bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Osteopontin protects against pneumococcal infection in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Kasetty Gopinath , Bhongir Ravi K. V. , Papareddy Praveen , Tufvesson Ellen , Stenberg Henning , Bjermer Leif , Hultgårdh‐Nilsson Anna , Herwald Heiko , Egesten Arne 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundIn atopic asthma, chronic Th2‐biased inflammation is associated with an increased risk of pneumococcal infection. The anionic phosphoglycoprotein osteopontin (OPN) is highly expressed in asthma and has been ascribed several roles during inflammation. This study aimed to investigate whether OPN affects inflammation and vulnerability to pneumococcal infection in atopic asthma.MethodsHouse dust mite (HDM) extract was used to induce allergic airway inflammation in both wild‐type (Spp1+/+) and OPN knockout (Spp1−/−) C57BL/6J mice, and the airway was then infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae. Parameters reflecting inflammation, tissue injury, and bacterial burden were measured. In addition, samples from humans with allergic asthma were analyzed.ResultsBoth allergen challenge in individuals with allergic asthma and the intranasal instillation of HDM in mice resulted in increased OPN levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). More immune cells (including alveolar macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, and lymphocytes) and higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines were found in Spp1−/− mice than in Spp1+/+ mice. Moreover, OPN‐deficient mice exhibited increased levels of markers reflecting tissue injury. Upon infection with S. pneumoniae, Spp1+/+ mice with allergic airway inflammation had a significantly lower bacterial burden in both BALF and lung tissue than did Spp1−/− mice. Furthermore, Spp1−/− mice had higher levels of cytokines and immune cells in BALF than did Spp1+/+ mice.ConclusionOPN reduces inflammation, decreases tissue injury, and reduces bacterial loads during concurrent pneumococcal infection and allergic airway inflammation in a murine model. These findings suggest that OPN significantly affects vulnerability to pneumococcal infection in atopic asthma.
Comorbidities, concomitant medications and potential drug‐drug interactions with interferon‐free direct‐acting antiviral agents in hepatitis C patients in Taiwan
Authors: Liu Chen‐Hua , Yu Ming‐Lung , Peng Cheng‐Yuan , Hsieh Tsai‐Yuan , Huang Yi‐Hsiang , Su Wei‐Wen , Cheng Pin‐Nan , Lin Chih‐Lin , Lo Ching‐Chu , Chen Chi‐Yi , Chen Jyh‐Jou , Ma Qian , Brooks‐Rooney Craig , Kao Jia‐Horng 
Published: October 2018

