bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the Mandarin Chinese version of the Leicester Cough Questionnaire in non‐small cell lung cancer patients after surgery
Authors: Lin Rongjia , Che Guowei 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundThere are no validated and reliable cough‐specific instruments to assess health‐related quality of life with respect to postoperative cough in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. We used the Leicester Cough Questionnaire in Mandarin‐Chinese (LCQ‐MC) and investigated the validity, reliability, and repeatability of this instrument.MethodsA total of 130 NSCLC patients (average age 58.75 ± 9.43 years, 65 men, 65 women) completed the LCQ‐MC, cough Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Cough Symptom Score (CSS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36). Forty patients completed the LCQ‐MC again one week later. Concurrent validity, internal consistency, and repeatability were assessed.ResultsAnalyses of concurrent validity showed significant correlations between the LCQ‐MC and the cough VAS (r = −0.488 to −0.660) and CSS (r = −0.495 to −0.601). The corresponding domains of the LCQ‐MC and the SF‐36 exhibited moderate correlations (r = 0.421–0.432). However, there was no significant correlation between the LCQ‐MC and the HADS (P > 0.05). Internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach's α of 0.74–0.90). Test‐retest reliability was high (intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.89–0.95).ConclusionThe LCQ‐MC is a reliable, valid instrument for assessing postoperative cough in NSCLC patients.
Heme oxygenase‐1 deficiency results in splenic T‐cell dysregulation in offspring of mothers exposed to late gestational inflammation
Authors: Ozen Maide , Zhao Hui , Kalish Flora , Yang Yang , Folkins Ann , Burd Irina , Wong Ronald J. , Stevenson David K. 
Published: February 2018

ProblemInfection during pregnancy can disrupt regulatory/effector immune system balance, resulting in adverse pregnancy and fetal‐neonatal outcomes. Heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) is a major regulatory enzyme in the immune system. We observed maternal immune response dysregulation during late gestational inflammation (LGI), which may be mediated by HO‐1. Here, we extend these studies to examine the immune response of offspring.Method of studyPregnant wild‐type (Wt) and HO‐1 heterozygote (Het) dams were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or vehicle at E15.5. Pups’ splenic immune cells were characterized using flow cytometry.ResultsCD3+CD4+CD25+ (Tregs) and CD3+CD8+ (Teffs) T cells in Wt and Het were similar in control neonates and increased with age. We showed not only age‐ but also genotype‐specific and long‐lasting T‐cell dysregulation in pups after maternal LGI. The persistent immune dysregulation, mediated by HO‐1 deficiency, was reflected as a decrease in Treg FoxP3 and CD3+CD8+ T cells, and an increase in CD4+/CD8+ T‐cell and Treg/Teff ratios in Hets compared with Wt juvenile mice after maternal exposure to LGI.ConclusionMaternal exposure to LGI can result in dysregulation of splenic T cells in offspring, especially in those with HO‐1 deficiency. We speculate that these immune alterations are the basis of adverse outcomes in neonates from mothers exposed to low‐grade (subclinical) infections.
Forskolin‐mediated BeWo cell fusion involves down‐regulation of miR‐92a‐1‐5p that targets dysferlin and protein kinase cAMP‐activated catalytic subunit alpha
Authors: Dubey Richa , Malhotra Sudha S. , Gupta Satish K. 
Published: February 2018

ProblemTo study the role of miRNA(s) during trophoblastic BeWo cell fusion.Method of studyChanges in miRNA(s) profile of BeWo cells treated with forskolin were analyzed using Affymetrix miRNA microarray platform. Down‐regulated miRNA, miR‐92a‐1‐5p, was overexpressed in BeWo cells followed by forskolin treatment to understand its relevance in the process of BeWo cell fusion by desmoplakin I+II staining and hCG secretion by ELISA. Predicted targets of miR‐92a‐1‐5p were also confirmed by qRT‐PCR/Western blotting.ResultsThe miRNA profiling of BeWo cells after forskolin (25 μmol/L) treatment identified miR‐92a‐1‐5p as the most significantly down‐regulated miRNA both at 24 and 48 hours time points. Overexpression of miR‐92a‐1‐5p in these cells led to a significant decrease in forskolin‐mediated cell fusion and hCG secretion. miRNA target prediction software, TargetScan, revealed dysferlin (DYSF) and protein kinase cAMP‐activated catalytic subunit alpha (PRKACA), as target genes of miR‐92a‐1‐5p. Overexpression of miR‐92a‐1‐5p in BeWo cells showed reduction in forskolin‐induced transcripts for DYSF and PRKACA. Further, reduction in DYSF (~2.6‐fold) at protein level and PRKACA‐encoded protein kinase A catalytic subunit alpha (PKAC‐α; ~1.6‐fold) were also observed.ConclusionThese observations suggest that miR‐92a‐1‐5p regulates forskolin‐mediated BeWo cell fusion and hCG secretion by regulating PKA signaling pathway and dysferlin expression.
