bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Galectin‐7 overexpression destroys airway epithelial barrier in transgenic mice
Authors: TIAN Jing , HE Ruxuan , FAN Yimu , ZHANG Qianqian , TIAN Baolin , ZHOU Chunju , LIU Chunyan , SONG Mingjing , ZHAO Shunying 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWhen the integrity of airway epithelium is destroyed, the ordered airway barrier no longer exists and increases sensitivity to viral infections and allergens, leading to the occurrence of airway inflammation such as asthma. Here, we found that galectin‐7 transgenic(+) mice exhibited abnormal airway structures as embryos and after birth. These abnormalities included absent or substantially reduced pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium and increased monolayer cells with irregular arrangement and widening of intercellular spaces. Moreover, airway tissue from galectin‐7 transgenic(+) mice showed evidence of impaired cell–cell junctions and decreased expression of zonula occludens‐1(ZO‐1) and E‐cadherin. When treated with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or ovalbumin (OVA), galectin‐7 transgenic(+) mice developed substantially increased bronchial epithelial detachment and apoptosis, airway smooth muscle and basement membrane thickening, and enhanced airway responsiveness. We found that Galectin‐7 localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus of bronchial epithelial cells, and that increased apoptosis was mediated through mitochondrial release of cytochrome c and upregulated JNK1 activation and expression of caspase‐3 in galectin‐7 Tg(+) mice. These findings suggested that Galectin‐7 causes airway structural defects and destroys airway epithelium barrier, which predispose the airways to RSV or OVA‐induced epithelial apoptosis, injury, and other asthma responses.
Analysis of the association between kidney injury biomarkers concentration and nephritis in immunoglobulin A vasculitis: A pediatric cohort study
Authors: Dyga Katarzyna , Machura Edyta , Świętochowska Elżbieta , Szczepańska Maria 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the clinical course, selected biochemical parameters and concentrations of renal injury biomarkers such as neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule‐1 (KIM‐1) and liver‐fatty acid binding protein (L‐FABP) in patients with immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV) to identify the markers associated with nephritis in the course of the disease (IgAVN).MethodsThe study involved 29 children with IgAV and 34 healthy controls. Eleven (38%) patients had renal involvement (IgAV‐N) and 18 (62%) did not exhibit nephritis (IgAV‐noN). Initial laboratory tests, determining the concentrations of NGAL, KIM‐1 and L‐FABP in serum and urine, were conducted on children from the study group in an acute phase of IgAV as well as after an average of 6 months, during a follow‐up visit. The interconnection between renal involvement, anthropometric measurements, epidemiological data, laboratory parameters and levels of examined biomarkers have been thoroughly evaluated.ResultsThe serum and urine levels of NGAL, KIM‐1 and L‐FABP were significantly higher in children with an acute phase of IgAV as compared to the control group (P < .001) and markedly lower during follow‐up retesting in comparison with the values obtained at inclusion (P < .001). However, the concentration of none of the evaluated biomarkers correlated with nephrological indices. Among all examined parameters, only male subjects were associated with nephritis (P = .017).ConclusionsWe have established no evident association between the concentrations of NGAL, KIM‐1 and L‐FABP and nephritis in the course of IgAV in children. Additionally, we confirmed a significant male predominance in patients with nephritis.
An uncharacterized clade in the DMSO reductase family of molybdenum oxidoreductases is a new type of chlorate reductase
Authors: Barnum Tyler P. , Coates John D. 
Published: July 2020

SummaryThe dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) reductase family of enzymes has many subfamilies catalysing unique biogeochemical reactions. It also has many uncharacterized subfamilies. Comparative genomics predicted one such subfamily to participate in a key step of the chlorine cycle because of a conserved genetic association with chlorite dismutase, implying they produce chlorite through chlorate or perchlorate reduction. We determined the activity of the uncharacterized enzyme by comparing strains in the phototrophic genus Rhodoplanes that encode either a typical perchlorate reductase or the uncharacterized enzyme. Rpl. piscinae and Rpl. elegans, which encode perchlorate reductase, grew by using perchlorate as an electron acceptor. In contrast, Rpl. roseus, which encodes the uncharacterized enzyme, grew by chlorate reduction but not by perchlorate reduction. This is the first report of perchlorate and chlorate being used as respiratory electron acceptors by phototrophs. When both chlorate and perchlorate were present, Rpl. roseus consumed only chlorate. Highly concentrated Rpl. roseus cells showed some perchlorate consumption, but chlorate consumption occurred at a 10‐fold higher rate. Together, these genomic and physiological data define a new group of chlorate reductases. Some organisms encode both this chlorate reductase and a perchlorate reductase, raising new questions about the physiology and evolution of chlorine oxyanion respiration.
