bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Praziquantel ameliorates CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis in mice by inhibiting TGF‐β/Smad signalling via up‐regulating Smad7 in hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Liu Jinfeng , Kong Delong , Qiu Jingfan , Xie Yanci , Lu Zhongkui , Zhou Chunlei , Liu Xinjian , Zhang Rong , Wang Yong 
Published: August 2019

Background and PurposePraziquantel is a schistosomicide, which has been used for more than 30 years due to its efficiency, safety, and mild side effects. Previous studies showed that prolonged treatment with praziquantel suppressed the development of liver fibrosis in mice with schistosomiasis. In this study, we investigated the potential mechanisms underlying the antifibrotic effects of praziquantel.Experimental ApproachTo avoid the effect of schistosomicidal activity of praziquantel against liver fibrosis induced by Schistosoma japonicum infection, we established a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced liver fibrosis for in vivo studies and used TGF‐β1‐stimulated human hepatic stellate cell line (LX‐2) in addition to other fibroblast‐like cell line (MES13) and fibroblast cell line (NIH3T3) in vitro. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, quantitative real‐time PCR, siRNA, and immunofluorescence staining were utilized to assess the expression of key molecules in liver fibrosis and the TGF‐β/Smad pathway.Key ResultsPraziquantel significantly attenuated CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis by inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and expression of collagen matrix via enhancement of Smad7 expression, which were confirmed in LX‐2, MES13, and NIH3T3 cells in vitro. In contrast, knockdown of Smad7 in LX‐2 cells prevented praziquantel‐mediated inhibition of LX‐2 cell activation and TGF‐β1‐mediated collagen type I α1 induction, revealing the critical role of Smad7 in the antifibrotic effect of praziquantel during liver fibrosis.Conclusions and ImplicationsPZQ exhibited a strong efficacy against liver fibrosis by inhibiting activation of HSCs via Smad7 up‐regulation, suggesting potential broad utility in treatment of diseases characterized by liver fibrosis.
Holding policy makers to account: Monitoring voting patterns on alcohol and tobacco policy in the Lithuanian Parliament
Authors: Štelemėkas Mindaugas , Galkus Lukas , Liutkutė Gumarov Vaida , Goštautaitė Midttun Nijolė , Miščikienė Laura 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroduction and AimsSystematic monitoring of the parliamentary legislative processes, including voting of members of the Parliament (MPs) and factions, allows better understanding of the mechanisms for adoption of public health policies. The aim of this paper is to present a tool for monitoring voting on tobacco and alcohol control policies in the Lithuanian Parliament and consequent rating of MPs based on their voting.Design and MethodsMP rating included the collection of voting data, qualitative assessment of the proposed amendments based on their potentially positive or negative impact on public health, and finally quantitative analysis of voting by applying certain weight coefficients.ResultsAnalysis included 159 voting episodes. More than half (60%) of the MPs received low scores in the 2012–2016 Parliament′s term, and only a small proportion (3%) consistently supported evidence‐based alcohol and tobacco control policies. In contrast, only 26.5% MPs received low scores in the 2016–2018 half‐term. Significantly higher scores in the 2016–2018 half‐term reflect increased political support towards evidence‐based public health policies among the new political majority in Lithuania.Discussion and ConclusionsMP rating has a potential to become a valuable tool used by various stakeholders for more objective assessment of specific public health commitments of political parties and individual politicians.
Expanding the phenotypic spectrum of Allan–Herndon–Dudley syndrome in patients with SLC16A2 mutations
Authors: Remerand Ganaelle , Boespflug‐Tanguy Odile , Tonduti Davide , Touraine Renaud , Rodriguez Diana , Curie Aurore , Perreton Nathalie , Des Portes Vincent , Sarret Catherine ,   RMLX/AHDS Study Group
Published: August 2019

