration of follow-up was 3.9 years. Bioprosthetic valve failure occurred in 19 patients with a 7-year cumulative incidence of 1.9% (95% CI, 1.4%–2.4%). SVD occurred in 49 patients (moderate, n=32; severe, n=17) with a 7-year cumulative incidence of moderate and severe SVD of 7.0% (95% CI, 5.6%–8.4%) and 4.2% (95% CI, 2.9%–5.5%), respectively. Five patients had aortic valve reintervention (1.0%; 95% CI, 0.4%–1.6%) including 1 case of surgical aortic valve replacement and 4 redo-transcatheter aortic valve implantation. The incidences of SVD and bioprosthetic valve failure were not significantly different between balloon and self-expandable prostheses.

Conclusions:
The long-term assessment of transcatheter aortic bioprosthetic valves durability is limited by the poor survival of our population beyond 5 years. Further studies are warranted, particularly in younger and lower-risk patients.
Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials of Red Meat Consumption in Comparison With Various Comparison Diets on Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Guasch-Ferré Marta , Satija Ambika , Blondin Stacy A. , Janiszewski Marie , Emlen Ester , O’Connor Lauren E. , Campbell Wayne W. , Hu Frank B. , Willett Walter C. , Stampfer Meir J. 
Published: April 2019

Background:
Findings among randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of red meat on cardiovascular disease risk factors are inconsistent. We provide an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on red meat and cardiovascular risk factors and determine whether the relationship depends on the composition of the comparison diet, hypothesizing that plant sources would be relatively beneficial.

Methods:
We conducted a systematic PubMed search of randomized controlled trials published up until July 2017 comparing diets with red meat with diets that replaced red meat with a variety of foods. We stratified comparison diets into high-quality plant protein sources (legumes, soy, nuts); chicken/poultry/fish; fish only; poultry only; mixed animal protein sources (including dairy); carbohydrates (low-quality refined grains and simple sugars, such as white bread, pasta, rice, cookies/biscuits); or usual diet. We performed random-effects meta-analyses comparing differences in changes of blood lipids, apolipoproteins, and blood pressure for all studies combined and stratified by specific comparison diets.

Results:

Thirty-six studies totaling 1803 participants were included. There were no significant differences between red meat and all comparison diets combined for changes in blood concentrations of total, low-density lipoprotein, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoproteins A1 and B, or blood pressure. Relative to the comparison diets combined, red meat resulted in lesser decreases in triglycerides (weighted mean difference [WMD], 0.065 mmol/L; 95% CI, 0.000–0.129;
P
for heterogeneity <0.01). When analyzed by specific comparison diets, relative to high-quality plant protein sources, red meat yielded lesser decreases in total cholesterol (WMD, 0.264 mmol/L; 95% CI, 0.144–0.383;
P
<0.001) and low-density lipoprotein (WMD, 0.198 mmol/L; 95% CI, 0.065–0.330;
P
=0.003). In comparison with fish, red meat yielded greater decreases in low-density lipoprotein (WMD, –0.173 mmol/L; 95% CI, –0.260 to –0.086;
P
<0.001) and high-density lipoprotein (WMD, –0.065 mmol/L; 95% CI, –0.109 to –0.020;
P
=0.004). In comparison with carbohydrates, red meat yielded greater decreases in triglycerides (WMD, –0.181 mmol/L; 95% CI, –0.349 to –0.013).

Conclusions:
Inconsistencies regarding the effects of red meat on cardiovascular disease risk factors are attributable, in part, to the composition of the comparison diet. Substituting red meat with high-quality plant protein sources, but not with fish or low-quality carbohydrates, leads to more favorable changes in blood lipids and lipoproteins.