bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of endogenous estrogen on transcranial direct current stimulation: A preliminary study
Authors: Lee Susan , Chung Sung W. , Rogasch Nigel C. , Thomson Cassandra J. , Worsley Roisin N. , Kulkarni Jayashri , Thomson Richard H. , Fitzgerald Paul B. , Segrave Rebecca A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non‐invasive neuromodulatory technique. Responses to tDCS differ substantially between individuals. Sex hormones that modulate cortical excitability, such as estrogen, may contribute to this inter‐individual variability. The influence of estrogen on tDCS after‐effects has not yet been researched. This study aimed to investigate whether endogenous estrogen levels influence cortical response to tDCS. Data from 15 male and 14 female healthy adults were analyzed. Males completed one experimental session. Females completed two, one during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle when estrogen was low, one during the mid‐luteal phase when estrogen was high. Each session comprised 15‐min of anodal tDCS delivered to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Response to stimulation was assessed using electroencephalography with DLPFC transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) administered before, immediately after, and 20‐min after tDCS. Changes in amplitudes of N120 and P200 components of TMS‐evoked potentials over time were compared between males, women with low estrogen and women with high estrogen. Blood assays verified estrogen levels. Women with high estrogen demonstrated a significant increase in P200 amplitude at both time points and change over time was greater for the high estrogen group compared with males. No significant differences were observed between males and women with low estrogen, or between women with low and high estrogen. These preliminary results indicate that greater neuroplastic response to DLPFC tDCS is seen in highest compared with lowest estrogen states, suggesting that endogenous estrogen levels contribute to inter‐individual variability of tDCS outcomes.
Rapid determination of soil classes in soil profiles using vis–NIR spectroscopy and multiple objectives mixed support vector classification
Authors: Chen S. , Li S. , Ma W. , Ji W. , Xu D. , Shi Z. , Zhang G. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryVisible‐near infrared (vis–NIR) spectroscopy can reveal various soil properties and facilitate soil classification. However, few studies have attempted to classify vertical soil profiles that contain several genetic horizons. Here, we propose the ‘multiple objectives mixed support vector classification’ (MOM–SVC) method to classify soil profiles. A total of 130 soil profiles were collected from genetic horizons in Zhejiang Province, China. After laboratory analysis, soil profiles were classified according to the Chinese Soil Taxonomy system. Vis–NIR spectra were recorded from each genetic horizon of each soil profile and were then pre‐processed. We performed the MOM–SVC method as follows: (i) created a support vector machine (SVM) model (one‐versus‐one approach) using spectral data from all soil horizons in calibration profiles, (ii) applied the SVM model on each horizon of the profile to be predicted, (iii) extracted ‘votes’ from each horizon and mixed (or summarized) them into the votes of each profile to be predicted and (iv) classified each profile by the majority‐voting method. We also investigated whether the additional input of auxiliary soil information (e.g. moist soil colour, soil organic matter and soil texture), which could be measured easily or be well predicted by vis–NIR spectroscopy, could improve the accuracy of soil classification when combined with it. Independent validation results showed that the MOM–SVC method performed better at the soil order level than at the suborder level. Adding auxiliary soil information to the classification model improved the overall accuracy of classification at the soil order level. The proposed MOM–SVC method provides a fast objective diagnostic of soil classes for use in soil surveys and can help to update soil databases when a more objective soil classification system is developed.Highlights
The MOM–SVC method can be used to classify soil profiles objectively with a variety of soil horizons.
Stratified random sampling was used to quantify prediction uncertainty in classification
MOM–SVC can predict soil orders with greater accuracy than suborders.
Adding auxiliary soil information into the classification model improved prediction accuracy.
