bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of omega‐3 fatty acids on disease severity in patients with psoriasis: A systematic review
Authors: Upala Sikarin , Yong Wai Chung , Theparee Talent , Sanguankeo Anawin 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimMany randomized controlled trials have been performed on the efficacy and mechanism of action of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFAs) on psoriasis. However, contradictory results have been obtained. This study wants to assess the effects of n‐3 PUFAs on the severity of psoriasis.MethodsThe Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for all randomized controlled trials and prospective observational studies comparing the efficacy of n‐3 PUFAs versus control in adult patients with psoriasis. The primary outcome was psoriasis severity as measured by the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score.ResultsThe initial search yielded 732 articles, 720 of which were excluded. The data of the 12 remaining studies were extracted. Some studies found that n‐3 PUFAs were associated with improvements in the PASI score, erythema, scaling, itching, area involved and infiltration. However, some studies did not find reduction in scaling, erythema, area involved or thickness in the treatment group.ConclusionIt is still inconclusive whether use of n‐3 PUFAs in patients with psoriasis is associated with improvements in severity of psoriasis and other outcomes.
Systematic review: interferon‐free regimens for patients with HCV‐related Child C cirrhosis
Authors: Guarino M. , Morisco F. , Valvano M. R. , Ippolito A. M. , Librandi M. , Andriulli N. , Greco M. , Amoruso A. , Iacobellis A. , Niro G. , Caporaso N. , Andriulli A. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryBackgroundIt is unclear whether the efficacy and long‐term outcome of treating patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐positive cirrhosis with the new protease inhibitors will extend to those with Child C cirrhosis.AimTo assess the effectiveness of the interferon‐free regimens in Child C cirrhotic patients with HCV infection.MethodsA systematic Medline search was conducted to retrieve studies describing the treatment of Child C patients with direct‐acting agents. Citations from identified studies were cross‐referenced and abstracts from European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) meetings were checked. Extracted data were evaluated using a meta‐analysis to calculate a weighted response rate.ResultsSeven full‐text records and two conference abstracts were retained for analysis from the 649 records identified. Data from an Italian real‐life trial were also interrogated. Information on treatment outcome was available for 228 of the 240 Child C patients evaluated in the 10 trials. Overall, the weighted mean sustained virological response (SVR12) was 74.9% (95% CI: 65.6–82.4%). Neither duration of treatment (24 or 12 weeks), nor addition of ribavirin influenced these rates. The weighted SVR12 was 65.4% (95% CI: 46.8–80.2) after sofosbuvir/simeprevir, 76.0% (95% CI: 54.4–89.3%) after sofosbuvir/daclatasvir and 83.0% (95% CI: 73.4–89.6) after sofosbuvir/ledipasvir. Some studies did not provide information on the rate of post‐treatment relapse or functional improvement. However, in those studies that did provide such data, a relapse was documented in 12.1% of patients and an improvement of ≥2 points on the model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score in 61.1% of patients.ConclusionThe improvement in MELD scores strongly suggests HCV‐positive patients with Child C cirrhosis should be treated with these agents.
