bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered expression of TIM‐3, LAG‐3, IDO, PD‐L1, and CTLA‐4 during nimotuzumab therapy correlates with responses and prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Wang Hong , Mao Lu , Zhang Tian , Zhang Liming , Wu Yuteng , Guo Wei , Hu Jingzhou , Ju Houyu , Ren Guoxin 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundSince the inhibitory immune checkpoint receptors have been described to benefit the OSCC patients clinically, it is unknown that whether their expression in tumor immune microenvironment (TME) can determine the clinical outcome in response to nimotuzumab therapy.MethodsWe examined the expression patterns of immune checkpoint receptors (including TIM‐3, LAG‐3, PD‐L1, and CTLA‐4) and an immunoregulatory enzyme called IDO in 36 OSCC patients during nimotuzumab therapy by immunohistochemistry. Then, we divided the recruited patients into clinical responders and non‐responders according to computed tomography (CT) scan and analyzed the relationship between the immunological parameters and clinical outcome.ResultsWe observed that nimotuzumab therapy significantly increased the expression of TIM‐3, LAG‐3, IDO, PD‐L1, and CTLA‐4 in the TME, and the expression of LAG‐3 and PD‐L1 before nimotuzumab therapy was inversely correlated with the overall survival. In clinical non‐responders, we found the expression of TIM‐3, LAG‐3, IDO, PD‐L1, and CTLA‐4 was significantly increased during nimotuzumab therapy, and the expression of TIM‐3, LAG‐3, IDO, PD‐L1, and CTLA‐4 before nimotuzumab therapy was negatively correlated with the overall survival. However, in clinical responders, neither of those showed significant.ConclusionsIt suggests that these immune checkpoint receptors and IDO could be considered as biomarkers to reflect immune status in the tumor microenvironment during nimotuzumab therapy. Blockade of these immune checkpoint receptors might enhance nimotuzumab‐based cancer immunotherapy, thus potentially improving clinical outcomes of OSCC patients.
Simultaneous activation of impaired autophagy and the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yin Xubin , Hu Liang , Feng Xiaoyu , Wang Hongyun , Zhang Chunmei , Wang Hao , Wang Songlin 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to conduct a comparative evaluation of the expression levels of autophagy markers and proteins of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in normal, margin and tumour tissues of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).Materials and MethodsThree regional specimens, including normal, margin and tumour tissues, were collected from 26 patients with OSCC. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining were performed to detect mTOR, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E‐binding protein 1 (4E‐BP1), p70 ribosomal S6 protein kinase (p70S6K) and the corresponding phosphorylated proteins, as well as the light chain 3 (LC3) and sequestosome‐1 (SQSTM1, also known as p62) autophagy indicators.ResultsLC3‐II, p62, mTOR, phospho‐mTOR, 4E‐BP1 and phospho‐4E‐BP1 were highly expressed in the margin and tumour groups. There were positive correlations between mTOR/phospho‐mTOR, mTOR/4E‐BP1, mTOR/phospho‐4E‐BP1, mTOR/p70S6K, LC3‐II/p62, LC3‐II/p70S6K, p62/4E‐BP1 and p62/phospho‐4E‐BP1 in normal group, while LC3‐II/p62, LC3‐II/mTOR, LC3‐II/4E‐BP1, LC3‐II/phospho‐4E‐BP1, phospho‐4E‐BP1/mTOR, phospho‐4E‐BP1/4E‐BP1 and p62/4E‐BP1 showed positive relationships in margin group; however, in tumour group, only mTOR/phospho‐mTOR, 4E‐BP1/phospho‐4E‐BP1 and phospho‐mTOR/p70S6K showed positive correlations.ConclusionThe study suggests that autophagy is impaired in patients with OSCC and impaired autophagy and the mTOR pathway are simultaneously activated in OSCC cells.
Effects of Spirulina algae as a feed supplement on nutritional value and flavour components of silkie hens eggs
Authors: Chen Guoshun , Cai Yu , Su Yingyu , Gao Bolan , Wu Hongbin , Cheng Jiyou 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveSilkie chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus brisson) is also named Chinese Taihe chicken, characterized by blue comb, green earlobes, black skin, meat and bones. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of spirulina feeding on the nutritive value and flavour of silkie hens eggs.MethodsA total of 280 Silkie hens of 42 weeks old were fed 4 different diets, including basal diet and basal diet containing 0.1%, 0.3% and 0.5% spirulina. Each diet group was divided into 70 Silkie hens experimentally. The production performance of silkie hens, the nutritional compositions [e.g., amino acids (AAs) and fatty acids] and flavour substances of silkie hens eggs were compared with control.ResultsA 0.3% and 0.5% spirulina feeding significantly increased the average egg production rate and average egg weight, while only 0.3% spirulina feeding decreased both the average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio of silkie hens compared with the controls (p < 0.05). The contents of crude protein, fat, cholesterol and Ca in silkie hens eggs were significantly increased by 0.3% spirulina feeding (p < 0.05). Only fat and cholesterol were significantly increased by 0.5% spirulina but had no significant difference compared with 0.3% spirulina. The flavour, amino acids/total AAs, and saturated fatty acids/unsaturated fatty acids in silkie hens eggs were significantly increased by 0.3% spirulina feeding than other groups (p < 0.05). A total of 46 volatile substances were identified in silkie hens eggs, and the substances of total acids, alkanes and aldehydes were significantly increased by 0.3% spirulina feeding.ConclusionSpirulina feeding at a proportion of 0.3% improved the production performance of silkie hens, and nutritive value and flavour of silkie hens eggs.