SummaryBackgroundWhile direct‐acting antivirals have been approved for treating hepatitis C, the guidelines highlight the importance of considering potential drug‐drug interactions between DAAs and concomitant medications.AimTo assess comorbidity prevalence, concomitant medication use and potential drug‐drug interactions between DAAs and concomitant medications for hepatitis C patients in Taiwan.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study enrolled 822 patients from May to August 2016 in Taiwan. Patient demographics, comorbidities and concomitant medications were evaluated by physician surveys.ResultsA total of 709 (86.3%) patients had ≥1 comorbidity; the most prevalent comorbidity categories were diseases of the digestive system (40.1%), circulatory system (38.7%) and endocrine/nutritional/metabolic diseases (35.2%). Elderly patients had more comorbidities. A total of 622 (75.7%) patients received ≥1 concomitant medication; the average number of concomitant medications was 3.2. The most common concomitant medication classes were cardiovascular (34.4%), gastrointestinal (25.7%) and central nervous system drugs (22.7%). Among patients without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis, contraindications were most prevalent with paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir plus dasabuvir, daclatasvir/asunaprevir and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (13.3%, 6.0% and 5.4% respectively), and least prevalent with sofosbuvir, sofosbuvir/daclatasvir, sofosbuvir/ledipasvir and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (0.8%, 1.3%, 1.4% and 2.1% respectively). Sofosbuvir‐based regimens had no contraindications in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.ConclusionOur population represented an elderly demographic, with a high prevalence of comorbidities and widespread use of concomitant medications. The potential drug‐drug interactions between these concomitant medications and DAA regimens differed, with the fewest potential interactions with sofosbuvir‐based regimens.
Effect of substituting soybean meal with euglena (Euglena gracilis) on methane emission and nitrogen efficiency in sheep
Authors: Aemiro Ashagrie , Watanabe Shota , Suzuki Kengo , Hanada Masaaki , Umetsu Kazutaka , Nishida Takehiro 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis study evaluated methane (CH4) emission, intake, digestibility, and nitrogen efficiency in sheep fed diets containing replacement levels (0%, 33%, 50%, and 67% of soybean meal with euglena). In this experiment, four Corriedale wether sheep with an initial body weight of 53.8 ± 4.6 were arranged in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. This experiment lasted 84 days, divided into four experimental periods. Each period lasted 21 days, which consists of 14 days of adaptation to the diets, 5 days to collect samples, and 2 days to collect gas emission from sheep. Methane emission expressed as L/kg DM intake or g/kg DM intake reduced by up to 37% and the energy loss via CH4 (% of GE intake) reduced by up to 34%. No differences (p > 0.05) were observed in DM and OM intake and whole tract apparent DM digestibility due to substitution of soybean meal with euglena. The total CP loss reduced significantly (linear, p < 0.001) and CP efficiency increased linearly (p = 0.03) with increasing concentration of euglena. As a result, nitrogen balance and average daily weight gain remained unchanged despite higher nitrogen concentration in soybean supplemented group. In conclusion, substitution of soybean meal with euglena reduced methane emission without affecting the performance of animals.
Kazakhstani native cattle reveal highly divergent mtDNA from Bos taurus and Bos indicus lineages with an absence of Bos indicus Y chromosome
Authors: Yamanaka Hayate , Murata Kako , Tabata Risa , Kawaguchi Fuki , Sasazaki Shinji , Yamamoto Yoshio , Bakhtin Meirat , Kazymbet Polat , Meldevekob Alykhan , Suleimenov Maratbek Z. , Nishibori Masahide , Mannen Hideyuki 
Published: October 2018

AbstractKazakhstan is the largest landlocked country and contains two important propagation routes for livestock from the Fertile Crescent to Asia. Therefore, genetic information about Kazakhstani cattle can be important for understanding the propagation history and the genetic admixture in Central Asian cattle. In the present study, we analyzed the complete mtDNA D‐loop sequence and SRY gene polymorphism in 122 Kazakhstani native cattle. The D‐loop sequences revealed 79 mitochondrial haplotypes, with the major haplogroups T and I. The Bos taurus subhaplogroups consisted of T (3.3%), T1 (2.5%), T2 (2.5%), and T4 (0.8%) in addition to the predominant subhaplogroup T3 (86.9%), and the Bos indicus subhaplogroup of I1 (4.1%). Subsequently, we investigated the paternal lineages of Bos taurus and Bos indicus, however, all Kazakhstani cattle were shown to have Y chromosome of Bos taurus origin. While highly divergent mtDNA subhaplogroups in Kazakhstani cattle could be due to the geographical proximity of Kazakhstan with the domestication center of the Fertile Crescent, the absence of Bos indicus Y chromosomes could be explained by a decoupling of the introgression dynamics of maternal and paternal lineages. This genetic information would contribute to understanding the genetic diversity and propagation history of cattle in Central Asia.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ropinirole in patients with prolactinomas
Authors: Liu Sihang , Hu Can , Peters Jane , Tsang Amanda , Cremers Serge , Bies Robert , Page‐Wilson Gabrielle 
Published: October 2018

