bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relevance of Wnt10b and activation of β‐catenin/GCMa/syncytin‐1 pathway in BeWo cell fusion
Authors: Malhotra Sudha Saryu , Banerjee Priyanka , Chaudhary Piyush , Pal Rahul , Gupta Satish Kumar 
Published: March 2017

ProblemTo study the involvement of specific Wnt(s) ligand during trophoblastic BeWo cell differentiation.Method of studyBeWo cells on treatment with forskolin/human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) were studied for cell fusion by desmoplakin I+II staining and/or hCG secretion by ELISA. Levels of Wnt10b/β‐catenin/glial cell missing a (GCMa)/syncytin‐1 were studied by qPCR/Western blotting in forskolin‐/hCG‐treated control siRNA and Wnt10b silenced BeWo cells.ResultsBeWo cells on treatment with hCG (5 IU/mL) led to a 94‐fold increase in Wnt10b transcript. Wnt10b silencing showed significant decrease in forskolin‐/hCG‐mediated BeWo cell fusion and/or hCG secretion. It led to down‐regulation of β‐catenin (nuclear and cytoplasmic), GCMa and syncytin‐1 expression. Treatment of BeWo cells with H89, protein kinase A (PKA) signaling inhibitor, significantly reduced forskolin‐/hCG‐induced Wnt10b, β‐catenin, and syncytin‐1 expression, which also resulted in reduced cell fusion.ConclusionWnt10b is involved in forskolin/hCG‐mediated BeWo cell fusion via β‐catenin/GCMa/syncytin pathway, which may also involve activation of PKA.
Role of renal vascular potassium channels in physiology and pathophysiology
Authors: Salomonsson M. , Brasen J. C. , Sorensen C. M. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe control of renal vascular tone is important for the regulation of salt and water balance, blood pressure and the protection against damaging elevated glomerular pressure. The K+ conductance is a major factor in the regulation of the membrane potential (Vm) in vascular smooth muscle (VSMC) and endothelial cells (EC). The vascular tone is controlled by Vm via its effect on the opening probability of voltage‐operated Ca2+ channels (VOCC) in VSMC. When K+ conductance increases Vm becomes more negative and vasodilation follows, while deactivation of K+ channels leads to depolarization and vasoconstriction. K+ channels in EC indirectly participate in the control of vascular tone by endothelium‐derived vasodilation. Therefore, by regulating the tone of renal resistance vessels, K+ channels have a potential role in the control of fluid homoeostasis and blood pressure as well as in the protection of the renal parenchyma. The main classes of K+ channels (calcium activated (KCa), inward rectifier (Kir), voltage activated (Kv) and ATP sensitive (KATP)) have been found in the renal vessels. In this review, we summarize results available in the literature and our own studies in the field. We compare the ambiguous in vitro and in vivo results. We discuss the role of single types of K+ channels and the integrated function of several classes. We also deal with the possible role of renal vascular K+ channels in the pathophysiology of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and sepsis.
Tremorolytic effect of 5′‐chloro‐5′‐deoxy‐(±)‐ENBA, a potent and selective adenosine A1 receptor agonist, evaluated in the harmaline‐induced model in rats
Authors: Kosmowska Barbara , Ossowska Krystyna , Głowacka Urszula , Wardas Jadwiga 
Published: March 2017

SummaryAimThe aim of this study was to examine the role of adenosine A1 receptors in the harmaline‐induced tremor in rats using 5′‐chloro‐5′‐deoxy‐(±)‐ENBA (5′Cl5′d‐(±)‐ENBA), a brain‐penetrant, potent, and selective adenosine A1 receptor agonist.MethodsHarmaline was injected at a dose of 15 mg/kg ip and tremor was measured automatically in force‐plate actimeters by an increased averaged power in the frequency band of 9‐15 Hz (AP2) and by tremor index (a difference in power between AP2 and averaged power in the frequency band of 0‐8 Hz). The zif‐268 mRNA expression was additionally analyzed by in situ hybridization in several brain structures.Results5′Cl5′d‐(±)‐ENBA (0.05‐0.5 mg/kg ip) dose dependently reduced the harmaline‐induced tremor and this effect was reversed by 8‐cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dipropylxanthine (DPCPX), a selective antagonist of adenosine A1 receptors (1 mg/kg ip). Harmaline increased the zif‐268 mRNA expression in the inferior olive, cerebellar cortex, ventroanterior/ventrolateral thalamic nuclei, and motor cortex. 5′Cl5′d‐(±)‐ENBA reversed these increases in all the above structures. DPCPX reduced the effect of 5′Cl5′d‐(±)‐ENBA on zif‐268 mRNA in the motor cortex.ConclusionThis study suggests that adenosine A1 receptors may be a potential target for the treatment of essential tremor.
Efficacy and safety of tofogliflozin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with inadequate glycaemic control on insulin therapy (J‐STEP/INS): Results of a 16‐week randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled multicentre trial
Authors: Terauchi Yasuo , Tamura Masahiro , Senda Masayuki , Gunji Ryoji , Kaku Kohei 
Published: March 2017

AimsTo assess the effects of 16 weeks of tofogliflozin (sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 [SGLT2] inhibitor) treatment vs placebo on glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled with insulin monotherapy or insulin plus a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor.MethodsThe study comprised a 16‐week, multicentre, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled period and a 36‐week extension (NCT02201004). Men and women (aged ≥20 and ≤75 years) with T2DM (HbA1c ≥7.5% and ≤10.5%) were randomized 2:1 to tofogliflozin 20 mg once/day or placebo. The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline. Insulin reduction was not permitted during this study.ResultsA total of 211 patients were randomized (141 tofogliflozin, 70 placebo). Addition of tofogliflozin to insulin therapy was significantly superior to placebo for lowering HbA1c (−0.59 vs +0.48%; P < .0001), fasting plasma glucose (−27.2 vs +5.3 mg/dL; P < .0001), postprandial plasma glucose (−65.0 vs +3.2 mg/dL; P < 0.0001), serum uric acid (−0.18 vs +0.07 mg/dL; P = .0062), body weight (−1.34 vs +0.03 kg; P < .0001) and daily insulin dose (−1.3 vs −0.2 U, P = .0152). Hypoglycaemia occurred in 30.7% of patients receiving tofogliflozin vs 21.4% for placebo. Two patients treated with tofogliflozin each had a genital or urinary tract infection.ConclusionsThis 16‐week double‐blind study indicated that, in patients with T2DM whose HbA1c levels were poorly controlled with insulin monotherapy or insulin plus a DPP‐4 inhibitor, addition of tofogliflozin was an effective treatment option with an acceptable safety profile.
An unexpected tumor causing right ventricular obstruction
Authors: Padilla‐Ibarra Jorge , Rodríguez Zanella Hugo , Cano Zarate Roberto , Alexánderson‐Rosas Erick 
Published: March 2017

A 58‐year‐old male with a history of a soft tissue sarcoma in remission presented with a 2 weeks history of progressive dyspnea. Transthoracic echocardiography showed right ventricular dilation; right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) of 110 mm Hg, and a lobulated mass in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) causing obstruction. Microbubble contrast was administered showing perfusion within the mass, which suggested malignancy. A CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) confirmed the presence of the mass in the RVOT without evidence of pulmonary embolism. This case demonstrates the importance of the multimodality imaging approach for the differential diagnosis of masses in the RVOT.
Curcuma decreases serum hepcidin levels in healthy volunteers: a placebo‐controlled, randomized, double‐blind, cross‐over study
Authors: Lainé Fabrice , Laviolle Bruno , Bardou‐Jacquet Edouard , Fatih Nadia , Jezequel Caroline , Collet Nicolas , Ropert Martine , Morcet Jeff , Hamon Catherine , Reymann Jean‐Michel , Loréal Olivier 
Published: March 2017

AbstractHepcidin, secreted by hepatocytes, controls iron metabolism by limiting iron egress in plasma. Hepcidin is upregulated during inflammation through the activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) transduction pathway, which decreases iron bioavailability and may explain the anemia of chronic inflammatory disease. In vitro, it has been shown that curcumin can decrease hepcidin synthesis by decreasing STAT3 activity. We conducted a proof‐of‐concept study to assess the effect of curcuma on hepcidin synthesis in human. This was a placebo‐controlled, randomized, double‐blind, cross‐over, two‐period study performed in 18 healthy male volunteers. Subjects received a single oral dose of 6 g curcuma containing 2% of curcumin or placebo. Serum hepcidin and iron parameters were assessed repeatedly until 48 h after dosing. When compared with a placebo curcuma decreased hepcidin levels significantly at 6 h (−19%, P = 0.004), 8 h (−17%, P = 0.009), and 12 h (−17%, P = 0.007) and tended to decrease hepcidin at 24 h (−15%, P = 0.076). Curcuma also significantly increased serum ferritin levels at 6 and 8 h (+7% for both times, P = 0.018, 0.030, respectively) and had no effects on serum iron, transferrin, and transferrin saturation. This pilot study showed that curcuma decreases serum hepcidin levels in human and supports the idea that curcuma could be useful in treating hepcidin overproduction during inflammatory processes. Confirmatory studies in patients with chronic inflammation are now required to determine the optimal dose and therapeutic scheme of curcuma.
