bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current views on neuropeptides in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Zhang Yue , Zhang Hanyi , Jiang Boyue , Tong Xiaoliang , Yan Siyu , Lu Jianyun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease involving skin barrier dysfunction and immune imbalance. However, the mechanism of AD is not clear completely and may be related to heredity and environment. Neuropeptides are a class of peptides secreted by nerve endings, they may play roles in promoting vasodilation, plasma extravasation, chemotaxis of inflammatory cells and mediating pruritus. Since itching and immune cell infiltration are the main manifestations of atopic dermatitis, to further investigate the impact of neuropeptides on AD, our review summarized the mechanisms of several common neuropeptides in AD and hypothesized that neuropeptides may be the novel potential targets in AD treatment.
Effects of 27 CYP3A4 protein variants on saxagliptin metabolism in vitro
Authors: liu Qian , Ou‐Yang Qiu‐Geng , Lin Qian‐Meng , Lu Xiang‐Ran , Ma Ya‐Qing , Li Ying‐Hui , Xu Ren‐Ai , Lin Dong‐dong , Hu Guo‐Xin , Cai Jian‐Ping 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSaxagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor widely used in patients with type 2 diabetes. It can increase the amount of insulin after meals and lower blood sugar. CYP450 3A4 (CYP3A4) can metabolize about 30%–40% of therapeutic drugs. Individual differences caused by CYP3A4 genetic polymorphisms can lead to treatment failure, unpredictable side effects, or severe drug toxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the catalytic activities of 27 CYP3A4 variants on saxagliptin metabolism in vitro, which were identified in human CYP alleles. We successfully constructed 27 kinds of wild‐type and variant vectors of pFast‐dual‐OR‐3A4 by overlap extension PCR and prepared 27 kinds of CYP3A4 highly expressed cell microsomes by baculovirus insect cell expression system. The ultra‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS) was used to detect the concentrations of the metabolite of saxagliptin (5‐hydroxysaxagliptin) and the internal standard. Compared with the wild‐type CYP3A4.1, the intrinsic clearance values of most varieties decreased to 1.91%–77.08%. Most of these varieties showed a decrease in Vmax and an increase in Km values compared with wild type. We are the first to report the vitro metabolic data of 27 CYP3A4 variants of the metabolism of saxagliptin which can deepen our understanding of individualized drug use by combining previous studies about the effects of CYP3A4 variants of drug metabolism. With further in vivo studies, we hope it can guide individualized drug use in the clinic when the variants with low metabolic activity to saxagliptin were sequenced in the human body.
Effect of initial crack‐depth ratio on fracture characteristics of FRP‐strengthened concrete
Authors: Liu Jueding , Fan Xiangqian , Shi Chenyu 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTo investigate the fracture characteristics of FRP (fiber‐reinforced polymer)‐strengthened concrete, three‐point bending tests were carried out on concrete specimens with different initial crack‐depth ratios. The effects of the different crack‐depth ratios on the fracture parameters were analyzed, and the correlation between the crack‐depth ratio and the fracture parameters was verified quantitatively. The test results reveal that there are three critical points in the damage process: the crack initiation point, first peak point, and ultimate bearing capacity point. With the increase of the initial crack‐depth ratio, the crack initiation load decreased, but the first peak load and ultimate load first increased and then decreased. The stress intensity factors of the three points also first increased and then decreased. Additionally, the damage variable decreased with the initial crack‐depth ratio increased. The increment of the critical crack‐depth ratio and the flexibility coefficient are related to the initial crack‐depth ratio.
Fatigue life evaluation of Ti–6Al–4V welded joints manufactured by electron beam melting
Authors: Hu Yanan , Wu Shengchuan , Xie Cheng , Wu Wenwang , Zhang Jie 
Published: May 2021

AbstractElectron beam melting (EBM) is a promising three‐dimensional printing technology for the fabrication of components with high complexity and freedom of structural design. However, the major limit for its wider industrial applications is to preclude manufacturing the large‐scale part in one piece. It is because the part size is largely limited by the enclosed vacuum chamber. An alternative option is the use of welding to join EBM‐processed subparts together. In this study, fatigue crack growth (FCG) rate and high‐cycle fatigue (HCF) performance were measured for both EBM‐processed Ti–6Al–4V alloy and its welded joints. An X‐parameter model was then proposed to correlate stress amplitude and geometric parameters (location, size, and shape) of the critical defects at the crack origins with fatigue life. Research framework and result from this work are expected to serve a reference for the defect‐based fatigue life evaluation of welded parts individually manufactured using additive manufacturing.
