bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obesity, risk of biochemical recurrence, and prostate‐specific antigen doubling time after radical prostatectomy: results from the SEARCH database
Authors: Freedland Stephen J. , Branche Brandee L. , Howard Lauren E. , Hamilton Robert J. , Aronson William J. , Terris Martha K. , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Amling Christopher L. , Kane Christopher J. ,   On behalf of the SEARCH Database Study Group
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesTo examine the association between body mass index (BMI) and aggressive biochemical recurrence (BCR) using the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) database.Material and MethodsWe identified 4123 men with complete data treated by radical prostatectomy between 1988 and 2015. We tested the association between BMI and BCR using Cox models, and among men with BCR, prostate‐specific antigen doubling time (PSADT) was compared across BMI categories using linear regression. Models were adjusted for age, race, prostate‐specific antigen, biopsy Gleason score, clinical stage, year and surgical centre.ResultsOverall, 922 men (22%) were of normal weight (BMI <25 kg/m2), 1863 (45%) were overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2), 968 (24%) were obese (BMI 30–34.9 kg/m2), and 370 (9%) were moderately or severely obese (BMI ≥35 kg/m2). After adjustment for multiple clinical characteristics, higher BMI was significantly associated with higher risk of BCR (P = 0.008). Among men with BCR, men in the four BMI categories had similar multivariable‐adjusted PSADT values (increasing BMI categories: 20.9 vs 21.3 vs 21.0 vs 14.9 months; P = 0.48).ConclusionWhile we confirmed that higher BMI was associated with BCR, we found no link between BMI and PSADT at the time of recurrence. Our data suggest obese men do not have more aggressive recurrences. Future studies are needed to test whether obesity predicts response to salvage therapies.
Role of fibroblast growth factor 21 in gestational diabetes mellitus: A mini‐review
Authors: Yuan Daniel , Wu Ben J. , Henry Amanda , Rye Kerry‐Anne , Ong Kwok Leung 
Published: October 2018

AbstractGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as glucose intolerance with onset or first diagnosis during pregnancy, but not to the level of being diagnostic for diabetes in a nonpregnant adult. In GDM, whole‐body insulin‐dependent glucose disposal decreases by 40%‐60% which necessitates a 200%‐250% increase in insulin secretion to maintain normoglycaemia. GDM develops when a pregnant woman does not produce sufficient insulin to compensate for the reduced glucose disposal. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a hormone that is expressed predominantly in the liver, but also in other metabolically active tissues such as pancreas, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. In animals, FGF21 lowers blood glucose levels and inhibits glucagon secretion. In humans, circulating FGF21 levels are increased in insulin‐resistant morbidities such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). An elevated FGF21 level is also an independent predictor of T2DM. GDM and T2DM are proposed to have similar underlying pathophysiologies, raising the question of whether a similar relationship exists between FGF21 and GDM as it does with T2DM. There are a limited number of studies investigating FGF21 levels in patients with GDM. Moreover, recent clinical trials investigating the therapeutic potential of FGF21 have highlighted a major gap in our understanding of the biology of FGF21. This review evaluates what is currently known about FGF21 and GDM and highlights important gaps that warrant further research.
Trend, not severity, of acute kidney injury affects graft outcome in deceased donor kidney transplantation
Authors: Yu Mi‐yeon , Yu Byung Chul , Kim Yong Chul , Min Sang Il , Ha Jongwon , Yang Jaeseok , Song Eun Young , Kim Dong Ki , Joo Kwon Wook , Ahn Curie , Kim Yon Su , Lee Hajeong 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDeceased donor kidneys (DDKs) with acute kidney injury (AKI) are difficult to allocate for fear of the expected graft outcome. We aimed to evaluate the impact of donors’ AKI severity and trend on graft outcomes in DDK transplantation. This was a retrospective study of DDK transplantation performed from 2005 to 2014. Based on maximum and terminal serum creatinine values before transplantation, the AKI trends were categorized as improving or worsening. Of 413 DDKs, 275 developed AKI: 177 stage 1, 52 stage 2, and 46 stage 3. DDKs with AKI had 212 improving AKI and 63 worsening AKI. Graft outcomes were similar based on AKI stage. Worsening AKI did not affect delayed graft function development; however, it significantly elevated graft failure risk even after adjusting for AKI stage and Kidney Donor Risk Index. Graft survival of the improving group was similar to DDKs with no AKI. This study showed that AKI severity of DDKs did not affect overall graft outcomes. Notably, DDKs with improving AKI showed a similar graft survival rate to DDKs without AKI, although worsening AKI had a worse prognosis. Consideration of the AKI trend, rather than its severity, is needed when DDKs with AKI are allocated.
