bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of long non‐coding RNA MIAT in proliferation, apoptosis and migration of lens epithelial cells: a clinical and in vitro study
Authors: Shen Yi , Dong Ling‐Feng , Zhou Rong‐Mei , Yao Jin , Song Yu‐Chen , Yang Hong , Jiang Qin , Yan Biao 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAge‐related cataract is among the most common chronic disorders of ageing and is the world's leading blinding disorder. Long non‐coding RNAs play important roles in several biological processes and complicated diseases. However, the role of lncRNAs in the setting of cataract is still unknown. Here, we extracted total RNAs from the transparent and age‐matched cataractous human lenses, and determined lncRNA expression profiles using microarray analysis. We found that 38 lncRNAs were differentially expressed between transparent and cataractous lenses. 17 of 20 differentially expressed lncRNAs were further verified by quantitative RT‐PCRs. One top abundant lncRNA, MIAT, was specifically up‐regulated both in the plasma fraction of whole blood and aqueous humor of cataract patients. MIAT knockdown could affect the proliferation, apoptosis and migration of Human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) upon oxidative stress. Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is a common complication of cataract surgery, which is associated with abnormal production of inflammatory factors. MIAT knockdown could repress tumour necrosis factor‐α‐induced abnormal proliferation and migration of HLECs, suggesting a potential role of MIAT in PCO‐related pathological process. Moreover, we found that MIAT acted as a ceRNA, and formed a feedback loop with Akt and miR‐150‐5p to regulate HLEC function. Collectively, this study provides a novel insight into the pathogenesis of age‐related cataract.
RETRACTED: miR‐655 suppresses epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition by targeting Prrx1 in triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Lv Zhi‐Dong , Kong Bin , Liu Xiang‐Ping , Jin Li‐Ying , Dong Qian , Li Fu‐Nian , Wang Hai‐Bo 
Published: January 2016

AbstractTriple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive breast cancer subtype that lacks effective targeted therapies. The epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key contributor in the metastatic process. In this study, we found that miR‐655 was down‐regulated in TNBC, and its expression levels were associated with molecular‐based classification and lymph node metastasis in breast cancer. These findings led us to hypothesize that miR‐655 overexpression may inhibit EMT and its associated traits of TNBC. Ectopic expression of miR‐655 not only induced the up‐regulation of cytokeratin and decreased vimentin expression but also suppressed migration and invasion of mesenchymal‐like cancer cells accompanied by a morphological shift towards the epithelial phenotype. In addition, we found that miR‐655 was negatively correlated with Prrx1 in cell lines and clinical samples. Overexpression of miR‐655 significantly suppressed Prrx1, as demonstrated by Prrx1 3′‐untranslated region luciferase report assay. Our study demonstrated that miR‐655 inhibits the acquisition of the EMT phenotype in TNBC by down‐regulating Prrx1, thereby inhibiting cell migration and invasion during cancer progression.
Chronic administration of isocarbophos induces vascular cognitive impairment in rats
Authors: Li Peng , Yin Ya‐Ling , Zhu Mo‐Li , Pan Guo‐Pin , Zhao Fan‐Rong , Lu Jun‐Xiu , Liu Zhan , Wang Shuang‐Xi , Hu Chang‐Ping 
Published: January 2016

AbstractVascular dementia, being the most severe form of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), is caused by cerebrovascular disease. Whether organophosphorus causes VCI remains unknown. Isocarbophos (0.5 mg/kg per 2 days) was intragastrically administrated to rats for 16 weeks. The structure and function of cerebral arteries were assayed. The learning and memory were evaluated by serial tests of step‐down, step‐through and morris water maze. Long‐term administration of isocarbophos reduced the hippocampal acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and acetylcholine (ACh) content but did not alter the plasma AChE activity, and significantly damaged the functions of learning and memory. Moreover, isocarbophos remarkably induced endothelial dysfunction in the middle cerebral artery and the expressions of ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 in the posterior cerebral artery. Morphological analysis by light microscopy and electron microscopy indicated disruptions of the hippocampus and vascular wall in the cerebral arteries from isocarbophos‐treated rats. Treatment of isocarbophos injured primary neuronal and astroglial cells isolated from rats. Correlation analysis demonstrated that there was a high correlation between vascular function of cerebral artery and hippocampal AChE activity or ACh content in rats. In conclusion, chronic administration of isocarbophos induces impairments of memory and learning, which is possibly related to cerebral vascular dysfunction.
