bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metagenomics Analysis of Gut Microbiota in a High Fat Diet–Induced Obesity Mouse Model Fed with (−)‐Epigallocatechin 3‐O‐(3‐O‐Methyl) Gallate (EGCG3″Me)
Authors: Zhang Xin , Chen Yuhui , Zhu Jieyu , Zhang Man , Ho Chi‐Tang , Huang Qingrong , Cao Jinxuan 
Published: May 2018

Scope(−)‐Epigallocatechin 3‐O‐(3‐O‐methyl) gallate (EGCG3″Me) has been shown to have a modulatory effect on human intestinal microbiota, and the relationship between intestinal flora and obesity has attracted more and more attention recently. Here, the potential link between EGCG3″Me and gut microbiota composition, as well as the underlying mechanisms of the anti‐obesity activity of EGCG3″Me are investigated.Methods and resultsEGCG3″Me was prepared from oolong tea by column chromatography, and the influence of EGCG3″Me on intestinal microbiota was analyzed using a human‐flora‐associated high fat diet (HFD)‐induced obesity mouse model by metagenomics. EGCG3″Me showed a weight reducing effect, ameliorated the HFD‐induced gut dysbiosis, and significantly decreased the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes. Moreover, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database provided significant differences in differentially expressed genes in response to EGCG3″Me treatment. The results showed enrichment of genes involved in the biosynthesis of amino acids, the two‐component system, ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters, purine metabolism, and carbon metabolism.ConclusionAn EGCG3″Me supplemented diet produces promising effects on gut microecology by enhancing beneficial microbial populations and by affecting metabolic pathways including amino acids biosynthesis, the two‐component system, and ABC transporters, contributing to the improvement of host health.
Impact of cardiosynchronous brain pulsations on Monte Carlo calculated doses for synchrotron micro‐ and minibeam radiation therapy
Authors: Manchado de Sola Francisco , Vilches Manuel , Prezado Yolanda , Lallena Antonio M. 
Published: May 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess the effects of brain movements induced by heartbeat on dose distributions in synchrotron micro‐ and minibeam radiation therapy and to develop a model to help guide decisions and planning for future clinical trials.MethodsThe Monte Carlo code PENELOPE was used to simulate the irradiation of a human head phantom with a variety of micro‐ and minibeam arrays, with beams narrower than 100 μm and above 500 μm, respectively, and with radiation fields of 1 × 2 cm and 2 × 2 cm. The dose in the phantom due to these beams was calculated by superposing the dose profiles obtained for a single beam of 1 μm × 2 cm. A parameter δ, accounting for the total displacement of the brain during the irradiation and due to the cardiosynchronous pulsation, was used to quantify the impact on peak‐to‐valley dose ratios and the full width at half maximum.ResultsThe difference between the maximum (at the phantom entrance) and the minimum (at the phantom exit) values of the peak‐to‐valley dose ratio reduces when the parameter δ increases. The full width at half maximum remains almost constant with depth for any δ value. Sudden changes in the two quantities are observed at the interfaces between the various tissues (brain, skull, and skin) present in the head phantom. The peak‐to‐valley dose ratio at the center of the head phantom reduces when δ increases, remaining above 70% of the static value only for minibeams and δ smaller than ∼200 μm.ConclusionsOptimal setups for brain treatments with synchrotron radiation micro‐ and minibeam combs depend on the brain displacement due to cardiosynchronous pulsation. Peak‐to‐valley dose ratios larger than 90% of the maximum values obtained in the static case occur only for minibeams and relatively large dose rates.
Handwriting assessment to distinguish comorbid learning difficulties from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Chinese adolescents: A case–control study
Authors: Li‐Tsang Cecilia W.P. , Li Tim M.H. , Lau Mandy S.W. , Ho Choco H.Y. , Leung Howard W.H. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectivesAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning difficulties (LDs) are proposed as 2 overlapping disorders. The objective of this study was to investigate the handwriting performance in ADHD and comorbid ADHD‐LD adolescents.MethodsThe study examined the Chinese and English handwriting performance and sensorimotor skills of 32 ADHD, 12 ADHD‐LD, and their matched controls.ResultsParticipants with ADHD had comparable writing time and speed, but the readability was lower than their controls. Participants with ADHD‐LD had lower writing speeds in both Chinese and English handwriting than their controls. The ADHD and ADHD‐LD groups also showed larger variations in either speed or pen pressure than their controls. Chinese handwriting assessment effectively classified ADHD and ADHD‐LD with good sensitivity and positive predictive value.ConclusionsClinicians should be aware of the fundamental difference between the 2 disorders and make good use of handwriting assessment as a reference to deliver effective therapies and trainings.