The association of IgA deficiency on infection rate, self‐perceived health, and levels of C‐reactive protein in healthy blood donors
Authors: Hauge Sabina Chaudhary , Jensen Charlotte Kæstel , Nielsen Leif Kofoed , Pedersen Ole B. , Sørensen Erik , Thørner Lise Wegner , Hjalgrim Henrik , Erikstrup Christian , Nielsen Kaspar René , Kaspersen Kathrine Agergård , Didriksen Maria , Dziegiel Morten , Ullum Henrik 
Published: February 2018

The clinical importance of immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency in otherwise healthy individuals is not well described. We aimed to investigate the self‐reported mental and physical health and the risk of infection in IgA‐deficient blood donors compared to healthy control blood donors. Infectious events, recorded in public health registries either as prescriptions filled of any antimicrobial medicine or as hospital infections, were compared between 177 IgA‐deficient blood donors and 1770 control blood donors. A subset of the IgA‐deficient donors were further characterized by self‐reported health (Short Form‐12, n = 28) and circulating C‐reactive protein (CRP) (n = 10). IgA‐deficient individuals had lower self‐reported mental health (p = 0.01) and higher CRP (p < 0.05). A strong trend was found regarding prescription of antimicrobial medicine (hazard ratio = 1.19, p = 0.05). No association was found with hospital infections (hazard ratio = 1.02, p = 0.95) or self‐reported physical health (p = 0.86). IgA‐deficient blood donors have impaired self‐reported mental health, enhanced inflammation and possibly an increased risk of infection. Despite these findings, this study does not provide sufficient evidence to warrant specific health precautions for donors with IgA deficiency.
Laparoscopic surgery using a Gigli wire saw for locally recurrent rectal cancer with concomitant intraperitoneal sacrectomy
Authors: Uemura Mamoru , Ikeda Masataka , Kawai Kenji , Nishimura Junichi , Takemasa Ichiro , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Yamamoto Hirofumi , Sekimoto Mitsugu , Doki Yuichiro , Mori Masaki 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIntroductionPrevious reports indicated the effectiveness of surgical resection for locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC). Most cases with posterior invasion patterns require concomitant sacrectomy to secure negative histologic margins, although this is a highly invasive procedure. Here, we present a new minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical technique for LRRC with concomitant sacrectomy.Materials and Surgical TechniqueA 64‐year‐old man presented with LRRC on the surface of the sacral bone. He underwent laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection with concomitant sacrectomy below the S4 vertebra. The surgical procedure, including sacrectomy, was performed laparoscopically. The distance between the estimated resection line (below the S4 vertebra) and sacral promontory was measured by preoperative imaging. Intraoperatively, a flexible ruler was employed to determine the resection line. Securing adequate space dorsal to the sacral bone was indispensable for placement of the Gigli wire saw. After the Gigli wire saw was positioned, bilateral caudal trocars were used to remove the ends of the wire. Then, the sacral bone was cut by the linear reciprocating motion of the Gigli wire saw. Pathologically confirmed curative resection was achieved. The procedure was successfully performed without transfusion or intraoperative complications. The operation time was 757 min, and blood loss volume was 890 ml. There were no severe postoperative complications. The patient is alive and well with no evidence of recurrence at 58 months after surgical resection of LRRC.DiscussionOur newly developed technique demonstrates that laparoscopic intraperitoneal sacrectomy using a Gigli wire saw is a safe and useful procedure to facilitate resection of LRRC.
