bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical risk for substance‐affected patients attending an emergency department in the Northern Territory with police: A quality improvement initiative
Authors: Brownlea Sandra J , Miller Justine , Meagher Jessica , Barzi Federica , Palmer Didier 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectiveDetermine clinical risk for patients presenting to Royal Darwin Hospital ED when they cannot be cared for at the police watch‐house (WH) or sobering‐up‐shelter (SUS) because of a medical concern.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of police arrivals from May to July 2016. Data collection included demographics and presumed cause of intoxication. Outcomes used as markers of risk were departure status, return visit within 24 h and frequency of ED attendance over 3 months. Social determinants of poor health were collected for the June cohort.ResultsThere were 247 attendances with police by 170 patients. Most were alcohol affected (monthly rates between 83% and 92%). The ‘did not wait/left at own risk’ rate was high (41–44% vs 7.7%; P < 0.001) and hospital admission rates low (2–7% vs 29%; P < 0.001). Rates of representation (20% within 24 h), ED attendance (≥73% had a further visit within 3 months), comorbidities (46% with three or more chronic diseases), homelessness (66%) and alcohol dependence (85%) were high. Patients presenting more than five times over 3 months were less likely to wait (odds ratio 2.4, 95% confidence interval 1.1–5.2, P = 0.03).ConclusionThis is a common presentation at Royal Darwin Hospital ED by a patient group with high levels of comorbidity, homelessness and alcohol dependence. Nearly half self‐discharged prior to medical assessment. These patients frequently re‐attend the same facilities and enter into a cycle of non‐intervention. Case management across services is needed to improve the opportunity that these patients receive appropriate medical, social and addiction interventions.
Environmental drivers of species composition and functional diversity of dung beetles along the Atlantic Forest–Pampa transition zone
Authors: da Silva Pedro Giovâni , Cassenote Sheila 
Published: March 2019

AbstractHuman activities are causing a rapid loss of biodiversity, which impairs ecosystem functions and services. Therefore, understanding which processes shape how biodiversity is distributed along spatial and environmental gradients is a first step to guide conservation and management efforts. We aimed to determine the relative explanatory importance of biogeographic, environmental, landscape and spatial variables on assemblage dissimilarities and functional diversity of dung beetles along the Atlantic Forest–Pampa (i.e. forest–grassland) transition zone located in Southeast South America. We described each site according to their biogeographic position, environmental conditions, landscape features and spatial patterns. The compositional dissimilarity was partitioned into turnover and nestedness components of β‐diversity. Mantel tests and generalised dissimilarity models were used to relate β‐diversity and its components to biogeographic, environmental, landscape and spatial variables. Variation partitioning analysis was used to estimate the pure and shared variation in species composition and functional diversity explained by the four categories of predictors. Biome domain was the main factor causing dung beetle compositional dissimilarity, with a high species replacement between Atlantic Forest and Pampa. Biogeographic, environmental, landscape and spatial distances also affected the patterns of dung beetle dissimilarity and β‐diversity components. The shared effects of the four sets of predictors explained most of the variation in dung beetle composition. A similar response pattern was found for dung beetle functional diversity, which excluded biogeographic effects. Only the pure effects of environmental and spatial predictors were significant for species composition and functional diversity. Our results indicate that dung beetle species composition and functional diversity are jointly driven by environmental, landscape and spatial predictors with higher pure environmental and spatial effects. The forest–grassland transition zone promotes a strong species and trait replacement highly influenced both by environmental filtering and dispersal limitation.
