bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between hepatic and systemic angiopoietin‐like 3, hepatic Vitamin D receptor expression and NAFLD in obesity
Authors: Barchetta Ilaria , Cimini Flavia A. , Chiappetta Caterina , Bertoccini Laura , Ceccarelli Valentina , Capoccia Danila , Gaggini Melania , Di Cristofano Claudio , Della Rocca Carlo , Silecchia Gianfranco , Leonetti Frida , Lenzi Andrea , Gastaldelli Amalia , Cavallo Maria G. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackground & AimsNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality. Angiopoietin‐like proteins (ANGPTLs) are targets for vitamin D receptor (VDR)‐mediated gene transcription and this axis may promote NAFLD. ANGPTL3 is a hepatokine which inhibits lipoprotein lipase and its experimentally induced inactivation reduces hepatosteatosis. Little is known on ANGPTL3 in human NAFLD and no data exist on its relationship with hepatic VDR/VD‐related genes. The aim of this research was to investigate hepatic ANGPTLs and VDR/VD‐related gene expression in human obesity in relation to NAFLD.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional investigation on forty obese subjects with/without NAFLD. We evaluated hepatic ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4, ANGPTL8, LPL, VDR, CYP27A1 and CYP2R1 mRNA expression in liver biopsies by RT‐PCR; VDR expression was further investigated by immunohistochemistry; circulating ANGPTL3 was measured by Milliplex assay.ResultsCompared to non‐NAFLD, NAFLD individuals had significantly higher hepatic VDR, ANGPTL3 and LPL expression. ANGPTL3 correlated with steatosis grade, LPL, VDR, CYP27A1 and CYP2R1 expression. Plasma ANGPTL3 concentrations were positively associated with clinical/histological markers of NAFLD/NASH and with hepatic ANGPTL3 expression. Greater hepatic VDR expression was the main determinant of hepatic ANGPTL3 after adjusting for multiple confounders.ConclusionsHepatic ANGPTL3 expression correlates with greater VDR expression, presence and severity of NAFLD and translates in increased circulating ANGPTL3, likely as a result of its modulation by up‐regulated hepatic VDR in NAFLD. This study provides novel insights to potential mechanisms underlying ANGPTLs–mediated ectopic fat accumulation and NAFLD development in obesity.
Assessing Baveno VI criteria with liver stiffness measured using a new point‐shear wave elastography technique (BAVElastPQ study)
Authors: Garcovich Matteo , Di Stasio Enrico , Zocco Maria A. , Riccardi Laura , Ainora Maria E. , Annicchiarico Brigida E. , Gibiino Giulia , Santopaolo Francesco , Gasbarrini Antonio , Pompili Maurizio 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackground and AimsTo date, no study has explored the potential role of ElastPQ, a novel point‐SWE technique, in the assessment of clinically significant portal hypertension. The aim of our study was to determine a liver stiffness (LS) cut‐off value measured by ElastPQ and laboratory parameters that could help to identify those patients who can safely avoid screening endoscopy.MethodsData were collected on 1422 patients who underwent ElastPQ measurement from January 2013 to January 2016 in our Department. Inclusion criteria were a LS value of ≥7 kPa, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy within 12 months and a diagnosis of compensated chronic liver disease. Exclusion criteria were history of decompensated liver disease, evidence of porto‐spleno‐mesenteric vein thrombosis and non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension. Varices were graded as low‐risk varices (grade <2) or varices needing treatment (VNT, grade ≥2).ResultsThe study included 195 patients (120 [61%] HCV, 171 [88%] Child‐Pugh A). Varices were present in 35% cases, with 10% prevalence of VNT. According to ROC curve analysis, LS measurement and platelet count were evaluated as predictors of VNT. Overall, 75/195 (38%) met the ‘BAVElastPQ’ criteria (that is, LS < 12 kPa and platelet count >150 000/μL). Within this group, 11/75 (15%) had any grade of varices and only 1/75 (1%) had VNT. The BAVElastPQ criteria gave sensitivity of 0.95, specificity of 0.42, positive predictive value of 0.15 and negative predictive value of 0.99.ConclusionsThe BAVElastPQ criteria correctly identified 99% of patients without VNT. By applying such criteria, we could have potentially avoided 38% of surveillance endoscopies in our cohort.
