bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short‐term effects of perindopril‐amlodipine vs perindopril‐indapamide on blood pressure control in sub‐Saharan type 2 diabetic individuals newly diagnosed for hypertension: A double‐blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sobngwi Eugene , Mfeukeu‐Kuate Liliane , Kouam Merveille , Tankeu Aurel T. , Nganou‐Gnindjio Chris N. , Hamadou Ba , Etoa Martine , Ngassam Eliane , Nkamgna Ariane , Dehayem Mesmin Y. , Kaze François F. , Kengne Andre P. , Mbanya Jean C. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractPoor blood pressure (BP) control contributes to complications in sub‐Saharan African (SSA) type 2 diabetic individuals. Experts have advocated the use of combination therapies for effective BP control in these patients. The suggested combinations should include a RAAS antagonist and either a CCB or a thiazide diuretic; however, their efficacy is yet to be established in SSA. We investigated the short‐term effects of two combination therapies on BP control in SSA type 2 diabetic individuals. This was a double‐blinded randomized controlled trial conducted at the Yaoundé Central Hospital (Cameroon) from October 2016 to May 2017. We included type 2 diabetic patients, newly diagnosed for hypertension. After baseline assessment and 24‐hour ABPM, participants were allocated to receive either a fixed combination of perindopril + amlodipine or perindopril + indapamide for 42 days. Data analyses followed the intention‐to‐treat principle. We included fifteen participants (8 being females) in each group. Both combinations provided good circadian BP control after 6 weeks with similar efficacy. Twenty‐four‐hour SBP dropped from 144 to 145 mm Hg vs 128 to 126 mm Hg with perindopril‐amlodipine and perindopril‐indapamide, respectively (P = 0.003 for both groups). Twenty‐four‐hour DBP dropped from 85 to 78 mm Hg (P = 0.013) vs 89 to 79 mm Hg (P = 0.006) in the same respective groups. No significant adverse effect was reported. A fixed initial combination of perindopril‐amlodipine or perindopril‐indapamide achieved similar effective BP control after 6 weeks in SSA type 2 diabetic individuals with newly diagnosed hypertension. Therefore, these combinations can be used interchangeably in this indication.
Isoallopregnanolone reduces tic‐like behaviours in the D1CT‐7 mouse model of Tourette syndrome
Authors: Cadeddu Roberto , Bäckström Torbjörn , Floris Gabriele , Nordkild Peter , Segerdahl Märta , Bortolato Marco 
Published: June 2019

AbstractTourette syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterised by multiple, persistent tics. These semi‐voluntary motor and phonic manifestations are typically aggravated by exposure to acute stress, yet the mechanisms underlying this exacerbation remain unclear. Using a well‐characterised animal model of TS, the D1CT‐7 mouse, we recently showed that acute stress increases tic‐like responses and causes sensorimotor gating deficits, as measured by the prepulse inhibition of the startle. We showed that these effects are promoted by the brain synthesis of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (AP). In line with this idea, inhibition of AP synthesis by finasteride was found to suppress the tic‐exacerbating effects of stress; conversely, AP administration resulted in a marked enhancement of the number of tic‐like motor bursts. Given that the primary mechanism of AP is based on the positive allosteric modulation of GABAA receptors, in the present study, we hypothesised that the enhancement in tic‐like behaviours induced by either stress or AP may be countered by isoallopregnanolone (isoAP), the natural 3β‐epimer of AP that acts as an antagonist to the AP‐binding site within GABAA receptors. In agreement with our hypothesis, isoAP (5‐10 mg kg‐1, s.c.) dose‐dependently reduced the number of tic‐like behaviours induced by stress in D1CT‐7 mice. These effects were comparable to those elicited by both the benchmark TS therapy haloperidol (0.3 mg kg‐1, i.p.), as well as finasteride (25 mg kg‐1, i.p.). IsoAP also countered the prepulse inhibition deficits secondary to stress in D1CT‐7 mice. Finally, isoAP opposed the enhancement of tic‐like behaviours induced by AP (15 mg kg‐1, i.p.). Given that isoAP is well‐tolerated and has an optimal safety profile, these data suggest that this steroid may have therapeutic properties in TS.
