bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal thyroid parameters in pregnant women with different ethnic backgrounds: Do ethnicity‐specific reference ranges improve the diagnosis of subclinical hypothyroidism?
Authors: Veltri Flora , Belhomme Julie , Kleynen Pierre , Grabczan Lidia , Rozenberg Serge , Pepersack Thierry , Poppe Kris 
Published: March 2017

SummaryObjectiveGuidelines on the management of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy have recently been updated and, for the diagnosis of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), a thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) upper reference limit (cut‐off) of 4.0 mIU/L has been proposed when no institutional values are available. It is also suggested that serum TSH and thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) may be different according to the ethnic background of the women. We therefore determined the prevalence of TAI and SCH in pregnant women with different ethnic backgrounds and, to define SCH, we used different first trimester TSH upper reference cut‐offs (institutional, ethnicity‐specific, 2.5 mIU/L [Endocrine Society] and 4.0 mIU/L [American Thyroid Association]).DesignCross‐sectional data analysis of 1683 pregnant women nested within an ongoing prospective database of pregnant women.MethodThe study was performed in a single centre in Brussels, Belgium. During the first antenatal visit, thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO‐abs), TSH and free T4 (FT4) were measured and baseline characteristics recorded. Data from 481 women with sub‐Saharan (SaBg; 28.6%), 754 North African (NaBg; 44.8%) and 448 Caucasian (CaBg; 26.6%) backgrounds were analysed. For the calculation of TSH reference ranges, women with TAI, outliers, twin and assisted pregnancies were excluded.ResultsThe prevalence of TAI was significantly lower in the SaBg group than in NaBg and CaBg groups (3.3% vs 8.6% and 11.1%; P<.001, respectively). Median TSH was significantly lower in SaBg and NaBg groups as compared with the CaBg group (1.3 and 1.4 vs 1.5 mIU/L; P=.006 and .014, respectively). The prevalence of women with SCH was comparable between all groups when 2.5 mIU/L was used as cut‐off, but when 4.0 mIU/L or the institutional cut‐off (3.74 mIU/L) was used, it was significantly higher in the CaBg group vs the NaBg group (5.4% vs 2.1% and 7.1% vs 3.3%, P=.008 and .013, respectively). The use of ethnicity‐specific cut‐offs did not change the prevalence of SCH as compared to the use of institutional cut‐offs. However, when these cut‐offs were used, the prevalence of SCH reduced by >70% (4.5% instead of 16.7%; P<.001) relative to the 2.5 mIU/L cut‐off.ConclusionsPregnant women with a sub‐Saharan African background had a lower prevalence of TAI and TSH levels as compared with women from other backgrounds. The use of ethnicity‐specific TSH cut‐offs in early pregnancy was not more specific for the diagnosis of SCH as compared to the use of the institutional cut‐off.
Is the Lateralized Categorical Perception of Color a Situational Effect of Language on Color Perception?
Authors: Zhong Weifang , Li You , Huang Yulan , Li He , Mo Lei 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis study investigated whether and how a person's varied series of lexical categories corresponding to different discriminatory characteristics of the same colors affect his or her perception of colors. In three experiments, Chinese participants were primed to categorize four graduated colors—specifically dark green, light green, light blue, and dark blue—into green and blue; light color and dark color; and dark green, light green, light blue, and dark blue. The participants were then required to complete a visual search task. Reaction times in the visual search task indicated that different lateralized categorical perceptions (CPs) of color corresponded to the various priming situations. These results suggest that all of the lexical categories corresponding to different discriminatory characteristics of the same colors can influence people's perceptions of colors and that color perceptions can be influenced differently by distinct types of lexical categories depending on the context.
Immunosuppression with mTOR inhibitors prevents the development of donor‐specific antibodies after liver transplant
Authors: Willuweit Katharina , Heinold Andreas , Rashidi‐Alavijeh Jassin , Heinemann Falko M. , Horn Peter A. , Paul Andreas , Gerken Guido , Herzer Kerstin 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundDonor‐specific antibodies (DSAs) are an important cause of complications after solid organ transplant. Risk factors and, thus, strategies for preventing DSA development are not well defined.MethodsThe DSA status of 400 patients who underwent liver transplant (LT) at the outpatient clinic of the University Hospital Essen was determined. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies were detected by single‐antigen bead technology. The strength of DSAs was reported as mean fluorescence intensity.ResultsDetectable DSAs were found in 74 (18.5%) patients and significantly more often in patients who underwent LT for autoimmune liver disease than for all other indications (29.3%; P=.022), but significantly less often found in patients who underwent LT for hepatocellular carcinoma (7.6%, P=.005). The incidence of DSAs increased with time after LT, and the risk was generally higher for female patients. The frequency of DSA detection was significantly lower (10.6%) for patients receiving immunosuppressive treatment with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors than for those receiving other regimens (20.5%; P=.025).ConclusionAutoimmune liver diseases, female sex, and time of more than 8 years since LT predispose patients to the development of DSAs. Immunosuppression with the mTOR inhibitor everolimus protects against DSA development after liver transplant.
Acclimation of bloom‐forming and perennial seaweeds to elevated pCO2 conserved across levels of environmental complexity
Authors: Xu Dong , Schaum Charlotte‐Elisa , Lin Fan , Sun Ke , Munroe James R. , Zhang Xiao W. , Fan Xiao , Teng Lin H. , Wang Yi T. , Zhuang Zhi M. , Ye Naihao 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMacroalgae contribute approximately 15% of the primary productivity in coastal marine ecosystems, fix up to 27.4 Tg of carbon per year, and provide important structural components for life in coastal waters. Despite this ecological and commercial importance, direct measurements and comparisons of the short‐term responses to elevated pCO2 in seaweeds with different life‐history strategies are scarce. Here, we cultured several seaweed species (bloom forming/nonbloom forming/perennial/annual) in the laboratory, in tanks in an indoor mesocosm facility, and in coastal mesocosms under pCO2 levels ranging from 400 to 2,000 μatm. We find that, across all scales of the experimental setup, ephemeral species of the genus Ulva increase their photosynthesis and growth rates in response to elevated pCO2 the most, whereas longer‐lived perennial species show a smaller increase or a decrease. These differences in short‐term growth and photosynthesis rates are likely to give bloom‐forming green seaweeds a competitive advantage in mixed communities, and our results thus suggest that coastal seaweed assemblages in eutrophic waters may undergo an initial shift toward communities dominated by bloom‐forming, short‐lived seaweeds.
Major electrocardiographic abnormality predicts support/care‐need certification and/or death in community‐dwelling older adults with no history of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Okuno Tazuo , Watanabe Keisuke , Nakajima Kumie , Iritani Osamu , Yano Hiroshi , Morita Takuro , Himeno Taroh , Igarashi Yuta , Okuro Masashi , Morimoto Shigeto 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimNot only cardiovascular disease (CVD) itself, but also subclinical major electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities are related to frailty in older adults. We investigated whether major ECG abnormality was associated with first support/care‐need certification in Long‐Term Care Insurance or death in community‐dwelling older adults.MethodsWe analyzed 1078 community‐dwelling older adults with no history of certification aged 65–94 years. Relationships between baseline major ECG abnormality and risk of first certification or death were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsDuring 5 years, 135 first certifications and 53 deaths occurred. Among participants with no prior history of CVD (n = 875), those with major ECG abnormality (n = 282) showed significantly higher adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for certification (HR 2.42, 95% CI 1.58–3.69, P < 0.001) and for death (HR 2.44, 95% CI 1.27–4.69, P = 0.008) compared with control participants without major ECG abnormality (n = 593). The impact of major ECG abnormality on certification in this group was more evident in older adults with age ≥75 years, female sex or hyperuricemia. Participants with either arrhythmia or ST/T abnormality on ECG examination tended to have higher HR for certification as a result of dementia. In participants with a prior history of CVD (n = 203), the impact of major ECG abnormality (n = 126) on certification was not significant.ConclusionsThese observations show that subclinical major ECG abnormality predicts higher risk for later support/care‐need certification in community‐dwelling older adults with no prior history of CVD. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1967–1976.
Relationships among sense of coherence, oral health status, nutritional status and care need level of older adults according to path analysis
Authors: Dewake Nanae , Hamasaki Tomoko , Sakai Rie , Yamada Shima , Nima Yuko , Tomoe Miki , Kakuta Satoko , Iwasaki Masanori , Soh Inho , Shimazaki Yoshihiro , Ansai Toshihiro 
Published: March 2017

AimSense of coherence (SOC) is a measurement of ability of an individual to cope with psychological stress and remain in good health. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationships among SOC score, oral health status, nutritional status and care need level of older adults using path analysis.MethodsWe enrolled 53 older adults (17 men and 36 women) who were attending a day care service (mean age 80.4 ± 6.5 years). SOC was assessed using a 13‐item, seven‐scale instrument. Oral health status (number of present teeth, denture use) and nutritional status (assessed with Mini‐Nutritional Assessment Short‐Form) were also evaluated. Path analysis was used to examine the relationship of SOC with other related factors, including care need level.ResultsThe mean SOC score was 57.0 ± 13.9. Mini‐Nutritional Assessment Short‐Form results showed that one participant (1.8%) was malnourished, 26 (49.1%) were at risk of malnutrition and 26 (49.1%) had normal nutritional status. Participants with high SOC scores showed a strong positive attitude, had a relatively large number of teeth, were in good nutritional condition and showed low care need levels.ConclusionsThe present results showed that maintaining a high SOC level and good oral health help to reduce care need levels in older adults, and also prevent a worsening of their nutritional condition. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2083–2088.
Cross‐sectional study of equol producer status and cognitive impairment in older adults
Authors: Igase Michiya , Igase Keiji , Tabara Yasuharu , Ohyagi Yasumasa , Kohara Katsuhiko 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimIt is well known that consumption of isoflavones reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the effectiveness of isoflavones in preventing dementia is controversial. A number of intervention studies have produced conflicting results. One possible reason is that the ability to produce equol, a metabolite of a soy isoflavone, differs greatly in individuals. In addition to existing data, we sought to confirm whether an apparent beneficial effect in cognitive function is observed after soy consumption in equol producers compared with non‐producers.MethodsThe present study was a cross‐sectional, observational study of 152 (male/female = 61/91, mean age 69.2 ± 9.2 years) individuals. Participants were divided into two groups according to equol production status, which was determined using urine samples collected after a soy challenge test. Cognitive function was assessed using two computer‐based questionnaires (touch panel‐type dementia assessment scale [TDAS] and mild cognitive impairment [MCI] screen).ResultsOverall, 60 (40%) of 152 participants were equol producers. Both TDAS and prevalence of MCI were significantly higher in the equol producer group than in the non‐producer group. In univariate analyses, TDAS significantly correlated with age, serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. In multiple regression analysis using TDAS as a dependent variable, equol producer (β = 0.236, P = 0.005) was selected as an independent variable. In addition, multiple logistic regression analysis to assess the presence of MCI showed that being an equol producer was an independent risk factor for MCI (odds ratio 3.961).ConclusionsCompared with equol non‐producers, equol producers showed an apparent beneficial effect in cognitive function after soy intake. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2103–2108.
Caries experience of children in primary schools with long‐term tooth brushing programs: A pilot Australian study
Authors: Cakar T , Harrison‐Barry L , Pukallus ML , Kazoullis S , Seow WK 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate a primary school‐based tooth brushing (TB) program conducted in a low socio‐economic area of Queensland, Australia, to determine its effectiveness in reducing caries.MethodsRecords kept at the central dental clinic of the district were used to analyse the caries experience (decayed, missing, filled teeth [dmft/DMFT]) and caries prevalence in children from two schools with long‐term TB programs (TB) (N=1191) and three Non‐TB schools (N=553). The schools were matched by socio‐economic indices.ResultsHistorical records showed that the baseline caries experience in all TB and Non‐TB primary schools were similar at each primary school year. After a mean period of 5‐9 years of the TB program, the caries experience (mean decayed, missing, filled teeth, dmft/DMFT) and prevalence were lower for TB group than Non‐TB group. In the primary dentition, the overall mean dmft (±standard deviation) of TB group (2.53±3.00) was significantly lower than the Non‐TB group (3.06±3.30) (P<.001). Similarly, in the permanent dentition, the overall mean DMFT of TB group (0.47±1.05) was reduced significantly compared to the Non‐TB group (1.15±1.72) (P<.001). The overall caries prevalence in the TB group was 68% compared to 78% in Non‐TB (P<.001). Overall, the mean annual DMFT increments of children in the TB schools were also significantly less compared with children in the Non‐TB schools (P<.001).ConclusionA long‐term primary school TB program significantly reduced caries experience and caries prevalence in an optimally fluoridated (1‐ppm), very low socio‐economic district.
Second primary melanoma on a patient undergoing vemurafenib therapy. A case report
Authors: Onnis Giuliana , Palmieri Giuseppe , Montesu Maria Antonietta , Satta Rosanna 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundSeveral side effects have been reported during treatment with vemurafenib, including multiple benign lesions and, less frequently, atypical melanocytic proliferations and second primary melanomas.MethodsA 46‐year‐old man undergoing vemurafenib therapy for metastatic malignant melanoma was clinically and dermoscopically monitored using total‐body mapping.ResultsDuring BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) treatment, the patient developed atypical melanocytic lesions and particularly secondary primary melanoma.ConclusionsSecondary melanomas are usually diagnosed during the early disease stage, and no case of advanced melanomas is reported in the literature, mostly due to careful surveillance in BRAFi‐treated patients.
Enhancing oral health for better mental health: Exploring the views of mental health professionals
Authors: Scrine Clair , Durey Angela , Slack‐Smith Linda 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe association between oral health, self‐esteem and quality of life is well established yet there is limited research on the impact of addressing the poor oral health of people living with mental health disorders. Greater consideration is warranted on how enhancing oral health in the course of mental healthcare might reduce the burden of a person's ill health. The role of mental health professionals is important in this regard yet uncertainty persists about the role these providers can and should play in promoting oral health care for people with mental health disorders. This qualitative study explored the issue of oral health and mental health with community based mental health professionals in Perth, Western Australia. It examined their views on the oral health status and experiences of their clients, and the different and alternative ways to improve access to care, knowledge and preventative regimens. Findings indicated participants’ ambivalence, reluctance and lack of training in raising oral health issues, despite its acknowledged importance, indicating a siloed approach to care. Findings offer an opportunity to reflect on whether a more integrated approach to oral health care for people with mental health disorders would improve health outcomes.
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder in a child and an adolescent with mild to borderline intellectual disability: A multiple baseline across subjects study
Authors: Mevissen Liesbeth , Didden Robert , Korzilius Hubert , de Jongh Ad 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundThis study explored the effectiveness of eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in persons with mild to borderline intellectual disability (MBID) using a multiple baseline across subjects design.MethodsOne child and one adolescent with MBID, who met diagnostic criteria for PTSD according to a PTSD clinical interview (i.e., ADIS‐C PTSD section), adapted and validated for this target group, were offered four sessions of EMDR. PTSD symptoms were measured before, during and after EMDR, and at six weeks follow‐up.ResultsFor both participants, number of PTSD symptoms decreased in response to treatment and both no longer met PTSD criteria at post‐treatment. This result was maintained at 6‐week follow‐up.ConclusionsThe results of this study add further support to the notion that EMDR can be an effective treatment for PTSD in children and adolescents with MBID. Replication of this study in larger samples and using a randomized controlled design is warranted.
