bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obesity and triple‐negative‐breast‐cancer: Is apelin a new key target?
Authors: Gourgue Florian , Mignion Lionel , Van Hul Matthias , Dehaen Natacha , Bastien Estelle , Payen Valery , Leroy Baptiste , Joudiou Nicolas , Vertommen Didier , Bouzin Caroline , Delzenne Nathalie , Gallez Bernard , Feron Olivier , Jordan Bénédicte F. , Cani Patrice D. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractEpidemiological studies have shown that obese subjects have an increased risk of developing triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) and an overall reduced survival. However, the relation between obesity and TNBC remains difficult to understand. We hypothesize that apelin, an adipokine whose levels are increased in obesity, could be a major factor contributing to both tumour growth and metastatization in TNBC obese patients. We observed that development of obesity under high‐fat diet in TNBC tumour‐bearing mice significantly increased tumour growth. By showing no effect of high‐fat diet in obesity‐resistant mice, we demonstrated the necessity to develop obesity‐related disorders to increase tumour growth. Apelin mRNA expression was also increased in the subcutaneous adipose tissue and tumours of obese mice. We further highlighted that the reproduction of obesity‐related levels of apelin in lean mice led to an increased TNBC growth and brain metastases formation. Finally, injections of the apelinergic antagonist F13A to obese mice significantly reduced TNBC growth, suggesting that apelinergic system interference could be an interesting therapeutic strategy in the context of obesity and TNBC.
Significance of body mass index for diagnosing sarcopenia is equivalent to slow gait speed in Japanese individuals with type 2 diabetes: Cross‐sectional study using outpatient clinical data
Authors: Nakanishi Shuhei , Iwamoto Masahiro , Shinohara Hisanori , Iwamoto Hideyuki , Kaneto Hideaki 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAims/IntroductionThis study examined the association between body mass index (BMI) and the risk of sarcopenia in Japanese type 2 diabetes patients.Materials and MethodsPatients with type 2 diabetes who visited an outpatient clinic comprised the study’s participants. Sarcopenia was defined using the definition of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2014. The area under the curve was examined for the presence of sarcopenia based on the receiver operating characteristic curve of BMI.ResultsAmong 1,137 patients, 210 were diagnosed with low grip strength, 78 with slow gait speed, 444 with low muscle mass and 142 with sarcopenia. The optimal cut‐off point of BMI level for risk of sarcopenia was 24.4 kg/m2 (area under the curve 0.729, 95% confidence interval 0.688–0.770, sensitivity 0.587, specificity 0.789). Furthermore, the receiver operating characteristic curve of BMI for sarcopenia did not significantly differ (P = 0.09) from that of gait speed, an established marker of sarcopenia. In both the male and female groups, there was no difference between the receiver operating characteristic curves of BMI and gait speed for sarcopenia. (P = 0.23 and P = 0.40, respectively).ConclusionsThese results suggest that a BMI <24 kg/m2 among Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes could increase their risk of sarcopenia, the extent of which is equivalent to the risk for sarcopenia from slow gait speed in this study. Further prospective investigation, however, is required.
