bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum level of interleukin‐35 as a potential prognostic factor for gastric cancer
Authors: Gu Jin‐Hua , Wang Xiao‐Ge , Wang Li‐Qiang , Zhou Li‐Na , Tang Min , Li Ping , Wu Xiao‐Yang , Chen Min‐Bin , Zhang Yan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimsInterleukin‐35 (IL‐35), a novel anti‐inflammatory cytokine, has recently been implicated in tumor development, progression, and survival. However, the relationship between serum IL‐35 levels and gastric cancer (GC) is inconclusive. Here, we performed this study to clarify the role of serum level of IL‐35 in GC patients.MethodsWe enrolled 180 GC patients and 170 healthy controls and used enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay to detect serum IL‐35 levels. The clinical relevance between IL‐35 and clinical pathology parameters was assessed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to determine the feasibility of IL‐35 as a clinical biomarker.ResultsWe observed that serum IL‐35 levels were significantly higher in GC patients (17.559 ± 13.266 pg/mL) than in healthy controls (8.077 ± 3.801 pg/mL, P < .001). High serum IL‐35 levels were significantly associated with clinical stage (P = .048) and Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection (P < .001). The Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis indicated that patients in the high‐IL‐35 group had poor overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) (median OS: 26.0 vs 36.0 months, P < .001; median PFS: 18.0 vs.26.0 months, P = .044). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that serum IL‐35 was an independent prognostic factor for GC (OS: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.031 [95% CI, 1.017‐1.045], P < .001; PFS: HR = 1.029 [95% CI, 1.015‐1.043], P < .001).ConclusionsHigh serum IL‐35 levels are associated with poor disease prognosis in GC patients, and it may be become a new and promising biomarker for prognosis of gastric cancer.
Helping Couples Connect during the COVID‐19 Pandemic: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial of an Awareness, Courage, and Love Intervention
Authors: Tsai Mavis , Hardebeck Emerson , Ramos Fabiana Pinheiro , Turlove Hannah , Nordal‐Jonsson Kaisa , Vongdala Akoly , Zhang Wen , Kohlenberg Robert J. 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundA second pandemic of mental health problems due to COVID‐19 is predicted, suggesting a demand for interventions to mitigate its impacts. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an online psychological intervention based on the Awareness, Courage, and Love (ACL) model from Functional Analytic Psychotherapy to promote closeness between couples during the pandemic.MethodThirty‐one couples were randomised into either the intervention or control group for a 2‐hour online group session. The intervention was designed to increase closeness between couples, whereas control group members watched a movie. In both groups, participants responded to two instruments that assessed the couple's relationship. Generalised linear mixed modeling was used to compare the change scores over time between the groups, with random effects used to control for the correlation within a couple and the correlation within the individual.ResultsThe intervention group’s closeness increased by 23 per cent while the control group’s closeness increased only 2 per cent. A week later, a significant difference between the two groups emerged on closeness.ConclusionOnline ACL protocols requiring minimal training offer a promising intervention to quickly buffer against stress for large numbers of individuals during pandemic times.
Genetic associations between reproductive traits for first calving and growth curve characteristics of Japanese Black cattle
Authors: Inoue Keiichi , Hosono Masahiko , Oyama Hidemi , Hirooka Hiroyuki 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for first calving reproductive traits and growth curve characteristics in Japanese Black cattle. The Gompertz growth function was fitted to body weight–age data to obtain the mature weight (MWT) and rate of maturing (ROM) of cows. Data of reproductive traits including the first service conception rate (CR) for heifers, age at the first calving (AFC), and gestation length for the first calving were collected. Records of 3,204 animals were used for analysis. Genetic parameters were estimated using a linear uni‐ and bivariate animal model. The heritability estimates were moderate (0.29 for ROM) and high (0.57 for MWT) for growth curve parameters and low (0.03–0.11) for reproductive traits. There was a negative genetic correlation between MWT and ROM (−0.26), suggesting that an animal with a faster ROM would show a lower MWT. CR was negatively correlated with MWT (−0.42) but significantly and positively correlated with ROM (0.91). There was a negative genetic correlation between AFC and MWT (−0.49). These results suggest that a heifer with a faster ROM and lower MWT would show a higher CR. Meanwhile, a heifer with a lower MWT would show a higher AFC.