Experimental warming alters the relative survival and emigration of two dung beetle species from an Australian dung pat community
Authors: Holley Jean M. , Andrew Nigel R. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTo preserve insect‐mediated ecosystem services under ongoing climate change, it is necessary to first understand the impact that warming will have on the insects that provide or mediate these services. Furthermore, because responses of a species may be modified by interactions with competitors, it is informative to examine warming effects on organisms and service provision under competition. Dung beetles provide numerous services to agriculture by burying the manure of other animals. To understand the potential impacts of climate warming on ecosystem service provision, we exposed two dung beetle species (Sisyphus rubrus and Euoniticellus fulvus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)), occurring together in the same experimental pats, to warming and measured reproduction (dung ball production and burial, brood production, and egg laying), pat departure behaviour and survival of both species. These two species are likely competitors in pastures in northern New South Wales. To simulate climate warming, we used custom‐built chambers to add offsets (+0, +2 or +4°C) to field recorded, diurnally fluctuating baseline temperatures. There was no direct effect of increased temperature on any measured trait in either species. We did find however that the relative survival of the two species depended on temperature; S. rubrus had a higher probability (resulting in greater odds) of surviving than E. fulvus in the +0 and +4°C offset chambers, but not in the +2°C offset chambers. Likewise, the relative likelihood of the different species leaving a dung pat was temperature dependent; in the +2°C offset chambers, E. fulvus were more likely to leave than S. rubrus, but not in the +0 and +4°C offsets chambers. Our results highlight that it may be important for future studies to consider warming effects on relative survival and emigration because such effects could potentially lead to changes in dung beetle species composition.
Poly(I:C) alters placental and fetal brain amino acid transport in a rat model of maternal immune activation
Authors: McColl Eliza R. , Piquette‐Miller Micheline 
Published: March 2019

AbstractProblemMaternal immune activation (MIA) during pregnancy is associated with increased chances of neurodevelopmental disorders including schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the exact mechanism through which MIA contributes to altered neurodevelopment is unknown. Due to the important role that amino acids play in neurodevelopment, altered amino acid transport could play a role in neurodevelopmental disorders. Indeed, altered plasma concentrations of multiple amino acids have been reported in individuals with ASD or schizophrenia. Therefore, our objective was to determine whether virally mediated MIA induces changes in amino acid transporters in the placenta and fetal brain.Method of studyPregnant rats were administered poly(I:C) on gestational day 14, and placental and fetal tissues were collected 6, 24, and 48 hours later. Amino acid transporter expression was measured in the placenta and fetal brain using qPCR, Western blotting, and Simple Western. Free amino acid concentrations in the fetal brain were quantified using HPLC.ResultsPoly(I:C) increased mRNA expression of several amino acid transporters in the placenta and fetal brain over these timepoints. Conversely, poly(I:C) imposed significant decreases in the protein expression of ASCT1 and EAAT2 in placenta and expression of SNAT5, EAAT1, and GLYT1 in fetal brain. Functional consequences of altered transporter expression were demonstrated through widespread changes in the concentrations of free amino acids in the fetal brains.ConclusionTogether, these results represent novel findings with the poly(I:C) MIA model and contribute to the understanding of how MIA during pregnancy potentially leads to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Epigenetic treatment combinations to effectively target cisplatin‐resistant germ cell tumors: past, present, and future considerations
Authors: Oing C. , Skowron M. A. , Bokemeyer C. , Nettersheim D. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundType II germ cell tumors represent the most common solid malignancy in men aged 15–45 years. Despite high cure rates of >90% over all stages, 10–15% of advanced patients develop treatment resistance and potentially succumb to their disease. Treatment of refractory germ cell tumors remains unsatisfactory, and new approaches are needed to further improve outcomes.ObjectivesWith this narrative review, we highlight epigenetic mechanisms related to resistance to standard systemic treatment, which may act as promising targets for novel combined epigenetic treatment approaches.Materials and methodsA comprehensive literature search of PubMed and MEDLINE was conducted to identify original and review articles on resistance mechanisms and/or epigenetic treatment of germ cell tumors in vitro and in vivo. Review articles were hand‐searched to identify additional articles.ResultsDistinct epigenetic phenomena have been linked to chemotherapy resistance in germ cell tumors, among which DNA hypermethylation, histone acetylation, and bromodomain proteins appear as promising targets for therapeutic exploitation. Inhibitors of key regulators, for example DNA methyltransferases (e.g. decitabine, guadecitabine), histone deacetylases (e.g. romidepsin), and bromodomain proteins (e.g. JQ1) decreased cell viability, triggered apoptosis, and growth arrest. Additionally, these epigenetic drugs induced differentiation and led to loss of pluripotency and re‐sensitization towards cisplatin in cell lines and animal models.DiscussionEpigenetic treatments hold promise to (i) reduce the treatment burden of and (ii) overcome resistance to standard cisplatin‐based chemotherapy. Combined approaches may enhance activity, while the ideal target and treatment combination of epigenetic drugs, either with another epigenetic agent or conventional cytotoxic agents need to be defined.ConclusionEpigenetic (combination) treatment for germ cell tumors should be further explored in pre‐clinical and clinical research for its potential to further improve germ cell tumor treatment.
