bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tissue expression and variation analysis of three bovine adipokine genes revealed their effect on growth traits in native Chinese cattle
Authors: Fu Weiwei , Chen Ningbo , Han Shuang , Huang Jieping , Li Fen , Hao Ruijie , Chen Hong , Lei Chuzhao , Ma Yun 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAdipokines play a crucial role in the regulation of energy homeostasis; however, little is known about genetic alterations in this family that may contribute to economic traits in cattle. Therefore, this study conducts transcript profiles, variations and association studies of three major adipokines, leptin (LEP), tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and angiopoietin‐like protein 8 (ANGPTL8), to evaluate their effects on native Chinese cattle. Using quantitative real‐time PCR, the study revealed that the bovine LEP was expressed primarily in the back and visceral fat, while TNF was predominantly expressed in spleen and ANGPTL8 was mainly expressed in back fat and liver. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) including two missense SNPs (SNP1: g.12254T>C and SNP2: g.14177C>T) in LEP, a synonymous SNP (SNP3: g.2130A>G) in TNF and two SNPs (SNP4: g.629G>A and SNP5: g.884T>C) in the 5′UTR of ANGPTL8 were identified and genotyped in 537 individuals from six Chinese cattle breeds. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that SNP1 might disrupt the efficient binding of LEP to its receptor, SNP3 might affect translation efficiency of TNF, and SNP4 and SNP5 were likely to affect stability, splicing and nuclear export of ANGPTL8 mRNA. Consistently, association studies indicated that three SNPs (SNP1, SNP3 and SNP5) were significantly associated with body weight, heart girth, average daily gain, hip width and body length in 100 Nanyang cattle (p < 0.05). Overall, our results support the view that LEP, TNF and ANGPTL8 could be used as biomarkers to improve the growth performance in Chinese cattle selection programmes.
The protease inhibitor antipain has a beneficial synergistic effect with trehalose for ram semen cryopreservation
Authors: Akhtarshenas Bahareh , Karami Shabankareh Hamed , Hajarian Hadi , Bucak Mustafa Numan , Abdolmohammadi Ali Reza , Dashtizad Mojtaba 
Published: July 2018

ContentsThe objective of this study was to examine the different concentrations of antipain and trehalose combination on post‐thawed quality of ram semen cryopreserved in tris extender. Ejaculates were collected from four rams using the artificial vagina, pooled at 37°C and diluted with (A0 Tre0: antipain 0 μM and trehalose 0 mM(Control); A10 Tre0; A50 Tre0; A0 Tre30; A0 Tre60; A10 Tre60; A10 Tre30; A50 Tre30and A50 Tre60). Diluted semen samples were gradually cooled down from 37 to 5°C in a cold cabinet; then, they were loaded into 0.25 mlstraws, frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen. Sperm motility (CASA), viability, membrane functionality and abnormality were evaluated after thawing process. Progressive motility in extender supplemented with A10 Tre0, A0 Tre30and A10 Tre60significantly (p < 0.05) higher as compared to the control (A10 Tre0). A10 Tre60(47.50 ± 0.73) provided the best maintenance of progressive motility in comparison with the control (40.50 ± 0.73). No significant differences were observed between all treated groups in terms of total motility,VAP,VSL,VCL,ALH,BCF,STRandLIN. The percentages of sperm with viable were significantly higher in extenders supplemented with A10 Tre0, A50 Tre0, A0 Tre30and A10 Tre60, compared to control. Addition of A10 Tre0, A50 Tre0and A10 Tre60to extenders improved the percentages of sperm abnormality, compared to the controls. A10 Tre60(67.84 ± 1.51) treatment provided the best maintenance of normal morphology compared to the other treatments. The supplementation with A10 Tre0, A0 Tre60and A10 Tre60improved the percentage of sperm membrane functionality when compared to the control (p < 0.05). Comparing these results with those of control diluents, the effects of supplementation were better except for A50 Tre60group. In conclusion, when combination of antipain (10 μM) and trehalose (30 and 60 mM) was added, they conferred a great cryosurvival capacity with their synergic effects during freeze‐thawing process.
