bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of baseline hemoglobin‐to‐red blood cell distribution width ratio in small cell lung cancer: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Wu Fangfang , Yang Shaoxing , Tang Xiuhua , Liu Wenjing , Chen Haoran , Gao Hongjun 
Published: February 2020

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of baseline hemoglobin‐to‐red blood cell distribution width ratio (HRR) in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients with newly diagnosed SCLC who had received first‐line chemotherapy at the Department of Pulmonary Oncology of the PLA 307 Hospital between January 2008 and October 2018. The optimal cutoff value of the continuous variables was determined using the X‐tile software. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using Cox proportional hazard models. The Kaplan‐Meier method was used for survival analysis, with differences tested using the log‐rank test.ResultsA total of 146 patients were included. The cutoff value for HRR was determined as 0.985. Statistically significant differences were observed in sex, smoking history, stage, radiotherapy combination, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, hemoglobin, and red blood cell distribution width between the high and low HRR groups. The median overall survival (OS) was nine and 17.5 months in the low and high HRR groups, respectively (P < 0.001). The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was five and 8.5 months, respectively (P < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed low HRR to be an independent predictor of a poor prognosis for OS (hazard ratio = 3.782; 95% confidence interval, 2.151–6.652; P < 0.001) and PFS (hazard ratio = 2.112; 95% confidence interval, 1.195–3.733; P = 0.01) in SCLC.ConclusionLow HRR was associated with poorer OS and PFS in patients with SCLC and can be a potentially valuable prognostic factor for these patients.Key pointsThe prognostic value of the baseline hemoglobin‐to‐red blood cell distribution width ratio was evaluated in patients with small cell lung cancer.In this population, this ratio was an independent predictor of overall survival and progression‐free survival. This ratio, an inexpensive and routine parameter, can be used as a prognostic factor in small cell lung cancer.
miR‐181a negatively modulates synaptic plasticity in hippocampal cultures and its inhibition rescues memory deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Rodriguez‐Ortiz Carlos J. , Prieto Gilberto Aleph , Martini Alessandra C. , Forner Stefania , Trujillo‐Estrada Laura , LaFerla Frank M. , Baglietto‐Vargas David , Cotman Carl W. , Kitazawa Masashi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMicroRNAs play a pivotal role in rapid, dynamic, and spatiotemporal modulation of synaptic functions. Among them, recent emerging evidence highlights that microRNA‐181a (miR‐181a) is particularly abundant in hippocampal neurons and controls the expression of key plasticity‐related proteins at synapses. We have previously demonstrated that miR‐181a was upregulated in the hippocampus of a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and correlated with reduced levels of plasticity‐related proteins. Here, we further investigated the underlying mechanisms by which miR‐181a negatively modulated synaptic plasticity and memory. In primary hippocampal cultures, we found that an activity‐dependent upregulation of the microRNA‐regulating protein, translin, correlated with reduction of miR‐181a upon chemical long‐term potentiation (cLTP), which induced upregulation of GluA2, a predicted target for miR‐181a, and other plasticity‐related proteins. Additionally, Aβ treatment inhibited cLTP‐dependent induction of translin and subsequent reduction of miR‐181a, and cotreatment with miR‐181a antagomir effectively reversed the effects elicited by Aβ but did not rescue translin levels, suggesting that the activity‐dependent upregulation of translin was upstream of miR‐181a. In mice, a learning episode markedly decreased miR‐181a in the hippocampus and raised the protein levels of GluA2. Lastly, we observed that inhibition of miR‐181a alleviated memory deficits and increased GluA2 and GluA1 levels, without restoring translin, in the 3xTg‐AD model. Taken together, our results indicate that miR‐181a is a major negative regulator of the cellular events that underlie synaptic plasticity and memory through AMPA receptors, and importantly, Aβ disrupts this process by suppressing translin and leads to synaptic dysfunction and memory impairments in AD.