Comparative morphology and histochemistry of the uropygial gland of the endangered and endemic Hooded Grebe (Podiceps gallardoi, Podicipediformes)
Authors: Chiale María Cecilia , Carril Julieta , Montalti Diego , Barbeito Claudio Gustavo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe Hooded Grebe is an endangered and endemic species of Podicipediformes of Argentina. Many aspects of this bird's biology are still unknown including the uropygial gland. This is the first morphological and histochemical description of the uropygial gland for this species in a comparative context. The uropygial gland of these birds had parallel arranged lobes with a kidney‐like shape, a conical papilla and a feather tuft in a sub‐terminal position. The lobes were composed of tubular adenomers with a straight course that lead to secondary chambers. The capsule and connective tissue around the adenomers had elastic fibres. It showed a positive reaction to AlcianBlue/Periodic Acid Schiff and several lectins indicating the presence of glycoconjugates. The uropygial gland of the Hooded Grebe shares morphological characteristics with other aquatic species (e.g. secondary chambers) and the presence of glycoconjugates might suggest protective functions against microbes as previously proposed. The sub‐terminal position of the feather tuft is a unique characteristic of this species indicating that this position leaves the tuft in a dorsal location and could be involved in parent‐chick recognition mediated by odour transmission. Further studies are needed to increase our knowledge on some behavioural aspects of this species related to the biochemical composition of the uropygial secretion.
Nonparametric variable importance assessment using machine learning techniques
Authors: Williamson Brian D. , Gilbert Peter B. , Carone Marco , Simon Noah 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn a regression setting, it is often of interest to quantify the importance of various features in predicting the response. Commonly, the variable importance measure used is determined by the regression technique employed. For this reason, practitioners often only resort to one of a few regression techniques for which a variable importance measure is naturally defined. Unfortunately, these regression techniques are often suboptimal for predicting the response. Additionally, because the variable importance measures native to different regression techniques generally have a different interpretation, comparisons across techniques can be difficult. In this work, we study a variable importance measure that can be used with any regression technique, and whose interpretation is agnostic to the technique used. This measure is a property of the true data‐generating mechanism. Specifically, we discuss a generalization of the analysis of variance variable importance measure and discuss how it facilitates the use of machine learning techniques to flexibly estimate the variable importance of a single feature or group of features. The importance of each feature or group of features in the data can then be described individually, using this measure. We describe how to construct an efficient estimator of this measure as well as a valid confidence interval. Through simulations, we show that our proposal has good practical operating characteristics, and we illustrate its use with data from a study of risk factors for cardiovascular disease in South Africa.
Therapists’ perceptions of barriers and facilitators to uptake and engagement with therapy in long‐term conditions
Authors: Carroll Susan , Moss‐Morris Rona , Hulme Katrin , Hudson Joanna 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveImproving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services in England have established a long‐term condition (LTC) pathway in recent years, meaning that LTC therapies are now delivered via varied modes and by professionals with varied experiences. To gain insight into how this new pathway is functioning in practice, this study aimed to explore therapists’ perceptions of barriers and facilitators to uptake and engagement with therapy in LTCs.DesignA qualitative design was employed using semi‐structured interviews.MethodsFifteen therapists were recruited from IAPT and physical health care settings. Interviews were first analysed using inductive thematic analysis. A deductive approach was then taken to map themes onto Normalisation Process Theory constructs (coherence, cognitive participation, collective action, reflective monitoring) to guide steps towards improving implementation.ResultsFour key themes highlighted patient, therapist, and service‐level factors related to uptake and engagement: Working flexibly with barriers within the National Health Service context; Acceptability of ‘embedded’ versus ‘separate’ psychological care; Confidence in working with people with LTCs; and Navigating implementation of online therapies. Therapists recognized the need for tailored LTC therapies, though opinions about online therapies varied. Therapists expressed commitment to flexibly adapting their practice to suit patient needs, but felt their flexibility was limited by system and service constraints.ConclusionBarriers to uptake and engagement need to be addressed to optimize LTC pathways. Findings demonstrated the importance of offering flexible, tailored therapy to people with LTCs, and equipping staff and services with adequate training and resources to improve functioning of LTC pathways in practice.