Feasibility and acceptability of an early home visit intervention aimed at supporting a positive mother–infant relationship for mothers at risk of postpartum depression
Authors: Greve Rakel Aasheim , Braarud Hanne Cecilie , Skotheim Siv , Slinning Kari 
Published: July 2018

AimsPerinatal depression is associated with difficulties in the early mother–child interaction and negative child outcome. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the Newborn Behavioral Observation (NBO) System included in a home visiting programme at well‐baby clinics in Norway and to examine compliance with the study protocol for a future clinical trial. The target group was pregnant women at risk for postpartum depression and their partners.MethodAn open‐label study was conducted. A total of 15 pregnant women and 10 partners were recruited during 24–28 weeks of gestation. The NBO was conducted in three home visits during the first four weeks after birth. Data were collected from surveys responded to by parents and healthcare workers at six time‐points and from video recordings of mother–infant interaction by the Emotional Availability (EA) Scale. The parents’ experience of the intervention and data collection was investigated by qualitative analyses of five interviews. The NBO is an individualised, relationship‐based method aimed to strengthen the emotional bond between the parents and their infants and enhance the parents’ alliance with the healthcare worker.ResultsIntervention completion was 97%. Data collection completion was 100% at baseline and the second time‐point and dropped to 50% for the mothers and 40% for the fathers at the sixth time‐point. However, 79% (11 of 14) of the mothers and infants took part in video recordings for the EA coding at 4 months postpartum (sixth time‐point). The usefulness questionnaires showed high acceptability among both parents and healthcare workers.ConclusionThis study showed that the NBO conducted in home visits is a feasible and acceptable intervention for both parents and healthcare workers within the well‐baby clinic services. A future clinical trial protocol needs adjustments related to data collection.
Treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism: How do cinacalcet and etelcalcetide differ?
Authors: Eidman Keith E. , Wetmore James B. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractSecondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), commonly encountered in patients receiving maintenance dialysis, is associated with numerous adverse outcomes, including mortality. Calcimimetics, agents that act on the calcium sensing receptor (CaSR), were designed to overcome limitations in the use of vitamin D sterols to treat SHPT, and have demonstrated efficacy in reducing levels of PTH in randomized trials. Currently available calcimimetics include oral cinacalcet and the recently approved intravenously administered agent, etelcalcetide. While cinacalcet is an allosteric modulator of the CaSR, etelcalcetide acts as a direct CaSR agonist. Etelcalcetide's properties allow it to be administered intravenously thrice weekly at the end of a hemodialysis treatment session. Etelcalcetide has recently been shown to be more potent than cinacalcet in reducing PTH levels. However, etelcalcetide appears, like cinacalcet, to cause gastrointestinal intolerance. Additionally, etelcalcetide, which appears to reduce calcium substantially more than cinacalcet does, can prolong the QTc electrocardiographic interval. While etelcalcetide is very effective at reducing PTH levels, the current climate of dialysis cost containment in the United States may limit its widespread use. This review compares and contrasts the pharmacologic characteristics of cinacalcet and etelcalcetide, discusses the results of clinical trials involving these drugs, and posits implications for their use for clinical practice.
Staphylococcus aureus Uses the GraXRS Regulatory System To Sense and Adapt to the Acidified Phagolysosome in Macrophages
Authors: Flannagan Ronald S. , Kuiack Robert C. , McGavin Martin J. , Heinrichs David E. 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACT

Macrophages are critical to innate immunity due to their ability to phagocytose bacteria. The macrophage phagolysosome is a highly acidic organelle with potent antimicrobial properties, yet remarkably, ingested
Staphylococcus aureus
replicates within this niche. Herein we demonstrate that
S. aureus
requires the GraXRS regulatory system for growth within this niche, while the SaeRS and AgrAC two-component regulatory systems and the α-phenol soluble modulins are dispensable. Importantly, we find that it is exposure to acidic pH that is required for optimal growth of
S. aureus
inside fully acidified macrophage phagolysosomes. Exposure of
S. aureus
to acidic pH evokes GraS signaling, which in turn elicits an adaptive response that endows the bacteria with increased resistance to antimicrobial effectors, such as antimicrobial peptides, encountered inside macrophage phagolysosomes. Notably, pH-dependent induction of antimicrobial peptide resistance in
S. aureus
requires the GraS sensor kinase. GraS and MprF, a member of the GraS regulon, play an important role for bacterial survival in the acute stages of systemic infection, where in murine models of infection,
S. aureus
resides within liver-resident Kupffer cells. We conclude that GraXRS represents a vital regulatory system that functions to allow
S. aureus
to evade killing, prior to commencement of replication, within host antibacterial immune cells.

