bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amyloid‐beta 1‐40 is associated with alterations in NG2+ pericyte population ex vivo and in vitro
Authors: Schultz Nina , Brännström Kristoffer , Byman Elin , Moussaud Simon , Nielsen Henrietta M. ,   The Netherlands Brain Bank, Olofsson Anders , Wennström Malin 
Published: February 2018

SummaryThe population of brain pericytes, a cell type important for vessel stability and blood brain barrier function, has recently been shown altered in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The underlying reason for this alteration is not fully understood, but progressive accumulation of the AD characteristic peptide amyloid‐beta (Aβ) has been suggested as a potential culprit. In the current study, we show reduced number of hippocampal NG2+ pericytes and an association between NG2+ pericyte numbers and Aβ1‐40 levels in AD patients. We further demonstrate, using in vitro studies, an aggregation‐dependent impact of Aβ1‐40 on human NG2+ pericytes. Fibril‐EP Aβ1‐40 exposure reduced pericyte viability and proliferation and increased caspase 3/7 activity. Monomer Aβ1‐40 had quite the opposite effect: increased pericyte viability and proliferation and reduced caspase 3/7 activity. Oligomer‐EP Aβ1‐40 had no impact on either of the cellular events. Our findings add to the growing number of studies suggesting a significant impact on pericytes in the brains of AD patients and suggest different aggregation forms of Aβ1‐40 as potential key regulators of the brain pericyte population size.
Diversification Strategy, Ownership Structure, and Financial Crisis: Performance of Chinese Private Firms
Authors: Shen Na , Au Kevin , Yi Lan 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe relationship between diversification and firm performance varies among institutions and over time. Less is known about the advantageousness of diversification in economy‐wide crises, which have occurred frequently in recent years. Using data on nearly 4000 Chinese private companies, we found that diversified firms performed better than focused firms during the recent global financial crisis. The diversification level was positively and linearly related to performance, that is, more diversified firms performed better. Moreover, we found that private firms that are totally owned by the founding owner and his/her family performed worse under crisis.
Innate lymphoid cells at the human maternal‐fetal interface in spontaneous preterm labor
Authors: Xu Yi , Romero Roberto , Miller Derek , Silva Pablo , Panaitescu Bogdan , Theis Kevin R. , Arif Afrah , Hassan Sonia S. , Gomez‐Lopez Nardhy 
Published: February 2018

ProblemPathological inflammation is causally linked to preterm labor and birth, the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Our aims were to investigate whether (i) the newly described family of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) was present at the human maternal‐fetal interface and (ii) ILC inflammatory subsets were associated with the pathological process of preterm labor.Methods of studyDecidual leukocytes were isolated from women with preterm or term labor as well as from gestational age‐matched non‐labor controls. ILCs (CD15−CD14−CD3−CD19−CD56−CD11b−CD127+ cells) and their subsets (ILC1, T‐bet+ ILCs; ILC2, GATA3+ ILCs; and ILC3, RORγt+ ILCs) and cytokine expression were identified in the decidual tissues using immunophenotyping.Results(i) The proportion of total ILCs was increased in the decidua parietalis of women with preterm labor; (ii) ILC1s were a minor subset of decidual ILCs during preterm and term gestations; (iii) ILC2s were the most abundant ILC subset in the decidua during preterm and term gestations; (iv) the proportion of ILC2s was increased in the decidua basalis of women with preterm labor; (v) the proportion of ILC3s was increased in the decidua parietalis of women with preterm labor; and (vi) during preterm labor, ILC3s had higher expression of IL‐22, IL‐17A, IL‐13, and IFN‐γ compared to ILC2s in the decidua.ConclusionILC2s were the most abundant ILC subset at the human maternal‐fetal interface during preterm and term gestations. Yet, during preterm labor, an increase in ILC2s and ILC3s was observed in the decidua basalis and decidua parietalis, respectively. These findings provide evidence demonstrating a role for ILCs at the maternal‐fetal interface during the pathological process of preterm labor.