Laparoscopic versus abdominal sacrocolpopexy for treatment of multi‐compartmental pelvic organ prolapse: A systematic review
Authors: Ichikawa Masao , Kaseki Hanako , Akira Shigeo 
Published: February 2018

AbstractLaparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) is attracting increasing attention as a minimally invasive surgery that provides excellent therapeutic effects on apical vaginal prolapse. However, its therapeutic effects on multi‐compartmental pelvic organ prolapse (POP) remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of LSC on multi‐compartmental POP compared with abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC). We extracted three articles on randomized controlled trials that compared LSC and ASC. A total of 247 patients (123 for LSC, 124 for ASC) were evaluated. There was no evidence of recurrence or reoperation in either group for the apical vaginal compartment. Regarding recurrence within the anterior vaginal compartment, there were no significant between‐group differences in either of the two randomized controlled trials targeting vaginal vault prolapse. In contrast, in the randomized controlled trial targeting POP including cases with uteruses, there were more recurrent POP with grade II or more in the LSC group than in the ASC group (11/60 [18.3%] vs 1/60 [1.6%], P = 0.004). Reoperation for the posterior vaginal compartment was performed in three cases (2.5%) in the LSC group and in one case (0.8%) in the ASC group. The combined repeat surgery and mesh removal surgery rate was higher in the LSC group (8/119 [6.7%]) than in the ASC group (2/121 [1.7%], P = 0.049). LSC has an excellent therapeutic effect and is comparable to ASC for the treatment of apical prolapse. However, cystocele recurrence, repeat surgery of the posterior compartment, and mesh‐related complications were more frequent in patients who had undergone LSC.
Why Effort Praise Can Backfire in Adolescence
Authors: Amemiya Jamie , Wang Ming‐Te 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPraise for process, which includes praising students’ level of effort and effective strategies, has shown promise in improving students’ motivation to learn. However, parents and teachers may interpret this to mean that solely praising students’ effort level is sufficient. Although praise for effort is effective in some respects in early childhood, it often stops working and even backfires by adolescence. In this article, we explain these findings developmentally. We suggest that effort praise can communicate that effort is a path to improving ability, but can also imply that the student needs to work hard because of low innate ability. We propose that adolescents are at greater risk for interpreting the praise in the second way because secondary schools often value innate ability more than effort and adolescents are conscious of ability stereotypes. We conclude with implications for theory and research.
Cerebrospinal fluid γδ T cell frequency is age-related: a case–control study of 435 children with inflammatory and non-inflammatory neurological disorders
Authors: Pranzatelli M R , Allison T J , McGee N R , Tate E D 
Published: February 2018

SummaryStudies of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) γδ T cells in children are limited, due especially to the lack of control data. In adults, gamma/delta T cells (TCR-γδ) residing in the intrathecal space are sometimes involved in neuroinflammation. To evaluate the possible role of γδ T cells in paediatric neuroinflammation, we immunophenotyped cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood lymphocytes using flow cytometry in a case–control study of 100 children with non-inflammatory neurological disorders (NIND), 312 with opsoclonus–myoclonus (OMS) and 23 with other inflammatory neurological disorders (OIND). In NIND, the negative correlation between CSF γδ T cell frequency and patient age was striking: median frequency of 27% in infants and 3·3% in teens. Interindividual variations were largest in the youngest. There was no gender effect. In all OMS, after correcting for age, only a small effect of OMS severity remained. Measurement of markers for γδ T cell activation [human leucocyte antigen D-related (HLA-DR)], maturation (CD45RA, CD45RO) or intracellular cytokine staining [interleukin (IL)-4, interferon (IFN)-γ] failed to discriminate OMS and NIND groups. Of seven OMS immunotherapies/combinations, none altered the frequency of total CSF γδ T cells or subsets significantly. In OIND, the CSF γδ T cell frequency was &lt; 10% for single samples of other paraneoplastic disorders [anti-neuronal nuclear antibody (ANNA)-1, PCA-1, teratoma-associated syndrome], cerebellar ataxia (post-infectious, ataxia-telangiectasia), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, neuroborreliosis and encephalitis. This study provides new insights into CSF γδ T cells in the paediatric population. Although their role in CSF remains elusive, the negative age correlation, resistance to immunotherapy and our age cut-off references for NIND are important findings for the design of future paediatric studies.
