bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Healthier rhythm, healthier brain? Integrity of circadian melatonin and temperature rhythms relates to the clinical state of brain‐injured patients
Authors: Blume C. , Angerer M. , Raml M. , del Giudice R. , Santhi N. , Pichler G. , Kunz A. B. , Scarpatetti M. , Trinka E. , Schabus M. 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundHealthy circadian rhythmicity has been suggested to relate to a better state of brain‐injured patients and to support the emergence of consciousness in patient groups characterized by a relative instability thereof such as patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC).MethodsGoing beyond earlier studies, a systems‐level perspective was adopted and, using multilevel modelling, the joint predictive value of three indices of circadian rhythm integrity derived from skin temperature variations, melatoninsulfate secretion, and physical activity (wrist actigraphy) patterns was evaluated for the behaviourally assessed state [Coma Recovery Scale ‐ Revised (CRS‐R) score] of DOC patients [13 unresponsive wakefulness syndrome; seven minimally conscious (exit) state]. Additionally, it was assessed in a subset of 16 patients whether patients’ behavioural repertoire (CRS‐R score) varied (i) with time of day or (ii) offset from the body temperature maximum (BTmax), i.e. when cognitive performance is expected to peak.ResultsThe results reveal that better integrity of circadian melatoninsulfate and temperature rhythms relate to a richer behavioural repertoire. Moreover, higher CRS‐R scores are, by trend, related to assessments taking place at a later daytime or deviating less from the pre‐specified time of occurrence of BTmax.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the results suggest that therapeutic approaches aimed at improving circadian rhythms in brain‐injured patients are promising and should be implemented in hospitals or nursing homes. Beyond this, it might be helpful to schedule diagnostic procedures and therapies around the (pre‐assessed) BTmax (≈4 pm in healthy individuals) as this is when patients should be most responsive.
Do human dermal adipocytes switch from lipogenesis in anagen to lipophagy and lipolysis during catagen in the human hair cycle?
Authors: Nicu Carina , Hardman Jonathan Alan , Pople Jennifer , Paus Ralf 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn murine skin, dermal white adipose tissue (DWAT) undergoes fluctuations in size across the hair cycle, whereas changes in size, function and metabolism of dermal adipocytes (DAs) during the human scalp hair cycle remain unexplored. Transmission electron microscopy results suggest that during anagen‐catagen transition, human DAs co‐opt the autophagy machinery to undergo lipophagy within their lipid droplets. Whole‐mount staining of hair follicles (HFs) and surrounding DWAT for the autophagy marker LC3B confirms the increased presence of LC3B+ lipid droplets adjacent to catagen HFs; moreover, DWAT around catagen HFs engages in greater glycerol release compared to DWAT surrounding anagen HFs. Thus, we hypothesize that human DAs switch from lipogenesis during anagen to lipophagy together with lipolysis during catagen. We propose various experiments to further prove this hypothesis, whose systematic exploration should help to better characterize the functions of human DWAT and its communication with the HF.
Extreme heterogeneity of population response to climatic variation and the limits of prediction
Authors: Nice Chris C. , Forister Matthew L. , Harrison Joshua G. , Gompert Zachariah , Fordyce James A. , Thorne James H. , Waetjen David P. , Shapiro Arthur M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractCertain general facets of biotic response to climate change, such as shifts in phenology and geographic distribution, are well characterized; however, it is not clear whether the observed similarity of responses across taxa will extend to variation in other population‐level processes. We examined population response to climatic variation using long‐term incidence data (collected over 42 years) encompassing 149 butterfly species and considerable habitat diversity (10 sites along an elevational gradient from sea level to over 2,700 m in California). Population responses were characterized by extreme heterogeneity that was not attributable to differences in species composition among sites. These results indicate that habitat heterogeneity might be a buffer against climate change and highlight important questions about mechanisms maintaining interpopulation differences in responses to weather. Despite overall heterogeneity of response, population dynamics were accurately predicted by our model for many species at each site. However, the overall correlation between observed and predicted incidence in a cross validation analysis was moderate (Pearson's r = 0.23, SE 0.01), and 97% of observed data fell within the predicted 95% credible intervals. Prediction was most successful for more abundant species as well as for sites with lower annual turnover. Population‐level heterogeneity in response to climate variation and the limits of our predictive power highlight the challenges for a future of increasing climatic variability.
