bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of magnetic nanochains linked with CTX and curcumin for dual modal imaging detection and limitation of early tumour
Authors: Yang Yuedi , Huang Zhongbing , Pu Ximing , Yin Guangfu , Wang Lei , Gao Fabao 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectiveFive‐year survival rate at early lung tumour was about 70%; however, its early diagnosis rate was still at a low level, so the enhancement of diagnosis level for early lung tumour is the key factor to increase the survival rate. Diagnosis and therapy of early lung tumour are still challenged.MethodsThe magnetic nanochains (NCs) with biocompatibility and transverse relaxivity (r2 = 231 Fe mmol l−1 s−1) were fabricated through a co‐precipitation method in the assistance of dextran, and then, linked with chlorotoxin (CTX) and curcumin (Cur) via the PEGylation and carbodiimide technique (named as CTX‐NCs‐Cur).ResultsThe results of cell test indicated that CTX‐conjugated NCs could obviously target non–small‐cell lung cancer cells and limit their growth. The in vivo results of magnetic resonance imaging and fluorescence imaging indicated that the CTX‐NCs‐Cur significantly targeted the tumour site and enhanced images contrast of the small‐size tumour. Moreover, the results of everyday tail‐vein injection confirmed that CTX‐NCs‐Cur could significantly limit the growth of early tumour, due to blocking Cl ion channels from CTX‐NCs‐Cur‐MMP‐2 composite and intracellular ROS increase from Cur treatment.ConclusionsWe provided a mechanism about the effect of CTX‐NCs‐Cur on the targeting and limiting early tumour, and these results indicated the application foreground of CTX‐NCs‐Cur in tumour diagnosis and therapy.
Computer‐aided identification of a novel pyruvate kinase M2 activator compound
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Bao Minyue , Yang Chunlan , Chen Jiao , Zhou Shu , Sun Rong , Wu Chuanfang , Li Xin , Bao Jinku 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to obtain antitumour molecules targeting to activate PKM2 through adequate computational methods combined with biological activity experiments.MethodsThe structure‐based virtual screening was utilized to screen effective activator targeting PKM2 from ZINC database. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to evaluate the stability of the small molecule‐binding PKM2 complex systems. Then, cell survival experiments, glutaraldehyde crosslinking reaction, western blot, and qPCR experiments were used to detect the effects of top hits on various cancer cells and the targeting specificity of PKM2.ResultsTwo small molecules in 1,5‐2H‐pyrrole‐dione were obtained after virtual screening. In vitro experiments demonstrated that ZINC08383544 specifically activated PKM2 and affected the expression of upstream and downstream genes of PKM2 during glycolysis, leading to the inhibition of tumour cell growth. These results indicate that ZINC08383544 conforms to the characteristics of PKM2 activator and is potential to be a novel PKM2 activator as antitumour drug.DiscussionThis work proves that ZINC08383544 promotes the formation of PKM2 tetramer, effectively blocks PKM2 nuclear translocation, and inhibits the growth of tumour, and ZINC08383544 may be a novel activator of PKM2. This work may provide a good choice of drug or molecular fragments for the antitumour strategy targeting PKM2. Screening of targeted drugs by combination of virtual screening and bioactivity experiments is a rapid method for drug discovery.
Hepatitis C viremia as a risk factor for opportunistic infections in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Bodro Marta , Londoño Maria C. , Esforzado Nuria , Sanclemente Gemma , Linares Laura , Solano María Fernanda , Cofan Federico , Marcos María Angeles , Diekmann Fritz , Moreno Asuncion 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to determine the clinical characteristics, frequency of opportunistic infections (OI) in HCV‐positive kidney recipients, and to evaluate HCV replication as a risk factor for developing an OI. We conducted a retrospective study of all kidney recipients from 2003 to 2014. A total of 1203 kidney transplants were performed during the study period. Opportunistic infections were recorded in 251 patients (21%) and nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) positivity in 75 (6%). Patients who are HCV NAAT positive were more likely to present an OI than those who are HCV NAAT negative (45% vs 20%, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed the factors that were independently associated with the development of OI to be acute rejection, graft loss, post‐transplantation hemodialysis, and HCV replication. Liver cirrhosis after transplantation could not be considered a risk factor to develop OI. To conclude, a high index of suspicion of OI must be maintained in the case of kidney recipients with HCV replication. Active surveillance of cytomegalovirus infection and other prophylactic strategies against OI should be considered after 6 month post‐transplantation. Prompt initiation of DAA therapies may be a useful option aiming to decrease the incidence of OI after transplantation.
Use of hepatitis C‐positive grafts in hepatitis C‐negative liver transplant recipients is cost effective
Authors: Saab Sammy , Kardashian Ani , Saggi Satvir , Choi Gina , Agopian Vatche , Tong Myron J. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe number of patients needing liver transplantation (LT) exceeds the number of available allografts. The current opioid epidemic in this country has increased the number of potential donors infected with hepatitis C (HCV).MethodsWe assessed the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) by comparing the costs and number of liver transplants performed using HCV‐positive and HCV‐negative grafts into patients without HCV infection in a decision analysis model with a 1‐year time horizon.ResultsThe use of HCV‐positive grafts was found to have an ICER below $50 000 across all MELD scores. Using our baseline cohort with a model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score of 15‐22, the ICER was $21 233/additional LT performed. As the MELD scores increased, the ICER decreased. Above a MELD score of 23, the use of HCV‐positive grafts became cost saving (‐$115 419). Our model was robust to all variables tested in the sensitivity analyses, except drug costs.ConclusionThe results of our decision analysis model highlight the potential pharmacoeconomic benefit of utilizing HCV‐positive grafts in LT candidates who are not infected with HCV. The use of HCV‐positive grafts is at least cost effective and even cost saving in patients with MELD scores above 23.
A metabolic approach during normothermic regional perfusion in uncontrolled donors after circulatory death—A pilot study
Authors: Peris Adriano , Lazzeri Chiara , Bonizzoli Manuela , Guetti Cristiana , Tadini Buoninsegni Laura , Fulceri Giorgio , Ticali Pier Francesco , Chiostri Marco , Li Marzi Vincenzo , Serni Sergio , Migliaccio Maria Luisa 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe use of donation after circulatory death (DCD) has increased significantly to face the persistent mismatch between supply and demand of organs for transplantation. While controlled (c) DCDs have warm ischemic time (WIT) that can be estimated, the WIT is often inexact and extended in uncontrolled DCD (uDCD), making assessment of injury difficult. We aimed at investigating the effects of cold ischemia on potential donor organ damage in the course of nRP by assessing the dynamic variations of transaminases and creatinine values in 17 uDCD donors. In our series, lactate values did not show significant changes during the study period (P = 0.147). Creatinine values did not significantly changed while transaminases progressive increased throughout the study period, even if it was significant only for AST (P = 0.035). According to our data, nRP duration affects splanchnic organs, being the liver sensitive to hypoperfusion, and serial biochemical measurements could help in detecting organ functional status.
Neurodevelopmental difficulties in children with idiopathic clubfoot
Authors: Lööf Elin , Andriesse Hanneke , Broström Eva W , André Marie , Bölte Sven 
Published: August 2018