The aim of the study was to redefine the phenotype of Allan–Herndon–Dudley syndrome (AHDS), which is caused by mutations in the SLC16A2 gene that encodes the brain transporter of thyroid hormones. Clinical phenotypes, brain imaging, thyroid hormone profiles, and genetic data were compared to the existing literature. Twenty‐four males aged 11 months to 29 years had a mutation in SLC16A2, including 12 novel mutations and five previously described mutations. Sixteen patients presented with profound developmental delay, three had severe intellectual disability with poor language and walking with an aid, four had moderate intellectual disability with language and walking abilities, and one had mild intellectual disability with hypotonia. Overall, eight had learned to walk, all had hypotonia, 17 had spasticity, 18 had dystonia, 12 had choreoathetosis, 19 had hypomyelination, and 10 had brain atrophy. Kyphoscoliosis (n=12), seizures (n=7), and pneumopathies (n=5) were the most severe complications. This study extends the phenotypic spectrum of AHDS to a mild intellectual disability with hypotonia. Developmental delay, hypotonia, hypomyelination, and thyroid hormone profile help to diagnose patients. Clinical course depends on initial severity, with stable acquisition after infancy; this may be adversely affected by neuro‐orthopaedic, pulmonary, and epileptic complications.What this paper adds

Mild intellectual disability is associated with SLC16A2 mutations.

A thyroid hormone profile with a free T3/T4 ratio higher than 0.75 can help diagnose patients.

Patients with SLC16A2 mutations present a broad spectrum of neurological phenotypes that are also observed in other hypomyelinating disorders.

Axial hypotonia is a consistent feature of Allan–Herndon–Dudley syndrome and leads to specific complications.
Partnering capacities for inclusive development in food provisioning
Authors: Vellema Sietze , Schouten Greetje , Van Tulder Rob 
Published: August 2019

AbstractContextThis article focuses on partnerships working on inclusive development and food security in agri‐food chains and agribusiness clusters that may feature institutional arrangements reinforcing inequality or inducing exclusion.Research questionThe article develops a theory‐driven capacity framework for investigating how intervention strategies related to partnering generate developmental outcomes.MethodsBuilding on action–research and drawing on complementary literature streams, the framework distinguishes four specific capacities that individually and in configuration contribute to processes of inclusive development triggered by partnering processes. The framework is applied to two case examples targeting inclusive development in agri‐food chains and agribusiness clusters in domestic food markets in Benin and Nigeria.ResultsFour capacities that enable partnerships to contribute to inclusive development are distinguished: deliberative, alignment, transformative and fitting capacity. Processes of inclusive development emerge from mobilizing and combining these complementary capacities. Capacities emerging in evolving joint actions, negotiations and deliberations in partnering processes generate developmental outcomes, which are not self‐evident results of partnerships. Presence of the four capacities propels the partnership’s influence on transforming the terms of inclusion for specific groups.Policy implicationsThe differentiation of specific capacities embedded in partnering processes contrasts with generic partnership formulas focusing on the formalized and organizational features of partnerships and emphasizing sharing of resources and inputs. For partnerships to make a development impact, new capacities need to be developed and mobilized. This underscores the importance of skilful and experienced facilitators.
Survival of early posthematopoietic stem cell transplantation relapse of myeloid malignancies
Authors: de Jong Greta , Janssen Jeroen J. W. M. , Biemond Bart J. , Zeerleder Sacha S. , Ossenkoppele Gert J. , Visser Otto , Nur Erfan , Meijer Ellen , Hazenberg Mette D. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectiveRelapse of AML after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has a poor prognosis, and standard of care therapy is lacking. Early (<6 months) relapse is associated with dismal outcome, while the majority of relapses occur early after transplantation. A more precise indication which patients could benefit from reinduction therapy is warranted.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed outcomes of 83 patients with postallogeneic HSCT relapse. Patients were divided based on intention to treat (curative vs supportive care).ResultsOf the 50 patients treated with curative intent, 44% reached complete remission (CR) upon reinduction chemotherapy, and of these patients, 50% survived. Two survivors reached CR after immunotherapy (donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI), without reinduction chemotherapy). Sixty‐nine percent of the survivors had received high‐intensity cytarabine treatment, followed by immunologic consolidation. Relapse <3 months after transplantation was predictive for adverse survival (P = .004), but relapse <6 months was not. In fact, >50% of the survivors had a relapse <6 months.ConclusionWe confirmed the dismal prognosis of postallogeneic HSCT relapse. Importantly, our data demonstrate that patients fit enough to receive high‐dose chemotherapy, even when relapse occurred <6 months, had the best chance to obtain durable remissions, in particular when immunologic consolidation was performed after reaching CR.
Kettin, the large actin‐binding protein with multiple immunoglobulin domains, is essential for sarcomeric actin assembly and larval development in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Ono Kanako , Qin Zhaozhao , Johnsen Robert C. , Baillie David L. , Ono Shoichiro 
Published: August 2019

