bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Placebo effect on progression and regression in NASH: Evidence from a meta‐analysis
Authors: Ng Cheng Han , Xiao Jieling , Lim Wen Hui , Chin Yip Han , Yong Jie Ning , Tan Darren Jun Hao , Tay Phoebe , Syn Nicholas , Foo Roger , Chan Mark , Chew Nicholas , Tan Eunice XX , Huang Daniel Q. , Dan Yock Young , Tamaki Nobuharu , Siddiqui Mohammad Shadab , Sanyal Arun J. , Loomba Rohit , Noureddin Mazen , Muthiah Mark D. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Background and Aims
The evaluation of the natural history of NASH has been limited. Currently, liver biopsy remains the gold standard in the assessment of NASH. Placebo‐controlled trials represent a controlled environment with paired biopsies for the evaluation of NASH. This meta‐analysis thus seeks to quantify the change severity of NASH over time, with patients on placebo arms from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to examine the natural history of NASH.

Methods
A search was conducted to include NASH RCTs with placebo treatment arms. Primary outcomes were (1) the resolution of NASH without worsening of fibrosis, (2) two‐point reduction in NAFLD activity score without worsening of fibrosis, and (3) at least one‐point reduction in fibrosis. Generalized linear mix model was used to estimate pooled proportion and mean differences.

Results
This meta‐analysis of 43 RCTs included 2649 placebo‐treated patients. The pooled estimate of NASH resolution and two‐point NAFLD activity score reduction without worsening of fibrosis was 11.65% (95% CI: 7.98‐16.71) and 21.11% (95% CI: 17.24‐25.57). The rate of ≥1 stage reduction and progression of fibrosis was 18.82% (95% CI: 15.65‐22.47) and 22.74% (CI: 19.63‐26.17), respectively. Older age and African American ethnicity was associated with lower NASH resolution rate in placebo‐treated patients.

Conclusions
Despite the absence of any pharmacological interventions, a significant proportion of patients in the placebo arm demonstrated improvements in liver histology, highlighting the possibility that NASH is a disease that can not only progress but regress spontaneously over time. Additionally, histologic response in placebo‐treated patients is helpful in future design of phase 2B and phase 3 trials.
Prevalence of anxiety, depression, stress, and perceived stress and their relation with resilience during the COVID‐19 pandemic, a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Parvar Seyedeh Yasamin , Ghamari Narges , Pezeshkian Fatemehsadat , Shahriarirad Reza 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackground and aimsHome quarantine and physical distancing at the time of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) had a severe effect on the mental health of the populations. Resilience has been reported previously to be a protective factor against anxiety, stress, and depression. This study evaluates the prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, stress, and perceived stress and their relation with resilience associated with the COVID‐19 pandemic among a sample of the general population in Southern Iran.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional web‐based survey, from April 12 to May 13, 2020, stress, anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and resilience were measured using the Persian version of Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS‐21), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS‐14), and Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale (CD‐RISC). Statistical analyses were carried out using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) and frequencies were used to describe demographic data. Independent sample t‐test, Spearman correlation, and the Pearson correlation coefficient were performed to examine anxiety, depression, stress, and resilience.ResultsAmong a total of 538 participants, the overall prevalence of moderate‐to‐extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress was found to be 26.1%, 33.2%, and 5.8%, respectively. The overall median PSS and resilience score were 30 and 70, respectively. There was a significant association between higher age and perceived stress. Male and high income were related to higher resilience scores. Perceived stress positively correlates with resilience, whereas depression significantly correlates with anxiety and stress. Individuals with underlying disease demonstrated significantly higher scores for depression and anxiety. Also, perceived stress had a significant but weak, positive correlation with age and the number of quarantine days.ConclusionThe occurring COVID‐19 pandemic could be the culprit of psychological distress, anxiety, and depression of large population quantities. Our results showed a subordinate overall resilience in the general Iranian population during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Healthcare resource use associated with the diagnosis of transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy
Authors: Asher Clint , Guilder Andrew , Finocchiaro Gherardo , Carr‐White Gerry , Rodríguez‐Guadarrama Yael 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectivesOur primary aim was to evaluate the healthcare resource use associated with the diagnosis of transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy. Second, we aim to assess the effect of the number of diagnostic tests and clinical contact points on the total time and costs between symptom onset and diagnosis defining a quantitative hypothetical optimized diagnostic pathway.SettingClinical and cost data were collected from patients presenting between 2010 and 2018 in a tertiary referral institution in South London involving two participating hospitals.ParticipantsThirty‐eight adult patients with a definite diagnosis of transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy were included, mostly male (n = 28, 74%) and of African‐Caribbean descent (n = 23, 64%). We excluded patients without a confirmed transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy or those on inotersen, patisiran, or diflunisal at point of referral.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe average time between first presentation and final diagnosis, and the cost per patient per month. By comparing to a more optimal clinical pathway towards diagnosis, we considered what could be the theoretical gain in terms of time to diagnosis and financial savings.ResultsThe average time between first presentation and final diagnosis was 2.74 years. The average cost per patient per month was higher with progressive heart failure symptoms. A hypothetical optimal pathway reduces time to diagnosis of 1.65 to 1.74 years per patient. The potential financial savings are estimated within the range of £3000 to £4800 per patient.ConclusionsPatients diagnosed with transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy have substantial healthcare resource utilization and costs starting from symptom onset. Higher costs were observed with progression in symptoms and appear linked to a delayed diagnosis. The number of additional diagnostic tests and clinical contact points may contribute to this and could represent a path to explore further for important health and cost savings, with more efficient pathways for these patients to be managed.
Food allergy in children with asthma and its correlation with level of asthma control
Authors: Cherian Anchu Anna , Lakshminarasappa Darshith Saragondlu , Chandrasekaran Venkatesh , Chinnakali Palanivel 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundThere is paucity of regional data regarding food allergy among children with asthma.ObjectivesTo estimate the proportion of children with asthma who have food‐related respiratory symptoms and to correlate it with (a) skin prick test (SPT) results and (b) level of asthma control.MethodologyThis cross‐sectional study involved children with asthma, aged ≥6 years attending the childhood asthma clinic in a tertiary care hospital, in the southern part of India from July 2017 to July 2019. Basic demography and clinical details were recorded. In subjects with a history of food allergy, skin prick test (SPT) was done using AllergoSPT according to guidelines recommended by British Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI). Asthma control was assessed using asthma control test (ACT) and childhood ACT questionnaires.ResultsOf the total 305 children included, the most commonly reported allergen was banana (45%, n = 137). The predominant symptom reported was wheezing (54%). SPT was positive in 76 children (24.9%). Level of asthma control (P value < .01), family history of atopy (P value < .01), and age at introduction of complementary foods (P value < .01) were significantly associated with food allergy.ConclusionPresumed food allergy is seen in one‐fourth of children with asthma and significantly affects symptom control in them.
Do preschoolers always trust the majority? The influence of familiarity and expertise of a dissenter in a Chinese sample
Authors: Zhang Bixi , Deng Zhijun , Zhang Heyi , Chen Yinghe 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis study investigated whether familiarity and expertise of a dissenter would lessen the trust of a three‐person majority among preschoolers in a Chinese sample. The results indicated that preschoolers preferred to trust a majority rather than a stranger dissenter. However, when familiarity and expertise of the dissenter were manipulated in the experiments, the majority was less endorsed by both age groups than the previous condition. Furthermore, the preference for the majority under conflicting conditions depended on age. Especially, five‐year‐olds trusted the expert more than the majority, and they trusted the majority more than the familiar person. However, three‐year‐olds did not show any significant preference. These results suggest that older preschoolers tend to value other factors rather than simply accepting the information shared among a majority. The study provided an enhanced understanding of the influences of a dissenter's expertise and familiarity in selective trust and extended the findings to Chinese preschoolers.