Temporal fragmentation of a critically endangered forest ecosystem
Authors: Taylor Chris , Lindenmayer David B. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractLandscape change and habitat fragmentation is increasingly affecting forests worldwide. Assessments of patterns of spatial cover in forests over time can be critical as they reveal important information about landscape condition. In this study, we assessed landscape patterns across the Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans) and Alpine Ash (Eucalyptus delegatensis) forests in the Central Highlands of Victoria between 1999 and 2019. These forests have experienced major disturbance over the past 20 years through a major fire (in 2009) and extensive industrial logging. We found that around 70% and 65% of the Mountain Ash and Alpine Ash forest areas, respectively, were either disturbed or within 200 m of a disturbed area. Inclusion of planned logging increased these disturbance categories to 72% and 70%, respectively. We also found that the isolation of Mountain Ash core areas (patches of undisturbed forest >1000 ha) increased significantly (P < 0.05) over our study period, with the proximity between disturbed areas conversely increasing significantly (P < 0.05). This means that continued and planned disturbance through industrial logging will have an amplified adverse effect on remaining undisturbed ash forest patches, which will become smaller and more dispersed across the landscape.
Are pesticides risk decreasing? The relevance of pesticide indicator choice in empirical analysis
Authors: Möhring Niklas , Bozzola Martina , Hirsch Stefan , Finger Robert 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe reduction of adverse health and environmental effects from pesticide use is currently a top priority on the agricultural policy agenda. Efficient pesticide policies must take into account farmers’ application behavior, especially effects of pesticide use on economic risk. However, previous results regarding the direction of risk effects of pesticides are ambiguous. We show that the ambiguity in earlier studies could be due to the pesticide indicator selected. Indicators which fail to account for the heterogeneous properties of pesticides may be inapt for interpreting farmers’ pesticide use decisions. Our analysis, based on a rich panel dataset of Swiss wheat producers with highly detailed information on pesticide use, considers different pesticide indicators and multiple sources of uncertainty. Our key finding is that indicator choice affects the magnitude and sign of estimated risk effects. Estimates of pesticide productivity and risk effects are significantly higher for fungicides, and even reversed for herbicides when we measure pesticide use in simple quantity units (kilogram per hectare) ‐ compared to the quality and intensity corrected Load Index. This means for example, that farmers will ceteris paribus use lower quantities of herbicides, but will increase the overall toxicity of the products applied with increasing risk aversion. We discuss implications of our findings for the design of pesticide policies and agricultural risk management instruments.
PD‐1 and PD‐L1 expression on T‐cell subsets in women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy losses
Authors: Wang Wen‐Juan , Salazar Garcia Maria Dinorah , Deutsch Gloria , Sung Nayoung , Yang Xiuhua , He Qiaohua , Jubiz Giovanni , Bilal Mahmood , Dambaeva Svetlana , Gilman‐Sachs Alice , Beaman Kenneth , Kwak‐Kim Joanne 
Published: February 2020

AbstractProblemDoes programmed death‐1 (PD‐1)/programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) expression on the T‐cell subsets such as T helper (Th) 1, Th17, and Treg cells differentiate women with recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL) from normal fertile women?Method of studyThe study was designed as a prospective cohort study. Forty‐five women with two or more RPL of unknown etiology and twenty fertile women who had at least one or more live‐born infants were enrolled prospectively from Jan 2017 to Jul 2019. PD‐1 and PD‐L1 expression on T‐cell subsets were measured by flow cytometric analysis.ResultsThe proportions of PD‐1+ Th1 (CD4+/IFN‐γ+/CD279+ and CD4+/TNF‐α+/CD279+) and PD‐1+ Th17 cells (CD4+/IL17+/CD279+) were significantly lower in RPL group than those of controls (P < .05, respectively). The proportion of PD‐1+ Tregs (CD4+/CD25+/CD127dim/−/CD279+) in RPL group was not different from that of controls. The proportion of PD‐L1+ Th17 cells (CD4+IL17+CD274+) was significantly lower as compared with that of /controls (P < .05). However, the proportions of PD‐L1+ Th1 (CD4+/IFN‐γ+/CD274+ and CD4+/TNF‐α+/CD274+) and PD‐L1+ Treg (CD4+/CD25+/CD127dim/−/CD274+) cells were not different between the RPL group and controls (P > .05, respectively). In Th1, Th17 and Treg cells, the proportions of PD‐L1+ (CD274+) cells were significantly higher than those of PD‐1+ (CD279+) cells in both RPL group and controls (P < .05, respectively).ConclusionPD‐1 and PD‐L1 expressions on Th17 cells as well as PD‐1 expression on Th1 cells were significantly downregulated in women with RPL, which may lead to increased Th1 and Th17 immunity, and imbalance between Th17, Th1, and Treg cells in women with RPL.
Orally applied bacterial lysate in infants at risk for atopy does not prevent atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma or allergic sensitization at school age: Follow‐up of a randomized trial
Authors: Roßberg Siri , Keller Theresa , Icke Katja , Siedmann Valentina , Lau Imke , Keil Thomas , Lau Susanne 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe allergy preventive effects of gut immune modulation by bacterial compounds are still not fully understood.ObjectiveWe sought to evaluate the effect of bacterial lysate applied orally from the second until seventh months of life on the prevalence of allergic diseases at school age.MethodsIn a randomized, placebo‐controlled trial, 606 newborns with at least one allergic parent received orally a bacterial lysate consisting of heat‐killed Gram‐negative Escherichia coli Symbio and Gram‐positive Enterococcus faecalis Symbio or placebo from week 5 until the end of month 7. A total of 402 children were followed until school age (6‐11 years) for the assessment of current atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic rhinitis (AR), asthma and sensitization against aeroallergens.ResultsAD was diagnosed in 11.0% (22/200) of children in the active and in 10.4% (21/202) of children in the placebo group. AR was diagnosed in 35% (70/200) of children in the active and in 38.1% (77/202) children in the placebo group. Asthma was diagnosed in 9% (18/199) of children in the active and in 6.6% (13/197) of children in the placebo group. Sensitization occurred in 46.5% (66/142) of participants in the active and 51.7% (76/147) in the placebo group.ConclusionAn oral bacterial lysate of heat‐killed Gram‐negative Escherichia coli and Gram‐positive Enterococcus faecalis applied during the first 7 months of life did not influence the development of AD, asthma and AR at school age.
Significance of blood lipid parameters as effective markers for arteriogenic erectile dysfunction
Authors: Li Ming , Ma Zhen , Zhang Xiu‐Lin , Guo Li‐Qiang , Yuan Ming‐Zhen 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of the study was to investigate the ability of the blood lipid parameters to predict the discrimination of arteriogenic erectile dysfunction (ED).Materials and methods260 subjects with ED and 60 healthy controls were enrolled. Eight lipid parameters, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL‐C, HDL‐C, non‐HDL‐C, TC/HDL ratio, TG/HDL ratio, and LDL/HDL ratio, together with other plasma biomarkers like sex hormones were measured in all participants. Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT), penile color Doppler ultrasonography (pDUS), and neurophysiological tests were conducted in the ED group.ResultsForty‐four ED patients with normal NPT, and 84 with normal vasculature or mixed vascular abnormalities were excluded. The remaining 132 men were classified into two groups, arteriogenic ED (n = 87) and venous leakage (n = 45), by pDUS. TC/HDL, LDL/HDL, and LDL‐C were significantly higher (P < .05) and HDL‐C was significantly lower (P < .05) in the arteriogenic ED group when compared with the venous and the control groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified area under the curve values that were predictive of arteriogenic ED for: TC/HDL and LDL/HDL 0.720 and 0.737, TC/HDL ≥ 3.73 and LDL/HDL ≥ 2.01 (sensitivity: 56.3%; specificity: 83.3% vs sensitivity: 55.2%; specificity: 91.7%), HDL‐C (0.791), ≤1.25 mmol/L (sensitivity: 69%; specificity: 81.7%), LDL‐C (0.641), ≥2.41 mmol/L (sensitivity: 55.2%; specificity: 76.7%).In the arteriogenic ED group, a significant inverse correlation was detected between TC/HDL, LDL/HDL, LDL‐C and 10‐minutes peak systolic velocity (PSV) (AllP < .01)and a significant positive correlation was recognized between HDL‐C and 10‐minutes PSV(P < .01). Multivariate step wise linear regression indicated lipid parameters of LDL/HDL and HDL‐C were significantly associated with 10‐MinPSV (P < .01).ConclusionThese findings suggest the LDL/HDL and HDL‐C might be a powerful indicator to predict and diagnose arteriogenic ED, and lipid‐lowing therapy should be considered for these patients.
Indeterminate liver lesions – a virtual epidemic: a cohort study over 8 years
Authors: Kuan Li Lian , Mavilakandy Akash , Oyebola Taiwo , Bhardwaj Neil , Dennison Ashley R. , Garcea Giuseppe 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundWithin the last decade, advances and availability in radiological imaging have led to an increase in the detection of incidental liver lesions (ILLs) in the asymptomatic patient population. This poses a diagnostic conundrum. This study was undertaken to review the outcome of liver lesions labelled as ‘indeterminate’ in asymptomatic patients without a biopsy‐proven concomitant primary tumour. The secondary aim was to assess the impact on healthcare resources and cost‐effectiveness with regards to the frequency and modality of radiological scans, multidisciplinary team discussions and clinic reviews.MethodsThe study consisted of a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from the University Hospitals of Leicester multidisciplinary team database. The study period ranged from 2010 to 2015. All patients were followed‐up for 3 years to ensure no late re‐occurrences with malignancy.ResultsA total of 92 patients with ILL were identified. The median age was 72 years. The median size of these ILLs was 10 mm. Eighty‐seven patients required supplementary imaging and 42 required a third imaging. Ninety‐one patients had benign lesions. Only one case was biopsy proven to be malignant.ConclusionSmall (<15 mm) hepatic lesions discovered incidentally in patients with no known primary malignancy and risk factors are virtually always benign, with a 1% risk of malignancy. There is a need for a classification system, which stratifies ILLs by malignant potential based on a standardized and evidence‐based approach. This is important to prevent unnecessary investigations. A multidisciplinary approach in an experienced hepatobiliary and pancreatic centre is recommended until such a classification exists.
The incidence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is increasing
Authors: Nielsen Birgitte Romme , Alberti Mark , Bjerrum Søren Solborg , la Cour Morten 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPurposeTo study the development over time of the age‐ and sex‐standardized incidence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in Denmark.MethodsRegistry study, based on the Danish National Patient Registry data. End‐point: Individuals undergoing the first surgery for RRD.ResultsDuring 2000–2016 we identified 11 769 individuals with a primary RRD surgery in either eye. The age‐ and sex‐standardized incidence rate of RRD increased by more than 50% during the study period. We found a significant increase in this incidence rate for both men and women older than 50 years, and in men, but not in women, younger than 50 years (p < 0.001). However, the increase of primary RRD surgery during the study period was most pronounced in men aged 50 years or older, where the rate of increase was 1.7 ± 0.1 cases per 100 000 person‐years per year (p < 10−11).ConclusionThe incidence of RRD is increasing, and this increase is primarily driven by men aged 50 years or older.
Sleep disordered breathing in pregnancy: A review of the pathophysiology of adverse pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Johns Emma C. , Denison Fiona C. , Reynolds Rebecca M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSleep disordered breathing (SDB) is a common obesity‐related co‐morbidity with strong associations to cardiometabolic disease. The risk of SDB is increased during pregnancy, particularly among obese pregnant women. Accumulating evidence suggests that an association exists between maternal SDB and the development of adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Intermittent hypoxia, a central characteristic of SDB, has been shown in animal and clinical studies to dysregulate several biological pathways. This includes the promotion of oxidative stress, increased inflammation, activation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis, increased sympathetic activity and impaired glucose and insulin metabolism. This review considers how, during pregnancy, these pathophysiological processes are plausible mechanisms through which SDB may contribute to an increased risk of adverse outcomes, for the mother and perhaps also the offspring. However, a lack of robust evidence specific to the pregnant population, including limited evaluation of the placental function in affected pregnancies, limits our ability to draw definite conclusions on mechanisms contributing to adverse pregnancy outcomes and, indeed, the strength of association between SDB and certain pregnancy complications.
Research progress of rumen hydrogen sulfide production in ruminants
Authors: Qian Kun , Xu Jing , Zu Hao‐chen , Cong Yu‐yan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractRumen fermentation can produce hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and H2S can be rapidly absorbed by the intestinal wall in nature. If excessive H2S was produced in rumen, it might be toxic to ruminants. This article reviews the research progress of toxicity of H2S, rumen H2S production pathway and its influential factors to lay a foundation for further research and application of rumen H2S‐producing regulation in ruminant.
Association of insulin regimens with severe hypoglycaemia in patients with type 1 diabetes: A Danish case–control study
Authors: Jensen Morten Hasselstrøm , Hejlesen Ole , Vestergaard Peter 
Published: February 2020

AimsTo evaluate the risk of severe hypoglycaemia for patients with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) when exposed to insulin regimens including human insulin only or insulin analogues.MethodsA total of 19 896 patients with T1D were extracted from the Danish National Patient Register. Of these, 6379 T1D patients experiencing 1 of more severe hypoglycaemic episodes (total of 17 242 episodes) were matched 1:1 with T1D patients without severe hypoglycaemia. A logistic regression model with last insulin regimen used as exposure was constructed to analyse the effect on severe hypoglycaemia.ResultsPeople on a basal–bolus regimen with insulin analogues had a reduced risk of severe hypoglycaemia of 39% (odds ratio: 0.61, 95% confidence interval: 0.54–0.68) compared to patients on a basal–bolus human insulin only regimen. Furthermore, patients on a premixed regimen containing an insulin analogue had a 58% (odds ratio: 0.42, 95% confidence interval: 0.36–0.49) reduced risk of severe hypoglycaemia compared to patients on premixed human insulin only.ConclusionThis study indicates that use of a basal–bolus insulin regimen with an insulin analogue is safer with respect to severe hypoglycaemia in patients with T1D than the use of a basal–bolus human insulin only regimen.
Model informed quantification of the feed‐forward stimulation of growth hormone by growth hormone‐releasing hormone
Authors: van Esdonk Michiel J. , Burggraaf Jacobus , van der Graaf Piet H. , Stevens Jasper 
Published: February 2020

AimsGrowth hormone (GH) secretion is pulsatile and secretion varies highly between individuals. To understand and ultimately predict GH secretion, it is important to first delineate and quantify the interaction and variability in the biological processes underlying stimulated GH secretion. This study reports on the development of a population nonlinear mixed effects model for GH stimulation, incorporating individual GH kinetics and the stimulation of GH by GH‐releasing hormone (GHRH).MethodsLiterature data on the systemic circulation, the median eminence, and the anterior pituitary were included as system parameters in the model. Population parameters were estimated on data from 8 healthy normal weight and 16 obese women who received a 33 μg recombinant human GH dose. The next day, a bolus injection of 100 μg GHRH was given to stimulate GH secretion.ResultsThe GH kinetics were best described with the addition of 2 distribution compartments with a bodyweight dependent clearance (increasing linearly from 24.7 L/h for a 60‐kg subject to 32.1 L/h for a 100‐kg subject). The model described the data adequately with high parameter precision and significant interindividual variability on the GH clearance and distribution volume. Additionally, high variability in the amount of secreted GH, driven by GHRH receptor activation, was identified (coefficient of variation = 90%).ConclusionThe stimulation of GH by GHRH was quantified and significant interindividual variability was identified on multiple parameters. This model sets the stage for further development of by inclusion of additional physiological components to quantify GH secretion in humans.