bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low‐grade intraductal carcinoma of the salivary gland with prominent oncocytic change: a newly described variant
Authors: Nakaguro Masato , Urano Makoto , Suzuki Hiroaki , Yamada Kazuyuki , Sakaguchi Asumi , Ogura Kanako , Matsumoto Toshiharu , Ono Noritsugu , Asato Tsuguharu , Mikami Yoshiki , Imai Hiroshi , Nagao Toshitaka
Published: March 2018

Aims

Low‐grade intraductal carcinoma (LG‐IDC) is a clinically indolent malignant tumour of the salivary glands. Because of its rarity, the histological variants of LG‐IDC have not been well characterised. Herein, we describe five LG‐IDC cases with prominent oncocytic change in the major salivary glands.

Methods and results

We examined five cases, three males and two females (mean age = 63 years), of LG‐IDC with oncocytic change. The sites affected by LG‐IDC were the parotid and submandibular glands. The lesions were macroscopically unilocular or multilocular cysts with a solid tumour arising from the cyst wall. Smaller tumour cell nests were also observed. As with classic LG‐IDC, the cyst wall was surrounded by myoepithelial cells with no invasive component. The tumour cells had abundant oncocytic cytoplasm and proliferated in a low‐papillary, tubular or cribriform pattern. Immunohistochemically, the tumour cells were diffusely positive for pan‐cytokeratin, S100, mammaglobin and antimitochondria antibody, and were negative for androgen receptor and gross cystic disease fluid protein‐15. Unlike classic LG‐IDC, some of these cases demonstrated focal invagination of myoepithelial cells in the intraductal tumour.

Conclusion

Oncocytic LG‐IDC should be recognised as a histologically unique variant of LG‐IDC. Awareness of this entity is important to avoid erroneous diagnosis and inappropriate treatment for histological mimics.
Data set for the reporting of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, perihilar cholangiocarcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma: recommendations from the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR)
Authors: Burt Alastair D , Alves Venâncio , Bedossa Pierre , Clouston Andrew , Guido Maria , Hübscher Stefan , Kakar Sanjay , Ng Irene , Park Young N , Reeves Helen , Wyatt Judith , Yeh Matthew M , Ellis David W
Published: March 2018

Optimal patient management benefits from comprehensive and accurate pathology reports that contribute to cancer staging and prognostication. Proforma reports are used in many countries, but these vary in their structure and implementation. The International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR) is an alliance formed by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, the Royal College of Pathologists of the United Kingdom, the College of American Pathologists, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer the European Society of Pathology and the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP), with the aim of developing an evidence‐based reporting data set for each cancer site. It is argued that this should reduce the global burden of cancer data set development and reduplication of effort by different international institutions that commission, publish and maintain standardised cancer reporting data sets. The resultant standardisation of cancer reporting will benefit not only those countries directly involved in the collaboration but also others not in a position to develop their own data sets. We describe the development of a cancer data set by the ICCR expert panel for the reporting of the main malignant liver tumours: intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, perihilar cholangiocarcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma and present the ‘required’ and ‘recommended’ elements to be included in the report with an explanatory commentary. This data set incorporates definitions and classifications in the most recent World Health Organisation (WHO) publication on hepatic malignancies (4th edition) and the recently published tumour–node–metastasis (TNM)8 staging system. Widespread adoption and implementation of this data set will enable consistent and accurate data collection, comparison of epidemiological and pathological parameters between different populations, facilitate research and ultimately result in better patient outcomes.
Island accessibility and distance from beach influence nesting success of Sooty FalconsFalco concolorin Oman
Authors: Mcgrady Michael J. , Al Fazari Waheed , Al Jahdhami Mansoor , Fisher Martin , Kwarteng Andy Y. , Walter Hartmut , Oli Madan K.
Published: March 2018

Colonial island‐breeding birds can be particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbance, which can adversely affect their nesting success. We studied Sooty FalconsFalco concolorbreeding on 10 ground‐predator‐free islands in the Sea of Oman during 2007–2014 and evaluated spatio‐temporal trends in the number of breeding pairs occurring on the islands and the factors influencing nesting success. The number of breeding pairs on the islands declined during the study, due mostly to the decline on accessible islands; the rate of decline on islands accessible to humans was double that on inaccessible ones. The number of nests with one or more eggs declined during the study period, and the percentage of nests with eggs that produced one or more chicks showed an increasing trend over time. Sooty Falcon nests located farther away from beaches experienced a significantly higher probability of nesting success than those located closer to beaches. Our results suggest that the number of breeding Sooty Falcons on the islands of northern Oman is declining and that human disturbance may be a contributing factor; this probably mirrors the situation in other parts of the breeding range of this species.
Extracellular matrix internalization links nutrient signalling to invasive migration
Authors: Rainero Elena
Published: March 2018