AimTo evaluate neurodevelopmental difficulties in children with idiopathic clubfoot.MethodA cross‐sectional study of 106 children (29 females, 77 males; aged 8–10y) with idiopathic clubfoot and 109 age‐, sex‐, and residential area‐parallelized children from the general population. Neurodevelopmental difficulties were assessed using the parent‐report Five to Fifteen (FTF) questionnaire. Group differences were analysed for FTF domains, subdomains, and items. The 90th centile cut‐off of the general population on FTF and the parent‐based disease‐specific instrument (DSI) were used to evaluate clinical relevance of neurodevelopmental symptoms in idiopathic clubfoot.ResultsModest group differences were found for several FTF domains (motor skills, perception, and language) and subdomains (gross and fine motor skills, relation in space, comprehensive and expressive language skills). Thirty‐one per cent of the children with idiopathic clubfoot scored in the clinically significant range on 2 or more FTF domains. DSI scores were lower in this subgroup.InterpretationFindings indicate a moderate and selective increase of neurodevelopmental difficulties in children with idiopathic clubfoot as a whole, especially in the areas of motor skills, perception, and language. Idiopathic clubfoot with marked neurodevelopmental symptoms are associated with less satisfaction of the clubfoot treatment. Our results recommend awareness of neurodevelopmental difficulties in the assessment and treatment of idiopathic clubfoot.What this paper adds

A substantial minority of children with idiopathic clubfoot show neurodevelopmental difficulties.

