bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chinese Mongolian horses may retain early domestic male genetic lineages yet to be discovered
Authors: Han H. , Wallner B. , Rigler D. , MacHugh D. E. , Manglai D. , Hill E. W. 
Published: May 2019

SummaryThe Mongolian horse represents one of the most ancient extant horse populations. In this study we determined the male‐specific region of the Y chromosome (MSY) haplotype distribution in 60 Chinese Mongolian horses representing five distinct populations. Cosmopolitan male lineages were predominant in horses from one improved (Sanhe), one Chinese Mongolian subtype (Baicha Iron Hoof) and one indigenous (Abaga Black) population. In contrast, autochthonous Y chromosome diversity was evident among the two landrace populations (Wushen and Wuzhumuqin), as the majority of their MSY haplotypes were situated at root nodes in a network. Our results also suggest gene flow between Chinese Mongolian and Arabian horses, as an appreciable number of Wuzhumuqin horses carried haplotypes that are typically observed in Arabian horses. Although most horses carried modern haplotypes as a direct result of recent breed improvement, authentic Chinese Mongolian horses retain an ancient signature of paternal lineages that has not previously been described in extant horse populations. Therefore, further characterization of MSY variation in these populations will be important for the discovery of lost diversity in modern domestic horses and also for understanding the evolutionary history of equine paternal lineages.
Continuity of care for patients with chronic conditions from rural or remote Australia: A systematic review
Authors: Street Tamara D. , Somoray Klaire , Richards Georgia C. , Lacey Sarah J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo identify the barriers and facilitators of achieving continuity of care between health services for patients with chronic conditions living in regional, rural and remote Australia.DesignA systematic literature review of peer‐reviewed journal publications between January 1990 and April 2018.SettingPublications were sourced from medical and scientific databases, including: PubMed; Embase; OvidSP; ProQuest research library; and ScienceDirect.ParticipantsStudies, involving two groups, were included in the review: (a) Australian adults, residing in non‐metropolitan areas with a chronic condition, who accessed health care services; and (b) health care service providers (eg, doctors) who provided care to non‐metropolitan patients.Main outcome measuresFacilitators and barriers of continuity of care for non‐metropolitan patients with a chronic condition.ResultsInitially, 536 studies were included in the review. Of these, 12 studies were found to have met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis.ConclusionsCoordination of health care services for non‐metropolitan patients with chronic conditions substantially improves the outcomes for patients. Overall, communication, availability of resources and location are the major barriers and facilitators to continuity of care, depending on how they are managed. Recommendations have been provided to assist practitioners and policy‐makers to improve the experience of shared care and health outcomes for non‐metropolitan patients.
Contribution of potassium channels to action potential repolarization of human embryonic stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Wang Yin , Zhu Renjun , Tung Leslie 
Published: May 2019

Background and PurposeThe electrophysiological properties of human pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (CMs) have not yet been characterized in a syncytial context. This study systematically characterized the contributions of different repolarizing potassium currents in human embryonic stem cell‐derived CMs (hESC‐CMs) during long‐term culture as cell monolayers.Experimental ApproachThe H9 hESC line was differentiated to CMs and plated to form confluent cell monolayers. Optical mapping was used to record the action potentials (APs) and conduction velocity (CV) during electrophysiological and pharmacological experiments. RT‐PCR and Western blot were used to detect the presence and expression levels of ion channel subunits.Key ResultsLong‐term culture of hESC‐CMs led to shortened AP duration (APD), faster repolarization rate, and increased CV. Selective block of IKr, IKs, IK1, and IKur significantly affected AP repolarization and APD in a concentration‐ and culture time‐dependent manner. Baseline variations in APD led to either positive or negative APD dependence of drug response. Chromanol 293B produced greater relative AP prolongation in mid‐ and late‐stage cultures, while DPO‐1 had more effect in early‐stage cultures. CV in cell monolayers in early‐ and late‐stage cultures was most susceptible to slowing by E‐4031 and BaCl2 respectively.Conclusions and ImplicationsIKr, IKs, IK1, and IKur all play an essential role in the regulation of APD and CV in hESC‐CMs. During time in culture, increased expression of IKr and IK1 helps to accelerate repolarization, shorten APD, and increase CV. We identified a new pro‐arrhythmic parameter, positive APD dependence of ion channel block, which can increase APD and repolarization gradients.