Do Auditors Accurately Predict Litigation and Reputation Consequences of Inaccurate Accounting Estimates?
Authors: Gimbar Christine , Mercer Molly 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTTo effectively manage audit risk, auditors must correctly predict the potential litigation and reputation consequences associated with inaccurate accounting estimates. Accurate predictions are critical because underestimation of negative consequences leads to excess legal exposure and overestimation leads to overauditing. Our paper examines whether auditors correctly anticipate these litigation and reputation outcomes. We provide manager‐ and partner‐level auditors with case facts from an auditor negligence lawsuit and ask them to predict the proportion of juries that will return verdicts against their firm. We then compare auditors' predictions to the actual verdicts we observe when we provide the same set of case facts to mock jurors who deliberate as part of juries. We find that auditors overestimate the likelihood of negligence verdicts, especially when audit quality is relatively high. Our supplemental measures help explain the reasons for this overestimation: auditors tend to underestimate jurors' perceptions of audit quality and willingness to attribute inaccurate estimates to situational factors. Finally, we examine auditors' predictions about how a news article about the litigation will affect their reputation with the general public. Similar to our litigation results, we find that auditors tend to overestimate the article's negative impact on auditor reputation. Collectively, our findings suggest that auditors overestimate litigation and reputation consequences resulting from inaccurate accounting estimates. This overestimation is consequential as it leads to inefficient allocation of audit resources.
Comparing traditional and Bayesian approaches to ecological meta‐analysis
Authors: Pappalardo Paula , Ogle Kiona , Hamman Elizabeth A. , Bence James R. , Hungate Bruce A. , Osenberg Craig W. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Despite the wide application of meta‐analysis in ecology, some of the traditional methods used for meta‐analysis may not perform well given the type of data characteristic of ecological meta‐analyses.

We reviewed published meta‐analyses on the ecological impacts of global climate change, evaluating the number of replicates used in the primary studies (ni) and the number of studies or records (k) that were aggregated to calculate a mean effect size. We used the results of the review in a simulation experiment to assess the performance of conventional frequentist and Bayesian meta‐analysis methods for estimating a mean effect size and its uncertainty interval.

Our literature review showed that ni and k were highly variable, distributions were right‐skewed and were generally small (median ni = 5, median k = 44). Our simulations show that the choice of method for calculating uncertainty intervals was critical for obtaining appropriate coverage (close to the nominal value of 0.95). When k was low (<40), 95% coverage was achieved by a confidence interval (CI) based on the t distribution that uses an adjusted standard error (the Hartung–Knapp–Sidik–Jonkman, HKSJ), or by a Bayesian credible interval, whereas bootstrap or z distribution CIs had lower coverage. Despite the importance of the method to calculate the uncertainty interval, 39% of the meta‐analyses reviewed did not report the method used, and of the 61% that did, 94% used a potentially problematic method, which may be a consequence of software defaults.

In general, for a simple random‐effects meta‐analysis, the performance of the best frequentist and Bayesian methods was similar for the same combinations of factors (k and mean replication), though the Bayesian approach had higher than nominal (>95%) coverage for the mean effect when k was very low (k < 15). Our literature review suggests that many meta‐analyses that used z distribution or bootstrapping CIs may have overestimated the statistical significance of their results when the number of studies was low; more appropriate methods need to be adopted in ecological meta‐analyses.