Depression of persons with dementia and family caregiver burden: Finding positives in caregiving as a moderator
Authors: Yang Fan , Ran Maosheng , Luo Wei 
Published: February 2019

AimThe present study examined the association between depression of persons with dementia and family caregiver burden, as well as whether the association depended on the level of caregivers’ ability to find positives in caregiving.MethodsBased on the medical records of a local mental health hospital and the statistics of an epidemiological survey, this cross‐sectional study included 157 major family caregivers of non‐institutionalized dementia patients in the rural sector of Western China's Sichuan Province. They responded to the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia, a short version of the Zarit Burden Interview, a subscale of a caregiver meaning scale and demographic questions.ResultsControlling for the demographic variables of the caregivers, the present study found that dementia patients’ depression level was significantly associated with caregiver burden (P < 0.001), and the caregivers’ levels of finding positives in caregiving significantly moderated the association (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the positive correlation between dementia patients’ depression and caregiver burden was weaker among the family caregivers with a high level of finding positives in caregiving, compared with those with a low level of finding positives in caregiving.ConclusionsThis research suggests the importance of facilitating family caregivers of dementia patients to find positives in caregiving. It provides initial data for the development of dementia caregiver burden interventions that are based on the understanding of the deep meaning of dementia caregiving. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 414–418.
Prediction of risk of falls based on handgrip strength in chronic liver disease patients living independently
Authors: Hiraoka Atsushi , Tamura Rumi , Oka Misato , Izumoto Hirofumi , Ueki Hidetaro , Tsuruta Miho , Yoshino Takeaki , Ono Atsushi , Aibiki Toshihiko , Okudaira Tomonari , Yamago Hiroka , Suga Yoshifumi , Iwasaki Ryuichiro , Mori Kenichiro , Miyata Hideki , Tsubouchi Eiji , Kishida Masato , Ninomiya Tomoyuki , Hirooka Masashi , Abe Masanori , Matsuura Bunzo , Hiasa Yoichi , Kino Tsutae , Yamamoto Kayo , Michitaka Kojiro 
Published: February 2019

AimFalling is known to be associated with cognitive function. We evaluated the relationship between muscle function and falls in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD).MethodsWe enrolled 100 sequential CLD patients without dementia who were admitted to our institution for scheduled treatment from July 2017 to May 2018 (age 71.0 ± 10.2 years; 76 men). All subjects were self‐reliant in regard to activities of daily living. On admission, handgrip strength was determined and falls within 1 month of admission were noted. For determining handgrip strength decline (HSD), previously reported values were used (men, <26 kg; women, <18 kg). The relationship between HSD and falls in CLD patients was evaluated in a retrospective manner.ResultsThirty‐two patients had chronic hepatitis and 49 had liver cirrhosis (LC) Child–Pugh A, 17 had LC Child–Pugh B, and 2 had LC Child–Pugh C. Twelve (12.0%) had a history of falling, including 8 (26.7%) of 30 with and 4 (5.7%) of 70 without HSD (P = 0.006). The cut‐off value for age in relationship to falling was 69.0 years old (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.668; 95% confidence interval, 0.514–0.821). A fall during hospitalization was noted more often in patients with a history of falling than in those without (16.7% [2/12] vs. 2.3% [2/88], P = 0.018).ConclusionIn CLD patients, the presence of HSD and older age might be independent risk factors for predicting a fall. Assessment of handgrip strength could be an effective clinical tool for easily assessing the risk of falling, especially in elderly CLD patients.
Amelogenin domain‐containing NlChP38 is necessary for normal ovulation in the brown planthopper
Authors: Lou Y.‐H. , Lu J.‐B. , Li D.‐T. , Ye Y.‐X. , Luo X.‐M. , Zhang C.‐X. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, is a major threat to rice production. The eggshell plays an important role in insect reproduction. The constituents and formation process of BPH eggshells remains largely unknown. Here, we report a novel eggshell‐associated protein, NlChP38, containing an amelogenin domain, that is essential for normal ovulation in the BPH. NlChP38 is specifically expressed in the follicular cells from egg chambers at both RNA and protein levels. RNA interference of NlChP38 resulted in oocytes with loose and thin eggshell structure and caused ovulation difficulties. Immunofluorescence localization showed NlChP38 is deposited between follicular cells and oocytes during late choriogenesis. These results indicate that NlChP38 plays an important role in eggshell formation and could be a potential target for RNA interference control of the BPH.
