bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decoupled trophic responses to long‐term recovery from acidification and associated browning in lakes
Authors: Leach Taylor H. , Winslow Luke A. , Hayes Nicole M. , Rose Kevin C. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIncreases in the concentration of dissolved organic matter (DOM) have been documented in many inland waters in recent decades, a process known as “browning”. Previous studies have often used space‐for‐time substitution to examine the direct consequences of increased DOM on lake ecosystems. However, browning often occurs concomitant with other ecologically important water chemistry changes that may interact with or overwhelm any potential ecological response to browning itself. Here we examine a long‐term (~20 year) dataset of 28 lakes in the Adirondack Park, New York, USA, that have undergone strong browning in response to recovery from acidification. With these data, we explored how primary producer and zooplankton consumer populations changed during this time and what physical and chemical changes best predicted these long‐term ecosystem changes. Our results indicate that changes in primary producers are likely driven by reduced water clarity due to browning, independent of changes in nutrients, counter to previously hypothesized primary producer response to browning. In contrast, declines in calcium concomitant with browning play an important role in driving long‐term declines in zooplankton biomass. Our results indicate that responses to browning at different trophic levels are decoupled from one another. Concomitant chemical changes have important implications for our understanding of the response of aquatic ecosystems to browning.
Risk–benefit point of the Model for End‐stage Liver Disease score in patients waiting for deceased‐donor liver transplantation: A single‐center experience
Authors: Iwamura Sena , Kaido Toshimi , Morita Satoshi , Miyachi Yosuke , Yao Siyuan , Shirai Hisaya , Kobayashi Atsushi , Hamaguchi Yuhei , Kamo Naoko , Yagi Shintaro , Uemoto Shinji 
Published: January 2019

AimTo clarify the risk–benefit point of the Model for End‐stage Liver Disease (MELD) score in patients waiting for deceased‐donor liver transplantation (DDLT).MethodsThe present study retrospectively investigated 213 patients registered on the waiting list at Kyoto University (Kyoto, Japan) between 2005 and 2016. Patients were stratified by MELD score (6–9/10–14/15–20/21–30/31–40) and classified into two groups: the DDLT group (30 patients) and the waiting group (183 patients). Their post‐registration mortality risk and long‐term survival were compared.ResultsFor all MELD categories, the mortality risk was lower in the DDLT group than in the waiting group. The hazard ratio of post‐registration mortality decreased in the DDLT group compared to the waiting group as the MELD score increased (0.36/0.12/0.06/0.042/0.004). Survival was significantly better among patients in the DDLT group with a MELD score of 15 or more than among patients in the waiting group.ConclusionFor all MELD categories, DDLT reduced the mortality risk of patients on the waiting list.
Evaluation of long‐term effects of diode laser application in periodontal treatment of poorly controlled type 2 diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Dengizek Eltas Seydanur , Gursel Mihtikar , Eltas Abubekir , Alptekin Nilgun Ozlem , Ataoglu Tamer 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPurposeThis study aimed to investigate the effects of diode laser (DL) in addition to non‐surgical periodontal treatment on periodontal parameters, systemic inflammatory response and serum haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic periodontitis.MethodsThirty‐seven patients with poorly controlled T2DM and chronic periodontitis completed this study. The patients were divided into two groups. The individuals in the control group received placebo laser treatment in addition to scaling and root planing (SRP). The individuals in the study group received DL (1 watt) in addition to SRP. Clinical index measurements were performed before treatment (T0), 3 months after treatment (T1) and 6 months after treatment (T2). Plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level and probing depth were measured to determine periodontal status. HbA1c and C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels were also analysed using blood samples.ResultsIn both groups, clinical and laboratory parameters were significantly improved at T1 and T2 compared to baseline (P < 0.05). Gingival index, bleeding on probing and probing depth were more significantly reduced after treatment in the SRP+DL group than in the SRP group (P < 0.05). The serum CRP and HbA1c levels were similar between the groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionThe use of DL in addition to SRP in periodontal treatment of T2DM individuals makes positive contribution to the reduction of local inflammation and to periodontal healing. On the other hand, it has no beneficial effects on systemic inflammatory response and glycaemic control.