Integrins are the key mediators of cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) interaction, linking the ECM to the actin cytoskeleton. Besides localizing at the cell surface, they can be internalized and transported back to the plasma membrane (recycled) or delivered to the late endosomes/lysosomes for degradation. We and others have shown that integrin can be endocytosed together with their ECM ligands. In this short review, I will highlight how extracellular protein (including ECM) endocytosis impinges on the activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, a master regulator of cell metabolism and growth. This supports the intriguing hypothesis that ECM components may be considered as nutrient sources, primarily under soluble nutrient‐depleted conditions.
Improvement of rheological and physicochemical properties of longan honey by non‐thermal magnetic technique
Authors: Sakdatorn Vinyoo , Thavarungkul Nandh , Srisukhumbowornchai Nakorn , Intipunya Pilairuk
Published: March 2018

A non‐thermal technology using magnetic field (MF) can improve flowability of honey while maintaining its physicochemical quality. Effects of MF treatment on rheological and physicochemical properties of longan honey exposed to MF for 2 h at 15 °C and 28 °C were investigated and compared with those of non‐MF samples. Increasing MF strength at 28 °C caused a reduction in firmness (P ≤ 0.05), but not in consistency, index of viscosity and cohesiveness. The effects at 15 °C were greater. Newtonian behaviour was observed for all samples. Shear stress and viscosity were significantly reduced with increasing MF strength at 15 °C (P ≤ 0.05), but less at 28 °C. pH was also decreased. Total soluble solids content was increased at both temperatures (P ≤ 0.05). Colour index was not significantly affected by MF, whereas optical density was slightly increased at high MF strengths (P > 0.05). L* values for the MF treated samples were increased (P ≤ 0.05), giving lighter and more pleasant colour to the honey. MF treatment improved overall qualities of honey.
Use of berry pomace to replace flour, fat or sugar in cakes
Authors: Quiles Amparo , Llorca Empar , Schmidt Carolin , Reißner Anne‐Marie , Struck Susanne , Rohm Harald , Hernando Isabel
Published: March 2018

Pomace from fruit juice production is a by‐product with a high fibre and bioactive compound content. It is commonly used as animal feed, so using it in food brings added value. The present study assessed the effect of using black currant and aronia pomace to replace either part of the flour, fat or sugar in sponge cakes. Batters in which sugar was replaced showed the highest viscosity. On the other hand, flour replacement led to batters with the lowest viscosity and gave place to softer cakes with fewer but larger‐sized air cells. Sugar replacement conferred greater hardness and a larger number of small air cells. In general, fat replacement gave rise to intermediate crumb texture and structure properties in comparison with flour and sugar replacements. In vitro starch digestion showed that the flour‐replaced sponge cakes possessed the lowest hydrolysis index and glycaemic index values. The sponge cakes with the different replacements were well accepted by consumers, who expressed a high level of buying intention for all of them.
Anti‐HLA alloantibodies of the IgA isotype in re‐transplant candidates part II: Correlation with graft survival
Authors: Arnold M.‐L. , Bach C. , Heinemann F. M. , Horn P. A. , Ziemann M. , Lachmann N. , Mühlbacher A. , Dick A. , Ender A. , Thammanichanond D. , Schaub S. , Hönger G. , Fischer G. F. , Mytilineos J. , Hallensleben M. , Hitzler W. E. , Seidl C. , Spriewald B. M.
Published: March 2018

We reported previously on the widespread occurrence of anti‐HLA alloantibodies of the IgA isotype (anti‐HLA IgA) in the sera of solid‐organ re‐transplantation (re‐tx) candidates (Arnold et al., ). Specifically focussing on kidney re‐tx patients, we now extended our earlier findings by examining the impact of the presence and donor specificity of anti‐HLA IgA on graft survival. We observed frequent concurrence of anti‐HLA IgA and anti‐HLA IgG in 27% of our multicenter collective of 694 kidney re‐tx patients. This subgroup displayed significantly reduced graft survival as evidenced by the median time to first dialysis after transplantation (TTD 77 months) compared to patients carrying either anti‐HLA IgG or IgA (TTD 102 and 94 months, respectively). In addition, donor specificity of anti‐HLA IgA had a significant negative impact on graft survival (TTD 74 months) in our study. Taken together, our data strongly indicate that presence of anti‐HLA IgA, in particular in conjunction with anti‐HLA‐IgG, in sera of kidney re‐tx patients is associated with negative transplantation outcome.
Improving bone marrow biopsy quality through peer discussion and data comparisons: A single institution experience
Authors: Yang R. K. , Nazeef M. , Patel S. S. , Mattison R. , Yang D. T. , Ranheim E. A. , Leith C. P.
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Bone marrow biopsy (BMB) is crucial for the diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of a variety of hematologic diseases. Obtaining an adequate BMB can be challenging given the need to balance patient comfort with acquisition of high quality specimens. We had observed variable BMB quality at our institution with poor quality specimens sometimes affecting diagnosis. We thus undertook this quality improvement (QI) project to improve the quality of diagnostic BMB specimens.

Methods

We used an A3 QI process to identify factors possibly influencing BMB quality. We collected baseline data on 211 BMB, with short and long‐term follow‐up data on a further 382 cases. We used clinical conferences to discuss data, perform peer comparisons and identify strategies to create a sustainable improvement in BMB quality.

