bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exosomes in HNSCC plasma as surrogate markers of tumour progression and immune competence
Authors: Theodoraki M-N , Hoffmann T K , Jackson E K , Whiteside T L 
Published: September 2018

Summary
Exosomes in plasma of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients comprise subsets of vesicles derived from various cells. Recently, we separated CD3(+) from CD3(−) exosomes by immune capture. CD3(−) exosomes were largely tumour-derived (CD44v3+). Both subsets carried immunosuppressive proteins and inhibited functions of human immune cells. The role of these subsets in immune cell reprogramming by the tumour was investigated by focusing on the adenosine pathway components. Spontaneous adenosine production by CD3(+) or CD3(−) exosomes was measured by mass spectrometry, as was the production of adenosine by CD4+CD39+ regulatory T cells (Treg) co-incubated with these exosomes. The highest level of CD39/CD73 ectoenzymes and of adenosine production was found in CD3(−) exosomes in patients with the stages III/IV HNSCCs). Also, the production of 5′-AMP and purines was significantly higher in Treg co-incubated with CD3(−) than CD3(+) exosomes. Consistently, CD26 and adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels were higher in CD3(+) than CD3(−) exosomes. ADA and CD26 levels in CD3(+) exosomes were significantly higher in patients with early (stages I/II) than advanced (stages III/IV) disease. HNSCC patients receiving and responding to photodynamic therapy had increased ADA levels in CD3(+) exosomes with no increase in CD3(−) exosomes. The opposite roles of CD3(+) ADA+CD26+ and CD3(−)CD44v3+ adenosine-producing exosomes in early versus advanced HNSCC suggest that, like their parent cells, these exosomes serve as surrogates of immune suppression in cancer.
Prevalence and degree of insulin resistance in Chinese Han women with PCOS: Results from euglycemic‐hyperinsulinemic clamps
Authors: Li Weiping , Chen Qingfeng , Xie Yikai , Hu Jinbo , Yang Shumin , Lin Miaozhi 
Published: September 2018

SummaryObjectiveThe euglycemic‐hyperinsulinemic clamp is the gold standard to evaluate insulin resistance (IR), but there are only a few studies on the prevalence of IR in Chinese Han women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study investigated: (a) the prevalence of IR in Chinese Han women with PCOS by clamp, (b) the degree of reduction in insulin sensitivity (IS) and the contribution of body mass index (BMI).DesignRetrospective cross‐sectional analysis.PatientsChinese Han women with PCOS (n = 448) visiting the Department of Endocrinology or the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. Chinese Han women without PCOS (controls) from the same area (n = 40).MeasurementsClamp‐measured IS, age, BMI, and total testosterone.ResultsThe prevalence of IR and reduction in IS were 56.3% and 30.3%, respectively, in Chinese Han women with PCOS (both P < 0.001). The inherent reduction in IS was 18.8% in lean women with PCOS and BMI independently reduced IS by 37.9% in obese women with PCOS. The prevalence of IR estimated by homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) was lower than that determined by clamp. The multivariable analysis showed that IR by clamp (R2 = 0.48, P < 0.001) was independently associated with BMI (β = −0.52, P < 0.001), waist‐hip ratio (β = −0.23, P < 0.001), total testosterone (β = −0.07, P = 0.045) and age (β = 0.17, P < 0.001), while IR by HOMA was only associated with BMI (R2 = 0.25, β = 0.50, P < 0.001). There were no differences in BMI groups distribution, HOMA‐IR and M values among the four PCOS subtypes (all P > 0.05).Conclusions56.3% of Chinese Han women with PCOS had IR and their reduction in IS was 30.3%. Obesity exacerbated the reduction in IS. When being evaluated by HOMA, the prevalence and the risk factors of IR in Chinese women with PCOS were underestimated.