Thalamic afferents to prefrontal cortices from ventral motor nuclei in decision‐making
Authors: Sieveritz Bianca , García‐Muñoz Marianela , Arbuthnott Gordon W. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe focus of this literature review is on the three interacting brain areas that participate in decision‐making: basal ganglia, ventral motor thalamic nuclei, and medial prefrontal cortex, with an emphasis on the participation of the ventromedial and ventral anterior motor thalamic nuclei in prefrontal cortical function. Apart from a defining input from the mediodorsal thalamus, the prefrontal cortex receives inputs from ventral motor thalamic nuclei that combine to mediate typical prefrontal functions such as associative learning, action selection, and decision‐making. Motor, somatosensory and medial prefrontal cortices are mainly contacted in layer 1 by the ventral motor thalamic nuclei and in layer 3 by thalamocortical input from mediodorsal thalamus. We will review anatomical, electrophysiological, and behavioral evidence for the proposed participation of ventral motor thalamic nuclei and medial prefrontal cortex in rat and mouse motor decision‐making.
Levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel infusion and weight loss in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Fabbri M. , Zibetti M. , Beccaria L. , Merola A. , Romagnolo A. , Montanaro E. , Ferreira J. J. , Palermo S. , Lopiano L. 
Published: October 2018

Background and purposeWeight loss (WL) is a frequent yet under‐recognized complication of levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) infusion, as well as a milestone of Parkinson's disease (PD) disability progression. The complex association between WL, poor nutritional status, motor complications and PD progression, however, remains unclear.MethodsConsecutive consenting patients with PD treated with LCIG (n = 44; PD duration, 18.3 ± 6.5 years) were enrolled in an open‐label observational study assessing the extent of WL occurring during LCIG treatment. As secondary aims, we correlated the nutritional status, as detected by the Mini Nutritional Assessment, with the severity of motor symptoms [Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III], motor complications (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part IV), activities of daily living (Schwab and England scale), cognitive impairment (Mini Mental State Examination), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), difficulties in feeding (Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia Questionnaire) and levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD).ResultsThere was an average WL of 9.9 ± 10.5% (7.6 ± 7.1 kg) over an LCIG treatment period of 51.6 ± 28.5 months. The extent of WL correlated with the percentage of the waking day spent with dyskinesia (P < 0.05). The nutritional status correlated with motor symptom severity (P < 0.01), dysphagia (P < 0.01) and LEDD (P < 0.01).ConclusionsWeight loss may occur in patients with PD undergoing LCIG in correlation with the percentage of the waking day spent with dyskinesia. Regardless of the extent of WL, the nutritional status correlated with higher LEDD, as well as with indices of disease progression, such as motor symptom severity and dysphagia.
Heart rate variability measurement in epilepsy: How can we move from research to clinical practice?
