bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio is a predictor of early graft dysfunction following living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Kwon Hye‐Mee , Moon Young‐Jin , Jung Kyeo‐Woon , Park Yong‐Seok , Jun In‐Gu , Kim Seon‐Ok , Song Jun‐Gol , Hwang Gyu‐Sam 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackground & AimsEarly allograft dysfunction (EAD) is predictive of poor graft and patient survival following living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Considering the impact of the inflammatory response on graft injury extent following LDLT, we investigated the association between neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and EAD, 1‐year graft failure, and mortality following LDLT, and compared it to C‐reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and the Glasgow prognostic score.MethodsA total of 1960 consecutive adult LDLT recipients (1531/429 as development/validation cohort) were retrospectively evaluated. Cut‐offs were derived using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), and multivariable regression and Cox proportional hazard analyses were performed.ResultsThe risk of EAD increased proportionally with increasing NLR, and the NLR AUROC was 0.73, similar to CRP and procalcitonin and higher than the rest. NLR ≥ 2.85 (best cut‐off) showed a significantly higher EAD occurrence (20.5% vs 5.8%, P < 0.001), higher 1‐year graft failure (8.2% vs 4.9%, log‐rank P = 0.009) and higher 1‐year mortality (7% vs 4.5%, log‐rank P = 0.039). NLR ≥ 2.85 was an independent predictor of EAD (odds ratio, 1.89 [1.26‐2.84], P = 0.002) after multivariable adjustment, whereas CRP and procalcitonin were not. Increasing NLR was independently associated with higher 1‐year graft failure and mortality (both P < 0.001). Consistent results in the validation cohort strengthened the prognostic value of NLR.ConclusionsPreoperative NLR ≥ 2.85 predicted higher risk of EAD, 1‐year graft failure and 1‐year mortality following LDLT, and NLR was superior to other parameters, suggesting that preoperative NLR may be a practical index for predicting graft function following LDLT.
Lower intakes of protein, carbohydrate, and energy are associated with increased global DNA methylation in 2‐ to 3‐year‐old urban slum children in Bangladesh
Authors: Iqbal Mohd S. , Rahman Sabuktagin , Haque Md Ahshanul , Bhuyan Mohammad Junayed , Faruque Abu Syed Golam , Ahmed Tahmeed 
Published: March 2019

AbstractStunting in children is a global public health concern. We investigated how global DNA methylation relates to food intakes, dietary diversity, and development of stunting among 324 children aged 24–36 months in a slum community in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Stunted children (height‐for‐age z score ˂−2; n = 162) and their age‐ and sex‐matched nonstunted counterparts (height‐for‐age z score ˃−1; n = 162) were selected by active community surveillance. We studied global DNA methylation, measured as 5‐mC% content in whole blood. Dietary intake, anthropometric measurement, and sociodemographic information were obtained. In the multiple linear regression model, increased global DNA methylation level in children was significantly associated with consumption of lower amount of energy, coef: .034 (95% CI [.014, .053]); P = .001, protein, coef: .038 (95% CI [.019, .057]); P = .000, carbohydrate, coef: .027 (95% CI [.008, .047]); P = .006, zinc, coef: .020 (95% CI [.001, .039]); P = .043, total dietary intakes, coef: .020 (95% CI [.001, .039]); P = .043, and intake from plant sources, coef: .028 (95% CI [.009, .047]); P = .005, after adjusting for other covariates. Moreover, higher fruits and vegetables consumption was significantly associated with lower 5‐mC% level, coef: −.022 (95% CI [−.041, −.002]); P = .028. Our findings suggest a significant association between low dietary intakes and increased global DNA methylation. We also found increased global DNA methylation in stunted children. To establish the relationship among the macronutrient intakes, global DNA methylation, and stunting, future prospective studies are warranted in resource‐poor settings.
Tandem‐running and scouting behaviour are characterized by up‐regulation of learning and memory formation genes within the ant brain
Authors: Alleman Austin , Stoldt Marah , Feldmeyer Barbara , Foitzik Susanne 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTandem‐running is a recruitment behaviour in ants that has been described as a form of teaching, where spatial information possessed by a leader is conveyed to following nestmates. Within Temnothorax ants, tandem‐running is used within a variety of contexts, from foraging and nest relocation to—in the case of slavemaking species—slave raiding. Here, we elucidate the transcriptomic basis of scouting, tandem‐leading and tandem‐following behaviours across two species with divergent lifestyles: the slavemaking Temnothorax americanus and its primary, nonparasitic host T. longispinosus. Analysis of gene expression data from brains revealed that only a small number of unique differentially expressed genes are responsible for scouting and tandem‐running. Comparison of orthologous genes between T. americanus and T. longispinosus suggests that tandem‐running is characterized by species‐specific patterns of gene usage. However, within both species, tandem‐leaders showed gene expression patterns median to those of scouts and tandem‐followers, which was expected, as leaders can be recruited from either of the other two behavioural states. Most importantly, a number of differentially expressed behavioural genes were found, with functions relating to learning and memory formation in other social and nonsocial insects. This includes a number of up‐regulated receptor genes such as a glutamate and dopamine receptor, as well as serine/threonine‐protein phosphatases and kinases. Learning and memory genes were specifically up‐regulated within scouts and tandem‐followers, not only reinforcing previous behavioural studies into how Temnothorax navigate novel environments and share information, but also providing insight into the molecular underpinnings of teaching and learning within social insects.
Nitrate acts at the Arabidopsis thaliana shoot apical meristem to regulate flowering time
Authors: Olas Justyna Jadwiga , Van Dingenen Judith , Abel Christin , Działo Magdalena Anna , Feil Regina , Krapp Anne , Schlereth Armin , Wahl Vanessa 
Published: March 2019

Summary

Optimal timing of flowering, a major determinant for crop productivity, is controlled by environmental and endogenous cues. Nutrients are known to modify flowering time; however, our understanding of how nutrients interact with the known pathways, especially at the shoot apical meristem (SAM), is still incomplete. Given the negative side‐effects of nitrogen fertilization, it is essential to understand its mode of action for sustainable crop production.

We investigated how a moderate restriction by nitrate is integrated into the flowering network at the SAM, to which plants can adapt without stress symptoms.

This condition delays flowering by decreasing expression of SUPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS 1 (SOC1) at the SAM. Measurements of nitrate and the responses of nitrate‐responsive genes suggest that nitrate functions as a signal at the SAM. The transcription factors NIN‐LIKE PROTEIN 7 (NLP7) and NLP6, which act as master regulators of nitrate signaling by binding to nitrate‐responsive elements (NREs), are expressed at the SAM and flowering is delayed in single and double mutants. Two upstream regulators of SOC1 (SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN‐LIKE3 (SPL3) and SPL5) contain functional NREs in their promoters.

Our results point at a tissue‐specific, nitrate‐mediated flowering time control in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Tetranins: new putative spider mite elicitors of host plant defense
Authors: Iida Junya , Desaki Yoshitake , Hata Kumiko , Uemura Takuya , Yasuno Ayano , Islam Monirul , Maffei Massimo E. , Ozawa Rika , Nakajima Tadaaki , Galis Ivan , Arimura Gen‐ichiro 
Published: March 2019

Summary

The two‐spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) is a plant‐sucking arthropod herbivore that feeds on a wide array of cultivated plants. In contrast to the well‐characterized classical chewing herbivore salivary elicitors that promote plant defense responses, little is known about sucking herbivores’ elicitors. To characterize the sucking herbivore elicitors, we explored putative salivary gland proteins of spider mites by using an Agrobacterium‐mediated transient expression system or protein infiltration in damaged bean leaves.