Results

Baseline data showed that BMB length was influenced most by the individual performer, with some influence of needle gauge. Other factors such as sedation, BMB indication were noncontributory. BMB lengths improved following performer education and individual performer data comparisons (15.2 mm post vs 12.8 mm baseline, P < .0001) and with use of an 8‐ rather than 11‐gauge needle (18.3 mm 8‐gauge vs 13.3 mm 11‐gauge P < .0001), and were sustained over the long term.

Conclusions

Education on BMB standards, sharing of performer data, and changing needle gauge are relatively straightforward methods to improve BMB quality, leading to easier pathology diagnosis.
Spectrum of hemostatic disorders in Indian females presenting with bleeding manifestations
Authors: Gupta A. , Mishra P. , Pati H. P. , Tyagi S. , Mahapatra M. , Seth T. , Saxena R.
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Hemostatic disorders are often missed in women with bleeding particularly menorrhagia. Preexisting hemostatic disorders are now known as common risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage and prolonged bleeding in puerperium. Females with bleeding complaints constitute an important population referred to hematology clinic. Hence, we aim to evaluate the type and frequency of hemostatic disorders among females presenting with bleeding in a tertiary care hospital and a basic hemostatic laboratory.

Methods

Three‐year data were retrospectively analyzed for 200 females with various bleeding complaints. Due to resource constraints, a hemostatic workup was done with prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, fibrinogen assay, clot solubility test, mixing studies, specific factor assays, platelet function test, and von Willebrand factor antigen level.

Results

A total of 200 females were investigated to identify the cause of their bleeding. Thirty‐five of 200 (17.5%) females were found with an underlying bleeding disorder. Of these 35 females, 65.7% presented with bleeding from more than 1 site. Most common bleeding manifestation was spontaneous bruising in 18 of 35 (51.4%) patients followed by petechiae (48.6%). Inherited bleeding disorders were noted in majority. The most common inherited bleeding disorder identified was von Willebrand disease (VWD) in 34.3% females. Second most common disorder was Glanzmann's thrombasthenia accounting for 22.8%. Rare coagulation factor deficiency, such as factors VII, X, and XIII deficiencies, was noted. Three cases revealed acquired causes of coagulation defects.

Conclusion

Underlying hemostatic defects should be searched for in women with unexplained bleeding complaints. This will not only help in diagnosis but also in proper management for future hemostatic challenges.
Translation and validation study for the stroke self‐efficacy questionnaire in stroke survivors
Authors: Topçu Serpil , Oğuz Sıdıka
Published: March 2018

Background

Self‐efficacy has been shown to play an important role in rehabilitation outcomes of stroke patients.

Aim

This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of a Turkish translation of the Stroke Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire.

Methods

This methodological study was conducted in a private acute stroke unit in Istanbul, Turkey. After obtaining the Institutional Review Board's approval and site consent, a translated version of the 13‐item Likert‐type scaled questions was tested for language and content validity. A pilot study with 10 patients was followed by recruitment of 130 stroke patient participants, with 50 patients retested after 3 weeks.

Results

The Stroke Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire—Turkish had excellent content validity index and face validity index scores. Confirmatory factor analysis findings revealed a single factor structure that offered good model suitability. Cronbach alpha was 0.93 for the scale and its subgroups. There was no statistically significant difference between the items according to test‐retest scores (P > 0.05), and a reliability index was over 0.80.

Conclusion

The Turkish version of the Stroke Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool, recommended for use in clinical rehabilitation and stroke self‐management/self‐efficacy interventions.
Antibody repertoire analysis in polygenic autoimmune diseases
Authors: Bashford‐Rogers Rachael J. M. , Smith Kenneth G. C. , Thomas David C.
Published: March 2018

High‐throughput sequencing of the DNA/RNA encoding antibody heavy‐ and light‐chains is rapidly transforming the field of adaptive immunity. It can address key questions, including: (i) how the B‐cell repertoire differs in health and disease; and (ii) if it does differ, the point(s) in B‐cell development at which this occurs. The advent of technologies, such as whole‐genome sequencing, offers the chance to link abnormalities in the B‐cell antibody repertoire to specific genomic variants and polymorphisms. Here, we discuss the current research using B‐cell antibody repertoire sequencing in three polygenic autoimmune diseases where there is good evidence for a pathological role for B‐cells, namely systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. These autoimmune diseases exhibit significantly skewed B‐cell receptor repertoires compared with healthy controls. Interestingly, some common repertoire defects are shared between diseases, such as elevated IGHV4‐34 gene usage. B‐cell clones have effectively been characterized and tracked between different tissues and blood in autoimmune disease. It has been hypothesized that these differences may signify differences in B‐cell tolerance; however, the mechanisms and implications of these defects are not clear.
Satisfaction guaranteed? Forensic consumer satisfaction survey
Authors: Cannon Tracey , Taylor Sigourney , Friedman Susan Hatters
Published: March 2018