Daily variation in macrophage phagocytosis is clock‐independent and dispensable for cytokine production
Authors: Geiger Sarah S. , Curtis Annie M. , O'Neill Luke A. J. , Siegel Richard M. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryInnate immune responses vary in a circadian manner, and more recent investigations aim to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms. Cytokine production varies significantly over the course of a day depending on the time of stimulation by pathogens or Toll‐like receptor ligands, and multiple signaling pathways linked to the cell‐autonomous circadian clock modulate innate immunity. Recognition of foreign material, especially by innate immune cells, engages a myriad of receptors, which trigger inflammatory responses, as well as endocytosis and degradation and/or processing for antigen presentation. Because of the close connection between particle engulfment and inflammation, it has been proposed that phagocytic uptake may drive cytokine production in phagocytes. Here we show that bacterial particle ingestion by mouse peritoneal macrophages displays temporal variation, but is independent of the cell‐intrinsic circadian clock in an ex vivo setting. Although cytokine production is dependent on phagocytosis, uptake capacity across 12 hr does not translate into 24‐hr rhythms in cytokine production. In vivo, time‐of‐day variations in phagocytic capacity are not found, whereas a time of day and clock‐dependent cytokine response is maintained. These data show that efficiency of bacterial phagocytosis and the 24‐hr rhythmicity of cytokine production by macrophages are independent of one another and should be studied separately.
LEF1‐AS1, long non‐coding RNA, inhibits proliferation in myeloid malignancy
Authors: Congrains-Castillo Ada , Niemann Fernanda S. , Santos Duarte Adriana S. , Olalla‐Saad Sara T. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractLEF1 antisense RNA 1 (LEF1‐AS1) is an antisense long non‐coding RNA encoded in the lymphoid enhancer‐binding factor 1 (LEF1) locus. LEF1‐AS1 is a conserved transcript dysregulated in hematopoiesis. This study aimed to functionally characterize the role of this transcript in myeloid malignancy and explore a possible regulatory effect of LEF1‐AS1 upon LEF1. We show that LEF1‐AS1 is highly expressed in normal hematopoietic stem cells but barely detectable in myeloid malignant cell lines. Additionally, bone marrow cells from myelodysplastic syndrome (n=12) and acute myeloid malignancy patients (n=28) expressed significantly reduced levels of LEF1‐AS1 compared to healthy controls (n=15). Artificial LEF1‐AS1 over‐expression inhibited proliferation in HL60 and led to an upregulation of tumor suppressors p21 and p27, and reduced ERK1/2 activation. Unexpectedly, no underlying modulation of LEF1 was detected. Ectopic expression of LEF1‐AS1 also inhibited proliferation in HELA, a cell line lacking endogenous expression of LEF1, supporting a LEF1‐independent mechanism. Additionally, transient over‐expression of LEF1‐AS1 in AML patient cells also led to reduced proliferation and colony formation capacity. We used a mass spectrometry‐based proteomics approach. Proteomic quantification identified the modulation of an important metabolic regulator, Fumarase, and concomitant accumulation of the metabolite fumarate.