AimsTreatment of prolactinomas with ergoline dopamine agonists can be complicated by intolerance and resistance. This study investigated the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the nonergot dopamine agonist ropinirole, to assess its therapeutic potential as a novel therapy for prolactinomas.MethodsFive female subjects with prolactinomas participated in this dose–response study. Subjects received up to three doses of ropinirole (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg), each on separate occasions. Frequent blood samples for prolactin and ropinirole were collected for 24 h following drug administration. Data were analysed using noncompartmental and compartmental pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PKPD) techniques.ResultsSeven 24‐h curves revealed increased systemic drug exposure with increasing ropinirole doses. Ropinirole concentrations peaked at 4.4 ± 2.7 h and exhibited a half‐life of 5.8 ± 1.7 h. A dose‐dependent prolactin nadir occurred 4.4 ± 1.2 h after drug intake and prolactin concentrations transiently normalized in two of five subjects. PKPD modelling revealed that single‐dose PK of ropinirole is dose‐independent and can be described with a one‐compartment model with linear absorption and elimination. An indirect response model successfully captures the inhibitory effect of ropinirole on prolactin secretion and incorporates time‐dependent receptor desensitization for three of five subjects whose prolactin concentrations nadired before ropinirole reached Cmax.ConclusionsThis data‐rich study has informed our understanding of the clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ropinirole, which are successfully captured by the proposed semi‐mechanistic PKPD model. This model can be used to further investigate the PKPD of ropinirole and may facilitate the identification of optimal dose regimens for the treatment of prolactinomas and the establishment of a new therapeutic option for patients impacted by this rare disease.
Intellectual capital reporting practices in an Islamic bank: A case study
Authors: Belal Ataur Rahman , Mazumder Mohammed Mehadi Masud , Ali Mohobbot 
Published: October 2018

AbstractGiven the nature and importance of Islamic banks in recent times, we can expect them to have significant intellectual capital anchored in their Sharia‐based knowledge and expertise. However, we know very little or nothing about how and why intellectual capital‐related information is provided in their corporate reports. We fill this gap in our existing knowledge of the field with a view to enhance relevant literature. As far as we know, this article is one of the earliest exploratory attempts to examine intellectual capital reporting practices of an Islamic bank. We have undertaken a longitudinal (2001–2015) case study related to the intellectual capital reporting practices of an Islamic bank. Key results include significant rise of intellectual capital reporting over time, dominance of internal capital‐related items in intellectual capital reporting profile and the dynamics of changes in intellectual capital reporting practices over time. Through an institutional theory lens, we explain that this is due to the changes in the external institutional environment and various intra‐organisational factors such as strong ethical culture, unique knowledge base (Sharia), and corporate governance regime.
Penile traction therapy with the new device ‘Penimaster PRO’ is effective and safe in the stable phase of Peyronie's disease: a controlled multicentre study
Authors: Moncada Ignacio , Krishnappa Pramod , Romero Javier , Torremade Josep , Fraile Agustin , Martinez‐Salamanca Juan Ignacio , Porst Hartmut , Levine Laurence 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new penile traction device (PTD), ‘Penimaster PRO’, in a group of patients with stable Peyronie's disease (PD) compared with a non‐intervention group in a multicentre study.Material and MethodsA total of 93 patients with chronic stable PD (without erectile dysfunction, with no significant pain, and with a unidirectional curvature of at least 45° being stable for > 3 months) were recruited and followed for a 12‐week period. Of these patients, 47 were randomly assigned to the Penimaster PRO group (PG) and 46 to the non‐intervention group (NIG). Patients were asked to apply the PTD 3–8 h a day for 12 consecutive weeks, with specific instructions regarding the progressive increase of traction force applied to the penis over time. The primary outcome of the study was the change in the degree of curvature measured in the fully erect state after intracavernosal injection of alprostadil at baseline, 1, 2 and 3 months. Other variables, such as the type of curvature, stretched penile length (SPL), Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ) scores, erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile function (IIEF‐EF) score and adverse events (AEs) were also assessed in each visit.ResultsForty‐one patients in the PG and 39 in the NIG completed the study. There was an overall reduction in curvature of 31.2° (P < 0.001) at 12 weeks compared to baseline in the PG, representing a 41.1% improvement from baseline, which significantly correlated with the number of daily hours the device was applied in a dose‐dependent manner. Those patients using the device < 4 h/day experienced a reduction of 15°–25° (mean 19.7°, 28.8% improvement; P < 0.05), while patients using the device > 6 h/day experienced greater curvature reduction, ranging from 20° to 50° (mean of 38.4°, 51.4% improvement; P < 0.001). In contrast, no significant changes in curvature were observed in the NIG. Furthermore, SPL increased significantly in the PG compared to baseline and compared with the NIG, ranging from 0.5 to 3.0 cm (mean 1.8 cm; P < 0.05). The IIEF‐EF score also improved in patients in the PG (by a mean of 5 points). Mild AEs occurred in 43% of patients, such as local discomfort and glans numbness.ConclusionThe use of the Penimaster PRO PTD, a non‐invasive treatment, should be offered to patients with stable PD for 3 consecutive months before performing any corrective surgery, as this provided a significant reduction in the curvature, an increase in penile length and a significant improvement of the symptoms and bother induced by PD.
Fixed airflow obstruction relates to eosinophil activation in asthmatics
Authors: Mogensen Ida , Alving Kjell , Dahlen Sven‐Erik , James Anna , Forsberg Bertil , Ono Junya , Ohta Shoichiro , Venge Per , Borres Magnus P. , Izuhara Kenji , Janson Christer , Malinovschi Andrei 
Published: October 2018