Among many essential genes in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, let‐330 is located on the left arm of chromosome V and was identified as the largest target of a mutagen in this region. However, let‐330 gene has not been characterized at the molecular level. Here, we report that two sequenced let‐330 alleles are nonsense mutations of ketn‐1, a previously characterized gene encoding kettin. Kettin is a large actin‐binding protein of 472 kDa with 31 immunoglobulin domains and is expressed in muscle cells in C. elegans. let‐330/ketn‐1 mutants are homozygous lethal at the first larval stage with mild defects in body elongation. These mutants have severe defects in sarcomeric actin and myosin assembly in striated muscle. However, α‐actinin and vinculin, which are components of the dense bodies anchoring actin to the membranes, were not significantly disorganized by let‐330/ketn‐1 mutation. Kettin localizes to embryonic myofibrils before α‐actinin is expressed, and α‐actinin deficiency does not affect kettin localization in larval muscle. Depletion of vinculin minimally affects kettin localization but significantly reduces colocalization of actin with kettin in embryonic muscle cells. These results indicate that kettin is an essential protein for sarcomeric assembly of actin filaments in muscle cells.
Spatial analyses of multi‐trophic terrestrial vertebrate assemblages in Europe
Authors: Braga João , Pollock Laura J. , Barros Ceres , Galiana Núria , Montoya José M. , Gravel Dominique , Maiorano Luigi , Montemaggiori Alessandro , Ficetola Gentile Francesco , Dray Stéphane , Thuiller Wilfried 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAimAlthough much has been said on the spatial distribution of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity of vertebrates, how this diversity interacts in food webs and how these interactions change across space are largely unknown. Here, we analysed the spatial distribution of tetrapod food webs and asked whether the variation in local food web structure is driven by random processes or by natural and anthropogenic factors.LocationEurope.Time periodPresent.Major taxa studiedTetrapods.MethodsWe combined an expert‐based food web (1,140 species and 70,601 links) of all European tetrapods with their respective spatial distributions. We mapped 17 different food web metrics representing complexity, chain length, vertical diversity and diet strategy across Europe and tested whether their distribution reflects the spatial structure of species richness using a null model of food web structure. To avoid multicollinearity issues, we defined composite descriptors of food web structure that we related to a set of environmental layers summarizing both natural and anthropogenic influences and tested their relative importance in explaining the spatial distribution of European terrestrial vertebrate food webs.ResultsOf the 17 metrics, 10 showed a non‐random spatial distribution across Europe and could be summarized along two major axes of variation in food web structure. The first was related to species richness, mean trophic level and the proportion of intermediate species, whereas the second was related to the connectance and proximity of species within the web. Both descriptors varied with latitudinal gradient. The best descriptors of food web structure were mean annual temperature and seasonality (negatively correlated with the first axis), and human footprint (positively correlated with the second axis).Main conclusionsWe demonstrate the importance of climate and anthropogenic pressure in shaping the spatial structure of European tetrapod food webs.
Effect of vitamin D on Helicobacter pylori infection and eradication: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Liping , He Xinjue , Li Lan , Lu Chao 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundVarious studies reported the relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) and vitamin D, but there is some controversy around that. This study aimed to conduct a meta‐analysis to clarify the relationship between vitamin D and H pylori infection, and vitamin D and H pylori eradication.MethodsArticles published until June 1, 2019, in the PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases with English‐language medical studies were searched. According to the inclusion criteria, relevant statistical data were extracted to Microsoft Excel and analyzed by STATA15.1.ResultsTen articles were finally included. It was demonstrated that average 25(OH)D level in H pylori‐positive patients was lower than H pylori‐negative (SMD = −0.53 ng/mL, 95% CI = (−0.91, −0.16 ng/mL)). For H pylori eradication individuals, the result showed that average 25(OH)D level in H pylori successful eradication individuals was higher than unsuccessful (SMD = 1.31 ng/mL, 95% CI = [0.60, 2.02 ng/mL]). In addition, individuals with vitamin D deficiency had lower H pylori eradicate rate (OR = 0.09, 95% CI = [0.02, 0.41]). Sensitivity analysis showed that the meta‐analysis results were stable and reliable.ConclusionsVitamin D was a protective factor to H pylori infection. Moreover, vitamin D can improve the success rate of H pylori eradication.
Multiple host use and the dynamics of host switching in host–parasite systems
Authors: Hovestadt Thomas , Thomas Jeremy A. , Mitesser Oliver , Schönrogge Karsten 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
The link between multi‐host use and host switching in host–parasite interactions is a continuing area of debate. Lycaenid butterflies in the genus Maculinea, for example, exploit societies of different Myrmica ant species across their ranges, but there is only rare evidence that they simultaneously utilise multiple hosts at a local site, even where alternative hosts are present.
We present a simple population‐genetic model accounting for the proportion of two alternative hosts and the fitness of parasite genotypes on each host. In agreement with standard models, we conclude that simultaneous host use is possible whenever fitness of heterozygotes on alternative hosts is not too low.
We specifically focus on host‐shifting dynamics when the frequency of hosts changes. We find that (i) host shifting may proceed so rapidly that multiple host use is unlikely to be observed, (ii) back and forth transition in host use can exhibit a hysteresis loop, (iii) the parasites' host use may not be proportional to local host frequencies and be restricted to the rarer host under some conditions, and (iv) that a substantial decline in parasite abundance may typically precede a shift in host use.
We conclude that focusing not just on possible equilibrium conditions but also considering the dynamics of host shifting in non‐equilibrium situations may provide added insights into host–parasite systems.
Influence of stabilising agents on the properties of liposomal encapsulated ethanolic coconut husk extract
Authors: Olatunde Oladipupo Odunayo , Benjakul Soottawat , Vongkamjan Kitiya , Amnuaikit Thanaporn 
Published: August 2019

