bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The functions of FoxO transcription factors in epithelial wound healing
Authors: Miao Chaoyang , Li Yunpeng , Zhang Xiaoyan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractRe‐epithelialisation is a complex process that involves the migration and proliferation of keratinocytes, as well as the production of cytokines and growth factors that affect wound healing. The precise mechanisms that control the tissue repair process remain poorly understood. Recent evidence indicates that FoxO transcription factors play a crucial role in wound healing. In mammals, different isoforms of FoxO, namely, FoxO1, FoxO3, FoxO4 and FoxO6, are present; however, FoxO1 and FoxO3 primarily function in epithelial wound healing. The functions of FoxO proteins in normal wound healing are opposite of those in diabetic wound healing. On the one hand, FoxO transcription factors promote the migration of keratinocytes through up‐regulating the expression of transforming growth factor‐beta and protecting keratinocytes from oxidative stress. On the other hand, FoxO transcription factors negatively regulate some genes that are needed for re‐epithelialisation and keratinocyte migration. This review provides a summary of the functions of FoxO proteins in re‐epithelialisation.
Second to fourth digit ratio and lung function (forced vital capacity): predictors of maximum urinary flow rate after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate
Authors: Park I‐N. , Kim T. B. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundMaximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) is usually increased after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). However, improvements vary between patients and results regarding potential predictors of Qmax after HoLEP are inconsistent. Thus, we investigated pre‐operative variables including second to fourth digit ratio (digit ratio) and pulmonary function test (PFT) findings as potential predictors of Qmax after HoLEP.MethodsOne hundred and ninety‐five consecutive patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who underwent HoLEP were enrolled. Before HoLEP, PFTs were performed and lengths of second and fourth digits of right hands were measured by a single investigator using a digital vernier caliper. To identify independent predictors of Qmax after HoLEP, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using linear regression models.ResultsMean age and total prostate volume for all 195 study subjects were 69.4 years and 63.3 mL respectively. Mean pre‐operative and post‐operative Qmax values were 8.7 and 26.2 mL/sec respectively. Univariate analysis showed age (r = −0.181, p = 0.014), digit ratio (r = 0.213, p = 0.004), lung function (forced vital capacity (FVC): r = 0.218, p = 0.005; forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1): r = 0.166, p = 0.034), pre‐operative Qmax (r = 0.264, p = 0.000), pre‐operative voided volume (VV) (r = 0.158, p = 0.033), and post‐operative VV (r = 0.311, p = 0.000) were associated with post‐operative Qmax, whereas multivariate analysis showed that digit ratio (β = 0.285, p = 0.001), FVC (β = 0.340, p = 0.039), and post‐operative VV (β = 0.301, p = 0.000) independently predicted post‐operative Qmax.ConclusionsThe independent predictors of Qmax after HoLEP were digit ratio and lung function (FVC) as well as post‐operative VV. This means that the higher a man's digit ratio and lung function (FVC), the higher his Qmax after HoLEP.
Mature outcomes and prognostic indices in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in Malawi: a prospective cohort
Authors: Painschab Matthew S. , Kasonkanji Edwards , Zuze Takondwa , Kaimila Bongani , Tomoka Tamiwe , Nyasosela Richard , Nyirenda Ruth , Dhungel Bal M. , Mulenga Maurice , Chikasema Maria , Tewete Blessings , Mtangwanika Asekanadziwa , Chiyoyola Sarah , Mhango Wilberforce , Chimzimu Fred , Kampani Coxcilly , Krysiak Robert , Shea Thomas C. , Montgomery Nathan D. , Fedoriw Yuri , Gopal Satish 
Published: November 2018

SummaryOutcomes for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) are poorly described. We report mature data from one of the first prospective SSA cohorts. Patients aged ≥18 years with DLBCL were enrolled in Malawi 2013–2017. Participants were treated with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) chemotherapy and concurrent antiretroviral therapy (ART) if positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV+). Eighty‐six participants (mean age 47 years, standard deviation 13) were enrolled: 54 (63%) were male and 51 (59%) were HIV+, of whom 34 (67%) were on ART at DLBCL diagnosis. Median CD4 count was 0·113 cells × 109/l (interquartile range [IQR] 0·062–0·227) and 25 (49%) had HIV viral load <400 copies/μl. Participants received median six cycles CHOP (IQR 4–6). No patients were lost to follow‐up and the 2‐year overall survival was 38% (95% confidence interval 28–49). In multivariable analyses, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (PS) ≥2 and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) >2× upper limit of normal (ULN) were associated with mortality. HIV status was not associated with mortality. A simplified prognostic model of LDH >2× ULN and PS ≥2 performed at least as well as the age‐adjusted International Prognostic Index. DLBCL can be successfully treated in SSA and outcomes did not differ by HIV status. A simplified prognostic model prognosticates well and may be easier to use in resource‐limited settings but requires validation.
