bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic review: the natural history of alpha‐1 antitrypsin deficiency, and associated liver disease
Authors: Townsend S. A. , Edgar R. G. , Ellis P. R. , Kantas D. , Newsome P. N. , Turner A. M. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryBackgroundAlpha‐1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is estimated to affect three million people worldwide. It causes liver disease in a proportion of carriers of the PiS and PiZ allele due to the formation and retention of polymers within the endoplasmic reticulum of hepatocytes. The reason for this selective penetrance is not known. Although clinical trials are underway, liver transplantation is the only effective treatment for liver disease due to AATD.AimsTo report the prevalence and natural history of liver disease among individuals with AATD, and assess the outcomes of liver transplantation through systematic review.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases. Two independent authors selected the articles and assessed bias using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. Data were pooled for analysis, where comparable outcomes were reported.ResultsThirty‐five studies were identified related to disease progression and 12 for the treatment of AATD. Seven per cent of children were reported to develop liver cirrhosis, with 16.5% of individuals presenting in childhood requiring liver transplantation. Of those surviving to adulthood, 10.5% had liver cirrhosis and 14.7% required transplantation. Liver transplantation was the only effective treatment reported and outcomes compare favourably to other indications, with 5‐year survival reported as over 90% in children and over 80% in adults.DiscussionThe clinical course of liver disease in individuals with AATD remains poorly understood, but affects about 10% of those with AATD. More research is required to identify those patients at risk of developing liver disease at an early stage, and to provide alternative treatments to liver transplantation.
The Impact of IFRS in Brazil: The Legacy of Mandatory Book‐tax Conformity
Authors: Nakao Sílvio Hiroshi , Gray Sidney J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe investigate how Brazil's historical and institutional context is likely important in determining the impact and benefits of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) with special reference to the legacy of taxation regulation, referred to as mandatory book‐tax conformity. We hypothesise that in the early period following IFRS adoption, information quality may not significantly improve in the case of companies with limited levels of stock market monitoring because of the path dependency effects of historically important tax considerations. Overall, our results are consistent with the prediction that companies with limited levels of stock market monitoring continue to exhibit book‐tax conformity with no information quality improvements. At the same time, the results relating to companies with higher levels of stock market monitoring are consistent with the expected information quality improvements associated with IFRS adoption.
Accounting Standards, Earnings Transparency and Audit Fees: Convergence with IFRS in China
Authors: Ye Qiang , Gao Jie , Zheng Weiguang 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis study investigates the effect of China's new accounting standards (which converged with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in 2007) on a new market‐based attribute of earnings quality – earnings transparency (defined as the explanatory power of the returns–earnings relation at firm level) – and their association with audit pricing. Using China's listed companies from 2001 to 2012 as a sample, we find that the adoption of China's new accounting standards, specifically the introduction of fair value measurement and the change in the accounting treatment of minority interest income, increases earnings transparency. We also find that earnings transparency negatively impacts audit fees, and the adoption of new accounting standards attenuates the negative association between earnings transparency and audit fees. This study has implications for standard setters, auditors and managers regarding the change in the information environment of investors resulting from IFRS convergence in China from a new perspective.
Indistinguishability tests in the actor–partner interdependence model
Authors: Gistelinck Fien , Loeys Tom , Decuyper Mieke , Dewitte Marieke 
Published: February 2018

When considering dyadic data, one of the questions is whether the roles of the two dyad members can be considered equal. This question may be answered empirically using indistinguishability tests in the actor–partner interdependence model. In this paper several issues related to such indistinguishability tests are discussed: the difference between maximum likelihood and restricted maximum likelihood based tests for equality in variance parameters; the choice between the structural equation modelling and multilevel modelling framework; and the use of sequential testing rather than one global test for a set of indistinguishability tests. Based on simulation studies, we provide guidelines for best practice. All different types of tests are illustrated with cross‐sectional and longitudinal data, and corroborated with corresponding R code.