Cloudiness reduces the bleaching response of coral reefs exposed to heat stress
Authors: Gonzalez‐Espinosa Pedro C. , Donner Simon D. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractClimate change and warming ocean temperatures are a threat to coral reef ecosystems. Since the 1980s, there has been an increase in mass coral bleaching and associated coral mortality due to more frequent and severe thermal stress. Although most research has focused on the role of temperature, coral bleaching is a product of the interacting effects of temperature and other environmental variables such as solar radiation. High light exacerbates the effects of thermal stress on corals, whereas reductions in light can reduce sensitivity to thermal stress. Here, we use an updated global dataset of coral bleaching observations (n = 35,769) from 1985 to 2017 and satellite‐derived datasets of SST and clouds to examine for the first time at a global scale the influence of cloudiness on the likelihood of bleaching from thermal stress. We find that among coral reefs exposed to severe bleaching‐level heat stress (Degree Heating Weeks >8°Cˑweek), bleaching severity is inversely correlated with the interaction of heat stress and cloud fraction anomalies (p < 0.05), such that higher cloudiness implies reduced bleaching response. A Random Forest model analysis employing different set of environmental variables shows that a model employing Degree Heating Weeks and the 30‐day cloud fraction anomaly most accurately predicts bleaching severity (Accuracy = 0.834; Cohen's Kappa = 0.769). Based on these results and global warm‐season cloudiness patterns, we develop a ‘cloudy refugia’ index which identifies the central equatorial Pacific and French Polynesia as regions where cloudiness is most likely to protect corals from bleaching. Our findings suggest that incorporating cloudiness into prediction models can help delineate bleaching responses and identify reefs which may be more resilient to climate change.
Applying a science‐based systems perspective to dispel misconceptions about climate effects of forest bioenergy
Authors: Cowie Annette L. , Berndes Göran , Bentsen Niclas Scott , Brandão Miguel , Cherubini Francesco , Egnell Gustaf , George Brendan , Gustavsson Leif , Hanewinkel Marc , Harris Zoe M. , Johnsson Filip , Junginger Martin , Kline Keith L. , Koponen Kati , Koppejan Jaap , Kraxner Florian , Lamers Patrick , Majer Stefan , Marland Eric , Nabuurs Gert‐Jan , Pelkmans Luc , Sathre Roger , Schaub Marcus , Smith Charles Tattersall , Soimakallio Sampo , Van Der Hilst Floor , Woods Jeremy , Ximenes Fabiano A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe scientific literature contains contrasting findings about the climate effects of forest bioenergy, partly due to the wide diversity of bioenergy systems and associated contexts, but also due to differences in assessment methods. The climate effects of bioenergy must be accurately assessed to inform policy‐making, but the complexity of bioenergy systems and associated land, industry and energy systems raises challenges for assessment. We examine misconceptions about climate effects of forest bioenergy and discuss important considerations in assessing these effects and devising measures to incentivize sustainable bioenergy as a component of climate policy. The temporal and spatial system boundary and the reference (counterfactual) scenarios are key methodology choices that strongly influence results. Focussing on carbon balances of individual forest stands and comparing emissions at the point of combustion neglect system‐level interactions that influence the climate effects of forest bioenergy. We highlight the need for a systems approach, in assessing options and developing policy for forest bioenergy that: (1) considers the whole life cycle of bioenergy systems, including effects of the associated forest management and harvesting on landscape carbon balances; (2) identifies how forest bioenergy can best be deployed to support energy system transformation required to achieve climate goals; and (3) incentivizes those forest bioenergy systems that augment the mitigation value of the forest sector as a whole. Emphasis on short‐term emissions reduction targets can lead to decisions that make medium‐ to long‐term climate goals more difficult to achieve. The most important climate change mitigation measure is the transformation of energy, industry and transport systems so that fossil carbon remains underground. Narrow perspectives obscure the significant role that bioenergy can play by displacing fossil fuels now, and supporting energy system transition. Greater transparency and consistency is needed in greenhouse gas reporting and accounting related to bioenergy.