Perceptions of oral health by those living with mental illnesses in the Victorian Community ‐ The consumer's perspective
Authors: Ho HD , Satur J , Meldrum R 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo understand the way people living with mental illness in an Australian community experience and define oral health.Study populationPeople living with serious mental illness in the Victorian Community.MethodsQualitative methodologies were used in this study. Two focus groups and four semi‐structured interviews were conducted. The data were transcribed and thematically analysed.ResultsParticipants generally valued oral health and recognized that attending regular dental appointments played a key role in improving their oral health. Participants felt that their mental illness overwhelmed their ability to maintain good oral health. Coping, dental fear, stigma, financial barriers and communication were identified as issues around utilization and access to care.DiscussionExperiences of oral health were both positive and negative. Barriers and enablers, extending beyond participant oral health literacy for oral health, were identified from the data, and recommendations around personal, environmental and clinical supports were made.ConclusionThis is a valuable study that provides new insight into a complicated issue. Recommendations to create a supportive dental environment and direction to improve the dental experience have been made to make oral health more accessible for people living with mental illness. Recommendations have also been made for community‐based mental health organizations to aid the improvements in oral health with this group of people, thus building a collaborative approach to support oral health for this vulnerable group.
The effect of mixing method on tricalcium silicate‐based cement
Authors: Duque J. A. , Fernandes S. L. , Bubola J. P. , Duarte M. A. H. , Camilleri J. , Marciano M. A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effect of three methods of mixing on the physical and chemical properties of tricalcium silicate‐based cements.MethodologyThe materials evaluated were MTA Angelus and Portland cement with 20% zirconium oxide (PC‐20‐Zr). The cements were mixed using a 3 : 1 powder‐to‐liquid ratio. The mixing methods were manual (m), trituration (tr) and ultrasonic (us) activation. The materials were characterized by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Flowability was analysed according to ANSI/ADA 57/2012. Initial and final setting times were assessed following ASTM C266/08. Volume change was evaluated using a micro‐CT volumetric method. Solubility was analysed according to ADA 57/2012. pH and calcium ion release were measured after 3, 24, 72 and 168 h. Statistical analysis was performed using two‐way analysis of variance. The level of significance was set at P = 0.05.ResultsThe SEM analysis revealed that ultrasonic activation was associated with a homogeneous distribution of particles. Flowability, volume change and initial setting time were not influenced by the mixing method (P > 0.05). Solubility was influenced by the mixing method (P < 0.05). For pH, at 168 h, significant differences were found between MTA‐m and PC‐20‐Zr‐m (P < 0.05). For calcium ion release, PC‐20‐Zr‐tr had higher values than MTA‐m at 3 h, and MTA‐tr had higher values than PC‐20‐Zr‐m at 168 h (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe ultrasonic and trituration methods led to higher calcium ion release and pH compared with manual mixing for all cements, whilst the ultrasonic method produced smaller particles for the PC‐20‐Zr cement. Flow, setting times and volume change were not influenced by the mixing method used; however, it did have an impact on solubility.