1,3,6,7‐Tetrahydroxy‐8‐prenylxanthone ameliorates inflammatory responses resulting from the paracrine interaction of adipocytes and macrophages
Authors: Li Dan , Liu Qianyu , Sun Wen , Chen Xiuping , Wang Ying , Sun Yuxiang , Lin Ligen 
Published: February 2018

Background and PurposeChronic inflammation in adipose tissue is critical in the onset and development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue and pro‐inflammatory polarization play key roles in adipose tissue inflammation. The fruit hull of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is used in traditional medicine to treat various inflammatory diseases. However, its role in regulating adipose tissue inflammation is unexplored. This study was designed to identify xanthones from G. mangostana, which could ameliorate adipose tissue inflammation.Experimental ApproachExpressions of inducible NOS, cytokines, chemokines and components of the NF‐κB and MAPKs pathways were evaluated using Western blotting, immunofluorescence, quantitative real‐time PCR or ELISA. The migration of macrophages towards adipocytes was tested using Transwell experiments in vitro. A murine model of LPS‐induced acute inflammation was used to examine effects of 1,3,6,7‐tetrahydroxy‐8‐prenylxanthone (TPX) on inflammatory responses in adipose tissue in vivo.Key ResultsFrom a series of xanthones isolated from G. mangostana, TPX was identified as a potent inhibitor of LPS‐induced NO production and IL‐6 secretion in RAW264.7 macrophages. TPX ameliorated LPS‐induced inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 macrophages, and TNF‐α‐mediated inflammation in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes, through inhibiting MAPKs and NF‐κB activation and promoting sirtuin 3 expression. TPX also blocked RAW264.7 macrophages migration towards 3T3‐L1 adipocytes in co‐cultures. Furthermore, TPX alleviated LPS‐induced adipose tissue inflammation in vivo by reducing pro‐inflammatory cytokines and preventing the pro‐inflammatory polarization of macrophages.Conclusions and ImplicationsTaken together, our results indicate that TPX disrupts the inflammatory responses between macrophages and adipocytes, and attenuates adipose tissue inflammation.
Alterations in melatonin and 5‐HT signalling in the colonic mucosa of mice with dextran‐sodium sulfate‐induced colitis
Authors: MacEachern Sarah J , Keenan Catherine M , Papakonstantinou Evangelia , Sharkey Keith A , Patel Bhavik Anil 
Published: February 2018

Background and PurposeInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by pain, bleeding, cramping and altered gastrointestinal (GI) function. Changes in mucosal 5‐HT (serotonin) signalling occur in animal models of colitis and in humans suffering from IBD. Melatonin is co‐released with 5‐HT from the mucosa and has a wide variety of actions in the GI tract. Here, we examined how melatonin signalling is affected by colitis and determined how this relates to 5‐HT signalling.Experimental ApproachUsing electroanalytical approaches, we investigated how 5‐HT release, reuptake and availability as well as melatonin availability are altered in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced colitis in mice. Studies were conducted to explore if melatonin treatment during active colitis could reduce the severity of colitis.Key ResultsWe observed an increase in 5‐HT and a decrease in melatonin availability in DSS‐induced colitis. A significant reduction in 5‐HT reuptake was observed in DSS‐induced colitis animals. A reduction in the content of 5‐HT was observed, but no difference in tryptophan levels were observed. A reduction in deoxycholic acid‐stimulated 5‐HT availability and a significant reduction in mechanically‐stimulated 5‐HT and melatonin availability were observed in DSS‐induced colitis. Orally or rectally administered melatonin once colitis was established did not significantly suppress inflammation.Conclusion and ImplicationsOur data suggest that DSS‐induced colitis results in a reduction in melatonin availability and an increase in 5‐HT availability, due to a reduction/loss of tryptophan hydroxylase 1 enzyme, 5‐HT content and 5‐HT transporters. Mechanosensory release was more susceptible to inflammation when compared with chemosensory release.
Forms of Capital and Habitus in the Decision to Go on Academic Exchange
Authors: Lehmann Wolfgang , Trower Holly 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAlthough Canadian universities have made internationalization a strategic priority, only few Canadian students currently participate in any international study opportunities. Drawing on interviews with Canadian students who were about to spend some of their undergraduate education abroad as exchange students, or had recently returned from a study exchange, we argue that despite the importance of relatively high costs associated with international study experiences, cultural factors play a more important role in enabling the decision to study abroad. Being habitually exposed to travel in one's family, and having been encouraged to travel independently as a teenager or young adult emerge as important precursors to our participants’ decision to take part in study exchanges. Although one needs to engage critically with university administrators’ current preoccupation with internationalization, being exposed to an extended time abroad has shown to have positive effects, especially for otherwise underprivileged students. Given the exploratory nature of this study, we conclude with suggestions for further research aimed at confirming our findings and developing policy.
Preclinical characterization of anlotinib, a highly potent and selective vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 inhibitor
Authors: Xie Chengying , Wan Xiaozhe , Quan Haitian , Zheng Mingyue , Fu Li , Li Yun , Lou Liguang 
Published: February 2018

Abrogating tumor angiogenesis by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR2) has been established as a therapeutic strategy for treating cancer. However, because of their low selectivity, most small molecule inhibitors of VEGFR2 tyrosine kinase show unexpected adverse effects and limited anticancer efficacy. In the present study, we detailed the pharmacological properties of anlotinib, a highly potent and selective VEGFR2 inhibitor, in preclinical models. Anlotinib occupied the ATP‐binding pocket of VEGFR2 tyrosine kinase and showed high selectivity and inhibitory potency (IC50 <1 nmol/L) for VEGFR2 relative to other tyrosine kinases. Concordant with this activity, anlotinib inhibited VEGF‐induced signaling and cell proliferation in HUVEC with picomolar IC50 values. However, micromolar concentrations of anlotinib were required to inhibit tumor cell proliferation directly in vitro. Anlotinib significantly inhibited HUVEC migration and tube formation; it also inhibited microvessel growth from explants of rat aorta in vitro and decreased vascular density in tumor tissue in vivo. Compared with the well‐known tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib, once‐daily oral dose of anlotinib showed broader and stronger in vivo antitumor efficacy and, in some models, caused tumor regression in nude mice. Collectively, these results indicate that anlotinib is a well‐tolerated, orally active VEGFR2 inhibitor that targets angiogenesis in tumor growth, and support ongoing clinical evaluation of anlotinib for a variety of malignancies.
Osteopontin is essential for IL‐1β production and apoptosis in peri‐implantitis
Authors: Che Chengye , Liu Jie , Yang Jianjun , Ma Lei , Bai Na , Zhang Qian 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackground and PurposePeri‐implantitis is caused by a cascade of host and microbial factors leading to an oral inflammatory disease. The inflammation proliferates into supporting tissues surrounding implants and may finally lead to a complete loss of osseointegration. Being a phosphorylated glycoprotein secreted by immunocompetent cells, osteopontin (OPN) is involved in the differentiation of odontoblast‐like cells during pulpal healing following tooth transplantation and the secretion of type I collagen in reparative dentin. But the production and function of OPN in peri‐implantitis has not been thoroughly evaluated.Materials and MethodsPeri‐implant crevicular fluid (PICF) was collected from 28 healthy implants patients and 28 peri‐implantitis patients to determine the expression of OPN in response to the inflammation of peri‐implantitis by Western‐blot, Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and immunofluorescence staining. THP‐1 macrophages infected by Porphyromonas gingivalis were chosen to reveal the production and function of OPN in peri‐implantitis by immunofluorescence staining, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), and Western‐blot.ResultsResults showed that OPN increased in most PICF of peri‐implantitis patients and in THP‐1 macrophages stimulated with P. gingivalis. The expression of OPN in response to P. gingivalis decreased at mRNA and protein levels when exposed to either the lectin‐type oxidized LDL receptor 1 (LOX‐1) neutralizing antibody or inhibitor pretreatment in THP‐1 macrophages. P. gingivalis induces OPN through the Erk1/2 MAPK dependent pathway. OPN neutralization decreased interleukin 1 beta (IL‐1β) expression on P. gingivalis infection, and the lower IL‐1β mRNA and protein levels were rescued by human osteopontin recombinant protein (rhOPN) in THP‐1 macrophages. RhOPN suppressed P. gingivalis induced apoptosis of the mitochondrial pathway in THP‐1 macrophage.ConclusionsOverall, the results of this study provide insight into the essential roles of OPN for IL‐1β production and apoptosis in peri‐implantitis, as supported by the evidence from the study of patient's PICF and cell culture experiments.