Despite many people being forensically hospitalized worldwide, there is limited research reporting on their views of the care they receive. To describe consumer satisfaction and areas for improvement, we utilized our forensic psychiatric hospital's consumer survey. Eleven years of surveys, including a total of 541 surveys, were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The majority of the forensic inpatients believed that their views were valued in their care and treatment. Most felt physically and emotionally safe at the hospital and believed that staff knew how to support them in times of distress. The majority felt that their culture and spirituality were respected. However, some areas for improvement were also noted, such as regarding staff attitudes. This consumer survey demonstrated a reasonably high level of satisfaction with forensic inpatient care, over the course of eleven years, despite this population of people being subject to lengthy hospitalisations. Satisfaction surveys of people in forensic inpatient units can be a regular part of forensic care and can help guide improvements in their care.
Acute effects of continuous and high‐intensity interval exercise on executive function
Authors: Brown Denver M. Y. , Bray Steven R.
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of 20‐min of cycling exercise at varying exercise intensities on executive function performance. Participants (N = 107) completed a baseline measure of executive function (Stroop task [ST]) and a graded cardiovascular exercise test during Visit 1. During Visit 2, participants were randomized to groups and completed 20 min of activity involving: high‐intensity interval exercise, high‐, moderate‐ or very‐light intensity continuous exercise, or no‐exercise (control). The ST was performed immediately following the exercise/control manipulation and at 10‐min post‐manipulation. Results showed exercise positively influenced executive function immediately after exercising in all groups with the exception of the very‐light intensity exercise group, while all groups showed significant improvements at 10‐min post‐exercise. Findings also revealed a significant difference between the moderate‐intensity exercise group in comparison to the very‐light intensity exercise group immediately post‐exercise. Among the exercise stimuli investigated, results suggest moderate‐intensity exercise provides the greatest beneficial effects on executive function immediately following exercise. Future research should focus on mechanisms that would account for enhanced executive function performance following acute exercise and dose–response effects.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials: Skin‐patch of Chinese herbal medicine for patients with acute gouty arthritis
Authors: Wang Hui‐Ru , Fu Qiang , Liu Zhe , Li Meng‐Lin , Zhai Shuang‐Qing
Published: March 2018

Aims

To evaluate the evidence of the effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal medicine skin‐patches for patients with acute gouty arthritis.

Background

Acute gouty arthritis is a problem that can limit the level of activity and impair the quality of life. In China, many clinical studies have demonstrated that skin‐patches of Chinese herbal medicines benefit patients with acute gouty arthritis. However, the reported clinical effects vary.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Data sources

Three English databases including CENTRAL (1993 to February 2017), PubMed (1966 to February 2017) and EMBASE (1974 to February 2017) and four Chinese databases including Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese VIP Information, SinoMed and Wanfang (all, 1949 ‐ February 2017) were searched. Randomized controlled trials that compared skin‐patches of Chinese herbal medicine with or without conventional treatments to conventional treatments, no treatment or a placebo treatment for patients with acute gouty arthritis were included.

Review methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis following the Cochrane process. Two authors selected the studies, extracted the data and evaluated the risk of bias of the included trials.

Results

Nineteen studies met our inclusion criteria. After synthesizing the data, the results showed that skin‐patches of CHM combined with Western medicine seemed to be more effective than Western medicine alone for pain relief in patients with acute gouty arthritis and had fewer adverse events.

Conclusion

Due to the quality of the data, larger and more rigorously designed clinical trials with proper outcome measures are necessary.
Effects of postoperative pain management educational interventions on the outcomes of parents and their children who underwent an inpatient elective surgery: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhu Lixia , Chan Wai‐Chi Sally , Liam Joanne Li Wee , Xiao Chunxiang , Lim Evelyn Chin Choo , Luo Nan , Cheng Kin Fong Karis , He Hong‐Gu
Published: March 2018

Aim

To examine the effects of a postoperative pain management educational intervention on the outcomes of parents and their children who underwent inpatient elective surgery.

Background

Equipping parents with knowledge and skills to manage their children's postoperative pains is essential. Very limited studies have examined the effects of educational interventions on parents’ knowledge, attitudes and use of pharmacological and non‐pharmacological pain relief methods.

Design

Three‐group pre‐ and post‐test randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Parent–child pairs (N = 152) were recruited from September 2013–January 2015 and randomly assigned to either the control group or one of the two intervention groups. Valid and reliable instruments and diary entries were used to collect data at the baseline, 6, 12 and 24 hr and 2 weeks after the surgery. IBM SPSS 23.0 was used to analyse the data.

Results

Parents reported moderate levels of knowledge, attitudes, pain relief methods used and children's postoperative pain. Except for parents’ knowledge, types and frequencies of non‐pharmacological methods used, there were no statistically significant differences among the three groups in parents’ attitudes on pain management and pain medication, their uses of pain relief strategies (questionnaire data), satisfaction with postoperative pain management and children's worst postoperative pain in 2 weeks after surgery.

Conclusion

Education seemed effective in improving parents’ knowledge and use of non‐pharmacological methods, but not attitudes, satisfaction with pain management and children's postoperative pain. Future studies are needed to develop modern digitalized ways for educating and supporting parents to optimize their children's postoperative pain management.