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial to determine the efficacy and safety of lactoferrin with vitamin E and zinc as an oral therapy for mild to moderate acne vulgaris
Authors: Chan Heidi , Chan Gertrude , Santos Joyce , Dee Kennie , Co Juliene Kimberly 
Published: March 2017

AbstractLactoferrin is an iron‐binding milk‐derived protein that has shown antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of lactoferrin, combined with vitamin E and zinc, for mild to moderate acne vulgaris. In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, 168 subjects aged 13–40 years old were randomly assigned to take either a capsule formulation containing lactoferrin with vitamin E and zinc or placebo twice a day for 3 months. The primary outcome measure was a reduction in the number of acne lesions compared to placebo. A total of 164 subjects completed the study per protocol. The lactoferrin group (n = 82) showed a significant median percent reduction in total lesions as early as 2 weeks (14.5%, P = 0.0120), with the maximum reduction occurring at week 10 (28.5%, P < 0.0001) compared to placebo group (n = 82). Maximum reduction in comedones (32.5%, P < 0.0001) and inflammatory lesions (44%, P < 0.0001) was also seen at week 10 compared to placebo. Sebum scores were improved by week 12. No adverse events were observed during the trial. A twice daily regimen of lactoferrin with vitamin E and zinc significantly reduced acne lesions in people with mild to moderate acne vulgaris.
Erythema ab igne: new technology rebounding upon its users?
Authors: Salgado Fernanda , Handler Marc Z. , Schwartz Robert A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractErythema ab igne (EAI) is a persistent, chronic skin condition resulting from prolonged exposure to infrared radiation, experienced as heat. Once associated with traditional warming sources like wood burning stoves or open fires, modern, infrared exposure originates also from newer sources like laptops and heating pads and may be creating a rebound of EAI. The epidemiology may be different too, with younger patients than previously seen. Localized EAI over an area of pain in the abdomen or lower back can be a sign of an underlying disorder, including cancer. Prognosis of EAI is good, with removal of the heat source resulting in complete remission. In chronic cases in which premalignant cutaneous dysplasia has resulted, additional treatments may be necessary including topical retinoids, 5‐fluorouracil cream, and laser treatments. Rarely, cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and cutaneous marginal zone B cell lymphoma have been associated with longstanding EAI.
Multidimensional Well‐being and Regional Disparities in Europe
Authors: Döpke Jörg , Knabe Andreas , Lang Cornelia , Maschke Philip 
Published: March 2017

AbstractUsing data from the OECD Regional Well‐Being Index – a set of quality‐of‐life indicators measured at the sub‐national level – we construct a set of composite well‐being indices. We analyze the extent to which the choice of five alternative aggregation methods affects the well‐being ranking of regions. We find that regional inequality in these composite measures is lower than regional inequality in real GDP per capita. For most aggregation methods, the rank correlation across regions appears to be quite high. It is also shown that using alternative indices instead of GDP per capita would only have a small effect on the set of regions eligible for aid from EU Structural Funds. The exception appears to be an aggregation based on how individual dimensions relate to average life satisfaction across regions, which would substantially change both the ranking of regions and which regions would be eligible for EU funds.
Mitral Annular Plane Systolic Excursion and Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion in Cats with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Spalla I. , Payne J.R. , Borgeat K. , Pope A. , Fuentes V. Luis , Connolly D.J. 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundLeft ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction is associated with increased risk of death in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Mitral and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSEandTAPSE, respectively) are measures of longitudinal systolic function and are reduced in human patients withHCM.HypothesesCats withHCMhave lowerMAPSEandTAPSEcompared to control cats; lowerMAPSEandTAPSEare associated with the presence of congestive heart failure (CHF) and reduced survival time.Animals64 cats withHCMand 27 healthy cats. Forty‐five cats withHCMwere not showing clinical signs, and 19 hadCHF.MethodsRetrospective study. Anatomic M‐mode from the left apical 4‐chamber view was used to recordMAPSEfrom the free wall (MAPSE FW) and septum (MAPSE IVS) andTAPSE.ResultsCompared to controls, cats withHCMhad lowerMAPSE IVS(controls 5.2 [4.6–5.6] mm, asymptomaticHCM4.7 [4.1–5.2] mm,HCMwithCHF2.6 [2.5–3.2] mm,P< .001),MAPSE FW(controls 5.9 [5.3–6.2] mm, asymptomaticHCM4.7 [4.1–5.1] mm,HCMwithCHF2.8 [2.4–3.2] mm) andTAPSE(controls 8.6 [7.4–10.2] mm, asymptomaticHCM7.2 [6.3–8.2] mm,HCMwithCHF4.6 [4.1–5.4] mm), with the lowest in theCHFgroup. Univariate survival analysis showed a shorter survival in cats displaying lowerMAPSE IVS,MAPSE FW, andTAPSE.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceMAPSEandTAPSEwere lower in cats withHCMthan in control cats and were lowest inCHF, suggesting that systolic longitudinal dysfunction is present in cats withHCM.MAPSEandTAPSEhave potential prognostic significance.