Experimental and simulation studies on fatigue behavior of laminated glass having polyvinyl butyral and ethyl vinyl acetate interlayers
Authors: Vedrtnam A. , Pawar S.J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractCyclic fatigue strength (CFS) of laminated glasses (LGs) with different interlayers and their different nominal thicknesses were compared. The effect of interlayer thickness, cyclic bending fatigue load, and interlayer type on CFS is clearly observed from this brief study. It was found that the LG‐PVB has comparatively lower CFS than LG‐EVA. There is an increment in CFS with an increment in critical interlayer thickness (significantly for an increment from 0.38 to 0.76 mm) in both LG‐EVA (prominent) and LG‐PVB. The maximum deformation at failure load at the corresponding number of cycles is obtained using the finite element model. The strain‐life relations for LG samples were established and shown by surface plots. The results of finite element analysis previously established fracture models were used to explain the fracture patterns of the LG samples. The conclusions of the study are useful for the selection of LG in fatigue prone LG structures.
Initiation and growth of short fatigue cracks in austenitic Sanicro 25 steel
Authors: Mazánová V. , Polák J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAustenitic heat‐resistant stainless steel Sanicro 25, often used in energy production installations, was cyclically strained at room temperature, and initiation and growth of short fatigue cracks have been studied. Cylindrical specimens with pre‐existing shallow notch were cyclically strained under constant total strain amplitudes, while the surface relief, crack initiation, and short crack growth were observed, in‐situ, using optical and electron microscopes. Persistent slip markings were found to be the principal locations where natural fatigue cracks initiated. The character of the crack paths of short cracks was studied using SEM and EBSD techniques. The results exhibit prevailing transgranular crack growth, ie, along the persistent slip markings within the grains. The growth of the largest cracks in the central part of the shallow notch was measured for different applied strain amplitudes. Because the coalescence of initiated cracks plays a significant role during crack growth, the use of the “equivalent crack” concept gives adequate results in the description of the crack growth rate. The crack growth law of short cracks was established and compared with the Manson‐Coffin law of the material.
Using oral health assessment to predict aspiration pneumonia in older adults
Authors: Noguchi Shingo , Yatera Kazuhiro , Kato Tatsuji , Chojin Yasuo , Furuta Norihiko , Akata Kentaro , Kawanami Toshinori , Yoshii Chiharu , Mukae Hiroshi 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo investigate the significance of comprehensive assessment of oral health using the revised oral assessment guide (ROAG) in older adults with pneumonia.BackgroundOral health plays a major role in the eating‐swallowing process. The role of comprehensive assessment of oral health in older adults with aspiration pneumonia has not been evaluated in detail. The ROAG is a screening tool for comprehensive assessment and has been shown to have a high sensitivity and specificity for the assessment of oral health.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively studied 238 adults with pneumonia, aged 65 years and above, in whom the ROAG score had been assessed between December 2014 and June 2016. Participants were divided into two groups based on aspiration risk, as defined by Marik et al; correlation between the ROAG score and the risk of aspiration was evaluated.ResultsTwo hundred and fifteen adults (90.3%) were found to be at aspiration risk. According to the ROAG score, mild‐to‐moderate and severe oral problems were noted in 38 (16.0%) and 200 (84.0%) adults, respectively. Aspiration risk was noted in 68.4% and 94.5% of adults with mild‐to‐moderate and severe oral problems, respectively (P < .0001). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for ROAG to predict aspiration risk was 0.72 (95% confidence interval: 0.60‐0.84). Furthermore, a high ROAG score was an independent predictor of aspiration risk in our study population.ConclusionIn clinical practice, oral health assessment using ROAG can help predict aspiration risk in older adults with pneumonia.