Liver injury caused by oral anticoagulants: A population‐based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Björnsson Helgi K. , Gudmundsson David O. , Björnsson Einar S. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackground & AimsIdiosyncratic drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) is a rare adverse event. DILI caused by direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) has been reported, however, data on the risk of DILI are limited. The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of DILI caused by oral anticoagulants (OACs) in a population‐based setting.MethodsA computerized database search in The National Prescription Database was performed identifying all patients in Iceland who were prescribed OACs (rivaroxaban, apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban or warfarin) in 2008‐2017. Personal identification numbers of these patients were linked with a database containing laboratory results for all hospitals and most outpatient clinics in Iceland. A medical chart review was performed in all cases where onset of liver injury followed intake of OACs. Patients with other specific causes of liver injury were excluded. Causality assessment with the RUCAM method was undertaken in cases with suspected DILI.ResultsThree cases of suspected DILI were identified. In all cases, rivaroxaban was the implicated agent among patients prescribed this product (n = 3446). All were women with a hepatocellular type of liver injury. One patient developed a suspected drug‐induced autoimmune hepatitis and was treated with corticosteroids. No cases of DILI in patients on warfarin (n = 9101), apixaban (n = 1903), dabigatran (n = 1335) and edoxaban (n = 34) were identified.ConclusionsRivaroxaban was the only OAC associated with DILI during the 10‐year study period. Approximately 1 in 1100 patients treated with rivaroxaban developed DILI. Other OACs were not associated with liver injury in this population‐based study.
Perception ofnon‐nativespeech
Authors: Baese‐Berk Melissa M. , McLaughlin Drew J. , McGowan Kevin B. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractFor nearly 25 years, researchers have recognized the rich and numerous facets of native perception of non‐native speech, driving a large, and growing, body of work that has shed light on how native listeners understand non‐native speech. The bulk of this work, however, has focused on the talker. That is, most researchers have asked what perception of non‐native speech tells us about the non‐native speaker, or when interacting with non‐native speakers more generally. It is clear that listeners perceive speech not only in terms of the acoustic signal, but also with their own experience and biases driving their perception. It is also clear that native listeners can improve their perception of non‐native speech for both familiar and unfamiliar accents. Therefore, it is imperative that research in non‐native communication also consider an active role for the listener. To truly understand communication between native and non‐native speakers, it is critically important to understand both the properties of non‐native speech and how this speech is perceived. In the present review, we describe non‐native speech and then review previous research, examining the methodological shift from using native listeners as tools to understand properties of non‐native speech to understanding listeners as partners in conversation. We discuss how current models not only limit our understanding of non‐native speech, but also limit what types of questions researchers set out to answer. We demonstrate that while non‐native speakers capable of shifting their productions to be better understood by listeners, native listeners are also capable of shifting their perception to more accurately perceive non‐native speech. We conclude by setting forth a series of recommendations for future research, emphasizing the contributions of native listeners and non‐native speakers as equally important for communicative success.
Female spider aggression is associated with genetic underpinnings of the nervous system and immune response to pathogens
Authors: Chang Chia‐chen , Connahs Heidi , Tan Estella Cai Yu , Norma‐Rashid Y. , Mrinalini  , Li Daiqin , Chew Fook Tim 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIdentifying the genetic architecture underlying phenotypic variation in natural populations and assessing the consequences of polymorphisms for individual fitness are fundamental goals in evolutionary and molecular ecology. Consistent between‐individual differences in behaviour have been documented for a variety of taxa. Dissecting the genetic basis of such behavioural differences is however a challenging endeavour. The molecular underpinnings of natural variation in aggression remain elusive. Here, we used comparative gene expression (transcriptome analysis and RT–PCR), genetic association analysis and pharmacological experiments to gain insight into the genetic basis of aggression in wild‐caught jumping spiders (Portia labiata). We show that spider aggression is associated with a putative viral infection response gene, BTB/POZ domain‐containing protein 17 (BTBDH), in addition to a putative serotonin receptor 1A (5‐HT1A) gene. Spider aggression varies with virus loads, and BTBDH is upregulated in docile spiders and exhibits a genetic variant associated with aggression. We also identify a putative serotonin receptor 5‐HT1A gene upregulated in docile P. labiata. Individuals that have been treated with serotonin become less aggressive, but individuals treated with a nonselective serotonin receptor antagonist (methiothepin) also reduce aggression. Further, we identify the genetic variants in the 5‐HT1A gene that are associated with individual variation in aggression. We therefore conclude that co‐evolution of the immune and nervous systems may have shaped the between‐individual variation in aggression in natural populations of jumping spiders.
Rice black‐streaked dwarf virus: From multiparty interactions among plant–virus–vector to intermittent epidemics
Authors: Wu Nan , Zhang Lu , Ren Yingdang , Wang Xifeng 
Published: June 2020

AbstractRice black‐streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) (species Rice black‐streaked dwarf virus, genus Fijivirus, family Reoviridae) is the causal agent of rice black‐streaked dwarf and maize rough dwarf diseases, which occur in intermittent epidemics in East Asian countries and are responsible for considerable yield losses. Intermittency of epidemics make accurate forecasting and designing of effective management strategies difficult. However, recent insights into host–virus–vector insect interactions are now informing forecasting and disease control measures. Resistance genes are also being identified and mapped.Symptomatology and host rangeRBSDV induces extreme stunting, darkened, and stiff leaves of crops and weeds only in the family Poaceae, including Oryza sativa, Zea mays, and Triticum aestivum. Infected plants produce totally or partially deformed panicles and remain alive through harvest.Genome and gene functionThe nonenveloped virus particles comprise a double‐layered capsid, 50‐nm core with genomic double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA), and six proteins. The genome of RBSDV contains 10 segments of dsRNA, named S1 to S10 in decreasing order of molecular weight. Segments 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 10 encode the RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), the major core structural protein, a protein with guanylyltransferase activity, an outer‐shell B‐spike protein, viral RNA‐silencing suppressor, the major capsid protein, and the outer capsid protein, respectively. Each of the segments 5, 7, and 9 encodes two proteins: P5‐1, a component of viroplasms; P5‐2 of unknown function; nonstructural protein P7‐1, involved in forming the structural matrix of tubular structures in infected tissues; P7‐2 of unknown function; P9‐1, the main component of viroplasms in infected cells and involved in viral replication; and P9‐2 of unknown function.Transmission and epidemiologyRBSDV is transmitted by Laodelphax striatellus in a persistent propagative manner. The vector insect is the only means of virus spread in nature, so its migration and transmission efficiency are obligatory for disease epidemics to develop. Susceptible varieties are widely planted, but efficient transmission by vectors is the primary reason for the epidemics. Cultivation system, pesticide overuse, and climatic conditions also contribute to epidemics by affecting the development of the vector insects and their population dynamics.Disease managementIn the absence of resistant varieties, integrated disease management aims at disrupting the cycle of virus transmission by the insect vector. Inheritance studies have indicated that resistance is mostly governed by quantitative trait loci or multiple genes. Genetic engineering through RNA‐interference and gene‐editing strategies are potential approaches for disease control.
Investigation of nerve pathways mediating colorectal dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease model produced by lesion of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Chai Xin‐yi , Diwakarla Shanti , Pustovit Ruslan V. , McQuade Rachel M. , Di Natale Madeleine , Ermine Charlotte M. , Parish Clare L. , Finkelstein David I. , Furness John B. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundGastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction, including constipation, is a common non‐motor symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD). The toxin 6‐hydroxydopamine (6OHDA) produces the symptoms of PD, surprisingly including constipation, after it is injected into the medial forebrain bundle (MFB). However, the mechanisms involved in PD‐associated constipation caused by central application of 6OHDA remain unknown. We investigated effects of 6OHDA lesioning of the MFB on motor performance and GI function.MethodsMale Sprague Dawley rats were unilaterally injected with 6OHDA in the MFB. Colorectal propulsion was assessed by bead expulsion after 4 weeks and by recording colorectal contractions and propulsion after 5 weeks. Enteric nervous system (ENS) neuropathy was examined by immunohistochemistry.Key ResultsWhen compared to shams, 6OHDA‐lesioned rats had significantly increased times of bead expulsion from the colorectum, indicative of colon dysmotility. Administration of the colokinetic, capromorelin, that stimulates defecation centers in the spinal cord, increased the number of contractions and colorectal propulsion in both groups compared to baseline; however, the effectiveness of capromorelin in 6OHDA‐lesioned rats was significantly reduced in comparison with shams, indicating that 6OHDA animals have reduced responsiveness of the spinal defecation centers. Enteric neuropathy was observed in the distal colon, revealing that lesion of the MFB has downstream effects at the cellular level, remote from the site of 6OHDA administration.Conclusions & InferencesWe conclude that there are trans‐synaptic effects of the proximal, forebrain, lesion of pathways from the brain that send signals down the spinal cord, at the levels of the defecation centers and the ENS.
Accountability and organizational performance in the public sector: Analysis of higher education institutions in Korea
Authors: Choi Sungjoo , Chun Young Han 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis study examined the relationships between multiple dimensions of accountability and organizational performance. The data from higher education institutions in Korea were analysed using ordinary least squares multiple regressions and ordered logistic regressions. We analysed our models with the whole data and the public institutions only data to detect any sectoral differences in the relationships. The overall results show that higher accountability generates more desirable outcomes for organizations. In particular, legal accountability is positively related to most of the performance variables in all institutions. In contrast, the relationship between legal accountability and procedural transparency is less clear. Hierarchical accountability is consistently and positively associated with student satisfaction and procedural transparency in all organizations. Political accountability is significantly linked to student satisfaction only in public institutions. Higher political accountability in making external policies is positively related to student satisfaction, whereas higher political accountability in internal management is negatively associated with student satisfaction.
Ediacaran macroalgal holdfasts and their evolution: a case study from China
Authors: Wang Ye , Wang Yue , Tang Feng , Zhao Mingsheng 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA macroalgal holdfast (root‐like structure) anchored or grown into sediments is a key trait of metaphytes and eukaryotic algae. Various patterns and taphonomic variants of congeneric holdfasts are preserved on the bedding planes of black shales of the Ediacaran Wenghui biota in South China. The macroalgal holdfast, which commonly consists of a rhizome, rhizoid and pith (perhaps mechanical tissue), can be morphologically classified into ten types within four groups of rhizomes: bare rhizome holdfasts (Grypania,TongrenphytonandSectoralga‐type holdfasts), canopy rhizome holdfasts (Gemmaphyton,Gesinella,DiscusphytonandBaculiphyca‐type holdfasts), pithy rhizome holdfasts (Zhongbaodaophytonand pithy‐cone‐type holdfasts) and differentiated rhizome holdfasts (Wenghuiphyton‐type holdfasts). Analysis of the Precambrian macroalgal record indicates that rhizomes played a more important role in the evolution of macroalgal holdfast than rhizoids. The following evolutionary stages of development of macroalgal holdfasts are proposed: (1) growth of the basal thallus into sediments (Grypania‐type holdfast); (2) development of a primitive (indistinct) rhizome from the base of a stipe or thallus (Tongrenphyton‐type andSectoralga‐type holdfasts); (3) growth of a distinct rhizome with rhizoid (Gemmaphyton‐type,Gesinella‐type andDiscusphyton‐type holdfasts); (4) development of a pith in the stipe (Baculiphyca‐type holdfast); (5) pith extension into the rhizome (Zhongbaodaophyton‐type and pithy‐cone‐type holdfasts); and (6) rhizome differentiation and development of a complex holdfast system (Wenghuiphyton‐type holdfast).