SummaryBackgroundSome asthmatics develop irreversible chronic airflow obstruction, for example, fixed airflow obstruction (fixed‐AO). This is probably a consequence of airway remodelling, but neither its relation to inflammation nor which asthma biomarkers can be clinically useful are elucidated. We hypothesized that the presence of type 2 inflammation relates to fixed‐AO.ObjectivesTo evaluate the presence of four markers for type 2 inflammation in fixed airflow obstruction among asthmatics.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study of 403 participants with asthma, aged 17‐75 years, from three Swedish centres. Fixed airflow obstruction was defined as forced expiratory volume during the first second (FEV1) over forced vital capacity (FVC) being below the lower limit of normal (LLN). The following type 2 inflammation markers were assessed: exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), serum periostin, serum eosinophil cationic protein (S‐ECP), and urinary eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin (U‐EDN).ResultsElevated U‐EDN (values in the highest tertile, ≥65.95 mg/mol creatinine) was more common in subjects with fixed‐AO vs. subjects without fixed‐AO: 55% vs. 29%, P < 0.001. Elevated U‐EDN related to increased likelihood of having fixed‐AO in both all subjects and never‐smoking subjects, with adjusted (adjusted for sex, age group, use of inhaled corticosteroids last week, atopy, early‐onset asthma, smoking history, and packyears) odds ratios (aOR) of 2.38 (1.28‐4.41) and 2.51 (1.04‐6.07), respectively. In a separate analysis, having both elevated S‐ECP (>20 μg/L) and U‐EDN was related to having the highest likelihood of fixed‐AO (aOR (95% CI) 6.06 (2.32‐15.75)). Elevated serum periostin or FeNO did not relate to fixed‐AO.Conclusions and clinical relevanceThese findings support that type 2 inflammation, and in particular eosinophil inflammation, is found in asthma with fixed‐AO. This could indicate a benefit from eosinophil‐directed therapies. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to investigate causality and relation to lung function decline.
Preliminary results from the use of intraoperative real‐time biliary oxygen monitoring in liver transplantation
Authors: Ciria Ruben , Navarro Elena , Sánchez‐Frías Marina , Gallardo Ana‐Belen , Medina Javier , Ayllón María‐Dolores , Gomez‐Luque Irene , Ruiz-Rabelo Juan , Luque Antonio , de la Mata Manuel , Rufián Sebastián , López‐Cillero Pedro , Briceño Javier 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackground and aimsBiliary anastomosis is a frequent area of complications after liver transplantation (LT) and a potential area of “microangiopathy”. The concept of a “marginal bile duct” is unexplored. The main aim was to make a preliminary evaluation of the utility of an innovative real‐time oxygen microtension (pO2mt) testing device for the assessment of bile duct viability during LT and to correlate these pO2mt values with microvascular tissue quality by histopathology and outcomes.Patients and methodsObservational prospective cohort study with 23 patients. Oxygen microtension measurements were made placing a micropO2 probe in different areas of recipient and donor’s bile duct intraoperative.ResultsMean pO2mt in the graft bile duct at the level of the anastomosis 103.82 (31‐157) mm Hg, being 121.52 (55‐174) mm Hg 1.5 cm proximal to the hilar plate (P < 0.001). Mean pO2mt in the recipient’s bile duct was 117.87 (62‐185) mm Hg, while a value of 137.30 (81‐198) mm Hg was observed 1.5 cm distal to the anastomosis (P < 0.001). Cystic duct resection (12 cases) was also related with higher pO2mt values at anastomosis [117.8 (93‐157) vs 88.54 (31‐124) mm Hg] and distal to anastomosis [135.6 (111‐174) vs 106.2 (55‐133) mm Hg; P < 0.001]. Patients with 1‐, 3‐, and 12‐month biliary complications had significantly lower pO2mt in the intraoperative measurements.ConclusionOur preliminary results show that distal borders of donor and recipient bile ducts may be low‐vascularized areas. Tissue pO2mt is significantly higher in areas close to the hilar plate and to the duodenum in donor and recipient’s sides, respectively. Bile duct injury and biliary complications are associated with worse tissue pO2mt.
Habitat discontinuities form strong barriers to gene flow among mangrove populations, despite the capacity for long‐distance dispersal
Authors: Binks Rachel M. , Byrne Margaret , McMahon Kathryn , Pitt Georgina , Murray Kathy , Evans Richard D. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAimMangrove forests are among the world's most important ecosystems but are declining rapidly worldwide. Effective conservation management requires a better understanding of the patterns and drivers of gene flow across a range of spatial scales. Despite the capacity for long‐distance propagule dispersal, field studies suggest that mangrove propagules tend not to disperse far from the release point, which has important implications for the impact of habitat discontinuities on gene flow. We use a comprehensive seascape genomics approach to investigate this concept in the world's most widely distributed mangrove species, Avicennia marina.LocationTwenty‐one sites along 2,400 km of Western Australian coastline.MethodsWe used 6,162 neutral SNP loci and a hierarchical sampling design to investigate patterns of gene flow and structuring among 21 populations of A. marina. We combined these data with GIS spatial analyses in a regression model to test the relative influence of habitat continuity and geographic distance on patterns of genetic differentiation.ResultsWe found a complex pattern of gene flow; broadscale isolation‐by‐distance, disrupted by strong genetic discontinuities that coincided with gaps in mangrove distribution. These genetic discontinuities formed seven discrete subpopulations with negligible evidence for recent migration among them. The regression model combining marine geographic distance and habitat continuity as explanatory variables best fit the data, explaining 86% of the total genetic variation.Main ConclusionsOur results validate previous assertions that propagule dispersal in A. marina is spatially limited and demonstrate that significant gaps in mangrove distribution present strong barriers to stepping‐stone gene flow in this species. This reiterates that dispersive life history features cannot be assumed to lead to widespread connectivity and demonstrates that effective management of these important ecosystem builders should prioritize restoring habitat continuity and minimizing further fragmentation.
Cognitive, adaptive, and behavioral profiles and management of alternating hemiplegia of childhood
Authors: Jasien Joan M , Bonner Melanie , D'alli Richard , Prange Lyndsey , Mclean Melissa , Sachdev Monisha , Uchitel Julie , Ricano Jennifer , Smith Brian , Mikati Mohamad A 
Published: October 2018