Evaluation of different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide solution (3% and 6%) as a potential new therapeutic option of nongenital warts: A randomized controlled triple‐blinded clinical trial
Authors: Mahran Ayman M. , Twisy Howida Omar , Elghazally Shimaa A. , Badran Aya Y. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundWarts are common viral skin infections caused by human papillomavirus. None of the available treatment modalities fulfills the criteria of an ideal treatment option.ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of hydrogen peroxide (HP) 3% and 6% solution as a topical treatment of nongenital warts.MethodsThis prospective randomized controlled study included 145 patients with nongenital warts. They were divided into three groups. Group 1 used topical hydrogen peroxide 6% solution under occlusion with a plastic tape for one hour daily for 6 weeks, group 2 used hydrogen peroxide 3% solution, and group 3 used normal saline 0.9% as a placebo. Patients were evaluated at the third and sixth weeks of treatment and 12 weeks after treatment completion.ResultsTreatment responses were significantly better in groups 1 and 2 than in group 3 with a better overall responses in group 1 than in group 2 (P = 0.0001*). Apart from mild hypopigmentation which was detected in only two patients in groups 1 and 2, no other side effects could be detected. Three months after treatment completion, no recurrence was observed.ConclusionHydrogen peroxide solution (3% and 6%) is an effective, safe, and cheap treatment modality for nongenital warts which can be used simply at home. Since the overall response was better with the 6% concentration, it should be the better therapeutic option.
TGF‐β1‐induced connexin43 promotes scar formation via the Erk/MMP‐1/collagen III pathway
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Guo Lijia , Yang Xiaohui , Wang Jingyi , Hou Yanan , Zhu Siying , Du Juan , Feng Jie , Xie Yongmei , Zhuang Li , He Xin , Liu Yi 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWound healing can be divided into different phases, and timely initiation and cessation of these stages is key to successful wound healing; otherwise, scar tissue forms in the wounded area. Connexins (Cxs) were confirmed to influence scar formation, and Cx43, an indispensable member of the Cx family, was shown to be involved in this process. Our study investigated the regulatory role of Cx43 in scar formation and the possible cell signalling pathways. We established oral mucosa and skin wound healing models in C57BL/6J mice. RT‐PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to examine the expression of ECM components and key proteins in cell signalling pathways (TGF‐β1, Smad2/3, Cx43, Erk1/2 MMP‐1 and collagen III). After injury, buccal mucosa wounds healed with no scar, whereas skin wounds healed with an evident scar. Nevertheless, TGF‐β1 expression gradually increased by the 5th day after injury; Cx43 expression showed a similar response, with a progressive increase in the skin and a peak on day 14. In contrast, TGF‐β1 and Cx43 expression in the oral mucosa remained low. The high level of TGF‐β1 increased p‐Smad2/3 levels and then induced Cx43, whereas increased expression of Cx43 antagonised the phosphorylation of Erk1/2, a protein downstream of Cx43, which affected MMP‐1 synthesis. MMP‐1 deficiency led to collagen III accumulation and facilitated scar formation. We demonstrated that TGF‐β1‐induced Cx43 promotes scar formation via the Erk/MMP‐1/collagen III pathway.
Learning language regimes: Children's representations of minority language education
Authors: Purkarthofer Judith , De Korne Haley 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMinority language education initiatives often aim to resist dominant language regimes and to raise the social status of migrant or autochthonous minorities. We consider how participating children experience these alternative language regimes by analysing drawings made by children in two minority education settings—a Slovene‐German bilingual school in Austria and an Isthmus Zapotec (Indigenous) language and art workshop in Mexico. We examine how children's drawings represent language regimes in the social spaces they inhabit. Considering these drawings in relation to ethnographic observations and interviews with educators, we illustrate differences between how the social spaces are planned by educators and how they are represented and experienced by learners. Generally speaking, the children in our studies depict flexible, multilingual experiences and spaces, in contrast to the educators’ agendas of separating or emphasizing languages for pedagogical purposes. Mexican children's perception of themselves as participants in fluid language regimes, and Austrian children's increasing appropriation of multilingual space over time through both (school‐like) routines and (fun) exceptions can inform the efforts of minority language educators.
