bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emu oil and grape seed extract reduce tumour burden and disease parameters in murine colitis-associated colorectal cancer
Authors: Chartier Lauren C , Howarth Gordon S , Trinder Debbie , Mashtoub Suzanne 
Published: September 2020

AbstractUlcerative colitis is an incurable condition whereby patients are at an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to investigate the combination of Emu oil (EO) and grape seed extract (GSE) in an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) model of colitis-associated CRC (CA-CRC). C57BL/6 mice (n = 10/group) were injected i.p. with saline or AOM (7.4 mg/kg) and underwent three DSS/water cycles. Mice were orally-gavaged thrice weekly with water (80 μl), EO (80 μl), GSE (80 μl; 400 mg/kg) or combined EO/GSE (160 μl). Mice were euthanized on day 63. AOM/DSS induced significant bodyweight loss (max −21%) and increased disease activity index (DAI) (max +83%) throughout the trial (P &lt; 0.05). EO (max −53%), GSE (max −51%) and EO/GSE (max −71%) reduced DAI scores in AOM/DSS mice in all DSS cycles (P &lt; 0.05). EO/GSE-treatment in AOM/DSS mice resulted in further DAI reduction compared with EO (max −62%) and GSE (max −71%) alone (P &lt; 0.05). AOM/DSS mice presented with severe colonoscopically-assessed colitis at all time-points, which was reduced by EO, GSE and EO/GSE (P &lt; 0.05). EO, GSE and EO/GSE reduced the number of colonic tumours compared with AOM/DSS controls (P &lt; 0.05). Myeloperoxidase (acute inflammation) and fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran levels (intestinal permeability) were increased in AOM/DSS controls (P &lt; 0.05). EO (−58%) and EO/GSE (−77%) reduced fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran compared with AOM/DSS controls (P &lt; 0.05), with no effect on myeloperoxidase. Histologically-assessed severity scores were increased in the distal colon of AOM/DSS mice compared with saline (P &lt; 0.05), with no effect observed following treatment. The combination of EO and GSE improved clinical indicators and reduced colonic tumours in AOM/DSS treated mice, suggesting potential in CA-CRC management.
Alteration of fecal microbiota by fucoxanthin results in prevention of colorectal cancer in AOM/DSS mice
Authors: Terasaki Masaru , Uehara Osamu , Ogasa Shinya , Sano Taishi , Kubota Atsuhito , Kojima Hiroyuki , Tanaka Takuji , Maeda Hayato , Miyashita Kazuo , Mutoh Michihiro 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Fucoxanthin (Fx), a marine carotenoid found in edible brown algae, is well known for having anticancer properties. The gut microbiota has been demonstrated as a hallmark for colorectal cancer progression in both humans and rodents. However, it remains unclear whether the gut microbiota is associated with the anticancer effect of Fx. We investigated the chemopreventive potency of Fx and its effect on gut microbiota in a mouse model of inflammation-associated colorectal cancer (by azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium treatment). Fx administration (30 mg/kg bw) during a 14 week period significantly inhibited the multiplicity of colorectal adenocarcinoma in mice. The number of apoptosis-like cleaved caspase-3high cells increased significantly in both colonic adenocarcinoma and mucosal crypts. Fx administration significantly suppressed Bacteroidlales (f_uc; g_uc) (0.3-fold) and Rikenellaceae (g_uc) (0.6-fold) and increased Lachnospiraceae (g_uc) (2.2-fold), compared with those of control mice. Oral administration of a fecal suspension obtained from Fx-treated mice, aimed to enhance Lachnospiraceae, suppress the number of colorectal adenocarcinomas in azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium-treated mice with a successful increase in Lachnospiraceae in the gut. Our findings suggested that an alteration in gut microbiota by dietary Fx might be an essential factor in the cancer chemopreventive effect of Fx in azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium-treated mice.
A study of the immune infiltrate and patient outcomes in esophageal cancer
Authors: Conroy Melissa J , Kennedy Susan A , Doyle Suzanne L , Hayes Brian , Kavanagh Maria , van der Stok Eric P , O’Sullivan Katie , Cathcart Mary-Clare , Reynolds John V , Lysaght Joanne 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Cancer patient outcomes and selection for novel therapies are heavily influenced by the immune contexture of the tumor microenvironment. Esophageal cancer is associated with poor outcomes. In contrast to colorectal cancer, where the immunoscore is increasingly used in prognostic staging, little is known about the immune cell populations in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and their clinical significance.

Methods
Tissue microarrays were constructed from resected tumor tissue of 72 EAC patients and 23 SCC patients. Immunohistochemical staining of CD3, CD8, CD56, CD68, CD45RO, CD69, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-4, IL-17, TGF-β, FOXP3 and CD107a was performed. Positivity was examined in both the stromal and epithelial compartments. Statistical analysis was performed to identify differences in immune cell infiltration and functional phenotypes between cancer subtypes and tissue compartments.

Results
This study identified that esophageal tumors are enriched with CD45RO+ and CD8+ cells and such positivity is significantly higher in SCC compared with EAC. Furthermore, the expression of CD45RO positively correlates with that of CD8 within the tumors of both patient cohorts, suggesting a dominance of memory cytotoxic T cells. This is supported by strong positivity of degranulation marker CD107a in the stromal compartment of EAC and SCC tumors. Cytokine staining revealed a mixed pro- and anti-inflammatory profile within EAC tumors.

Conclusions
Esophageal tumors are enriched with memory cytotoxic T cells. Applying these measurements to a larger cohort will ascertain the clinical utility of assessing specific lymphocyte infiltrates in EAC and SCC tumors with regards to future immunotherapy use, patient prognosis and outcomes.
How Ambient Environment Influences Olfactory Orientation in Search and Rescue Dogs
Authors: Jinn Judy , Connor Erin G , Jacobs Lucia F 
Published: September 2020

AbstractUnder natural conditions, an animal orienting to an air-borne odor plume must contend with the shifting influence of meteorological variables, such as air temperature, humidity, and wind speed, on the location and the detectability of the plume. Despite their importance, the natural statistics of such variables are difficult to reproduce in the laboratory and hence few studies have investigated strategies of olfactory orientation by mobile animals under different meteorological conditions. Using trained search and rescue dogs, we quantified the olfactory orientation behaviors of dogs searching for a trail (aged 1–3 h) of a hidden human subject in a natural landscape, under a range of meteorological conditions. Dogs were highly successful in locating the human target hidden 800 m from the start location (93% success). Humidity and air temperature had a significant effect on search strategy: as air conditions became cooler and more humid, dogs searched significantly closer to the experimental trail. Dogs also modified their speed and head position according to their search location distance from the experimental trail. When close to the trail, dogs searched with their head up and ran quickly but when their search took them farther from the trail, they were more likely to search with their nose to the ground, moving more slowly. This study of a mammalian species responding to localized shifts in ambient conditions lays the foundation for future studies of olfactory orientation, and the development of a highly tractable mammalian species for such research.
Dynamics of the Decay of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) RNA and Distribution of Bictegravir in the Genital Tract and Rectum in Antiretroviral-naive Adults Living With HIV–1 Treated With Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Spanish HIV/AIDS Research Network, PreEC/RIS 58)
Authors: Imaz Arkaitz , Tiraboschi Juan M , Niubó Jordi , Martinez-Picado Javier , Cottrell Mackenzie L , Domingo Pere , Chivite Ivan , Negredo Eugenia , Schauer Amanda , Van Horne Brian , Morenilla Sandra , Urrea Víctor , Silva-Klug Ana , Scévola Sofía , Garcia Benito , Kashuba Angela D M , Podzamczer Daniel 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe pharmacokinetics of bictegravir (BIC) and its association with the decay of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–1 RNA in genital fluids and the rectum have not yet been addressed.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, multicenter study of antiretroviral-naive people living with HIV-1 and initiating BIC/emtricitabine (FTC)/tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). HIV-1 RNA was measured (limit of quantification, 40 copies/mL) in blood plasma (BP), seminal plasma (SP), rectal fluid (RF), and cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) at baseline; Days 3, 7, 14, and 28; and Weeks 12 and 24. Total and protein-unbound BIC concentrations at 24 hours postdose (C24h) were quantified in BP, SP, CVF and rectal tissue (RT) on Day 28 and Week 12 using a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay.ResultsThe study population comprised 15 males and 8 females. In SP, RF, and CVF, the baseline HIV-1 RNA was &gt;40 copies/mL in 12/15, 13/15, and 4/8 individuals, respectively, with medians of 3.54 (2.41–3.79), 4.19 (2.98–4.70), and 2.56 (1.61–3.56) log10 copies/mL, respectively. The initial decay slope was significantly lower in SP than in RF and BP. The time to undetectable HIV-1 RNA was significantly shorter in SP and RF than in BP. All women achieved undetectable HIV-1 RNA in CVF at Day 14. The median total BIC concentrations in SP, RT, and CVF were 65.5 (20.1–923) ng/mL, 74.1 (6.0–478.5) ng/g, and 61.6 (14.4–1760.2) ng/mL, respectively, representing 2.7%, 2.6%, and 2.8% of the BP concentration, respectively, while the protein-unbound fractions were 51.1%, 44.6%, and 42.6%, respectively.ConclusionsBIC/FTC/TAF led to rapid decay of HIV-1 RNA in genital and rectal fluids. Protein-unbound BIC concentrations in SP, RT, and CVF highly exceeded the half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) value (1.1 ng/mL).Clinical Trials RegistrationEudraCT 2018-002310-12.
The silent presence of Mycoplasma hominis in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Saadat Saman , Karami Pezhman , Jafari Mohammad , Kholoujini Mahdi , Rikhtegaran Tehrani Zahra , Mohammadi Younes , Alikhani Mohammad Yousef 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACT

Background
Mycoplasma hominis, an opportunistic pathogen in human genitourinary tract, can cause chronic infection in the prostate. Intracellular survival of M. hominis leads to a prolonged presence in the host cells that can affect the cell's biological cycle. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the frequency of M. hominis DNA in prostate tissue of Iranian patients with prostate cancer (PCa) in comparison to a control group with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Methods
This research was a retrospective case-control study using 61 archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks of prostate tissue from patients with PCa and 70 FFPE blocks of patients with BPH. Real-time PCR, targeting two different genes, 16S rRNA and yidC, in the M. hominis genome was performed for all specimens.

Results
Out of 61 blocks of prostate biopsy from patients with PCa, eight samples (13%) were positive for M. hominis, while the bacterium was not detected in any of the 70 blocks of patients with BPH (P value, 0.002).

Conclusions
The high frequency of M. hominis in patients with PCa likely shows a hidden role of the organism in prostate cancer during its chronic, apparently silent and asymptomatic colonization in prostate.
Simulation of multi-angle fractured uranium deposits by neutron logging
Authors: Zhang Xueang , Yang Zhichao , Li Xiaoyan 
Published: September 2020

SUMMARY
Uranium is an important energy material and a key exploration object in the field of radioactive geophysical exploration. Through field study, it was found that fractured uranium is one of the most abundant sources of uranium, therefore it is an important target of energy geophysical exploration. However, the fractured structure increases the difficulty of uranium exploration and analysis. Therefore, in order to identify the distribution and analyse the content of fractured uranium deposits, it is necessary to study the influence of fracture parameters on the occurrence state of uranium ore and its manifestation status in neutron logging response. Considering the fracture structure from different aspects, this study simulated the uranium ore occurrence state in the pore-fracture medium environment and obtained corresponding logging response results by setting two fracture parameters (number density and angle). The study generated several findings, namely: (1) high angle and high porosity fracture type uranium strata have the greatest influence on thermal neutrons; (2) under the condition of high porosity, the neutron energy spectrum displays a dispersion peak and moves towards the high energy region. It is noteworthy that in a high number density environment, medium-low angle uranium ore has the strongest thermal neutron absorption in a low energy range. (3) energy decay rate is the highest in the high angle fracture environment and (4) the higher the density of the fracture number, the more susceptible the counting is to the influence of the angle factor. These findings can be used to quantitatively analyse the effects of fracture parameters on uranium deposits. These results have important guiding significance to the evaluation of a fractured uranium reservoir.
Anatomy of the Italian occupational structure: concentrated power and distributed knowledge
Authors: Cetrulo Armanda , Guarascio Dario , Virgillito Maria Enrica 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWhich type of work do Italians perform? In this contribution, we aim at detecting the anatomy of the Italian occupational structure by taking stock of a micro-level dataset registering the task content, the execution of procedures, the knowledge embedded in the work itself, called ICP (Indagine Campionaria sulle Professioni), the latter being comparable to the U.S. O*NET dataset. We perform an extensive empirical investigation moving from the micro to the macro level of aggregation. Our results show that the Italian occupational structure is strongly hierarchical, with the locus of power distinct by the locus of knowledge generation. It is also weak in terms of collaborative and worker involvement practices, and possibility to be creative. Our analysis allows to pinpoint the role exerted by hierarchical structures, decision-making autonomy, and knowledge as the most relevant attributes characterizing the division of labor.
Prevalence of cystic echinococcosis and associated risk factors among humans in Khartoum State, Central Sudan
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed E , Abdalla Sara Siddig , Adam Ibrahim A , Grobusch Martin P , Aradaib Imadeldin E 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background
Hydatid disease or cystic echinococcosis (CE) is caused by the larval stages of the cestode parasite Echinococcus granulosus. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of seropositivity and to identify the risk factors associated with the disease among humans in Khartoum State, Central Sudan.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2017 and April 2018. A total of 305 randomly selected consenting participants from three localities were included in the current investigation using a multistage probability sampling method. An in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect immunoglobulin G antibodies to E. granulosus. The χ2 test and logistic regression analysis were used to determine the risk factors associated with CE seropositivity.

Results
A seroprevalence of 6.5% (20/305) was recorded among humans in Khartoum State, Central Sudan. Age (odds ratio [OR] 16.61 [confidence interval {CI} 2.21 to 117.92], p=0.006), locality (OR 3.08 [CI 1.42 to 22.54], p=0.011) and contact with dogs (OR 2.34 [CI 0.026 to 0.646], p=0.013) were recorded as potential risk factors for seropositivity to CE in the study area.

Conclusions
The seroprevalence of CE (6.5%) is high among humans in Khartoum State, Central Sudan. Improved surveillance is necessary to optimize control and prevention strategies for CE as an important neglected zoonotic disease among the human population in the study area of Central Sudan.
Financial Literacy and Intra-household Decision Making: Evidence from Rwanda
Authors: Grohmann Antonia , Schoofs Annekathrin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractResearch has consistently shown that women’s involvement in household decision making positively affects household outcomes such as nutrition and education of children. Is financial literacy a determinant for women to participate in intra-household decision making? Using data on savings groups in Rwanda, we examine this relationship and show that women with higher financial literacy are more involved in financial and expenditure decisions. Instrumental variable estimations suggest a causal link. For this reason, we perform a decomposition analysis breaking down the gender gap in financial literacy into differences based on observed socio-demographic and psychological characteristics and differences in returns on these characteristics. Our results show high explanatory power by education, happiness, symptoms of depression and openness but also suggest that a substantial fraction can be explained by differences in returns. We argue that this results from a strong role of society and culture.
Reduced Water Negatively Impacts Social Bee Survival and Productivity Via Shifts in Floral Nutrition
Authors: Wilson Rankin Erin E , Barney Sarah K , Lozano Giselle E 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Pollinators provide a key ecosystem service vital for the survival and stability of the biosphere. Identifying factors influencing the plant–pollinator mutualism and pollinator management is necessary for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Since healthy beehives require substantial amounts of carbohydrates (nectar) and protein (pollen) from forage plants such as clover, we must assess how resources offered by plants change under limited water conditions in order to fully understand how drought modifies the pollination mutualism. Here we document how reduced water availability leads to decreased nectar quality and quantity and decreased protein quality of pollen. Furthermore, we provide conclusive evidence that these lower quality resources lead to decreased survival and productivity in both developing honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and bumble bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae). The results emphasize the importance of the nutritional effects of reduced water on bees when predicting shifts of pollination mutualisms under climate change.
Treatment patterns in pancreatic cancer patients based on a hospital claims database in Japan
Authors: Suzuki Toshiaki , Kawai Sayo , Ueno Makoto , Lin Yingsong , Kikuchi Shogo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background
Pancreatic cancer treatment is evolving, but few studies have examined a nationwide trend in the treatment patterns. The purpose of this study was to clarify real-world treatment patterns for pancreatic cancer in Japan.

Methods
This retrospective study examined the treatment patterns among 68 479 patients, who had pancreatic cancer diagnosis in Medical Data Vision claims database from 2010 to 2018. We extracted relevant data on treatment options, including chemotherapy, surgery and their combination. For patients who had undergone chemotherapy, we sought to analyse the use of different chemotherapy regimens. In addition, we examined the trend in treatment patterns by age group (&lt;59, 60–69, 70–79, ≥80).

Results
The trend in treatment options of pancreatic cancer remained stable from 2010 to 2018, with chemotherapy being the most common therapeutic option and surgery performed in approximately half that of chemotherapy. On the other hand, the use of chemotherapy regimen had changed during the same period. Although gemcitabine was the most commonly administrated single-agent regimen in 2010, gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel was the most frequently used therapeutic agent in 2018. In the older age groups (age ≥80), the majority of patients was untreated (supposedly received supportive care), and the use of conventional regimens such as gemcitabine or S-1 was common among those undergoing chemotherapy.

Conclusions
Although chemotherapy has been the main treatment option for pancreatic cancer, the regimens of choice have increased significantly during the last decade. With accumulating evidence on combination chemotherapy, treatment options may further evolve in the future.
Treatment Burden for Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Carers
Authors: Hannan Nicole , McMillan Sara S , Tiralongo Evelin , Steel Amie 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Objective
To investigate treatment burden and impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for children with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and their carers.

Methods
An Australian cross-sectional online survey of carers of children aged 18 years and under with EoE between September 2018 to February 2019.

Results
Of 181 complete responses, more than half of carers experienced reduced HRQoL since their child’s diagnosis. Reported mean out-of-pocket expenditure for healthcare utilization (practitioner visits and treatment) was AUD$3064.3 annually. Backwards stepwise linear regression models showed that reduced ability to manage on income and missing more than one workday in the previous 30 days were significant predictors of lower carer HRQoL. Ability to manage on the current income described as “difficult some of the time,” “difficult all of the time,” and “impossible” were associated with lower child HRQoL. When compared with EoE diagnosis between 13 and 23 months of age, diagnosis between 2 and 4 years was a significant predictor of lowered child HRQoL.

Conclusions
Pediatric EoE in Australia leads to high treatment burden for carers. Changes in carer employment and income manageability can negatively impact carer psychosocial wellbeing. Carers of children with EoE need to be informed about available financial and social support to reduce treatment-related burden and improve the quality of life of both the carer and child.
Voluminous schwannoma type ‘ancient’ of the cervicothoracic district removed through a cervicotomic approach
Authors: Testori Alberto , Alloisio Marco , Cariboni Umberto , Costa Francesco , Voulaz Emanuele , Bottoni Edoardo , De Simone Matilde , Rahal Daoud , Cioffi Ugo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Schwannomas are generally benign tumors, well delimited, resulting from nerve sheaths that are frequently found in the thorax, mainly in the posterior mediastinum. We report a 58-year-old patient who carried out investigations following the appearance of a large right supraclavicular cervical mass associated with anisocoria and eyelid ptosis, histologically diagnosed as ancient schwannoma, completely removed through a cervicotomic approach without opening the chest.
The many facets of protein ubiquitination and degradation in plant root iron-deficiency responses
Authors: Spielmann Julien , Vert Grégory 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Organisms need to deal with the absolute requirement for metals and also their possible toxicity. This is achieved through an intricate network of signaling pathways that are integrated to ultimately fine-tune iron uptake and metabolism. The mechanisms by which plants cope with iron limitation and the associated genomic responses are well characterized. On top of this transcriptional cascade is another level of regulation involving the post-translational protein modification and degradation. The ubiquitination and/or degradation of several transcription factors in the iron-deficiency signaling pathways and metal transporters has recently come to light. In this review we discuss the mechanisms and possible roles of protein modification and turnover in the regulation of root iron-deficiency responses. We also highlight the tight coupling between metal sensing by E3 ubiquitin ligases or bifunctional transporters and protein degradation.