Hippocampal α7 nicotinic ACh receptors contribute to modulation of depression‐like behaviour in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Mineur Yann S , Mose Tenna N , Blakeman Sam , Picciotto Marina R 
Published: March 2017

Background and PurposeClinical studies have identified links between cholinergic signalling and depression in human subjects. Increased cholinergic signalling in hippocampus also increases behaviours related to anxiety and depression in mice, which can be reversed by ACh receptor antagonists.Experimental ApproachAs the α7 subunit of the nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR) is highly expressed in hippocampus, we determined whether blocking α7 nAChRs could reverse the effects of increased ACh signalling in anxiety‐ and depression‐related behaviours in mice.Key ResultsAdministration of the α7 nAChR agonist GTS‐21 had no effect in tail suspension or forced swim tests. Conversely, the α7 nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine (MLA) induced significant antidepressant‐like effects in male mice in these paradigms, consistent with previous studies, but this was not observed in female mice. MLA also decreased physostigmine‐induced c‐fos immunoreactivity (a marker of neuronal activity) in hippocampus. Local knockdown of α7 nAChRs in hippocampus had no effect on its own but decreased a subset of depression‐like phenotypes induced by physostigmine in male mice. Few effects of α7 nAChR knockdown were observed in depression‐like behaviors in female mice, possibly due to a limited response to physostigmine. There was no significant effect of hippocampal α7 nAChR knockdown on anxiety‐like phenotypes in male mice. However, a modest increase in anxiety‐like behavior was observed in female mice infused with a scrambled control vector in response to physostigmine administration, that was not seen after a7 nAChR knockdown in the hippocampus.Conclusions and ImplicationsThese results suggest that ACh signalling through α7 nAChRs in the hippocampus contributes to regulation of a subset of depression‐like behaviours when ACh is increased, as can occur under stressful conditions. These studies also provide evidence for sex differences that may be relevant for treatments of mood disorders based on cholinergic signalling.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.11/issuetoc
Exposure of adolescent mice to 3,4‐methylenedioxypyrovalerone increases the psychostimulant, rewarding and reinforcing effects of cocaine in adulthood
Authors: López‐Arnau R , Luján M A , Duart‐Castells L , Pubill D , Camarasa J , Valverde O , Escubedo E 
Published: March 2017

Background and Purpose3,4‐Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is a synthetic cathinone with powerful psychostimulant effects. It selectively inhibits the dopamine transporter (DAT) and is 10–50‐fold more potent as a DAT blocker than cocaine, suggesting a high abuse liability. The main objective of the present study was to assess the consequences of an early (adolescence) MDPV exposure on the psychostimulant, rewarding and reinforcing effects induced by cocaine in adult mice.Experimental ApproachTwenty‐one days after MDPV pretreatment (1.5 mg·kg−1, s.c., twice daily for 7 days), adult mice were tested with cocaine, using locomotor activity, conditioned place preference and self‐administration (SA) paradigms. In parallel, dopamine D2 receptor density and the expression of c‐Fos and ΔFosB in the striatum were determined.Key ResultsMDPV treatment enhanced the psychostimulant and conditioning effects of cocaine. Acquisition of cocaine SA was unchanged in mice pretreated with MDPV, whereas the breaking point achieved under a progressive ratio programme and reinstatement after extinction were higher in this group of mice. MDPV decreased D2 receptor density but increased ΔFosB expression three‐fold. As expected, acute cocaine increased c‐Fos expression, but MDPV pretreatment negatively influenced its expression. ΔFosB accumulation declined during MDPV withdrawal, although it remained elevated in adult mice when tested for cocaine effects.Conclusion and ImplicationsMDPV exposure during adolescence induced long‐lasting adaptive changes related to enhanced responsiveness to cocaine in the adult mice that seems to lead to a higher vulnerability to cocaine abuse. This particular behaviour correlated with increased expression of ΔFosB.
Representation of local urban forestry issues in Canadian newspapers: Impacts of a major ice storm
Authors: Conway Tenley M. , Jalali Murtaza A. 
Published: March 2017

Key Messages

Local news coverage of urban forests in three Ontario newspapers frames trees as providers of both ecosystem services and disservices.
Local coverage differed between newspapers in municipalities with and without other urban forest actors present.
A major ice storm shifted how newspapers covered urban forests, increasing the number of themes represented in each article and relative frequency of ecosystem disservice themes.