Authors: Myers Kenneth A. , Sivathamboo Shobi , Perucca Piero 
Published: October 2018

SummaryOur objective was to critically evaluate the literature surrounding heart rate variability (HRV) in people with epilepsy and to make recommendations as to how future research could be directed to facilitate and accelerate integration into clinical practice. We reviewed relevant HRV publications including those involving human subjects with seizures. HRV has been studied in patients with epilepsy for more than 30 years and, overall, patients with epilepsy display altered interictal HRV, suggesting a shift in autonomic balance toward sympathetic dominance. This derangement appears more severe in those with temporal lobe epilepsy and drug‐resistant epilepsy. Normal diurnal variation in HRV is also disturbed in at least some people with epilepsy, but this aspect has received less study. Some therapeutic interventions, including vagus nerve stimulation and antiepileptic medications, may partially normalize altered HRV, but studies in this area are sometimes contradictory. During seizures, the changes in HRV may be complex, but the general trend is toward a further increase in sympathetic overactivity. Research in HRV in people with epilepsy has been limited by inconsistent experimental protocols and studies that are often underpowered. HRV measurement has the potential to aid clinical epilepsy management in several possible ways. HRV may be useful in predicting which patients are likely to benefit from surgical interventions such as vagus nerve stimulation and focal cerebral resection. As well, HRV could eventually have utility as a biomarker of risk for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). However, at present, the inconsistent measurement protocols used in research are hindering translation into clinical practice. A minimum protocol for HRV evaluation, to be used in all studies involving epilepsy patients, is necessary to eventually allow HRV to become a useful tool for clinicians. We propose a straightforward protocol, involving 5‐minute measurements of root mean square of successive differences in wakefulness and light sleep.
Legacies of La Niña: North American monsoon can rescue trees from winter drought
Authors: Peltier Drew M. P. , Ogle Kiona 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWhile we often assume tree growth–climate relationships are time‐invariant, impacts of climate phenomena such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the North American Monsoon (NAM) may challenge this assumption. To test this assumption, we grouped ring widths (1900‐present) in three southwestern US conifers into La Niña periods (LNP) and other years (OY). The 4 years following each La Niña year are included in LNP, and despite 1–2 year growth declines, compensatory adjustments in tree growth responses result in essentially equal mean growth in LNP and OY, as average growth exceeds OY means 2–4 years after La Niña events. We found this arises because growth responses in the two periods are not interchangeable: Due to differences in growth–climate sensitivities and climatic memory, parameters representing LNP growth fail to predict OY growth and vice versa (decreases in R2 up to 0.63; lowest R2 = 0.06). Temporal relationships between growth and antecedent climate (memory) show warmer springs and longer growing seasons negatively impact growth following dry La Niña winters, but that NAM moisture can rescue trees after these events. Increased importance of monsoonal precipitation during LNP is key, as the largest La Niña‐related precipitation deficits and monsoonal precipitation contributions both occur in the southern part of the region. Decreases in first order autocorrelation during LNP were largest in the heart of the monsoon region, reflecting both the greatest initial growth declines and the largest recovery. Understanding the unique climatic controls on growth in Southwest conifers requires consideration of both the influences and interactions of drought, ENSO, and NAM, each of which is likely to change with continued warming. While plasticity of growth sensitivity and memory has allowed relatively quick recovery in the tree‐ring record, recent widespread mortality events suggest conditions may soon exceed the capacity for adjustment in current populations.
The response of stocks of C, N, and P to plant invasion in the coastal wetlands of China
Authors: Wang Weiqi , Sardans Jordi , Wang Chun , Zeng Congsheng , Tong Chuan , Chen Guixiang , Huang Jiafang , Pan Haoran , Peguero Guille , Vallicrosa Helena , Peñuelas Josep 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe increasing success of invasive plant species in wetland areas can threaten their capacity to store carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus (C, N, and P). Here, we have investigated the relationships between the different stocks of soil organic carbon (SOC), and total C, N, and P pools in the plant–soil system from eight different wetland areas across the South‐East coast of China, where the invasive tallgrass Spartina alterniflora has replaced the native tall grasses Phragmites australis and the mangrove communities, originally dominated by the native species Kandelia obovata and Avicennia marina. The invasive success of Spartina alterniflora replacing Phragmites australis did not greatly influence soil traits, biomass accumulation or plant–soil C and N storing capacity. However, the resulting higher ability to store P in both soil and standing plant biomass (approximately more than 70 and 15 kg P by ha, respectively) in the invasive than in the native tall grass communities suggesting the possibility of a decrease in the ecosystem N:P ratio with future consequences to below‐ and aboveground trophic chains. The results also showed that a future advance in the native mangrove replacement by Spartina alterniflora could constitute a serious environmental problem. This includes enrichment of sand in the soil, with the consequent loss of nutrient retention capacity, as well as a sharp decrease in the stocks of C (2.6 and 2.2 t C ha‐1 in soil and stand biomass, respectively), N, and P in the plant–soil system. This should be associated with a worsening of the water quality by aggravating potential eutrophication processes. Moreover, the loss of carbon and nutrient decreases the potential overall fertility of the system, strongly hampering the reestablishment of woody mangrove communities in the future.