SummaryCharacteristics of liposomal encapsulated ethanolic coconut husk extract (LE‐ECHE) as influenced by different stabilising agents (SA) were investigated. LE‐ECHE was prepared using four liposome formulations including soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC) alone and SPC mixed with cholesterol (CHL), tween 80 (TWE) or glycerol (GLY) at a ratio of 4 : 1 as lipid phase (LP) at a concentration of 60 µmol mL−1. Particle size, zeta potential, poly‐dispersity index, encapsulation efficiency (EE) and suspension stability (SS) of LE‐ECHE samples were markedly influenced by SA (P < 0.05). Antioxidant activity of ECHE was retained after entrapment in liposome, regardless of SA used. However, SA affected the antioxidant activities of LE‐ECHE differently. Antibacterial properties of ECHE were enhanced after encapsulation in liposome, irrespective of SA. Therefore, liposome with glycerol or cholesterol could serve as a delivery based system for improving the antibacterial properties with high stability, while lowering the undesirable colour of ECHE.
The relationship between comorbidities in dementia patients and burden on adult–child primary caregivers: Does having a secondary caregiver matter?
Authors: Liu Huiying , Fang Boye , Chan Jieling , Chen Gengzhen 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPrimary family caregivers of patients with dementia often experience high caregiver burden and significant decline in a range of health outcomes. The current study examined the relationship between medical comorbidities of inpatients with dementia and caregiver burden in adult–child primary caregivers, and the buffering effect of having a secondary caregiver on the relationship between patients’ comorbidities and caregiver burden. The study is a secondary analysis of data from a cross‐sectional observational study design. The sample comprised 477 dyads of inpatients with dementia and adult–child primary caregivers attending the neurological department of two grade A hospitals. All the inpatients were assessed with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). All the adult–child primary caregivers were assessed with the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and completed the questionnaires on socio‐demographic data, caring hours, presence of secondary caregiver, and the level of impairment of the patient. Higher burden was associated with higher scores on the CCI and having a spouse of the patient as the secondary caregiver. A significant interaction occurred between the CCI and caregiver burden when having a spouse as the secondary caregiver, indicating the negative effect of the CCI on caregiver burden was greater when the spouse of the patient served as the secondary caregiver. In summary, the negative impact of patients’ comorbidities on caregiver burden in adult–child primary caregivers was heightened when the secondary caregiver role was undertaken by the spouse of the patient with dementia. These results may inform programmes targeted to improve care arrangements for people with dementia and their caregivers.
Effectiveness of a community‐based nurse‐led lifestyle‐modification intervention for people with serious mental illness and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Fernández Guijarro Sara , Pomarol‐Clotet Edith , Rubio Muñoz Mª Carmen , Miguel García Carolina , Egea López Elena , Fernández Guijarro Rebeca , Castán Pérez Lidia , Rigol Cuadra Mª Assumpta 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe development of metabolic syndrome negatively affects the quality of life of people with serious mental illness. Experts agree on the need to evaluate the physical health of patients and intervene in modifiable risk factors, with emphasis on the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Interventions should include nutritional counselling and physical activity. This 24‐week randomized trial evaluated the effects of a community‐based nurse‐led lifestyle‐modification intervention in people with serious mental illness meeting metabolic syndrome criteria, and its impact on health‐related quality of life and physical activity. Sixty‐one participants from two community mental health centres were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. The intervention consisted of weekly group sessions, with 20 min of theoretical content and 60 min of nurse‐led physical activity. Postintervention results between groups showed no differences in weight, waist circumference, fasting glucose, and systolic blood pressure. Differences in body mass index, triglyceride concentrations, and diastolic blood pressure were found to be significant (P = 0.010, P = 0.038, and P = 0.017). Participants who performed the intervention reported an increase in physical activity, which did not occur in the control group (P = 0.035), and also reported better health status (P < 0.001). Our intervention showed positive effects reducing participants’ cardiovascular and metabolic risks and improving their physical activity and quality of life. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical trial led and carried out by mental health nurses in community mental health centres which takes into account the effects of a lifestyle intervention on every metabolic syndrome criterion, health‐related quality of life, and physical activity.
Characteristics of circular RNA expression of pulmonary macrophages in mice with sepsis‐induced acute lung injury
Authors: Bao Xiaowei , Zhang Qianqian , Liu Na , Zhuang Shougang , Li Zhe , Meng Qingshu , Sun Hong , Bai Jianwen , Zhou Xiaohui , Tang Lunxian 
Published: August 2019

