bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frailty is an independent risk factor for recurrence and mortality following curative resection of stage I–III colorectal cancer
Authors: Mima Kosuke , Miyanari Nobutomo , Morito Atsushi , Yumoto Shinsei , Matsumoto Takashi , Kosumi Keisuke , Inoue Mitsuhiro , Mizumoto Takao , Kubota Tatsuo , Baba Hideo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimWith population aging, the number of frail patients with colorectal cancer has increased. The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) is a validated tool for assessing frailty, and higher scores indicate worse clinical outcomes following cardiovascular procedures. This retrospective study aimed to examine preoperative frailty in relation to recurrence and mortality following curative resection of colorectal cancer.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data for 729 consecutive patients undergoing curative resection of stage I–stage III colon and rectal adenocarcinoma between January 2009 and December 2016. Frailty was assessed using the CFS: 1 (very fit) to 9 (terminally ill), and frailty was defined as CFS ≥ 4. Recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between frail and nonfrail patients. Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs), controlling for potential confounders.ResultsCFS score was negatively correlated with the Barthel index of activities of daily living (Spearman's ρ = −0.83). Of the 729 patients, 253 (35%) were frail. In multivariable analyses adjusting for potential confounders including age and disease stage, frailty was independently associated with shorter RFS (multivariable HR: 1.70, 95% confidence interval: 1.25‐2.31, P < .001) and OS (multivariable HR: 2.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.40‐2.99, P < .001). There were no significant interactions of frailty with age and disease stage regarding RFS and OS (Pinteraction > .72).ConclusionPreoperative frailty was independently associated with shorter RFS and OS following resection of nonmetastatic colorectal cancer, regardless of age and disease stage. Further trials are needed to establish treatment strategies for frail patients with colorectal cancer.
Astragaloside IV attenuates chronic intermittent hypoxia‐induced myocardial injury by modulating Ca2+ homeostasis
Authors: Jiang Shan , Jiao Guangyu , Chen Yunqiu , Han Mingxin , Wang Xinzhuo , Liu Wenjuan 
Published: April 2020

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is an important consequence of chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). Astragaloside IV (AS‐IV) exerts multiple protective effects in diverse diseases. However, whether AS‐IV can attenuate CIH‐induced myocardial injury is unclear. In this study, rats exposed to CIH were established and treated with AS‐IV for 4 weeks. In vitro, H9C2 cardiomyocytes subjected to CIH exposure were treated with AS‐IV for 48 hours. Then the cardiac function, morphology, fibrosis, apoptosis and Ca2+ homeostasis were determined to assess cardiac damage. Results showed that AS‐IV attenuated cardiac dysfunction and histological lesions in CIH rats. The increased TUNEL‐positive cells and activated apoptotic proteins in CIH rats were reduced by AS‐IV. We also noticed that AS‐IV reversed the accumulation of Ca2+ and altered expressions of Ca2+ handling proteins (decreases of SERCA2a and RYR2, and increases of p‐CaMKII and NCX1) under CIH exposure. Furthermore, CIH‐induced reduction of SERCA2a activity was increased by AS‐IV in rats. Similar results were also observed in H9C2 cells. Altogether, these findings indicate that AS‐IV modulates Ca2+ homeostasis to inhibit apoptosis, protecting against CIH‐induced myocardial injury eventually, suggesting it may be a potential agent for cardiac damage of OSAS patients.Significance of the studyChronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is a great contributor of OSAS, which is closely associated with cardiovascular diseases. It is necessary for developing a promising drug to attenuate CIH‐induced myocardial injury. This work suggests that AS‐IV can attenuate myocardial apoptosis and calcium disruption, thus protecting against CIH‐induced myocardial injury. It may represent a novel therapeutic for cardiac damage of OSAS.
Chemospecific deficits in taste sensitivity following bilateral or right hemispheric gustatory cortex lesions in rats
Authors: Bales Michelle B. , Spector Alan C. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractOur prior studies showed bilateral gustatory cortex (GC) lesions significantly impair taste sensitivity to salts (NaCl and KCl) and quinine (“bitter”) but not to sucrose (“sweet”). The range of qualitative tastants tested here has been extended in a theoretically relevant way to include the maltodextrin, Maltrin, a preferred stimulus by rats thought to represent a unique taste quality, and the “sour” stimulus citric acid; NaCl was also included as a positive control. Male rats (Sprague–Dawley) with histologically confirmed neurotoxin‐induced bilateral (BGCX, n = 13), or right (RGCX, n = 13) or left (LGCX, n = 9) unilateral GC lesions and sham‐operated controls (SHAM, n = 16) were trained to discriminate a tastant from water in an operant two‐response detection task. A mapping system was used to determine placement, size, and symmetry (when bilateral) of the lesion. BGCX significantly impaired taste sensitivity to NaCl, as expected, but not to Maltrin or citric acid, emulating our prior results with sucrose. However, in the case of citric acid, there was some disruption in performance at higher concentrations. Interestingly, RGCX, but not LGCX, also significantly impaired taste sensitivity, but only to NaCl, suggesting some degree of lateralized function. Taken together with our prior findings, extensive bilateral lesions in GC do not disrupt basic taste signal detection to all taste stimuli uniformly. Moreover, GC lesions do not preclude the ability of rats to learn and perform the task, clearly demonstrating that, in its absence, other brain regions are able to maintain sensory‐discriminative taste processing, albeit with attenuated sensitivity for select stimuli.
Do environmental, economic and reputational advantages strengthen green practices' impact on environmental performance?
Authors: Yusof Nor'Aini , Tabassi Amin Akhavan , Kamal Ernawati Mustafa 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn an attempt to curb the hazardous effect of construction activities, there is a heightened debate about whether the perceptions of green practice (GP) advantages will encourage the adoption of GPs and improve environmental performance (EnvP). This article investigates the role of environmental, economic and reputational advantages of GPs and their relationship with EnvP. The data were collected from 148 project managers from the Malaysian construction industry and analysed using partial least square structural equation modelling. The results demonstrated that the relationship between green supply management and EnvP is more pronounced when environmental and reputational advantages are perceived as low, with the strongest effects derived from low perception of environmental advantage. The results advance existing knowledge by verifying the moderating effects of the advantages of various GPs. At the end of the article, several recommendations are made to help policy makers and project managers improve the EnvP of construction projects.
The utilisation of vascular limb salvage services in the assessment and management of chronic limb‐threatening ischaemia and diabetic foot ulceration: A systematic review
Authors: Nickinson A. T. O. , Houghton J. S. M. , Bridgwood B. , Essop‐Adam A. , Nduwayo S. , Payne T. , Sayers R. D. , Davies R. S. M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSpecialist vascular limb salvage services have gained prominence as a new model of care to help overcome barriers which exist in the management of patients with chronic limb‐threatening ischaemia (CLTI) and/or diabetic foot ulceration (DFU). This systematic review aims to explore the nature of reported services, investigate their outcome in the management of CLTI/DFU, and assess the scope and quality of the evidence base to help make recommendations for future practice and research. A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Scopus and CINAHL, from 1st January 1995 to 18th January 2019, was performed. Specialist vascular limb salvage services were defined as those services conforming to the definition of “centres of excellence” within the 2019 Global Vascular Guidelines. A study protocol was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42019123325). In total, 2260 articles were screened, with 12 articles (describing 11 services) included in a narrative synthesis. All services ran akin to the “toe‐and‐flow” model, with a number of services having additional core input from diabetology, microbiology, allied health professionals and/or internal/vascular medicine. Methodological weaknesses were identified within the design of the included articles and only one was deemed of high quality. The inception of services was associated with improved rates of major amputation; however, no significant changes in minor amputation or mortality rates were identified. Further research should adopt more a standardised study design and outcomes measures in order to improve the quality of evidence within the literature.
Brain substrate metabolism and ß‐cell function in humans: A positron emission tomography study
Authors: Rebelos Eleni , Mari Andrea , Bucci Marco , Honka Miikka‐Juhani , Hannukainen Jarna C. , Virtanen Kirsi A. , Hirvonen Jussi , Nummenmaa Lauri , Heni Martin , Iozzo Patricia , Ferrannini Ele , Nuutila Pirjo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimsRecent clinical studies have shown enhanced brain glucose uptake during clamp and brain fatty acid uptake in insulin‐resistant individuals. Preclinical studies suggest that the brain may be involved in the control of insulin secretion. The aim of this study was to investigate whether brain metabolism assessed as brain glucose and fatty acid uptake is associated with the parameters of β‐cell function in humans.Materials and methodsWe analysed cross‐sectional data of 120 subjects across a wide range of BMI and insulin sensitivity. Brain glucose uptake (BGU) was measured during euglycaemic‐hyperinsulinaemic clamp (n = 67) and/or during fasting (n = 45) using [18F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET). In another group of subjects (n = 34), brain fatty acid uptake was measured using [18F]‐fluoro‐6‐thia‐heptadecanoic acid (FTHA) PET during fasting. The parameters of β‐cell function were derived from OGTT modelling. Statistical analysis was performed with whole‐brain voxel‐based statistical parametric mapping.ResultsIn non‐diabetics, BGU during euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp correlated positively with basal insulin secretion rate (r = 0.51, P = .0008) and total insulin output (r = 0.51, P = .0008), whereas no correlation was found in type 2 diabetics. BGU during clamp correlated positively with potentiation in non‐diabetics (r = 0.33, P = .02) and negatively in type 2 diabetics (r = −0.61, P = .02). The associations in non‐diabetics were not explained with whole‐body insulin sensitivity or BMI. No correlations were found between baseline (fasting) BGU and basal insulin secretion rate, whereas baseline brain fatty acid uptake correlated directly with basal insulin secretion rate (r = 0.39, P = .02) and inversely with potentiation (r = −0.36, P = .04).ConclusionsOur study provides coherent, though correlative, evidence that, in humans, the brain may be involved in the control of insulin secretion independently of insulin sensitivity.
SFPQ‐ABL1‐positive B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemias
Authors: Biloglav Andrea , Olsson‐Arvidsson Linda , Theander Johan , Behrendtz Mikael , Castor Anders , Johansson Bertil 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn recent years, a subgroup of B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP ALL) without an established abnormality (“B‐other”) has been shown to be characterized by rearrangements of ABL1, ABL2, CSF1R, or PDGFRB (a.k.a. ABL‐class genes). Using FISH with probes for these genes, we screened 55 pediatric and 50 adult B‐other cases. Three (6%) of the adult but none of the childhood B‐other cases were positive for ABL‐class aberrations. RT‐PCR and sequencing confirmed a rare SFPQ‐ABL1 fusion in one adult B‐other case with t(1;9)(p34;q34). Only six SFPQ‐ABL1‐positive BCP ALLs have been reported, present case included. A review of these shows that all harbored fusions between exon 9 of SFPQ and exon 4 of ABL1, that the fusion is typically found in adolescents/younger adults without hyperleukocytosis, and that IKZF1 deletions are recurrent. The few patients not treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and/or allogeneic stem cell transplantation relapsed, strengthening the notion that TKI should be added to the therapy of SFPQ‐ABL1‐positive BCP ALL.
Predictors of live birth rate in women with diminished ovarian reserve
Authors: Huang Rui , Wang Ning‐Ning , Li Ting‐Ting , Li Man‐Chao , Yang Xing , Liang Xiao‐Yan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the chance of live birth after several oocyte retrieval cycles in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and identify the possible predictors.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 931 patients with DOR who underwent in vitro fertilization at a university hospital in China between January 2012 and December 2014. All data for fresh and the associated frozen‐thawed embryo transfer attempts were analyzed. Conditional and cumulative live birth rates (LBRs) were calculated. Mediation and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the predictors of live birth.ResultsConditional LBRs remained around 10.0% in the first five cycles. Conservative cumulative LBRs (CLBRs) reached 22.0% after three cycles and increased to 24.8% after six cycles; optimal CLBRs increased from 12.9% to nearly 50.0% after six cycles. Patient age and the number of good‐quality embryos were two key predictors in determining the conditional and conservative LBRs.ConclusionFor patients with DOR, conditional LBR remained constant in the first five cycles, and patients should be encouraged to continue to three or five completed cycles to maximize their chance of live birth. Patient age and the number of good‐quality embryos were two key factors to predict live birth.
Complete atrioventricular dissociation and sinus arrest after pheochromocytoma resection
Authors: Yamada Yuya , Fujiwara Hiroshi , Banno Haruka , Hikami Kensuke , Nakashima Masakazu , Tamaki Masahiro , Ito Noriyuki 
Published: April 2020

IntroductionAlthough preoperative bradycardia has been reported in several pheochromocytoma cases, postoperative bradycardia has not. This is the first case report of complete atrioventricular dissociation and sinus arrest occurring after pheochromocytoma resection.Case presentationA 38‐year‐old woman was referred for a left adrenal incidentaloma. Twenty‐four hour urinary collection showed elevated noradrenaline. Iodine‐123‐meta‐iodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy showed high tracer uptake in the left adrenal region. Open left adrenalectomy was performed, and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. Thirty minutes following surgery, complete atrioventricular dissociation and sinus arrest developed. Vagal reflex attenuation due to decreased noradrenaline after tumor removal and perioperative pain and fear were believed to be the causes. A temporary pacemaker was implanted to prevent sudden death due to vagal overstimulation.ConclusionVagal reflex attenuation after pheochromocytoma resection can result in complete atrioventricular dissociation and sinus arrest. Adequate preoperative preparation and close monitoring during and after surgery are imperative.
Effect of salinity acclimation on osmoregulation, oxidative stress, and metabolic enzymes in the invasive Xenopus laevis
Authors: Hidalgo Jaime , Álvarez‐Vergara Felipe , Peña‐Villalobos Isaac , Contreras‐Ramos Carolina , Sanchez‐Hernandez Juan C. , Sabat Pablo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAquatic animals often display physiological adjustments to improve their biological performance and hydrosaline balance in saline environments. In addition to energetic costs associated with osmoregulation, oxidative stress, and the activation of the antioxidant system are common cellular responses to salt stress in many species, but the knowledge of osmoregulation‐linked oxidative homeostasis in amphibians is scarce. Here we studied the biochemical responses and oxidative responses of Xenopus laevis females exposed for 40 days to two contrasting salinities: hypo‐osmotic (150 mOsm·kg−1·H2O NaCl, HYPO group) and hyper‐osmotic environments (340 mOsm·kg−1·H2O NaCl, HYPER group). We found an increase of plasma osmolality and plasma urea concentration in the animals incubated in the HYPER treatment. Increases in electrolyte concentration were paralleled with an increase of both citrate synthase and cytochrome c oxidase activities in liver and heart. Interestingly, HYPO group had higher catabolic activity of the skin and liver total antioxidant capacity (TAC), compared with animals from the HYPER group. Moreover, there was an inverse relationship between liver TAC and plasma osmolality; and with the metabolic enzymes from liver. These findings suggest that salinity induces changes in urea metabolism and specific activity of metabolic enzymes, which appears to be tissue‐dependent in X. laevis. Contrary to our expectations, we also found a moderate change in the oxidative status as revealed by the increase in TAC activity in the animals acclimated to low salinity medium, but constancy in the lipid peroxidation of membranes.
Coloniality, clonality, and modularity in animals: The elephant in the room
Authors: Hiebert Laurel S. , Simpson Carl , Tiozzo Stefano 
Published: April 2020

AbstractNearly half of the animal phyla contain species that propagate asexually via agametic reproduction, often forming colonies of genetically identical modules, that is, ramets, zooids, or polyps. Clonal reproduction, colony formation, and modular organization have important consequences for many aspects of organismal biology. Theories in ecology, evolution, and development are often based on unitary and, mainly, strictly sexually reproducing organisms, and though colonial animals dominate many marine ecosystems and habitats, recognized concepts for the study of clonal species are often lacking. In this review, we present an overview of the study of colonial and clonal animals, from the historic interests in this subject to modern research in a range of topics, including immunology, stem cell biology, aging, biogeography, and ecology. We attempt to portray the fundamental questions lying behind the biology of colonial animals, focusing on how colonial animals challenge several dogmas in biology as well as the remaining puzzles still to be answered, of which there are many.
Sleep health in young children living with socioeconomic adversity
Authors: Ordway Monica R. , Sadler Lois S. , Jeon Sangchoon , O'Connell Meghan , Banasiak Nancy , Fenick Ada M. , Crowley Angela A. , Canapari Craig , Redeker Nancy S. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractRacially and ethnically diverse young children who live with socioeconomic adversity are at high risk for sleep deficiency, but few behavioral sleep interventions (BSIs) are tailored to their needs. To support the future development of a feasible, acceptable, and culturally relevant sleep intervention, we conducted a community‐engaged, mixed‐methods study with 40 low‐income, racially, and ethnically diverse parents to describe sleep characteristics, sleep habits, and parental sleep knowledge of their 6–36‐month‐old children and to examine the associations between children's sleep characteristics and sleep habits. This report presents quantitative data from this mixed‐methods study. We measured objective (actigraphy) and parent‐reported sleep (Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire) characteristics, sleep habits at bedtime, sleep onset, and during night awakenings, parental sleep knowledge, psychological function (Brief Symptom Inventory), and parenting stress (Parenting Stress Index). Children had low sleep duration (537.2 ± 54.7 nighttime and 111.2 ± 29.8 nap minutes), late bedtimes (22:36 ± 1.5 hr), and high bedtime variability (mean squared successive difference = 3.68 ± 4.31 hr) based on actigraphy. Parental knowledge about sleep recommendations was limited. Sleep habits before bedtime, at sleep onset, and during night awakenings were varied. Sixty‐five percent of parents reported co‐sleeping. Feeding near bedtime or during the night was associated with later bedtimes, more fragmented sleep, and increased bedtime variability. These findings suggest the need for BSIs to support earlier bedtimes and improve sleep duration and continuity by addressing modifiable behaviors. Tailored BSIs that consider socioecological influences on the development of sleep habits are needed.
Comparison of metal‐bound and unbound structures of aminopeptidase B proteins from Escherichia coli and Yersinia pestis
Authors: Minasov George , Lam Matthew R. , Rosas‐Lemus Monica , Sławek Joanna , Woinska Magdalena , Shabalin Ivan G. , Shuvalova Ludmilla , Palsson Bernhard Ø. , Godzik Adam , Minor Wladek , Satchell Karla J. F. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractProtein degradation by aminopeptidases is involved in bacterial responses to stress. Escherichia coli produces two metal‐dependent M17 family leucine aminopeptidases (LAPs), aminopeptidase A (PepA) and aminopeptidase B (PepB). Several structures have been solved for PepA as well as other bacterial M17 peptidases. Herein, we report the first structures of a PepB M17 peptidase. The E. coli PepB protein structure was determined at a resolution of 2.05 and 2.6 Å. One structure has both Zn2+ and Mn2+, while the second structure has two Zn2+ ions bound to the active site. A 2.75 Å apo structure is also reported for PepB from Yersinia pestis. Both proteins form homohexamers, similar to the overall arrangement of PepA and other M17 peptidases. However, the divergent N‐terminal domain in PepB is much larger resulting in a tertiary structure that is more expanded. Modeling of a dipeptide substrate into the C‐terminal LAP domain reveals contacts that account for PepB to uniquely cleave after aspartate.