bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of exercise and dietary habits on the occurrence of polycystic ovary syndrome over 5 years of follow‐up
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhou Kunyan , Luo Li , Liu Ying , Liu Xiaofang , Xu Liangzhi 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of recent and previous exercise and dietary habits on the occurrence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).MethodsThe present study had a population‐based case–control phase and a nested case–control phase. Women aged 12–44 years with and without PCOS were surveyed using the Semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to evaluate the correlation of PCOS with recent (last 7 days) or previous (5 years ago) exercise and dietary habits.ResultsNo difference in recent physical activity was found between the PCOS and control groups (case–control phase, n=1854). However, patients with PCOS had previously (5 years ago; nested case–control phase, n=1149) spent less time physical active in relation to transportation (P=0.003), housekeeping (P=0.023), walking (P<0.001), and activities of moderate intensity (P=0.008), and had spent more time sitting (P<0.001). Dietary nutrients and energy intake did not differ between the two groups (P>0.05 for all comparisons).ConclusionsPrevious exercise habits were associated with subsequent PCOS whereas a recently acquired exercise routine was not. Women should avoid long‐term sedentary lifestyle habits and focus on adding to the duration of, or enhancing the intensity of, physical activity.
Inhibition of bromodomain‐containing protein 4 ameliorates oxidative stress–mediated apoptosis and cartilage matrix degeneration through activation of NF‐E2–related factor 2‐heme oxygenase‐1 signaling in rat chondrocytes
Authors: An Qin‐de , Li Yun‐yun , Zhang Hong‐xing , Lu Jun , Yu Xiao‐dong , Lin Qiang , Zhang Yin‐gang 
Published: June 2018

AbstractDuring the progression of osteoarthritis, dysregulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) anabolism, abnormal generation of reactive oxygen species, and proteolytic enzymes have been shown to accelerate the degradation process of cartilage. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the functional role of bromodomain‐containing protein 4 (BRD4) in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)–stimulated chondrocyte injury and delineate the underlying molecular mechanisms. We observed that the expression BRD4 was markedly elevated in rat chondrocytes after H2O2 stimulation. Additionally, inhibition of BRD4 using small interfering RNA or JQ1 (a selective potent chemical inhibitor) led to repression of H2O2‐induced oxidative stress, as revealed by a decrease in the reactive oxygen species production accompanied by a decreased malondialdehyde content, along with increased activities of antioxidant markers superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase on exposure of chondrocytes to H2O2. Meanwhile, depletion of BRD4 led to repress the oxidative stress–induced apoptosis of chondrocytes triggered by H2O2 accompanied by an increase in the expression of anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 and a decrease in the expression of pro‐apoptotic Bax and caspase 3 as well as attenuated caspase 3 activity. Moreover, knockdown of BRD4 or treatment with JQ1 markedly attenuated ECM deposition, reflected in a marked upregulation of proteoglycans collagen type II and aggrecan as well as downregulation of ECM–degrading enzymes matrix metalloproteinase 13 and A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTS‐5). More importantly, inhibition of BRD4‐activated NF‐E2–related factor 2 (Nrf2)–heme oxygenase‐1 signaling. Mechanistically, the protective effect of BRD4 inhibition on H2O2‐stimulated apoptosis and cartilage matrix degeneration was markedly abrogated by Nrf2 depletion. Altogether, we concluded that the protective effect of BRD4 inhibition against oxidative stress–mediated apoptosis and cartilage matrix degeneration occurred through Nrf2–heme oxygenase‐1 signaling, implying that BRD4 inhibition may be a more effective therapeutic strategy against osteoarthritis.
