bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential value of urinary amatoxin quantification in patients with hepatotoxic mushroom poisoning
Authors: Escoda Ona , Reverter Enric , To‐Figueras Jordi , Casals Gregori , Fernández Javier , Nogué Santiago 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgorund & AimsMushroom poisoning with Amanita phalloides or similar species can lead to liver failure with 10‐30% mortality rates. We aimed at defining the prognostic value of urinary amatoxin quantification in patients with hepatotoxic mushroom poisoning.MethodsData from 32 patients with hepatotoxic mushroom poisoning (Hospital Clínic Barcelona, 2002‐16) in whom urinary amatoxins were determined (ELISA) were retrospectively reviewed. Correlations between urinary amatoxin and collected baseline variables with outcomes including hepatotoxicity (ALT>1000 U/L), severe acute liver injury (ALI, prothrombin <50%), acute liver failure (ALF, ALI and encephalopathy), transplantation/death and hospital length‐of‐stay, were evaluated.Results12/32 patients developed increased aminotransferase activity. Among the 13/32 amatoxin negative patients, 1 developed ALI and 12/13 no hepatotoxicity. Among the 19/32 amatoxin positive patients, 8/19 (42%) developed hepatotoxicity, including 5 who progressed to severe ALI, of whom 3 developed ALF (2 deaths, 1 transplantation). Urinary amatoxin and prothrombin were independent predictors of hepatotoxicity, ALT peak values (along with age) and hospital length‐of‐stay. In positive amatoxins patients, urinary concentrations > 55 ng/ml (or a baseline prothrombin ≤ 83%), were associated to hepatotoxicity (presented by 8/9 patients with ALT>1000 U/L). Among 5 patients with urinary amatoxin ≥ 70 ng/ml, 4 developed severe ALI.ConclusionsIn patients with hepatotoxic mushroom poisoning, a negative urinary amatoxin quantification within 72h of intake ruled out the risk of hepatotoxicity in 92% of patients, whereas positive urinary amatoxins were associated with hepatotoxicity and severe ALI. Concentrations >55 ng/ml and ≥ 70 ng/ml were predictive of hepatotoxicity and severe ALI, respectively.
Association between serum liver enzymes and all‐cause mortality: The Japan Public Health Center‐based Prospective Study
Authors: Yuwaki Keiichi , Shimazu Taichi , Yamagiwa Yoko , Inoue Manami , Goto Atsushi , Yamaji Taiki , Iwasaki Motoki , Sawada Norie , Tsugane Shoichiro ,   for the JPHC Study Group
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackground & AimsThe association of serum liver enzyme levels with all‐cause mortality in individuals without hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus infection is inconsistent. We aimed to investigate all‐cause and non‐liver disease mortality according to levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) stratified by hepatitis virus infection status in a Japanese cohort.MethodsParticipants were 7243 men and 13 513 women aged 40‐69 years at the baseline survey in 1993‐1994. Multivariate‐adjusted hazard ratios of death from the baseline health check‐up to December 2012 were calculated with a Cox proportional hazards model controlling for potential confounding factors.ResultsDuring follow‐up, 2235 deaths in men and 1901 deaths in women were identified. All serum liver enzymes were associated with all‐cause mortality in each sex and hepatitis virus infection status. In participants without infection, those with more than twice the upper level of normal (ULN), which was defined as 30 IU/L for AST and ALT and 50 IU/L for GGT, had a higher risk of non‐liver disease mortality compared to those below the ULN (HR 1.69; 95% confidence interval 1.13‐2.53, 1.49; 1.02‐2.18, 1.39; 1.11‐1.73, 1.72; 1.08‐2.74 and 1.72; 1.10‐2.69 for AST, ALT, and GGT in men and AST and GGT in women, respectively), except for ALT in women.ConclusionsIn participants without hepatitis virus infection, serum liver enzyme levels were positively associated with all‐cause mortality. Similar associations were also found for non‐liver disease mortality.
Intransitivizing morphology
Authors: Heaton Raina 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis paper provides a functional–typological discussion of the various processes which result in intransitive predicates. In addition to covering canonical cases of intransitivization such as passives, antipassives, middles, and noun incorporation, attention is also drawn to cases which complicate these categorizations, expanding our thinking about ways in which languages use discrete categories such as “transitive” and “intransitive” to represent what is more rightly a continuum of transitivity values with diverse structural representations. The paper begins with an introduction to key concepts, proceeds to a discussion of the most widely attested processes which result in intransitive predicates, and then presents some of the issues surrounding intransitivizing morphology.