Finding the cure for primary biliary cholangitis – Still waiting
Authors: Tanaka Atsushi , Gershwin M. Eric 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe introduction of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA)may well have contributed to some of the improvements in morbidity and mortality of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Yet nearly 40% of PBC patients are unresponsive to UDCA. Further the data on UDCA is confounded by the changes in the goepidemiology and particularly the earlier diagnosis of PBC. In this regard we welcome the addition of obeticholic acid (OCA) as an alternative therapeutic option forthe treatment of PBC in those patients refractory to UDCA. However, OCA is intellectually disappointing.There is no data on OCA that reflects dynamic and critical endpoints, for example death or liver transplantation; only surrogate endpoints have been used in the clinical trials. A nested study with liver histology wouldbeanideal surrogate marker,including intensive use of immunohistochemistry to define cellular infiltrates and cytokine/chemokine activity. More importantly, the clinical characteristics of PBCmay vary among patients and progression is not always predictable. We need to identify more appropriate and specific biomarkers that predict the clinical course, and we need to know which therapies are applicable at different stages, since treatmentfor PBC should be individualized. We need to know more about the etiology of PBC,and we want a cure for PBC.
Adaptive sequence evolution is driven by biotic stress in a pair of orchid species (Dactylorhiza) with distinct ecological optima
Authors: Balao Francisco , Trucchi Emiliano , Wolfe Thomas M. , Hao Bao‐Hai , Lorenzo Maria Teresa , Baar Juliane , Sedman Laura , Kosiol Carolin , Amman Fabian , Chase Mark W. , Hedrén Mikael , Paun Ovidiu 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe orchid family is the largest in the angiosperms, but little is known about the molecular basis of the significant variation they exhibit. We investigate here the transcriptomic divergence between two European terrestrial orchids, Dactylorhiza incarnata and Dactylorhiza fuchsii, and integrate these results in the context of their distinct ecologies that we also document. Clear signals of lineage‐specific adaptive evolution of protein‐coding sequences are identified, notably targeting elements of biotic defence, including both physical and chemical adaptations in the context of divergent pools of pathogens and herbivores. In turn, a substantial regulatory divergence between the two species appears linked to adaptation/acclimation to abiotic conditions. Several of the pathways affected by differential expression are also targeted by deviating post‐transcriptional regulation via sRNAs. Finally, D. incarnata appears to suffer from insufficient sRNA control over the activity of RNA‐dependent DNA polymerase, resulting in increased activity of class I transposable elements and, over time, in larger genome size than that of D. fuchsii. The extensive molecular divergence between the two species suggests significant genomic and transcriptomic shock in their hybrids and offers insights into the difficulty of coexistence at the homoploid level. Altogether, biological response to selection, accumulated during the history of these orchids, appears governed by their microenvironmental context, in which biotic and abiotic pressures act synergistically to shape transcriptome structure, expression and regulation.
Clinical nurse leaders' and academics' perspectives in clinical assessment of final‐year nursing students: A qualitative study
Authors: Wu Xi Vivien , Enskär Karin , Pua Lay Hoon , Heng Doreen Gek Noi , Wang Wenru 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe nature of nursing practice is diverse; therefore, clinical assessment is a complex process. This study explores the perceptions of clinical nurse leaders and academics on clinical assessment for undergraduate nursing education during transition to practice. An explorative qualitative approach was applied. Eight nurse managers, six clinical nurse educators, and eight academics from two tertiary hospitals and a university in Singapore participated in four focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was conducted. Four overriding themes were revealed: the need for a valid and reliable clinical assessment tool, preceptors' competency in clinical assessment, challenges encountered by the students in clinical assessment, and the need for close academic and clinical collaboration to support preceptors and students. Closer academic‐clinical partnership is recommended to review the clinical education curriculum. Clinical and educational institutions need to work closely to design a learning program to enhance preceptors' competence in clinical pedagogy and assessment. Furthermore, a stress management program could build students' resiliency in coping with unfamiliar clinical environments. Ongoing support needs to be provided for both preceptors and students to enrich the preceptorship and learning experiences.