Trial registration

This study has been registered with BioMed Central Ltd. (Registration No.: ISRCTN24910957).
Associations of eHealth literacy with health‐promoting behaviours among hospital nurses: A descriptive cross‐sectional study
Authors: Cho Hyeonmi , Han Kihye , Park Bu Kyung
Published: March 2018

Aims

To investigate the associations of eHealth Literacy with health‐promoting behaviours among hospital nurses in South Korea.

Background

Health‐promoting behaviours of nurses are crucial for their own improved health and health‐related behaviours of patients. eHealth literacy refers to the ability to search, understand and evaluate health information available online. With the growing use of the Internet, eHealth literacy is emerging as an important factor enhancing health‐promoting behaviours.

Design

Descriptive cross‐sectional design with self‐reported questionnaires.

Methods

Data were collected between March–May 2016 from five hospitals in South Korea. Health‐promoting behaviours and eHealth literacy were assessed using Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile‐II and K‐eHEALS, respectively. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the associations of eHealth literacy and health‐promoting behaviours.

Results

Nurses with high level of eHealth literacy had significantly positive overall health‐promoting behaviours, stress management, interpersonal relations, self‐actualization and health responsibility, but not for nutrition and physical activity.

Conclusion

Improving eHealth literacy through various strategies could be an effective way to boost health‐promoting behaviours among nurses. However, improvement of actual health‐promoting behaviours such as nutrition and physical activity will require systematic and organizational changes.
The effects of “phubbing” on social interaction
Authors: Chotpitayasunondh Varoth , Douglas Karen M.
Published: March 2018

This research experimentally investigated the social consequences of “phubbing” – the act of snubbing someone in a social setting by concentrating on one's mobile phone. Participants viewed a three‐minute animation in which they imagined themselves as part of a dyadic conversation. Their communication partner either phubbed them extensively, partially, or not at all. Results revealed that increased phubbing significantly and negatively affected perceived communication quality and relationship satisfaction. These effects were mediated by reduced feelings of belongingness and both positive and negative affect. This research underlines the importance of phubbing as a modern social phenomenon to be further investigated.
Radial growth response to climate change along the latitudinal range of the world's southernmost conifer in southern South America
Authors: Holz Andrés , Hart Sarah J. , Williamson Grant J. , Veblen Thomas T. , Aravena Juan C.
Published: March 2018

Aim

We examined whether and how tree radial‐growth responses to climate have changed for the world's southernmost conifer species throughout its latitudinal distribution following rapid climate change in the second half of the 20th century.

Location

Temperate forests in southern South America.

Methods

New and existing tree‐ring radial growth chronologies representing the entire latitudinal range of Pilgerodendron uviferum were grouped according to latitude and then examined for differences in growth trends and non‐stationarity in growth responses to a drought severity index (scPDSI) over the 1900–1993 AD period and also before and after significant shifts in climate in the 1950s and 1970s.

Results

The radial‐growth response of P. uviferum climate was highly variable across its full latitudinal distribution. There was a long‐term and positive association between radial growth and higher moisture at the northern and southern edges of the distribution of this species and the opposite relationship for the core of its distribution, especially following the climatic shifts of the 1950s and 1970s. In addition, non‐stationarity in moisture‐radial growth relationships was observed in all three latitudinal groups (southern and northern edges and core) for all seasons during the 20th century.

Main conclusions

Climate shifts in southern South America in the 1950s and 1970s resulted in different responses in the mean radial growth of P. uviferum at the southern and northern edges and at the core of its range. Dendroclimatic analyses document that during the first half of the 20th century climate‐growth relationships were relatively similar between the southern and northern range edges but diverged after the 1950s. Our findings imply that simulated projections of climate impacts on tree growth, and by implication on forest ecosystem productivity, derived from models of past climate‐growth relationships need to carefully consider different and non‐stationarity responses along the wide latitudinal distribution of this species.
Dated phylogeography of western North American subalpine marshmarigolds (Caltha spp., Ranunculaceae): Miocene–Pliocene divergence of hexaploids, multiple origins of allododecaploids during the Pleistocene, and repeated recolonization of Last Glacial Maximum glaciated regions
Authors: Wefferling Keir M. , Hoot Sara B.
Published: March 2018

Aim

In order to understand how a montane polyploid species complex responded to Cenozoic mountain uplift and climate change, we reconstructed the biogeographic history of the subalpine marshmarigold polyploid complex, including Caltha biflora, Caltha chionophila and Caltha leptosepala. Phylogenies at multiple taxonomic levels were used to estimate the timing of species divergence, allopolyploid formation and migration patterns, and to identify Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) refugia and recolonization routes.

Location

Western North America.

Methods

A fossil‐calibrated chronogram was estimated for the eudicot order Ranunculales that was in turn used to set age priors on genus‐level Caltha phylogenies. Nuclear ribosomal and chloroplast DNA sequence data were collected from subalpine marshmarigolds, including 161 specimens from across the geographical range of the complex. The datasets were analysed under a strict or relaxed molecular clock and a structured coalescent model of evolution estimated under a Bayesian framework.

Results

Hexaploids C. biflora and Caltha chionophila diverged in the Upper Miocene to Lower Pleistocene (chloroplast and nuclear dataset estimates overlapping at the Miocene–Pliocene boundary), and upon secondary contact formed allododecaploid C. leptosepala bidirectionally and at least three times. The hexaploids persisted to the south of LGM icesheets and recolonized LGM glaciated regions in multiple waves, mainly from the C. biflora clade in the Cascades and Coast Ranges.