Vasohibin‐2 plays an essential role in metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Iida‐Norita Rie , Kawamura Minaho , Suzuki Yasuhiro , Hamada Shin , Masamune Atsushi , Furukawa Toru , Sato Yasufumi 
Published: May 2019

AbstractVasohibin‐2 (VASH2) is expressed in various cancers and promotes their progression. We recently reported that pancreatic cancer patients with higher VASH2 expression show poorer prognosis. Herein, we sought to characterize the role of VASH2 in pancreatic cancer. We used LSL‐KrasG12D; LSL‐Trp53R172H; Pdx‐1‐Cre (KPC) mice, a mouse model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and cells isolated from them (KPC cells). Knockdown of Vash2 from PDAC cells did not affect their proliferation, but decreased their migration. When Vash2‐knockdown PDAC cells were orthotopically inoculated, liver metastasis and peritoneal dissemination were reduced, and the survival period was significantly prolonged. When KPC mice were crossed with Vash2‐deficient mice, metastasis was significantly decreased in Vash2‐deficient KPC mice. VASH2 was recently identified to have tubulin carboxypeptidase activity. VASH2 knockdown decreased, whereas VASH2 overexpression increased tubulin detyrosination of PDAC cells, and tubulin carboxypeptidase (TCP) inhibitor parthenolide inhibited VASH2‐induced cell migration. We next clarified its role in the tumor microenvironment. Tumor angiogenesis was significantly abrogated in vivo when VASH2 was knocked down or deleted. We further examined genes downregulated by Vash2 knockdown in KPC cells, and found chemokines and cytokines that were responsible for the recruitment of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC). Indeed, MDSC were accumulated in PDAC of KPC mice, and they were significantly decreased in Vash2‐deficient KPC mice. These findings suggest that VASH2 plays an essential role in the metastasis of PDAC with multiple effects on both cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment, including tubulin detyrosination, tumor angiogenesis and evasion of tumor immunity.
Idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia is a distinct cause of chronic colon ischaemia
Authors: Anderson B. , Smyrk T. C. , Graham R. P. , Lightner A. , Sweetser S. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimColon ischaemia (CI) is most commonly an acute and reversible manifestation of a transient, non‐occlusive decrease of blood flow in the colonic microvasculature. Irreversible complications are uncommon and the progression to chronic CI remains controversial. Our objective was to identify cases of chronic CI and assess for distinct clinicopathological features.MethodA retrospective review was performed of CI patients having symptom chronicity of ≥ 1 month and ischaemic histology at our institution from 1994 to 2015. Demographic, clinical, endoscopic, radiological, pathological and outcome variables were abstracted. Histological evaluation was performed by two gastrointestinal pathologists.ResultsFifteen patients (n = 9; 67% men) with a median age of 65 years (range 22–88) were identified. The most common presenting symptoms were diarrhoea and abdominal pain (n = 6, 86%; n = 5, 71%, respectively). The typical endoscopic appearance was segmental ulceration of the sigmoid colon (n = 6, 75%). Vascular imaging showed patent mesenteric vessels in all patients. Histopathological evaluation revealed venous intimal hyperplasia consistent with idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of the mesenteric veins (IMHMV) in eight patients; the remainder showed non‐specific ulceration and fibrosis. Surgical resection was performed in seven IMHMV patients, resulting in symptom resolution. On re‐review of pre‐resection biopsies, all IMHMV patients had characteristic changes of hyperplastic, thick‐walled, hyalinized vessels in the lamina propria.ConclusionsIMHMV is a unique histopathological entity causing chronic CI. The small vessel histological changes in IMHMV are distinctive in colonic resections and undetectable by routine vascular imaging. Preoperative diagnosis of IMHMV is possible with endoscopic biopsy and segmental colon resection is curative.