Saposin C is a frequent target of paraproteins in Gaucher disease‐associated MGUS/multiple myeloma
Authors: Preuss Klaus‐Dieter , Hollak Carla E. M. , Fadle Natalie , van Oers Marinus , Regitz Evi , Pfreundschuh Michael 
Published: November 2018

SummaryPatients with Gaucher disease (GD) have an increased risk of monoclonal gammopathies for which antigenic targets might play a role in their pathogenesis. Here we report the identification of saposin C (sapC) as high‐titre (1:1 000 000) target structure of 7/16 GD‐associated paraproteins. Anti‐sapC immunoglobulin (Ig) showed identity with the paraprotein Ig type and subclass in each patient that showed anti‐sapC immunoreactivity. Absorption and depletion studies completely removed the paraprotein from the sera of GD patients. No immunoreactivity against sapC was detected in healthy donors and in other plasma cell dyscrasias, demonstrating that anti‐sapC reactivity is highly restricted to GD. Several uncharacterized forms of post‐translational modified sapC were detected but their role in the pathogenesis is not clear. We confirm the frequent presence of low‐titre (1:250) anti‐lysolipid reactivities in the sera of GD patients but we could show that this immunoreactivity is not mediated by the paraprotein and is not restricted to GD patients.
Morphometry of upper cheek teeth of cave bears (Carnivora, Ursidae)
Authors: Baryshnikov Gennady F. , Puzachenko Andrey Y. 
Published: November 2018

Univariate and multivariate statistics were applied to analyse the morphometrical variability of 4920 upper cheek teeth (P4, M1 and M2) of cave bears from 123 geographical sites (180 samples) of different Pliocene – Pleistocene ages. The analysed specimens included those belonging to the big cave bearsUrsus kudarensis,U. deningeri,U. spelaeus(three subspecies) andU. kanivetz(includingU. ingressus), as well as the small cave bearU. rossicus. The information‐theoretical parameters (Shannon entropy and orderliness (Von Foerster, 1960: On self‐organizing systems and their environments.InSelf‐Organizing Systems, 31–50. Pergamon Press, London) were used to estimate tooth diversity in different teeth, different taxa and in selected local chrono‐populations. Multivariate allometry coefficients (Klingenberg, 1996: Multivariate allometry.InAdvances in Morphometrics, 23‐49. Plenum Press, New York) were used to describe the relationships of different ‘parts’ of a tooth and to compare allometric patterns amongst species or selected local samples. A multivariate analysis showed a significant overlap of the size/shape parameter ranges in deningeroid and spelaeoid bears within morphological spaces. Within the cave bear lineage, the Deninger's bear has the greatest morphological diversity index (entropy) of all the teeth overall, and the lowest diversity is observed in the final taxon of this lineage –U. kanivetz(=ingressus). The P4 and M2 diversity showed multidirectional correlations with elevation above sea level amongst several ‘local’ populations of Late Pleistocene cave bears. The morphological disparities between the studied taxa are in close agreement with the distances in the available schemes of genetic differentiation based on ancient mitochondrialDNA. The split ofU. kudarensisandU. deningerihas a good bootstrap support, which corresponds to the hypothesis about their parallel evolution. The small cave bearU. rossicusis placed betweenU. arctosandU. deningeri. The phylogenetic signal is more pronounced in the variability of teeth in comparison with other skeletal remains of cave bears (cranium, mandible, or metapodial bones).