Association between the “Timed Up and Go Test” at transplant evaluation and outcomes after kidney transplantation
Authors: Michelson Ariane T. , Tsapepas Demetra S. , Husain S. Ali , Brennan Corey , Chiles Mariana C. , Runge Brian , Lione Jennifer , Kil Byum H. , Cohen David J. , Ratner Lloyd E. , Mohan Sumit 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundStudies have demonstrated the Timed Up and Go Test's (TUGT) ability to forecast postoperative outcomes for several surgical specialties. Evaluations of the TUGT for waitlist and posttransplant outcomes have yet to be examined in kidney transplantation.ObjectiveTo assess the prognostic utility of the TUGT and its associations with waitlist and posttransplant outcomes for kidney transplant candidates.Design and MethodsSingle‐center, prospective study of 518 patients who performed TUGT during their transplant evaluation between 9/1/2013‐11/30/2014. TUGT times were evaluated as a continuous variable or 3‐level discrete categorical variable with TUGT times categorized as long (>9 seconds), average (8‐9 seconds), or short (5‐8 seconds).ResultsTransplanted individuals had shorter TUGT times than those who remained on the waitlist (8.99 vs 9.79 seconds, P < 0.001). Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression showed that after adjusting for age, there was no association between TUGT times and probability of waitlist removal (OR 0.997 [0.814‐1.221]), prolonged length of stay posttransplant (OR 1.113 [0.958‐1.306] for deceased donor, OR 0.983 [0.757‐1.277] for living donor), and 30‐day readmissions (OR 0.984 [0.845‐1.146] for deceased donor, OR 1.254 [0.976‐1.613] for living donor).ConclusionsThe TUGT was not associated with waitlist removal or prolonged hospitalization for kidney transplant candidates. Alternative assessments of global health, such as functional status or frailty, should be considered for evaluation of potential kidney transplant candidates.
Hepatitis E virus genotype 3 is a common finding in liver‐transplanted patients undergoing liver biopsy for elevated liver enzymes with a low De Ritis ratio and suspected acute rejection: A real‐world cohort
Authors: Darstein Felix , Häuser Friederike , Straub Beate K. , Wenzel Jürgen J. , Conradi Roland , Mittler Jens , Lang Hauke , Galle Peter R. , Zimmermann Tim 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundHepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a potential reason for elevated liver enzymes after liver transplantation (LT). Our aim was to analyze a real‐world cohort of LT patients, who underwent liver biopsy for elevated transaminases and suspected acute rejection, to evaluate frequency of post‐transplant HEV infection.PatientsData from 160 liver biopsies were analyzed. Seventy‐one patients were biopsied on schedule after LT without elevated liver enzymes. A subgroup of 25 patients with elevated liver enzymes and suspected rejection was chosen for further analysis. Patient demographics and data were retrieved from a clinical database, patients’ charts, and reports.ResultsHepatitis E virus infection was diagnosed in five of 25 patients with suspected acute rejection (20%). HEV genotype 3 was detected in three of the five HEV‐infected patients. Patients with HEV infection showed higher ALT levels (P = 0.014), lower De Ritis ratio (P = 0.021), and more frequent glucocorticoid therapy (P = 0.012) compared to HEV‐negative patients.ConclusionWe found a rate of 20% HEV infections in LT patients undergoing liver biopsy for elevated liver enzymes and suspected acute rejection. These data indicate the necessity for HEV testing in all LT patients with elevated liver enzymes and suspected acute rejection.
Impact of hepatic encephalopathy on liver transplant waiting list mortality in regions with different transplantation rates
Authors: Kerbert Annarein J. C. , Reverter Enric , Verbruggen Lara , Tieleman Madelon , Navasa Miguel , Mertens Bart J. A. , Rodríguez‐Tajes Sergio , de Vree Marleen , Metselaar Herold J. , Chiang Fang W. T. , Verspaget Hein W. , van Hoek Bart , Bosch Jaime , Coenraad Minneke J. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractOvert hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) negatively impacts the prognosis of liver transplant candidates. However, it is not taken into account in most prioritizing organ allocation systems. We aimed to assess the impact of OHE on waitlist mortality in 3 cohorts of cirrhotic patients awaiting liver transplantation, with differences in the composition of patient population, transplantation policy, and transplantation rates. These cohorts were derived from two centers in the Netherlands (reference and validation cohort, n = 246 and n = 205, respectively) and one in Spain (validation cohort, n = 253). Competing‐risk regression analysis was applied to assess the association of OHE with 1‐year waitlist mortality. OHE was found to be associated with mortality, independently of MELD score, other cirrhosis‐related complications and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; sHR = 4.19, 95% CI = 1.9‐9.5, P = 0.001). The addition of extra MELD points for OHE counteracted its negative impact on survival. These findings were confirmed in the Dutch validation cohort, whereas in the Spanish cohort, containing a significantly greater proportion of HCC and with higher transplantation rates, OHE was not associated with mortality. In conclusion, OHE is an independent risk factor for 1‐year waitlist mortality and might be a prioritization rule for organ allocation. However, its impact seems to be attenuated in settings with significantly higher transplantation rates.
Variants in cardiac GATA genes associated with bicuspid aortic valve
Authors: Alonso‐Montes Cristina , Martín María , Martínez‐Arias Laura , Coto Eliecer , Naves‐Díaz Manuel , Morís César , Cannata‐Andía Jorge B. , Rodríguez Isabel 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundBicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a heterogeneous and still not fully understood condition, with diverse genetic aetiology and associated phenotypes ranging from aortic stenosis or regurgitation to aneurysm and dissection. Several genes have been associated with the presence of BAV, notably some members of the GATA family of transcription factors that play important roles in cardiac embryogenesis.MethodsA case‐control study with 122 unrelated and ethnically matched patients with bicuspid and 154 with tricuspid aortic valve was performed. All exons of GATA4, GATA5, and GATA6 genes were sequenced searching for variants. Frequencies were compared and functional effects of rare variants were analysed by informatic prediction tools.ResultsFour rare and potentially pathogenic variants were identified in only five sporadic cases: a missense p.Arg202Gln (rs782614097) in GATA5 and three synonymous variants, p.Cys274= (rs55980825) and p.His302= (rs201516339) in GATA4, and p.Asn458= (rs143026087) in GATA6. Minor alleles of p.His302=, p.Arg202Gln and rs3764962 are enriched in BAV patients compared to ExAC database (P = 0.01, 0.03, and 0.01 respectively). In addition, a common polymorphism in GATA5 (p.Asp203=, rs41305803) is associated with BAV showing a protective effect in carriers of the minor allele (OR [95%CI] = 0.45[0.25‐0.81]; P = 0.004).ConclusionThis study associates additional genetic variants in GATA4 and GATA5 with BAV, supporting the implication of these genes in the development of this valvulopathy. The discovery of all the genetic factors involved will contribute to a better understanding of the process and, therefore, to detect a genetic predisposition and even to the identification of therapeutic targets.
Climatically controlled reproduction drives interannual growth variability in a temperate tree species
Authors: Hacket‐Pain Andrew J. , Ascoli Davide , Vacchiano Giorgio , Biondi Franco , Cavin Liam , Conedera Marco , Drobyshev Igor , Liñán Isabel Dorado , Friend Andrew D. , Grabner Michael , Hartl Claudia , Kreyling Juergen , Lebourgeois François , Levanič Tom , Menzel Annette , van der Maaten Ernst , van der Maaten‐Theunissen Marieke , Muffler Lena , Motta Renzo , Roibu Catalin‐Constantin , Popa Ionel , Scharnweber Tobias , Weigel Robert , Wilmking Martin , Zang Christian S. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractClimatically controlled allocation to reproduction is a key mechanism by which climate influences tree growth and may explain lagged correlations between climate and growth. We used continent‐wide datasets of tree‐ring chronologies and annual reproductive effort in Fagus sylvatica from 1901 to 2015 to characterise relationships between climate, reproduction and growth. Results highlight that variable allocation to reproduction is a key factor for growth in this species, and that high reproductive effort (‘mast years’) is associated with stem growth reduction. Additionally, high reproductive effort is associated with previous summer temperature, creating lagged climate effects on growth. Consequently, understanding growth variability in forest ecosystems requires the incorporation of reproduction, which can be highly variable. Our results suggest that future response of growth dynamics to climate change in this species will be strongly influenced by the response of reproduction.
Successful surgical debridement of a cerebral Streptococcus equi equi abscess by parietal bone flap craniotomy in a 2‐month‐old Warmblood foal
Authors: Broux B. , van Bergen T. , Schauvliege S. , Vali Y. , Lefère L. , Gielen I. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryBrain abscesses and intracranial masses have been regularly described in horses. Treatment often is difficult and unrewarding and mortality rate high. This case report describes the successful treatment of a cerebral abscess in a 2‐month‐old female Warmblood foal with severe neurological signs of acute onset. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a 3 × 4 × 4 cm cerebral mass in the left brain hemisphere with severe cerebral oedema. Craniotomy, using a parietal bone flap technique, allowed the abscess to be sampled, drained and lavaged. Immediately, post‐surgery the foal showed significant clinical improvement. Sample culture confirmed Streptococcus equi equi infection. The foal was medically treated for 6 weeks, leading to complete clinical and radiographical recovery. Intracranial surgery in equine medicine is limited. Using a parietal bone flap instead of partial craniectomy to gain access to the cerebrum is a less invasive procedure leading to a better aesthetic result and should be considered for the treatment of cerebral masses in the horse.