Main conclusions

This study of a widespread western North American plant lineage shows a complex response to past geological and climatic changes, with multiple refugia, allopolyploidization events, and migrations during the Pleistocene. Bidirectional allododecaploid formation has resulted in cryptic lineages, some of which (C. leptosepala in the Cascades and Coast Ranges) have been more successful at reclaiming glaciated regions than others (C. leptosepala in the Northern Rockies).
Renal nerve ablation reduces blood pressure in resistant hypertension: Long‐term clinical outcomes in a single‐center experience
Authors: Denegri Andrea , Naduvathumuriyil Tino , Lüscher Thomas Felix , Sudano Isabella
Published: March 2018

Approximately 10% of patients with hypertension have resistant hypertension, even if adequate pharmacological therapy is established. In this regard, renal nerve ablation (RNA) could represent a valid alternative treatment option. In a retrospective analysis with a follow‐up of 6, 12, and 24 months, the authors investigated the efficacy and safety of catheter‐based renal artery ablation in 57 patients undergoing RNA with multiple renal nerve ablation in both renal arteries. In addition to medical antihypertensive therapy (4.2 ± 1.4 drugs per patient), RNA using three different ablation systems was performed in patients with confirmed resistant hypertension (systolic blood pressure >140 mm Hg in spite of three drugs including a diuretic). The primary end point was the change in office ambulatory systolic blood pressure from baseline to 6, 12, and 24 months of follow‐up after RNA. The primary safety end point was the change in plasma creatinine levels after 12 and 24 months compared with baseline. The mean office systolic blood pressure at baseline was 167.6 ± 22.4 and after 6, 12, and 24 months averaged 143.5 ± 21.1 (P < .05), 141.1 ± 21.1 (P < .05), and 139.4 ± 19.6 mm Hg (P < .05) respectively, with an average of 15.1 ± 5.3 nerve ablations performed. No significant changes in plasma creatinine levels were observed at 12 months (P = .421) and at 24 months (P = .217). There were no complications after RNA nor any relevant adverse vascular, renal, or cardiovascular events observed except in one patient in whom a covered stent had to be placed at the femoral puncture site. In this study, in all patients with resistant hypertension, RNA, if performed adequately in the number of ablations and energy delivery, is an efficient and safe treatment option to lower office and 24‐hour blood pressure. Whether these blood pressure–lowering effects will lead to a reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality will require further studies.
Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analyses reveal ɑ‐lipoic acid‐regulated cell proliferation via Grb2‐mediated signalling in hepatic cancer cells
Authors: Yang Lan , Wang Xiliang , Xu Juan , Wen Ya , Zhang Manqiao , Lu Jingxiao , Wang Rongfu , Sun Xiaojuan
Published: March 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most frequent primary liver cancer worldwide. The use of antioxidants as cancer prevention and treatment agents has become a focus of research in recent years due to their limited adverse effects. Alpha lipoic acid (ɑ‐LA) is synthesized in the liver and is considered a naturally occurring antioxidant. In this study, a total of 4446 differentially expressed genes (2097 down‐regulated and 2349 up‐regulated) were identified via RNA‐Seq in HepG2 cells after exposure to α‐LA for 24 hrs. Moreover, GO and KEGG pathway analyses showed that cancer‐relevant cell membrane proteins were significantly affected. An interaction network analysis predicted that Grb2 might mediate the key target pathways activated by exposure to ɑ‐LA. Verification of the RNA‐Seq and iTRAQ results confirmed that Grb2 mediated the ɑ‐LA‐induced inhibition of cell proliferation in vitro. Furthermore, the analysis of human hepatocellular carcinoma specimens obtained from the GEO database showed that the expression of EGFR and Met correlated with that of Grb2. These findings provide a novel mechanism through which ɑ‐LA regulates cell proliferation via the down‐regulation of growth factor‐stimulated Grb2 signalling.
The essential function of CARD9 in diet‐induced inflammation and metabolic disorders in mice
Authors: Zeng Xuejiao , Du Xihao , Zhang Jia , Jiang Shuo , Liu Jie , Xie Yuquan , Shan Wei , He Guanglong , Sun Qinghua , Zhao Jinzhuo
Published: March 2018

Inflammation and metabolic disorder are common pathophysiological conditions, which play a vital role in the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of caspase recruitment domain (CARD) 9 in the high fat diet (HFD)‐treated mice and attempt to find a molecular therapeutic target for obesity development and treatment. Sixteen male CARD9−/− and corresponding male WT mice were fed with normal diet or high fat diet, respectively, for 12 weeks. Glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, oxygen consumption and heat production of the mice were detected. The CARD9/MAPK pathway‐related gene and protein were determined in insulin‐responsive organs using Western blotting and quantitative PCR. The results showed that HFD‐induced insulin resistance and impairment of glucose tolerance were more severe in WT mice than that in the CARD9−/− mice. CARD9 absence significantly modified O2 consumption, CO2 production and heat production. CARD9−/− mice displayed the lower expression of p38 MAPK, JNK and ERK when compared to the WT mice in both HFD‐ and ND‐treated groups. HFD induced the increase of p38 MAPK, JNK and ERK in WT mice but not in the CARD9−/− mice. The results indicated that CARD9 absence could be a vital protective factor in diet‐induced obesity via the CARD9/MAPK pathway, which may provide new insights into the development of gene knockout to improving diet‐induced obesity and metabolism disorder.
LncRNA SNHG1 functions as a ceRNA to antagonize the effect of miR‐145a‐5p on the down‐regulation of NUAK1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell
Authors: Lan Xintang , Liu Xiuling
Published: March 2018