Differences between the outcome of recurrent acute pancreatitis and acute pancreatitis
Authors: Mallick Bipadabhanjan , Shrama Dibya J , Siddappa Pradeep , Dhaka Narendra , Malik Sarthak , Sinha Saroj K , Yadav Thakur D , Gupta Vikas , Kochhar Rakesh 
Published: June 2018

Background and aimOverall, a handful of studies are available on the outcomes of recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP), in comparison to the first episode of acute pancreatitis (AP). We aimed to provide a more complete and updated picture of RAP and how it is different from the initial episode of AP.MethodsConsecutive patients admitted with an episode of AP over 8 years were divided into two groups on the basis of prior episodes: AP and RAP. Primary outcome measures were for surgical necrosectomy and mortality.ResultsOf the 724 patients (age 39.22 ± 13.25 years, 68% male) with an episode of pancreatitis, 632 (87.3%) had presented with a first episode (AP) and 92 (12.7%) with at least one prior episode (RAP). The incidence of severe pancreatitis was significantly less in RAP patients (10.9%) in comparison to AP patients (48.6%). The requirement of surgical intervention and mortality were less in patients with RAP (1.1 and 2.2%, respectively) compared to patients with AP (9.3 and 18%, respectively). The mean number of episodes per RAP patients was 2.97 ± 1.66 (range 2–10), and 64.1% had only two episodes. Regarding the etiology of RAP patients, biliary etiology (32.6%) and alcohol (30.4%) were the two most frequent factors, and no etiology could be identified in 19.6%.ConclusionPatients with RAP had milder disease course and lesser mortality when compared to the initial episode of AP. Appropriate evaluation and dealing with etiological factors at the initial episode of AP can prevent a majority of RAP.
Examining Effectiveness and Learning in Rwandan Policymaking: The Varied Outcomes of Learning from Failure in Productive Sector Policies
Authors: Behuria Pritish 
Published: June 2018

AbstractRwanda's economic recovery since the genocide is largely associated with the government's effective leadership. This paper questions that narrative, highlighting that failure—rather than consistent effectiveness—is a common feature of productive sector policies in late developing countries and that the Rwandan case is no different. Using three examples where Rwanda's party‐owned investment group (Crystal Ventures Ltd) has been used as a key agent in productive sector policies, the paper finds that outcomes of learning from failure have varied significantly, highlighting some way to go before the government's developmental ambitions are met. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insights into the morphological pattern of erythrocytes' aging: Coupling quantitative AFM data to microcalorimetry and Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Dinarelli S. , Longo G. , Krumova S. , Todinova S. , Danailova A. , Taneva S.G. , Lenzi E. , Mussi V. , Girasole M. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractErythrocytes (RBCs) constitute a very interesting class of cells both for their physiological function and for a variety of peculiarities. Due to their exceptionally strong relationship with the environment, the morphology and nanoscale characteristics of these cells can reveal their biochemical status and structural integrity. Among the possible subjects of investigations, the RBCs' ageing is of the utmost importance. This is a fundamental phenomenon that, in physiological conditions, triggers the cell turnover and ensures the blood homeostasis. With these premises, in recent years, we have presented an atomic force microscopy–based methodology to characterize the patterns of RBC ageing from the morphological point of view. In the present work, we used an ageing protocol more similar to the physiological conditions and we used differential scanning calorimetry and atomic force microscopy to probe the cross correlation between important structural and functional proteins. We also assessed the role played by fundamental structural and membrane proteins in the development of the most relevant morphological intermediates observed along the ageing. Furthermore, we coupled the morphological ageing patterns to the (bio)chemical alterations detected by Raman spectroscopy. This allowed identifying the chronology of the ageing morphologies and the metabolic pathways most involved in their development.As a whole, the present study provides the base to correlate specific molecular alterations to the development of structural anomalies, and these latter to the functional status of blood cells.