VIP and CRF reduce ADAMTS expression and function in osteoarthritis synovial fibroblasts
Authors: Pérez‐García Selene , Carrión Mar , Gutiérrez‐Cañas Irene , González‐Álvaro Isidoro , Gomariz Rosa P. , Juarranz Yasmina 
Published: January 2016

AbstractADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs) family is known to play an important role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA), working on aggrecan degradation or altering the integrity of extracellular matrix (ECM). Thus, the main purpose of our study was to define the role of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and corticotrophin‐releasing factor (CRF), as immunoregulatory neuropeptides, on ADAMTS production in synovial fibroblasts (SF) from OA patients and healthy donors (HD). OA‐ and HD‐SF were stimulated with pro‐inflammatory mediators and treated with VIP or CRF. Both neuropeptides decreased ADAMTS‐4, ‐5, ‐7 and ‐12 expressions, aggrecanase activity, glycosaminoglycans (GAG), and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) degradation after stimulation with fibronectin fragments (Fn‐fs) in OA‐SF. After stimulation with interleukin‐1β, VIP reduced ADAMTS‐4 and ‐5, and both neuropeptides decreased ADAMTS‐7 production and COMP degradation. Moreover, VIP and CRF reduced Runx2 and β‐catenin activation in OA‐SF. Our data suggest that the role of VIP and CRF on ADAMTS expression and cartilage degradation could be related to the OA pathology since scarce effects were produced in HD‐SF. In addition, their effects might be greater when a degradation loop has been established, given that they were higher after stimulation with Fn‐fs. Our results point to novel OA therapies based on the use of neuropeptides, since VIP and CRF are able to stop the first critical step, the loss of cartilage aggrecan and the ECM destabilization during joint degradation.
Experimental investigation of craze morphology of isotactic polypropylene using computed tomography
Authors: SOKKAR T.Z.N. , EL‐FARAHATY K.A. , RASLAN M.I. , HAMZA A.A. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryIn this paper we investigated the morphology of crazes formed during the fracture process of polymeric fibres. Computed tomography technique was applied to reconstruct the image of fibrils‐voids structure of crazes. This allowed us to investigate the initial stages of crazes formation during the fracture process of mechanically stretched isotactic polypropylene fibres. The density and morphology of crazes were studied at different regions inside the stretched sample. Accordingly, we are able to visualize the internal structure of the stretched fibres in three dimensions. This revealed in‐depth information on the fracture process of polymeric fibres.
Efficacy and tolerability of different brands of intravenous immunoglobulin in the maintenance treatment of chronic immune‐mediated neuropathies
Authors: Gallia Francesca , Balducci Claudia , Nobile‐Orazio Eduardo 
Published: January 2016

AbstractHigh‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is effective in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). Not all brands of IVIg are however licensed for these neuropathies. We reviewed six patients with CIDP and seven with MMN treated with maintenance therapy with IVIg from 2009 to 2013. In all patients, we measured the Medical Research Council (MRC) and Overall Neuropathy Limitation Scale (ONLS) scores before each infusion, registered the monthly dose and brand of IVIg, and recorded adverse events. Patients were treated for 25–60 months (mean 49 months) alternating different brands of IVIg including IgVena, Gammagard, Kiovig, and Flebogamma. Minor and transient side effects were equally observed with each brand. No difference in the MRC or ONLS scores was observed in relation to the brand of IVIg used. Chronic maintenance treatment with IVIg in patients with MMN and CIDP was not associated with a different tolerability or efficacy despite the use of different brands of IVIg.