Higher urge severity score predicts resumption of overactive bladder (OAB) medication following discontinuation of mirabegron treatment in patients with OAB
Authors: Wang Chung‐Cheng , Jiang Yung‐Hong , Kuo Hann‐Chorng 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesThis study investigated factors predicting the resumption of mirabegron following its discontinuation with successful treatment of overactive bladder (OAB).MethodsIn all, 374 OAB patients reporting an improvement in subjective symptoms after a minimum of 3 months treatment with mirabegron 25 mg, q.d., were screened. Those wanting to continue with the medication (n = 109) were excluded from the study. The remaining 265 patients discontinued mirabegron and their outcomes were evaluated at baseline (discontinuation) and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), Urgency Severity Scale (USS), Patient's Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC), and Global Response Assessment (GRA), as well as uroflowmetry and post‐void residual (PVR).ResultsAfter mirabegron discontinuation, 203 patients completed follow‐up. The mean (±SD) duration from discontinuing medication to resumption of mirabegron was 2.25 ± 1.17 months (range 1–12 months). Compared with the 111 (54.7%) patients who did not resume mirabegron, the 92 (45.3%) patients who resumed mirabegron had a higher USS at time of discontinuation (1.18 ± 1.76 vs. 0.65 ± 1.33; P = 0.017). The USS was a strong predictor of mirabegron resumption (P = 0.02; odds ratio 1.315; 95% confidence interval 1.051–1.646).ConclusionsAmong OAB patients who were successfully treated with mirabegron for ≥3 months, nearly half requested resumption of mirabegron after discontinuation. A higher USS was found to predict retreatment after discontinuation of mirabegron in OAB patients.
Predation by the gull Larus crassirostris on benthic invertebrates: First report of avian predation on the abalone Haliotis discus hannai
Authors: Hayakawa Jun , Ito Motohiro , Kawamura Tomohiko 
Published: December 2018

AbstractWe conducted field surveys to study avian predation on invertebrates inhabiting the intertidal and shallow subtidal zones in Otsuchi Bay on the Sanriku Coast. The black‐tailed gull Larus crassirostris was the most frequently observed avian predator, and we observed the gull actively foraging on benthic invertebrates at the study site. In particular, we found frequent predation activities by the black‐tailed gull on the abalone Haliotis discus hannnai. The abalone accounted for 56.3% of the total amount of the prey remains, and the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius and mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis were also major components of the prey remains and accounted for 14.6% and 11.8% of the total number, respectively. While the gull preys on the abalone over a wide size range (27.0–105.7 mm shell length), smaller size class abalone individuals (<40 mm shell length) were dominant in prey remains compared to the live abalone surveyed in the surrounding habitats. Among four time periods in a day, predation rate on the abalone was highest in the late afternoon. Predation rate on the abalone was higher on rising tides than falling tides, although no clear relationship was confirmed between the predation rate and the tidal height. The predation by the black‐tailed gull might have large impacts on the shallow rocky reef ecosystem.
The role of interspecific hybridization in adaptive potential at range margins
Authors: Cronk Quentin C. , Suarez‐Gonzalez Adriana 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIs interspecific hybridization an ordinary part of species biology? And if so, how evolutionarily important is it? These questions have been discussed in the botanical literature, in one form or another, at least since J.P. Lotsy early in the last century. He coined the term syngameon, now defined as “a group of otherwise distinct species interconnected by limited gene exchange, i.e. the most inclusive interbreeding evolutionary unit” (Suarez‐Gonzalez, Lexer, & Cronk, Biology Letters, 14, 20170688, ). North American poplars (Populus, Salicaceae) form one such syngameon. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, a new study (Chhatre, Evans, DiFazio, & Keller, Molecular Ecology, 27, ) uses three species from the North American poplar syngameon to tackle the twin issues of (a) the extent of gene exchange and (b) the significance of this gene exchange to the biology of these trees. They demonstrate that a hybrid zone exists where the ranges of Populus angustifolia and Populus balsamifera overlap in the Rocky Mountains, and postulate that this hybridization may facilitate population survival at the range edges. Indeed, the authors show that a remarkable number of loci are introgressing under selection. Very remarkably, they detect additional hybridity (making a trihybrid zone) with Populus trichocarpa (a species that does not occur in the area). Intriguingly, there is some genomic evidence of ancient introgression events. This suggests a model of episodic species divergence and hybridization, in which the syngameon is dynamic and behaving as a supraspecific metapopulation over geological time.