AimTo determine the neuropsychological abnormalities that occur in alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) and report on our experience in managing them.MethodPatients underwent evaluations according to our standardized AHC pathway. Data were entered into our prospective AHC database and then analyzed.ResultsOf the cohort of 25 consecutive patients (ages 15mo–42y), eight had initial chief complaints about cognition, 14 language, five attention, and 11 behavior. As compared to population norms means, neuropsychological and behavioral assessment tools (including Child Behavior Checklist, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Peabody Picture Vocabulary, and Wechsler Intelligence Quotient tests) showed significant impairments in multiple domains: cognition, expressive and receptive language, executive function/attention, and behavior (p<0.05 in all comparisons). Evaluations generated management recommendations in all patients. Twenty had neuropsychiatric diagnoses: 10 attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), seven disruptive behavior, and three anxiety disorder. Eight out of nine patients with ADHD who were prescribed medications responded to pharmacotherapy.InterpretationPatients with AHC have developmental difficulties related to impairments in multiple neuropsychological domains. This supports the hypothesis that the underlying AHC pathophysiology involves diffuse neuronal dysfunction. Testing generated recommendations to help manage these difficulties. Patients with AHC also have a range of neuropsychiatric diagnoses, the most common being ADHD which responds to pharmacotherapy.What this paper adds

Patients with alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) have developmental difficulties with underlying neuropsychological impairments.

The findings in this study are consistent with an underlying AHC pathophysiology which involves diffuse neuronal, probably largely GABAergic, dysfunction.

Patients with AHC have a range of neuropsychiatric diagnoses, the most common being attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder.