bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation Between Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis
Authors: WU LINGMIN , LU YANLAI , ZHENG LIHUI , QIAO YU , CHEN GANG , DING LIGANG , HOU BINGBO , SUN WEI , LIEW REGINALD , ZHANG SHU , YAO YAN 
Published: January 2016

RFCA for Asymptomatic Persistent AFBackgroundWhether patients with asymptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) could benefit from radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of RFCA between asymptomatic and symptomatic AF.MethodsSixty‐six patients with asymptomatic persistent AF who underwent the primary ablation for AF were enrolled; 132 patients with symptomatic persistent AF were matched using propensity score matching. All patients underwent circumferential pulmonary vein isolation in combination with linear ablation using AF termination as the primary procedural endpoint.ResultsSinus rhythm (SR) was restored by ablation in 18 (27.3%) patients in the asymptomatic group and 93 (70.5%) in the symptomatic group (P < 0.001). Combined with intravenous infusion of ibutilide (1 mg), the numbers were 45 (68.2%) and 116 (87.8%), respectively (P = 0.001). At 1‐year follow‐up, SR was present in 23 (34.8%) patients in the asymptomatic group and 78 (59.1%) in the symptomatic group without any antiarrhythmic medication after a single procedure (P = 0.001). Of the 43 patients experiencing recurrence in the asymptomatic group, 16 (37.2%) had recurrent atrial tachycardia (AT)‐related symptoms. Multivariate analysis showed that asymptomatic AF was independently associated with AF failed to be terminated by ablation (OR: 7.1; 95% CI: 3.4 to 14.9; P < 0.001) and recurrence (OR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.1 to 4.4; P = 0.018). Patients with asymptomatic AF showed less improvement in quality of life postablation than those with symptoms.ConclusionCurrent catheter ablation techniques showed worse outcomes in asymptomatic AF patients than in those with symptoms. Recurrent AT could cause significant symptoms in previously asymptomatic patients.
Replication study of 34 common SNPs associated with prostate cancer in the Romanian population
Authors: Jinga Viorel , Csiki Irma Eva , Manolescu Andrei , Iordache Paul , Mates Ioan Nicolae , Radavoi Daniel , Rascu Stefan , Badescu Daniel , Badea Paula , Mates Dana 
Published: January 2016

AbstractProstate cancer is the third‐most common form of cancer in men in Romania. The Romanian unscreened population represents a good sample to study common genetic risk variants. However, a comprehensive analysis has not been conducted yet. Here, we report our replication efforts in a Romanian population of 979 cases and 1027 controls, for potential association of 34 literature‐reported single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with prostate cancer. We also examined whether any SNP was differentially associated with tumour grade or stage at diagnosis, with disease aggressiveness, and with the levels of PSA (prostate specific antigen). In the allelic analysis, we replicated the previously reported risk for 19 loci on 4q24, 6q25.3, 7p15.2, 8q24.21, 10q11.23, 10q26.13, 11p15.5, 11q13.2, 11q13.3. Statistically significant associations were replicated for other six SNPs only with a particular disease phenotype: low‐grade tumour and low PSA levels (rs1512268), high PSA levels (rs401681 and rs11649743), less aggressive cancers (rs1465618, rs721048, rs17021918). The strongest association of our tested SNP's with PSA in controls was for rs2735839, with 29% increase for each copy of the major allele G, consistent with previous results. Our results suggest that rs4962416, previously associated only with prostate cancer, is also associated with PSA levels, with 12% increase for each copy of the minor allele C. The study enabled the replication of the effect for the majority of previously reported genetic variants in a set of clinically relevant prostate cancers. This is the first replication study on these loci, known to associate with prostate cancer, in a Romanian population.
CD200 expression in human cultured bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells is induced by pro‐osteogenic and pro‐inflammatory cues
Authors: Pontikoglou Charalampos , Langonné Alain , Ba Mamadou Aliou , Varin Audrey , Rosset Philippe , Charbord Pierre , Sensébé Luc , Deschaseaux Frédéric 
Published: January 2016