RIP4 upregulates CCL20 expression through STAT3 signalling in cultured keratinocytes
Authors: Bae Hyun Cheol , Jeong Sang Hoon , Kim Jin Hee , Lee Hana , Ryu Woo‐In , Kim Min‐Gyu , Son Eui Dong , Lee Tae Ryong , Son Sang Wook 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe receptor‐interacting protein kinase 4 (RIP4), a serine/threonine kinase, is an important modulator of epidermal growth and cutaneous inflammation. We found that RIP4 expression was significantly increased in the lesional skin of psoriasis. However, the role and regulatory mechanism of RIP4 in psoriasis have not been characterized. After treatment with IL‐17, RIP4 mRNA and protein levels were increased in HaCaT cells. IL‐17 also activated the RIP4 promoter. To understand the functional role of RIP4 in keratinocyte and to investigate the genes regulated by RIP4, RNA‐based microarray analysis was performed. Among immune response‐related genes, CCL20 expression was significantly changed by RIP4. To identify RIP4‐interacting protein, an immunoprecipitation assay was performed. As a result, STAT3 was identified as a new protein that interacts with RIP4. The interaction of RIP4 and STAT3 enhanced STAT3 phosphorylation. In addition, the transcriptional activity of STAT3 induced by RIP4 regulated IL‐17‐mediated CCL20 expression in HaCaT cells. Taken together, these findings indicate that IL‐17 increased RIP4‐mediated STAT3 phosphorylation by directly interacting with STAT3. Thus, transcriptional activation of STAT3 promotes the expression of CCL20. Thus, activations of these signalling pathways by RIP4 may contribute to epithermal inflammation in psoriatic keratinocytes.
Effects of gastrostomy fee schedule revision on artificial nutrition routes among older people with dementia in Japan: A time series observational study
Authors: Maeda Toshiki , Babazono Akira , Nishi Takumi , Arima Hisatomi , Tsuji Masayoshi , Kawazoe Miki , Satoh Atsushi 
Published: July 2018

AimThe present study aimed to investigate the effects of the 2014 Japanese fee schedule revision on trends in artificial nutrition routes, including gastrostomy, nasogastric tube and parenteral nutrition, among older people with dementia, using time series analysis.MethodsThe study used claim data in Japan submitted to Fukuoka Late Elders' Health Insurance from fiscal year 2010 to fiscal year 2016. We identified older people with dementia provided for the first time with artificial nutrition via gastrostomy, nasogastric tube or central venous line and aggregated their data by month. Interrupted time series analyses were used to examine trends in artificial nutrition routes over time.ResultsThe numbers of older people with dementia receiving nutrition via gastrostomy, nasogastric tube and parenterally declined consistently. The slopes for pre‐revision trends in gastrostomy, nasogastric tube and parenteral nutrition procedures were all significantly negative in the interrupted time series analyses. The post‐revision trends in gastrostomy and parenteral nutrition continuously had significant negative slopes. In contrast, the significant negative trend in nasogastric tube procedures in the pre‐revision period had disappeared during the post‐revision period.ConclusionsThe study showed that the fee schedule revision had limited impact on gastrostomy and parenteral nutrition. However the trend for nasogastric tube was ambiguous; hence, sustainable surveillance is required for evidence‐based health policy. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1405–1409.
eIF2α kinases PERK and GCN2 act on FOXO to potentiate FOXO activity
Authors: You Shiqiu , Li Huifang , Hu Zhubing , Zhang Wei 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPERK and GCN2 are eIF2α kinases known to mediate the effects of ER stress and respond to an array of diverse stress stimuli. Previously, we reported that ER stress potentiates insulin resistance through PERK‐mediated FOXO phosphorylation. Inhibition of PERK improves cellular insulin responsiveness at the level of FOXO activity. Here we provide further evidence that FOXO is required for the functional output of PERK by showing that lowering FOXO activity ameliorates a PERK gain‐of‐function phenotype in Drosophila. More importantly, we present results demonstrating that GCN2 acts similarly to PERK to promote FOXO activity. Regulation of FOXO by GCN2 is evolutionarily conserved and can be compensated for by PERK. The combination of these mechanisms may contribute to the complex regulatory network between PERK, GCN2, and FOXO, which has been implicated in the development and progression of a variety of diseases.
