bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of the Health Visual Information Preference Scale
Authors: Jones Annie S. K. , Kleinstäuber Maria , Martin Leslie R. , Norton Sam , Fernandez Justin , Petrie Keith J. 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivePatients are likely to have individual preferences for learning about health, which may influence their comprehension and utilization of health information. Some patients may prefer visual health information, which can make complex health information easier to understand. Aligning health information presentation with preferences may increase understanding and improve health outcomes, yet no scale measures preferences for visual health information.DesignTwo studies examined the psychometric properties of the Health Visual Information Preference Scale (Health VIPS), a new measure designed to assess preferences for visual health information.MethodsIn Study 1, 103 undergraduate students and 97 patients undergoing colorectal and gynaecological oncology surgery completed the Health VIPS. Exploratory factor analyses (EFA) were conducted for both samples. Internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and validity were assessed in the student sample. In Study 2, 196 outpatients completed the Health VIPS. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed on this sample, in addition to measures of reliability and validity.ResultsIn Study 1, EFA analysis suggested a two‐factor structure. The Health VIPS demonstrated good internal consistency in both the student sample (α = .70–.80) and patient sample (α = .80), and good test–retest reliability in the student sample (r = .63, p < .001). Convergent validity and discriminant validity were also established. In Study 2, the CFA confirmed a two‐factor structure is the best model fit for the Health VIPS. The Health VIPS also demonstrated discriminant and convergent validity. Scale item means in all samples were positively skewed, suggesting a general preference for visual health information.ConclusionsInitial evidence suggests the Health VIPS has good psychometric properties. This scale could identify patients who would benefit from additional visual aids when receiving health information.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Poor comprehension of health information can lead to misunderstandings of illness and treatment, and potentially non‐adherence.

It is likely that patients have distinct preferences for how they would choose to receive health information, including information format.

Visual health information is becoming more widely used to communicate information about health and illness to patients, although there is no measure to identify those who prefer this information format to standard written health materials.

What does this study add?

This study describes the first scale to assess preferences for visual health information.

This scale could identify patients who would benefit from supplementary visual information in consultations.
Olanzapine induced autophagy through suppression of NF‐κB activation in human glioma cells
Authors: Zhu Ying , Zhao Yi‐Fan , Liu Rui‐Si , Xiong Ya‐Jie , Shen Xiao , Wang Yan , Liang Zhong‐Qin 
Published: April 2019

SummaryAimsOur laboratory previously reported that olanzapine treatment inhibited growth of glioma cell lines and hypothesized that autophagy may be involved in the proliferation inhibitory effects of olanzapine. However, the mechanisms of olanzapine‐contributed autophagy activation are unclear.MethodsThe inhibitory effects of olanzapine on glioma cells were evaluated by CCK8 assay, Hoechst 33258 staining and annexin V‐FITC/PI staining. Western blotting, nuclear separation techniques, and immunofluorescence assays were used to investigate the relationship between the inhibition of NF‐κB and autophagy activation by olanzapine.ResultsIn this work, we verified that olanzapine increased autophagic flux and autophagic vesicles. In addition, we confirmed that autophagy was related to NF‐κB inhibition in cancer progression, especially with the nuclear translocation of p65. Furthermore, we demonstrated that autophagy induced by olanzapine could be impaired with TNFα cotreatment. We also found that olanzapine had an inhibitory effect on T98 cells with positive MGMT protein expression, which may involve the inhibition of MGMT through effects on NF‐κB.ConclusionsOur findings identify a pathway by which olanzapine induces autophagy by depressing NF‐κB in a glioma cell line, providing evidence which supports the use of olanzapine as a potential anticancer drug.
CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling contributes to neuropathic pain via central sensitization mechanisms in a rat spinal nerve ligation model
Authors: Liu Zhi‐Yuan , Song Zhi‐Wen , Guo Shi‐Wu , He Jun‐Sheng , Wang Shen‐Yu , Zhu Jian‐Guo , Yang Hui‐Lin , Liu Jin‐Bo 
Published: April 2019

SummaryBackgroundPrevious studies have demonstrated that the CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis is involved in the regulation of neuropathic pain (NP). Here, we performed experiments to test whether the CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling pathway contributes to the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain after spinal nerve ligation (SNL) via central sensitization mechanisms.MethodsNeuropathic pain was induced and assessed in a SNL rat model. The expression and distribution of CXCL12 or CXCR4 were examined by immunofluorescence staining and western blot. The effects of CXCL12 rat peptide, CXCL12 neutralizing antibody, CXCR4 antagonist, and astrocyte metabolic inhibitor on pain hypersensitivity were explored by behavioral tests in naive or SNL rats. We measured the expression level of c‐Fos and CGRP to evaluate the sensitization of neurons by RT‐PCR. The activation of astrocyte and microglia was analyzed by measuring the level of GFAP and iba‐1. The mRNA levels of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 and Connexin 30, Connexin 43, EAAT 1, EAAT 2 were also detected by RT‐PCR.ResultsFirst, we found that the expression of CXCL12 and CXCR4 was upregulated after SNL. CXCL12 was mainly expressed in the neurons while CXCR4 was expressed both in astrocytes and neurons in the spinal dorsal horn after SNL. Moreover, intrathecal administration of rat peptide, CXCL12, induced hypersensitivity in naive rats, which was partly reversed by fluorocitrate. In addition, the CXCL12 rat peptide increased mRNA levels of c‐Fos, GFAP, and iba‐1. A single intrathecal injection of CXCL12 neutralizing antibody transiently reversed neuropathic pain in the SNL rat model. Consecutive use of CXCL12 neutralizing antibody led to significant delay in the induction of neuropathic pain, and reduced the expression of GFAP and iba‐1 in the spinal dorsal horn. Finally, repeated intrathecal administration of the CXCR4 antagonist, AMD3100, significantly suppressed the initiation and duration of neuropathic pain. The mRNA levels of c‐Fos, CGRP, GFAP, iba‐1, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, also including Connexin 30 and Connexin 43 were decreased after injection of AMD3100, while EAAT 1 and EAAT 2 mRNAs were increased.ConclusionWe demonstrate that the CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling pathway contributes to the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain via central sensitization mechanisms. Importantly, intervening with CXCL12/CXCR4 presents an effective therapeutic approach to treat the neuropathic pain.
Anastomotic leak after transanal total mesorectal excision: grading of severity and management aimed at preservation of the anastomosis
Authors: Guel‐Klein S. , Biebl M. , Knoll B. , Dittrich L. , Weiß S. , Pratschke J. , Aigner F. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimThe transanal approach to total mesorectal excision (TaTME) as an alternative to conventional anterior resection offers an improved view to otherwise restricted anatomical regions in obese and narrow male pelves and unfavourable tumour locations. Guidelines for the management of anastomotic leakage (AL) following low rectal resections are scarce.Patients and methodsProspectively collected data of all consecutive patients undergoing TaTME between December 2014 and April 2017 in our centre were analysed retrospectively. Existing classification systems for AL were modified with regard to transanal anastomotic‐preserving management.ResultsTaTME was performed in 66 patients with a median age of 56.2 years. The overall incidence of AL was 12.1% (n = 8). AL grading was differentiated in Grades I to V according to the severity of necrosis and abscess development. Two patients suffered from AL Grade II, one patient from Grade III, three patients from Grade IV and two patients from Grade V. Preservation of the anastomosis following AL was achieved by the damage control concept in six of eight patients (75%) with a median duration of hospital stay of 36 days. Two patients received a Hartmann procedure (Grades IV and V).ConclusionOur study demonstrates that management of AL following TaTME is challenging but definitely amenable to strategies aimed at preserving the anastomosis by appropriate damage control. The modified classification system might serve as guidance for anastomosis‐preserving management.
Shiga‐like toxin I exerts specific and potent anti‐tumour efficacy against gastric cancer cell proliferation when driven by tumour‐preferential Frizzled‐7 promoter
Authors: Xu Hongpan , Peng Lijun , Shen Mengjiao , Xia Yanyan , Li Zhiyang , He Nongyue 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectivesTumour‐targeted gene therapy is a promising approach for effective control of gastric cancer cell proliferation. Our study aims to develop a cancer therapy which combines tumour‐targeting promoters with cytotoxins.MethodsThe expression of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), which is a Shiga‐like toxin I (Stx1) receptor, was verified in gastric cancer compared with normal stomach tissues as assessed by flow cytometry and immunohistochemical analysis. We therefore constructed the recombinant pFZD7‐Stx1 plasmid vectors with tumour‐preferential Frizzled‐7 promoter and Stx1. pFZD7‐Stx1 was used to treat gastric cancer in vitro and in vivo. The gastric cancer cell proliferation and tumour growth were identified after the transfection with the pFZD7‐Stx1.ResultsGlobotriaosylceramide was obviously increased in gastric cancer compared with normal stomach. The gastric cancer cell proliferation and tumour growth decreased significantly after the transfection with the pFZD7‐Stx1.ConclusionFrizzled‐7 promoter is preferentially active, and Gb3 is abundant in gastric cancer cells. Frizzled‐7 promoter and Stx1 may be used to determine a novel and relatively specific and potent gastric cancer therapeutic strategy.
The v‐DECAF score can predict 90‐day all‐cause mortality in patients with COPD exacerbation requiring invasive mechanical ventilation
Authors: Shi Qi‐fang , Sheng Ying , Zhu Nian , Tan Yan , Xie Xiao‐Hong , Wang Shu‐yun , Cai Jin‐fang 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe DECAF score is a simple and effective tool for predicting mortality in patients hospitalized with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD); however, the DECAF score has not been validated in AECOPD patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). We devised the ventilator (v)‐DECAF score, in which “anemia” replaces “acidaemia,” for use in AECOPD patients requiring IMV. The objective of this study was to compare the predictive efficacy of the v‐DECAF score and the DECAF score.MethodsThis study prospectively recruited 112 consecutive AECOPD patients requiring IMV from a single center. The clinical endpoint was 90‐day all‐cause mortality. Demographic and clinical data were recorded, as well as APACHE II, GCS, CURB‐65, BAP‐65 and DECAF scores, and the newly devised v‐DECAF score. The discriminatory value of the scoring systems in predicting 90‐day all‐cause mortality was determined using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve.ResultsIn multivariate logistic regression analysis, the v‐DECAF score was an independent predictor of 90‐day all‐cause mortality (odds ratio 3.004, 95% CI 1.658‐5.445, P < 0.001). The AUROC of the v‐DECAF and DECAF scores were 0.852 (95% CI 0.766‐0.938) and 0.777 (95%CI: 0.676‐0.878), respectively. The v‐DECAF score had a better predictive value for 90‐day all‐cause mortality compared to the DECAF score (Z = 2.338, P = 0.019).ConclusionThe v‐DECAF score had good discriminatory power in predicting 90‐day all‐cause mortality in AECOPD patients requiring IMV.
Persistent C‐peptide is associated with reduced hypoglycaemia but not HbA1c in adults with longstanding Type 1 diabetes: evidence for lack of intensive treatment in UK clinical practice?
Authors: Marren S. M. , Hammersley S. , McDonald T. J. , Shields B. M. , Knight B. A. , Hill A. , Bolt R. , Tree T. I. , Roep B. O. , Hattersley A. T. , Jones A. G. , Oram R. A. ,   on behalf of the TIGI consortium
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimsMost people with Type 1 diabetes have low levels of persistent endogenous insulin production. The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial showed that close to diagnosis preserved endogenous insulin was associated with lower HbA1c, hypoglycaemia and complication rates, when intensively treated. We aimed to assess the clinical impact of persistent C‐peptide on rate of hypoglycaemia and HbA1c in those with long duration (> 5 years) Type 1 diabetes.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional case–control study of 221 people (median age 24 years) with Type 1 diabetes. We confirmed ongoing endogenous insulin secretion by measuring C‐peptide after a mixed‐meal tolerance test. We compared self‐reported hypoglycaemia (n = 160), HbA1c, insulin dose and microvascular complications (n = 140) in those with preserved and low C‐peptide.ResultsStimulated median (IQR) C‐peptide was 114 (43, 273) pmol/l and < 3 (< 3, < 3) pmol/l in those with preserved and low C‐peptide respectively. Participants with preserved C‐peptide had lower reported monthly rates of hypoglycaemia, with 21% fewer symptomatic episodes, 5.9 vs. 7.5 [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.79, P = 0.001], and 65% fewer asymptomatic episodes, 1.0 vs. 2.9 (IRR 0.35, P < 0.001). Those with preserved C‐peptide had a lower insulin dose (0.68 vs. 0.81 units/kg, P = 0.01) but similar HbA1c (preserved 69 vs. low 67 mmol/mol, P = 0.06).ConclusionsAdults with Type 1 diabetes and preserved endogenous insulin production receiving usual care in the UK have lower daily insulin doses and fewer self‐reported hypoglycaemic episodes, but no difference in HbA1c. This is consistent with non‐intensive treatment in previous studies, and suggests a need to consider therapy intensification to gain full benefit of preserved endogenous insulin.