Children with idiopathic clubfoot might present additional difficulties in motor skills, perception, and language.

Children with idiopathic clubfoot and marked neurodevelopmental symptoms show poorer parent‐reported clubfoot treatment satisfaction.

Neurodevelopmental difficulties should be considered in clinical practice of idiopathic clubfoot.
Mate‐searching behavior in the invasive German wasp, Vespula germanica, in Patagonia
Authors: Martínez Andrés S. , Masciocchi Maité , Pisman Natalia , Villacide José M. , Corley Juan C. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn order to increase the probability of reproduction, social insects can adopt various mate‐finding strategies, such as increasing densities of males at specific locations, and/or visual and chemical cues that attract the opposite sex. In field and laboratory studies we investigated strategies used by the invasive eusocial wasp Vespula germanica (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae). In tethered flight assays, we established contrasting flight patterns in females and males that may partly explain how related individuals distribute spatially during the mating period. We also determined experimentally, in the field and in the laboratory via olfactometer assays, that gynes produce airborne pheromonal cues that attract drones and are important during mate location. Our field trials also suggest that visual cues play a role in mate location. We conclude that in addition to aspects of the social biology of the species, an efficient mate‐location strategy can partly explain the invasion success of the species. Tools to mitigate the damage caused by yellowjackets may be developed by focusing on reproductive castes, in addition to workers.
Effects of a low dose of ethanol on mating success of Drosophila melanogaster males: implications for the evolution of ethanol resistance?
Authors: Zhu Jing , Fry James D. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractEthanol occurs naturally in the decaying fruit in which many species of Drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae) breed, potentially generating selection for resistance to its toxic and sedating effects. Studies measuring mortality of flies exposed to a range of ethanol concentrations have shown that within Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, populations from temperate regions are more ethanol resistant than ancestral tropical African populations. The high ethanol resistance of temperate D. melanogaster presents a puzzle, however, because breeding and feeding sites in the wild seldom contain enough ethanol to kill even more ethanol‐sensitive Afrotropical genotypes. We hypothesize that the ethanol concentrations encountered by temperate populations, though usually sub‐lethal, are nonetheless high enough to reduce fitness in other ways, potentially generating indirect selection for genotypes that can survive exposure to unnaturally high ethanol concentrations. As a first step in testing this hypothesis, we compared the effects of a sub‐lethal dose of ethanol, comparable to that obtainable from fermenting fruit, on the mating success of males from one European and one Afrotropical population. Ethanol significantly reduced mating success of males from the Afrotropical population, but had no effect on that of males from the European population. We also show that when flies are placed on medium with a realistic concentration of ethanol, considerably more ethanol is absorbed through vapor than through feeding, suggesting that courting males may be unable to avoid being exposed to ethanol. We hypothesize that the higher resistance of temperate populations to being killed by high, unnatural ethanol concentrations may have evolved in part as a correlated response to selection for behavioral insensitivity to natural concentrations.
Evolutionarily distinct amphibians are disproportionately lost from human‐modified ecosystems
Authors: Greenberg D. A. , Palen W. J. , Chan K. C. , Jetz W. , Mooers A. Ø. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractHumans continue to alter terrestrial ecosystems, but our understanding of how biodiversity responds is still limited. Anthropogenic habitat conversion has been associated with the loss of evolutionarily distinct bird species at local scales, but whether this evolutionary pattern holds across other clades is unknown. We collate a global dataset on amphibian assemblages in intact forests and nearby human‐modified sites to assess whether evolutionary history influences susceptibility to land conversion. We found that evolutionarily distinct amphibian species are disproportionately lost when forested habitats are converted to alternative land‐uses. We tested the hypothesis that grassland‐associated amphibian lineages have both higher diversification and are pre‐adapted to human landscapes, but found only weak evidence supporting this. The loss of evolutionarily distinct amphibians with land conversion suggests that preserving remnant forests will be vital if we aim to preserve the amphibian tree of life in the face of mounting anthropogenic pressures.
Matching effort to threat: Strategies to increase the scale and effectiveness of revegetation in southern Australia
Authors: Freudenberger David 
Published: August 2018