Long‐term outcomes of primary sclerosing cholangitis: an Australian non‐transplant tertiary hospital perspective
Authors: Freeman Elliot , Majeed Ammar , Kemp William , Roberts Stuart K. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundThere are limited Australian epidemiological and outcome data on primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), with the only published study involving a state liver transplantation service.AimThe aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the natural history, and morbidity and mortality of PSC in an Australian population managed in a large metropolitan non‐transplant teaching hospital.MethodsWe identified all PSC patients managed at The Alfred Hospital over a 10‐year period and analysed their clinical and demographic data. Primary outcomes were liver transplantation and death. Secondary outcomes included cholangiocarcinoma, development of cirrhosis, liver decompensation, cholangitis requiring hospital admission and the development of dominant strictures requiring dilatation.ResultsWe identified 39 PSC patients (69% male) with a median follow‐up time of 63 months (range 5–289). Median age at diagnosis was 45 years (range 10–81) and 29 (74%) patients had concurrent inflammatory bowel disease. Five patients had cirrhosis at diagnosis and 10 (26%) developed cirrhosis after a median follow up of 54 months. Three (8%) patients developed cholangiocarcinoma and one with overlap syndrome required liver transplantation. The 10‐ and 20‐year survival rates for the entire cohort were 77.4% (95% confidence interval 55.6–89.4) and 68.8% (95% confidence interval 42.1–85) respectively. Survival in patients with small‐duct disease was not different from those without.ConclusionAlthough the PSC population in this Australian cohort appears typical of the disease, rates of liver decompensation are relatively low and the overall transplant‐free survival may be better than that reported in overseas cohorts or from cohorts derived from liver transplantation centres.
DARPP‐32 in the orchestration of responses to positive natural stimuli
Authors: Scheggi Simona , De Montis Maria Graziella , Gambarana Carla 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDopamine‐ and cAMP‐regulated phosphoprotein (Mr 32 kDa, DARPP‐32) is an integrator of multiple neuronal signals and plays a crucial role particularly in mediating the dopaminergic component of the systems involved in the evaluation of stimuli and the ensuing elaboration of complex behavioral responses (e.g., responses to reinforcers and stressors). Dopamine neurons can fire tonically or phasically in distinct timescales and in specific brain regions to code different behaviorally relevant information. Dopamine signaling is mediated mainly through the regulation of adenylyl cyclase activity, stimulated by D1‐like or inhibited by D2‐like receptors, respectively, that modulates cAMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKA) function. The activity of DARPP‐32 is finely regulated by its phosphorylation at multiple sites. Phosphorylation at the threonine (Thr) 34 residue by PKA converts DARPP‐32 into an inhibitor of protein phosphatase 1, while the phosphorylation at the Thr75 residue turns it into an inhibitor of PKA. Thus, DARPP‐32 is critically implicated in regulating striatal output in response to the convergent pathways that influence signaling of the cAMP/PKA pathway. This review summarizes some of the landmark and recent studies of DARPP‐32‐mediated signaling in the attempt to clarify the role played by DARPP‐32 in the response to rewarding natural stimuli. Particularly, the review deals with data derived from rodents studies and discusses the involvement of the cAMP/PKA/DARPP‐32 pathway in: 1) appetitive food‐sustained motivated behaviors, 2) motivated behaviors sustained by social reward, 3) sexual behavior, and 4) responses to environmental enrichment.
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Distinct disruptions in Land's cycle remodeling of glycerophosphocholines in murine cortex mark symptomatic onset and progression in two Alzheimer's disease mouse models
Authors: Granger Matthew W. , Liu Hui , Fowler Caitlin F. , Blanchard Alexandre P. , Taylor Matthew W. , Sherman Samantha P. M. , Xu Hongbin , Le Weidong , Bennett Steffany A. L. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractChanges in glycerophosphocholine metabolism are observed in Alzheimer's disease; however, it is not known whether these metabolic disruptions are linked to cognitive decline. Here, using unbiased lipidomic approaches and direct biochemical assessments, we profiled Land's cycle lipid remodeling in the hippocampus, frontal cortex, and temporal‐parietal‐entorhinal cortices of human amyloid beta precursor protein (ΑβPP) over‐expressing mice. We identified a cortex‐specific hypo‐metabolic signature at symptomatic onset and a cortex‐specific hyper‐metabolic signature of Land's cycle glycerophosphocholine remodeling over the course of progressive behavioral decline. When N5 TgCRND8 and ΑβPPSwe/PSIdE9 mice first exhibited deficits in the