Abrogation of RAB27A expression transiently affects melanoma cell proliferation
Authors: Guo Dajiang , Beaumont Kimberley A. , Sharp Danae M. , Lui Goldie Y. L. , Weninger Wolfgang , Haass Nikolas K. , Tikoo Shweta 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe role of the small GTPase RAB27A as an essential melanosome trafficking regulator in melanocytes is well‐accepted. A decade ago, RAB27A was identified as a tumor dependency gene that promotes melanoma cell proliferation. RAB27A has since been linked to another propeller of cancer progression: exosome secretion. We have recently demonstrated that RAB27A is overexpressed in a subset of melanomas. High RAB27A gene and protein expression correlate with poor prognosis in melanoma patients. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the generation of pro‐invasive exosomes was RAB27A‐dependent and, therefore, silencing RAB27A reduced melanoma cell invasion in vitro and in vivo. However, previous studies have implicated RAB27A to be involved in both proliferation and invasion of melanoma cells. Employing four human cell lines, stratified by RAB27A expression, and one RAB27A‐high mouse cell line, we demonstrate in this study that the effects of abrogating RAB27A expression on proliferation are only temporary, in contrast to our previously reported persistent effects on tumor invasion and metastasis. Therefore, we assist in the dissection of the short‐term effects of RAB27A knockdown on melanoma cell proliferation versus long‐term effects on melanoma invasion and metastasis. We believe that our findings provide novel insights into the effects of RAB27A blockade.
From court to court: Religious polities and the modern south Asian public
Authors: Hatcher Brian A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractResponding to recent scholarship on premodern religious publics in South Asia, this essay cautions against the retrojection of the modern category onto past political, religious, and cultural patterns. The essay highlights instead the need for examining historical developments taking place between the early colonial and the late colonial era as a useful way to ponder what becomes of court‐ and temple‐based polities in the age of law courts, the printing press, and imperial bureaucracy.
Respiratory management of infants with chronic neonatal lung disease beyond the NICU: A position statement from the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand*
Authors: Kapur Nitin , Nixon Gillian , Robinson Philip , Massie John , Prentice Bernadette , Wilson Andrew , Schilling Sandra , Twiss Jacob , Fitzgerald Dominic A. 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTChronic neonatal lung disease (CNLD) is defined as continued need for any form of respiratory support (supplemental oxygen and/or assisted ventilation) beyond 36 weeks PMA. Low‐flow supplemental oxygen facilitates discharge from hospital of infants with CNLD who are hypoxic in air and is widely used despite lack of evidence on the most appropriate minimum mean target oxygen saturations. Furthermore, there are minimal data to guide the home monitoring, titration or weaning of supplemental oxygen in these infants. The purpose of this position statement is to provide a guide for the respiratory management of infants with CNLD, with special emphasis on role and logistics of supplemental oxygen therapy beyond the NICU stay. Reflecting a variety of clinical practices and infant comorbidities (presence of pulmonary hypertension, retinopathy of prematurity and adequacy of growth), it is recommended that the minimum mean target range for SpO2 during overnight oximetry to be 93–95% with less than 5% of total recording time to be below 90% SpO2. Safety of short‐term disconnection from supplemental oxygen should be assessed before discharge, with majority of infants with CNLD not ready for discharge until supplemental oxygen requirement is ≤0.5 L/min. Sleep‐time assessment of oxygenation with continuous overnight oximetry is recommended when weaning supplemental oxygen. Palivizumab is considered safe and effective for the reduction of hospital admissions with RSV infection in this group. This statement would be useful for paediatricians, neonatologists, respiratory and sleep physicians and general practitioners managing children with CNLD.
Auditor quality, audit fees, organizational structure, and risk taking in the US life insurance industry
Authors: Huang Li‐Ying , Lai Gene C. , Lu Erin , McNamara Michael 
Published: June 2020

AbstractUsing a system of simultaneous equations, this study examines the relation among external audit monitoring, in the US life insurance industry. We find insurers with higher leverage risk and surplus risk are more likely to use Big‐4 auditors and to pay higher fees. In return, insurers hiring Big‐4 auditors and paying higher audit fees have lower leverage risk and surplus risk. Second, the results suggest that mutual life insurers have a higher leverage risk and surplus risk than stock life insurers. This evidence is in contrast to that for property–liability insurance companies. Third, we find insurers are less likely to hire Big‐4 auditors and to pay higher audit fees after implementation of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act (SOX). Finally, life insurers with Big‐4 auditors or paying higher audit fees are more likely to take lower risks after the implementation of SOX.