Environmental drivers interactively affect individual tree growth across temperate European forests
Authors: Maes Sybryn L. , Perring Michael P. , Vanhellemont Margot , Depauw Leen , Van den Bulcke Jan , Brūmelis Guntis , Brunet Jörg , Decocq Guillaume , den Ouden Jan , Härdtle Werner , Hédl Radim , Heinken Thilo , Heinrichs Steffi , Jaroszewicz Bogdan , Kopecký Martin , Máliš František , Wulf Monika , Verheyen Kris 
Published: October 2018

AbstractForecasting the growth of tree species to future environmental changes requires a better understanding of its determinants. Tree growth is known to respond to global‐change drivers such as climate change or atmospheric deposition, as well as to local land‐use drivers such as forest management. Yet, large geographical scale studies examining interactive growth responses to multiple global‐change drivers are relatively scarce and rarely consider management effects. Here, we assessed the interactive effects of three global‐change drivers (temperature, precipitation and nitrogen deposition) on individual tree growth of three study species (Quercus robur/petraea, Fagus sylvatica and Fraxinus excelsior). We sampled trees along spatial environmental gradients across Europe and accounted for the effects of management forQuercus. We collected increment cores from 267 trees distributed over 151 plots in 19 forest regions and characterized their neighbouring environment to take into account potentially confounding factors such as tree size, competition, soil conditions and elevation. We demonstrate that growth responds interactively to global‐change drivers, with species‐specific sensitivities to the combined factors. Simultaneously high levels of precipitation and deposition benefitedFraxinus,but negatively affectedQuercus’growth, highlighting species‐specific interactive tree growth responses to combined drivers. ForFagus,a stronger growth response to higher temperatures was found when precipitation was also higher, illustrating the potential negative effects of drought stress under warming for this species. Furthermore, we show that past forest management can modulate the effects of changing temperatures onQuercus’growth; individuals in plots with a coppicing history showed stronger growth responses to higher temperatures. Overall, our findings highlight how tree growth can be interactively determined by global‐change drivers, and how these growth responses might be modulated by past forest management. By showing future growth changes for scenarios of environmental change, we stress the importance of considering multiple drivers, including past management and their interactions, when predicting tree growth.
Stable isotopic evidence for the differential contribution of diazotrophs to the epipelagic grazing food chain in the mid‐Pacific Ocean
Authors: Horii Sachiko , Takahashi Kazutaka , Shiozaki Takuhei , Hashihama Fuminori , Furuya Ken 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAimBiological nitrogen fixation supports primary production in oligotrophic water, but its link to higher trophic levels has not been described fully on a biogeographical basis. Here, we determine the regional patterns of the contribution of the combined nitrogen to biological production within the epipelagic layer of the mid‐Pacific Ocean using the isotopic signatures of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) in the biological components.LocationThe mid‐Pacific Ocean along 170° W between the southern subtropical front and the Chukchi Sea.Time periodNorthern and austral summer in 2013 and 2014.Major taxa studiedPlanktonic and micronektonic biota in the euphotic layer.MethodsWe measured the geographical variations in δ15N and δ13C of the suspended particulate organic matter (POM), mesozooplankton assemblage and micronektonic fish. We analysed the relationships among these values and the environmental variables of temperature, nitrate concentration and biological nitrogen fixation activity along a 12,000‐km meridional transect.ResultsThe POM δ15N at 0 m was negatively correlated with in situ N2 fixation activity in the subtropical region, whereas that in the equatorial and high‐latitude regions was correlated with the nitrate concentration at 0 m. We found that the ratios of the increase in δ15N to δ13C along the grazing food chain were consistent throughout the equatorial and subtropical regions. Cluster analyses based on the stable isotopic signatures in the biotic components revealed that the food chains in the stations within the subtropical mid‐Pacific Ocean were separated into three groups based on the differential contributions of biological nitrogen fixation.Main conclusionsDistinct food chains from primary to tertiary production sustained by different nitrogen sources, nitrate below the euphotic zone, and diazotrophic nitrogen occur within the same biogeographical provinces in the subtropical mid‐Pacific Ocean. The diazotroph‐dominant community contributes substantially to the apex predators in the central areas of the subtropical gyres.