Reduced expression of let‐7f activates TGF‐β/ALK5 pathway and leads to impaired ischaemia‐induced neovascularization after cigarette smoke exposure
Authors: Dhahri Wahiba , Dussault Sylvie , Haddad Paola , Turgeon Julie , Tremblay Sophie , Rolland Kevin , Desjarlais Michel , Cáceres‐Gorriti Katia Y , Mathieu Raphael , Rivard Alain 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis study sought to determine the potential role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the detrimental effects of cigarette smoke on angiogenesis and neovascularization. Using large‐scale miRNA profiling and qRT‐PCR analyses, we identified let‐7f as a pro‐angiogenic miRNA which expression is significantly reduced in HUVECs treated with cigarette smoke extracts (CSE), and in the ischemic muscles of mice that are exposed to cigarette smoke (MES). In a mouse model of hindlimb ischaemia, intramuscular injection of let‐7f mimic restored ischaemia‐induced neovascularization in MES. Doppler flow ratios and capillary density in ischemic muscles were significantly improved in MES treated with let‐7f mimic. Clinically, this was associated with reduced ambulatory impairment and hindlimb ischaemic damage. Treatment with let‐7f mimic could also rescue pro‐angiogenic cell (PAC) number and function (attachment, proliferation, migration) in MES. ALK5 (TGF‐βR1), an important modulator of angiogenesis, is a target of let‐7f. Here we show that ALK5 is increased in HUVECs exposed to CSE and in the ischaemic muscles of MES. This is associated with a downstream activation of the anti‐angiogenic factors SMAD2/3 and PAI‐1. Importantly, treatment with let‐7f mimic reduces the expression of ALK5, SMAD2/3 and PAI‐1 both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, let‐7f overexpression or ALK5 inhibition can rescue angiogenesis in HUVECs exposed to CSE. Cigarette smoke exposure is associated with reduced expression of let‐7f and activation of the anti‐angiogenic TGF‐β/ALK5 pathway. Overexpression of let‐7f using a miRNA mimic could constitute a novel therapeutic strategy to improve ischaemia‐induced neovascularization in pathological conditions.
Effect of the interaction between MiR‐200b‐3p and DNMT3A on cartilage cells of osteoarthritis patients
Authors: Wu Jian , Tao Yunjuan , Shang Anquan , Wang Weiwei , Zhang Yujie , Hu Liqing , Wang Jun , Wang Yuan , Guo Naizhou 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe aim of this research is to explore the effect of miR‐200b‐3p targeting DNMT3A on the proliferation and apoptosis of osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage cells. Quantitative RT‐PCR was performed to analyse the expression of miR‐200b‐3p, DNMT3A, MMP1, MMP3, MMP9, MMP13 and COL II in normal and OA cartilage tissues. The dual‐luciferase reporter assay and Western blot assay were conducted to confirm the targeting relationship between miR‐200b‐3p and DNMT3A. We also constructed eukaryotic expression vector to overexpress miR‐200b‐3p and DNMT3A. We detected the expression level of MMPs and COL II in stable transfected cartilage cells using RT‐PCR and Western blot. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated using the MTS, pellet culture and Hoechst 33342 staining method. Finally, we explored the effect of miR‐200b‐3p targeting DNMT3A on the proliferation and apoptosis of OA cartilage cells. The results of RT‐PCR indicated that both miR‐200b‐3p and COL II were down‐regulated in OA cartilage tissues, while the expression of DNMT3A and MMPs was up‐regulated in OA cartilage tissues. The expressions of DNMT3A, MMPs and COL II detected by Western blot showed the same trend of the results of RT‐PCR. The dual‐luciferase reporter assay and Western blot assay confirmed the targeting relationship between miR‐200b‐3p and DNMT3A. In overexpressed miR‐200b‐3p cartilage cells, DNMT3A and MMPs were significantly down‐regulated, COL II was significantly up‐regulated, cell viability was enhanced and apoptosis rate was decreased (P < 0.05). In overexpressed DNM3T cartilage cells, MMPs were significantly up‐regulated, COL II was significantly down‐regulated, cell viability was weakened and apoptosis rate was increased (P < 0.05). MiR‐200b‐3p inhibited the secretion of MMPs, promoted the synthesis of COL II and enhanced the growth and proliferation of OA cartilage cells through inhibiting the expression of DNMT3A.