How lncRNA SNHG1 influences the aggressiveness of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells as well as the underlying mechanism was studied. The lncRNA differences were analysed by GSE12452 gene microarray. The expression of SNHG1, MiR‐145‐5p and NUAK1 was identified by qRT‐PCR and western blot. Transfection was conducted to construct nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells with different expressions of SNHG1, miR‐145‐5p and NUAK1. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was performed to explore the relationship between SNHG1, miR‐145‐5p and NUAK1. Wound‐healing assay and transwell invasion experiments were employed to study changes in cell migration capacity and cell invasion, respectively. Tumour xenografts were performed to observe lung metastasis of nude mice inoculated with transfected CNE cells. SNHG1 is highly expressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues and in cell lines. Down‐regulation of SNHG1 facilitated the expression of miR‐145‐5p and further suppressed the level of NAUK1 in CNE and HNE‐1 cells. Silencing of SNHG1, up‐regulation of miR‐145‐5p and inhibition of NAUK1 by relative transfection all attenuated the aggressiveness of CNE and HNE‐1 cells both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, the impaired cell migration and invasion by SNHG1 siRNA could be rescued by cotransfection of miR‐145‐5p in CNE and HNE‐1 cells. LncRNA SNHG1 promoted the expression of NUAK1 by down‐regulating miR‐145‐5p and thus promoted the aggressiveness of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells through AKT signalling pathway and induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT).
Spermidine promotes nucleus pulposus autophagy as a protective mechanism against apoptosis and ameliorates disc degeneration
Authors: Zheng Zengming , Wang Zhou‐Guang , Chen Yu , Chen Jian , Khor Sinan , Li Jiawei , He Zili , Wang Qingqing , Zhang Hongyu , Xu Ke , Fanghua Gong , Xiao Jian , Wang Xiangyang
Published: March 2018

Spermidine has therapeutic effects in many diseases including as heart diastolic function, myopathic defects and neurodegenerative disorders via autophagy activation. Autophagy has been found to mitigate cell apoptosis in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Accordingly, we theorize that spermidine may have beneficial effects on IDD via autophagy stimulation. In this study, spermidine's effect on IDD was evaluated in tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)‐treated nucleus pulposus cells of SD rats in vitro as well as in a puncture‐induced rat IDD model. We found that autophagy was actuated by spermidine in nucleus pulposus cells. In addition, spermidine treatment weakened the apoptotic effects of TBHP in nucleus pulposus cells. Spermidine increased the expression of anabolic proteins including Collagen‐II and aggrecan and decreased the expression of catabolic proteins including MMP13 and Adamts‐5. Additionally, autophagy blockade using 3‐MA reversed the beneficial impact of spermidine against nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis. Autophagy was thus important for spermidine's therapeutic effect on IDD. Spermidine‐treated rats had an accentuated T2‐weighted signal and a diminished histological degenerative grade than vehicle‐treated rats, showing that spermidine inhibited intervertebral disc degeneration in vivo. Thus, spermidine protects nucleus pulposus cells against apoptosis through autophagy activation and improves disc, which may be beneficial for the treatment of IDD.
Governing Labour Standards through Free Trade Agreements: Limits of the European Union's Trade and Sustainable Development Chapters
Authors: Harrison James , Barbu Mirela , Campling Liam , Richardson Ben , Smith Adrian
Published: March 2018

The EU has established a new architecture of international labour standards governance within the Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) chapters of its Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). To examine the operationalization of this framework, we draw upon 121 interviews undertaken with key informants in three FTAs signed with the Caribbean, South Korea and Moldova. We engage with wider debates over external governance and the projection of EU power by showing how operational failings, including a lack of legal and political prioritization of TSD chapters and shortcomings in the implementation of key provisions, have hindered the impact of the FTAs upon labour standards. We also identify significant limitations to the EU's ‘common formulation’ approach when applied to different trading partner contexts, alongside ambiguities about the underlying purpose of the trade–labour linkage. Reflection about the function and purpose of labour standards provisions in EU trade policy is therefore required.
Site‐level risk predictors of peri‐implantitis: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Kumar Purnima S. , Dabdoub Shareef M. , Hegde Rachna , Ranganathan Nanditha , Mariotti Angelo
Published: March 2018

Aim

The goal of the present investigation was to identify site‐level factors that might allow prognostication of individual implants in partially dentate patients with multiple non‐splinted restorations.