Two candidate elicitors (designated as tetranin1 (Tet1) and tetranin2 (Tet2)) triggered early leaf responses (cytosolic calcium influx and membrane depolarization) and increased the transcript abundances of defense genes in the leaves, eventually resulting in reduced survivability of T. urticae on the host leaves as well as induction of indirect plant defenses by attracting predatory mites. Tet1 and/or Tet2 also induced jasmonate, salicylate and abscisic acid biosynthesis.

Notably, Tet2‐induced signaling cascades were also activated via the generation of reactive oxygen species.

The signaling cascades of these two structurally dissimilar elicitors are mostly overlapping but partially distinct and thus they would coordinate the direct and indirect defense responses in host plants under spider mite attack in both shared and distinct manners.
Japanese clinical practice guidelines for sacrococcygeal teratoma, 2017
Authors: Fumino Shigehisa , Tajiri Tatsuro , Usui Noriaki , Tamura Masanori , Sago Haruhiko , Ono Shigeru , Nosaka Shunsuke , Yoneda Akihiro , Souzaki Ryota , Higashi Mayumi , Sakai Kohei , Takahashi Ken , Sugiura Takahiro , Taguchi Tomoaki 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundSacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is the most common extragonadal germ cell tumor in neonates and infants. Although most cases of infantile SCT are benign tumors by nature, some develop into extremely large lesions, leading to massive bleeding, high‐output heart failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and even fatal outcomes during the neonatal period. In addition, some patients may present with tumor recurrence, malignant transformation, long‐term sequelae (including bladder and bowel dysfunction) and lower leg palsy during the long‐term follow up. SCT, however, is very rare, and there are few opportunities to encounter this disease, therefore general physicians without expert credentials currently lack information relevant to clinical practice. For this reason, the research project committee has compiled guidelines concerning SCT.MethodsThe purpose of these guidelines was to share information concerning the treatment and follow up of infantile SCT. The guidelines were developed using the methodologies in the Medical Information Network Distribution System. A comprehensive search of the English‐ and Japanese‐language articles in PubMed and Ichu‐Shi Web identified only case reports or case series, and the recommendations were developed through a process of informal consensus.ResultsThe clinical questions addressed the risk factors, the efficacy of cesarean section, the initial devascularization of tumor feeding vessels, interventional radiology, recommended clinical studies for follow up and possible long‐term complications.ConclusionsThese are the first guidelines for SCT to be established in Japan, and they may have huge clinical value and significance in terms of developing therapeutic strategies and follow up, potentially contributing to the improvement of the prognosis and quality of life of SCT patients.
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) from pleural fluid cell lysates is a highly accurate diagnostic biomarker of adenocarcinomatous effusions
Authors: Porcel José M. , Esquerda Aureli , Bielsa Silvia , Novell Anna , Sorolla Maria Alba , Gatius Sonia , Zamora Carlos , Vidal Silvia , Salud Antonieta 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveThe discovery of highly accurate pleural fluid (PF) biomarkers of malignancy remains elusive. We assessed the operating characteristics of the PF epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), claudin 4 (CL4) and human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) as potential markers of epithelial malignancies.MethodsThe three markers were quantified by immunoassays in the supernatants (s) and cell lysates (cl) of 175 PF samples. The cut‐off values with 100% specificity were selected for malignant–benign discrimination. An immunocytochemical staining index score for each marker was also evaluated on PF cell blocks. The resulting best biomarker was further validated in two independent populations of 73 and 48 patients with pleural effusions (PE).ResultsAn EpCAM(cl) >98 pg/g total lysate protein yielded 75% sensitivity, 100% specificity, negative likelihood ratio of 0.25 and area under the curve of 0.94 for labelling adenocarcinomatous effusions. Sensitivity reached 88% if EpCAM(cl) was combined with EpCAM immunostaining. One‐third or more of the malignant effusions exhibiting a false‐negative cytological fluid examination were correctly classified by EpCAM(cl) concentrations. Immunoassays for CL4 and HE4 were diagnostically useless.ConclusionEpCAM(cl) is a new biomarker of adenocarcinomatous PE with meaningful discriminating properties.
Exercise and cognitive function in patients with end‐stage kidney disease
Authors: Chu Nadia M. , McAdams‐DeMarco Mara A. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn this review we summarize the research pertaining to the role of exercise in preventing cognitive decline in patients with end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD). Impairment in cognitive function, especially in executive function, is common in patients with ESKD, and may worsen with maintenance dialysis as a result of retention of uremic toxins, recurrent cerebral ischemia, and high burden of inactivity. Cognitive impairment may lead to long‐term adverse consequences, including dementia and death. Home‐based and intradialytic exercise training (ET) are among the nonpharmacologic interventions identified to preserve cognitive function in ESKD. Additionally, cognitive training (CT) is an effective approach recently identified in this population. While short‐term benefits of ET and CT on cognitive function were consistently observed in patients undergoing dialysis, more studies are needed to replicate these findings in diverse populations including kidney transplant recipients with long‐term follow‐up to better understand the health and quality of life consequences of these promising interventions. ET as well as CT are feasible interventions that may preserve or even improve cognitive function for patients with ESKD. Whether these interventions translate to improvements in quality of life and long‐term health outcomes, including dementia prevention and better survival, are yet to be determined.
Comprehensive phenotyping reveals interactions and functions of Arabidopsis thaliana TCP genes in yield determination
Authors: van Es Sam W. , van der Auweraert Elwin B. , Silveira Sylvia R. , Angenent Gerco C. , van Dijk Aalt D.J. , Immink Richard G.H. 
Published: March 2019