The use of evidenced‐based information by nurses and midwives to inform practice
Authors: Veeramah Ven 
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectivesTo examine the implementation of evidence‐based information by nurses and midwives to inform their practice.BackgroundIt is widely recognised that the main benefits of using evidence‐based information are to improve and update clinical practice and to enhance the quality of care and outcomes for patients. However, despite a large body of research showing that nurses and midwives have positive attitudes towards evidence‐based practice , its implementation remains a considerable and significant challenge.DesignThis was a cross‐sectional on‐line survey.MethodsA self‐completed questionnaire was used to collect data from a convenience sample of 386 nursing and midwifery diplomates and graduates from June–December 2013. One hundred and seventy‐two participants completed the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 44·6%.Results/FindingsThe majority of respondents expressed very positive attitude towards evidence‐based practice and nearly everyone felt that this should become an important part of daily practice. A significant number stated that they have regular access to research through a number of relevant databases and the Internet at their place of work and evidence‐based guidelines relevant to their speciality were also available. The two top barriers perceived by respondents were lack of time to search for relevant evidence‐based information and being able to make time during working hours to look for new information. The most popular strategy suggested was to ensure evidence‐based information is readily available in a form which nurses and midwives can easily understand the implications for their practice.ConclusionHealth services and government agencies should make a concerted effort to make time for nurses and midwives to access, appraise and use evidence‐based information to inform practice.Relevance to clinical practiceMore resources including protected time should be made available to support nurses and midwives to use evidence‐based information to improve the quality of care provided.
Illness perceptions of fatigue and the association with sense of coherence and stress in patients one year after myocardial infarction
Authors: Alsén Pia , Eriksson Monica 
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectivesTo explore the associations between illness perceptions of fatigue, sense of coherence and stress in patients one year after myocardial infarction.BackgroundPost‐myocardial infarction fatigue is a stressful symptom that is difficult to cope with. Patients’ illness perceptions of fatigue guide professionals in predicting how individuals will respond emotionally and cognitively to symptoms. Individuals’ sense of coherence can be seen as a coping resource in managing stressors.DesignA cross‐sectional study design was used.MethodOne year post‐myocardial infarction, a total of 74 patients still experiencing fatigue completed four questionnaires: the Multidimensional Fatigue Scale Inventory ‐20, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, the Sense of Coherence scale (sense of coherence‐13) and a single‐item measure of stress symptoms. Descriptive statistics, correlations and stepwise regression analysis were carried out.ResultsStrong negative associations were found between illness perceptions of fatigue, sense of coherence and stress. Sense of coherence has an impact on illness perceptions of fatigue. Of the dimensions of sense of coherence, comprehensibility seemed to play the greatest role in explaining illness perceptions of fatigue one year after myocardial infarction.ConclusionTo strengthen patients’ coping resources, health‐care professionals should create opportunities for patients to gain individual‐level knowledge that allows them to distinguish between common fatigue symptoms and warning signs for myocardial infarction.Relevance to clinical practiceThere is a need to improve strategies for coping with fatigue. It is also essential to identify patients with fatigue after myocardial infarction, as they need explanations for their symptoms and extra support.
Effects of a strengths‐based perspective support group among Taiwanese women who left a violent intimate partner relationship
Authors: Hou Wen‐Li , Ko Nai‐Ying , Shu Bih‐Ching 
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectivesTo examine the effects of an 8‐week strengths‐based perspective group intervention on hope, resilience and depression in Taiwanese women who left a violent intimate partner relationship.BackgroundStudies on interventions for abused women have primarily focused on psychological problems. However, the effect of group intervention on the psychological strengths of abused women is still unknown.DesignA two‐group, quasi‐experimental design using repeated measures was used in this study.MethodsTwenty‐nine Taiwanese women who left violent intimate partner relationships were assigned to two groups and five participants did not complete the study. The experimental group (n = 8) underwent an 8‐week strengths‐based perspective group intervention developed by the investigators; the control group (n = 16) received no intervention. The effects of the intervention on the participants’ hope, resilience and depression levels were evaluated as a pretest, post‐test 1 (8th week) and post‐test 2 (12th week) and were compared. The Chinese version of the State Hope Scale, the 25‐item Resilience Scale, and the Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire were used in this study.ResultsOn the eighth and twelfth weeks after the strengths‐based perspective group intervention, we found significantly lower scores on the depression scale in the experimental group. In the eighth week, participants in the experimental group had significantly lower scores on the pathway of hope subscales than those in the control group.ConclusionsA strengths‐based perspective support group intervention designed specifically for women who left a violent intimate partner relationship significantly reduced the participants’ level of depressive symptoms and improved the pathway component of hope.Relevance to clinical practiceThis research highlights the importance of nurses not only focused on problems but also on the psychological strengths in practice of abused women survivors.