Reduction of Parenteral Nutrition and Hydration Support and Safety With Long‐Term Teduglutide Treatment in Patients With Short Bowel Syndrome−Associated Intestinal Failure: STEPS‐3 Study
Authors: Seidner Douglas L. , Fujioka Ken , Boullata Joseph I. , Iyer Kishore , Lee Hak‐Myung , Ziegler Thomas R. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundPatients with intestinal failure associated with short bowel syndrome (SBS–IF) require parenteral support (PS) to maintain fluid balance or nutrition. Teduglutide (TED) reduced PS requirements in patients with SBS–IF in the randomized, placebo (PBO)‐controlled STEPS study (NCT00798967) and its 2‐year, open‐label extension, STEPS‐2 (NCT00930644).MethodsSTEPS‐3 (NCT01560403), a 1‐year, open‐label extension study in patients with SBS–IF who completed STEPS‐2, further monitored the safety and efficacy of TED (0.05 mg/kg/day). Baseline was the start of TED treatment, in either STEPS or STEPS‐2. At the end of STEPS‐3, patients treated with TED in both STEPS and STEPS‐2 (TED–TED) received TED for ≤42 months, and patients treated with TED only in STEPS‐2 (no TED treatment [NT]/PBO–TED) received TED for ≤36 months.ResultsFourteen patients enrolled (TED‒TED, n = 5; NT/PBO‒TED, n = 9) and 13 completed STEPS‐3. At the last dosing visit, mean (SD) PS was reduced from baseline by 9.8 (14.4 [50%]) and 3.9 (2.8 [48%]) L/week in TED‒TED and NT/PBO‒TED, respectively. Mean (SD) PS infusions decreased by 3.0 (4.6) and 2.1 (2.2) days per week from baseline in TED‒TED and NT/PBO‒TED, respectively. Two patients achieved PS independence; 2 additional patients who achieved independence in STEPS‐2 maintained enteral autonomy throughout STEPS‐3. All patients reported ≥1 treatment‐emergent adverse event (TEAE); 3 patients had TEAEs that were reported as treatment related. No patient had a treatment‐related treatment‐emergent serious AE.ConclusionsLong‐term TED treatment yielded a safety profile consistent with previous studies, sustained efficacy, and a further decline in PS requirements.
Development of an algorithm to identify pregnancy episodes and related outcomes in health care claims databases: An application to antiepileptic drug use in 4.9 million pregnant women in France
Authors: Blotière Pierre‐Olivier , Weill Alain , Dalichampt Marie , Billionnet Cécile , Mezzarobba Myriam , Raguideau Fanny , Dray‐Spira Rosemary , Zureik Mahmoud , Coste Joël , Alla François 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPurposeAccess to claims databases provides an opportunity to study medication use and safety during pregnancy. We developed an algorithm to identify pregnancy episodes in the French health care databases and applied it to study antiepileptic drug (AED) use during pregnancy between 2007 and 2014.MethodsThe algorithm searched the French health care databases for discharge diagnoses and medical procedures indicative of completion of a pregnancy. To differentiate claims associated with separate pregnancies, an interval of at least 28 weeks was required between 2 consecutive pregnancies resulting in a birth and 6 weeks for terminations of pregnancy. Pregnancy outcomes were categorized into live births, stillbirths, elective abortions, therapeutic abortions, spontaneous abortions, and ectopic pregnancies. Outcome dates and gestational ages were used to calculate pregnancy start dates.ResultsAccording to our algorithm, live birth was the most common pregnancy outcome (73.9%), followed by elective abortion (17.2%), spontaneous abortion (4.2%), ectopic pregnancy (1.1%), therapeutic abortion (1.0%), and stillbirth (0.4%). These results were globally consistent with French official data. Among 7 559 701 pregnancies starting between 2007 and 2014, corresponding to 4 900 139 women, 6.7 per 1000 pregnancies were exposed to an AED. The number of pregnancies exposed to older AEDs, comprising the most teratogenic AEDs, decreased throughout the study period (−69.4%), while the use of newer AEDs increased (+73.4%).ConclusionsWe have developed an algorithm that allows identification of a large number of pregnancies and all types of pregnancy outcomes. Pregnancy outcome and start dates were accurately identified, and maternal data could be linked to neonatal data.