No evidence for prezygotic postcopulatory avoidance of kin despite high inbreeding depression
Authors: Vuarin Pauline , Bouchard Alice , Lesobre Loïc , Levêque Gwènaëlle , Chalah Toni , Saint Jalme Michel , Lacroix Frédéric , Hingrat Yves , Sorci Gabriele 
Published: December 2018

AbstractOffspring resulting from mating among close relatives can suffer from impaired fitness through the expression of recessive alleles with deleterious effects. Postcopulatory sperm selection (a prezygotic mechanism of cryptic female choice) has been suggested to be an effective way to avoid inbreeding. To investigate whether postcopulatory female choice allows the avoidance of fertilization by close kin, we performed artificial inseminations in a promiscuous bird, the houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata undulata). Females were inseminated with a mix of sperm from triads of males, each constituted of a male genetically unrelated to the female, a first cousin and a half‐sibling. When counting the number of eggs sired by unrelated males, cousins or half‐siblings, we found a significant deviation from the expected random distribution, with more eggs sired by unrelated males. However, offspring sired by cousins, and especially by half‐siblings suffered from high prehatching mortality, suggesting that the observed paternity skew towards unrelated males might reflect differential offspring mortality rather than sperm selection. In agreement with this hypothesis, within‐triad siring success was similar for the three parental relatedness categories, but the relationship between siring and hatching success differed across categories. In clutches with high hatching success, unrelated males had the highest success while in clutches with high failure rate, half‐siblings had the highest success. Offspring sired by half‐siblings also suffered from reduced growth rate during the first three months and higher posthatching mortality. Hence, despite substantial fitness costs associated with fertilization by close relatives, females do not seem to select sperm of unrelated males.
Photoecology of the Antarctic cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya sp. BC1307 brought to light through community analysis, comparative genomics and in vitro photophysiology
Authors: Chrismas Nathan A. M. , Williamson Christopher J. , Yallop Marian L. , Anesio Alexandre M. , Sánchez‐Baracaldo Patricia 
Published: December 2018

AbstractCyanobacteria are important photoautotrophs in extreme environments such as the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica. Terrestrial Antarctic cyanobacteria experience constant darkness during the winter and constant light during the summer which influences the ability of these organisms to fix carbon over the course of an annual cycle. Here, we present a unique approach combining community structure, genomic and photophysiological analyses to understand adaptation to Antarctic light regimes in the cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya sp. BC1307. We show that Leptolyngbya sp. BC1307 belongs to a clade of cyanobacteria that inhabits near‐surface environments in the McMurdo Dry Valleys. Genomic analyses reveal that, unlike close relatives, Leptolyngbya sp. BC1307 lacks the genes necessary for production of the pigment phycoerythrin and is incapable of complimentary chromatic acclimation, while containing several genes responsible for known photoprotective pigments. Photophysiology experiments confirmed Leptolyngbya sp. BC1307 to be tolerant of short‐term exposure to high levels of photosynthetically active radiation, while sustained exposure reduced its capacity for photoprotection. As such, Leptolyngbya sp. BC1307 likely exploits low‐light microenvironments within cyanobacterial mats in the McMurdo Dry Valleys.