SummaryThe past 30 years of restoration activities in Australia has been mere cautious fiddling in the face of continental‐wide native habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation. A fundamental principle of conservation is to address threats at the scale of the threatening processes. This is still not happening for two reasons: we do not know how to effectively restore at scale, and if we did, there is no demand because it does not pay. The first problem of developing the technologies needed for large‐scale revegetation will largely be solved if we collectively demand revegetation at scale. Such a scale of demand by Australian governments (taxpayers) is only likely if a permanent Natural Heritage Trust is created for long‐term funding complemented by a price on carbon pollution. That will take a lot of political will. The other big opportunity is to create demand for large‐scale revegetation cofunded by farmers to improve their farm's long‐term productivity, resilience and economic viability. This requires sustained R&D supported by novel partnerships with the massive Australian agricultural market. Native vegetation must move from the margins to the mainstream if scale is to be achieved.
Turquoise is the new green: Restoring and enhancing riparian function in the Anthropocene
Authors: Capon Samantha J. , Pettit Neil E. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryRiparian ecosystems are hotspots for ecological restoration globally because of the disproportionately high value and diversity of the ecological functions and services which they support and their high level of vulnerability to anthropogenic pressures, including climate change. Degraded riparian ecosystems are associated with many serious anthropogenic problems including increased river bank erosion, water quality decline, increased flood risk and biodiversity loss. Conventional approaches to riparian restoration, however, are frequently too narrow in focus – spatially, temporally, ecologically and socially – to adequately or equitably address the goals to which they aspire. Climate change, along with the intensification of other human pressures, means that static, historically oriented restoration objectives focused solely on prior ecological composition and structure are unlikely to be defensible, achievable or appropriate in the Anthropocene. Conversely, open‐ended restoration strategies lacking clear objectives and targets entail substantial risks such as significant biodiversity losses, especially of native species. A functional approach to planning and prioritising riparian restoration interventions offers an intermediate alternative that is still framed by measurable targets but allows for greater consideration of broader temporal, spatial and cultural influences. Here, we provide an overview of major riparian functions across multiple scales and identify key drivers of, and threats to, these. We also discuss practical approaches to restoring and promoting riparian functions and highlight some key concerns for the development of policy and management of robust riparian restoration in the Anthropocene.
Thrombolysis and adjunct anticoagulation in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion
Authors: Ritvonen J. , Strbian D. , Silvennoinen H. , Virtanen P. , Salonen O. , Lindsberg P. J. , Sairanen T. 
Published: August 2018

Background and purposePatients suffering from basilar artery occlusion (BAO) and treated with intravenous thrombolysis are, in some centers, started on adjunct anticoagulation in hyperacute settings. We aimed to assess the outcome of such patients and to compare low‐molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and unfractionated heparin (UFH) in this context.MethodsWe examined 211 patients with angiography‐proven BAO treated with intravenous thrombolysis and either adjunct UFH or LMWH. Main outcome variables were rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) according to European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study II criteria and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 3 months.ResultsThe overall rate of sICH was 11.4% and driven by the UFH group (13.3%). None of the LMWH group developed sICH. Recanalization rate did not significantly differ between the LMWH and UFH groups. An additional propensity analysis was made to balance anticoagulation groups regarding baseline characteristics. Propensity analysis showed a significant difference in sICH rate (0.0% vs. 14.8%, P = 0.044) in favor of LMWH. Independent outcome (mRS score 0–2) was achieved in a total of 31.0% and in 44.8% and 29.1% in the LMWH and UFH group, respectively (P = 0.09). Propensity analysis showed a significant difference in the risk of ending up bedridden or dead (mRS score 5–6; 34.5% vs. 63.0%, P = 0.033) in favor of LMWH.ConclusionsOur study showed a lower rate of sICH and a shift towards improved outcome in thrombolysed patients with BAO treated with LMWH as compared with UFH.
Self‐reported cognitive function in a large international cohort of people with multiple sclerosis: associations with lifestyle and other factors
Authors: Jelinek P. L. , Simpson S. , Brown C. R. , Jelinek G. A. , Marck C. H. , De Livera A. M. , O'Kearney E. , Taylor K. L. , Neate S. L. , Weiland T. J. 
Published: August 2018