Declining glacier cover threatens the biodiversity of alpine river diatom assemblages
Authors: Fell Sarah C. , Carrivick Jonathan L. , Kelly Martyn G. , Füreder Leopold , Brown Lee E. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractClimate change poses a considerable threat to the biodiversity of high altitude ecosystems worldwide, including cold‐water river systems that are responding rapidly to a shrinking cryosphere. Most recent research has demonstrated the severe vulnerability of river invertebrates to glacier retreat but effects upon other aquatic groups remain poorly quantified. Using new data sets from the European Alps, we show significant responses to declining glacier cover for diatoms, which play a critical functional role as freshwater primary producers. Specifically, diatom α‐diversity and density in rivers presently fed by glaciers will increase with future deglaciation, yet β‐diversity within and between sites will reduce because declining glacier influence will lower the spatiotemporal variability of glacier cover and its associated habitat heterogeneity. Changes in diatom assemblage composition as glacier cover declined were associated strongly with increasing riverbed stability and water temperature. At the species level, diatoms showed a gradation of responses; for example, Eunotia trinacria, found exclusively at river sites with high (≥52%) catchment glacier cover, may be affected negatively by ice loss. Conversely, seven taxa confined to sites with no glacier cover, including Gomphonema calcareum, stand to benefit. Nineteen (22%) taxa were noted as threatened, endangered, rare or decreasing on the Red List of Algae for Germany, with most at sites ≤26% glacier cover, meaning further ice loss may benefit these diatoms. However, six taxa found only in rivers ≥28% glacier cover may require reclassification of their Red List conservation status, as this habitat is threatened by deglaciation. Our identification of clear links between decreasing glacier cover and river diatom biodiversity suggests there could be significant reorganization of river ecosystems with deglaciation, for example, through alterations to primary production, biogeochemical cycles, and the shifting resource base of alpine freshwater food webs which lack significant allochthonous energy inputs.
Functional traits modulate the response of alien plants along abiotic and biotic gradients
Authors: Carboni Marta , Calderon‐Sanou Irene , Pollock Laura , Violle Cyrille ,   DivGrass Consortium, Thuiller Wilfried 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAimIt is widely recognized that the prediction of invasion success at large biogeographical scales requires jointly accounting for alien species traits and local community filters, such as abiotic conditions, biotic interactions and propagule pressure. Despite this recognition, interactions between traits and community filters are generally neglected. Here, we aim to address this limitation by developing a hierarchical framework that builds on trait‐based theory to model occurrences of alien species as a function of spatially explicit variables, filtering invasions and their interactions with species traits.LocationHerbaceous communities throughout France.Time periodc. 1960–2012 (mostly after 1990).Major taxa studiedHerbaceous plants.MethodsBased on a large dataset of >50,000 community plots, we built a multispecies hierarchical model of the distribution of the 10 most widespread alien plants in French grasslands. In this model, we explicitly account for how plant height, specific leaf area (SLA) and seed mass affect the occurrence of alien species along gradients of human pressure, environmental conditions and native community composition. Finally, we contrast the results to native species responses along the same gradients.ResultsWe show that two out of three traits significantly modulate the responses of species along these broad gradients. Alien plants with exploitative traits (i.e., tall and with high SLA) were less dependent on human pressure, more efficient in resource‐rich environments and better at avoiding competition from native species. These trait–gradient interactions were often unique to alien plants (e.g., human pressure was important only for supporting alien species with low SLA), even though trait ranges of alien and native species were comparable. Ultimately, the modelling of trait–gradient interactions allows spatially explicit estimations of invasion risks by novel species with particular sets of traits.Main conclusionsBy taking the best from multispecies distribution modelling and trait‐based theory, our framework paves the way for a generalized mechanistic understanding of how traits influence the success of alien plants and their spatial distributions.
