bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activation of imidazoline‐I3 receptors ameliorates pancreatic damage
Authors: Li Yingxiao , Cheng Kai‐Chun , Asakawa Akihiro , Amitani Haruka , Takimoto Yoshiyuki , Runtuwene Joshua , Inui Akio 
Published: June 2015

SummaryAgmatine, an endogenous ligand of imidazoline receptors, is reported to exhibit anti‐hyperglycaemic and many other effects. It has been established that the imidazoline I3 receptor is involved in insulin secretion. The current study characterizes the role of the imidazoline I3 receptor in the protection of pancreatic islets. The activity effect of agmatine against on streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced (5 mmol/L) rat β cell apoptosis was examined by using ApoTox‐Glo triplex assay, live/dead cell double staining assay, flow cytometric analysis, and western blot. Imidazoline I3 receptors antagonist KU14R and the phospholipase C inhibitor named U73122 were treated in β cells to investigate the potential signalling pathways. The serum glucose and recovery of insulin secretion were measured in STZ‐treated rats after continuously injected agmatine. The apoptosis in rat β cells was reduced by agmatine in a dose‐dependent manner, cell viability was improved after treatment with agmatine and these effects were suppressed after the blockade of KU14R and U73122. Western blot analysis confirmed that agmatine could decrease caspase‐3 expression and increase the p‐BAD levels. In STZ‐treated rats, injection of agmatine for 4 weeks may significantly lower the serum glucose and recovery of insulin secretion. This improvement of pancreatic islets induced by agmatine was deleted by KU14R in vivo. Agmatine can activate the imidazoline I3 receptor linked with the phospholipase C pathway to induce cell protection against apoptosis induced by a low dose of STZ. This finding provides new insight into the prevention of early stage pancreatic islet damage.
Change in pelvic organ support during pregnancy and the first year postpartum: a longitudinal study
Authors: Reimers C , Stær‐Jensen J , Siafarikas F , Saltyte‐Benth J , Bø K , Ellström Engh M 
Published: June 2015

SummaryObjectiveTo describe changes in pelvic organ support from mid pregnancy until 1 year postpartum among nulliparous pregnant women, and to examine whether delivery route affects changes in pelvic organ support.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingAkershus University Hospital in Norway.PopulationA cohort of 300 nulliparous pregnant women included at mid‐pregnancy.MethodsPelvic organ support assessed at 21 and 37 weeks of gestation, and again at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postpartum, by the use of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP‐Q) system. Linear mixed model was used to assess longitudinal change in pelvic organ support.Main outcome measuresPrevalence of anatomic POP. Change in POP‐Q variables over time and between delivery groups.ResultsThe prevalence of anatomic POP ranged from 0 to 10%. Vaginal POP‐Q points made a cranial shift from mid to late pregnancy, a caudal shift following delivery, and again a cranial shift after 6 weeks postpartum. Postpartum change was present following both vaginal and caesarean deliveries, but was more pronounced following vaginal delivery. The perineal body and genital hiatus became longer from mid to late pregnancy, and shortened after 6 weeks postpartum. At 12 months postpartum all POP‐Q points, except cervix, had recovered to baseline in the vaginal delivery group.ConclusionsThe prevalence of anatomic POP was low in this cohort. There was change in pelvic organ support both during pregnancy and following vaginal as well as caesarean delivery. The short‐term ability to recover was good after the first pregnancy and delivery.Tweetable AbstractPelvic organ support changes during pregnancy. A contribution to the risk of POP?
Oral nifedipine versus intravenous labetalol for severe hypertension during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shekhar S , Gupta N , Kirubakaran R , Pareek P 
Published: June 2015

BackgroundOral nifedipine is recommended along with labetalol and hydralazine for treatment of severe hypertension during pregnancy by most authorities. Although nifedipine is cheap and easily administered, the usage pattern among health care providers suggests a strong preference for labetalol despite lack of evidence for the same.ObjectivesTo determine the efficacy and safety of oral nifedipine for treatment of severe hypertension of pregnancy compared with intravenous labetalol.Search strategyWe systematically searched for articles comparing oral nifedipine with intravenous labetalol for the treatment of severe hypertension during pregnancy in any language, over Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials and Google Scholar from inception till February 2014.Selection criteriaWe included all RCTs that compared intravenous labetalol with oral nifedipine for treatment of severe hypertension during pregnancy, addressing relevant efficacy and safety outcomes.Data collection and analysisEligible studies were reviewed, and data were extracted onto a standard form. We used Cochrane review manager software for quantitative analysis. Data were analysed using a fixed effect model.Main resultsThe pooled analysis of seven trials (four from developing countries) consisting of 363 woman–infant pairs showed that oral nifedipine was associated with less risk of persistent hypertension (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.18–0.96) and reported maternal side effects (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.35–0.94). However, on sensitivity analysis the outcome ‘persistent hypertension’ was no longer significant. Other outcomes did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionOral nifedipine is as efficacious and safe as intravenous labetalol and may have an edge in low resource settings.Tweetable abstractAlthough studies to date are few in number and small, nifedipine shows promise for severe hypertension in pregnancy.
Maternal characteristics and mid‐pregnancy serum biomarkers as risk factors for subtypes of preterm birth
Authors: Jelliffe‐Pawlowski LL , Baer RJ , Blumenfeld YJ , Ryckman KK , O'Brodovich HM , Gould JB , Druzin ML , El‐Sayed YY , Lyell DJ , Stevenson DK , Shaw GM , Currier RJ 
Published: June 2015

ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between maternal characteristics, serum biomarkers and preterm birth (PTB) by spontaneous and medically indicated subtypes.DesignPopulation‐based cohort.SettingCalifornia, United States of America.PopulationFrom a total population of 1 004 039 live singleton births in 2009 and 2010, 841 665 pregnancies with linked birth certificate and hospital discharge records were included.MethodsCharacteristics were compared for term and preterm deliveries by PTB subtype using logistic regression and odds ratios adjusted for maternal characteristics and obstetric factors present in final stepwise models and 95% confidence intervals. First‐trimester and second‐trimester serum marker levels were analysed in a subset of 125 202 pregnancies with available first‐trimester and second‐trimester serum biomarker results.Main outcome measurePTB by subtype.ResultsIn fully adjusted models, ten characteristics and three serum biomarkers were associated with increased risk in each PTB subtype (Black race/ethnicity, pre‐existing hypertension with and without pre‐eclampsia, gestational hypertension with pre‐eclampsia, pre‐existing diabetes, anaemia, previous PTB, one or two or more previous caesarean section(s), interpregnancy interval ≥ 60 months, low first‐trimester pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A, high second‐trimester α‐fetoprotein, and high second‐trimester dimeric inhibin A). These risks occurred in 51.6–86.2% of all pregnancies ending in PTB depending on subtype. The highest risk observed was for medically indicated PTB <32 weeks in women with pre‐existing hypertension and pre‐eclampsia (adjusted odds ratio 89.7, 95% CI 27.3–111.2).ConclusionsOur findings suggest a shared aetiology across PTB subtypes. These commonalities point to targets for further study and exploration of risk reduction strategies.Tweetable abstractFindings suggest a shared aetiology across preterm birth subtypes. Patterns may inform risk reduction efforts.
Healthier options do not reduce total energy of parent intended fast food purchases for their young children: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Yoong Sze Lin , Dodds Pennie , Hure Alexis , Clinton‐Mcharg Tara , Skelton Eliza , Wiggers John , Wolfenden Luke 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimThis study aimed to assess the impact of including healthier options on fast food restaurant menus on total energy of parent‐reported intended purchases and frequency to eat at fast food outlets for young children.MethodsParents from an existing health survey cohort were approached to participate. They were eligible to participate if they resided in the Hunter region in NSW, could understand English and had a child aged between 3 and 12 years. Parents were randomised using a random number function embedded in the computer assisted telephone interview software, to receive one of two hypothetical fast food menus: one with healthier options and the other without healthier options (standard menu). After receiving these menus, participants completed a second telephone survey. Parents reported intended food purchases for their nominated child and intended number of visits to the fast food outlet with the hypothetical menu.ResultsThere was no significant difference in total energy of parent‐reported intended purchases for their child, between the standard menu with (n = 101) and without (n = 113) healthier options (P = 0.60). There was also no difference in the frequency of intending to eat at the fast food restaurant between the two groups (P = 0.80).ConclusionsThe provision of healthier options in itself may not reduce the total energy of intended purchases of parents for young children at fast food restaurants.
Involved‐field radiotherapy for patients with mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Neville Katherine E , Bisquera Alessandra , Capp Anne L 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIntroductionRetrospective analysis was performed at a single institution to assess the responsiveness of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) to involved‐field radiotherapy (IFRT).MethodsAll patients treated with IFRT to at least one site of MCL between 1998 and 2012 were included. There were 25 patients who received radiotherapy to 60 disease sites. Primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) infield for the first site of MCL treated per patient. Predictors of ORR were analysed for the primary endpoint. Time to local progression (TLP) infield and progression‐free survival were calculated from the start of the first treatment course. Analysis of all sites collectively was also undertaken. Survival analysis was conducted by the Kaplan–Meier method.ResultsORR rate was 84% for the first site treated per patient. Complete response and partial response rates were 68% and 16% respectively. Median TLP following radiotherapy to the first site was not reached. Infield control rate was 91% at 12 months (95% confidence interval 69–97%). When analysis was performed on all 60 sites, ORR was 85%. Symptomatic improvement occurred after IFRT to 93% of all sites. Systemic progression outside the radiotherapy field was the predominant form of failure following IFRT.ConclusionRadiotherapy generally induced a clinical response at all levels of dose administered, ranging from 3 to 36 Gy. However, increased durability of local control was suggested with higher doses. Radiotherapy is an effective treatment for palliation of MCL with objective and symptomatic responses seen over a range of radiotherapy doses.
Private Intermediary Innovation and Market Liquidity: Evidence from the Pink Sheets® Market
Authors: Jiang John (Xuefeng) , Petroni Kathy R. , Wang Isabel Yanyan 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIn 2007, Pink Sheets LLC assigned each Pink Sheets® company to a disclosure tier and on its website affixed a colorful graphic to its stock symbol signifying the company's public disclosure level. This unique innovation allows us to investigate the impact of increased salience of disclosure practices on liquidity. Using a difference‐in‐difference design, we find evidence that firms classified into the Current Information category experienced an increase in liquidity while firms classified into the No Information category experienced a decrease in liquidity, both relative to other unclassified over‐the‐counter firms. This suggests that increases in the salience of disclosure practices via assignment to disclosure tiers affect investors’ attention, leading to changes in trading behavior that ultimately translate into liquidity changes. We also provide evidence that some investors anticipated the resulting liquidity changes because stock returns around a key event date leading up to the release of the disclosure tiers are positively associated with subsequent liquidity changes.
Opposite effects of two estrogen receptors on tau phosphorylation through disparate effects on the miR‐218/PTPA pathway
Authors: Xiong Yan‐Si , Liu Fang‐Fang , Liu Dan , Huang He‐Zhou , Wei Na , Tan Lu , Chen Jian‐Guo , Man Heng‐Ye , Gong Cheng‐Xin , Lu Youming , Wang Jian‐Zhi , Zhu Ling‐Qiang 
Published: June 2015

SummaryThe two estrogen receptors (ERs), ERα and ERβ, mediate the diverse biological functions of estradiol. Opposite effects of ERα and ERβ have been found in estrogen‐induced cancer cell proliferation and differentiation as well as in memory‐related tasks. However, whether these opposite effects are implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains unclear. Here, we find that ERα and ERβ play contrasting roles in regulating tau phosphorylation, which is a pathological hallmark of AD. ERα increases the expression of miR‐218 to suppress the protein levels of its specific target, protein tyrosine phosphatase α (PTPα). The downregulation of PTPα results in the abnormal tyrosine hyperphosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (resulting in activation) and protein phosphatase 2A (resulting in inactivation), the major tau kinase and phosphatase. Suppressing the increased expression of miR‐218 inhibits the ERα‐induced tau hyperphosphorylation as well as the PTPα decline. In contrast, ERβ inhibits tau phosphorylation by limiting miR‐218 levels and restoring the miR‐218 levels antagonized the attenuation of tau phosphorylation by ERβ. These data reveal for the first time opposing roles for ERα and ERβ in AD pathogenesis and suggest potential therapeutic targets for AD.
Determinants of Chinese equity financing behaviours: traditional model and the alternatives
Authors: Chen Xiaoyan , Ling Xin 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis paper studies the capital structure of Chinese SEO issuers, from the perspective of equity. The traditional model is subject to several problems including spurious correlation, cumulative measure and endogeneity. System GMM (generalised method of moments) is superior to the traditional model. Corporate governance is positively correlated to firm equity level; however, it does not affect incremental managerial adjustments to equity. In addition, state control positively influences equity level but has a negative effect on incremental managerial adjustment. Mixed evidence is found for the established capital structure theories in the Chinese context.
Obesity, but not metabolic syndrome, negatively affects outcome in bipolar disorder
Authors: McElroy S. L. , Kemp D. E. , Friedman E. S. , Reilly‐Harrington N. A. , Sylvia L. G. , Calabrese J. R. , Rabideau D. J. , Ketter T. A. , Thase M. E. , Singh V. , Tohen M. , Bowden C. L. , Bernstein E. E. , Brody B. D. , Deckersbach T. , Kocsis J. H. , Kinrys G. , Bobo W. V. , Kamali M. , McInnis M. G. , Leon A. C. , Faraone S. , Nierenberg A. A. , Shelton R. C. 
Published: June 2015

ObjectiveExamine the effects of obesity and metabolic syndrome on outcome in bipolar disorder.MethodThe Comparative Effectiveness of a Second Generation Antipsychotic Mood Stabilizer and a Classic Mood Stabilizer for Bipolar Disorder (Bipolar CHOICE) study randomized 482 participants with bipolar disorder in a 6‐month trial comparing lithium‐ and quetiapine‐based treatment. Baseline variables were compared between groups with and without obesity, with and without abdominal obesity, and with and without metabolic syndrome respectively. The effects of baseline obesity, abdominal obesity, and metabolic syndrome on outcomes were examined using mixed effects linear regression models.ResultsAt baseline, 44.4% of participants had obesity, 48.0% had abdominal obesity, and 27.3% had metabolic syndrome; neither obesity, nor abdominal obesity, nor metabolic syndrome were associated with increased global severity, mood symptoms, or suicidality, or with poorer functioning or life satisfaction. Treatment groups did not differ on prevalence of obesity, abdominal obesity, or metabolic syndrome. By contrast, among the entire cohort, obesity was associated with less global improvement and less improvement in total mood and depressive symptoms, suicidality, functioning, and life satisfaction after 6 months of treatment. Abdominal obesity was associated with similar findings. Metabolic syndrome had no effect on outcome.ConclusionObesity and abdominal obesity, but not metabolic syndrome, were associated with less improvement after 6 months of lithium‐ or quetiapine‐based treatment.
An unusual urticarial eruption: Familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome
Authors: Nguyen Rebecca , Robinson Aaron , Nicholls Katherine , Varigos George , Dolianitis Con 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis is a case of a 26‐year‐old Caucasian woman with a lifelong history of an episodic urticaria associated with arthralgia, precipitated by exposure to cold. She had no other significant past medical history. She reported several family members with a history of very similar episodic eruptions without definitive diagnoses. An examination showed an urticarial eruption over her limbs with no other systemic findings. A baseline full blood examination, serology and autoimmune screen were normal. A skin biopsy was consistent with urticaria, with dermal oedema and a perivascular infiltrate. Following genetic testing, she was found to be heterozygous for a mutation, p.Ala439Val in the NLRP3 gene, known to cause familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome (FCAS), which typically presents with urticaria, conjunctivitis and arthralgia, as described in this patient. FCAS is one subtype of a group of conditions known as cryopyrin‐associated periodic syndromes (CAPS). CAPS are rare, autosomal dominant inherited conditions with a spectrum of phenotypes, characterised by increased interleukin‐1β release with subsequent local and systemic proinflammatory and pyrogenic effects.
Dermal desmoplastic fibroblastoma presenting as a large sacral mass
Authors: Hu Stephen Chu‐Sung , Lin Chi‐Ling 
Published: June 2015

AbstractDesmoplastic fibroblastoma (collagenous fibroma) is a rare and recently recognised benign tumour. Most desmoplastic fibroblastomas arise in the subcutaneous tissue or skeletal muscle. Involvement of the dermis is extremely rare. We describe an unusual case of dermal desmoplastic fibroblastoma presenting as a large sacral mass in a 16‐year‐old male. An awareness of this entity is necessary to avoid confusion with other benign and malignant soft tissue neoplasms.
Skin protection behaviour and sex differences in melanoma location in patients with multiple primary melanomas
Authors: Warren Matthew , McMeniman Erin , Adams Agnieszka , De'Ambrosis Brian 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesPrevious studies have shown that sunscreen usage, sun‐protection measures and self‐examination rates in patients with single primary melanomas (SPM) are similar to that in the general population. This study hypothesises that these rates would be different in a population with multiple primary melanomas (MPM). We further hypothesise that there would be a sex difference in melanoma location in patients with MPM. The objectives of this study were to determine skin protection measures, self‐examinations and melanoma location in a cohort of patients with MPM.MethodsA survey was conducted on 137 patients with MPM examining their sun‐protection measures, skin self‐examination rates and medical and phenotypic characteristics. These data were combined with a review of their medical records to examine the patients' skin cancer history.ResultsPatients with MPM had higher rates of skin self‐evaluation (74% vs 22%), sunscreen usage (70% vs 45%) and other sun‐protection measures (95% vs 46%) than has been published for patients with a history of a SPM. We have also shown that women have a higher risk of developing melanomas on their arms (p < 0.01) and lower legs (p < 0.05) than men.ConclusionsThis report showed the rates of skin self‐examination, sunscreen usage and other sun‐protection methods in patients with MPM is higher than in studies of patients with SPM. It also highlighted sex differences in terms of melanoma location for patients with MPM. Further studies to examine the cause of the differences in these forms of protective behaviour could help improve the utilisation of these important preventative measures in all patients.
How effective and acceptable is Web 2.0 Balint group participation for general practitioners and general practitioner registrars in regional Australia? A pilot study
Authors: Koppe Hilton , van de Mortel Thea F. , Ahern Christine M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectiveGeneral practitioners (GPs) and general practice registrars report work‐related stress. Balint groups may improve coping mechanisms. However, attendance at a face‐to‐face Balint group is difficult for rural doctors due to distance constraints. The study aim was to evaluate online Balint groups for rural doctors and determine effect size for a full‐scale trial.DesignA mixed‐methods approach, including a pre–post controlled trial and thematic analysis of qualitative data.SettingRural primary care.ParticipantsThirteen GPs and 8 general practice registrars completed the study.InterventionsBalint groups were delivered over 8–9 fortnightly online sessions. GPs and GP registrars participated in separate groups. Data were collected on work‐related affect, psychological medicine skills and professional isolation using the Warr's Work‐Related Affect Scale, the Psychological Medicine Inventory, and a professional isolation scale.Main outcome measuresChange scores on Warr's Work‐Related Affect Scale, the Psychological Medicine Inventory, and a professional isolation scale.ResultsBalint participants' scores were significantly higher post‐intervention on the Psychological Medicine Inventory (mean 6.49 (±0.20) versus 5.43 (±0.26); P < 0.01) and Warr's Work‐Related Affect (mean 4.09 (±0.09) versus 3.60 (±0.12); P < 0.01) scales than control group scores. Effect size on these scales ranged from 0.46 to 0.50. The greatest challenge was technical problems related to insufficient broadband speed.ConclusionsOnline Balint groups appear to improve rural doctors' psychological medicine skills and work‐related affect. New data on effect size will inform a full‐scale trial. Improved national broadband infrastructure may enhance online support opportunities for rural doctors.