Morris Water Maze, levels of lyso‐phosphatidylcholines, LPC(18:0/0:0), LPC(16:0/0:0), LPC(24:6/0:0), LPC(25:6/0:0), the lyso‐platelet‐activating factor (PAF), LPC(O‐18:0/0:0), and the PAF, PC(O‐22:6/2:0), declined as a result of reduced calcium‐dependent cytosolic phospholipase A2α (cPLA2α) activity in all cortices but not hippocampus. Chronic intermittent hypoxia, an environmental risk factor that triggers earlier learning memory impairment in ΑβPPSwe/PSIdE9 mice, elicited these same metabolic changes in younger animals. Thus, this lipidomic signature of phenoconversion appears age‐independent. By contrast, in symptomatic N5 TgCRND8 mice, cPLA2α activity progressively increased; overall Lyso‐phosphatidylcholines (LPC) and LPC(O) and PC(O‐18:1/2:0) levels progressively rose. Enhanced cPLA2α activity was only detected in transgenic mice; however, age‐dependent increases in the PAF acetylhydrolase 1b α1 to α2 expression ratio, evident in both transgenic and non‐transgenic mice, reduced PAF hydrolysis thereby contributing to PAF accumulation. Taken together, these data identify distinct age‐independent and age‐dependent disruptions in Land's cycle metabolism linked to symptomatic onset and progressive behavioral decline in animals with pre‐existing Αβ pathology.Open science badgesThis article has received a badge for *Open Materials* because it provided all relevant information to reproduce the study in the manuscript. The complete Open Science Disclosure form for this article can be found at the end of the article. More information about the Open Practices badges can be found at https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/.
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Quantification of hyaluronan in human fasciae: variations with function and anatomical site
Authors: Fede C. , Angelini A. , Stern R. , Macchi V. , Porzionato A. , Ruggieri P. , De Caro R. , Stecco C. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractRecently, alterations in fascial gliding‐like movement have been invoked as critical in the etiology of myofascial pain. Various methods have been attempted for the relief of this major and debilitating clinical problem. Paramount have been attempts to restore correct gliding between fascial layers and the movement over bone, joint, and muscular structures. One of the key elements that underlies such fascial movement is hyaluronan. However, until now, the precise content of hyaluronan within fasciae has been unknown. This study quantifies for the first time the hyaluronan content of human fascial samples obtained from a variety of anatomic sites. Here, we demonstrate that the average amount varies according to anatomic site, and according to the different kinds of sliding properties of the particular fascia. For example, the fascia lata has 35 μg of hyaluronan per gram of tissue, similar to that of the rectus sheath (29 μg g−1). However, the types of fascia adherent to muscle contain far less hyaluronan: 6 μg g−1 in the fascia overlying the trapezius and deltoid muscles. In the fascia that surrounds joints, the hyaluronan increases to 90 μg g−1, such as in the retinacula of the ankle, where greater degrees of movement occur. Surprisingly, no significant differences were detected at any site as a function of age or sex (P‐value > 0.05, t‐test) with the sole exception of the plantar fascia. This work can provide a better understanding of the role of hyaluronan in fascia. It will facilitate a better comprehension of the modulation of the hyaluronan‐rich layer that occurs in relation to the various conditions that affect fascia, and the diverse factors that underlie the attendant pathologies.
Hypoactivation of the Right Prefrontal Cortex Underlying Motor‐Related Inhibitory Deficits in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Functional Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Ikeda Takahiro , Tokuda Tatsuya , Monden Yukifumi , Hirai Masahiro , Mizushima Sakae G. , Nagashima Masako , Kyutoku Yasushi , Taniguchi Takamichi , Shimoizumi Hideo , Dan Ippeita , Yamagata Takanori 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are believed to share the symptom of neurocognitive dysfunction in executive functions. Regarding the components of executive functions, however, dysfunction of motor‐response inhibitory control in children with ASD remains unclear. Thus, using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), we investigated whether putative inhibitory brain dysfunctions are applicable to children with ASD by adopting a go/no‐go task, which has robustly evoked activation in typically developing (TD) children but not in ADHD children. Twenty‐four ASD and 24 TD children underwent a go/no‐go task, and their cortical hemodynamics were assessed using fNIRS. Relative to TD participants, ASD participants showed reduced activation in the right inferior frontal gyrus and middle frontal gyrus (IFG/MFG) during go/no‐go tasks. The current finding suggests that hypoactivation in the right IFG/MFG during a go/no‐go task would serve as a potential biomarker for identifying children with ASD.