Feasibility of a polyethylene glycol‐derived polymer as retinal patch to seal retinal breaks during vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: a prospective, in vivo pilot study in a porcine model
Authors: Hubschman Jean Pierre , Govetto Andrea , Farajzadeh Matthew , Sato Tatsuhiko , Askari Syed , Glasgow Ben 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundThis is a pilot study to test a polyethylene glycol‐derived polymer used as a retinal patch to seal retinal breaks during pars plana vitrectomy in the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in a porcine model.MethodsSixteen eyes from eight pigs were assigned to two study groups (12 eyes) and one control group (four eyes). In all study groups, the polymer was used in vivo, during pars plana vitrectomy, to seal the break of a surgically induced rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Eyes in study groups were filled with balanced saline solution at the end of the surgery. In the control group, the polymer was not used and the eyes underwent standard rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair with pars plana vitrectomy. All eyes underwent fundus examination at day 3, week 1 and week 2 after surgery. All eyes from all groups were enucleated and processed for qualitative histological evaluation.ResultsIntraoperatively, the polymer showed good adherence and compliance to the retina. At week 1, retina was attached in all cases. The polymer was visible with indirect ophthalmoscopy up to week 1. At week 2, the polymer was no longer visible. Histologically, a mild histiocytic reaction was noticed in the retinas of four out of 12 study eyes (33.3%). In the control eyes, non‐specific inflammatory signs of retinal inflammation were reported in two out of four eyes (50%).ConclusionsThis study provides initial data to support the use of this polymer as a promising alternative to standard endo‐tamponade agents. Its safety and biocompatibility need to be further assessed.
Relationship between method of anastomosis and anastomotic failure after right hemicolectomy and ileo‐caecal resection: an international snapshot audit
Authors:   The 2015 European Society of Coloproctology collaborating group
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimThe anastomosis technique used following right‐sided colonic resection is widely variable and may affect patient outcome. This study aimed to assess the association between leak and anastomosis technique (stapled vs handsewn).MethodThis was a prospective, multicentre, international audit including patients undergoing elective or emergency right hemicolectomy or ileo‐caecal resection operations over a 2‐month period in early 2015. The primary outcome measure was the presence of anastomotic leak within 30 days of surgery, determined using a prespecified definition. Mixed effects logistic regression models were used to assess the association between leak and anastomosis method, adjusting for patient, disease and operative cofactors, with centre included as a random‐effect variable.ResultsThis study included 3208 patients, of whom 78.4% (n = 2515) underwent surgery for malignancy and 11.7% (n = 375) underwent surgery for Crohn's disease. An anastomosis was performed in 94.8% (n = 3041) of patients, which was handsewn in 38.9% (n = 1183) and stapled in 61.1% (n = 1858). Patients undergoing handsewn anastomosis were more likely to be emergency admissions (20.5% handsewn vs 12.9% stapled) and to undergo open surgery (54.7% handsewn vs 36.6% stapled). The overall anastomotic leak rate was 8.1% (245/3041), which was similar following handsewn (7.4%) and stapled (8.5%) techniques (P = 0.3). After adjustment for cofactors, the odds of a leak were higher for stapled anastomosis (adjusted OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.04–1.95; P = 0.03).ConclusionDespite being used in lower‐risk patients, stapled anastomosis was associated with an increased anastomotic leak rate in this observational study. Further research is needed to define patient groups in whom a stapled anastomosis is safe.
An approach on defining competency in evidence‐based dentistry
Authors: Marshall T. A. , Straub‐Morarend C. L. , Guzman‐Armstrong S. , McKernan S. C. , Marchini L. , Handoo N. Q. , Cunningham M. A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIntroductionAssessment of evidence‐based dentistry (EBD) knowledge and behaviour is hampered by lack of explicit competency criteria. This void impedes instructional design and assessment of student growth during the educational process.MethodsKnowledge and cognitive domains supporting educational objectives in a pre‐doctoral dental programme were identified for each level of the EBD five‐step process. We articulated educational objectives with behavioural expectations for each level of skill acquisition at each step of the EBD process. Outcome evaluation criteria identify students’ progressive level of skill acquisition from novice to expert.ResultsThe educational objectives, type of knowledge, and nature of the cognitive process supporting these objectives are presented for each step of the EBD process. For example, educational objectives of the “Ask” step include (i) to construct a question from the patient presentation and knowledge limitations that addresses the clinical problem and (ii) to articulate the Problem, Intervention/Exposure, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) components. Achievement of these objectives requires both factual information regarding the PICO format and the cognitive process of understanding. Educational outcome criteria consistent with a competent clinician include clear articulation of the PICO with identifiable pieces that relate to the clinical situation.DiscussionAssessment strategies for progression towards EBD competency are limited due to the complexity associated with evaluating EBD knowledge and behaviours. To evaluate performance, the EBD academic community must define competency expectations for entry into unsupervised general dental practice.ConclusionThis framework offers measurable outcome evaluation criteria to initiate a conversation with academic peers regarding current gaps in EBD assessment.