Associations between sleep disturbances, mental health outcomes and burnout in firefighters, and the mediating role of sleep during overnight work: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wolkow Alexander P. , Barger Laura K. , O'Brien Conor S. , Sullivan Jason P. , Qadri Salim , Lockley Steven W. , Czeisler Charles A. , Rajaratnam Shantha M. W. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis study investigated whether sleep disorder risk and mental health outcomes in firefighters were associated with burnout, particularly emotional exhaustion, and examined the mediating role of sleep at work in these relationships. A secondary aim was to investigate associations between habitual sleep characteristics and burnout. North American firefighters (n = 6,307) completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory (emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, personal accomplishment), and were screened for sleep disorders and self‐reported current mental health conditions and sleep characteristics. Multiple logistic regression analyses examined associations between sleep, mental health outcomes and burnout. Firefighters screening positive for a sleep disorder, particularly insomnia, had increased risk of emotional exhaustion (adjusted odds ratio 3.78, 95% confidence interval 2.97–4.79). Firefighters self‐reporting a current mental health condition were at greater risk of emotional exhaustion (adjusted odds ratio 3.45, 95% confidence interval 2.79–4.27). Sleep during overnight work mediated the impact of having a sleep disorder and mental health condition on high burnout. Sleepiness and sleep deficit (difference between required and actual sleep), even in firefighters without sleep disorder risk, were associated with depersonalisation (adjusted odds ratio 1.65, 95% confidence interval 1.34–2.03 and adjusted odds ratio 1.29, 95% confidence interval 1.06–1.57, respectively) and low personal accomplishment (adjusted odds ratio 1.25, 95% confidence interval 1.07–1.47 and adjusted odds ratio 1.17, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.35, respectively). Sleep and mental health problems were associated with increased risk of burnout in firefighters, and sleep during overnight work mediated these relationships. The results suggest the need to examine the effectiveness of occupational interventions that improve the opportunity for sleep, together with screening for and treating sleep disorders, to reduce burnout risk.
Evidence for the genetic basis and epistatic interactions underlying ocean‐ and river‐maturing ecotypes of Pacific Lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus) returning to the Klamath River, California
Authors: Parker Keith A. , Hess Jon E. , Narum Shawn R. , Kinziger Andrew P. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSurveys of genomic variation have improved our understanding of the relationship between fitness‐related phenotypes and their underlying genetic basis. In some cases, single large‐effect genes have been found to underlie important traits; however, complex traits are expected to be under polygenic control and elucidation of multiple gene interactions may be required to fully understand the genetic basis of the trait. In this study, we investigated the genetic basis of the ocean‐ and river‐maturing ecotypes in anadromous Pacific lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus). In Pacific lamprey, the ocean‐maturing ecotype is distinguished by advanced maturity of females (e.g., large egg mass) at the onset of freshwater migration relative to immature females of the river‐maturing ecotype. We examined a total of 219 adult Pacific lamprey that were collected at‐entry to the Klamath River over a 12‐month period. Each individual was genotyped at 308 SNPs representing known neutral and adaptive loci and measured at morphological traits, including egg mass as an indicator of ocean‐ and river‐maturing ecotype for females. The two ecotypes did not exhibit genetic structure at 148 neutral loci, indicating that ecotypic diversity exists within a single population. In contrast, we identified the genetic basis of maturation ecotypes in Pacific lamprey as polygenic, involving two unlinked gene regions that have a complex epistatic relationship. Importantly, these gene regions appear to show stronger effects when considered in gene interaction models than if just considered additive, illustrating the importance of considering epistatic effects and gene networks when researching the genetic basis of complex traits in Pacific lamprey and other species.
Epidemiology and antifungal susceptibility patterns of Candida isolates from Greek women with vulvovaginal candidiasis
Authors: Maraki Sofia , Mavromanolaki Viktoria Eirini , Stafylaki Dimitra , Nioti Eleni , Hamilos George , Kasimati Anna 
Published: May 2019

SummaryVulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common infection of the genital tract affecting millions of women worldwide. Data on epidemiological trends of VVC in Greece are scarce. This study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of VVC among symptomatic women in Crete, Greece, identify the Candida species involved and determine their susceptibility to antifungals. Over a 6‐year period (2012‐2017), 10 256 symptomatic women with vaginitis were evaluated. Isolation of yeasts was performed on Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol, and the isolates were identified using the API 20 C AUX and/or the Vitek 2 YST card. Susceptibility of the isolates to amphotericin, fluconazole, voriconazole and flucytosine was determined by the Vitek 2 automated system. The results were interpreted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards criteria. Vaginal swab cultures of 1217 (11.9%) women yielded Candida species. Recurrent VVC was documented in 62 (5.1%) of them. Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated species (75.6%), followed by Candida glabrata (13.6%). Overall, resistance rates to amphotericin B, fluconazole, voriconazole and flucytosine were 0.2%, 6.6%, 1.4% and 2.1%, respectively. Fluconazole resistance of C. albicans significantly increased in the second period of the study (2015‐2017) (P = 0.031). This study demonstrated that VVC is a common infection among women in our region, with C. albicans being the predominant species involved. Although resistance to antifungals was infrequent, resistance to fluconazole among C. albicans isolates was found to significantly increase with time. Continued surveillance of changes in species distribution and susceptibility to antifungals are necessary to guide treatment.
Patients’ experiences of using the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale for a person‐centered care: A qualitative study in the specialized palliative home‐care context
Authors: Högberg Cecilia , Alvariza Anette , Beck Ingela 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study was to explore patients’ experiences of using the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale (IPOS) during specialized palliative home care. The study adopted a qualitative approach with an interpretive descriptive design. Interviews were performed with 10 patients, of whom a majority were diagnosed with incurable cancer. Our findings suggest that the use of IPOS as a basis for conversation promotes safe care by making the patients feel confident that the care provided was adapted to them which gives them a sense of safety. IPOS facilitated discussions between patients and nurses about care needs. The patients believed that using IPOS enabled reflection on their well‐being and life situation. In conclusion, the study finds that using IPOS is beneficial and provide ways to enable person‐centered care and with advantage could be used in specialized palliative home care. The results may help overcome barriers and facilitate the use of patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs). To enable the use of PROMs such as IPOS in palliative home care, nurses need education and opportunities to develop routines that enable patients’ voice to be heard and thereby compose a basis for care.
Molecular and electrophysiological characterization of anion transport in Arabidopsis thaliana pollen reveals regulatory roles for pH, Ca2+ and GABA
Authors: Domingos Patrícia , Dias Pedro N. , Tavares Bárbara , Portes Maria Teresa , Wudick Michael M. , Konrad Kai R. , Gilliham Matthew , Bicho Ana , Feijó José A. 
Published: May 2019