Phylogenetic relatedness drives protist assembly in marine and terrestrial environments
Authors: Lentendu Guillaume , Dunthorn Micah 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimAssembly of protist communities is known to be driven mainly by environmental filtering, but the imprint of phylogenetic relatedness is unknown. In this study, we aimed to test the degree to which co‐occurrences and co‐exclusions of protists in different phylogenetic relatedness classes deviate from random expectation in two ecosystems, in order to link them to ecological processes.LocationGlobal open oceans and Neotropical rain‐forest soils.Major taxaProtists.Time period2009–2013.MethodsProtist metabarcoding data originated from two large‐scale studies. Co‐occurrence and co‐exclusion networks were constructed using a recent method combining a null distribution model with Spearman's rank correlation coefficients among pairs of operational taxonomic units. Phylogenetic relatedness was estimated using either global pairwise sequence distance or phylogenetic distance inferred from best maximum‐likelihood trees derived from multiple alignments of operational taxonomic unit representative sequences. The significance of observed patterns relating networks and phylogenies was evaluated by distance classes against two null models, in which either the tips of the phylogenetic trees or the network edges were randomized.ResultsClosely related protists co‐occurred more often than expected by chance in all datasets, but also co‐excluded less often than expected by chance in the marine dataset only. Concurrent excesses of co‐occurrences and co‐exclusions were observed at intermediate phylogenetic distances in the marine dataset.Main conclusionsThis suggests that environmental filtering and dispersal limitation are the dominant forces driving protist co‐occurrences in both environments, whereas a signal of competitive exclusion is detected only in the marine environment. Differences in co‐exclusion are potentially linked to the individual environments, in that marine waters are more homogeneous, whereas rain‐forest soils contain a myriad of nutrient‐rich microenvironments, reducing the strength of mutual exclusion.
Elevated serum tyrosine concentration is associated with a poor prognosis among patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Sato Sho , Amano Nozomi , Sato Shunsuke , Kita Yuji , Ikeda Yuji , Kabemura Daishi , Murata Ayato , Yatagai Noboru , Tsuzura Hironori , Shimada Yuji , Genda Takuya 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimChronic liver insufficiency is often associated with changes in amino acid metabolism. We evaluated whether change in serum amino acid concentrations had prognostic value among patients with liver cirrhosis.MethodsThis retrospective study evaluated 158 patients who had been hospitalized with cirrhosis. Baseline serum concentrations of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) and tyrosine, as well as the BCAA‐to‐tyrosine ratio, were evaluated. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to calculate the hazard ratios for factors that were associated with mortality or liver transplantation.ResultsAmong the 158 patients, baseline measurements showed decreased serum BCAA concentrations for 59 patients (37.3%), elevated serum tyrosine concentrations for 80 patients (50.6%), and a decreased BCAA‐to‐tyrosine ratio for 114 patients (72.2%). During a median follow‐up period of 3.0 years, death or liver transplantation occurred at a rate of 0.136 cases/1 person‐year. Multivariable analysis showed that transplant‐free survival was independently predicted by older age, male sex, comorbid hepatocellular carcinoma, Child–Turcotte–Pugh score, and serum tyrosine concentration. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that a serum tyrosine concentration of >110 µmol/L was the optimal cut‐off value for predicting transplant‐free survival (adjusted hazard ratio 1.89, 95% confidence interval 1.15–3.11, p = 0.012). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a significant difference in the 5‐year transplant‐free survival probability between patients with high and low serum tyrosine concentrations (42.1% vs. 60.7%, p < 0.001).ConclusionsElevated serum tyrosine concentration, but not changes in serum BCAA concentration or the BCAA‐to‐tyrosine ratio, may indicate a high risk of death or liver transplantation for patients with liver cirrhosis.
Acceptability of risk‐stratified population screening across cancer types: Qualitative interviews with the Australian public
Authors: Dunlop Kate , Rankin Nicole M. , Smit Amelia K. , Salgado Zofia , Newson Ainsley J. , Keogh Louise , Cust Anne E. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere is mounting evidence of the benefit of risk‐stratified (risk‐tailored) cancer population screening, when compared to standard approaches. However, shifting towards this approach involves changes to practice that may give rise to implementation challenges.ObjectivesTo explore the public's potential acceptance of risk‐stratified screening across different cancer types, including reducing screening frequency if at low risk and the use of personal risk information, to inform implementation strategies.MethodSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 40 public participants; half had received personal genomic risk information and half had not. Participants were prompted to consider different cancers. Data were analysed thematically as one dataset.ResultsThemes included the following: (a) a sense of security; (b) tailored screening is common sense; (c) risk and the need to take action; (d) not every cancer is the same; and (e) trust and belief in health messages. Both groups expressed similar views. Participants were broadly supportive of risk‐stratified screening across different cancer types, with strong support for increased screening frequency for high‐risk groups. They were less supportive of reduced screening frequency or no screening for low‐risk groups. Findings suggest the public will be amenable to reducing screening when the test is invasive and uncomfortable; be less opposed to forgo screening if offered the opportunity to screen at some stage; and view visible cancers such as melanoma differently.ConclusionsApproaching distinct cancer types differently, tailoring messages for different audiences and understanding reasons for participating in screening may assist with designing future implementation strategies for risk‐stratified cancer screening.
Patient and public involvement in care home research: Reflections on the how and why of involving patient and public involvement partners in qualitative data analysis and interpretation
Authors: Stocker Rachel , Brittain Katie , Spilsbury Karen , Hanratty Barbara 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere is limited evidence for the impact of involving patients and the public (PPI) in health research. Descriptions of the PPI process are seldom included in publications, particularly data analysis, yet an understanding of processes and impacts of PPI is essential if its contribution to research is to be evaluated.ObjectiveTo describe the ‘how’ of PPI in qualitative data analysis and critically reflect on potential impact.MethodsWe focus on the development and critical reflection of our step‐by‐step approach to collaborative qualitative data analysis (through a series of analysis workshops) in a specific care home study, and our long‐term engagement model with patients and the public (termed PPI partners).ResultsAn open access PPI group, with multiple events over time, sustained broad interest in care home research. Recordings of interview clips, role‐play of interview excerpts and written theme summaries were used in workshops to facilitate PPI partner engagement with data analysis in a specific study. PPI resulted in changes to data interpretation and was perceived to make the research process accessible. We reflect on the challenge of judging the benefits of PPI and presenting PPI in research publications for critical commentary.ConclusionsPatient and public involvement partners who are actively engaged with data analysis can positively influence research studies. However, guidance for researchers is needed on approaches to PPI, including appropriate levels and methods for evaluation. Without more systematic approaches, we argue that it is impossible to know whether PPI represents good use of resources and is generating a real impact.
Diagnostic concordance of phyllodes tumour of the breast
Authors: Rakha Emad , Mihai Raluca , Abbas Areeg , Bennett Rachel , Campora Michela , Morena Philippa , Toss Michael , Ellis Ian 
Published: May 2021

AimsPhyllodes tumours (PT) are rare and distinct breast tumours, which span a morphological continuum. Classification into benign, borderline and malignant categories reflects their biology and clinical behaviour and is essential to guide management. This study aims to assess the diagnostic agreement of PT using the UK National Health Service Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) breast pathology external quality assurance (EQA) scheme data.Methods and resultsTwenty‐six PTs were identified in the EQA scheme, which were diagnosed by an average of 607 participants/circulation. Data on diagnostic categories were collected and representative slides were reviewed. The level of concordance between reporting pathologists was assessed. There were 14 benign, six borderline and six malignant PT. The overall rate of diagnosis agreement was 86% when analysed as benign lesions, borderline PT and malignant lesions, which decreased to 79% when diagnosed as PT (irrespective of grade) and to 63% when the diagnosis was further refined to PT categories (benign, borderline and malignant PTs). The highest agreement rate was observed in malignant PT (86%) and the lowest in borderline PT (42%). Malignant heterologous elements, stromal overgrowth and leaf‐like architecture are features associated with higher concordance rates. Lower‐priority features were stromal expansion, clefting and multinodularity.ConclusionThe concordance of PT diagnosis, as an entity, is high, but its classification into benign, borderline and malignant has variable agreement levels, with borderline tumours having the lowest concordance rate. More research to refine the diagnostic criteria for categorisation of PT is warranted to improve concordance between pathologists.