Nitrogen fertility rates affecting weed population dynamics in a perennial ryegrass stand in western Oregon
Authors: Kowalewski Alec , Cain Alyssa , Braithwaite Emily , McDonald Brian , Schmid Chas 
Published: January 2022

AbstractFew projects have explored the long‐term effects of N rates on multiple weed populations in the Pacific Northwest. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the effects of N application timing and annual N rates on weed population dynamics in a perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) stand in western Oregon. Factors in this project included N application timing [spring–heavy (April, May, June, and October), fall–heavy (May, September, October, and November), early spring and late fall (April, June, October, and November), and traditional spring and fall (May, June, September, and October)] and annual N rates (75, 150, and 300 kg N ha−1 annually). An untreated control was also included in this project. The initial findings suggest that after 18 mo without herbicides, the highest annual N rate had the highest annual bluegrass populations but the lowest moss and broadleaf weed populations. The spring–heavy fertilization program at the low annual rate resulted in higher broadleaf weed populations than all other N application timing × N rate combinations. Data will continue to be collected from this experiment to determine the effects of N application timing and annual N rates on weed population dynamics.
A Girl Facing Home with Tears: Expressivism and Identity Construction in L2 Writing
Authors: Litten Jonathan 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis article presents a case study on the use of expressivist writing pedagogy as a practice of identity construction for an adolescent Chinese‐Speaking English Language Learner (ELL) in a 6–12, college preparatory, international boarding school context. The study implements a narrative inquiry/content analysis framework to analyze themes of second language (L2) memoir and poetry as safehouse writing, as a dialogue with identity across time, and as a tool to negotiate the ambivalence associated with the second language learning experience.
Induction of autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum autophagy caused by cadmium telluride quantum dots are protective mechanisms of yeast cell
Authors: Wei Fujing , Xie Qiyue , Huang Zhijun , Yang Aimin , Duan Yixiang 
Published: January 2022

AbstractQuantum dots (QDs), with unique and tunable optical properties, have been widely used in many fields closely related to our daily lives, such as biomedical application and electronic products. Therefore, the potential toxicity of QDs on the human health should be understood. Autophagy plays an important role in cell survival and death. Endoplasmic reticulum autophagy (ER‐phagy), a selective autophagy that degrades ER, responds to the accumulation of misfolded proteins and ER stress. Although many reports have revealed that autophagy can be disturbed by cadmium telluride (CdTe)‐QDs and other nanomaterials, there are still lack more detailed researches to illustrate the function of autophagy in CdTe‐QDs‐treated cells, and the function of ER‐phagy in CdTe‐QDs‐treated cells remains to be illustrated. On the basis of transcriptome analysis, we explored the effect of CdTe‐QDs on Saccharomyces cerevisiae and first illustrated that both of autophagy and ER‐phagy were protective mechanisms in CdTe‐QDs‐treated cells. It was found that CdTe‐QDs inhibited the proliferation of yeast cells, disrupted homeostasis of cells, membrane integrity, and metabolism process. All of these can be reasons of the reduction of cell viability. The abolishment of autophagy and ER‐phagy reduce the cell survival, indicating both of them are cell protective mechanisms against CdTe‐QDs toxicity in yeast cells. Therefore, our data are significant for the application of CdTe‐QDs and provide precious information for understanding of nanomaterials‐related ER‐phagy.