Suppression of bacteriocin resistance using live, heterospecific competitors
Authors: Bhattacharya Amrita , Stacy Alexander , Bashey Farrah 
Published: April 2019

AbstractRapidly spreading antibiotic resistance has led to the need for novel alternatives and sustainable strategies for antimicrobial use. Bacteriocins are a class of proteinaceous anticompetitor toxins under consideration as novel therapeutic agents. However, bacteriocins, like other antimicrobial agents, are susceptible to resistance evolution and will require the development of sustainable strategies to prevent or decelerate the evolution of resistance. Here, we conduct proof‐of‐concept experiments to test whether introducing a live, heterospecific competitor along with a bacteriocin dose can effectively suppress the emergence of bacteriocin resistance in vitro. Previous work with conventional chemotherapeutic agents suggests that competition between conspecific sensitive and resistant pathogenic cells can effectively suppress the emergence of resistance in pathogenic populations. However, the threshold of sensitive cells required for such competitive suppression of resistance may often be too high to maintain host health. Therefore, here we aim to ask whether the principle of competitive suppression can be effective if a heterospecific competitor is used. Our results show that a live competitor introduced in conjunction with low bacteriocin dose can effectively control resistance and suppress sensitive cells. Further, this efficacy can be matched by using a bacteriocin‐producing competitor without any additional bacteriocin. These results provide strong proof of concept for the effectiveness of competitive suppression using live, heterospecific competitors. Currently used probiotic strains or commensals may provide promising candidates for the therapeutic use of bacteriocin‐mediated competitive suppression.
Bio‐derived hydroxystearic acid ameliorates skin age spots and conspicuous pores
Authors: Schütz R. , Rawlings A.V. , Wandeler E. , Jackson E. , Trevisan S. , Monneuse J.‐M. , Bendik I. , Massironi M. , Imfeld D. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIntroductionWe report on the preparation and efficacy of 10‐hydroxystearic acid (HSA) that improves facial age spots and conspicuous pores.MethodsThe hydration of oleic acid into HSA was catalyzed by the oleate hydratase from Escherichia coli. Following treatment with HSA, collagen type I and type III was assessed in primary human dermal fibroblasts together with collagen type III, p53 protein levels and sunburn cells (SBC) after UVB irradiation (1 J cm−2) by immunohistochemistry on human ex vivo skin. UVB‐induced expression of matrix metalloprotease‐1 (MMP‐1) was determined from full thickness skin by RT‐qPCR. Modification of the fibroblast secretome by HSA was studied by mass‐spectrometry‐based proteomics. In a full‐face, double blind, vehicle‐controlled trial HSA was assessed for its effects on conspicuous facial pore size and degree of pigmentation of age spots in Caucasian women over an 8‐week period.ResultsHSA was obtained in enantiomeric pure, high yield (≥80%). Collagen type I and type III levels were dose‐dependently increased (96% and 244%; P < 0.01) in vitro and collagen type III in ex vivo skin by +57% (P < 0.01) by HSA. HSA also inhibited UVB‐induced MMP‐1 gene expression (83%; P < 0.01) and mitigated SBC induction (−34% vs. vehicle control) and reduced significantly UV‐induced p53 up‐regulation (−46% vs. vehicle control; P < 0.01) in irradiated skin. HSA modified the fibroblast secretome with significant increases in proteins associated with the WNT pathway that could reduce melanogenesis and proteins that could modify dermal fibroblast activity and keratinocyte differentiation to account for the alleviation of conspicuous pores. Docking studies in silico and EC50 determination in reporter gene assays (EC50 5.5 × 10−6 M) identified HSA as a peroxisomal proliferator activated receptor‐α (PPARα) agonist. Clinically, HSA showed a statistically significant decrease of surface and volume of skin pores (P < 0.05) after 8 weeks of application and age spots became significantly less pigmented than the surrounding skin (contrast, P < 0.05) after 4 weeks.ConclusionHSA acts as a PPARα agonist to reduce the signs of age spots and conspicuous pores by significantly modulating the expression of p53, SBC, MMP‐1 and collagen together with major changes in secreted proteins that modify keratinocyte, melanocyte and fibroblast cell behavior.