SummaryMembers of the Arabidopsis thaliana TCP transcription factor (TF) family affect plant growth and development. We systematically quantified the effect of mutagenizing single or multiple TCP TFs and how altered vegetative growth or branching influences final seed yield. We monitored rosette growth over time and branching patterns and seed yield characteristics at the end of the lifecycle. Subsequently, an approach was developed to disentangle vegetative growth and to determine possible effects on seed yield. Analysis of growth parameters showed all investigated tcp mutants to be affected in certain growth aspects compared with wild‐type plants, highlighting the importance of TCP TFs in plant development. Furthermore, we found evidence that all class II TCPs are involved in axillary branch outgrowth, either as inhibitors (BRANCHED‐like genes) or enhancers (JAW‐ and TCP5‐like genes). Comprehensive phenotyping of plants mutant for single or multiple TCP TFs reveals that the proposed opposite functions of class I and class II TCPs in plant growth needs revision and shows complex interactions between closely related TCP genes instead of full genetic redundancy. In various instances, the alterations in vegetative growth or in branching patterns result into negative trade‐off effects on seed yield that were missed in previous studies, showing the importance of comprehensive and quantitative phenotyping.
(Non‐)donor demographics, donation willingness, and the donor career
Authors: Piersma Tjeerd W. , Merz Eva‐Maria 
Published: March 2019