Summary

We investigated the molecular basis and physiological implications of anion transport during pollen tube (PT) growth in Arabidopsis thaliana (Col‐0).

Patch‐clamp whole‐cell configuration analysis of pollen grain protoplasts revealed three subpopulations of anionic currents differentially regulated by cytoplasmic calcium ([Ca2+]cyt). We investigated the pollen‐expressed proteins AtSLAH3, AtALMT12, AtTMEM16 and AtCCC as the putative anion transporters responsible for these currents.

AtCCC‐GFP was observed at the shank and AtSLAH3‐GFP at the tip and shank of the PT plasma membrane. Both are likely to carry the majority of anion current at negative potentials, as extracellular anionic fluxes measured at the tip of PTs with an anion vibrating probe were significantly lower in slah3−/− and ccc−/− mutants, but unaffected in almt12−/− and tmem16−/−. We further characterised the effect of pH and GABA by patch clamp. Strong regulation by extracellular pH was observed in the wild‐type, but not in tmem16−/−. Our results are compatible with AtTMEM16 functioning as an anion/H+ cotransporter and therefore, as a putative pH sensor. GABA presence: (1) inhibited the overall currents, an effect that is abrogated in the almt12−/− and (2) reduced the current in AtALMT12 transfected COS‐7 cells, strongly suggesting the direct interaction of GABA with AtALMT12.

Our data show that AtSLAH3 and AtCCC activity is sufficient to explain the major component of extracellular anion fluxes, and unveils a possible regulatory system linking PT growth modulation by pH, GABA, and [Ca2+]cyt through anionic transporters.
Inbreeding depression is difficult to purge in self‐incompatible populations of Leavenworthia alabamica
Authors: Baldwin Sarah J. , Schoen Daniel J. 
Published: May 2019

Summary

The extent to which inbreeding depression can be purged is a major determinant of mating system evolution and is important to conservation and crop improvement. Studies of inbreeding depression purging have not been conducted in self‐incompatible plants before.

An experimental (‘ancestral’) treatment was first created from self‐incompatible plants of Leavenworthia alabamica. Lines derived from this population were maintained by self‐pollination for three generations in the attempt to create a ‘purged’ population with fewer recessive, deleterious mutations of large effect. Fitness components and the frequency of malformed phenotypes were monitored in progeny derived from selfing and outcrossing in the ancestral and purged treatments.

Fitness component means and inbreeding depression were largely unchanged by three generations of forced self‐pollination, and there was no reduction in the frequency of plants exhibiting malformed phenotypes.

Our findings indicate that inbreeding depression in this species is largely a result of mutations of mild effect, consistent with the observation that self‐incompatibility is maintained in most populations of L. alabamica, despite the presence of genetic variants with weaker self‐incompatibility. Moreover, although population theory suggests that deleterious mutations of large effect should be sheltered from selection in the region of self‐incompatibility locus, our results do not support this prediction.
Treatment of obesity, with a dietary component, and eating disorder risk in children and adolescents: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Jebeile Hiba , Gow Megan L. , Baur Louise A. , Garnett Sarah P. , Paxton Susan J. , Lister Natalie B. 
Published: May 2019