Correlation between polishing pad’s properties and material removal during full‐aperture polishing
Authors: Ren Lele , Zhang Feihu , Zhao Shijie , Liao Defeng , Xie Ruiqing , Wang Jian , Xu Qiao 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPolishing pad plays a vital role in the fabrication of large flat optical elements during full‐aperture polishing. Material removal rate (MRR) and material removal distribution (MRD) describe the material removal process from the point of the global average removal rate and the spatial distribution of removed material, respectively. The pad's mechanical property characterized by compression modulus and morphological characteristic indicated by material ratio curve are used to qualitatively clarify the degression of MRR at different rough polishing stage. Moreover, the novel MRD model is proposed to quantitatively correlate the pad's mechanical and morphological characteristic with MRD. The radial surface profile predicted by MRD model meets well with the experimental results. Furthermore, the influence of pad viscoelastic property is used to explain the generation of additional MRD in experiment at the edge of workpiece.
Differences in gene regulation in a tephritid model of prezygotic reproductive isolation
Authors: Raphael K. A. , Sved J. A. , Pearce S. , Oakeshott J. G. , Gilchrist A. S. , Sherwin W. B. , Frommer M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe two tephritid fruit fly pests, Bactrocera tryoni and Bactrocera neohumeralis, are unusually well suited to the study of the genetics of reproductive isolating mechanisms. Sequence difference between the species is no greater than between a pair of conspecific Drosophila melanogaster populations. The two species exist in close sympatry, yet do not hybridize in the field, apparently kept separate by a strong premating isolation mechanism involving the time of day at which mating occurs. This spurred us to search for key genes for which time of day expression is regulated differently between the species. Using replicated, quantitative transcriptomes from head tissues of males of the two species, sampled in the day and night, we identified 141 transcripts whose abundance showed a significant interaction between species and time of day, indicating a difference in gene regulation. The brain transcripts showing this interaction were enriched for genes with a neurone function and 90% of these were more abundant at night than day in B. tryoni. Features of the expression patterns suggest that there may be a difference in the regulation of sleep–wake cycles between the species. In particular several genes, which in D. melanogaster are expressed in circadian pacemaker cells, are promising candidates to further explore the genetic differentiation involved in this prezygotic reproductive isolation mechanism.
Vacuolar protein sorting 4 is required for silkworm metamorphosis
Authors: Xia H. , Chen L. , Shao D. , Liu X. , Wang Q. , Zhu F. , Guo Z. , Gao L. , Chen K. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractVacuolar protein sorting 4 (Vps4) not only functions with its positive regulator vacuolar protein sorting 20‐associated 1 (Vta1) in the multivesicular body (MVB) pathway but also participates alone in MVB‐unrelated cellular processes. However, its physiological roles at the organism level remain rarely explored. We previously identified their respective homologues Bombyx mori Vps4 (BmVps4) and BmVta1 from the silkworm, a model organism for insect research. In this study, we performed fluorescence quantitative real‐time PCR and Western blot to globally characterize the transcription and protein expression profiles of BmVps4 and BmVta1 during silkworm development and in different silkworm tissues and organs. The results showed that they were significantly up‐regulated in metamorphosis, adulthood and embryogenesis relative to larval stages, and displayed a roughly similar tissue‐and‐organ specificity for transcriptions in silkworm larvae. Importantly, BmVps4 was down‐regulated during the early period of the fifth instar, reaching the lowest level of transcription on Day 6, then up‐regulated from Day 7 to the wandering, spinning and pupal stages, and down‐regulated again in adulthood. Moreover, knocking down BmVps4 by RNA interference significantly inhibited silk gland growth, shortened spinning time, prolonged pupation, reduced pupal size and weight, and increased moth wing defects. Together, our data demonstrate the critical and broad requirements for BmVps4 in silkworm metamorphosis.