Insights into effectiveness of tight ultrafiltration and frozen storage in bioactive compound retention in watermelon juice concentrate
Authors: Bhattacharjee Chiranjit , Saxena Vinod K. , Dutta Suman 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of tight ultrafiltration for the concentration of bioactive compounds in watermelon juice and also analyze the effectiveness of frozen storage for storing the juice concentrate. The concentration of the juice was performed at two different temperatures of 30 ± 2°C and 23 ± 2°C and at pressures of 2 and 3 bar for concentration factors of 1.5, 2, and 3. Total phenolic content in the concentrate was determined in terms of gallic acid and flavonoid concentration was analyzed in terms of rutin equivalent. Lycopene was determined spectrophotometrically using the hexane extraction method. The ultrafiltration (UF) process was successful in retaining a high percentage of bioactive compounds in the watermelon juice concentrate. Flavonoids showed the highest levels of concentration among the four important bioactive compounds. The ultrafiltration experimental set of T = 23 ± 2°C, P = 3 bar and volumetric concentration factor = 1.5 was found to be most feasible. Frozen storage at −18°C was successful in retaining a high percentage of bioactives in the concentrate after 1 month although vitamin C loss was on the higher side. Lycopene was highly preserved in the concentrate juice after frozen storage with retention of 93%.Practical ApplicationsOne of the major ways to reduce the amount of postharvest losses in watermelon is to convert it to juice by postharvest value addition. To make it available all through the year, the juice has to be processed in order to store it for longer periods. Membrane technology provides the best option to treat the juice in a nonthermal manner to retain its nutritional and sensorial characteristics after processing. Tight ultrafiltration can be a great tool for obtaining a juice concentrate that is rich in bioactive compounds. Watermelon has a significant amount of vitamin C, polyphenols, and also contains lycopene, a carotenoid with potential cancer preventive properties. Tight ultrafiltration can be useful in retaining these important components in the concentrated juice simultaneously reducing the water content, thereby increasing its shelf life. By optimizing different parameters associated with ultrafiltration, it can be possible to industrially scale up this process to make the juice available throughout the year.
Application of artificial intelligence using a convolutional neural network for diagnosis of early gastric cancer based on magnifying endoscopy with narrow‐band imaging
Authors: Ueyama Hiroya , Kato Yusuke , Akazawa Yoichi , Yatagai Noboru , Komori Hiroyuki , Takeda Tsutomu , Matsumoto Kohei , Ueda Kumiko , Matsumoto Kenshi , Hojo Mariko , Yao Takashi , Nagahara Akihito , Tada Tomohiro 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackground and AimMagnifying endoscopy with narrow‐band imaging (ME‐NBI) has made a huge contribution to clinical practice. However, acquiring skill at ME‐NBI diagnosis of early gastric cancer (EGC) requires considerable expertise and experience. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI), using deep learning and a convolutional neural network (CNN), has made remarkable progress in various medical fields. Here, we constructed an AI‐assisted CNN computer‐aided diagnosis (CAD) system, based on ME‐NBI images, to diagnose EGC and evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the AI‐assisted CNN‐CAD system.MethodsThe AI‐assisted CNN‐CAD system (ResNet50) was trained and validated on a dataset of 5574 ME‐NBI images (3797 EGCs, 1777 non‐cancerous mucosa and lesions). To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, a separate test dataset of 2300 ME‐NBI images (1430 EGCs, 870 non‐cancerous mucosa and lesions) was assessed using the AI‐assisted CNN‐CAD system.ResultsThe AI‐assisted CNN‐CAD system required 60 s to analyze 2300 test images. The overall accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the CNN were 98.7%, 98%, 100%, 100%, and 96.8%, respectively. All misdiagnosed images of EGCs were of low‐quality or of superficially depressed and intestinal‐type intramucosal cancers that were difficult to distinguish from gastritis, even by experienced endoscopists.ConclusionsThe AI‐assisted CNN‐CAD system for ME‐NBI diagnosis of EGC could process many stored ME‐NBI images in a short period of time and had a high diagnostic ability. This system may have great potential for future application to real clinical settings, which could facilitate ME‐NBI diagnosis of EGC in practice.
Betula platyphylla BpHOX2 transcription factor binds to different cis‐acting elements and confers osmotic tolerance
Authors: Tan Zilong , Wen Xuejing , Wang Yucheng 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe homeodomain‐leucine zipper (HD‐Zip) proteins play crucial roles in plant developmental and environmental responses. However, how they mediate gene expression to facilitate abiotic stress tolerance remains unknown. In the present study, we characterized BpHOX2 (encoding a HD‐Zip I family protein) from birch (Betula platyphylla). BpHOX2 is predominately expressed in mature stems and leaves, but expressed at a low level in apical buds and roots, suggesting that it has tissue‐specific characteristics. BpHOX2 expression was highly induced by osmotic and salt, but only slightly induced by abscisic acid. Overexpression of BpHOX2 markedly improved osmotic tolerance, while knockdown of BpHOX2 increased sensitivity to osmotic stress. BpHOX2 could induce the expression of pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate synthase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase genes to improve proline levels and the reactive oxygen species scavenging capability. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing combined with RNA sequencing showed that BpHOX2 could bind to at least four cis‐acting elements, including dehydration‐responsive element “RCCGAC”, Myb‐p binding box “CCWACC,” and two novel cis‐acting elements with the sequences of “AAGAAG” and “TACGTG” (termed HBS1 and HBS2, respectively) to regulate gene expression. Our results suggested that BpHOX2 is a transcription factor that binds to different cis‐acting elements to regulate gene expression, ultimately improving osmotic tolerance in birch.