Deficiency of Intestinal α1‐2‐Fucosylation Exacerbates Ethanol‐Induced Liver Disease in Mice
Authors: Zhou Rongrong , Llorente Cristina , Cao Jinling , Gao Bei , Duan Yi , Jiang Lu , Wang Yanhan , Kumar Vipin , Stärkel Peter , Bode Lars , Fan Xuegong , Schnabl Bernd 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundFucosyltransferase 2 (Fut2)‐mediated intestinal α1‐2‐fucosylation is important in maintaining a symbiotic host–microbiota relationship and can protect against several pathogens. Intestinal dysbiosis is an important factor for the progression of experimental ethanol (EtOH)‐induced liver disease, but the role of Fut2 in modulating the intestinal glycocalyx during alcohol‐associated liver disease is unknown. We investigated the role of Fut2‐mediated intestinal α1‐2‐fucosylation for the development of alcohol‐associated liver disease.MethodsImmunohistochemistry staining was applied to evaluate α1‐2‐fucosylation in duodenal biopsies from patients with alcohol use disorder. Wild‐type (WT) and Fut2‐deficient littermate mice were subjected to Lieber–DeCarli models of chronic EtOH administration and the chronic‐binge EtOH diet (NIAAA model).ResultsIntestinal α1‐2‐fucosylation was down‐regulated in patients with alcohol use disorder. Lack of α1‐2‐fucosylation in Fut2‐deficient mice exacerbates chronic EtOH‐induced liver injury, steatosis, and inflammation without affecting EtOH metabolism. Dietary supplementation of the α1‐2‐fucosylated glycan 2′‐fucosyllactose (2′‐FL) ameliorates EtOH‐induced liver disease in Fut2‐deficient mice in the NIAAA model. Despite no direct effects on growth of Enterococcus faecalis in vitro, intestinal α1‐2‐fucosylation reduces colonization of cytolysin‐positive E. faecalis in the intestine of EtOH‐fed mice.ConclusionsIntestinal α1‐2‐fucosylation acts as a host‐protective mechanism against EtOH‐induced liver disease. 2′‐FL is an oligosaccharide naturally present in human milk that could be considered as therapeutic agent for alcohol‐associated liver disease.
Management of adrenocortical carcinoma in Western Australia: a perspective over 14 years
Authors: Leong David , Nyantoro Munyaradzi , Shedzad Hira , Robins Peter , Henley David , Ryan Simon , Nguyen Hieu , Lisewski Dean 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundAdrenocortical carcinoma is a rare but aggressive form of endocrine neoplasm that confers a poor prognosis. To date, the only Australian data published is from New South Wales. This paper describes our experience in Western Australia with a focus on surgical approach and outcomes.MethodsA retrospective study of patients treated for adrenocortical carcinoma in Western Australia over 14 years was performed.ResultsOver the 14‐year period, a total of 33 patients underwent surgery for adrenocortical carcinoma. Resection outcomes were superior in an open en bloc approach with an 85% R0 margin (P = 0.007). Local recurrence rates were lowest in an open en bloc approach (11%) compared to laparoscopic (75%). Multivariate analysis showed that an en bloc resection is highly correlated with an R0 resection (P < 0.05) and significantly associated with lower (odds ratio = 0.06) local recurrence (P = 0.009). Higher volume surgeons (>5 cases) had lower operative times and blood loss. Compliance with mitotane was significantly improved with close monitoring of levels. The European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumours (ENSAT) stage at presentation was most predictive of long‐term survival with 100% of stage I patients alive compared to 53% of stage II, 25% of stage III and 17% of stage IV patients at the end of the follow‐up period.ConclusionAn open en bloc approach with a low threshold for multi‐visceral resection performed by high volume surgeons have improved outcomes in local recurrence, operative times and blood loss.