Bioinspired electrospun decellularized extracellular matrix scaffolds promote muscle regeneration in a rat skeletal muscle defect model
Authors: Hogan Katie J. , Smoak Mollie M. , Koons Gerry L. , Perez Marissa R. , Bedell Matthew L. , Jiang Emily Y. , Young Simon , Mikos Antonios G. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractVolumetric muscle loss is a debilitating injury that can leave patients with long‐lasting or permanent structural and functional deficits. With clinical treatments failing to address these shortcomings, there is a great need for tissue‐engineered therapies to promote skeletal muscle regeneration. In this study, we aim to assess the potential for electrospun decellularized skeletal muscle extracellular matrix (dECM) to promote skeletal muscle regeneration in a rat partial thickness tibialis anterior defect model. Aligned electrospun scaffolds with varying degrees of crosslinking density were implanted into the defect site and compared to an empty defect control. After 8 weeks, muscles were harvested, weighed, and cellular and morphological analyses were performed via histology and immunohistochemistry. Cell infiltration, angiogenesis, and myogenesis were observed in the defect site in both dECM groups. However, favorable mechanical properties and slower degradation kinetics resulted in greater support of tissue remodeling in the more crosslinked scaffolds and preservation of existing myofiber area in both dECM groups compared to the empty defect control. More sustained release of pro‐regenerative degradation products also promoted greater myofiber formation in the defect site. This study allowed for a greater understanding of how electrospun skeletal muscle scaffolds interact with existing skeletal muscle and can inform their potential as a therapy in a wide variety of soft tissue applications.
Computational studies to identify the common type‐I and type‐II inhibitors against the CDK8 enzyme
Authors: Ghosh Amar , Manhas Anu , Jha Prakash C. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn this study, multicomplex‐based pharmacophore modeling was conducted on the structural proteome of the two states of CDK8 protein, that is, DMG‐in and out. Three pharmacophores having six, five, and four features were selected as the representative models to conduct the virtual screening process using the prepared drug‐like natural product database. The screened candidates were subjected to molecular docking studies on DMG‐in (5XS2) and out (4F6U) conformation of the CDK8 protein. Subsequently, the common four docked candidates of 5XS2 and 4F6U were selected to perform the molecular dynamics simulation studies. Apart from one of the complexes of DMG‐in (5XS2—UNPD163102), all other complexes displayed stable dynamic behavior. The interaction and stability studies of the docked complexes were compared with the references selected from the two conformations (DMG‐in and out) of the protein. The current work leads to the identification of three common DMG‐in and out hits with diverse scaffolds which can be employed as the initial leads for the design of the novel CDK8 inhibitors.
Development of an electronic learning progression dashboard to monitor student clinical experiences
Authors: Lai Hollis , Ameli Nazila , Patterson Steven , Senior Anthea , Lunardon Doris 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIntroductionClinical experience tracking mechanisms for students at dental schools provide patient assignment, student experience, and learning progression feedback. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dental students’ clinical experiences following the implementation of a learning progression dashboard (LPD).MethodsAfter developing and deploying an electronic LPD using PHP, secondary data analysis on dental students’ clinical experiences from 2017–2019 was conducted. Student experience differences were compared between the year before continuous use of the LPD and the first year using it. LPD data contained the required clinical procedures dentistry students must perform across all disciplines and the number of planned, in progress, and completed tasks each student has accomplished. Using two time points, the students’ experiences were compared. Univariate statistics and independent t‐tests were conducted in R for detecting the differences in the number and categories of codes.ResultsThe number and category of codes showed significant differences between the academic year 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 for both third‐ and fourth‐year dental students after one and two terms. Overall, students recorded a 26% greater number of treatment codes and experienced a 26% greater number of code categories compared to the previous year.ConclusionApplying information management methods such as dashboards can better inform educators on student clinical experiences and improve clinical learning outcomes for students.