IMPORTANCE
S. aureus
can infect any site of the body, including the microbicidal phagolysosome of the macrophage. The ability of
S. aureus
to infect diverse niches necessitates that the bacteria be highly adaptable. Here we show that
S. aureus
responds to phagolysosome acidification to evoke changes in gene expression that enable the bacteria to resist phagolysosomal killing and to promote replication. Toxin production is dispensable for this response; however, the bacteria require the sensor kinase GraS, which transduces signals in response to acidic pH. GraS is necessary for phagolysosomal replication and survival of
S. aureus
in the acute stage of systemic infection. Disruption of this
S. aureus
adaptation would render
S. aureus
susceptible to phagocyte restriction.
Is lack of social support associated with a delay in seeking medical care? A cross-sectional study of Minnesota and Tennessee residents using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Authors: Reisinger Matthew W , Moss Marc , Clark Brendan J 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivePrevious studies have demonstrated an association between social support and lower morbidity and mortality. Delay in seeking medical care is associated with poor health outcomes. The relationship between social support and delay in seeking medical care has not been established. We sought to determine whether lack of social support is associated with higher rates of delays in seeking needed medical care.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional observational study using data from the 2013 and 2014 Centers for Disease Control Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Participants who were asked questions about delays in medical care and social support were included. The primary outcome was a self-reported delay in seeking needed medical care. The primary independent variable of interest was a dichotomised measure of social support. Multivariable logistic regression was performed, adjusting for demographics, socioeconomic status, comorbidities and access to care.ResultsParticipants without social support were more likely to report delaying needed medical care when compared with participants with social support (38%vs19%, p<0.001). The association between lack of social support and delays in care persisted after adjustment for demographics, socioeconomic status, comorbidities and access to care (OR 1.72; 95% CI 1.45 to 2.06; p<0.001).ConclusionsLack of perceived social support is associated with patient-reported delay of needed medical care. This association may contribute to the poor health outcomes experienced by those with a lack of social support.
Using an interactive virtual environment to integrate a digital Action Research Arm Test, motor imagery and action observation to assess and improve upper limb motor function in patients with neuromuscular impairments: a usability and feasibility study protocol
Authors: Behrendt Frank , Schuster-Amft Corina 
Published: July 2018

IntroductionIn the recent past, training systems using an interactive virtual environment have been introduced to neurorehabilitation. Such systems can be applied to encourage purposeful limb movements and will increasingly be used at home by the individual patient. Therefore, an integrated valid and reliable assessment tool on the basis of such a system to monitor the recovery process would be an essential asset.ObjectivesThe aim of the study is to evaluate usability, feasibility and validity of the digital version of the Action Research Arm Test using the Bi-Manu-Trainer system as a platform. Additionally, the feasibility and usability of the implementation of action observation and motor imagery tasks into the Bi-Manu-Trainer software will be evaluated.Patients and methodsThis observational study is planned as a single-arm trial for testing the new assessment and the action observation and motor imagery training module. Therefore, 75 patients with Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury or Guillain-Barré syndrome will be included. 30 out of the 75 patients will additionally take part in a 4-week training on the enhanced Bi-Manu-Trainer system. Primary outcomes will be the score on the System Usability Scale and the correlation between the conventional and digital Action Research Arm Test scores. Secondary outcomes will be hand dexterity, upper limb activities of daily living and quality of life.HypothesisWe hypothesise that the digital Action Research Arm Test assessment is a valid and essential tool and that it is feasible to incorporate action observation and motor imagery into Bi-Manu-Trainer practice. The results are expected to give recommendations for necessary modifications and might also contribute knowledge concerning the application of action observation and motor imagery tasks using a training system such as the Bi-Manu-Trainer.Trial registration numberNCT03268304; Pre-results.