Are Monarchies Exceptional to the Arab Uprisings? The Resilience of Moroccan Monarchy Revisited
Authors: Koprulu Nur , Abdulmajeed Hind 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWith the onset of the Arab uprisings at the end of 2010 and the emergence of popular demonstrations that raised the issue of crises of legitimacy across the Arab states, the literature on democratization in the Middle East and North African (MENA) studies has taken on new dimensions recently. One of the primary theoretical debates that has surfaced in the post‐2011 era has revolved around on whether or not the demonstrations will lead to regime change or increased authoritarianism in the MENA region. One of the crucial developments of the Arab Spring has, then, been the overthrow of some long‐standing rulers like Ben Ali of Tunisia and Mubarak of Egypt, as well as the questioning of authoritarian regimes by the masses. The public protests submerged some Arab republics, but monarchies found ways to overcome the public outcry through containing the opposition. This paper, therefore, takes the monarchy of Morocco as a case study with the aim of analyzing the methods and regime‐survival strategies the regime has employed to sustain itself and consolidate power in the post‐2011 Arab uprisings era. Additionally, the role of the Justice and Development Party as an emerging threat in the postdemocratization era, and the changing nature of the party’s relations with the palace, will be addressed.
Neuromodulation‐dependent effect of gated high‐frequency, LFMS‐like electric field stimulation in mouse cortical slices
Authors: Negahbani Ehsan , Schmidt Stephen L. , Mishal Nadia , Fröhlich Flavio 
Published: November 2018

AbstractLow‐field magnetic stimulation (LFMS) is a gated high‐frequency non‐invasive brain stimulation method (500 Hz gated at 2 Hz) with a proposed antidepressant effect. However, it has remained unknown how such stimulation paradigms modulate neuronal network activity and how the induced changes depend on network state. Here we examined the immediate and outlasting effects of the gated high‐frequency electric field associated with LFMS on the cortical activity as a function of neuromodulatory tone that defines network state. We used a sham‐controlled study design to investigate effects of stimulation (20 min of 0.5 s trains of 500 Hz charge‐balanced pulse stimulation patterned at 0.5 Hz) on neural activity in mouse medial prefrontal cortex in vitro. Bath application of cholinergic and noradrenergic agents enabled us to examine the stimulation effects as a function of neuromodulatory tone. The stimulation attenuated the increase in firing rate of layer V cortical neurons during the post‐stimulation period in the presence of cholinergic activation. The same stimulation had no significant immediate or outlasting effect in the absence of exogenous neuromodulators or in the presence of noradrenergic activation. These results provide electrophysiological insights into the neuromodulatory‐dependent effects of gated high‐frequency stimulation. More broadly, our results are the first to provide a mechanistic demonstration of how behavioral states and arousal levels may modify the effects of non‐invasive brain stimulation.
Vagus nerve spiking activity associated with locomotion and cortical arousal states in a freely moving rat
Authors: Shikano Yu , Nishimura Yuya , Okonogi Toya , Ikegaya Yuji , Sasaki Takuya 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe vagus nerve serves as a central pathway for communication between the central and peripheral organs. Despite traditional knowledge of vagus nerve functions, detailed neurophysiological dynamics of the vagus nerve in naïve behavior remain to be understood. In this study, we developed a new method to record spiking patterns from the cervical vagus nerve while simultaneously monitoring central and peripheral organ bioelectrical signals in a freely moving rat. When the rats transiently elevated locomotor activity, the frequency of vagus nerve spikes was correspondingly increased, and this activity was retained for several seconds after the increase in running speed terminated. Spike patterns of the vagus nerve were not robustly associated with which arms the animals entered on an elevated plus maze. During sniffing behavior, vagus nerve spikes were nearly absent. During stopping, the vagus nerve spike patterns differed considerably depending on external contexts and peripheral activity states associated with cortical arousal levels. Stimulation of the vagus nerve altered rat's running speed and cortical arousal states depending on running speed at the instant of stimulation. These observations are a new step for uncovering the physiological dynamics of the vagus nerve modulating the visceral organs such as cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems.