Long‐term donor quality of life after living donor liver transplantation in Japan
Authors: Morooka Yuki , Umeshita Koji , Taketomi Akinobu , Shirabe Ken , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Yamamoto Mayumi , Shimamura Tsuyoshi , Oshita Akihiko , Ohdan Hideki , Kawagishi Naoki , Hagiwara Kuniko , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Nagano Hiroaki 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimsThis study examined the long‐term quality of life (QOL) of living liver donors (LLDs) in Japan using both generic and LLD‐specific instruments.MethodsThe sample comprised 374 LLDs from five university hospitals in Japan who underwent surgery more than a year previously. QOL was evaluated using the Short Form‐36 health survey (SF‐36) and LLD‐QOL scale.ResultsSF‐36 results indicated that the overall long‐term QOL of LLDs was significantly better than the Japanese standard. When comparing by donor factors, LLDs whose recipients were children scored higher for “satisfaction” than those whose recipients were adults on the LLD‐QOL scale. LLDs with complications had lower QOL for “scars” and “burden” on the LLD‐QOL scale but no differences in SF‐36 scores. LLDs with longer hospital stay had lower physical QOL on SF‐36 and lower QOL for “scars” and “after‐effects” on the LLD‐QOL scale. LLDs whose recipients have died showed lower mental QOL on SF‐36 and lower “satisfaction” and greater “lack of understanding of donor health” on the LLD‐QOL scale.ConclusionsOur multicenter study clarified the long‐term QOL of LLDs and suggested that donors’ QOL was related to the donors’ and recipients’ ages, donor's complications and hospital stay length, and recipient's prognosis.
Noninvasive estimation of pulmonary vascular resistance improves portopulmonary hypertension screening in liver transplant candidates
Authors: DesJardin Jacqueline T. , Manicardi Marcella , Svetlichnaya Yana , Kolaitis Nicholas A. , Papolos Alexander I. , Selby Van N. , Zier Lucas S. , Klein Liviu , Aras Mandar A. , Yao Francis Y. , Roberts John P. , De Marco Teresa 
Published: May 2019

AbstractDespite limitations in sensitivity and specificity, estimation of the pulmonary artery systolic pressure (ePASP) on echocardiography is used for portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) screening in liver transplant (LT) candidates. We proposed that alternative echocardiographic models, such as estimated pulmonary vascular resistance (ePVR), may provide improved testing characteristics in PoPH screening. In a retrospective analysis of 100 LT candidates, we found that the formula ePVR = ePASP/VTIRVOT + 3 if MSN (VTIRVOT = right ventricular outflow tract time velocity integral; MSN = mid‐systolic notching of the VTIRVOT Doppler signal) significantly improves accuracy of PoPH screening compared to ePASP. We determined the optimal ePVR cutoff for PoPH screening to be 2.76 Wood units, as this cutoff provided 100% sensitivity and 73% specificity in screening for clinically significant PoPH. Comparatively, ePASP at a cutoff of 40 mm Hg provided 91% sensitivity and 48% specificity. We devised a new screening algorithm based on the use of ePVR at intermediate ePASP values (35‐54 mm Hg), and we confirmed the testing characteristics of this algorithm in a separate validation cohort of 50 LT candidates. In screening LT candidates for PoPH, the ePASP lacks accuracy, leading to unnecessary RHCs and undiagnosed cases of PoPH. A screening algorithm which incorporates the ePVR may be more reliable.
Pneumocystis jiroveci in solid organ transplantation: Guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice
Authors: Fishman Jay A. , Gans Hayley ,   the AST Infectious Diseases Community of Practice
Published: May 2019

AbstractThese updated guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Community of Practice of the American Society of Transplantation review the diagnosis, prevention, and management of Pneumocystis jiroveci fungal infection transplant recipients. Pneumonia (PJP) may develop via airborne transmission or reactivation of prior infection. Nosocomial clusters of infection have been described among transplant recipients. PJP should not occur during prophylaxis with trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP‐SMX). Without prophylaxis, PJP risk is greatest in the first 6 months after organ transplantation but may develop later. Risk factors include low lymphocyte counts, cytomegalovirus infection (CMV), hypogammaglobulinemia, treated graft rejection or corticosteroids, and advancing patient age (>65). Presentation typically includes fever, dyspnea with hypoxemia, and cough. Chest radiographic patterns generally reveal diffuse interstitial processes best seen by CT scans. Patients generally have PO2 < 60 mm Hg, elevated serum lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and elevated serum (1 → 3) β‐d‐glucan assay. Specific diagnosis uses respiratory specimens with direct immunofluorescent staining; invasive procedures may be required. Quantitative PCR is a useful adjunct to diagnosis. TMP‐SMX is the drug of choice for therapy; drug allergy should be documented before resorting to alternative therapies. Adjunctive corticosteroids may be useful early. Routine PJP prophylaxis is recommended for at least 6‐12 months post–transplant, preferably with TMP‐SMX.