Local oestrogen therapy modulates extracellular matrix and immune response in the vaginal tissue of post‐menopausal women with severe pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Tyagi Tanya , Alarab May , Leong Yvonne , Lye Stephen , Shynlova Oksana 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis study investigates the effect of local oestrogen therapy (LET) on the expression of proteins participating in collagen/elastin biogenesis and immune markers in vaginal tissues of post‐menopausal women with severe pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Vaginal biopsies were collected from the anterior vaginal wall of informed and consented 52 post‐menopausal women with severe POP undergoing total hysterectomy. Twenty‐nine of the 52 women were treated with LET (in the form of vaginal oestrogen cream or tablet), while the remaining 23 untreated patients served as the controls. This study was approved by Sinai Health System REB. Vaginal tissue specimens were analysed for gene and protein expression using real‐time RT‐PCR and Luminex assays, protein localization and immune cell infiltration were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Forty‐four cytokines were detected. We found that LET application: (a) significantly increased (P < 0.05) gene and protein expression levels of extracellular matrix (ECM) structural proteins, collagen and elastin, as well as the expression of ECM maturation enzyme BMP1; (b) decreased protein expression level of ECM degradation enzymes MMP1, MMP2 and MMP3 accompanied by an increase in their tissue inhibitors, TIMP1 and TIMP4; (c) significantly increased (P < 0.05) the gene and protein expression levels of 14 vaginal cytokines involved in leucocyte infiltration, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Our results indicate that LET plays an important role in the activation of immune system within the local vaginal environment, limiting the undesirable ECM degradation, which supports the strengthening of vaginal ECM in post‐menopausal women, therefore resisting menopause/age‐related changes and inducing urogenital tract tissue regeneration.
Mesenteric adipose tissue B lymphocytes promote local and hepatic inflammation in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease mice
Authors: Wu Zhe , Xu Jun , Tan Jiang , Song Yang , Liu Ling , Zhang Feng , Zhang Yifan , Li Xia , Chi Yujing , Liu Yulan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMesenteric adipose tissue (MAT) inflammation is associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and immune cells play pivotal roles in the inflammation of adipose tissue. Here, we investigated the roles of MAT B lymphocytes in NAFLD. Mice fed with high‐fat diet (HFD) and normal diet (ND) were killed in time gradients (4, 8 and 12 weeks). Compared with ND‐fed mice, intra‐hepatic CD45+CD19+ B lymphocytes increased after 4 weeks (P < 0.01) of HFD feeding, and lasted until the 12th week, infiltrated earlier than CD45+CD3+ T lymphocytes and CD45+F4/80+ macrophages. The mRNA expression of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6 and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)‐1 decreased in MAT of Bnull HFD‐fed mice compared to that in wild‐type HFD‐fed mice, along with lesser macrophages. Mesenteric adipose tissue B cells from HFD‐fed mice promoted macrophage differentiation to type‐Ι macrophages and expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in vitro. Macrophages pre‐treated with MAT B cells from HFD‐fed mice showed elevated mRNA expression of IL‐6 and TNF‐α and declined IL‐10 levels in adipocytes compared to ND MAT B cell pre‐treated macrophages. Besides, internal near‐infrared scanning and external transwell assay showed that HFD MAT B cells migrated to the liver more than ND MAT B cells. High‐fat diet MAT B cells induced higher MCP‐1 and lower IL‐10 expression in primary hepatocytes compared to ND MAT B cells in co‐culture experiment. These data indicate that B lymphocytes infiltrate early in MAT during the development of NAFLD, which may not only promote MAT inflammation by regulating macrophages but also migrate to the liver and induce hepatocytes inflammation.
Changes in self‐concept and risk of psychotic experiences in adolescence: a longitudinal population‐based cohort study
Authors: Healy Colm , Coughlan Helen , Williams James , Clarke Mary , Kelleher Ian , Cannon Mary 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundPsychotic experiences (PEs) are commonly reported in adolescence and are associated with a range of negative outcomes. Few targets for intervention for PEs have been identified. One potential target is self‐concept: an individual's beliefs about his/her personal attributes. Improvements in self‐concept have been shown to reduce psychotic symptoms in patients with schizophrenia but no study has investigated the relationship between changes in self‐concept and risk of PEs in the general population.We aimed to investigate: (a) the relationship between child and adolescent self‐concept and adolescent PEs; and (b) whether changes in self‐concept between childhood and adolescence were associated with risk of adolescent PEs.MethodUsing data from age 9 and age 13 (n = 7,423) of the child cohort (Cohort'98) from the Growing Up in Ireland study we investigated the relationship between self‐concept at age 9 and age 13 and PEs at age 13. PEs were measured using the Adolescent Psychotic Symptoms Screener and self‐concept was measured using the Piers Harris‐II. Using a stratified analysis, we investigated the relationship between change in self‐concept between age 9 and age 13 and the risk of PEs at age 13. Additionally we investigated changes across the six self‐concept subscales.ResultsPsychotic experiences were reported by 13% of participants at age 13. ‘Very low’ self‐concept at age 9 was associated with an increased risk of PEs at age 13 (Adjusted‐OR: 2.74, CI: 1.80–4.19), and ‘High’ self‐concept at age 9 was associated with a decreased risk of PEs at age 13 (Adjusted‐OR: 0.77, CI: 0.60–0.97). The stratified analysis indicated that improvements in self‐concept reduced the odds of adolescent PEs and decline in self‐concept increased the odds of adolescent PEs. This effect was noted across the majority of the self‐concept subscales.ConclusionsThere is a strong relationship between self‐concept and PEs. The antecedents of low self‐concept may be a useful target for preventative psychiatry. Broad‐spectrum interventions targeting self‐concept in childhood may help to reduce the incidence of PEs in adolescence.