Identifying mechanisms that structure ecological communities by snapping model parameters to empirically observed tradeoffs
Authors: Thomas Clark Adam , Lehman Clarence , Tilman David 
Published: February 2018

AbstractTheory predicts that interspecific tradeoffs are primary determinants of coexistence and community composition. Using information from empirically observed tradeoffs to augment the parametrisation of mechanism‐based models should therefore improve model predictions, provided that tradeoffs and mechanisms are chosen correctly. We developed and tested such a model for 35 grassland plant species using monoculture measurements of three species characteristics related to nitrogen uptake and retention, which previous experiments indicate as important at our site. Matching classical theoretical expectations, these characteristics defined a distinct tradeoff surface, and models parameterised with these characteristics closely matched observations from experimental multi‐species mixtures. Importantly, predictions improved significantly when we incorporated information from tradeoffs by ‘snapping’ characteristics to the nearest location on the tradeoff surface, suggesting that the tradeoffs and mechanisms we identify are important determinants of local community structure. This ‘snapping’ method could therefore constitute a broadly applicable test for identifying influential tradeoffs and mechanisms.
Demographic changes in Chinook salmon across the Northeast Pacific Ocean
Authors: Ohlberger Jan , Ward Eric J , Schindler Daniel E , Lewis Bert 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe demographic structure of populations is affected by life history strategies and how these interact with natural and anthropogenic factors such as exploitation, climate change, and biotic interactions. Previous work suggests that the mean size and age of some North American populations of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, Salmonidae) are declining. These trends are of concern because Chinook salmon are highly valued commercially for their exceptional size and because the loss of the largest and oldest individuals may lead to reduced population productivity. Using long‐term data from wild and hatchery populations, we quantified changes in the demographic structure of Chinook salmon populations over the past four decades across the Northeast Pacific Ocean, from California through western Alaska. Our results show that wild and hatchery fish are becoming smaller and younger throughout most of the Pacific coast. Proportions of older age classes have decreased over time in most regions. Simultaneously, the length‐at‐age of older fish has declined while the length‐at‐age of younger fish has typically increased. However, negative size trends of older ages were weak or non‐existent at the southern end of the range. While it remains to be explored whether these trends are caused by changes in climate, fishing practices or species interactions such as predation, our qualitative review of the potential causes of demographic change suggests that selective removal of large fish has likely contributed to the apparent widespread declines in average body sizes.
The G‐quadruplex‐stabilizing ligand RHPS4 enhances sensitivity of U251MG glioblastoma cells to clinical carbon ion beams
Authors: Berardinelli Francesco , Sgura Antonella , Facoetti Angelica , Leone Stefano , Vischioni Barbara , Ciocca Mario , Antoccia Antonio 
Published: February 2018

The pentacyclic acridine RHPS4 is a highly potent and specific G‐quadruplex (G4) ligand, which binds and stabilizes telomeric G4 leading to the block of the replication forks at telomeres and consequently to telomere dysfunctionalization. In turn, the cell recognizes unprotected telomeres as DNA double‐strand breaks with consequent activation of DNA repair response at telomeres, cellular growth impairment, and death. Data from the literature showed the capability of this compound to sensitize U251MG glioblastoma radioresistant cell line to X‐rays sparsely ionizing radiations. In the present paper, it was investigated whether RHPS4 is also able to increase the effect of clinical carbon ion beams (cells irradiated in the middle of a spread‐out Bragg peak, in the energy range of 246–312 MeV·μm−1 and a dose‐averaged linear energy transfer of 46 keV·μm−1). Interestingly, also for charged particles whose damage inflicted to DNA is more complex than that of sparsely ionizing radiations and results in higher Relative Biological Effectiveness (RBE), RHPS4 significantly potentiated the radiation effect in terms of cell killing, delayed rejoining of DNA double‐strand breaks (γ‐H2AX and 53BBP1 immunofluorescence staining), chromosome aberrations (pan‐centromeric/telomeric FISH and multicolor FISH), and G2/M‐phase accumulation in GBM cells. Overall, the results provide the first evidence that the combined administration of the G4‐ligand RHPS4 with charged particles interfere with cellular processes involved in cell survival leading to radiosensitization of highly radioresistant tumor cells.