Neurodevelopment of 24 children born in Brazil with congenital Zika syndrome in 2015: a case series study
Authors: Alves Lucas V , Paredes Camila E , Silva Germanna C , Mello Júlia G , Alves João G 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveTo describe the neurodevelopment of children with congenital Zika syndrome during the second year of life.DesignCase series study.SettingInstituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira (IMIP), Pernambuco, Brazil.Participants24 children with congenital Zika syndrome born with microcephaly during the Zika outbreak in Brazil in 2015 and followed up at the IMIP during their second year of life.Main outcome measureDenver Developmental Screening Test II, head circumference and clinical neurological examination.ResultsAll children presented neurodevelopmental delay: for an average chronological age of 19.9 months, language was equivalent to that of age 2.1 months, gross motor 2.7 months, fine motor/adaptive 3.1 months and personal/social 3.4 months. Head circumference remained below the third percentile for age and gender, and growth rate up to the second year of life was 10.3 cm (expected growth 13 cm). Muscle tone was increased in 23 (95.5%) of 24 children, musculotendinous reflexes were increased in the whole sample and clonus was present in 18 (77.3%) of 24 children. All children except one had epilepsy.ConclusionChildren born with microcephaly associated with congenital Zika virus have a significant neurodevelopmental delay.
Interrupted time-series analysis of the impact of generic market entry of antineoplastic products in China
Authors: Guan Xiaodong , Tian Ye , Ross-Degnan Dennis , Man Chunxia , Shi Luwen 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesThe rapid growth of pharmaceutical costs is a major healthcare issue all over the world. The high prices of new drugs, especially those for cancer, are also a concern for stakeholders. Generic drugs are a major price-reducing opportunity and provide more societal value. The aim of this research is to analyse the impact of generic entry on the volume and cost of antineoplastic agents in China.MethodsAn interrupted time-series design examined monthly sales of three antineoplastic drugs (capecitabine, decitabine, imatinib) from 699 public hospitals during January 2011 to June 2016. The first generic entry times (December 2013, December 2012, August 2013, respectively) were regarded as the intervention time points. We estimated changes in volume and cost following the generic entry.ResultsWe found that generic entry was associated with increases in the volume of three antineoplastic agents and decreases in their costs. In terms of volume, generic entry was associated with increases in use of capecitabine, decitabine and imatinib by 815.0 (95% CI −66.5 to 1696.5, p>0.05), 11.0 (95% CI 3.7 to 18.3, p=0.004) and 2145.5 (95% CI 1784.1 to 2506.9, p<0.001) units. The entry of generic antineoplastic drugs reduced the monthly cost trend of three agents by ¥3.1 (95% CI −¥3.6 to −¥2.6, p<0.001), ¥84.7 (95% CI −¥104.7 to −¥64.6, p<0.001) and ¥21.3 (95% CI −¥24.2 to −¥18.4, p<0.001), respectively. The entry of generic drugs attenuated the upward trend in volume of three brand-name drugs and even triggered reductions in the volume of brand-name capecitabine. The entry of generics was accompanied by significant increase of ¥2.6 in monthly brand-name decitabine cost (95% CI ¥0.2 to ¥5.1, p=0.04).ConclusionOur findings suggested that entry of generic drugs impacted use and cost of antineoplastic medicines in China. Generic drugs may improve the availability and the affordability of antineoplastic agents, which would benefit more patients.