Gastroparesis is associated with decreased FOXF1 and FOXF2 in humans, and loss of FOXF1 and FOXF2 results in gastroparesis in mice
Authors: Herring Brian Paul , Hoggatt April M. , Gupta Anita , Wo John M. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackground and AimsThe transcription factors FOXF1 and FOXF2 have been implicated in the development of the gastrointestinal tract but their role in adults or in gastrointestinal diseases is poorly understood. We have recently shown that expression of serum response factor (SRF), a transcription factor whose activity is modulated by FOXF proteins, is decreased in the stomach muscularis of patients with gastroparesis. The aim of the current study was to determine whether FOXF expression is decreased in gastroparesis patients and whether loss of FOXF1 and/or FOXF2 from adult smooth muscle is sufficient to impair gastric emptying in mice.MethodsFull‐thickness stomach biopsy samples were collected from control subjects and from patients with gastroparesis. mRNA was isolated from the muscularis externa, and FOXF mRNA expression levels were determined by quantitative reverse transcriptase (RT)‐PCR. Foxf1 and Foxf2 were knocked out together and separately from smooth muscle cells in adult mice, and the subsequent effect on liquid gastric emptying and contractile protein expression was determined.Key ResultsExpression of FOXF1 and FOXF2 is decreased in smooth muscle tissue from gastroparesis patients. Knockout of Foxf1 and Foxf2 together, but not alone, from mouse smooth muscle resulted in delayed liquid gastric emptying. Foxf1/2 double knockout mice had decreased expression of smooth muscle contractile proteins, SRF, and myocardin in stomach muscularis.Conclusions and InferencesOur findings suggest that decreased expression of FOXF1 and FOXF2 may be contributing to the impaired gastric emptying seen in gastroparesis patients.
Pre‐ and post‐diagnosis body mass index and heart failure mortality: a dose–response meta‐analysis of observational studies reveals greater risk of being underweight than being overweight
Authors: Milajerdi A. , Djafarian K. , Shab‐Bidar S. , Speakman J. R. 
Published: December 2018

SummaryObjectiveTo investigate the dose–response association between pre‐ and post‐diagnosis body mass index (BMI) and heart failure (HF) mortality.MethodsEligible observational studies were searched in databases, up to November 2017. We used random‐effects generalized least squares spline models for trend estimation to derive pooled BMI unit–HF mortality relationship.ResultsSixteen cohort studies (six pre‐diagnosis and 10 post‐diagnosis BMI) were included, comprising a total of 258,379 subjects with 13,201 deaths due to HF. A nonlinear U‐shaped association was found between pre‐diagnosis BMI and the risk of HF mortality, with a greater risk from being at the lowest extreme, rather than being at the top category. The combined hazard ratio of HF mortality among the highest compared to the lowest category of pre‐diagnosis BMI was 1.24 (0.65–2.37, I2 = 90.7%). No significant nonlinear association was found between post‐diagnosis BMI and HF mortality as well as when comparing the highest to the lowest category of BMI.ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis showed those with both high and low pre‐diagnosis BMI had higher risk for HF mortality, with a greater risk from being too underweight, rather than being obese. No significant association was found between post‐diagnosis BMI and the risk of HF mortality. Further detailed investigations are needed to accurately examine the potential mechanistic links between BMI and health outcomes.
Comprehensive identification of pleiotropic loci for body fat distribution using the NHGRI‐EBI Catalog of published genome‐wide association studies
Authors: Kaur Yuvreet , Wang Dominic X. , Liu Hsin‐Yen , Meyre David 
Published: December 2018

SummaryWe conducted a hypothesis‐free cross‐trait analysis for waist‐to‐hip ratio adjusted for body mass index (WHRadjBMI) loci derived through genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). Summary statistics from published GWAS were used to capture all WHRadjBMI single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and their proxy SNPs were identified. These SNPs were used to extract cross‐trait associations between WHRadjBMI SNPs and other traits through the NHGRI‐EBI GWAS Catalog. Pathway analysis was conducted for pleiotropic WHRadjBMI SNPs. We found 160 WHRadjBMI SNPs and 3675 proxy SNPs. Cross‐trait analysis identified 239 associations, of which 100 were for obesity traits. The remaining 139 associations were filtered down to 101 unique linkage disequilibrium block associations, which were grouped into 13 categories: lipids, red blood cell traits, white blood cell counts, inflammatory markers and autoimmune diseases, type 2 diabetes‐related traits, adiponectin, cancers, blood pressure, height, neuropsychiatric disorders, electrocardiography changes, urea measurement, and others. The highest number of cross‐trait associations were found for triglycerides (n = 10), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (n = 9), and reticulocyte counts (n = 8). Pathway analysis for WHRadjBMI pleiotropic SNPs found immune function pathways as the top canonical pathways. Results from our original methodology indicate a novel genetic association between WHRadjBMI and reticulocyte counts and highlight the pleiotropy between abdominal obesity, immune pathways, and other traits.