Expression of the C‐terminal region of the SSX protein is a useful diagnostic biomarker for spermatocytic tumour
Authors: Anderson William J , Maclean Fiona M , Acosta Andres M , Hirsch Michelle S 
Published: May 2021

AimsSpermatocytic tumour (ST) is a rare testicular germ cell neoplasm with few confirmatory biomarkers that can be challenging to diagnose. Like normal spermatogonia, STs are known to express SSX proteins. Recently, a novel SSX antibody directed against a conserved C‐terminal region of SSX1, SSX2 and SSX4 (SSX_CT) has emerged as a reliable biomarker for these SSX proteins and synovial sarcoma. However, SSX_CT immunostaining has not been demonstrated in ST. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic utility of SSX_CT immunohistochemistry in ST and other tumours in the differential diagnosis with ST.Methods and resultsSSX_CT, OCT3/4 and c‐KIT immunohistochemistry was performed on 15 STs, 38 seminomas, 13 embryonal carcinomas, 12 yolk sac tumours, six choriocarcinomas, four teratomas, seven Sertoli cell tumours, and six lymphomas. Staining was scored as negative, rare, focal, or diffuse. SSX_CT was positive in all (15/15) STs, and diffusely positive in 14 of 15 (93%). SSX_CT was positive in 22 of 38 (58%) seminomas; however, only two cases showed diffuse expression. SSX_CT was negative in all other tumours. OCT3/4 was negative in all STs, but positive in all seminomas and embryonal carcinomas. c‐KIT was frequently positive in both STs (12/15; 80%) and seminomas (33/38; 87%). OCT3/4 and c‐KIT were negative in all other tumours.ConclusionsSSX_CT is a valuable and highly sensitive biomarker that supports the diagnosis of ST. Diffuse expression of SSX‐CT in STs is also highly specific for ST. Nevertheless, SSX_CT is best used in combination with OCT3/4 when ST is in the differential diagnosis.
Effect of HIV infection on pre‐ and post‐liver transplant mortality in patients with organ failure
Authors: Fan X , Fang J , Wu X , Poulsen K , Miyata T , Kim A , Yu L , Wang X , Zhang X , Zhang K , Han Q , Liu Z 
Published: May 2021

ObjectivesOrgan failure (OF), a leading cause of death in HIV‐positive individuals, is common in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT). We examined the impact of HIV infection on pre‐ and post‐LT mortalities in cirrhotic patients stratified by the number and type of OFs.MethodsWe performed a cross‐sectional study and a retrospective cohort study using the US National Inpatient Sample (NIS) and the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) registry data, respectively. Patients who had not yet undergone LT from the NIS database (2010–2014) and patients undergoing LT from the UNOS database (2003–2016) were included in the study.ResultsAnalysis of patients (201 348) from the NIS database showed that one [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.531; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.160–2.023], two (aOR 1.624; 95% CI 1.266–2.083) or three or more OFs (aOR 1.349; 95% CI 1.165–1.562) were associated with higher pre‐LT mortality in HIV‐infected patients compared with HIV‐negative patients with the corresponding number of OFs. In patients without OF, HIV infection was not associated with increased pre‐LT mortality. UNOS data for patients undergoing LT (38 942) showed that the presence of two or more OFs was associated with increased post‐LT 1‐year mortality in HIV‐infected patients compared with non‐HIV‐infected patients with the corresponding number of OFs (aOR 2.342; 95% CI 1.576–3.480). However, in patients with no OF or only one OF, HIV infection was not associated with increased post‐LT 1‐year mortality (aOR 1.372; 95% CI 0.911–2.068).ConclusionsThe results of this study emphasize the importance of preventing OF development, and justify LT for HIV‐infected patients with no or only one OF.