Real‐life glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in a large cohort of patients with hepatitis C virus infection: The MISTRAL study
Authors: Persico Marcello , Aglitti Andrea , Milella Michele , Coppola Carmine , Messina Vincenzo , Claar Ernesto , Gentile Ivan , Sogari Fernando , Pierri Paola , Surace Lorenzo A. , Morisco Filomena , Tundo Paolo , Brancaccio Giuseppina , Serviddio Gaetano , Gatti Pietro , Termite Antonio P. , Di Costanzo Giovan G. , Caroleo Benedetto , Cozzolongo Raffaele , Coppola Nicola , Longo Annamaria , Fontanella Luca , Federico Alessandro , Rosato Valerio , Terrenato Irene , Masarone Mario 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackground and aimsIt is paramount to identify predictors of treatment failure with direct antiviral agents in ‘field‐practice’ patients, including people who inject drugs (PWID). Data on the efficacy of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) in a field‐practice scenario are scant. The multicentre MISTRAL study enrolled 1177 patients, including PWID, to assess real‐life efficacy and safety of GLE/PIB and to identify the predictive factors for this treatment.MethodsThis was a prospective, longitudinal study. The outcome variable was the rate of sustained virological response (SVR) at week 12.ResultsA total of 123 patients (10%) were infected from hepatitis C virus (HCV) 3. METAVIR fibrosis score was F4 in 104 subjects (9%); 118 patients (10%) were PWID.Overall, 1163/1177 (99%) patients achieved SVR. The baseline clinical factors discriminating between treatment success and treatment failure were age at treatment (P = 0.031) and creatinine level (P = 0.034). SVR rates were not influenced by gender, substance abuse, previous treatment, treatment duration, fibrosis or chronic kidney disease stage. Compared with non‐substance users, the 118 PWID exhibited a significantly different genotype pattern distribution (χ2 < 0.001). A total of 40/118 (33.9%) of substance users were HCV3 compared to 83/1056 (7.9%) non‐substance users. Only 6 patients (0.5%) reported a serious adverse event.ConclusionsThe MISTRAL study provides evidence of GLE/PIB efficacy in a field‐practice scenario in a highly epidemic HCV area in southern Italy; it unveiled significant differences in genotype distribution among the most underserved and difficult‐to‐treat patient subgroups including PWID.
ECF σ factors with regulatory extensions: the one‐component systems of the σ universe
Authors: Pinto Daniela , Liu Qiang , Mascher Thorsten 
Published: June 2019

SummaryThe σ subunit of the bacterial RNA polymerase determines promoter specificity. The extracytoplasmic function σ factors (ECFs) represent the most abundant and diverse group of alternative σ factors and are present in the vast majority of bacterial genomes. Typically, ECFs are regulated by anti‐σ factors that sequester their cognate ECFs, thereby preventing their interaction with the RNA polymerase. Beyond these ECF paradigms, a number of distinct modes of regulation have been proposed and experimentally investigated. Regulatory extensions represent one such alternative mechanism of ECF regulation that can be found in 18 phylogenetically distinct ECF groups. Here, the σ factors contain additional domains that are fused to the ECF core domains and are involved in stimulus perception and modulation of σ factor activity. We will summarize the current state of knowledge on regulating ECF activity by C‐terminal extensions. We will also discuss newly identified ECF groups containing either N‐ or C‐terminal extensions and propose possible mechanisms by which these extensions have been generated and affect ECF σ factor activity. Based on their modular architecture and the resulting physical connection between stimulus perception and transcriptional output, these ECFs are analogous to one‐component systems, the primary mechanism of bacterial signal transduction.
How FtsEX localizes to the Z ring and interacts with FtsA to regulate cell division
Authors: Du Shishen , Henke Wyatt , Pichoff Sebastien , Lutkenhaus Joe 
Published: June 2019

SummaryIn Escherichia coli, FtsEX, a member of the ABC transporter superfamily, is involved in regulating the assembly and activation of the divisome to couple cell wall synthesis to cell wall hydrolysis at the septum. Genetic studies indicate FtsEX acts on FtsA to begin the recruitment of the downstream division proteins but blocks septal PG synthesis until a signal is received that divisome assembly is complete. However, the details of how FtsEX localizes to the Z ring and how it interacts with FtsA are not clear. Our results show that recruitment of FtsE and FtsX is codependent and suggest that the FtsEX complex is recruited through FtsE interacting with the conserved tail of FtsZ (CCTP), thus adding FtsEX to a growing list of proteins that interacts with the CCTP of FtsZ. Furthermore, we find that the N‐terminus of FtsX is not required for FtsEX localization to the Z ring but is required for its functions in cell division indicating that it interacts with FtsA. Taken together, these results suggest that FtsEX first interacts with FtsZ to localize to the Z ring and then interacts with FtsA to promote divisome assembly and regulate septal PG synthesis.