Androgens in seminal plasma: markers of the surface epithelium of the male reproductive tract
Authors: ZALATA A. , HAFEZ T. , VERDONCK L. , VERMEULEN L. , COMHAIRE FRANK 
Published: January 2019

SummaryAndrogens in seminal plasma have been investigated in relation to other markers of the male reproductive system. Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were measured by radioimmunoassay after paper chromatography in 104 semen samples. Concentrations of testosterone and DHT were significantly lower in samples from patients with abnormal sperm characteristics than in men with normozoospermia. Both testosterone and DHT were correlated significantly with sperm concentration (r = 0.40, p < 0.001; r = 0.41, p < 0.001, respectively), motile sperm concentration (r = 0.35, p < 0.01; r = 0.35, p < 0.01) and ATP concentration (r = 0.59, p < 0.001; r = 0.45, p < 0.001). In addition, the total amounts of testosterone and DHT were correlated with total activity of α‐glucosidase (r = 0.49, p < 0.001; r = 0.58, p < 0.01), and γ‐glutamyltransferase (r = 0.49, p < 0.001; r = 0.48, p < 0.001) in seminal plasma. Transferrin (Tf) concentration in seminal plasma was significantly lower in samples without spermatozoa, and total Tf content was lower in oligozoospermic samples (p < 0.05). Testosterone and DHT were correlated positively with Tf levels in seminal plasma (r = 0.48, p < 0.0001; r = 0.78, p < 0.0001 respectively). Testosterone, DHT and Tf in seminal plasma were higher in the first than in the second fraction of split ejaculates, and DHT, but not testosterone, increased significantly in each of six patients treated with tamoxifen. Testosterone, DHT, and Tf in seminal plasma were not correlated with serum concentrations of LH, FSH, testosterone or prolactin, but the DHT : T ratio in seminal plasma was correlated with serum LH (r = 0.36, p < 0.05). It is concluded that the concentration of androgens in seminal plasma is related predominantly to the activity of the seminiferous epithelium and, to a lesser extent, to the function of the accessory sex glands.
An in vitro study to investigate the interference of enoxaparin on plasma levels of direct oral factor Xa inhibitors measured by chromogenic assays
Authors: Cini Michela , Legnani Cristina , Testa Sophie , Tripodi Armando , Cosmi Benilde , Palareti Gualtiero 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIntroductionCo‐administration of enoxaparin and a direct oral factor Xa inhibitor (xabans: apixaban, edoxaban, rivaroxaban) could give rise to the problem of overlapping the anti‐Xa activity when measuring direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) levels. We aimed to evaluate in vitro the degree of the interference of increasing enoxaparin concentrations on xaban plasma levels measured by different chromogenic anti‐Xa assays with drug‐specific calibrators and controls.MethodsSeven plasma samples were spiked with apixaban, edoxaban, or rivaroxaban at fixed concentration, and enoxaparin at increasing concentrations (0, 0.125, 0.250, 0.50, 1.0, 1.50, and 2.0 IU/mL). The evaluated chromogenic assays were as follows: Biophen DiXaI and Biophen Heparin LRT (Hyphen BioMed), Berichrom Heparin and Innovance Heparin (Siemens), STA‐Liquid Anti‐Xa (Stago Diagnostics), Technochrom anti‐Xa (Technoclone), and HemosIL Liquid Anti‐Xa (Werfen).ResultsThe presence of enoxaparin caused increased DOAC levels, with over‐estimation depending on the anti‐Xa assay and on the heparin concentration in the sample. The smallest over‐estimation was in the sample with enoxaparin 0.125 IU/mL and the greatest in the sample with enoxaparin 2.0 IU/mL (0%, 3.1%, and 7.4% vs 583.8%, 526.1%, and 415.2% for apixaban, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban, respectively). Biophen DiXaI showed lower interference compared to other methods (maximum over‐estimation in the presence of enoxaparin 2.0 IU/mL: 56.4% dosing rivaroxaban by Biophen DIXaI vs 583.8% dosing apixaban by Berichrom Heparin).ConclusionThe presence of enoxaparin interferes with xabans measurement by chromogenic anti‐Xa assays causing falsely elevated DOAC levels, the over‐estimation being dependent on the anti‐Xa assay and on the heparin concentration in the sample.