Computer‐assisted analysis of immunohistological parameters in oral giant cell granulomas
Authors: Yoon Jin Hyeok , Li Mengtao , Basile John R. , Lin Yi‐Ling 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the relationship between active osteoclasts, as defined by positive nuclear NFATc1 signals, and the clinical behaviors of oral giant cell granulomas.Materials And MethodsNFATc1 immunohistochemical and TRAP‐Cbfa1 double immunofluorescence stainings were performed on 9 cases of peripheral giant cell granulomas (PGCGs), 9 cases of central giant cell granulomas (CGCGs) with a recurrent history, and 10 cases of CGCGs without a recurrent history. The results were photographed and quantified by ImageJ. Nine osteoclast‐ and osteoblast‐related parameters were analyzed with conventional statistics and with Rapidminer, an open data analysis platform for computer predictive modeling.ResultsPeripheral giant cell granulomas had a significantly lower percentage of active osteoclasts than CGCGs. The recurrent CGCG subgroup had the highest active osteoclast density in comparison with non‐recurrent CGCG subgroup and PCCGs.ConclusionsThe study strongly indicates that the status of osteoclasts, as defined by the subcellular NFATc1 signal, has an association with the clinical behavior of oral giant cell granulomas. NFATc1 staining may be useful as a biomarker to predict recurrence of CGCGs. The study also illustrates the potential application of data science tools in studying pathology to facilitate the discovery of disease‐associated biomarkers.
A gravid fossil turtle from the Early Cretaceous reveals a different egg development strategy to that of extant marine turtles
Authors: Cadena Edwin‐Alberto , Parra‐Ruge Mary L. , Parra‐Ruge Juan de D. , Padilla‐Bernal Santiago 
Published: December 2018

AbstractExtant sea turtles develop and lay pliable (flexible) eggs; however, it is unknown whether they inherited this reproductive strategy from their closer fossil relatives or if it represents an evolutionary novelty. Here, we describe the first undisputable gravid marine fossil turtle ever found, from the early Cretaceous of Colombia, belonging to Desmatochelys padillai Cadena & Parham, which constitutes a representative of the Protostegidae. Using thin sectioning of one of the eggs, as well as scanning electron microscopy coupled with elemental characterization, cathodoluminescence, and computer tomography, we established that Desmatochelys padillai produced rigid eggs similar to those associated with some extant and fossil freshwater and terrestrial turtles. At least 48 spherical eggs were preserved inside this gravid turtle. We suggest that the development of rigid eggs in the extinct marine turtle Desmatochelys padillai resulted as an adaptation for egg‐embryo requirements dictated by the physical attributes of the nesting site.
Emotional expression in psychiatric conditions: New technology for clinicians
Authors: Grabowski Karol , Rynkiewicz Agnieszka , Lassalle Amandine , Baron‐Cohen Simon , Schuller Björn , Cummins Nicholas , Baird Alice , Podgórska‐Bednarz Justyna , Pieniążek Agata , Łucka Izabela 
Published: December 2018

AimEmotional expressions are one of the most widely studied topics in neuroscience, from both clinical and non‐clinical perspectives. Atypical emotional expressions are seen in various psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, depression, and autism spectrum conditions. Understanding the basics of emotional expressions and recognition can be crucial for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Emotions can be expressed in the face, gesture, posture, voice, and behavior and affect physiological parameters, such as the heart rate or body temperature. With modern technology, clinicians can use a variety of tools ranging from sophisticated laboratory equipment to smartphones and web cameras. The aim of this paper is to review the currently used tools using modern technology and discuss their usefulness as well as possible future directions in emotional expression research and treatment strategies.MethodsThe authors conducted a literature review in the PubMed, EBSCO, and SCOPUS databases, using the following key words: ‘emotions,’ ‘emotional expression,’ ‘affective computing,’ and ‘autism.’ The most relevant and up‐to‐date publications were identified and discussed. Search results were supplemented by the authors’ own research in the field of emotional expression.ResultsWe present a critical review of the currently available technical diagnostic and therapeutic methods. The most important studies are summarized in a table.ConclusionMost of the currently available methods have not been adequately validated in clinical settings. They may be a great help in everyday practice; however, they need further testing. Future directions in this field include more virtual‐reality‐based and interactive interventions, as well as development and improvement of humanoid robots.