Acute arterial cardiovascular events risk in patients with primary membranous nephropathy
Authors: Alawami Mohammed , Wimalasena Samadhi , Ghashi Rajaie , Alnasrallah Basil 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundVenous thromboembolism is a well established risk in patients with primary membranous nephropathy (MN) due to deficiency in natural anti‐coagulants. Recent studies suggested a higher risk of arterial thrombotic events as well in this group.AimTo identify that risk in our cohort.MethodsWe reviewed the data of all patients who had biopsy proven primary MN at our institute between 2003 and 2013. Clinical data were retrospectively reviewed until November 2016. The cardiovascular (CV) events, including acute coronary syndromes and strokes were determined and included only if occurred after the diagnosis of the nephropathy.ResultsA total of 204 patients had biopsy proven MN. Follow up information was available for 166 patients. Thirty‐one patients (18.6%) developed CV events during follow up. Thirty‐eight per cent of total events occurred within 1 year of MN diagnosis. Forty‐two per cent of those who developed CV events were not on anti‐thrombotic medications and 60% were not on statin therapy. Male gender, age, diabetes and absence of statins therapy were associated with higher rates of CV events in this group.ConclusionThere is an increased risk of arterial events in patients with primary MN. This risk is greatest in the first year of diagnosis. The risk should be highlighted in this group of patients and anti‐platelets and statin therapy should be considered especially during the initial phase of the disease.
Survival of food‐borne bacterial pathogens in traditional Mediterranean anchovy products
Authors: Verdos George I. , Makrigiannis Alexandros , Tsigaras Evagelos , Boziaris Ioannis S. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the survival of Salmonella Enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes in salted and marinated anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus). Total viable counts (TVCs), lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and yeasts/molds were also enumerated. Initially, TVC was as high as 5.5 log10 cfu/g, but the population dropped down to 3.2 and 2.2 log10 CFU/g for salted and marinated anchovy, respectively. S. aureus was the most salt‐tolerant and L. monocytogenes was the most acid‐tolerant microorganism. A biphasic inactivation of S. Enteriditis and L. monocytogenes was apparent during the 8‐hr marination process, implying adaptation and resistance to low pH. Results suggest that salting or marinating of anchovy creates an environment in which pathogenic bacteria are inactivated. However, inherent resistance or possible adaptation to stresses can result to prolonged inactivation times; hence it is important to avoid contamination with high numbers of food‐borne pathogens.Practical applicationsMany food‐borne bacterial pathogens can survive at low pH and aw, especially in cases in which they might adapt to the imposed stresses and become resistant. Knowing the time required to reduce food‐borne pathogens is of great interest for ensuring safety of traditional seafood.
Genetic and epigenetic contribution to astrocytic gliomas pathogenesis
Authors: Khani Pouria , Nasri Farzad , Khani Chamani Fateme , Saeidi Farzane , Sadri Nahand Javid , Tabibkhooei Alireza , Mirzaei Hamed 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAstrocytic gliomas are the most common and lethal form of intracranial tumors. These tumors are characterized by a significant heterogeneity in terms of cytopathological, transcriptional, and (epi)genomic features. This heterogeneity has made these cancers one of the most challenging types of cancers to study and treat. To uncover these complexities and to have better understanding of the disease initiation and progression, identification, and characterization of underlying cellular and molecular pathways related to (epi)genetics of astrocytic gliomas is crucial. Here, we discuss and summarize molecular and (epi)genetic mechanisms that provide clues as to the pathogenesis of astrocytic gliomas.
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