Surgical site infections: Guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice
Authors: Abbo Lilian M. , Grossi Paolo Antonio ,   the AST ID Community of Practice
Published: May 2019

AbstractThese guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Community of Practice of the American Society of Transplantation review the diagnosis, prevention, and management of post‐operative surgical site infections (SSIs) in solid organ transplantation. SSIs are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in SOT recipients. Depending on the organ transplanted, SSIs occur in 3%‐53% of patients, with the highest rates observed in small bowel/multivisceral, liver, and pancreas transplant recipients. These infections are classified by increasing invasiveness as superficial incisional, deep incisional, or organ/space SSIs. The spectrum of organisms implicated in SSIs in SOT recipients is more diverse than the general population due to other important factors such as the underlying end‐stage organ failure, immunosuppression, prolonged hospitalizations, organ transportation/preservation, and previous exposures to antibiotics in donors and recipients that could predispose to infections with multidrug‐resistant organisms.In this guideline, we describe the epidemiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, potential pathogens, and management. We also provide recommendations for the selection, dosing, and duration of peri‐operative antibiotic prophylaxis to minimize post‐operative SSIs.
Ethnic differences in intrahepatic lipid and its association with hepatic insulin sensitivity and insulin clearance between men of black and white ethnicity with early type 2 diabetes
Authors: Hakim Olah , Bello Oluwatoyosi , Bonadonna Riccardo C. , Mohandas Cynthia , Shojaee‐Moradie Fariba , Jackson Nicola , Boselli Linda , Whitcher Brandon , Shuaib Haris , Alberti Kurt George M. M. , Peacock Janet L. , Umpleby Anne Margot , Charles‐Edwards Geoffrey , Amiel Stephanie A. , Goff Louise M. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIntrahepatic lipid (IHL) is linked with reduced hepatic insulin sensitivity and insulin clearance. Despite their high risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D), there have been limited investigations of these relationships in black populations. We investigated these relationships in 18 white European (WE) and 18 black West African (BWA) men with T2D <5 years. They underwent magnetic resonance imaging to quantify IHL, a hyperinsulinemic euglycaemic clamp with [6,6 2H2] glucose infusion to assess hepatic insulin sensitivity and a hyperglycaemic clamp to assess insulin clearance. BWA men had lower IHL than WE men (3.7 [5.3] vs 6.6 [10.6]%, P = 0.03). IHL was inversely associated with basal hepatic insulin sensitivity in WE but not BWA men (BWA: r = −0.01, P = 0.96; WE: r = −0.72, P = 0.006) with a significant interaction by ethnicity (Pinteraction = 0.05); however, IHL was not associated with % suppression of endogenous glucose production by insulin in either ethnicity. IHL showed a trend to an association with insulin clearance in BWA only (BWA: r = −0.42, P = 0.09; WE: r = −0.14, P = 0.58). The lack of association between IHL and hepatic insulin sensitivity in BWA men indicates IHL may play a lesser detrimental role in T2D in BWA men.
Evidence of an emerging female preference for an artificial male trait and the potential for spread via mate choice copying in Poecilia latipinna
Authors: MacLaren Ronald D. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe initial purpose of the project described herein was to assess the preference of female Poecilia latipinna for an artificial novel male trait—an orange‐colored distal fringe added to the caudal fin of an otherwise wild‐type conspecific. Analysis of the preliminary data revealed consistent individual differences in the strength of female preference for either orange‐tailed or wild‐type males. This finding inspired the study's second aim—to evaluate whether the preference for orange‐tailed males observed among a subset of females could spread via mate choice copying to others in the population that initially preferred wild‐type males. Two experiments and a control were conducted wherein females were simultaneously presented with an orange‐tailed and a wild‐type dummy male using a standard dichotomous choice design. In the first experiment, female preference was assessed on two separate occasions in order to characterize the variability and consistency in preference for orange‐tailed versus wild‐type males. The second experiment addressed mate choice copying: Female preference was again assessed on two separate occasions, but involved pairing a model female with the non‐preferred male for a period of time between preference tests. A third set of control tests were conducted using the same protocol as the copying experiment except that subject females were unable to see the model paired with the non‐preferred male. Results showed that, although females collectively preferred neither the orange‐tailed nor the wild‐type dummy male in the first round of preference tests, the majority showed relatively strong individual preferences. The subset of females that preferred the orange‐tailed over the wild‐type male in the first round of testing all maintained their preferences in the second round whether or not they had observed a model in association with the non‐preferred wild‐type male between tests. However, females that preferred the wild type over the orange male in the first round of testing copied the model's choice of the non‐preferred orange‐tailed male in their second round of preference testing. These results highlight the importance of recognizing the likelihood that only a subset of females will express a preference as it first emerges within a population. In such instances, the preference may not be detected at the population level—a point frequently overlooked in studies of mate choice. Additionally, these data highlight the importance of assessing the preferences of individual females and their capacity to drive evolutionary change within populations. Lastly, this study offers evidence of a possible mechanism by which a novel male trait might spread via mate choice copying by exploiting an emerging sensory bias within a subset of females in the population.
Equity issues when in distress
Authors: Walker Mark D. , Wu Qingqing 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWe investigate the role of financial distress in the seasoned equity market. We find that distressed firms comprise about 40% of SEOs and these distressed issuers have worse abnormal announcement returns than non‐distressed issuers. Stock return volatility is an important determinant for announcement returns for non‐distressed SEO issuers but not for distressed SEO issuers. Signals of firm quality are associated with better announcement returns, larger issues, increased investment, improved operating performance, and lower likelihood of delisting for distressed SEO firms as compared to non‐distressed firms. Our findings suggest equity finance is valuable for financially distressed firms with strong growth prospects.
Renewed diversification following Miocene landscape turnover in a Neotropical butterfly radiation
Authors: Chazot Nicolas , Willmott Keith R. , Lamas Gerardo , Freitas André V. L. , Piron‐Prunier Florence , Arias Carlos F. , Mallet James , De‐Silva Donna Lisa , Elias Marianne 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimThe landscape of the Neotropical region has undergone dynamic evolution throughout the Miocene, with the extensive Pebas wetland occupying western Amazonia between 23 and c. 10 Ma and the continuous uplift of the Andes mountains. The complex interaction between the Andes and Amazonia probably influenced the trajectory of Neotropical biodiversity, but evidence from time‐calibrated phylogenies of groups that diversified during this period is lacking. We investigate the role of these landscape transformations in the dynamics of diversification in the Neotropical region using a 26‐Myr‐old endemic butterfly radiation.LocationNeotropics.Time periodOligocene to present.Major taxa studiedIthomiini butterflies.MethodsWe generated one of the most comprehensive time‐calibrated molecular phylogenies of a large clade of Neotropical insects, the butterfly tribe Ithomiini, comprising 340 species (87% of extant species) and spanning 26 Myr of diversification. We applied a large array of birth–death models and historical biogeography estimations to assess the dynamics of diversification and biotic interchanges, especially at the Amazonia–Andes interface.ResultsOur results suggest that the Amazonian Pebas wetland system played a major role in the timing and geography of diversification of Ithomiini, by constraining dispersal and diversification in the Amazon basin until c. 10 Ma. During the Pebas wetland period, Ithomiini diversification mostly took place in the Andes, where terrestrial habitats were not affected. An explosion of interchanges with Amazonia and with the Northern Andes accompanied the demise of the Pebas system (11–8 Ma) and was followed by local diversification in those areas, which led to a substantial renewal of diversification.Main conclusionsMany studies on Neotropical diversity have focused only on the Andes, whereas we show that it is the waxing and waning of the Pebas mega‐wetland, interacting with Andean uplift, that determined the timing and patterns of regional interchanges and diversification in Ithomiini.