Agency and the GED: Personae and Artifacts in the Figured World of a Literacy Welcome Center
Authors: LaDousa Chaise , Baldrige Ana 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe GED test has served as a mechanism for granting high school equivalency in the United States for decades, and some states have funded tutorial services because they have imagined the GED to be a means for getting a job or increasing one's wages. Based on field research conducted in literacy welcome centers in a small city in Upstate New York, we argue that teachers’ and students’ discursive reflections show that they attain agency in multiple ways during participation in tutorials. On the one hand, students build and hone their skills required for successful testing. On the other hand, teachers embody the caring disposition that the world inhabited by the students lacks. We argue that the GED and its practice exams are artifacts that only partly account for the agency of teachers and students, and, when reflected on by an administrator, erase crucial aspects of that agency.
Ecotypic differentiation under farmers' selection: Molecular insights into the domestication of Pachyrhizus Rich. ex DC. (Fabaceae) in the Peruvian Andes
Authors: Delêtre Marc , Soengas Beatriz , Vidaurre Prem Jai , Meneses Rosa Isela , Delgado Vásquez Octavio , Oré Balbín Isabel , Santayana Monica , Heider Bettina , Sørensen Marten 
Published: March 2017

AbstractUnderstanding the distribution of crop genetic diversity in relation to environmental factors can give insights into the eco‐evolutionary processes involved in plant domestication. Yam beans (Pachyrhizus Rich. ex DC.) are leguminous crops native to South and Central America that are grown for their tuberous roots but are seed‐propagated. Using a landscape genetic approach, we examined correlations between environmental factors and phylogeographic patterns of genetic diversity in Pachyrhizus landrace populations. Molecular analyses based on chloroplast DNA sequencing and a new set of nuclear microsatellite markers revealed two distinct lineages, with strong genetic differentiation between Andean landraces (lineage A) and Amazonian landraces (lineage B). The comparison of different evolutionary scenarios for the diversification history of yam beans in the Andes using approximate Bayesian computation suggests that Pachyrhizus ahipa and Pachyrhizus tuberosus share a progenitor‐derivative relationship, with environmental factors playing an important role in driving selection for divergent ecotypes. The new molecular data call for a revision of the taxonomy of Pachyrhizus but are congruent with paleoclimatic and archeological evidence, and suggest that selection for determinate growth was part of ecophysiological adaptations associated with the diversification of the P. tuberosus–P. ahipa complex during the Mid‐Holocene.
Advances on creep–fatigue damage assessment in notched components
Authors: Barbera D. , Chen H. , Liu Y. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIn this paper, the extended Direct Steady Cyclic Analysis method (eDSCA) within the Linear Matching Method Framework (LMMF) is combined with the Stress Modified Ductility Exhaustion method and the modified Cavity Growth Factor (CGF) for the first time. This new procedure is used to systematically investigate the effect of several load parameters including load level, load type and creep dwell duration on the creep–fatigue crack initiation process in a notched specimen. The results obtained are verified through a direct comparison with experimental results available in the literature demonstrating great accuracy in predicting the crack initiation life and the driving mechanisms. Furthermore, this extensive numerical study highlighted the possible detrimental effect of the creep–ratchetting mechanism on the crack growth process. This work has a significant impact on structural integrity assessments of complex industrial components and for the better understanding of creep–fatigue lab scale tests.