Association between two common transitions of H2BFWT gene and male infertility: a case–control, meta, and structural analysis
Authors: Teimouri M. , Najaran H. , Hosseinzadeh A. , Mazoochi T. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryH2BFWT is one of the testis‐specific histones that plays a fundamental role in spermatogenesis, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in this gene may result in male infertility. This study aimed to investigate the association between −9C>T and 368A>G transitions of H2BFWT gene and male infertility through a case–control, meta‐analysis, and a bioinformatics approach. In this case–control study, 490 subjects including 240 idiopathic infertile men and 250 healthy controls were included. The −9C>T and 368A>G SNPs genotyping were performed by a PCR–RFLP method. To find eligible studies for meta‐analysis, we searched valid scientific databases. The odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were estimated to find the strength of these associations. Furthermore, the influences of two common transitions on the molecular features of H2BFWT were assessed by in silico tools. Our case–control data revealed that −9C>T is not associated with male infertility. But, there was a significant association between 368A>G and male infertility. In the meta‐analysis, five eligible studies were included. Our data revealed significant associations between −9C>T, 368A>G, and male infertility in overall and stratified analyses. Moreover, structural analysis showed that 368A>G could affect the protein structure (SNAP prediction: non‐neutral, score: 42, expected accuracy: 71%; SIFT prediction: deleterious, score: −2.55), while −9C>T may affect the binding nucleotide in the promoter region. Based on these findings, two aforementioned polymorphisms were associated with increased risk of male infertility. However, studies with larger sample size and different ethnicities are needed to obtain more accurate conclusions.
Endocrine and psychological aspects of sexual dysfunction in Klinefelter patients
Authors: Ferlin A. , Selice R. , Angelini S. , Di Grazia M. , Caretta N. , Cavalieri F. , Di Mambro A. , Foresta C. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryKlinefelter syndrome is a frequent cause of hypogonadism, but despite hundreds of publications on different aspects of Klinefelter syndrome, only a few studies dealt with sexual dysfunction. In particular, testosterone is critical for various aspects of sexual response, but its role on sexuality in Klinefelter syndrome patients is debatable and no studies have evaluated the efficacy of testosterone treatment on sexual dysfunction in these subjects. Furthermore, the impact of psychological and relational aspects on sexual function of Klinefelter syndrome subjects is poorly defined. In this study, we aimed to determine the presence and type of sexual dysfunctions in Klinefelter syndrome subjects; to correlate them with testosterone levels and psychosexological and relational domains; and to evaluate the effects of testosterone therapy. We studied 62 non‐mosaic naïve Klinefelter syndrome patients and 60 age‐matched controls by means of medical history, psychosexological history, 15‐item International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire, endocrine assessment, and dynamic penile color Doppler ultrasound. Twenty‐five hypogonadal Klinefelter syndrome patients were studied after 6 months of testosterone replacement therapy. Klinefelter syndrome subjects have reduced 15‐item International Index of Erectile Function scores regarding sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction with respect to controls, and these aspects were significantly associated with testosterone levels. Klinefelter syndrome subjects had also higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction, but no relation with testosterone levels was evident. A high prevalence of a range of psychological disturbances was present in Klinefelter syndrome subjects with erectile dysfunction with respect to those without erectile dysfunction. No statistical difference in the prevalence of premature and delayed ejaculation was observed between Klinefelter syndrome and control subjects. Testosterone replacement therapy improved sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction scores, but had no effect on erectile function. Penile color Doppler ultrasound was normal in all subjects. This study shows that sexual dysfunction in Klinefelter syndrome is multifactorial and related only in part to hypogonadism and largely to psychological disturbances. Evaluation and therapy of sexual dysfunction should include a combined andrological and psychosexological approach.
Information bias in epidemiological studies with a special focus on obstetrics and gynecology
Authors: Kesmodel Ulrik S. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractInformation bias occurs when any information used in a study is either measured or recorded inaccurately. This paper describes some of the most common types of information bias, using examples from obstetrics and gynecology, and describes how information bias may affect results of observational studies. Non‐differential misclassification occurs when the degree of misclassification of exposure status among those with and those without the disease is the same; in cohort studies, this type of bias is most likely and will bias estimates toward no association when exposure is dichotomized. Non‐differential underreporting of an exposure with more than two categories may mask a true threshold effect as a dose‐response relation and, if a true threshold effect exists, the threshold will be set at too low a level, if the exposure is underreported. Differential misclassification may cause bias in either direction and is particularly likely, when exposure status is reported after the outcome occurred. Misclassification of confounders is an issue that needs special attention by researchers, as failure to measure accurately one or more (strong) confounders may seriously bias the observed results. Misclassification of disease status may also cause bias of estimates of association in either direction. Information bias is probably best prevented during planning of data collection, as there are few and insufficient methods available for correcting inaccurate information.
Giving in when feeling less good: Procrastination, action control, and social temptations
Authors: Sirois Fuschia M. , Giguère Benjamin 
Published: February 2018

Emotion‐regulation perspectives on procrastination highlighting the primacy of short‐term mood regulation focus mainly on negative affect. Positive affect, however, has received much less attention and has not been considered with respect to social temptations. To address this issue, we examined how trait procrastination was linked to positive and negative affect in the context of social temptations across two prospective studies. Action Control Theory, Personality Systems Interactions Theory, and a mood regulation theory of procrastination served as guiding conceptual frameworks. In Study 1, moderated mediation analyses revealed that low positive affect explained the link between trait procrastination and time spent procrastinating on academic tasks over a 48‐hr period in a student sample (N = 142), and this effect was moderated by the presence of social temptations. Parallel results for goal enjoyment assessed at Time 2 were found in Study 2 with a community sample (N = 94) attempting to make intended health behaviour changes over a 6‐month period. Our findings indicate that procrastinators are at risk for disengaging from intended tasks when social temptations are present and positive task‐related affect is low.
Peri‐operative outcomes and complications after laparoscopic vs robot‐assisted dismembered pyeloplasty: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Light Alexander , Karthikeyan Sandeep , Maruthan Sachan , Elhage Oussama , Danuser Hansjörg , Dasgupta Prokar 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo analyse the current difference between dismembered robot‐assisted pyeloplasty (RAP) and laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) in the treatment of pelvi‐ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction as of 26 June 2017, focusing on operating time, length of hospital stay, complication rate, and success rate.Patients and MethodsWe searched PubMed, Medline and Embase databases, consulted experts, reviewed reference lists, used the ‘related articles’ PubMed feature, and reviewed scientific meeting abstracts for eligible articles published between 1993 and 26 June 2017. A modified Newcastle–Ottawa scale was used to assess study quality. Subgroup analyses were performed regarding patient age, single or multisurgeon experience, presence of complex renal anatomy, study quality, Clavien–Dindo grades, and length of follow‐up.ResultsFrom 4101 identified articles, 17 studies meeting our eligibility criteria were included for data extraction. All were observational studies, with 10 deemed to be of low quality. Meta‐analysis showed that RAP resulted in a 27‐min shorter operating time (weighted mean difference [WMD] −26.71 min, 95% confidence interval [CI] −44.42 to −9.00; P = 0.003) and a 1.2‐day shorter length of hospital stay (WMD −1.21 days, 95% CI −1.84 to −0.57; P = 0.003). The quality of evidence for these outcomes was rated as very low. Significant heterogeneity was found when analysing operating time (P < 0.001) and length of hospital stay (P < 0.001), which could not be fully explained through subgroup analyses. We also identified other potentially significant sources of bias for which we could not adjust our analysis. RAP was also associated with a lower complication rate (odds ratio [OR] 0.56, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.84; P = 0.005) and higher success rate (OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.30 to 5.88; P = 0.008); however, whether statistical advantages for these two outcomes translated into clinically significant advantages was unclear. The quality of evidence for these outcomes was rated as low.ConclusionFor patients with PUJ obstruction, our meta‐analyses show that RAP is advantageous concerning operating time, length of hospital stay, complication rate and success rate. Our conclusions, however, are weakened by poor quality of evidence and significant study heterogeneity. In addition, whether the statistical significance observed in the present meta‐analysis translates into clinical significance is an important question. Further high‐quality studies, particularly randomized controlled trials, are necessary to strengthen conclusions.
Downregulation of reticulocalbin‐1 differentially facilitates apoptosis and necroptosis in human prostate cancer cells
Authors: Liu Xiaofei , Zhang Nianzhao , Wang Dawei , Zhu Deyu , Yuan Quan , Zhang Xiulei , Qian Lilin , Niu Huanmin , Lu Yi , Ren Guijie , Tian Keli , Yuan Huiqing 
Published: February 2018

Reticulocalbin 1 (RCN1), an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐resident Ca2+‐binding protein, is dysregulated in cancers, but its pathophysiological roles are largely unclear. Here, we demonstrate that RCN1 is overexpressed in clinical prostate cancer (PCa) samples, associated with cyclin B, not cyclin D1 expression, compared to that of benign tissues in a Chinese Han population. Downregulation of endogenous RCN1 significantly suppresses PCa cell viability and arrests the cell cycles of DU145 and LNCaP cells at the S and G2/M phases, respectively. RCN1 depletion causes ER stress, which is evidenced by induction of GRP78, activation of PERK and phosphorylation of eIF2α in PCa cells. Remarkably, RCN1 loss triggers DU145 cell apoptosis in a caspase‐dependent manner but mainly causes necroptosis in LNCaP cells. An animal‐based analysis confirms that RCN1 depletion suppresses cell proliferation and promotes cell death. Further investigations reveal that RCN1 depletion leads to elevation of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and inactivation of AKT in DU145 cells. Silencing of PTEN partially restores apoptotic cells upon RCN1 loss. In LNCaP cells, predominant activation of CaMKII is important for necroptosis in response to RCN1 depletion. Thus, RCN1 may promote cell survival and serve as a useful target for cancer therapy.
The role of the immune system in kidney disease
Authors: Tecklenborg J , Clayton D , Siebert S , Coley S M 
Published: February 2018

Summary
The immune system and the kidneys are closely linked. In health the kidneys contribute to immune homeostasis, while components of the immune system mediate many acute forms of renal disease and play a central role in progression of chronic kidney disease. A dysregulated immune system can have either direct or indirect renal effects. Direct immune-mediated kidney diseases are usually a consequence of autoantibodies directed against a constituent renal antigen, such as collagen IV in anti-glomerular basement membrane disease. Indirect immune-mediated renal disease often follows systemic autoimmunity with immune complex formation, but can also be due to uncontrolled activation of the complement pathways. Although the range of mechanisms of immune dysregulation leading to renal disease is broad, the pathways leading to injury are similar. Loss of immune homeostasis in renal disease results in perpetual immune cell recruitment and worsening damage to the kidney. Uncoordinated attempts at tissue repair, after immune-mediated disease or non-immune mediated injury, result in fibrosis of structures important for renal function, leading eventually to kidney failure. As renal disease often manifests clinically only when substantial damage has already occurred, new diagnostic methods and indeed treatments must be identified to inhibit further progression and promote appropriate tissue repair. Studying cases in which immune homeostasis is re-established may reveal new treatment possibilities.