Nested case–control study investigating the diagnostic role of tissue eosinophilia in adverse cutaneous drug reactions
Authors: Samuelov L. , Nathan A. , Slutsky E. , Fruchter D. , Gat A. , Sprecher E. , Goldberg I. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundAlthough tissue eosinophilia has traditionally been considered diagnostically supportive of adverse cutaneous drug reactions (ACDRs), studies have suggested it is neither a sensitive nor a specific finding in drug eruptions (DEs).ObjectivesDetermining whether skin tissue eosinophilia is a reliable indicator ofACDR.MethodsA nested case–control retrospective study conducted in a cohort of 170 patients at a single institution. Tissue eosinophilia (number of eosinophils per high‐power field (HPF)) was investigated in skin biopsies obtained from the following groups of patients who demonstrated: (i) in vitro assay and telephone interview‐validated cutaneous drug reactions (trueDE); (ii) initial clinical diagnosis ofACDRbut drug aetiology was excluded by in vitro assay and telephone interview (falseDE); and (iii) non‐drug‐associated cutaneous eruptions, skin tumours and nevi, randomly selected for evaluation (control).ResultsSignificantly higher number of eosinophils perHPFwas observed in the falseDEcompared to the trueDEgroup (P = 0.02). The falseDEgroup demonstrated a higher number of eosinophils (P < 0.001) while the trueDEgroup eosinophils’ number was not significantly higher as compared to control (P = 0.2032).ConclusionsTissue eosinophilia is not a reliable indicator ofACDRs.
The Needs Self‐Rating Questionnaire for Breast Cancer (NSQ‐BC): Development of a tool for the needs assessment of women with breast cancer in mainland China
Authors: Zhou Kaina , Huo Lanting , He Xiaole , Li Minjie , An Jinghua , Wang Wen , Li Jin , Li Xiaomei 
Published: February 2019

AbstractRationale, Aims, and ObjectivesA needs assessment tool considering the cultural background of mainland China has not been reported. This study developed a Needs Self‐rating Questionnaire for Breast Cancer (NSQ‐BC) based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs for mainland Chinese patients.MethodsThe Delphi technique and pilot cross‐sectional surveys (two rounds) were performed for item selection. In the Delphi technique, items were selected according to the experts' perspective on the item's significance (ie, 1‐5 Likert‐scale ratings of importance; mean > 4.0 and coefficients of variation <0.25). In the pilot cross‐sectional surveys, items were selected according to internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's α ≥ 0.70), discriminant validity (stronger correlations of the item with the hypothesized subscale than for other subscales), and convergent validity (hypothesized item‐subscale correlations ≥0.40). All decisions were made based on the results of statistical analyses, recommendations of the experts, and in‐depth discussion among research team members.ResultsFollowing the two evaluation rounds, the revised NSQ‐BC comprised 26 items across five subscales of needs: physical, psychological, respect/self‐esteem, information, and rehabilitation. Item ratings from the expert panellists met the aforementioned criteria (ie, Kendall's W = 0.329, P < 0.001). Except for the “respect/self‐esteem needs” subscale, Cronbach's α for all subscales exceeded 0.70. All items had acceptable discriminant and convergent validity. Additionally, two new items—good environment/facilities and economic support—were added to the NSQ‐BC, as recommended by the experts.ConclusionsThe NSQ‐BC was developed fully via the comprehensive use of Delphi technique and pilot cross‐sectional surveys. It provides evidence of a proper instrument for needs assessment and evaluation among women with breast cancer in mainland China.