Effective antimicrobial activity of rifabutin against multidrug‐resistant Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Siavoshi Farideh , Saniee Parastoo , Malekzadeh Reza 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori resistance to more than one antibiotic is the main reason for failure in bacterial eradication in a considerable number of patients. Rifabutin (RFB) with a broad‐spectrum of antimicrobial therapy has been suggested for treatment of refractory multidrug‐resistant infections.MethodsHelicobacter pylori isolates from 104 patients were examined for resistance to 5 currently used antibiotics and RFB, using agar dilution method. Twofold serial dilutions of antibiotics were used and MICs (μg/mL) determined as metronidazole (MTZ 8), clarithromycin (CLR 2), amoxicillin (AMX 1), tetracycline (TET 0.5), furazolidone (FRZ 0.5), and RFB (0.06).ResultsOf 104 H. pylori isolates, only 7 (6.7%) were sensitive to all the 6 antibiotics. However, 30 (28.8%) were resistant to one antibiotic, 28 (26.9%) to two, 19 (18.2%) to three, 14 (13.4%) to four, and 6 (5.7%) to five currently used antibiotics. Overall, 67(64.4%) of isolates were resistant to 2‐5 currently used antibiotics and considered as multidrug‐resistant (MDR), with 59 (88.1%) showing sensitivity to RFB and 8 (11.9%) resistance (P < 0.05). Of 33 isolates resistant to both MTZ and CLR, 25 (75.7%) were sensitive to RFB and 8 (24.3%) resistant (P < 0.05).DiscussionIn vitro antimicrobial effectiveness of RFB on MDR H. pylori including those with resistance to both MTZ and CLR was demonstrated. However, RFB efficacy decreased as the number of antibiotics responsible for MDR increased. Considering that RFB inhibits both extra‐ and intracellular H. pylori, it can be suggested as an effective antibiotic against of MDR H. pylori.
The physical and chemical disruption of human hair after bleaching – studies by transmission electron microscopy and redox proteomics
Authors: Grosvenor A. J. , Deb‐Choudhury S. , Middlewood P. G. , Thomas A. , Lee E. , Vernon J. A. , Woods J. L. , Taylor C. , Bell F. I. , Clerens S. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo understand the structural and chemical effects of cosmetic peroxide bleaching on human hair.MethodsHuman hair was progressively bleached using alkaline peroxide–persulphate treatment. Proteins lost through leaching were examined using amino acid analysis and mass spectrometric sequencing. Fibre damage was assessed using transmission electron microscopy, amino acid analysis and redox proteomics.ResultsProtein loss through leaching increased with bleaching severity. Leached proteins were not limited to the cuticle, but also included cortical intermediate filaments and matrix keratin‐associated proteins. The leached proteins were progressively oxidized as bleaching severity increased. Bleached fibres demonstrated substantial damage to the cuticle layers and to the cortex. Extensive melanin granule degradation was present after the mildest bleach treatment. Protein oxidation in bleached fibres was principally in cortical intermediate filaments – the most abundant hair proteins – and targeted the sulphur‐containing amino acids, particularly the conversion of cystine disulphide bonds to cysteic acid.ConclusionPeroxide chemical treatments quickly access the cortex, causing untargeted oxidative damage across the fibre in addition to the desired loss of melanin. Peroxide ingress is likely facilitated by the considerable structural degradation caused to the cuticle layers of hair fibres. The consequences of the peroxide action within the cuticle and cortex are oxidation of the proteins, and subsequent protein loss from the fibre that correlates to bleaching severity.
Ternary borosilicates as potential cladding glasses for semiconductor core optical fibers
Authors: Dmitrieva Iuliia , Lopez‐Iscoa Pablo , Milanese Daniel , Petit Laeticia 
Published: September 2018

AbstractOur study advances the development of new ternary silicate glasses for use as a designed cladding for semiconductor core optical fibers using molten core draw process. In order to fabricate high‐quality hybrid fibers (homogeneous core shape, low amount of bubbles, low internal stress, no cracking), oxide glasses are the best choice as cladding materials. These glasses should be engineered with tailored thermal properties (coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and drawing temperature) so they match those of the semiconductor. Glasses in the system (50SiO2‐(20 − x)Na2O‐(25 + x)B2O3‐5MO) with x = 0 and 10 and MO = ZnO, TiO2, GeO2, Ga2O3, and Al2O3 and in the system 50SiO2‐10Na2O‐(40 − y)B2O3‐yTiO2 with y = 0, 1.25, 2.5, and 5 were investigated. Their thermal properties were measured and discussed with regard to the glass structure analyzed using FTIR spectroscopy. Due to their rigid network, which leads to beneficial thermal properties including low CTE (~5 ppm K−1), the Ge‐containing glass with x = 10 is a promising cladding candidate when preparing a Ge core fiber and the Ga or Zn‐ containing glasses when preparing an InAs core.