Defective RNA sensing by RIG-I in severe influenza virus infection
Authors: Jørgensen S E , Christiansen M , Ryø L B , Gad H H , Gjedsted J , Staeheli P , Mikkelsen J G , Storgaard M , Hartmann R , Mogensen T H 
Published: February 2018

Summary
Influenza virus infection causes worldwide seasonal epidemics. Although influenza is usually a mild disease, a minority of patients experience very severe fulminating disease courses. Previous studies have demonstrated a role for type I interferon (IFN) in anti-viral responses during influenza. So far, however, IFN regulatory factor (IRF)7 deficiency is the only genetic cause of severe influenza described in humans. In this study we present a patient with severe influenza A virus (IAV) H1N1 infection during the 2009 swine flu pandemic. By whole exome sequencing we identified two variants, p.R71H and p.P885S, located in the caspase activation and recruitment domain (CARD) and RNA binding domains, respectively, of DExD/H-box helicase 58 (DDX58) encoding the RNA sensor retinoic acid inducible gene 1 (RIG-I). These variants significantly impair the signalling activity of RIG-I. Similarly, patient cells demonstrate decreased antiviral responses to RIG-I ligands as well as increased proinflammatory responses to IAV, suggesting dysregulation of the innate immune response with increased immunopathology. We suggest that these RIG-I variants may have contributed to severe influenza in this patient and advocate that RIG-I variants should be sought in future studies of genetic factors influencing single-stranded RNA virus infections.
Cheating? The Case of Producers’ Under‐Reporting Behavior in Hog Insurance in China
Authors: Zhang Yuehua , Cao Ying , Wang H. Holly 
Published: February 2018

AbstractInformation asymmetry exists in virtually every insurance setting. The institutional arrangement of hog insurance in China offers a unique opportunity to investigate the farmer's behavior of under‐reporting the actual number of finished hogs on one hand, and the insurer's efficiency in determining the actual numbers on the other. Using data on 444 hog operators synchronized from farm production survey and insurance records, results showed that farmers report on average 11.5% fewer hogs to the insurance company. The level of under‐reporting is positively associated with the size of operation. Farmers with longer farming experience and more conservative risk attitude report more accurately. The under‐report behavior is also partially attributed to a farmer's limited capacity of accurate estimation. Due to information barrier, the insurance company is only able to recover 18.6% of the under‐report at the indemnity payment stage. Results are robust after controlling for potential sample selection problems. It is suggested that technical supports, public programs and premium incentive designs in repeated insurance should be considered to promote more accurate reports.
Effect of incision design on interproximal bone loss of teeth adjacent to single implants. A randomized controlled clinical trial comparing intrasulcular vs paramarginal incision
Authors: Girbés‐Ballester Paula , Viña‐Almunia Jose , Balaguer‐Martí Jose C , Peñarrocha‐Diago Miguel , Peñarrocha‐Oltra David 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the effect of incision design in implant surgery on interproximal bone loss of posterior teeth adjacent to interdental single implants, comparing intrasulcular and paramarginal incision. A further aim was to assess the influence of the incision technique on peri‐implant bone remodeling.Materials and methodsA controlled randomized clinical trial was carried out in a University Clinic. All the patients received an interdental posterior single implant. The incision type was randomly divided into two groups: (a) intrasulcular or (b) paramarginal. Standardized periapical digital radiographs were made with the parallel technique and a silicone index individualized in each patient. Radiographs were made immediately after implant placement, at abutment connection, 6 and 12 months post‐loading. Two radiographic reference points were detected at the interproximal aspect of the adjacent teeth: (A) the cementoenamel junction and (B) the most coronal aspect of the bone crest. The interproximal bone loss of the adjacent teeth was calculated as the difference from A to B between the different follow‐up periods and baseline. Two different examiners evaluated the radiographic measurements twice.ResultsSixty patients, each with one implant, were included, 30 in each group. A mean interproximal bone loss in teeth of 0.09 mm in the intrasulcular and 0.10 mm in the paramarginal group was found at 12 months post‐loading. Mean peri‐implant bone remodeling was 0.17 mm in the intrasulcular group and 0.15 mm in the paramarginal group. Differences between incision types were not statistically significant (p > .05).ConclusionsBoth incision designs used to place interdental single implants resulted in minimum bone loss at the interproximal aspect of adjacent teeth. The incision design did not significantly influence the radiographically assessed interproximal bone loss nor peri‐implant bone remodeling.