Mechanisms of melt extraction during lower crustal partial melting
Authors: Etheridge Michael A. , Daczko Nathan R. , Chapman Timothy , Stuart Catherine A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractProgressive vapour‐absent partial melting of a closed rock system increases melt pressure due to an expansion in the volume of the mineral plus melt assemblage. For a locally closed system, we quantify the melt pressure increase per increment of partial melting of a metapelite using phase equilibria modelling and combine it with Mohr–Coulomb theory to examine the interplay between melt pressure and fracture behaviour. It is shown that very small increments of vapour‐absent partial melting (<1%) increase melt pore pressure by tens of MPa leading to inevitable brittle failure of locally closed systems. Fracturing will affect these systems, even if initially limited to the scale of a few grains, and a connected microfracture network will enhance permeability as partial melting progresses. This will lead to a conditionally open system, potentially limiting accumulation of melt in the source. Repeated and cyclic fracture as temperature progressively increases will drive migration of the melt into sites of low fluid pressure at all scales. Crystal‐plastic creep processes create deformation‐induced dilatancy gradients that dominate over buoyancy forces at all scales in the melt source. Brittle and ductile deformation therefore cooperate in the extraction of melt. Enhanced porosity and permeability in ductile shear zones result in lower fluid pressure, providing a potentially important driving force for melt migration and drainage ‘up’ shear zones and along larger scale fluid pressure gradients in the crust.
Differential gene signature in adipose tissue depots of growth hormone transgenic mice
Authors: Duran‐Ortiz Silvana , Young Jonathan A. , Jara Adam , Jensen Elizabeth A. , Basu Reetobrata , List Edward O. , Qian Yanrong , Kopchick John J. , Berryman Darlene E. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBovine growth hormone (bGH) transgenic mice mimic the clinical condition of acromegaly, having high circulating growth hormone (GH) levels. These mice are giant, have decreased adipose tissue (AT) mass, impaired glucose metabolism and a shortened lifespan. The detrimental effects of excess GH have been suggested, in part, to be a result of its depot‐specific actions on AT. To investigate this relationship, we evaluated gene expression, biological mechanisms, cellular pathways and predicted microRNA (miRNA) in two AT depots (subcutaneous [Subq] and epididymal [Epi]) from bGH and littermate controls using RNA sequencing analysis. Two analyses on the differentially expressed genes (DEG) were performed: (i) comparison of the same AT depot between bGH and wild‐type (WT) mice (genotype comparison) and (ii) comparison of Subq and Epi AT depots within the same genotype (depot comparison). For the genotype comparison, we found a higher number of significant DEG in the Subq AT depot of bGH mice compared to WT controls, corroborating previous reports that GH has a greater impact on the Subq depot. Furthermore, most of the DEG in bGH mice were not shared by WT mice, suggesting that excess GH induces the expression of genes not commonly present in AT. Through gene ontology and pathway analysis, the genotype comparison revealed that the DEG of the Subq depot of bGH mice relate to fatty acid oxidation, branched‐chain amino acid degradation and the immune system. Additionally, the AT depot comparison showed that the immune cell activation and T‐cell response appear up‐regulated in the Subq compared to the Epi AT depot. The miRNA prediction also suggested a modulation of T‐cell‐related biological process in Subq. In summary, the present study provides a unique resource for understanding the specific differences in gene expression that are driven by both excess GH action and AT depot location.
PCSK9 is associated with mortality in patients with septic shock: data from the ALBIOS study
Authors: Vecchié A. , Bonaventura A. , Meessen J. , Novelli D. , Minetti S. , Elia E. , Ferrara D. , Ansaldo A. M. , Scaravilli V. , Villa S. , Ferla L. , Caironi P. , Latini R. , Carbone F. , Montecucco F. ,   the ALBIOS Biomarkers Study Investigators
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundPro‐protein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) is a proenzyme primarily known to regulate low‐density lipoprotein receptor re‐uptake on hepatocytes. Whether PCSK9 can concurrently trigger inflammation or not remains unclear. Here, we investigated the potential association between circulating levels of PCSK9 and mortality in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock.MethodsPlasma PCSK9 levels at days 1, 2 and 7 were measured in 958 patients with severe sepsis or septic shock previously enrolled in the Albumin Italian Outcome Sepsis (ALBIOS) trial. Correlations between levels of PCSK9 and pentraxin 3 (PTX3), a biomarker of disease severity, were evaluated with ranked Spearman’s coefficients. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association of PCSK9 levels at day 1 with 28‐ and 90‐day mortality.ResultsMedian plasma PCSK9 levels were 278 [182–452] ng mL−1 on day 1. PCSK9 correlated positively with PTX3 at the three time‐points, and patients with septic shock within the first quartile of PCSK9 showed higher levels of PTX3. Similar mortality rates were observed in patients with severe sepsis across PCSK9 quartiles. Patients with septic shock with lower PCSK9 levels on day 1 (within the first quartile) showed the highest 28‐ and 90‐day mortality rate as compared to other quartiles.ConclusionIn our sub‐analysis of the ALBIOS trial, we found that patients with septic shock presenting with lower plasma PCSK9 levels experienced higher mortality rate. Further studies are warranted to better evaluate the pathophysiological role of PCSK9 in sepsis.
Transcranial Sonography versus CT for Postoperative Monitoring After Decompressive Craniectomy
Authors: De Bonis Pasquale , Mantovani Giorgio , Lofrese Giorgio , Cavallo Michele Alessandro , Valpiani Giorgia , Morotti Chiara , Scerrati Alba 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEComputed tomography (CT) is the actual gold standard diagnostic tool for monitoring patients after decompressive craniectomy. It is validated and provides a wide number of information. However, it takes time, expensive, and requires patient transportation. Transcranial sonography (TCS) could represent an alternative diagnostic tool in these patients.The aim of this study is to compare TCS versus CT scan after decompressive craniectomy in terms of diagnosing complications and costs evaluation.METHODSWe prospectively enrolled 10 craniectomized patients who were monitored with sonography and CT. Ventricular measurements and possible complications were evaluated by two independent observers. The two methods were compared using Fisher's exact test and Spearman's Rho coefficient. A costs analysis was also conducted.RESULTSA good correlation coefficient (ρ) between CT and TCS was found for frontal horn dimensions (ρ .9929), median cella (ρ .9516), and third ventricle (ρ .8989). All results were statistically significant (P < .0001) and Bland‐Altman plots showed no systemic biases. Fisher's exact test showed no statistically significant differences between TCS and CT for all the studied predefined complications. Cost analysis showed a 68% cost reduction in favor of TCS.CONCLUSIONSTCS could be a reliable alternative diagnostic tool for major complications in patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy. It could limit the number of CT scans per patient overcoming several limitations, such as costs, radiation exposure, and need to move the patient.
Guaranteed renewable life insurance under demand uncertainty
Authors: Hoy Michael , Mirza Afrasiab , Sadanand Asha 
Published: July 2020

AbstractGuaranteed renewability (GR) is a prominent feature in many health and life insurance markets. We develop a model that includes unpredictable (and unobservable) fluctuations in demand for life insurance as well as changes in risk type (observable) over individuals' lifetimes. The presence of demand type heterogeneity leads to the possibility that optimal GR contracts may have a renewal price that is either above or below the actuarially fair price of the lowest risk type in the population. Individuals whose type turns out to be high risk but low demand renew more of their GR insurance than is efficient due to the attractive renewal price. This results in imperfect insurance against reclassification risk. Although a first‐best efficient contract is not possible in the presence of demand type heterogeneity, the presence of GR contracts nonetheless improves welfare relative to an environment with only spot markets.
Complement split product C3c in saliva as biomarker for periodontitis and response to periodontal treatment
Authors: Grande Maria Anastasia , Belstrøm Daniel , Damgaard Christian , Holmstrup Palle , Thangaraj Sai Sindhu , Nielsen Claus Henrik , Palarasah Yaseelan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveThe complement system is engaged in inflammatory reactions both in the periodontal pockets and in the periodontium itself, where it can mediate tissue destruction. The aim of this study was, first, to compare salivary levels of the total complement system protein C3 and its split product, fluid‐phase C3c in patients with periodontitis and periodontally healthy controls. Next, to determine if C3 and C3c levels had biomarker potential in diagnosing and monitoring periodontitis and its treatment. We hypothesized that salivary levels of total C3 and the split product C3c associated with the severity of periodontitis and reflected decreased inflammatory activity after periodontal treatment.MethodsAt baseline, stimulated saliva samples were collected from patients with periodontitis (n = 18) and periodontally healthy controls (n = 15). Subsequently, non‐surgical periodontal treatment was performed in the patients, and saliva sampling from patients was repeated two‐, six‐, and twelve weeks post‐treatment (NCT02913248 at clinicaltrials.gov).The patients were grouped as good and poor responders to treatment according to the achieved reduction in bleeding on probing (BOP).Salivary levels of C3 and C3c were quantified using sandwich ELISA.ResultsPatients with periodontitis had higher baseline levels of both total C3 and the split product C3c in saliva than did periodontally healthy controls (P < .0001). Receiver operating curve (ROC) analyses discriminated patients with periodontitis from controls based on both C3 (AUC (area under curve) = 0.91, P < .001) and C3c levels (AUC = 0.84, P < .001) in saliva. Periodontal treatment improved all clinical parameters (P < .01). Good responders (n = 10) had lower baseline levels of C3c than poor responders (n = 8), (P < .05), and baseline levels of C3c discriminated between good and poor responders (AUC = 0.80, P < .05).ConclusionIn conclusion, patients with periodontitis had higher salivary levels of C3c, and the C3c levels were predictive of reductions in BOP, that is, the poor responders. This suggests that salivary C3c levels possess potential to serve as a biomarker predicting the clinical response to non‐surgical periodontal treatment.
Reproductive parameters of franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) of Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Silva Débora F. , Barbosa Rodrigo A. , Conversani Valéria R. M. , Botta Silvina , Hohn Aleta A. , de O. Santos Marcos C. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractReproductive parameters of 168 franciscana dolphins, Pontoporia blainvillei (73 females and 95 males) incidentally caught (n = 163) or stranded (n = 5) between 2005 and 2016 in southeastern Brazil are presented. Ovarian macroscopic analysis revealed 55 immature (75.3%) and 18 mature (24.7%) females. Annual pregnancy rate was estimated to be 0.36, with a calving interval of 2.8 years. Testicular histology revealed 66 immature (69.5%) and 29 mature (30.5%) males. Males with combined testis weight above 4 g were mature, and 1‐year‐old mature males and a 2‐year‐old pregnant female are reported for the first time for the species. Reproductive seasonality does not seem to occur in the study area. Mean age and length at sexual maturation were estimated to be at 2.7 years and 128.5 cm for females, and 2.7 years and 114.0 cm for males. These estimates are lower than most of the estimates for this species. These results add novel and valuable information on the reproductive patterns of this endangered species, threatened by high levels of mortality in gill net fisheries. The information presented here represents an important effort to obtain more reliable parameter estimates for the studied area, needed for a better assessment of its current conservation status.