Effects of rice conservation methods on lactation, blood metabolites, and rumen fermentation in dairy cows
Authors: Miyaji Makoto , Inoue Hidehiko , Kawaide Tetsuo , Tohno Masanori , Kamiya Yuko , Nonaka Kazuhisa 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe investigated the effect of rice grain conservation methods on feed intake, milk production, blood metabolites, and rumen fermentation in dairy cows. Raw rice grain was dried before crushing (DRY), ensiled after crushing (ENS‐A), or ensiled before crushing (ENS‐B). Twelve multiparous Holstein cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with three dietary treatments comprising ad libitum access to one of three total mixed rations (TMRs; containing DRY, ENS‐A, or ENS‐B at 17% of dietary dry matter) plus a standard allowance of 2.0 kg/day of dairy concentrates. The dietary treatments did not affect the feed intake, milk yield, or milk composition. The selected blood constituents were not influenced by the rice conservation method. The ruminal lactic acid and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations and the VFA proportion in the cows were not influenced by the rice conservation method. These results demonstrate that the rice grain conservation method has little impact on lactation performance when cows are fed a TMR containing 17% treated rice grain (dry matter basis).
Describing latent phase duration and associated characteristics among 1281 low‐risk women in spontaneous labor
Authors: Tilden Ellen L. , Phillippi Julia C. , Ahlberg Mia , King Tekoa L. , Dissanayake Mekhala , Lee Christopher S. , Snowden Jonathan M. , Caughey Aaron B. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundRecent research suggests that latent phase of labor may terminate at 6 rather than 4 centimeters of cervical dilation. The objectives of this study were to: (a) characterize duration of the latent phase of labor among term, low‐risk, United States women in spontaneous labor using the women's self‐identified onset; and (b) quantify associations between demographic and maternal/newborn health characteristics and the duration of the latent phase.MethodsThis prospective study (n = 1281) described the duration of the latent phase of labor in hours, stratified by parity at the mean, median, and 80th, 90th, and 95th percentiles. The duration of the latent phase was compared for each characteristic using t tests or Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests and regression models that controlled for confounders.ResultsIn this sample of predominantly white, healthy women, duration of the latent phase of labor was longer than described in previous studies: The median duration was 9.0 hours and mean duration was 11.8 hours in nulliparous women. The median duration was 6.8 hours and mean duration was 9.3 hours in multiparous women. Among nulliparous women, longer duration was seen in women whose fetus was in a malposition. Among multiparous women, longer durations were noted in women with chorioamnionitis and those who gave birth between 41 and 41 + 6 weeks’ gestation (vs between 40 and 40 + 6 weeks’ gestation).ConclusionsThe latent phase of labor may be longer than previously estimated. Contemporary estimates of latent phase of labor duration will help women and providers accurately anticipate, prepare, and cope during spontaneous labor.
Quantitative sensory testing in children with sickle cell disease: additional insights and future possibilities
Authors: Miller Robin E. , Brown Dawn S. , Keith Scott W. , Hegarty Sarah E. , Setty Yamaja , Campbell Claudia M. , McCahan Suzanne M. , Gayen‐Betal Suhita , Byck Hal , Stuart Marie 
Published: March 2019

SummaryQuantitative sensory testing (QST) is used in a variety of pain disorders to characterize pain and predict prognosis and response to specific therapies. In this study, we aimed to confirm results in the literature documenting altered QST thresholds in sickle cell disease (SCD) and assess the test–retest reliability of results over time. Fifty‐seven SCD and 60 control subjects aged 8–20 years underwent heat and cold detection and pain threshold testing using a Medoc TSAII. Participants were tested at baseline and 3 months; SCD subjects were additionally tested at 6 months. An important facet of our study was the development and use of a novel QST modelling approach, allowing us to model all data together across modalities. We have not demonstrated significant differences in thermal thresholds between subjects with SCD and controls. Thermal thresholds were consistent over a 3‐ to 6‐month period. Subjects on whom hydroxycarbamide (HC) was initiated shortly before or after baseline testing (new HC users) exhibited progressive decreases in thermal sensitivity from baseline to 6 months, suggesting that thermal testing may be sensitive to effective therapy to prevent vasoocclusive pain. These findings inform the use of QST as an endpoint in the evaluation of preventative pain therapies.