Preparing for hard times: Scalp and intracranial physiological signatures of proactive cognitive control
Authors: De Loof Esther , Vassena Eliana , Janssens Clio , De Taeye Leen , Meurs Alfred , Van Roost Dirk , Boon Paul , Raedt Robrecht , Verguts Tom 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBased on reward and difficulty information, people can strategically adjust proactive cognitive control. fMRI research shows that motivated proactive control is implemented through fronto‐parietal control networks that are triggered by reward and difficulty cues. Here, we investigate electrophysiological signatures of proactive control. Previously, the contingent negative variation (CNV) in the ERPs and oscillatory power in the theta (4–8 Hz) and alpha band (8–14 Hz) have been suggested as signatures of control implementation. However, experimental designs did not always separate control implementation from motor preparation. Critically, we used a mental calculation task to investigate effects of proactive control implementation on the CNV and on theta and alpha power, in absence of motor preparation. In the period leading up to task onset, we found a more negative CNV, increased theta power, and decreased alpha power for hard versus easy calculations, showing increased proactive control implementation when a difficult task was expected. These three measures also correlated with behavioral performance, both across trials and across subjects. In addition to scalp EEG in healthy participants, we collected intracranial local field potential recordings in an epilepsy patient. We observed a slow‐drift component that was more pronounced for hard trials in a hippocampal location, possibly reflecting task‐specific preparation for hard mental calculations. The current study thus shows that difficulty information triggers proactive control in absence of motor preparation and elucidates its neurophysiological signatures.
Hemophagocytosis and Histoplasma‐like fungal infection in 32 cats
Authors: Schaefer Deanna M. W. , Rizzi Theresa E. , Royal Angela B. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractHistoplasmosis is one of the most common systemic fungal diseases in cats from the United States. It commonly causes respiratory or disseminated disease and is often associated with one or more cytopenias. Here, we describe 32 cats in which a Histoplasma‐like fungal infection was associated with concurrent hemophagia in at least one sample site, commonly spleen, bone marrow, liver, and/or lymph node. The degree of hemophagia was characterized as moderate or marked in the majority of cases, and in all cases, there was a predominance of phagocytized mature erythrocytes. A few cases also had macrophages with phagocytized erythroid precursors, platelets, and/or neutrophils. Complete blood count results were available for 25 cats, and cytopenias were common (20/25), including solitary anemia (10), anemia and thrombocytopenia (5), solitary neutropenia (2), pancytopenia (2), and anemia and neutropenia (1). Bone marrow samples were only available in a small subset of cases, preventing the further assessment of the causes of the cytopenias. Hemophagocytosis has been previously reported in cats with neoplastic diseases and a cat with calicivirus infection, and likely occurs with other conditions as well, such as hemorrhage or hemolysis. Results of this report suggest that systemic fungal disease is an additional differential to consider when there is hemophagia in a feline cytology sample.
Tip-Shroud Labyrinth Seal Effect on the Flutter Stability of Turbine Rotor Blades
Authors: Corral Roque , Greco Michele , Vega Almudena 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
The effect of the tip-shroud seal on the flutter onset of a shrouded turbine rotor blade, representative of a modern gas turbine, is numerically tested, and the contributions to the work per cycle of the aerofoil and the tip shroud are clearly identified. The numerical simulations are conducted using a linearized frequency-domain solver. The flutter stability of the shrouded rotor blade is evaluated for an edgewise mode and compared with the standard industrial approach of not including the tip-shroud cavity. It turns out that including the tip shroud significantly changes the stability prediction of the rotor blade. This is due to two facts. First, the amplitude of the unsteady pressure created in the inter-fin cavity due to the motion of the airfoil is much greater than that of the airfoil. The impact of this contribution increases with the frequency. Second, the effect of the outer shroud of the rotor blade, which usually is not included either in the simulations, has an opposite trend with the nodal diameter than the airfoil reducing the maximum and minimum damping. It is concluded that the combined effect of the seal and its platform tends to stabilize the edgewise mode of the rotor blade for all the examined nodal diameters and reduced frequencies. Finally, the numerical results are shown to be consistent with those obtained using an analytical simplified model to account for the effect of the labyrinth seals.
Aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI) but not FIB-5 or FIB-4 is accurate in ruling out significant fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in an urban slum-dwelling population
Authors: Kolhe Kailash Marotrao , Amarapurkar Anjali , Parikh Pathik , Chaubal Alisha , Chauhan Shamsher , Khairnar Harshad , Walke Swapnil , Ingle Meghraj , Pandey Vikas , Shukla Akash 
Published: June 2019

Background and aimsNon-invasive assessment of fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is challenging, especially in resource-limited settings. MR or transient elastography and many patented serum scores are costly and not widely available. There are limited data on accuracy of serum-based fibrosis scores in urban slum-dwelling population, which is a unique group due to its dietary habits and socioeconomic environment. We did this study to compare the accuracy of serum-based fibrosis scores to rule out significant fibrosis (SF) in this population.MethodsHistological and clinical data of 100 consecutive urban slum-dwelling patients with NAFLD were analysed. Institutional ethics committee permission was taken. Aspartate transaminase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) and FIB-5 scores were compared among those with non-significant fibrosis (METAVIR; F0 to F1; n=73) and SF (METAVIR; F2 to F4; n=27).ResultsAST (IU/mL) (68.3±45.2 vs 23.9±10.9; p<0.0001), alanine transaminase (IU/mL) (76.4±36.8 vs 27.9±11.4; p<0.0001), FIB-4 (2.40±2.13 vs 0.85±0.52; p<0.0001) and APRI (1.18±0.92 vs 0.25±0.16; p<0.0001) were higher and platelets (100 000/mm3) (1.8±0.8 vs 2.6±0.7; p<0.0001), albumin (g/dL) (3.4±0.50 vs 3.7±0.4; p<0.0001), alkaline phosphatase (IU/L) (60.9±10.2 vs 76.4±12.9; p<0.0001) and FIB-5 (−1.10±6.58 vs 3.79±4.25; p<0.0001) were lower in SF group. APRI had the best accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve=0.95) followed by FIB-4 (0.78) and FIB-5 (0.75) in ruling out SF.ConclusionsAPRI but not FIB-5 or FIB-4 is accurate in ruling out SF in patients with NAFLD in an urban slum-dwelling population.
Development and initial testing of a Health Confidence Score (HCS)
Authors: Benson Tim , Potts Henry W W , Bark Pippa , Bowman Clive 
Published: June 2019

IntroductionPatients need to feel confident about looking after their own health. This is needed to improve patient outcomes and clinical support. With few suitable tools available to measure self-care health confidence, we developed and validated a short, generic survey instrument for use in evaluation and quality improvement.MethodsThe Health Confidence Score (HCS) was developed through literature review, patient and expert focus groups and discussions. This paper reports an initial survey (n = 1031, study 1) which identified some issues and a further face-to-face survey (n = 378, study 2) to test the construct and concurrent validity of the final version. Scores were correlated against the My Health Confidence (MHC) rating scale, howRu (health status measure) and relevant demographics.ResultsThe HCS is short (50 words) with good readability (reading age 8). It has four items covering health knowledge, capability to self-manage, access to help and shared decision-making; each has four response options (strongly agree, agree, neutral disagree). Items are reported independently and as a summary score.The mean summary score was 76.7 (SD 20.4) on 0–100 scale. Cronbach’s alpha = 0.82. Exploratory factor analysis suggested that the four items relate to a single dimension. Correlation of the HCS summary score with MHC was high (Spearman r = 0.76). It was also associated with health status (Spearman r = 0.49), negatively with number of medications taken (r=–0.29) and age (r=–0.22) and not with ethnicity, having children or education level.ConclusionsThe HCS is short, easy to use, with good psychometric properties and construct validity. Each item is meaningful independently and the summary score gives an overall picture of health confidence.