Influence of different light conditions and time of sprouting on harmful and beneficial aspects of rutabaga sprouts in comparison to their roots and seeds
Authors: Paśko Paweł , Galanty Agnieszka , Żmudzki Paweł , Gdula‐Argasińska Joanna , Zagrodzki Paweł 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study aimed to evaluate the presence and content of selected phytochemicals, namely glucosinolates, fatty acids and phenolic compounds, in rutabaga (Brassica napusL. var.napobrassica) sprouts grown under various light conditions, in comparison to rutabaga seeds and roots. As rutabaga sprouts are likely to become new functional food, special emphasis was placed on the related risks of progoitrin and erucic acid presence – compounds with proven antinutritive properties.RESULTSTime of sprouting significantly decreased progoitrin content, especially after 10 days (by 91.5%) and 12 days (by 97.5%), as compared to 8 days. In addition, sprouts grown under dark conditions showed 27%, 60% and 17% reduction in progoitrin level in 8, 10 and 12 days after sowing, respectively, as compared to sprouts grown under natural conditions. Progoitrin was found to be the predominant glucosinolate in rutabaga seeds (804.07 ± 60.89 mg 100 g−1dry weight (DW)), accompanied by glucoerucin (157.82 ± 21.04 mg 100 g−1DW), also found in the roots (82.20 ± 16.53 mg 100 g−1DW). Among the unsaturated fatty acids in rutabaga sprouts, erucic, linoleic, linolenic and gondoic acids decreased significantly, and only oleic acid increased as germination days progressed. The amount of harmful erucic acid in rutabaga sprouts was found to vary between 1.8% and 7%, depending on the day of seeding or light conditions, as compared to 42.5% in the seeds.CONCLUSIONThe evaluated rutabaga products showed a wide content range of potentially antinutritive compounds, sprouts having the lowest amounts of erucic acid and progoitrin. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Prognostic value of intra‐tumoral CD8+/FoxP3+ lymphocyte ratio in patients with resected colorectal cancer liver metastasis
Authors: Sideras Kostandinos , Galjart Boris , Vasaturo Angela , Pedroza‐Gonzalez Alexander , Biermann Katharina , Mancham Shanta , Nigg Alex L. , Hansen Bettina E. , Stoop Hans A. , Zhou Guoying , Verhoef Cornelis , Sleijfer Stefan , Sprengers Dave , Kwekkeboom Jaap , Bruno Marco J. 
Published: June 2018

Background and ObjectivesPatients with isolated colorectal‐cancer‐liver‐metastases (CRCLM) frequently undergo metastatectomy. Tumor‐infiltrating‐lymphocytes (TILs) have prognostic potential in the setting of primary colorectal cancer, however, their role in CRCLM is less studied. We aimed to study the spatial distribution and prognostic role of tumor‐infiltrating CD8+ cytotoxic T‐cells and FoxP3+ regulatory T‐cells at the metastatic site of CRCLM patients.MethodsTILs were isolated from fresh metastatic tissues of 47 patients with CRCLM. Archived paraffin‐embedded tissue, from the same patients, was retrieved. CD8+ and FoxP3+ cells, both in the intra‐tumoral and the peri‐tumoral compartments, were measured by immunohistochemistry on full tissue sections. Proportions of cytotoxic T‐cells (CD8+) and regulatory T‐cells (CD4+CD25+FoxP3+), within CD45+TILs, were measured by flow‐cytometry.ResultsBy immunohistochemistry, individual densities of intra‐tumoral or peri‐tumoral CD8+ and FoxP3+ cells were not prognostic of survival. However, the intra‐tumoral, but not the peri‐tumoral, CD8+/FoxP3+ ratio was an independent predictor of survival (HR 0.43, 95%CI 0.19‐0.95, P = 0.032). By flow cytometry, the intra‐tumoral CD8+/regulatory T‐cell ratio was also an independent predictor of survival (HR 0.45, 95%CI 0.20‐0.99, P = 0.044).ConclusionsThe ratio of cytotoxic (CD8+) to regulatory (FoxP3+) T‐cells, in the intra‐tumoral compartment, but not in the peri‐tumoral compartment, can predict survival after resection of CRCLM.
Repeat staging laparoscopy for gastric cancer after preoperative therapy
Authors: Thiels Cornelius A. , Ikoma Naruhiko , Fournier Keith , Das Prajnan , Blum Mariela , Estrella Jeannelyn S. , Minsky Bruce D. , Ajani Jaffer , Mansfield Paul , Badgwell Brian D. 
Published: June 2018

Background and ObjectivesStaging laparoscopy is recommended before preoperative therapy in patients with locoregional gastric cancer, but yield of repeated diagnostic laparoscopy at the time of resection is unknown.MethodsRetrospective review of a prospective database of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma (1994‐2016) who had negative staging laparoscopy followed by preoperative therapy and subsequent attempted resection. Primary outcome was positive exploration (peritoneal or unresectable disease) at the time of resection. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with positive exploration.ResultsOf the 451 patients with attempted resection, 54 (12.0%) had positive explorations, including 48 with peritoneal disease. Patients with positive explorations were more likely to be female and have poorly differentiated tumors, linitis features, and signet‐ring morphology. There was no significant difference by exploration results in age, race, clinical stage, or delayed definitive surgery. Positive explorations were independently associated with poor differentiation (OR 4.6, 95%CI 1.4‐15.3; P = 0.01) and linitis (OR 4.2, 95%CI 1.9‐9.2; P < 0.001). Positive explorations were seen in 14.0% of patients with poor differentiation, 36.6% of patients with linitis, and 5.8% of patients with neither linitis nor poor differentiation.ConclusionDespite negative pretreatment laparoscopy, post‐treatment repeat laparoscopy may prevent non‐therapeutic laparotomies. At a minimum, we recommend selective repeat laparoscopy for patients with linitis features.