The management and composition of symptomatic seminal vesicle calculi: aetiological analysis and current research
Authors: Miao Chenkui , Liang Chao , Wang Yamin , Song Zhen , Xu Aiming , Liu Bianjiang , Li Jie , Song Ninghong , Wang Zengjun 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveTo report our experience in the diagnosis, minimally invasive treatment, and composition of seminal vesicle calculi (SVC).Patients and methodsIn the present study, we evaluated 20 patients who were admitted to our hospital from January 2013 to January 2018. All the patients were diagnosed with intractable haematospermia and SVC. The diagnosis was further confirmed by seminal vesiculoscopy. SVC were removed by basket extraction; with larger SVC fragmented by holmium laser before extraction. Scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and infrared spectroscopy were used to determine the SVC composition.ResultsAll operations were completed successfully without surgical complications. SVC were mostly composed of hydroxyapatite and protein, suggesting that they were produced by infections.ConclusionsSeminal vesiculoscopy is a simple, minimally invasive technique that can be used for diagnostic confirmation and treatment of seminal vesiculitis with SVC. This study improves our understanding of SVC and provides a theoretical basis for the prevention of postoperative recurrence of SVC.
Is Alzheimer's disease linked to Herpes simplex virus type 1 infection? A mini‐review of the molecular correlation and the possible disease connections
Authors: Bahbah Eshak I. , Fathy Safaa , Negida Ahmed 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the world. Several pathological pathways and genetic alterations have been linked to AD; however, the definitive cause of the disease remains unknown. Recently, an increasing body of evidence suggests that neurodegenerative diseases, including AD, might be triggered by microbial infections. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) has been found in brain samples from dead AD patients. At some point of in their lifetime, every person comes into contact with HSV1, but when this enters the brain, it remains latent. However, it was observed that when a person becomes old, and there is a decline in their immunity, the latent HSV1 virus becomes reactivated. The reactivated virus then causes damage to the neural cell DNA and disrupts the DNA repair system, leading to AD. The present review would provide a clear understanding of how HSV1 influences DNA damage, and causes plaque formation and phosphorylation of tau protein, which in turn leads to AD, by inducing the production of interferons that would facilitate the production of specific humoral immunity, which could lead to neurodegeneration.
Baseline nocturnal glucose change: A predictor of the treatment effect of bolus intensification in insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes
Authors: Peters Anne L. , Piletič Milivoj , Ejstrud Johan , Salvesen‐Sykes Karen , Snyder James , Bowering Keith 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis post hoc analysis of an 18‐week randomized trial explored the utility of calculating baseline glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), postprandial glucose (PPG) increments and nocturnal glucose change in predicting efficacy and safety outcomes in response to bolus insulin intensification in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Analyses were conducted on 236 participants with T2D receiving metformin: 116 received fast‐acting insulin aspart (faster aspart) basal–bolus therapy and 120 received basal‐only insulin. Participants were grouped according to baseline HbA1c, PPG increments and nocturnal glucose change variables; analyses were performed on the end‐of‐trial treatment differences between “high” and “low” baseline values. The change from baseline in end‐of‐trial mean HbA1c and mean PPG increments was in favour of faster aspart across all subgroups. Significantly greater treatment differences were observed in participants with high (vs. low) baseline nocturnal glucose change and PPG increments. For baseline HbA1c, significantly greater treatment differences were observed for change in end‐of‐trial PPG increments, but not end‐of‐trial HbA1c. In conclusion, both nocturnal glucose change and PPG increments may be more useful than HbA1c for identifying subgroups of people with T2D who would most benefit from bolus intensification.