AbstractCircular RNAs (circRNAs) make up a large class of non‐coding RNAs and play important roles in the pathology of a variety of diseases. However, their roles in pulmonary macrophage polarization after sepsisinduced lung injury is unknown. In this study, mice were divided into two groups: Sham control group and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)‐induced ALI group. Macrophages were isolated from lung homogenates 24 hours after SCLP/CLP. We started with RNA‐seq of circRNA changes in macrophages and validated by RT‐PCR in the following experiments. A total of 4318 circRNAs were detected in the two groups. Of these, 11 and 126 circRNAs were found to be significantly upregulated and downregulated, respectively, compared to the control (p≤0.05, Fold Change ≥2). Differentially expressed circRNAs with a high foldchange (fold‐change >4, P<0.05) were selected for validation by qRT‐PCR, 10 of which were verified. Furthermore, the most differentially expressed circRNAs within all the comparisons were annotated in detail with circRNA/miRNA interaction information using miRNA target prediction software. The network of circRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA was illustrated by cytoscape software. Gene ontology analyses indicated the upregulated circRNAs were involved in the multiple biological functions such as regulation of mitochondrion distribution and Notch binding, while the down‐regulated circRNAs mainly involved in the biological process as histone H3K27 methylation. KEGG pathway analysis revealed TGF‐beta signaling pathway was related to the upregulated circRNAs. The present study provides a novel insight into the roles of circRNAs in pulmonary macrophage differentiation and polarization post septic lung injury.