Amino‐terminated polylactide micelles with an external poly(ethylene oxide) corona as carriers of drug‐loaded anionic liposomes
Authors: Sybachin Andrey V , Khlynina Polina O , Spiridonov Vasiliy V , Panova Irina G , Melik‐Nubarov Nikolay S , Yaroslavov Alexander A 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMicelles were prepared from a mixture of NH2‐terminated poly(l‐lactide) and poly(d,l‐lactide)‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide) (molar ratio of 3:7). The micelles were complexed with bilayer lipid vesicles (liposomes) composed of anionic palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylserine and zwitterionic dioleoylphosphatidylcholine in a molar ratio of 3:7. The micelles and micelle–liposome complexes were characterized using dynamic light scattering, laser electrophoresis, fluorimetry, transmission electron microscopy, enzymatic hydrolysis and cell viability with the following main findings. (i) Average diameter of micelle cores was found to be 70 ± 10 nm. (ii) Each micelle carried ca 20 000 amino groups. (iii) In a pH 7 solution the impact of the protonated NH2 groups in the total surface of micelles was negligible owing to their screening by bulky poly(ethylene oxide) blocks. (iv) The micelles were stable in slightly acidic and neutral aqueous solutions, but aggregated in slightly alkaline solutions. (v) The micelles showed no cytotoxicity up to 0.04 mg mL−1 concentration (the maximum concentration in the experiment). (vi) Each micelle adsorbed ca 30 anionic liposomes loaded with the antitumor antibiotic doxorubicin; the liposomes retained their integrity upon binding with micelles. (vii) The initial micelles and the micelle–liposome complexes showed two‐week stability to enzymatic hydrolysis. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Predicting academic achievement by class‐level emotions and perceived homeroom teachers’ emotional support
Authors: Kashy‐Rosenbaum Gabriela , Kaplan Oren , Israel‐Cohen Yael 
Published: May 2018

AbstractUsing a multilevel approach, this study examined the role of classroom emotional climate on students' academic achievement. Positive and negative emotions and homeroom teachers' support were used to assess the classroom emotional climate on the individual and class levels. To our knowledge, no study to date has investigated these specific aspects of the classroom emotional climate in relation to students' GPA. Data were collected from 73 classrooms in grades 7‐12 (N = 1,641, students; 53% female) across three schools in Israel. Findings revealed that aggregated levels of both positive affect and perceived homeroom teacher support were positively tied to GPA and that aggregated levels of negative affect were negatively tied to GPA. The final model included gender, teacher support, individual and class emotions and explained 14% of within‐class GPA. A central implication of this study is the relevance of having an emotionally supportive homeroom teacher for students' academic achievement.
Psychological distress in lung cancer survivors at least 1 year after diagnosis—Results of a German multicenter cross‐sectional study
Authors: Eichler Martin , Hechtner Marlene , Wehler Beatrice , Buhl Roland , Stratmann Jan , Sebastian Martin , Schmidberger Heinz , Peuser Jessica , Kortsik Cornelius , Nestle Ursula , Wiesemann Sebastian , Wirtz Hubert , Wehler Thomas , Blettner Maria , Singer Susanne 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveDespite the high incidence of lung cancer, little is known about distress in lung cancer survivors and patients who have survived diagnose for at least 1 year. We investigated distress prevalence and associated factors.MethodsWe performed a multicenter (n = 6 hospitals) cross‐sectional study. Data were collected using medical records, questionnaires, and a telephone interview. Distress was measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐4). Odds ratios (OR) for factors potentially associated with distress were calculated using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsWe included 561 complete case participants with a mean time since diagnosis of 4.4 years. Nineteen percent of them reported depression and 19% anxiety; 26% had 1 or both. Woman had nearly 2‐times the odds of being distressed than men (OR 1.92). Participants with UICC stage II or III at diagnosis had lower odds of being distress compared with stage I (ORs 0.41, 0.44). Participants in current treatment were less likely to be anxious or depressed than those off treatment (OR 0.32). Those with self‐reported progressing disease had 3‐times the odds of distress than people in complete remission (OR 3.00). Time since diagnosis, pain, dyspnea, lung cancer stigma as well as decreased physical functioning were related to increased distress (ORs per unit increase 0.90, 1.02, 1.03, 1.05, and 0.9, respectively).ConclusionsWith a quarter of patients affected, psychological distress is a common problem in this population. Being off treatment does not imply less distress. People with poor physical functioning and pain are especially affected. Treating these symptoms is therefore very important.