A single‐center, open‐label positron emission tomography study to evaluate brivaracetam and levetiracetam synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A binding in healthy volunteers
Authors: Finnema Sjoerd J. , Rossano Samantha , Naganawa Mika , Henry Shannan , Gao Hong , Pracitto Richard , Maguire Ralph P. , Mercier Joël , Kervyn Sophie , Nicolas Jean‐Marie , Klitgaard Henrik , DeBruyn Steven , Otoul Christian , Martin Paul , Muglia Pierandrea , Matuskey David , Nabulsi Nabeel B. , Huang Yiyun , Kaminski Rafal M. , Hannestad Jonas , Stockis Armel , Carson Richard E. 
Published: March 2019

SummaryObjectiveBrivaracetam (BRV) and levetiracetam (LEV) are antiepileptic drugs that bind synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A). In vitro and in vivo animal studies suggest faster brain penetration and SV2A occupancy (SO) after dosing with BRV than LEV. We evaluated human brain penetration and SO time course of BRV and LEV at therapeutically relevant doses using the SV2A positron emission tomography (PET) tracer 11C‐UCB‐J (EP0074; NCT02602860).MethodsHealthy volunteers were recruited into three cohorts. Cohort 1 (n = 4) was examined with PET at baseline and during displacement after intravenous BRV (100 mg) or LEV (1500 mg). Cohort 2 (n = 5) was studied during displacement and 4 hours postdose (BRV 50‐200 mg or LEV 1500 mg). Cohort 3 (n = 4) was examined at baseline and steady state after 4 days of twice‐daily oral dosing of BRV (50‐100 mg) and 4 hours postdose of LEV (250‐600 mg). Half‐time of 11C‐UCB‐J signal change was computed from displacement measurements. Half‐saturation concentrations (IC50) were determined from calculated SO.ResultsObserved tracer displacement half‐times were 18 ± 6 minutes for BRV (100 mg, n = 4), 9.7 and 10.1 minutes for BRV (200 mg, n = 2), and 28 ± 6 minutes for LEV (1500 mg, n = 6). Estimated corrected half‐times were 8 minutes shorter. The SO was 66%‐70% for 100 mg intravenous BRV, 84%‐85% for 200 mg intravenous BRV, and 78%‐84% for intravenous 1500 mg LEV. The IC50 of BRV (0.46 μg/mL) was 8.7‐fold lower than of LEV (4.02 μg/mL). BRV data fitted a single SO versus plasma concentration relationship. Steady state SO for 100 mg BRV was 86%‐87% (peak) and 76%‐82% (trough).SignificanceBRV achieves high SO more rapidly than LEV when intravenously administered at therapeutic doses. Thus, BRV may have utility in treating acute seizures; further clinical studies are needed for confirmation.
Downregulation of TUG1 promotes melanogenesis and UVB‐induced melanogenesis
Authors: Fu Chuhan , Chen Jing , Lu Jianyun , Pei Shiyao , Hu Shuanghai , Jiang Ling , Ding Yufang , Huang Lihua , Xiang Hong , Huang Jinhua , Zeng Qinghai 
Published: March 2019

AbstractStudies have revealed that taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1), an important member of the long non‐coding RNA family, is involved in the regulation of cell growth, tumorigenesis and invasion, insulin secretion and so on. However, its role in melanogenesis has not been explored. This study attempts to explore the effects of TUG1 on melanogenesis and its regulatory mechanisms. We evaluated the expression changes in melanogenesis‐related genes and detected phosphorylation levels of ERK, JNK and P38 in TUG1 downregulated melanocytes. After exposure of melanocytes to UVB irradiation, the expression of TUG1 and melanogenesis‐related genes was detected. We found that the expression of tyrosinase (TYR), tyrosine‐related protein 1 (TYRP1) and tyrosine‐related protein 2 (TYRP2) was upregulated and that the phosphorylation level of ERK was downregulated by downregulating TUG1. Inhibition of TUG1 could further upregulate the expression of UVB‐induced melanogenesis‐related genes. In conclusion, TUG1 negatively regulates melanocyte melanogenesis via the ERK pathway and plays a negative role in UVB‐induced melanogenesis.