The importance of growing up: juvenile environment influences dispersal of individuals and their neighbours
Authors: Endriss Stacy B. , Vahsen Megan L. , Bitume Ellyn V. , Grey Monroe J. , Turner Kathryn G. , Norton Andrew P. , Hufbauer Ruth A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractDispersal is a key ecological process that is strongly influenced by both phenotype and environment. Here, we show that juvenile environment influences dispersal not only by shaping individual phenotypes, but also by changing the phenotypes of neighbouring conspecifics, which influence how individuals disperse. We used a model system (Tribolium castaneum, red flour beetles) to test how the past environment of dispersing individuals and their neighbours influences how they disperse in their current environment. We found that individuals dispersed especially far when exposed to a poor environment as adults if their phenotype, or even one‐third of their neighbours’ phenotypes, were shaped by a poor environment as juveniles. Juvenile environment therefore shapes dispersal both directly, by influencing phenotype, as well as indirectly, by influencing the external social environment. Thus, the juvenile environment of even a minority of individuals in a group can influence the dispersal of the entire group.
Effect of glycerol on reconstructed human oral mucosa
Authors: Kvalheim Siri F. , Xenaki Victoria , Kvalheim Arild , Lie Stein‐Atle , Marthinussen Mihaela C. , Strand Gunhild V. , Costea Daniela E. 
Published: November 2018

The majority of severely ill patients experience dry mouth. For institutionalized patients, this condition is commonly treated using glycerol as a lubricant. However, because of its possibly desiccating effect, some countries do not advocate the use of glycerol. This study aimed to investigate dose‐dependent effects of glycerol on homeostasis and tissue integrity of in vitro‐reconstructed normal human buccal mucosa (RNHBM). Primary keratinocytes and fibroblasts were isolated and expanded from biopsies of mucosa from eight healthy volunteers. Ninety‐six samples of RNHBM were prepared and exposed for 24 h to 17%, 42.5%, or 85% glycerol, or to distilled H2O (control). Sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) to evaluate epithelial thickness or used for immunohistochemistry to measure expression of Ki67 (proliferation), cleaved caspase‐3 (apoptosis), and E‐cadherin (tissue‐integrity). Positive cells and cell layers, as detected by immunohistochemistry, were counted. Epithelial thickness, proliferation, and apoptosis were significantly increased by exposure to 42.5% and 85% glycerol. No significant differences in apoptosis or proliferation were found between controls and RNHBM exposed to 17% glycerol. E‐cadherin expression was not significantly affected by exposure to any of the concentrations of glycerol tested. This study shows that glycerol affects tissue homeostasis, but not tissue integrity, of RNHBM at glycerol concentrations above 42.5%.
Defining the electroclinical phenotype and outcome of PCDH19‐related epilepsy: A multicenter study
Authors: Trivisano Marina , Pietrafusa Nicola , Terracciano Alessandra , Marini Carla , Mei Davide , Darra Francesca , Accorsi Patrizia , Battaglia Domenica , Caffi Lorella , Canevini Maria P. , Cappelletti Simona , Cesaroni Elisabetta , de Palma Luca , Costa Paola , Cusmai Raffaella , Giordano Lucio , Ferrari Annarita , Freri Elena , Fusco Lucia , Granata Tiziana , Martino Tommaso , Mastrangelo Massimo , Bova Stefania M. , Parmeggiani Lucio , Ragona Francesca , Sicca Federico , Striano Pasquale , Specchio Luigi M. , Tondo Ilaria , Zambrelli Elena , Zamponi Nelia , Zanus Caterina , Boniver Clementina , Vecchi Marilena , Avolio Carlo , Dalla Bernardina Bernardo , Bertini Enrico , Guerrini Renzo , Vigevano Federico , Specchio Nicola 
Published: November 2018

SummaryObjectivePCDH19‐related epilepsy is an epileptic syndrome with infantile onset, characterized by clustered and fever‐induced seizures, often associated with intellectual disability (ID) and autistic features. The aim of this study was to analyze a large cohort of patients with PCDH19‐related epilepsy and better define the epileptic phenotype, genotype‐phenotype correlations, and related outcome‐predicting factors.MethodsWe retrospectively collected genetic, clinical, and electroencephalogram (EEG) data of 61 patients with PCDH19‐related epilepsy followed at 15 epilepsy centers. All consecutively performed EEGs were analyzed, totaling 551. We considered as outcome measures the development of ID, autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), and seizure persistence. The analyzed variables were the following: gender, age at onset, age at study, genetic variant, fever sensitivity, seizure type, cluster occurrence, status epilepticus, EEG abnormalities, and cognitive and behavioral disorders. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to evaluate the age at which seizures might decrease in frequency.ResultsAt last follow‐up (median = 12 years, range = 1.9‐42.1 years), 48 patients (78.7%) had annual seizures/clusters, 13 patients (21.3%) had monthly to weekly seizures, and 12 patients (19.7%) were seizure‐free for ≥2 years. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed a significant decrease of seizure frequency after the age of 10.5 years (sensitivity = 81.0%, specificity = 70.0%). Thirty‐six patients (59.0%) had ID and behavioral disturbances. ASD was present in 31 patients. An earlier age at epilepsy onset emerged as the only predictive factor for ID (P = 0.047) and ASD (P = 0.014). Conversely, age at onset was not a predictive factor for seizure outcome (P = 0.124).SignificanceWe found that earlier age at epilepsy onset is related to a significant risk for ID and ASD. Furthermore, long‐term follow‐up showed that after the age of 10 years, seizures decrease in frequency and cognitive and behavioral disturbances remain the primary clinical problems.