Contextual extinction of drug‐associated discriminative stimuli fails to attenuate drug‐vs‐food choice in rhesus monkeys
Authors: Banks Matthew L. , Hutsell Blake A. , Negus S. Stevens 
Published: January 2022

Relapse within the context of a substance use disorder can be triggered by cues that function as discriminative stimuli to signal contingencies of drug availability and promote drug‐taking behavior. Extinction procedures can weaken this association between drug‐associated cues and drug‐taking behavior and may reduce the probability of relapse. This study evaluated a regimen of extinction training on cocaine and heroin self‐administration in rhesus monkeys under a drug‐vs‐food choice procedure. Behavior was initially maintained under a concurrent schedule of food (1‐g food pellets; fixed‐ratio 100 schedule) and cocaine injections (0–0.1 mg/kg/injection; fixed‐ratio 10) (n = 4 males) or heroin injections (0–0.01 mg/kg/injection; fixed‐ratio 10) (n = 3 females and 1 male) during daily 2‐hr choice sessions. Subsequently, choice sessions were supplemented by daily 20‐hr saline self‐administration sessions for 14 consecutive days. During saline self‐administration sessions, only drug‐associated discriminative stimuli were presented and responding produced saline injections. Drug continued to be available during choice sessions. Prior to extinction training, both cocaine and heroin maintained dose‐dependent increases in drug‐vs‐food choice. Exposure to 14 saline self‐administration sessions failed to significantly decrease drug choice and increase food choice. These preclinical results do not support the effectiveness of extinguishing drug‐associated discriminative stimuli as a nonpharmacological treatment strategy for reducing drug choice.
An empirical study on underemployment in China: Determinants and effects on wages
Authors: Zhu Ruoran , Chen Guifu 
Published: January 2022

AbstractUsing the data from seven waves of China Health and Nutrition Survey questionnaires, this study investigates the factors associated with underemployment by measuring it using multidimensional indicators and the effect of underemployment on hourly wages in China. We find that male workers have a lower probability of underemployment than female workers. The underemployment rate of men has increased with age. As for women, the underemployment rate does not significantly change with age, considering corrections for selectivity bias. Furthermore, the effect of underemployment on the hourly wages of workers is robustly significant and negative for both males and females.
Body growth, upper arm fat area, and clinical parameters in children with nephropathic cystinosis compared with other pediatric chronic kidney disease entities
Authors: Kluck Rika , Müller Sophia , Jagodzinski Celina , Hohenfellner Katharina , Büscher Anja , Kemper Markus J. , Oh Jun , Billing Heiko , Thumfart Julia , Weber Lutz T. , Acham‐Roschitz Birgit , Arbeiter Klaus , Tönshoff Burkhard , Hagenberg Martina , Kanzelmeyer Nele , Pavičić Leo , Haffner Dieter , Zivicnjak Miroslav 
Published: January 2022

AbstractChildren with infantile nephropathic cystinosis (INC), an inherited lysosomal storage disease resulting in cystine accumulation in all body cells, are prone to progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD), impaired growth and reduced weight gain; however, systematic anthropometric analyses are lacking. In this prospective multicenter study we investigated linear growth, body proportion, body mass index (BMI), upper arm fat area (UFA) and biochemical parameters in 43 pediatric INC patients with CKD stages 1 to 5 and 49 age‐matched CKD controls, with 193 annual measurements. INC patients showed more impaired height than CKD controls (−1.8 vs −0.7 z‐score; P < .001), despite adequate cysteamine therapy, treatment for Fanconi syndrome and more frequent use of growth hormone. Only the youngest INC patients shared the same body pattern with CKD controls characterized by preferential impairment of leg length and rather preserved trunk length. In late‐prepuberty, body pattern changed only in INC patients due to improved leg growth and more impaired trunk length. Mean UFA z‐score in INC patients was slightly reduced in early childhood and progressively decreased thereafter reaching −0.8 z‐score in adolescence, while CKD controls showed a steady increase in standardized BMI and UFA especially during adolescent age. Menarche in female INC patients was significantly delayed compared to CKD controls.Our data indicate that with age and progression of disease, pediatric INC patients undergo unique changes of body growth and fat stores that are distinct from those with CKD stemming from other causes, suggesting other factors apart from CKD to contribute to this development.Pediatric patients with infantile nephropathic cystinosis display more severe impaired linear growth than other peer CKD patients, despite of cysteamine treatment, supplementation for Fanconi syndrome, and more frequent use of growth hormone, with a distinct change of body proportions and overall lower body fat.