Methods

We analysed clinical and radiographic characteristics of 222 non‐splinted single implants in function for at least 5 years in 86 partially dentate individuals at the time of functional loading and at follow‐up, with the outcome variable being peri‐implantitis. Principal component analysis identified factors contributing to greatest variability and linear discriminant analysis coupled with Random Forest Classifier used to identify risk predictors.

Results

After controlling for patient‐level factors, the following characteristics were associated with significantly increased risk for peri‐implantitis: Periodontal disease on adjoining teeth at the time of restoration (Odds Ratio (OR): 8.0), implant placement at a depth of 6 mm or more in relation to the CEJ of adjacent tooth (OR: 8.5), asymmetric prosthesis (OR: 4.3), history of tooth loss due to periodontitis (OR: 2.4) and a mean baseline plaque index of 1.6 or more (OR: 7.9).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that a system that incorporates both subject level and implant‐level factors is required to effectively prognosticate the success of individual implants.
Impact of age at menarche on obesity and glycemic control in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: Fukuoka Diabetes Registry
Authors: Sumi Akiko , Iwase Masanori , Nakamura Udai , Fujii Hiroki , Ohkuma Toshiaki , Ide Hitoshi , Jodai‐Kitamura Tamaki , Komorita Yuji , Yoshinari Masahito , Kitazono Takanari
Published: March 2018

Aims/Introduction

A younger age at menarche is associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes in adult life. The impact of early‐onset menarche on obesity and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes has not been investigated. The present study examined the relationship between age at menarche and obesity and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

A total of 2,133 patients with type 2 diabetes aged ≥20 years were divided into groups according to age at menarche (≤11, 12, 13, 14 and ≥15 years). A retrospective cohort study examined the association of menarcheal age with adiposity and hemoglobin A1c.

Results

Age at menarche was inversely associated with body mass index (BMI) and abdominal circumference (P < 0.001). Each 1‐year decrease in age at menarche was associated with a 0.25‐kg/m2 and 0.6‐cm increase in BMI and abdominal circumference, respectively, using a multivariate‐adjusted model. Odds ratios for obesity and abdominal obesity significantly increased in participants with age at menarche ≤11 years after multivariable adjustments when age at menarche of 13 years was used as the reference (odds ratio 1.95, 95% CI 1.33–2.88, odds ratio 1.95, 95% CI 1.32–2.87, respectively). Younger age at menarche was significantly associated with higher hemoglobin A1c (P < 0.001); however, the association was not statistically significant after adjusting for BMI.

Conclusions

Age at menarche of ≤11 years was associated with obesity after adjusting for confounding factors, and poor glycemic control associated with high BMI in type 2 diabetes. Age at menarche should be considered during clinical assessments.
Cross‐sectional survey of biosimilar insulin utilization in Asia: The Joint Asia Diabetes Evaluation Program
Authors: Gani Linsey , Lau Eric , Luk Andrea , Sobrepena Leorino , Tran Quang Khanh , Kesavadev Jothydev , Jia Weiping , Yu Weinan , Tsang Chiu Chi , Mukhopadhyay Monojitketan , Jha Sujeet , Sheu Wayne , Ho Yoon Kun , Nguyen Thy Khue , Ozaki Risa , So Wing Yee , Kwan Christine , Fu Amy W C , Mirasol Roberto , Phatak Sanjeev Ratnakar , Kumar Kanakatte Mylariah Prasanna , Aravind Sosale , Janakiraman Hari , Chan Juliana C N ,   the JADE Collaborative Study Group
Published: March 2018

Aims/Introduction

Biosimilar insulin can reduce treatment costs, although the extent of its use is largely unknown. We examined biosimilar insulin use and its associations with the quality of glycemic control using the Joint Asia Diabetes Evaluation register.

Materials and Methods

We carried out a cross‐sectional analysis in 81,531 patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes enrolled into the Joint Asia Diabetes Evaluation Program from 2007 to 2014. All insulin related terms are extracted from the Joint Asia Diabetes Evaluation portal, and compared clinical profiles between biosimilar and originator insulin users. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the association of biosimilar insulin compared with originator insulin with dosage, glycated hemoglobin and hypoglycemia events.

Results

Amongst 81,531 patients, 20.5% (n = 16,738) were insulin‐treated. In four countries with high use of biosimilar insulin, 4.7% (n = 719) of insulin users (n = 10,197) were treated with biosimilar insulin (India n = 507, 70.3%; the Philippines n = 90, 12.5%; China n = 62, 8.6%; Vietnam n = 60, 8.3%). Biosimilar insulin users were younger and had higher body mass index, glycated hemoglobin, insulin dosage and more frequent hypoglycemia than originator insulin users. These associations were non‐significant after adjustment for confounders. Only age, college education, diabetes education, lipid control, physical activity and history of cardiovascular complications were independently associated with these quality measures.

Conclusions

Biosimilar insulin use is not uncommon in Asia. Data exclusion due to incomplete capturing of brand names suggests possibly higher use. The multiple determinants of the quality of glycemic control call for establishment of prospective cohorts and diabetes registers to monitor the safety and efficacy of different brands of biosimilar insulin and their impacts on clinical outcomes.