Past history of hepatocellular carcinoma is an independent risk factor of treatment failure in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection receiving direct‐acting antivirals
Authors: Sugiura Ayumi , Joshita Satoru , Umemura Takeji , Yamazaki Tomoo , Fujimori Naoyuki , Kimura Takefumi , Matsumoto Akihiro , Igarashi Koji , Usami Yoko , Wada Shuichi , Mori Hiromitsu , Shibata Soichiro , Yoshizawa Kaname , Morita Susumu , Furuta Kiyoshi , Kamijo Atsushi , Iijima Akihiro , Kako Satoko , Maruyama Atsushi , Kobayashi Masakazu , Komatsu Michiharu , Matsumura Makiko , Miyabayashi Chiharu , Ichijo Tetsuya , Takeuchi Aki , Koike Yuriko , Gibo Yukio , Tsukadaira Toshihisa , Inada Hiroyuki , Kiyosawa Kendo , Tanaka Eiji 
Published: July 2018

SummaryDirect‐acting antiviral (DAA) treatment can achieve a high sustained virological response (SVR) rate in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection regardless of a history of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC [+]). We examined 838 patients (370 men, median age: 69 years) who were treated with DAAs for comparisons of clinical findings between 79 HCC (+) (9.4%) and 759 HCC (−) (90.6%) patients and associations with treatment outcome. Male frequency was significantly higher in the HCC (+) group (60.8% vs 42.4%, P = 0.006). There were significant differences between the HCC (+) and HCC (−) groups for platelet count (115 vs 152 ×109/L, P < 0.001), baseline alpha fetoprotein (AFP) (9.9 vs 4.5 ng/mL, P < 0.001) and the established fibrosis markers of FIB‐4 index (4.7 vs 3.0, P < 0.001), AST‐to‐platelet ratio index (APRI) (1.1 vs 0.7, P = 0.009), M2BPGi (3.80 vs 1.78 COI, P < 0.001) and autotaxin (1.91 vs 1.50 mg/L, P < 0.001). The overall SVR rate was 94.7% and significantly lower in the HCC (+) group (87.3 vs 95.5%, P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that a history of HCC was independently associated with DAA treatment failure (odds ratio: 3.56, 95% confidence interval: 1.32‐9.57, P = 0.01). In conclusion, patients with chronic HCV infection and prior HCC tended to exhibit more advanced disease progression at DAA commencement. HCC (+) status at the initiation of DAAs was significantly associated with adverse therapeutic outcomes. DAA treatment for HCV should therefore be started as early as possible, especially before complicating HCC.
Inferences of genetic architecture of bill morphology in house sparrow using a high‐density SNP array point to a polygenic basis
Authors: Lundregan Sarah L. , Hagen Ingerid J. , Gohli Jostein , Niskanen Alina K. , Kemppainen Petri , Ringsby Thor Harald , Kvalnes Thomas , Pärn Henrik , Rønning Bernt , Holand Håkon , Ranke Peter S. , Båtnes Anna S. , Selvik Linn‐Karina , Lien Sigbjørn , Sæther Bernt‐Erik , Husby Arild , Jensen Henrik 
Published: July 2018

AbstractUnderstanding the genetic architecture of quantitative traits can provide insights into the mechanisms driving phenotypic evolution. Bill morphology is an ecologically important and phenotypically variable trait, which is highly heritable and closely linked to individual fitness. Thus, bill morphology traits are suitable candidates for gene mapping analyses. Previous studies have revealed several genes that may influence bill morphology, but the similarity of gene and allele effects between species and populations is unknown. Here, we develop a custom 200K SNP array and use it to examine the genetic basis of bill morphology in 1857 house sparrow individuals from a large‐scale, island metapopulation off the coast of Northern Norway. We found high genomic heritabilities for bill depth and length, which were comparable with previous pedigree estimates. Candidate gene and genomewide association analyses yielded six significant loci, four of which have previously been associated with craniofacial development. Three of these loci are involved in bone morphogenic protein (BMP) signalling, suggesting a role for BMP genes in regulating bill morphology. However, these loci individually explain a small amount of variance. In combination with results from genome partitioning analyses, this indicates that bill morphology is a polygenic trait. Any studies of eco‐evolutionary processes in bill morphology are therefore dependent on methods that can accommodate polygenic inheritance of the phenotype and molecular‐scale evolution of genetic architecture.