Comparison of two cohorts of women who expulsed either a copper‐intrauterine device or a levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system
Authors: Simonatto Paula , Bahamondes Maria Valeria , Fernandes Arlete , Silveira Carolina , Bahamondes Luis 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimTo assess if there is a difference in the characteristics of the women who expelled a copper‐intrauterine device (TCu‐IUD) or the levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS) and the frequency of expulsions over different periods of observation.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 19 697 medical charts of women consulting between January 1980 and December 2013 who requested a TCu‐IUD or a LNG‐IUS.ResultsThe medical records of 17 644 Cu‐IUD and 2053 LNG‐IUS users returning to the clinic for a follow‐up visit after insertion of an IUC were reviewed. Of these, 1532 Cu‐IUD and 254 LNG‐IUS parous users were found to have expelled the IUC for a first time. The mean age at insertion (± standard deviation) was 26.3 ± 6.6 years (range 16–49) for Cu‐IUD users and 31.7 ± 7.6 years (range 18–48) for LNG‐IUS users (P < 0.001). A total of 263 (13.4%) and 12 (4.3%) of the Cu‐IUD and the LNG‐IUS users were ≤19 years old, and 49.1% and 54.1% of the expulsions among the Cu‐IUD and LNG‐IUS users, respectively, were reported in the first six months after placement. A regression model showed that the variables significantly associated with an expulsion of either a Cu‐IUD or LNG‐IUS were age < 25 years, less than two deliveries and using a Cu‐IUD.ConclusionOur findings showed that the characteristics associated with IUC expulsion were age under 25 years, having had less than two deliveries and being users of Cu‐IUD.
Racial diversity in mortality and morbidity in urban patients with hepatitis C
Authors: Stubbs A. , Naylor P. , Ravindran K. , Benjaram S. , Reddy N. , Mutchnick S. , May E. , Ehrinpreis M. , Mutchnick M. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryDefining mortality for Caucasians and African American patients with chronic hepatitis C with respect to racial diversity is critical for counselling patients on therapy options. The objective of this study was to define racial diversity influence on mortality and morbidity of 3724 consecutive hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected patients seen in an urban clinic between 1995 and 2008. Mortality, as of 2011, was defined using the SSA National Death Index and correlated with early visit medical information. The HCV chronically infected patient population consisted of 2879 African Americans (AA), 758 Caucasians and 87 other, and the majority were not treated for their infection prior to 2011. The average time to death from first visit was 5 years, the average age at death was 55 years, and despite racial diversity, AA were just as likely to be reported dead as Caucasians (23% AA vs 22% Caucasians). Cirrhosis and fibrosis (liver biopsy, AST Platelet Ratio Index or Fibrosis‐4) at first visit as well as low albumin, diabetes, renal impairment and cardiac symptoms were associated with increased mortality. Treated patients who cleared the virus (sustained viral response (SVR); AA = 59; Caucasians = 40) had lower mortality than patients who were not treated (AA: 5% vs 27%; Caucasians 5% vs 26%). Hence, we find that race is not a factor in the early mortality of patients with chronic HCV infection and achieving a SVR reduced mortality. Unexpectedly, nonresponding AA also benefited by a lower mortality. African American patients with kidney disease and low albumin were at highest risk and should be treated as soon as identified.