AbstractSimilar to other adult tissue stem/progenitor cells, bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BM MSCs) exhibit heterogeneity at the phenotypic level and in terms of proliferation and differentiation potential. In this study such a heterogeneity was reflected by the CD200 protein. We thus characterized CD200pos cells sorted from whole BM MSC cultures and we investigated the molecular mechanisms regulating CD200 expression. After sorting, measurement of lineage markers showed that the osteoblastic genes RUNX2 and DLX5 were up‐regulated in CD200pos cells compared to CD200neg fraction. At the functional level, CD200pos cells were prone to mineralize the extra‐cellular matrix in vitro after sole addition of phosphates. In addition, osteogenic cues generated by bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) or BMP7 strongly induced CD200 expression. These data suggest that CD200 expression is related to commitment/differentiation towards the osteoblastic lineage. Immunohistochemistry of trephine bone marrow biopsies further corroborates the osteoblastic fate of CD200pos cells. However, when dexamethasone was used to direct osteogenic differentiation in vitro, CD200 was consistently down‐regulated. As dexamethasone has anti‐inflammatory properties, we assessed the effects of different immunological stimuli on CD200 expression. The pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1β and tumour necrosis factor‐α increased CD200 membrane expression but down‐regulated osteoblastic gene expression suggesting an additional regulatory pathway of CD200 expression. Surprisingly, whatever the context, i.e. pro‐inflammatory or pro‐osteogenic, CD200 expression was down‐regulated when nuclear‐factor (NF)‐κB was inhibited by chemical or adenoviral agents. In conclusion, CD200 expression by cultured BM MSCs can be induced by both osteogenic and pro‐inflammatory cytokines through the same pathway: NF‐κB.
Predisposing and Precipitating Factors for Dissociation During Labor in a Cohort Study of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Childbearing Outcomes
Authors: Choi Kristen R. , Seng Julia S. 
Published: January 2016

IntroductionPeritraumatic dissociation is an important predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and impaired bonding following childbirth. The purpose of this study was to follow up on an earlier finding that peritraumatic dissociation in labor was associated with adverse postpartum outcomes by identifying predictors of dissociation in labor.MethodsThis analysis used data from a prospective cohort study of primiparous women from southeast Michigan. There were 564 women included in the analysis; the primary outcome measure was the Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire (PDEQ) score measuring dissociation during labor.ResultsThe prevalence of dissociation in labor for this sample was 7.4%. Important predictors of dissociation in labor included both predisposing (eg, childhood maltreatment trauma, preexisting psychopathology) and precipitating (eg, perception of care, negative appraisal of labor) factors. Overall, these predictors explained 14.7% of variance in PDEQ score. In 3 separate, simple linear regression models, the PDEQ score explained 20% of variance in postpartum PTSD, 13% of variance in postpartum depression, and 9% of variance in impaired bonding.DiscussionWomen with maltreatment history and PTSD are at risk to be retraumatized or overwhelmed by birth and to dissociate. Although it would be optimal to assess for dissociative coping prenatally, assessing with the PDEQ following birth could contribute to evaluation of risk for postpartum psychopathology.
Overexpression of Bcl‐2, SOCS 1, 3 and Cdh 1, 2 are associated with the early neoplasic changes in modified 4‐nitroquinoline 1‐oxide‐induced murine oral cancer model
Authors: Cabrera Ortega Adriana Alicia , Gonçalves Vinícius de Paiva , Guimarães Morgana Rodrigues , Rossa Junior Carlos , Spolidorio Luis Carlos 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundThe objective was to assess histopathological changes and the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Bcl‐2, suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) 1 and 3, Vimentin, TWIST1, and Cdh 1 and 2 in early stages of experimental oral carcinogenesis process using a shorter period of exposure to 4‐nitroquinoline oxide (4‐NQO) model.MethodsIn this study, 20 rats were divided into control group (n = 10), sacrificed on the first day of the experiment, and experimental group (n = 10) treated with 50 ppm of 4‐NQO solution dissolved in drinking water for 8 and 12 weeks. The histological sections were stained with H&E or subjected to immunohistochemistry for detecting PCNA, Bcl‐2, SOCS 1 and 3, and STAT 3. Some specimens were used for verification of Vimentin expression, Cdh 1, Cdh 2, and TWIST1 by RT–qPCR.ResultsAt both 8 and 12 weeks, morphological changes occurred mainly in the posterior portion of the tongue and were limited to the epithelial tissue, including moderate to severe dysplasia at 8 weeks, and severe dysplasia with exacerbation of atypical cells at 12 weeks. Expression of SOCS 1 and 3 increased from 8 to 12 weeks (P < 0.05), whereas STAT 3 expression was reduced mainly at 12 weeks (P < 0.05) in comparison with the control group. The expression of all epithelial–mesenchymal transition markers (EMT) was increased after 12 weeks, reaching statistical significance (P < 0.05) for Cdh 1 and 2.ConclusionsTogether, the results suggested that overexpression of Bcl‐2, SOCS 1 and 3, and Cdh 1 and 2 is associated with the early neoplasic changes in modified 4‐nitroquinoline 1‐oxide‐induced murine oral cancer model.
Neighborhood Qualification of the Association Between Parenting and Problem Behavior Trajectories Among Mexican‐Origin Father–Adolescent Dyads
Authors: White Rebecca M. B. , Liu Yu , Gonzales Nancy A. , Knight George P. , Tein Jenn‐Yun 
Published: January 2016