KEY IDEAS

Donation willingness is generally high but registering with donor centers lags behind.
We need to understand why and when during the life course which groups of individuals are motivated to donate.
With this knowledge, we can design targeted recruitment and retention strategies and improve evidence‐based donor management.
“Going global” and FDI inflows in China: “One Belt & One Road” initiative as a quasi‐natural experiment
Authors: Luo Changyuan , Chai Qingyuan , Chen Huiyao 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis paper investigates the impact of “One Belt & One Road” as an exogenous policy shock on the utilisation of foreign capital in China in the short term. Based on provincial panel data for the years 2003–15, the empirical study is conducted with difference‐in‐differences design. The first difference is whether a province is an OBOR province, and the second is whether “One Belt & One Road” initiative has been proposed. The empirical results suggest the utilisation of foreign capital in OBOR provinces has decreased significantly compared to non‐OBOR provinces after the initiative has been proposed. The study has further shown that the OBOR construction not only means factor movements and projects but also stands for policy shock. Its impact on utilisation of foreign capital cannot be simply captured by the commonly quantifiable “going global” indicators, namely outward direct investment, overseas contracted projects or overseas labour services. The negative impact of the initiative on foreign capital utilisation is strongly reflected in the OBOR provinces with low levels of economic development, heavy fiscal burdens and high proportions of state‐owned economy. In the short term, the negative impact of the initiative on foreign capital utilisation may be due to its role in resource competition and signal delivering. The former means that the OBOR initiative may induce resource competition between “going global” and “bringing in,” and the latter suggests that this initiative is likely to be regarded as a “signal” by foreign investors that “going global,” not “bringing in,” has become the priority of the government.
Two rare case reports of ingestion of ammonium hydroxide and novel study of gastrointestinal toxicity
Authors: Perananthan Varan , Wijerathna Thilini , Nagaratnam Amitesh , Gawarammana Indika , Dawson Andrew , Buckley Nicholas 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveWe report the only two adult cases of NH4OH ingestion described in literature at the Peradeniya Teaching Hospital in Sri Lanka. Both cases showed clinical evidence of gastrointestinal toxicity and using intestinal fatty acid binding protein (IFABP), a novel biomarker, we attempted to quantify the extent of enterocyte damage. Procalcitonin was also measured as a maker of bacterial sepsis to ascertain whether there was a link between enterocyte damage and infection secondary to bacterial translocation.CasesA 45-year-old, previously well man was brought in by family with a reduced level of consciousness after ingestion of an unknown quantity of industrial NH4OH (29% solution) with suicidal intent. Peak IFABP and procalcitonin levels were 1274 pg/mL and 2.0 ng/mL, respectively, 7.7 hours following presumed ingestion. A 23-year-old, previously well woman presented 24 hours after consuming 100 mL of NH4OH (5.4% solution) used as a cleaning product. She presented with ongoing vomiting and oropharyngeal pain. Her peak IFABP and procalcitonin levels were 865 pg/mL and 5.8 ng/mL, respectively, 27.2 hours following ingestion.ConclusionWe report the only two adult cases of NH4OH ingestion and describe severe gastrointestinal damage both clinically and biochemically. IFABP, currently only a marker used in research settings, was elevated in both cases but only marginally below that of levels seen in mesenteric ischaemia (levels greater than 1300 pg/mL). The use of a marker for enterocyte damage especially in ingestion of caustic solutions can allow clinicians to monitor progress, predict complications and evaluate the need for further invasive procedures.
PACMAN trial protocol, Perioperative Administration of Corticotherapy on Morbidity and mortality After Non-cardiac major surgery: a randomised, multicentre, double-blind, superiority study
Authors: Asehnoune Karim , Futier Emmanuel , Feuillet Fanny , Roquilly Antoine 
Published: March 2019

IntroductionPostoperative complications are major healthcare problems and are associated with a reduced short-term and long-term survival after surgery. An excessive postoperative inflammatory response participates to the development of postoperative infection and mortality. The aim of the Perioperative Administration of Corticotherapy on Morbidity and mortality After Non-cardiac surgery (PACMAN) study is to assess the effectiveness of perioperative administration of corticosteroid to reduce postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery.Methods and analysisThe PACMAN is a multicentre, randomised, controlled, double-blind, superiority, two-arm trial of 1222 high-risk patients aged 50 years or older undergoing major non-cardiac surgery at 32 acute care hospital in France. Patients are randomly assigned to dexamethasone (0.2 mg/kg at the end of the surgical procedure and at day +1, n=611) or to placebo (n=611). The primary outcome is a composite of predefined 14-day major pulmonary complications and mortality. Secondary outcomes are surgical complications, infections, organ failures, critical care-free days, length of hospital stay and all-cause mortality at 28 days.Ethics and disseminationThe PACMAN trial protocol has been approved by the ethics committee of Sud Mediterranée V, and will be carried out according to the Good Clinical Practice guidelines and the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The PACMAN trial is a randomised controlled trial powered to investigate whether perioperative administration of corticosteroids in patients undergoing non-cardiac major surgery reduces postoperative complications. The results of this study will be disseminated through presentation at scientific conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberNCT03218553; Pre-results.