Impact of arteriovenous fistula cannulation on the quality of dialysis
Authors: Elias Michelle , Nnang‐Obada Erika , Charpentier Bernard , Durrbach Antoine , Beaudreuil Severine 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIntroduction: Adequate hemodialysis directly improves health. Puncturing an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and the amount of blood recirculation greatly affect the quality of dialysis. Few studies have assessed the method to cannulate a fistula and its influence on efficiency of hemodialysis.Methods: This prospective pilot study included 14 patients with end‐stage renal failure receiving regular intermittent hemodialysis. Patients received three consecutive treatments with both needles directed upstream then three consecutive treatments with the venous needle directed upstream and the arterial needle directed downstream. With both techniques, the distance between the needles was kept constant at 2.5 cm. Recirculation rate and Kt/V ratio were measured during each treatment using thermodilution and a diascan Fresenius generator.Findings: The 14 patients received 84 hemodialysis sessions: i.e., 8 (57.1%) males and 6 (42.8%) females, mean age 62.3 ± 15.57 years. Results showed that mean recirculation rates and Kt/V did not significantly differ between the two techniques.Discussion: Because no significant difference was found between the two techniques, the direction of insertion of needles should be decided upon on a case‐by‐case basis depending on the anatomy of the AVF and the feasibility of the puncture.
Alterations in microRNA expression profiles in inflamed and noninflamed ascending colon mucosae of patients with active Crohn's disease
Authors: Wu Lu Yi , Ma Xiao Peng , Shi Yin , Bao Chun Hui , Jin Xiao Ming , Lu Yuan , Zhao Ji Meng , Zhou Ci Li , Chen Dai , Liu Hui Rong 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackground and AimThe microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of the terminal ileum, sigmoid colon, and rectal mucosa of adult patients with active Crohn's disease (CD) have been previously reported. The purpose of this study was to identify dysregulated miRNAs in the mucosa of the ascending colon.MethodsBiopsy tissue samples were taken from the mucosae of inflammatory (iCD) or noninflammatory (niCD) areas of the ascending colons of adult patients with active CD. miRNA and mRNA expression profiles were detected using microarray analyses. miRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) demonstrating significant differences were validated via quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Luciferase reporter genes were used to measure two miRNAs inhibition of potential target genes in human 293T cells in vitro.ResultsCompared with the healthy control group, the ascending colon miRNA expression profiles revealed that 43 miRNAs were significantly upregulated and 35 were downregulated in the iCD group. The mRNA expression profiles indicated that 3370 transcripts were significantly differentially expressed in the ascending colon, with 2169 upregulated and 1201 downregulated mRNAs in the iCD group, and only 20 miRNAs demonstrated significant differential expression in the niCD group. In contrast, nearly 100 miRNAs significantly varied between the iCD and niCD groups. Finally, luciferase reporter gene assays showed that hsa‐miR‐16‐1 directly regulated the human C10orf54 gene and that they were negatively correlated.ConclusionsOur results indicated that the differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs were related to immune inflammation and intestinal flora. The data provide preliminary evidence that the occurrence of CD involves the inhibition of C10orf54 expression by hsa‐miR‐16‐1.
Poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerases regulate cell division and development in Arabidopsis roots
Authors: Liu Caifeng , Wu Qiao , Liu Weiwei , Gu Zongyin , Wang Wenjing , Xu Ping , Ma Hong , Ge Xiaochun 
Published: March 2017

AbstractRoot organogenesis involves cell division, differentiation and expansion. The molecular mechanisms regulating root development are not fully understood. In this study, we identified poly(adenosine diphosphate (ADP)‐ribose) polymerases (PARPs) as new players in root development. PARP catalyzes poly(ADP‐ribosyl)ation of proteins by repeatedly adding ADP‐ribose units onto proteins using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) as the donor. We found that inhibition of PARP activities by 3‐aminobenzomide (3‐AB) increased the growth rates of both primary and lateral roots, leading to a more developed root system. The double mutant of Arabidopsis PARPs, parp1parp2, showed more rapid primary and lateral root growth. Cyclin genes regulating G1‐to‐S and G2‐to‐M transition were up‐regulated upon treatment by 3‐AB. The proportion of 2C cells increased while cells with higher DNA ploidy declined in the roots of treated plants, resulting in an enlarged root meristematic zone. The expression level of PARP2 was very low in the meristematic zone but high in the maturation zone, consistent with a role of PARP in inhibiting mitosis and promoting cell differentiation. Our results suggest that PARPs play an important role in root development by negatively regulating root cell division.