BsRADseq: screeningDNAmethylation in natural populations of non‐model species
Authors: Trucchi Emiliano , Mazzarella Anna B. , Gilfillan Gregor D. , Lorenzo Maria T. , Schönswetter Peter , Paun Ovidiu 
Published: January 2016

AbstractEpigenetic modifications are expected to occur at a much faster rate than genetic mutations, potentially causing isolated populations to stochastically drift apart, or if they are subjected to different selective regimes, to directionally diverge. A high level of genome‐wide epigenetic divergence between individuals occupying distinct habitats is therefore predicted. Here, we introduce bisulfite‐converted restriction site associatedDNAsequencing (bsRADseq), an approach to quantify the level ofDNAmethylation differentiation across multiple individuals. This reduced representation method is flexible in the extent ofDNAsequence interrogated. We showcase its applicability in three natural systems, each comprising individuals adapted to divergent environments: a diploid plant (Heliosperma,Caryophyllaceae), a tetraploid plant (Dactylorhiza,Orchidaceae) and an animal (Gasterosteusaculeatus,Gasterosteidae). We present a robust bioinformatic pipeline, combining tools forRADlocus assembly,SNPcalling, bisulfite‐converted read mapping andDNAmethylation calling to analyse bsRADseq data with or without a reference genome. Importantly, our approach accurately distinguishes betweenSNPs and methylation polymorphism (SMPs). AlthoughDNAmethylation frequency between different positions of a genome varies widely, we find a surprisingly high consistency in the methylation profile between individuals thriving in divergent ecological conditions, particularly inHeliosperma. This constitutive stability points to significant molecular or developmental constraints acting onDNAmethylation variation. Altogether, by combining the flexibility ofRADseq with the accuracy of bisulfite sequencing in quantifyingDNAmethylation, the bsRADseq methodology and our bioinformatic pipeline open up the opportunity for genome‐wide epigenetic investigations of evolutionary and ecological relevance in non‐model species, independent of their genomic features.
Axonal TDP‐43 aggregates in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Onozato T. , Nakahara A. , Suzuki‐Kouyama E. , Hineno A. , Yasude T. , Nakamura T. , Yahikozawa H. , Watanabe M. , Kayanuma K. , Makishita H. , Ohara S. , Hashimoto T. , Higuchi K. , Sakai T. , Asano K. , Hashimoto T. , Kanno H. , Nakayama J. , Oyanagi K. 
Published: January 2016

AimsAxonal aggregates of phosphorylated (p‐) transactive response DNA‐binding protein 43 kDa (TDP‐43) in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS) were examined in relation to propagation of the protein in the nervous system.MethodsBrains and spinal cords of Japanese patients with sALS and control subjects were examined immunohistochemically using formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded specimens with special reference to the topographical distribution, microscopic features, presynaptic aggregates, and correlation between the aggregates in axons and the clinical course.Results(i) Aggregates of p‐TDP‐43 were frequently present in axons of the hypoglossal and facial nerve fibres and the spinal anterior horn cells. (ii) Aggregates of p‐TDP‐43 in the axons showed two characteristic microscopic features – dash‐like granuloreticular aggregates (GRAs) and massive aggregates (MAs). (iii) MAs were surrounded by p‐neurofilaments, but p‐neurofilament immunnoreactivity decreased at the inside of axons with GRAs. (iv) Patients showing MAs and GRAs had a relatively shorter clinical course than patients without the aggregates. (v) Some neurones in the red nucleus in patients were surrounded by synapses containing p‐ and p‐independent (i)‐TDP‐43, and almost all neurones had lost their nuclear TDP‐43 immunoreactivity; 17% of those neurones in the red nucleus also had TDP‐43‐immunopositive neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions, but no postsynaptic p‐TDP‐43 deposition was evident.ConclusionsThere are two types of axonal p‐TDP‐43 aggregates, MAs and GRAs, located predominantly in the facial and hypoglossal nuclei and anterior horn cells. These aggregates may influence the function of neurones, and presynaptic aggregates of the protein induce loss of p‐i‐TDP‐43 in the nuclei of postsynaptic neurones.