Clinical effect of enoxaparin on international normalized ratio following hepato‐pancreatico‐biliary and gastroesophageal resection
Authors: Kelecy Matthew W. , Shutt Travis , Rostas Jack , Martin Robert C. G. 
Published: June 2018

Background and ObjectivesEnoxaparin inactivates factor Xa via a complex formed after binding to circulating anti‐thrombin III. This mechanism is reported not to alter hemostatic measures such as clotting time, PT, or PTT. To date, no clinical trials have shown a causal relationship between the clinical/pharmacological effects of enoxaparin on international normalized ratio (INR). The aim of our study is to show the clinical effect of enoxaparin on INR.MethodsPatients (N = 350) were reviewed from our prospective IRB approved databases undergoing gastroesophageal or hepatobiliary surgeries. INR levels were recorded for 6 days: pre‐operative to 5 days after surgery.ResultsPatients (N = 289) received enoxaparin daily starting post‐operative day 1, while 61 patients who did not receive enoxaparin were used as controls. The mean post‐operative INR in both the 30 and 40 mg groups were both significantly higher than the mean post‐operative INR of the control group (P = 0.015 and P = 0.00075, respectively); however postoperative hemoglobin levels were not significantly lower in the enoxaparin versus control.ConclusionThis is the first clinical evidence of the effect of enoxaparin on INR in patients undergoing abdominal surgeries for malignancies. We demonstrate an increase in the INR for patients who received enoxaparin for post‐operative VTE prophylaxis.
Reconstruction with constrained scapular prosthesis after total scapulectomy for scapular malignant tumor
Authors: Wang Baichuan , Wu Qiang , Zhang Zhicai , Liu Jianxiang , Shao Zengwu 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundSurgical reconstruction after total scapulectomy presents a great challenge. Currently, the constrained scapular prosthesis reconstruction is considered as the most effective and promising method. However, the mid‐ to long‐term functional outcomes and complications of this procedure are unclear.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed eight patients with scapular malignant tumors treated by total scapulectomy and constrained scapular prosthesis reconstruction between 2011 and 2013. The results of functional improvement were evaluated using MSTS‐93 score at the final follow‐up. We also analyzed tumor recurrence, metastases, and complications associated with the reconstruction procedure.ResultsThree patients died of pulmonary metastasis, and five patients were alive at the final follow‐up. For the five surviving patients, the mean follow‐up period was 61.8 months (range, 51‐72 months). Each patient recovered satisfactory contour of the shoulder. The mean MSTS‐93 functional score of the upper extremity was 23.5 (range, 20‐27). Rib fractures developed two patients, while prosthesis exposure occurred in one patient. No infection, skin flap necrosis, dislocation, and aseptic loosening developed in this small series. Pulmonary metastasis was observed in two patients (2/5).ConclusionsAlthough a few of prosthesis‐related complications not reported in previous studies are observed during the mid‐ to long‐term follow‐up, reconstruction with a constrained scapular prosthesis can provide a stable shoulder joint, and obtained a satisfactory shoulder contour and an acceptable mid‐to long‐term functional outcomes.Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.