To address the combined importance of fathers and neighborhoods for adolescent adjustment, we examined whether associations between fathers' parenting and adolescents' problem behaviors were qualified by neighborhood adversity. We captured both mainstream (e.g., authoritative) and alternative (e.g., no‐nonsense, reduced involvement) parenting styles and examined parenting and neighborhood effects on changes over time in problem behaviors among a sample of Mexican‐origin father–adolescent dyads (N = 462). Compared to their counterparts in low‐adversity neighborhoods, adolescents in high‐adversity neighborhoods experienced greater initial benefits from authoritative fathering, greater long‐term benefits from no‐nonsense fathering, and fewer costs associated with reduced involvement fathering. The combined influences of alternative paternal parenting styles and neighborhood adversity may set ethnic and racial minority adolescents on different developmental pathways to competence.
Curcumin prevents paracetamol-induced liver mitochondrial alterations
Authors: Granados-Castro Luis Fernando , Rodríguez-Rangel Daniela Sarai , Fernández-Rojas Berenice , León-Contreras Juan Carlos , Hernández-Pando Rogelio , Medina-Campos Omar Noel , Eugenio-Pérez Dianelena , Pinzón Enrique , Pedraza-Chaverri José 
Published: January 2016

Abstract

Objective
In the present study was evaluated if curcumin is able to attenuate paracetamol (PCM)-induced mitochondrial alterations in liver of mice.

Methods
Mice (n = 5–6/group) received curcumin (35, 50 or 100 mg/kg bw) 90 min before PCM injection (350 mg/kg bw). Plasma activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was measured; histological analyses were done; and measurement of mitochondrial oxygen consumption, mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP synthesis, aconitase activity and activity of respiratory complexes was carried out.

Key findings
Curcumin prevented in a dose-dependent manner PCM-induced liver damage. Curcumin (100 mg/kg) attenuated PCM-induced liver histological damage (damaged hepatocytes from 28.3 ± 7.7 to 8.3 ± 0.7%) and increment in plasma ALT (from 2300 ± 150 to 690 ± 28 U/l) and AST (from 1603 ± 43 to 379 ± 22 U/l) activity. Moreover, curcumin attenuated the decrease in oxygen consumption using either succinate or malate/glutamate as substrates (evaluated by state 3, respiratory control ratio, uncoupled respiration and adenosine diphosphate/oxygen ratio), in membrane potential, in ATP synthesis, in aconitase activity and in the activity of respiratory complexes I, III and IV.

Conclusions
These results indicate that the protective effect of curcumin in PCM-induced hepatotoxicity is associated with attenuation of mitochondrial dysfunction.
Preparation of extended release solid dispersion formulations of tacrolimus using ethylcellulose and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose by solvent evaporation method
Authors: Tsunashima Daisuke , Yamashita Kazunari , Ogawara Ken-ichi , Sako Kazuhiro , Higaki Kazutaka 
Published: January 2016

Abstract

Objectives
Tacrolimus is a poorly water-soluble compound that is used to prevent allograft rejection. We aimed to prepare an extended release formulation of tacrolimus to achieve both an extended release profile and improved solubility of tacrolimus.

Methods
Extended release granules (ERG) of tacrolimus were prepared with lactose, ethylcellulose (EC) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) via the solvent evaporation method.

Key findings
In an in vitro release study, ERG had an extended release profile, and the release rate of tacrolimus was regulated by the quantity of lactose, EC and HPMC in the formulation. HPMC-containing ERG successfully enhanced and maintained supersaturation of tacrolimus even after 24 h in a supersaturated release study. In contrast, the extent of supersaturation rapidly decreased after 4 h and the concentration nearly reached the same level as that of crystalline tacrolimus at 24 h for ERG without HPMC. In vivo absorption characteristics were compared between ERGs and immediate release (IR) formulation of tacrolimus. Successful and sustained absorption of tacrolimus without reducing bioavailability compared with IR formulation was observed for ERG.