Lenalidomide as a novel therapy for gastrointestinal angiodysplasia in von Willebrand disease
Authors: Khatri N. V. , Patel B. , Kohli D. R. , Solomon S. S. , Bull‐Henry K. , Kessler C. M. 
Published: February 2018

IntroductionLenalidomide is a thalidomide analog with anti‐angiogenic properties. Previous case reports suggest its efficacy in preventing gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) secondary to angiodysplasia (AD) in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia and potentially in reversing AD. We present the first case series to explore lenalidomide as a treatment for AD‐related GIB in patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD).MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted to include patients with VWD, who were evaluated from 2010 to 2013 and who had received lenalidomide to treat recurrent GIB secondary to AD. All patients had failed single‐agent use of antifibrinolytic agents. Patients were observed for at least 2 years on therapy.ResultsFive patients (3 males; 68.2 ± 4.9 years) with VWD (3 with type 3 and 1 each with types 1 and 2a) and AD were found. Sites of AD included the stomach, duodenum, jejunum and colon. Lenalidomide was started at 5 mg oral daily. Uptitration to 10 and 15 mg in 1 patient each was necessary due to recurrence of GIB. The mean number of endoscopies performed for control of GIB post lenalidomide was significantly lower compared to pretherapy (0.25 vs 5.50; P = .001). Mean bleed‐free duration on lenalidomide was 12.6 ± 4.7 months. Three patients have reported no GIB on lenalidomide.ConclusionThis case series demonstrates significantly reduced number of endoscopies and increased bleed‐free duration with lenalidomide treatment in selected patients with VWD and recurrent GIB from AD. Prospective multicenter trials are needed to further define the role of lenalidomide in the management of GIB from angiodysplasia and VWD.
Non‐invasive assessment of kidney allograft fibrosis with shear wave elastography: A radiological‐pathological correlation analysis
Authors: Ma Maggie KM , Law Helen KW , Tse Kin Sun , Chan Kwok Wah , Chan Gary CW , Yap Desmond YH , Mok Maggie MY , Kwan Lorraine PY , Tang Sydney CW , Choy Bo Ying , Chan Tak Mao 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesTo evaluate the use of shear wave elastography in assessment of kidney allograft tubulointerstitial fibrosis.MethodsShear wave elastography assessment was carried out by two independent operators in kidney transplant recipients who underwent allograft biopsy for clinical indications (i.e. rising creatinine >15% or proteinuria >1 g/day). Allograft biopsies were interpreted by the same pathologist according to the 2013 Banff Classification.ResultsA total of 40 elastography scans were carried out (median creatinine 172.5 μmol/L [interquartile range 133.8–281.8 μmol/L]). Median tissue stiffness at the cortex (22.6 kPa [interquartile range 18.8–25.7 kPa] vs 22.3 kPa [interquartile range 19.0–26.5 kPa], P = 0.70) and medulla (15.0 kPa [interquartile range 13.7–18.0 kPa] vs 15.6 kPa [interquartile range 14.4–18.2 kPa]) showed no significant differences between the two observers. Interobserver agreement was satisfactory (intraclass correlation coefficient of the cortex 0.84, 95% CI 0.70–0.92 and intraclass correlation coefficient of the medulla 0.88, 95% CI 0.78–0.94). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for detection of tubulointerstitial fibrosis were estimated to be 0.75 (95% CI 0.61–0.89), 0.85 (95% CI 0.75–0.95) and 0.65 (95% CI 0.53–0.78) for cortical, medullary tissue stiffness and serum creatinine, respectively.ConclusionsShear wave elastography can be used as a non‐invasive tool to evaluate kidney allograft fibrosis with reasonable interobserver agreement and superior test performance to serum creatinine in detecting early tubulointerstitial fibrosis.