Obesity is associated with larger soft‐tissue sarcomas, more surgical complications, and more complex wound closures (obesity leads to larger soft‐tissue sarcomas)
Authors: Montgomery Corey , Harris John , Siegel Eric , Suva Larry , Wilson Margaret , Morell Sean , Nicholas Richard 
Published: June 2018

Background and ObjectivesDoes a link exist between obesity and soft‐tissue sarcoma outcomes? We hypothesized that soft‐tissue sarcomas in patients with obesity may lead to larger tumors at detection, with an increased risk for a more complex surgical excision, wound healing‐related complications, higher stage at presentation, and decreased survival.MethodsOne hundred thirty‐nine and patients with soft‐tissue sarcoma were retrospectively evaluated over 10 years. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts based on the World Health Organization body mass index (BMI) obesity grouping. A BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 was classified as obese and a BMI < 30 kg/m2 was classified as nonobese.ResultsEighty‐five nonobese and 54 obese individuals were evaluated. The median tumor diameter was 50% larger (P = .024) and the overall complication rate was 1.7‐fold higher in patients with obesity (P = .0032). Patients with obesity also had a statistically significantly higher rate of complex wound closures. In multivariable logistic regression, obesity remained a highly significant factor favoring complications after the surgical treatment of soft‐tissue sarcoma (odds ratio = 3.66, 95% confidence interval = 1.54‐8.71; P = .0033). No statistically significant differences were noted on comparing groups for the incidence of metastatic spread or survival.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that obesity is associated with larger tumors, a higher incidence of wound complications, and greater use of complex wound‐closure methods.
Three‐phase solvent bar liquid‐phase microextraction combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography to determine sarcosine in human urine
Authors: Huang Yuan , Huang Xiaobing , Huang Liping , Liu Qicai , Lei Yun , Yang Lijuan , Huang Liying 
Published: June 2018

AbstractSarcosine is a potential prostate cancer marker. In this study, we developed a method of three‐phase solvent bar liquid‐phase microextraction combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography to determine sarcosine after derivatization with 4‐dimethylarminoazobenzene‐4‐sulfonyl chloride from human urine. The effects of different extraction conditions on extraction efficiency were investigated and optimized. Under optimum experimental conditions, a calibration graph exhibited linearity over the range of 0.05–25 μmol/L with a correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.9990. The enrichment factor was 168, and the detection limit was 0.02 μmol/L. The method was successfully used to analyze sarcosine in human urine and non‐invasive detection, and good spiked recoveries ranging from 90.5 to 93.6% were obtained. The proposed method exhibited high sensitivity, high enrichment factor, good precision, and a simple setup. It may contribute to the early accurate diagnosis and the progression monitoring of prostatic carcinoma.
Effects of calf predation and nutrition on elk vital rates
Authors: Tatman Nicole M. , Liley Stewart G. , Cain James W. , Pitman James W. 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTDemographic data indicated a population of elk (Cervus canadensis) in northern New Mexico had reduced juvenile recruitment, resulting in a concern over quality hunting opportunities. Following several years of low calf:female ratios of <25:100, we conducted a 4‐year study from 2009–2012 to identify reasons for poor recruitment and evaluated the role of predation and nutrition in limiting productivity. We captured and fixed ear‐tag radio transmitters to 245 elk calves (126 males, 119 females) to determine cause‐specific mortality and estimate calf survival. During the second half of our study, we implemented a new spring black bear (Ursus americanus) season resulting in higher spring black bear harvest and evaluated response in calf survival. We also quantified herd‐wide nutritional condition and productivity. We estimated percent ingesta‐free body fat (IFBF) and pregnancy rates by sampling 1,808 hunter‐harvested female elk from autumn through winter. The primary cause of summer mortality for calves across all years was black bear predation. Estimates for annual calf survival were greater when spring black bear harvest was moderate to high (0.44–0.47) compared to periods with lower bear harvest (0.33–0.35). For every additional bear harvested in spring, radio‐tagged elk calves were 2.4% more likely to survive the summer. Across years and age classes 82 ± 1% (SE) of females were pregnant. Pregnancy rate was greatest for prime‐aged (2–14 yr) females (88 ± 1%). Our herd‐wide estimate of IFBF for prime‐aged adult female elk was 11.9 ± 0.19% but varied by pregnancy and lactation status. Our results that black bear predation was the primary cause of summer calf mortality and that adult females were in adequate nutritional condition suggested that black bear predation was limiting population productivity. Additionally, calf survival was higher in drought years, the same years when targeted spring black bear harvest was implemented. Our results demonstrated that productivity could be increased by implementing a spring black bear harvest strategy targeted around calving areas and could be applied in other areas experiencing low elk calf survival. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.