Latent class analysis differentiation of adjustment disorder and demoralization, more severe depressive and anxiety disorders, and somatic symptoms in patients with cancer
Authors: Bobevski I. , Kissane D.W. , Vehling S. , McKenzie D.P. , Glaesmer H. , Mehnert A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectivesDemoralization as a form of existential distress involves poor coping, low morale, hopelessness, helplessness, and meaninglessness. In a secondary analysis of a cohort of German cancer patients, we aimed to explore latent class structure to assess the contribution that symptoms of demoralization make to anhedonic depression, anxiety, adjustment, and somatic disorders.MethodsMeasures of demoralization, depression, anxiety, physical symptoms, and functional impairment had been completed cross‐sectionally by 1527 patients with early or advanced cancer. Latent class analysis used maximum likelihood techniques to define the unobserved latent constructs that can be predicted as symptom clusters. Individual patients were assigned to the most probable class. Classes were compared on demographics, and logistic regression assessed the odds of individual items predicting each class.ResultsA 4‐class model provided the best fit. Class 1 (n = 829, 54.3%) was defined by the absence of distress; Classes 2 to 4 all carried functional impairment. Class 2 (n = 333, 21.8%) was differentiated by somatic symptoms (sleep, tiredness, and appetite); Class 3 (n = 163, 10.7%) by anhedonia, anxiety, and severe demoralization; and Class 4 (n = 202, 13.2%) by adjustment and moderate demoralization. Members of Class 3 were more likely to be younger, female, anhedonic, depressed, and anxious. In both Classes 3 and 4, functional impairment, physical symptom burden, and suicidal ideation were present.ConclusionsIn contrast with the severe symptom cluster carrying anhedonia, anxiety, and demoralization, the moderate symptom cluster was formed by patients with demoralization and impaired functioning, a clinical picture consistent with a unidimensional model of adjustment disorder.
Interaction of antidiabetic α‐glucosidase inhibitors and gut bacteria α‐glucosidase
Authors: Tan Kemin , Tesar Christine , Wilton Rosemarie , Jedrzejczak Robert P. , Joachimiak Andrzej 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCarbohydrate hydrolyzing α‐glucosidases are commonly found in microorganisms present in the human intestine microbiome. We have previously reported crystal structures of an α‐glucosidase from the human gut bacterium Blaubia (Ruminococcus) obeum (Ro‐αG1) and its substrate preference/specificity switch. This novel member of the GH31 family is a structural homolog of human intestinal maltase‐glucoamylase (MGAM) and sucrase–isomaltase (SI) with a highly conserved active site that is predicted to be common in Ro‐αG1 homologs among other species that colonize the human gut. In this report, we present structures of Ro‐αG1 in complex with the antidiabetic α‐glucosidase inhibitors voglibose, miglitol, and acarbose and supporting binding data. The in vitro binding of these antidiabetic drugs to Ro‐αG1 suggests the potential for unintended in vivo crossreaction of the α‐glucosidase inhibitors to bacterial α‐glucosidases that are present in gut microorganism communities. Moreover, analysis of these drug‐bound enzyme structures could benefit further antidiabetic drug development.
The 24th Annual Prostate Cancer Foundation scientific retreat report
Authors: Miyahira Andrea K. , Soule Howard R. 
Published: May 2018

IntroductionThe 24th Annual Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) Scientific Retreat was held from October 5‐7, 2017, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC.MethodsThe PCF Scientific Retreat is a scientific conference that specifically focuses on cutting edge research deemed to have significant promise for accelerating advances in prostate cancer biology and treatment.ResultsThemes highlighted at this year's meeting included: (i) new understandings in prostate cancer biology and disease progression; (ii) new mechanisms and treatment targets in advanced prostate cancer; (iii) advances in precision medicine genomics, germline genetics, and selection of targeted therapies; (iv) PSMA‐targeted agents for PET imaging and radionuclide therapy; (v) approaches for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy in prostate cancer; (vi) applications of 3D Genomics in prostate cancer research; and (vii) potential applications of artificial intelligence in prostate cancer.DiscussionThis article reviews the research presented at the PCF Scientific Retreat, in order to improve understanding of the current state of prostate cancer research, encourage discourse and exchange of novel ideas, and stimulate new basic, translational, and clinical research that will ultimately improve the lives of patients.
Thrombotic characteristics of extracellular vesicles derived from prostate cancer cells
Authors: Al Saleh Hassan A. , Haas‐Neill Sandor , Al‐Hashimi Ali , Kapoor Anil , Shayegan Bobby , Austin Richard C. , Al‐Nedawi Khalid 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundProstate cancer (PC) patients in advanced stages of the disease have high risk of blood coagulation complications. The procoagulant molecule Tissue factor (TF), and the fibrinolysis inhibitor plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 PAI‐1 play important role in this complication. Extracellular vesicles (EV) shed from cancer cells may contribute to the regulation of TF and PAI‐1. The procoagulant activity of EV can be associated with the oncogenic and metastatic characteristics of their cells.MethodsWe have expressed EGFRvIII in DU145 cells to assess the role of this oncogene in the procoagulant activity of EV. The intercellular exchange of TF via EV was assessed by downregulating its expression in DU145 cells using shRNA vector, and determining the transfer of TF via EV enriched with the protein. Two PC cell lines with different metastatic potential were used to assess the correlation between the procoagulant activity of EV and the metastatic potential of PC cells. Photometric assays were used to determine FXa‐activity and thrombin generation as indicators for the procoagulant activity of EV. Double‐tagged proteinase‐activated receptor 1(PAR‐1) expressed in CHO cells to assess its activation by EV.ResultsThe expression of EGFRvIII in DU145 cells led to increased mRNA levels for TF and PAI‐1, but the increase in these proteins expression was detected mostly in the EV. EV with enhanced levels of TF protein conferred higher TF procoagulant activity on the acceptor cells by intercellular exchange of this protein. Procoagulant activity of EV, assessed by FXa activity, and thrombin generation, was correlated with the oncogenic and metastatic potential of PC cells. The ability of EV to generate thrombin led to the activation of PAR‐1, which was evident by the truncation of tagged‐PAR‐1.ConclusionThe active oncogene EGFRvIII increases the concentration of TF and PAI‐1 in EV. The procoagulant activity of EV is associated with the oncogenic and metastatic characteristics of their PC cells. Also, EV may contribute to the high procoagulant activity in the tumour microenvironment by the intercellular exchange of TF. Finally, through the generation of thrombin, EV can activate PAR‐1, which evidently contributes to cancer progression, linking the coagulation system to tumor progression.
Predicting mammalian metabolism and toxicity of pesticides in silico
Authors: Clark Robert D 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPesticides must be effective to be commercially viable but they must also be reasonably safe for those who manufacture them, apply them, or consume the food they are used to produce. Animal testing is key to ensuring safety, but it comes late in the agrochemical development process, is expensive, and requires relatively large amounts of material. Surrogate assays used as in vitro models require less material and shift identification of potential mammalian toxicity back to earlier stages in development. Modern in silico methods are cost‐effective complements to such in vitro models that make it possible to predict mammalian metabolism, toxicity and exposure for a pesticide, crop residue or other metabolite before it has been synthesized. Their broader use could substantially reduce the amount of time and effort wasted in pesticide development. This contribution reviews the kind of in silico models that are currently available for vetting ideas about what to synthesize and how to focus development efforts; the limitations of those models; and the practical considerations that have slowed development in the area. Detailed discussions are provided of how bacterial mutagenicity, human cytochrome P450 (CYP) metabolism, and bioavailability in humans and rats can be predicted. © 2018 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.