Defining the risk factors for acute, subacute and chronic cough: a cross-sectional study in a Finnish adult employee population
Authors: Lätti Anne M , Pekkanen Juha , Koskela Heikki O 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesChronic cough is linked to various long-standing risk factors like asthma, chronic rhinitis and oesophageal reflux disease. On the contrary, acute and subacute cough are usually considered to be caused by acute respiratory infections. Little is known about the possible long-standing risk factors for acute and subacute cough. In this study, we have identified the long-standing risk factors for acute, subacute and chronic cough in order to identify the risk factors specifically associated with chronic cough.DesignA comprehensive 80-item questionnaire was sent via email to the participants.SettingA community-based study to all public service employees of two towns in central Finland.ParticipantsThere were 13 980 employees, of them 3697 responded (26.4%). Among the responders, there were 199 subjects with current daily acute cough (duration <3 weeks, prevalence 5.4%), 126 subjects with current daily subacute cough (duration 3–8 weeks, prevalence 3.4%) and 267 subjects with current daily chronic cough (duration >8 weeks, prevalence 7.2%).Primary outcome measuresThe risk factors that associated with each cough subtype. The subjects without any cough formed the reference group.ResultsSeveral risk factors were associated with both short and long cough subtypes namely family history of chronic cough, moisture damage exposure and number of reported somatic symptoms. Furthermore, allergy was associated with acute and subacute cough. Current asthma and chronic rhinitis were associated with subacute and chronic cough. Oesophageal reflux disease and advanced age were associated with chronic cough.ConclusionsThe specific risk factors for chronic cough were oesophageal reflux disease and advanced age. Acute and subacute cough should not be regarded merely as symptoms of acute respiratory infections but possible manifestations of long-standing risk factors. A new risk factor for all cough types was family history of chronic cough.
Association of betel nut chewing with exercise performance in a military male cohort: the CHIEF study
Authors: Tsai Kun-Zhe , Lin J-W , Lin F , Su F-Y , Li Y-H , Lin Y-P , Lin Y-K , Han C-L , Hsieh C-B , Lin G-M 
Published: July 2018

IntroductionBetel nut chewing may cause obesity, neurohormonal activation and inflammation, possibly impairing exercise performances.MethodsWe examined the cross-sectional association in 4388 military male adults aged 18–50 years from the cardiorespiratory fitness in armed forces study in Taiwan between 2013 and 2014. The status of betel nut chewing was classified as current and former/never based on each participant’s response to a questionnaire. Physical fitness was evaluated by three basic exercise tests including 3000 m running, 2 min sit-ups and 2 min push-ups. Multiple logistic regression for the best 10% and the worst 10% performers in each exercise, and linear regression were used to determine the relationship.ResultsThere were 564 current chewers and 3824 non-current chewers for the analysis. The linear regression shows that current betel nut chewing was positively correlated with 3000 m running duration (r=0.37, p=0.042) after adjusting for age, service specialty, body mass index, exercise frequency and alcohol intake. In addition, the logistic regression shows that as compared with non-current chewers, current chewers had lower odds of being the top 10% performers in 2 min push-ups and higher odds of being the bottom 10% performers in 2 min sit-ups (ORs and 95% CIs: 0.71 (0.50 to 0.99) and 1.32 (1.00 to 1.75), respectively). However, the associations between betel nut chewing and physical fitness were all insignificant after further adjusting for current smoking.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the impairment of physical fitness associated with betel nut chewing of military young men might be mainly mediated or moderated by the coexisted cigarette smoking.
Are physical fitness outcomes in patients attending cardiac rehabilitation determined by the mode of delivery?
Authors: Harrison Alexander S , Tang Lars , Doherty Patrick 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundCardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a well-evidenced and effective secondary intervention proven to reduce mortality and readmission in patients with cardiovascular disease. Improving physical fitness outcomes is a key target for CR programmes, with supervised group-based exercise dominating the mode of the delivery. However, the method of traditional supervised CR fails to attract many patients and may not be the only way of improving physical fitness.MethodsUsing real-world routine clinical data from the National Audit of Cardiac Rehabilitation across a 5-year period, this study evaluates the extent of association between physical fitness outcomes, incremental shuttle walk and 6 min walk test, and mode of delivery, delivered as traditional supervised versus facilitated self-delivered.ResultsThe proportion of patients receiving each mode were 80.6% supervised with 19.4% to self-delivered. The study analysis comprised of 10 142 patients who were included in the two models. The self-delivered group contained a greater proportion of females and older patients. The regression model showed no clinical or statistical significance between mode of delivery and post-CR physical fitness outcomes.ConclusionsThis study is unique as it has identified through a routine clinical population that regardless of the mode of delivery of rehabilitation, patients improve their physical fitness outcomes at meaningful levels. This study provides a strong evidence base for patients to be offered greater choice in the mode of CR delivery as improvements in physical fitness are comparable.