Conclusions
These results suggest the feasibility of combining an EC-based formulation with solid dispersion utilizing HPMC for the extended release of oral formulations and sustained absorption of tacrolimus.
Could cytokine levels in the peri‐implant crevicular fluid be used to distinguish between healthy implants and implants with peri‐implantitis? A systematic review
Authors: Duarte P. M. , Serrão C. R. , Miranda T. S. , Zanatta L. C. S. , Bastos M. F. , Faveri M. , Figueiredo L. C. , Feres M. 
Published: January 2016

Background and ObjectiveDespite investigative efforts to identify the levels of different types of cytokines in the peri‐implant crevicular fluid (PICF), the efficacy of these biomarkers in assisting the diagnosis of peri‐implantitis is still undetermined. This systematic review aimed to answer the following question: “Could cytokine levels in the PICF be used to distinguish between healthy implants and implants with peri‐implantitis?”Material and MethodsThis review was conducted and reported in accordance with the PRISMA statement. The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched from 1990 up to and including March 2015, using MeSH terms and other keywords. Additional publications were searched using a hand search of reference lists of relevant studies. Titles and abstracts were screened and papers that fulfilled eligibility criteria were assessed.ResultsOut of 1212 titles, 18 studies reporting the levels of nine different cytokines were included. Proinflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐12, IL‐17 and tumor necrosis factor‐α) were the cytokines studied most commonly, followed by anti‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐4 and IL‐10), osteoclastogenesis‐related cytokines (RANKL) and chemokines (IL‐8). Nine studies reported statistically significantly higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the PICF of implants with peri‐implantitis than in the PICF of healthy implants. Most studies did not find any significant differences in the PICF levels of anti‐inflammatory cytokines and RANKL between healthy implants and implants with peri‐implantitis. IL‐8 was the only chemokine studied and its levels did not differ significantly between healthy and diseased implants. The studies differed greatly in the manner in which they reported the results (e.g. concentrations or total amounts) and in the exclusion of confounders, such as smoking.ConclusionThe results of this systematic review indicate moderate evidence in the literature to support that implants with peri‐implantitis present higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the PICF than do healthy implants. Evidence regarding the PICF levels of anti‐inflammatory cytokines, osteoclastogenesis‐related cytokines and chemokines as possible predictors of peri‐implantitis is too limited.
NS3 protease polymorphisms and genetic barrier to drug resistance of distinct hepatitis C virus genotypes from worldwide treatment‐naïve subjects
Authors: Vidal L. L. , Soares M. A. , Santos A. F. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryHepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3 protease inhibitors have been primarily designed against genotype 1, the one with the lowest response to dual therapy. However, less evidence of their efficacy on non‐1 genotypes is available, and any such information is mostly concentrated on genotypes 2‐4. This study evaluated HCV protease resistance profiles in the major six HCV genotypes and identified genetic barrier (GB) profiles to each available protease inhibitor across HCV strains from different locations worldwide. We obtained 15 099 HCV sequences from treatment‐naïve subjects retrieved at the Los Alamos HCV Sequence Database. The wild‐type codons of different HCV genotypes were used to analyse the smallest number of nucleotide substitution steps required for changing that codon to the closest one associated with drug resistance. The 36L and 175L RAVs were found as genetic signatures of genotypes 2‐5, while the 80K RAV was found in all genotype 5 sequences. Genotypes 4 and 6 showed a higher GB to RAV mutations conferring resistance to telaprevir, while genotypes 2‐5 presented baseline resistance to that drug, carrying the 36L mutation. Genotype 4 had a higher GB to simeprevir resistance, requiring three substitutions to acquire the 155K mutation. Subtype 1b showed a higher GB than subtype 1a to resistance for most PIs, with RAVs at codons 36 and 155. Geographic disparities were also found in frequencies of certain RAVs in genotypes 2 and 3. Under a scenario of unprecedented evolution of anti‐HCV direct‐acting agents, the genetic composition of the circulating HCV sequences should be evaluated worldwide to choose the most appropriate/feasible therapeutic schemes with the highest genetic barriers to resistance.
Serum Beta Hydroxybutyrate Concentrations in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease, Hyperthyroidism, or Hepatic Lipidosis
Authors: Gorman L. , Sharkey L.C. , Armstrong P.J. , Little K. , Rendahl A. 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundKetones, including beta hydroxybutyrate (BHB), are produced in conditions of negative energy balance and decreased glucose utilization. Serum BHB concentrations in cats are poorly characterized in diseases other than diabetes mellitus.HypothesisSerum BHB concentrations will be increased in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD), hyperthyroidism (HT), or hepatic lipidosis (HL).AnimalsTwenty‐eight client‐owned cats with CKD, 34 cats with HT, and 15 cats with HL; 43 healthy cats.MethodsProspective observational study. Serum BHB concentrations were measured at admission in cats with CKD, HT, and HL, for comparison with a reference interval established using healthy cats. Results of dipstick urine ketone measurement, when available, were compared to BHB measurement.ResultsBeta hydroxybutyrate was above the reference interval (<0.11 mmol/L) in 6/28 cats (21%) with CKD, 7/34 cats (20%) with HT, and 11/15 cats (73%) with HL, significantly exceeding the expected 2.5% above the reference interval for healthy cats (P < .001 for all groups). Elevations were mild in CKD and HT groups (median BHB 0.1 mmol/L for both groups, 80th percentile 0.12 and 0.11 mmol/L, respectively), but more marked in HL cats (median BHB 0.2 mmol/L, 80th percentile 0.84 mmol/L). None of 11 cats with increased serum BHB concentration having urine dipstick analysis performed within 24 h of sampling for BHB were ketonuric.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceIncreases in serum BHB concentrations occur in cats with CKD, HT, and HL, and might provide an useful index of catabolism.
Overcoming Instructor‐Originated Math Anxiety in Philosophy Students: A Consideration of Proven Techniques for Students Taking Formal Logic
Authors: Macpherson Brian 
Published: January 2016