Current status and future perspectives of minimally invasive surgery in gallbladder carcinoma
Authors: Liu Fei , Wu Zhen‐Ru , Hu Hai‐Jie , Jin Yan‐Wen , Ma Wen‐Jie , Wang Jun‐Ke , Li Fu‐Yu 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundGallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is the most common biliary tract malignancy, which is characterized by easy local invasion, lymph nodes metastasis, local vascular invasion. Hence, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) can be performed in a limited number of patients. In our study, we reviewed the current studies on laparoscopic surgery (LS) and robotic surgery (RS) for GBC and analysed the limitations and difficulties of MIS for GBC.MethodsMultiple electronic databases were used for a systematic literature retrieval. All studies involving MIS of GBC were included (up to August 2019).ResultsA total of 24 studies were included, of which 18 studies involved LS for GBC and six studies concerned RS of GBC. For LS, 16 studies contained relevant information of T stage, and 323 patients (98.8%) had T3 or lower stage; the average rate of R0 resection, conversion, postoperative complications and mortality was 95.3% (range 80.5–100%), 1.9% (range 0–16.7%), 13.4% (range 0–33.3%) and 1.0% (range 0–10%), respectively. For RS, four studies contained relevant information of T stage, and all patients were T3 or lower stage; the average rate of R0 resection, conversion and postoperative complications was 96.8% (range 81.8–100%), 5.5% (range 0–14.8%) and11.9% (range 0–36.4%), respectively. In addition, no patient had perioperative mortality.ConclusionsMIS for GBC is limited to highly selected patients and is considered to be technically feasible in experienced surgeons. However, improvements in technical and instrumental are needed to reduce the associated postoperative complications and implantation metastasis, and to promote MIS in the treatment of GBC.
Liver involvement is not associated with mortality: results from a large cohort of SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive patients
Authors: Ponziani Francesca Romana , Del Zompo Fabio , Nesci Antonio , Santopaolo Francesco , Ianiro Gianluca , Pompili Maurizio , Gasbarrini Antonio ,   “Gemelli against COVID‐19” group
Published: July 2020

SummaryBackgroundSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection is frequently associated with liver test abnormalities.AimsTo describe the evolution of liver involvement during SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and its effect on clinical course and mortality.MethodsData of 515 SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive patients were collected at baseline and during follow‐up, last evaluation or death. Stratification based on need for hospitalisation, severe disease and admission to intensive care unit (ICU) was performed. The association between liver test abnormalities (baseline and peak values) and ICU admission or death was also explored.ResultsLiver test abnormalities were found in 161 (31.3%) patients. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were increased in 20.4%, 19% and 13.6% of patients, respectively. Baseline liver test abnormalities were associated with increased risk of ICU admission (OR 2.19 [95% CI 1.24‐3.89], P = 0.007) but not with mortality (OR 0.84 [95% CI 0.49‐1.41], P = 0.51). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) peak values were correlated with risk of death (OR 1.007 [95% CI 1.002‐1.01], P = 0.005) along with age, multiple comorbidities, acute respiratory distress syndrome, ICU admission and C‐reactive protein. Alterations of liver tests worsened within 15 days of hospitalisation; however, in patients with the longest median follow‐up, the prevalence of liver test alterations decreased over time, returning to around baseline levels.ConclusionsIn SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive patients without pre‐existing severe chronic liver disease, baseline liver test abnormalities are associated with the risk of ICU admission and tend to normalise over time. The ALP peak value may be predictive of a worse prognosis.
Are differences between social classes reduced by non‐symbolic numerical tasks? Evidence from the ELFE cohort
Authors: Fischer Jean‐Paul , Thierry Xavier 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundYoung children's mathematics abilities may be divided between symbolic and non‐symbolic skills. Lower performance of SES disadvantaged versus advantaged children has already been established in symbolic math.AimThis study aimed to verify the effect of children's SES category on non‐symbolic mathematical (numerical) performance.SampleThe main sample comprises 4,955 children from the French longitudinal study, ELFE, tested when they were in the nursery school (4‐ to 5‐year‐olds).MethodThe distinction between symbolic and non‐symbolic math skills based on the specific math assessment items used in the present study was verified on a larger sample. The SES‐related difference in non‐symbolic math skills was then examined in the ELFE sample only.ResultsThe children's performance in non‐symbolic maths is significantly and almost as strongly correlated with their family's income and their mother's level of education as their performances in symbolic maths. Linear regression mixed‐effects modelling shows that the score in non‐symbolic maths (out of 100) of children from families with below median income is 3.8 points lower than that of their peers from families with above median income.ConclusionChildren from disadvantaged SES backgrounds perform significantly lower than those from advantaged backgrounds in non‐symbolic maths. Even if non‐symbolic math skills retain an educational interest, they should not reduce the importance of symbolic math skills in young children.
Displacement, Encroachment and Settlement: Interrogating Kyu in Peri‐Urban Yangon
Authors: Roberts Jayde Lin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis article interrogates the meaning of kyukyaw, often shortened as kyu, a Burmese word that is used as both a verb—to occupy or encroach—and a noun—squatter or slum. This deployment of language demands attention because kyu evokes strong negative sentiments, despite its ambiguity. The rapid pace of change in post‐junta Myanmar has compelled both the elite and the marginalized to seek rightness through the notion of rule of law, even though customary practices have not adhered to the strictures of manmade law. Through the personal narratives of residents in Hlaingthaya Township in Yangon, this article raises questions about rightful settlement in unclear legal frameworks.
In‐patient obesity diagnosis, use of surgical treatment and associated costs by payer type in the United States: Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample, 2011 through 2014
Authors: Rajbhandari‐Thapa Janani , Ingels Justin B. , Chung Sae R. , Thapa Kiran , Chen Zhuo , Zhang Donglan 
Published: July 2020

SummaryThis study aims to examine the trend in the diagnosis of obesity and the use of surgical treatment in in‐patient settings as well as per person and national costs associated with the surgical treatment of obesity. We conducted cross‐sectional and trend analyses of in‐patient obesity diagnosis and surgical treatment for obesity using data from the National Inpatient Sample (2011‐2014) of adult patients in the United States aged 18 years and older. We studied the rate of in‐patient obesity diagnosis among hospitalized patients, the rate of bariatric surgery among patients diagnosed with obesity in the hospital, and the costs associated with surgical treatment. Trend analyses showed a statistically significant increase in the proportion of (a) hospitalized patients diagnosed with obesity, and (b) bariatric surgery among those diagnosed with obesity and among different socio‐demographic and insurance groups. Despite the increase in the national in‐patient cost, the average in‐patient cost per hospitalization associated with bariatric surgery decreased from 2012 to 2014. With the increase in the rate of diagnosed obesity and bariatric surgery among hospitalized patients and the decrease in the average in‐patient cost, future research should address the short‐ and long‐term cost‐effectiveness of bariatric surgery on chronic diseases.
Exploring shared surgical decision‐making from the patient's perspective: is the personality of the surgeon important?
Authors: Bisset C. N. , Dames N. , Oliphant R. , Alasadi A. , Anderson D. , Parson S. , Cleland J. , Moug S. J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAimThe aim was to determine the importance of a colorectal surgeon's personality to patients and its influence on their decision‐making.MethodsWe present a two‐part mixed methods study using the Guidance for Reporting Involvement of Patients and the Public (GRIPP‐2) long form. Part 1 was an online survey (25 questions) and Part 2 a face‐to‐face patient and public involvement exercise. Part 1 included patient demographics, details of surgery, overall patient satisfaction (net promoter score) and patient views on surgeon personality (Gosling 10 Item Personality Index). The thematic analysis of free‐text responses generated four themes that were taken forward to Part 2. These themes were used to structure focus group discussions on surgeon–patient interactions.ResultsPart 1 yielded 296 responses: 72% women, 75.3% UK‐based and 55.1% aged 40–59 years. Inflammatory bowel disease (45.3%) and cancer (40.2%) were the main indications. 84.1% of respondents reported satisfaction with their surgical experience (net promoter score). Four key themes were generated from Part 1 and validated in Part 2: (i) surgeon personality stereotypes (media differed from patients' perspective); (ii) favourable and unfavourable surgical personality traits (openness, conscientiousness, emotional stability preferred over risk‐taking and narcissism); (iii) patient–surgeon interaction (mutual respect and rapport valued); (iv) impact of surgeon personality on decision‐making (majority unaware of second opinion option; management of postoperative complications).ConclusionPatients believe surgeon personality influences shared decision‐making. Low levels of emotional stability and conscientiousness are perceived by patients to increase the likelihood of postoperative adverse events. Further work is required to explore the potential influence of surgeon personality on shared decision‐making and postoperative outcomes.