Background and purposeWe aimed to estimate the prevalence of perceived cognitive impairment (PCI) and explore its associations with lifestyle and disease characteristics in a large international cohort of people with multiple sclerosis (MS).MethodsThis study was a cross‐sectional analysis. Participants rated their cognitive function over the preceding 4 weeks using four questions in a subscale within the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life questionnaire (MSQOL‐54). These questions assessed perceived concentration, attention and memory by the patient and family/friends. Four definitions of PCI were derived, ranging from lowest to highest specificity. Associations with PCI were assessed by log‐binomial regression.ResultsThe prevalence of PCI in our sample ranged from 41.0% (95% confidence interval, 39.0–43.0) using the least‐specific definition to 11.6% (95% confidence interval, 10.3–12.9) using the most specific definition. A number of factors were associated with PCI, increasing in magnitude as the definition specificity increased, including positive associations for smoking and body mass index, whereas physical activity, dietary quality and use of vitamin D/omega‐3 supplements were inversely associated with PCI.ConclusionsOur study reports associations between healthy lifestyle behaviours and PCI in people with MS. Although reverse causality is a potential explanation for our findings, previous studies have shown comparable associations with healthy lifestyle and MS onset and progression. Subject to external validation, these results suggest benefits realized from a healthy lifestyle in people with MS.
No association of DNM3 with age of onset in Asian Parkinson's disease
Authors: Foo J. N. , Tan L. C. , Au W.‐L. , Prakash K.‐M. , Liu J. , Tan E.‐K. 
Published: August 2018

Background and purposeGenetic variability in DNM3 has been shown to modify age of onset of Parkinson's disease (PD) among LRRK2 Gly2019Ser carriers in North African Arab–Berber populations. In Asian populations, the Gly2019Ser mutation is rare or absent but two other LRRK2 variants, Gly2385Arg and Arg1628PPro, increase PD risk. We aimed to determine whether the DNM3 locus was associated with age of PD onset in both carriers and non‐carriers of LRRK2 risk variants in Asians.MethodsWe analyzed the association of DNM3 rs2421947 genotypes with age of PD onset in 3645 Chinese samples, of which 369 carried at least one of two Asian LRRK2 risk variants.ResultsDNM3 rs2421947 genotypes were not associated with age of PD onset in Chinese samples. We observed no heterogeneity in the effect of rs2421947 between the Asian LRRK2 risk variant carriers and non‐carriers.ConclusionsDNM3 rs2421947 was not associated with age of PD onset in LRRK2 risk variant carriers and non‐carriers in Chinese samples. Further studies in other Asian populations will be of interest.
Subclinical motor impairment assessed with an engineered glove correlates with magnetic resonance imaging tissue damage in radiologically isolated syndrome
Authors: Bonzano L. , Bove M. , Sormani M. P. , Stromillo M. L. , Giorgio A. , Amato M. P. , Tacchino A. , Mancardi G. L. , De Stefano N. 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundAn engineered glove measuring finger motor performance previously showed ability to discriminate early‐stage multiple sclerosis (MS) patients from healthy controls (HCs). Radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) classifies asymptomatic subjects with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities suggestive of multiple sclerosis.MethodsSeventeen asymptomatic subjects with RIS and 17 HCs were assessed. They performed finger‐to‐thumb opposition sequences at their maximal velocity, metronome‐paced bimanual movements and conventional and diffusion tensor MRI.ResultsSubjects with RIS showed lower (P = 0.005) maximal velocity and higher (P = 0.006) bimanual coordination impairment than HCs. In RIS, bimanual coordination correlated with T2‐lesion volume, fractional anisotropy and radial diffusivity in the white matter.ConclusionsThese findings point out the relevance of fine hand measures as a robust marker of subclinical disability.