SummaryThis review aimed to investigate the impact of obesity treatment, with a dietary component, on eating disorder (ED) prevalence, ED risk, and related symptoms in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity. Four databases were searched to identify pediatric obesity treatment interventions, with a dietary component, and validated pre‐post intervention assessment of related outcomes. Of 3078 articles screened, 36 met inclusion criteria, with a combined sample of 2589 participants aged 7.8 to 16.9 years. Intervention duration ranged from 1 week to 13 months, with follow‐up of 6 months to 6 years from baseline. Prevalence of ED was reported in five studies and was reduced post‐intervention. Meta‐analyses showed a reduction in bulimic symptoms (eight studies, standardized mean difference [SE], −0.326 [0.09], P < 0.001), emotional eating (six studies, −0.149 [0.06], P = 0.008), binge eating (three studies, −0.588 [0.10], P < 0.001), and drive for thinness (three studies, −0.167 [0.06], P = 0.005) post‐intervention. At follow‐up, a reduction in ED risk (six studies, −0.313 [0.13], P = 0.012), emotional eating (five studies, −0.259 [0.05], P < 0.001), eating concern (three studies, −0.501 [0.06], P < 0.001), and drive for thinness (two studies, −0.375 [0.07], P < 0.001) was found. Structured and professionally run obesity treatment was associated with reduced ED prevalence, ED risk, and symptoms.
The long‐term influence of orthodontic treatment on adults’ psychosocial outcomes: An Australian cohort study
Authors: Doğramacı Esma J. , Brennan David S. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the influence of orthodontic treatment on psychosocial outcomes in 30‐year‐olds. The research hypothesis tested was that participants previously treated orthodontically would have better psychosocial outcomes.Setting and Sample PopulationA prospective longitudinal cohort design was used to follow‐up a sample of 1859 30‐year‐olds from Adelaide, South Australia, who had previously participated in an oral epidemiology study.Materials and methodsClinical examination in 1988‐1989 recorded participants’ malocclusion severity. In 2005‐2006, participants were invited to complete a questionnaire collecting data on socio‐demographic characteristics, dental health behaviours, receipt of orthodontic treatment and psychosocial factors. Data were analysed descriptively and by linear regression models.ResultsData for 448 participants were available; 56% of participants were female. Over a third of participants had received orthodontic treatment. Higher income earners had the best psychosocial outcomes while participants with a basic level of secondary education had the lowest. Regardless of initial malocclusion severity, orthodontic treatment was not associated with better psychosocial outcomes. Instead, a pattern of better psychosocial outcome was observed amongst untreated participants, regardless of malocclusion severity, this being significant for optimism. Adjusted models controlling for socio‐demographic, dental health behaviour and malocclusion severity showed no association between orthodontic treatment and self‐efficacy, health competence or social support. There was, however, a strong association with optimism.ConclusionThere was no difference in long‐term psychosocial outcomes based on orthodontic treatment. Our study does not support the contention that orthodontic treatment produces better psychosocial functioning later in life.
Characterization of ocular and nasopharyngeal microbiome in allergic rhinoconjunctivitis
Authors: Yau Jennifer Wing‐Ki , Hou Jinpao , Tsui Stephen Kwok Wing , Leung Ting Fan , Cheng Nam Sze , Yam Jason C. , Kam Ka Wai , Jhanji Vishal , Hon Kam Lun 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundAllergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) is a prevalent allergic condition in the pediatric population. Microbial dysbiosis has increasingly been recognized to influence on host immunity and allergic diseases. However, the microbial profile of ARC has not been characterized. This cross‐sectional study aims to evaluate the changes in nasal and ocular surface microbiome of children with ARC.MethodsOcular and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from controls and pediatric ARC cases for 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The bacterial community profile was analyzed. The correlation of the microbial diversity with the ARC‐related clinical scores was studied.ResultsA total of 23 patients with ARC and 17 healthy controls were recruited;30 were ocular samples (15 controls vs 15 ARC), while 40 were nasal samples (17controls vs 23 ARC) The alpha diversity of nasopharyngeal microbiome was significantly higher in ARC patients than healthy controls (P < 0.01), but not for ocular microbiome. The clinical scores in all subjects were negatively correlated with the Shannon diversity for ocular (P = 0.014) and positively correlated with nasopharyngeal (P = 0.010) microbiome. While the ocular microbiome remained significantly distinct from nasopharyngeal microbiome in terms of both alpha and beta diversity in both healthy subjects and ARC patients, significant differences of relative abundance of certain phyla (Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, and Deinococcus‐Thermus) and genera (Dolosigranulum and Moraxella) between nasal and ocular surfaces were only detected in healthy controls, but not in the ARC subjects, suggesting the microbial composition at both body sites becoming more similar at disease state.ConclusionThis study reported (a) a higher alpha diversity in ocular than nasopharyngeal microbiome in both ARC patients and controls, and (b) nasopharyngeal microbiome became more diverse in ARC patients than in controls. Our results suggested an interaction of the microbiome between ocular and nasal compartments in patients with ARC.