The spectra analysis and microwave dielectric properties of [Ca0.55(Sm1‐xBix)0.3]MoO4 ceramics
Authors: Hao Shu‐Zhao , Zhou Di , Pang Li‐Xia 
Published: January 2019

AbstractA series of low‐temperature firing ceramics with scheelite structure, [Ca0.55(Sm1‐xBix)0.3]MoO4 (x = 0.2–0.95), were prepared via solid‐state reaction. The sintering temperature ranges from 660 to 760°C. A standard tetragonal scheelite phase was formed without secondary phase. When the x value was 0.95, the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) moved to a near zero value (−2.1 ppm/°C) with a dielectric constant 13.7 and the quality factor (Qf) of 33 200 GHz. The Raman spectra shows that the more vibration modes appeared with x value, which is due to the increasing of Bi concentration and results in increase in permittivities and decrease in Qf values. The classical harmonic oscillator model is used in the infrared spectra and extrapolate to the microwave range. The [Ca0.55(Sm1‐xBix)0.3]MoO4 ceramics show high‐performance microwave dielectric properties at low‐sintering temperature.
The effect of B‐site Y substitution on cubic phase stabilization in (Ba0.5Sr0.5)(Co0.8Fe0.2)O3−δ
Authors: Meffert Matthias , Unger Lana‐Simone , Störmer Heike , Sigloch Fabian , Wagner Stefan F. , Ivers‐Tiffée Ellen , Gerthsen Dagmar 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe cubic phase mixed ionic‐electronic conductor (Ba0.5Sr0.5)(Co0.8Fe0.2)O3−δ (BSCF) is well‐known for its excellent oxygen ion conductivity and high catalytic activity. However, formation of secondary phases impedes oxygen ion transport and consequentially a widespread application of BSCF as oxygen transport membrane. B‐cation substitution by 1, 3 and 10 at.% Y was employed in this work for stabilization of the cubic BSCF phase. Secondary phase formation was quantified on bulk and powder samples exposed to temperatures between 640 and 1100°C with annealing time up to 44 days. The phase composition, cation valence states, and chemical composition of all samples were analyzed by high‐resolution analytical electron microscopic techniques. Y doping effectively suppresses the formation of Ban+1ConO3n+3(Co8O8) (n ≥ 2) and CoxOy phases which would otherwise act as nucleation centers for the highly undesirable hexagonal BSCF phase. This work validates for 10 at.% Y cation substitution perfect stabilization of the cubic BSCF phase at temperatures ≥800°C, while a negligible small volume fraction of the hexagonal BSCF phase was found at lower temperatures. A newly developed model describes the effect of Y doping on the formation of secondary phases and their effective suppression with increasing Y concentration.
Retracted: LncRNA LINC01305 silencing inhibits cell epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in cervical cancer by inhibiting TNXB‐mediated PI3K/Akt signalling pathway
Authors: Yan Shu‐Ping , Chu Dan‐Xia , Qiu Hai‐Feng , Xie Ya , Wang Chun‐Fang , Zhang Jian‐Ying , Li Wen‐Cai , Guo Rui‐Xia 
Published: January 2019

AbstractCervical cancer (CC) remains one of the leading malignancies afflicting females worldwide, with its aetiology associated with long‐term papillomavirus infection. Recent studies have shifted their focus and research attention to the relationship between long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and CC therapeutic. Thus, the aim of the current study was to investigate the underlying mechanism of lncRNA LINC01305 on the cell invasion, migration and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of CC cells via modulation of the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway by targeting tenascin‐X B (TNXB). The expressions of LINC01305, TNXB, MMP2, MMP9, E‐cadherin, vimentin, PI3K, Akt, p‐PI3K, p‐Akt and TNXB were detected in this study. After which, the cell invasion and migration abilities of the CC cells were determined respectively. Bioinformatics and the application of a dual luciferase reporter gene assay provided verification indicating that TNXB is the target gene of lncRNA LINC01305. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and western blot analysis methods revealed that the expressions of MMP2, MMP9, vimentin, PI3K, Akt, p‐PI3K and p‐Akt were decreased following the down‐regulation of LncRNA LINC01305 or overexpression of TNXB. LncRNA LINC01305 silencing or TNXB overexpression was noted to decrease the migration and invasion of SiHa cells. Taken together, the key findings of the current study present evidence suggesting that lncRNA LINC01305 silencing suppresses EMT, invasion and migration via repressing the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway by means of targeting TNXB in CC cells, which ultimately provides novel insight and identification of potential therapeutic targets for CC.