Attendance to egg clutches by male Kurixalus eiffingeri increases hatching success and decreases predation by invasive slugs (Parmarion martensi) in Taiwan
Authors: Chuang Ming‐Feng , Borzée Amaël , Kam Yeong‐Choy 
Published: November 2018

AbstractInvasive species have a significant impact on amphibians, and most notably Chytrid fungi together with a few vertebrates. However, invasive terrestrial invertebrates are seldomly demonstrated to have a negative effect on their host environment, and few studies investigated the behavioural interactions between invasive and local species, limiting our knowledge of the adaptive response adopted by local organisms. These responses include whether parenting animals recognize predators as threats to their offspring and whether parental care is adequately corrected. Here, through manipulative experiments on a population of phytotelm‐breeder Kurixalus eiffingeri in central Taiwan, we demonstrated the positive effects of parental care against predation by the invasive slug Parmarion martensi, and against mould infection. Treatment groups, in the absence of caring males, displayed a higher rate of predation by slugs and mould infections. The presence of the caring males was linked to an increase in hatching success in control groups, suggesting hydration by the males, while skin peptides may be the factor limiting mould infection. We recommend further research on the impact of the invasive but widespread P. martensi on amphibian populations.
Prospective study of blackthorn injury and synovitis in 35 horses
Authors: Ashton N. M. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryThe objective of this prospective clinical study was to investigate the cause and describe the presentation, diagnosis, treatment techniques and outcome of Prunus spinosa (blackthorn) injury and synovitis in the horse. In all cases presented with blackthorn injury and synovitis, surgical treatment was performed within 24 h, using a two‐stage procedure: 1‐Perisynovial technique using ultrasound guided electrosurgical dissection; 2‐Endoscopic technique. The diagnosis was confirmed by retrieval of black plant material from or close to the affected synovial structure. Mean lameness score on presentation was 4/5 (range 1–5). The most commonly affected structures were extensor tendon sheaths (12/35) and fetlock joints (11/35). All cases had thorn material removed, 80% had thorn material removed at surgery and in 49% it was intra‐synovial. On presentation, the mean synovial fluid total protein level (TP) was 47.6 g/L (range 18–66); mean total nucleated cell count (TNCC) was 176 × 109 cells/L (range 12–312). Two days post‐surgery, mean total protein levels were 33 g/L (range 16–52), mean TNCC was 13 × 109 cells/L (range 1–35). At 5 days post‐surgery, the mean total protein was 23 g/L (range 12–28) and TNCC was 5 × 109 cells/L (range 1–12). All synovial fluid cultures were negative. Twenty‐eight (80%) horses were sound 5 days post‐operatively, seven (20%) were not lame in walk; they all returned to full work in an average time of 8 weeks (range 3–48 weeks). Surgery achieved accurate identification and removal of thorn material. In contrast to previous studies of synovial sepsis, these cases had a positive outcome despite high pre‐ and post‐operative synovial fluid TP and TNCC. These findings suggest that Prunus spinosus (blackthorn) synovitis has a different aetiology to synovitis originating from sepsis or other types of contamination.