Sustainable harvesting and conservation of Laelia furfuracea, a rare epiphytic orchid from Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Orozco‐Ibarrola Octavio , Solano Rodolfo , Valverde Teresa 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMany epiphytic orchids are harvested in Mexico for different purposes. Laelia furfuracea is one of the most intensively traded species. Its inflorescences are used as ornaments during the December festivities. We investigated the effect of severing the flowering pseudobulb. This is the traditional technique frequently used by collectors at the study area. We wished to investigate its effects on the production of new pseudobulbs, as well as on their size and flowering probability. Also, we examined the survival probability and growth of individuals that had fallen on the ground to evaluate their potential as trading resources. Inflorescence collection did not affect the production of new pseudobulbs the following season. However, it affected the size of these pseudobulbs, as well as their flowering probability. Yet, the direction of this effect was not consistent between years. Nearly six percent of all L. furfuracea plants at the study site were found on the ground. Over 80 percent of them survived for at least two years, although most of them showed pseudobulb loss over that period of time. We conclude that harvesting of flowering pseudobulbs may be sustainable in terms of its effects on plant performance, at least in the short term. The active management of plants that have fallen on the ground may reduce the harvesting pressure on natural populations. Harvesting of flowering pseudobulbs may diminish some aspects of plant performance, but its effects need to be evaluated with complete life cycle data and take into account interannual variation in vital rates.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material
Small subset of Wnt‐activated cells is an initiator of regrowth in colorectal cancer organoids after irradiation
Authors: Endo Hiroko , Kondo Jumpei , Onuma Kunishige , Ohue Masayuki , Inoue Masahiro 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMost colorectal cancers (CRCs) are differentiated adenocarcinomas, which maintain expression of both stemness and differentiation markers. This observation suggests that CRC cells could retain a regeneration system of normal cells upon injury. However, the role of stemness in cancer cell regeneration after irradiation is poorly understood. Here, we examined the effect of radiation on growth, stemness, and differentiation in organoids derived from differentiated adenocarcinomas. Following a sublethal dose of irradiation, proliferation and stemness markers, including Wnt target genes, were drastically reduced, but differentiation markers remained. After a static growth phase after high dose of radiation, regrowth foci appeared; these consisted of highly proliferating cells that expressed stem cell markers. Radiosensitivity and the ability to form foci differed among the cancer tissue‐originated spheroid (CTOS) lines examined and showed good correlation with in vivo radiation sensitivity. Pre‐treating organoids with histone deacetylase inhibitors increased radiation sensitivity; this increase was accompanied by the suppression of Wnt signal‐related gene expression. Accordingly, Wnt inhibitors increased organoid radiosensitivity. These results suggested that only a small subset of, but not all, cancer cells with high Wnt activity at the time of irradiation could give rise to foci formation. In conclusion, we established a radiation sensitivity assay using CRC organoids that could provide a novel platform for evaluating the effects of radiosensitizers on differentiated adenocarcinomas in CRC.
Changes in income‐related inequalities in oral health status in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Fang Cheng , Aldossri Musfer , Farmer Julie , Gomaa Noha , Quiñonez Carlos , Ravaghi Vahid 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectivesOral health inequalities impose a substantial burden on society and the healthcare system across Canadian provinces. Monitoring these inequalities is crucial for informing public health policy and action towards reducing inequalities; however, trends within Canada have not been explored. The objectives of this study are as follows: (a) to assess trends in income‐related inequalities in oral health in Ontario, Canada's most populous province, from 2003 to 2014, and (b) to determine whether the magnitude of such inequalities differ by age and sex.MethodsData representative of the Ontario population aged 12 years and older were sourced from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) cycles 2003 (n = 36,182), 2007/08 (n = 36,430) and 2013/14 (n = 41,258). Income‐related inequalities in poor self‐reported oral health (SROH) were measured using the Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and Relative Index of Inequality (RII) and compared across surveys. All analyses were sample‐weighted and performed with STATA 15.ResultsThe prevalence of poor SROH was stable across the CCHS cycles, ranging from 14.1% (2003 cycle) to 14.8% (2013/14 cycle). SII estimates did not change (18.7‐19.0), while variation in RII estimates was observed over time (2003 = 3.85; 2007/08 = 4.47; 2013/14 = 4.02); differences were not statistically significant. SII and RII were lowest among 12‐ to 19‐year‐olds and gradually higher among 20‐ to 64‐year‐olds. RII was slightly higher among females in all survey years.ConclusionAbsolute and relative income‐related inequalities in SROH have persisted in Ontario over time and are more severe among middle‐aged adults. Therefore, oral health inequalities in Ontario require attention from key stakeholders, including governments, regulators and health professionals.
Safeguarding freshwater life beyond 2020: Recommendations for the new global biodiversity framework from the European experience
Authors: van Rees Charles B. , Waylen Kerry A. , Schmidt‐Kloiber Astrid , Thackeray Stephen J. , Kalinkat Gregor , Martens Koen , Domisch Sami , Lillebø Ana I. , Hermoso Virgilio , Grossart Hans‐Peter , Schinegger Rafaela , Decleer Kris , Adriaens Tim , Denys Luc , Jarić Ivan , Janse Jan H. , Monaghan Michael T. , De Wever Aaike , Geijzendorffer Ilse , Adamescu Mihai C. , Jähnig Sonja C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPlans are currently being drafted for the next decade of action on biodiversity—both the post‐2020 Global Biodiversity Framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and Biodiversity Strategy of the European Union (EU). Freshwater biodiversity is disproportionately threatened and underprioritized relative to the marine and terrestrial biota, despite supporting a richness of species and ecosystems with their own intrinsic value and providing multiple essential ecosystem services. Future policies and strategies must have a greater focus on the unique ecology of freshwater life and its multiple threats, and now is a critical time to reflect on how this may be achieved. We identify priority topics including environmental flows, water quality, invasive species, integrated water resources management, strategic conservation planning, and emerging technologies for freshwater ecosystem monitoring. We synthesize these topics with decades of first‐hand experience and recent literature into 14 special recommendations for global freshwater biodiversity conservation based on the successes and setbacks of European policy, management, and research. Applying and following these recommendations will inform and enhance the ability of global and European post‐2020 biodiversity agreements to halt and reverse the rapid global decline of freshwater biodiversity.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Remimazolam in Procedural Sedation With Nonhomogeneously Mixed Arterial and Venous Concentrations
Authors: Zhou Jie , Curd Laura , Lohmer Lauren L. , Ossig Joachim , Schippers Frank , Stoehr Thomas , Schmith Virginia 
Published: October 2020

Remimazolam is an ultra‐short acting benzodiazepine under development for procedural sedation and general anesthesia. Population pharmacokinetic analysis (PopPK) was conducted for remimazolam with arterial and venous samples previously, but results were limited by arterial‐venous concentration differences and inaccurate central volume of distribution (V1) estimates. A new model was developed to describe covariate effects after accounting for arterial‐venous differences. Arterial and venous plasma concentration‐time data from 11 clinical trials were pooled for PopPK. Data from two constant‐rate infusion studies were used to account for venous‐to‐arterial (VtoA) ratio within residual error and to accurately estimate V1. V1 and VtoA ratio from the pilot model were applied to the full dataset, where the optimal fixed/random effects and covariates were assessed. VtoA ratio was described using a maximum effect (Emax) model during infusion and as a constant postdose. V1 was estimated as 4.83 L for a 70 kg subject and interindividual variability (IIV) on V1 could only be estimated in studies with early concentrations. IIV on clearance was low (22.9%). Covariates included effects of sex on clearance (women 10% > men), and race on clearance and steady‐state volume of distribution (African Americans 16% < other races). Arterial‐venous concentration differences were best described using an Emax model during infusion with a constant ratio after infusion, resulting in low residual error (20.7%). There are no clinically relevant dose adjustments needed for any covariates based on pharmacokinetic differences.
Short fully covered self‐expandable metal stent for treatment of proximal anastomotic benign biliary stricture after living‐donor liver transplantation
Authors: Jang Sung Ill , Chung Tae Ryong , Cho Jae Hee , Lee Kwang‐Hun , Joo Seung‐Moon , Choi Jung Hye , Kim Sae In , Lee Dong Ki 
Published: October 2020

ObjectivesNon‐surgical methods have high success rates for treating benign biliary strictures (BBSs), but treatment of proximal strictures is difficult. Recent studies have reported that fully covered self‐expandable metal stents (FCSEMSs) are useful for treating refractory BBSs. We investigated the efficacy of a short and removable FCSEMS with an anti‐migration design for treatment of proximal BBSs.MethodsFully covered self‐expandable metal stents were inserted endoscopically in patients with BBSs after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Each FCSEMS was initially maintained for 3 months and subsequently exchanged every 3 months until the stricture resolved. Adverse events and stricture recurrence after FCSEMS removal were assessed during follow‐up.ResultsA total of 63 patients with a median age of 57 years were enrolled in this study; 50 were male. The most common underlying disease was hepatocellular carcinoma and the previous operation was LDLT. The mean duration from surgery to diagnosis of stricture was 8.5 months, and the mean stent indwelling time was 4.2 months. The technical success and stricture resolution rate were 100%. The recurrence rate was 23.8% and the adverse event rate was 12.7%. All stents were removable, and asymptomatic stent migration was observed in four patients (6.4%).ConclusionsThe newly designed FCSEMS is effective in the treatment of proximal BBSs after LDLT.
Efficacy and safety of exenatide as add‐on therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes with an intensive insulin regimen: A randomized double‐blind trial
Authors: Joubert Michael , Opigez Victoria , Pavlikova Barbora , Peyro Saint Paul Laure , Jeandidier Nathalie , Briant Anaïs R. , Parienti Jean‐Jacques , Reznik Yves 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimTo assess the safety and efficacy of the short‐acting glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist exenatide on a population of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) mostly treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin injection (CSII).Materials and MethodsA phase 2/3, multicentre, randomized, parallel‐group, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 6‐month trial was conducted. Patients were randomized to receive subcutaneous (SC) injections of exenatide (10 μg BID) or matched placebo.ResultsA total of 46 patients with T2D and elevated HbA1c were randomized (42% of the planned sample size): exenatide (n = 28) and placebo (n = 18). CSII treatment was used by 75% and 89% of patients of the exenatide and placebo groups, respectively. At 6 months, the change in HbA1c was −0.62% ± 0.94% and 0.08% ± 0.81% in the exenatide and placebo groups, respectively (difference, −0.70%; 95% CI [−1.24%; −0.15%], P = .014); body weight and body mass index decreased in the exenatide group (−2.55 ± 3.25 kg and −1.00 ± 1.31 kg/m2) and increased in the placebo group (1.29 ± 2.82 kg and 0.46 ± 1.16 kg/m2) (observed difference, −3.85 and −1.45, respectively, both P < .001); the postdinner capillary blood glucose value was lower in the exenatide group compared with the placebo group (162.4 ± 80.5 vs. 259.1 ± 94.4 mg/dL, respectively; observed difference, −96.7, P < .01). Hypoglycaemic risk, quality of life and overall safety were not different between the groups, apart from the expected occurrence of digestive effects in the exenatide group.ConclusionsAlthough we failed to reach our planned sample size, the addition of exenatide treatment 10 μg BID SC in T2D patients with uncontrolled HbA1c despite an intensified insulin regimen, resulted in a significant reduction of HbA1c and body weight with a good overall safety profile and acceptance.