Scutellarin inhibits proliferation and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via down‐regulation of JAK2/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Liu Kang , Tian Tian , Zheng Yi , Zhou Linghui , Dai Cong , Wang Meng , Lin Shuai , Deng Yujiao , Hao Qian , Zhai Zhen , Dai Zhijun 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poor because of high incidence of recurrence and metastasis. JAK/STAT signalling pathway regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation and migration and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is also considered to contribute to invasion and metastasis of epithelial malignant tumours. Scutellarin is an active component found in many traditional Chinese herbs and has been regularly used in anti‐inflammatory and antitumour medicine. This study aimed to identify the effect of scutellarin and its possible mechanism of action in HCC cells. Proliferation, colony‐forming, apoptosis and cell migration assays were used to examine the effect of scutellarin on HCC cells. Quantitative real‐time PCR and Western blotting were performed to study the molecular mechanisms of action of scutellarin. Light and electron microscopy and immunofluorescence analysis were performed to study the effect of scutellarin on cellular mechanics. We show that scutellarin potentially suppresses invasiveness of HepG2 and MHCC97‐H cells in vitro by remodelling their cytoskeleton. The molecular mechanism behind it might be the inhibition of the EMT process, which could be attributed to the down‐regulation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. These findings may provide new clinical ideas for the treatment of liver cancer.
Continuous and intermittent microwave‐vacuum drying of apple: Drying kinetics, protein, mineral content, and color
Authors: Polat Ahmet , Taskin Onur , Izli Nazmi , Asik Baris Bulent 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe effect of microwave‐vacuum drying on drying characteristics, protein, mineral content, and color of the apple was investigated in this study. Eight different drying treatments were applied with using levels of microwave power (200 and 300 W), vacuum conditions (200 and 400 mmHg), and pulse ratios (PR = 1 [Continuous] and PR = 2 [30 s ton/30 s toff]). Based on the drying settings used, increasing microwave power, vacuum treatments, and decreasing pulse ratio provided shorter drying time. The Page model gave a high fit of statistical values at all data points used to describe the drying kinetics of dried apple samples. At the 300 W–200 mmHg–PR = 2 application, the quantity of potassium was found to be the highest compared with that of the other drying conditions. The protein rate of dried apples was higher than the fresh samples because of water loss. The lowest effect on L* (lightness [78.27]), a* (green/red [10.70]), and b* (blue/yellow [32.72]) values were observed in samples dried at the 200 W–400 mmHg–PR = 2, 300 W–200 mmHg–PR = 1, and 200 W–200 mmHg–PR = 2, respectively. As a conclusion, the treatment of 300 W–400 mmHg–PR = 1 was found most effective with a shorter drying time (30 min) and high protein content (2.5%).Practical applicationsApple (Malus domestica L.) is one of the most important fruit due to its nutritional composition and the presence of biologically active compounds that provide positive effects on human health. Therefore, apple is grown and farmed extensively in most agricultural areas around the world. Drying is one of the oldest methods of food preservation. Dried apple can be not only stored longer, but also used as packaged snacks and integral breakfast foods. Combining microwave and vacuum drying offers rapid and uniform drying, which can be used to dry food products on a commercial scale. In addition, application of intermittent microwave‐vacuum technology in the drying of apple can result in significant improvement in quality.
Superior clinical outcomes of peroral endoscopic myotomy compared with balloon dilation in all achalasia subtypes
Authors: Kim Ga Hee , Jung Kee Wook , Jung Hwoon‐Yong , Kim Min‐Ju , Na Hee Kyong , Ahn Ji Yong , Lee Jeong Hoon , Kim Do Hoon , Choi Kee Don , Song Ho June , Lee Gin Hyug 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackground and AimOptimal treatment modalities for each of the three subtypes of achalasia are still under debate. Differences in prognosis and long‐term outcomes between peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) and balloon dilation (BD) are also unclear. We aimed to compare the treatment outcomes of BD and POEM in each subtype of achalasia by using information from the manometry database of a tertiary referral center in Korea.MethodsData from 5207 esophageal manometry procedures performed between 1989 and 2016 were analyzed. The medical records and results of esophagography and esophagogastroduodenoscopy were also reviewed.ResultsWe identified 264 patients (116 men and 148 women) with diagnosis of achalasia during the study period. POEM and BD were carried out on 64 and 177 patients, respectively. There was a significant difference in the time to relapse between the POEM group and the BD group (P = 0.002). At the 24‐month follow‐up, the clinical success rates of POEM and BD were 91.8% and 68.0%, respectively. The hazard ratio of symptom return was 6.54 for BD compared with POEM (95% confidence interval 2.12–20.22, P = 0.001). After a follow‐up period of 24 months, the success rate of POEM was significantly higher than that of BD for all subtypes of achalasia. However, only that of types I and II was statistically significant (type 1: 92.0% vs 51.1%, P = 0.004; type 2: 92.3% vs 59.8%, P = 0.007; and type3: 91.7% vs 55.6%, P = 0.051).ConclusionsPeroral endoscopic myotomy was more effective than BD in providing mid‐long‐term remission in patients with all manometric subtypes of achalasia.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Real‐World Treatment of Older Adults with Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Muchnik Eugene , Loh Kah Poh , Strawderman Myla , Magnuson Allison , Mohile Supriya G. , Estrah Vered , Maggiore Ronald J. 
Published: January 2019

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in older patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) seen in routine clinical practice.DESIGNRetrospective study.SETTINGSingle academic institution and its affiliated centers.PARTICIPANTSPatients 70 years or older with advanced‐stage NSCLC seen between April 1, 2015, and April 1, 2017, and treated with ICIs.MEASUREMENTSEfficacy data included overall survival (OS) and time to treatment failure (TTF), stratified by age, comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index [CCI]), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS), and estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method and log‐rank test. Toxicity data included immune‐related adverse events (irAEs), need for glucocorticoids, and hospitalization. The associations of toxicity with age, CCI, and ECOG PS were evaluated using the exact χ2 test or Fisher exact test.RESULTSWe included 75 patients (median age: 74 y; range, 70‐92 y); 53% had a CCI of 3 or higher; 49% had ECOG PS of 2 or higher. Median OS for the whole cohort was 8.2 months (ECOG PS 0‐1 vs ≥2: 13.7 vs 3.8 mo; p < .01). Median TTF was 4.2 months (ECOG PS 0‐1 vs ≥2: 5.6 vs 2.0 mo; p = .02). Overall, 37% of patients experienced irAE of any grade (a total of 37 events); 8% were grade 3 or higher (no ICI‐related deaths). Of those who discontinued ICIs (N = 64), 15% were due to irAEs. Of those who experienced irAEs, 64% required glucocorticoids. Hospitalizations during ICI treatment occurred in 72%. Toxicity generally did not differ by age, CCI, or ECOG PS.CONCLUSIONSOutcomes in our cohort were driven by ECOG PS rather than chronological age or comorbidities. The relatively high rates of ICI discontinuation, use of glucocorticoids, and hospitalization during ICI treatment in our study highlight the vulnerability of older adults with advanced NSCLC even in the immunotherapy era. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:905–912, 2019.