AbstractEvery university student has his or her nemesis. Biology and social science students anticipate with great apprehension their required statistics course, while many philosophy students live in fear of formal logic. Math anxiety is the common thread uniting all of them. This article argues that since formal logic is an algebra requiring similar kinds of symbol‐manipulation skills needed to succeed in a basic mathematics course, then if logic students have math anxiety, this can impede their progress. Further, it argues that math anxiety is primarily caused by and exacerbated by poor instruction. Formal logic instructors who employ effective instructional techniques for reducing it can help their students overcome math anxiety to foster learning. Methods of instruction leading to anxiety reduction and evidence supporting their efficacy are discussed, including co‐operative learning, the mastery goal approach, and self‐paced learning. None of these methods holds back more advanced students.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress responses function in the HRT‐mediated hypersensitive response in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Moon Ju Yeon , Lee Jeong Hee , Oh Chang‐Sik , Kang Hong‐Gu , Park Jeong Mee 
Published: January 2016

SummaryHRT is a plant coiled‐coil, nucleotide‐binding and leucine‐rich repeat (CC‐NB‐LRR) disease resistance protein that triggers the hypersensitive response (HR) on recognition of Turnip crinkle virus (TCV) coat protein (CP). The molecular mechanism and significance of HR‐mediated cell death for TCV resistance have not been fully elucidated. To identify the genes involved in HRT/TCV CP‐mediated HR in Nicotiana benthamiana, we performed virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) of 459 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) of pathogen‐responsive Capsicum annuum genes. VIGS of CaBLP5, which encodes an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐associated immunoglobulin‐binding protein (BiP), silenced NbBiP4 and NbBiP5 and significantly reduced HRT‐mediated HR. The induction of ER stress‐responsive genes and the accumulation of ER‐targeted BiPs in response to HRT‐mediated HR suggest that ER is involved in HR in N. benthamiana. BiP4/5 silencing significantly down‐regulated HRT at the mRNA and protein levels, and affected SGT1 and HSP90 expression. Co‐expression of TCV CP in BiP4/5‐silenced plants completely abolished HRT induction. Transient expression of TCV CP alone induced selected ER stress‐responsive gene transcripts only in Tobacco rattle virus (TRV)‐infected plants, and most of these genes were induced by HRT/TCV CP, except for bZIP60, which was induced specifically in response to HRT/TCV CP. TCV CP‐mediated induction of ER stress‐responsive genes still occurred in BiP4/5‐silenced plants, but HRT/TCV CP‐mediated induction of these genes was defective. Tunicamycin, a chemical that inhibits protein N‐glycosylation, inhibited HRT‐mediated HR, suggesting that ER has a role in HR regulation. These results indicate that BiP and ER, which modulate pattern recognition receptors in innate immunity, also regulate R protein‐mediated resistance.