Depositional ages and characteristics of Middle–Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous lacustrine deposits in southeastern Mongolia
Authors: Hasegawa Hitoshi , Ando Hisao , Hasebe Noriko , Ichinnorov Niiden , Ohta Tohru , Hasegawa Takashi , Yamamoto Masanobu , Li Gang , Erdenetsogt Bat‐Orshikh , Heimhofer Ulrich , Murata Takayuki , Shinya Hironori , Enerel G. , Oyunjargal G. , Munkhtsetseg O. , Suzuki Noriyuki , Irino Tomohisa , Yamamoto Koshi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractLower Cretaceous lacustrine oil shales are widely distributed in southeastern Mongolia. Due to the high organic carbon content of oil shale, many geochemical studies and petroleum exploration have been conducted. Although most of the oil shales are considered to be Early Cretaceous in age, a recent study reveals that some were deposited in the Middle Jurassic. The present study aims at establishing depositional ages and characteristics of the Jurassic and Cretaceous lacustrine deposits in Mongolia. The Lower Cretaceous Shinekhudag Formation is about 250 m thick and composed of alternating beds of shale and dolomite. The Middle Jurassic Eedemt Formation is about 150 m thick and composed of alternating beds of shale, dolomitic marl, and siltstone. The alternations of shale and dolomite in both formations were formed by lake level changes, reflecting precipitation changes. Shales were deposited in the center of a deep lake during highstand, while dolomites were formed by primary precipitation during lowstand. Based on the radiometric age dating, the Shinekhudag Formation was deposited between 123.8 ±2.0 Ma and 118.5 ±0.9 Ma of the early Aptian. The Eedemt Formation was deposited at around 165–158 Ma of Callovian–Oxfordian. The calculated sedimentation rate of the Shinekhudag Formation is between 4.7 ±2.6 cm/ky and 10.0 ±7.6 cm/ky. Shales in the Shinekhudag Formation show micrometer‐scale lamination, consisting of algal organic matter and detrital clay mineral couplets. Given the average thickness of micro‐laminae and calculated sedimentation rate, the micro‐lamination is most likely of varve origin. Both Middle–Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous lacustrine oil shales were deposited in intracontinental basins in the paleo‐Asian continent. Tectonic processes and basin evolution basically controlled the deposition of these oil shales. In addition, enhanced precipitation under humid climate during the early Aptian and the Callovian–Oxfordian was another key factor inducing the widespread oil shale deposition in Mongolia.
Hypoxia and acidosis: immune suppressors and therapeutic targets
Authors: Damgaci Sultan , Ibrahim‐Hashim Arig , Enriquez‐Navas Pedro M. , Pilon‐Thomas Shari , Guvenis Albert , Gillies Robert J. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryDue to imbalances between vascularity and cellular growth patterns, the tumour microenvironment harbours multiple metabolic stressors including hypoxia and acidosis, which have significant influences on remodelling both tumour and peritumoral tissues. These stressors are also immunosuppressive and can contribute to escape from immune surveillance. Understanding these effects and characterizing the pathways involved can identify new targets for therapy and may redefine our understanding of traditional anti‐tumour therapies. In this review, the effects of hypoxia and acidosis on tumour immunity will be summarized, and how modulating these parameters and their sequelae can be a useful tool for future therapeutic interventions is discussed.
Are allies who we think they are?: A comparative analysis
Authors: Ostrove Joan M. , Brown Kendrick T. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAlthough dominant group allies have been increasingly studied by social psychologists interested in positive intergroup relations and the promotion of social justice, most of the existing research focuses on self‐identified allies or dominant group individuals who are engaging in social justice activities. Little comparative work has examined white allies who were specifically identified as such by people of color. Two studies assessed qualities associated with affirming attitudes (low prejudice, high internal motivation to respond without prejudice, allophilia, and awareness of privilege) and informed action (activism) expected to be distinctively characteristic of allies. Nominated white allies in Study 1 had lower prejudice and higher levels of internal motivation to respond without prejudice than nonnominated white participants; this was replicated in Study 2, which compared nominated “allies” and “friends.” In Study 2, nominated white allies rated themselves as lower on prejudice than nominated white friends. They also scored higher on internal motivation to respond without prejudice, understanding of white privilege, and activism than nominated white friends. There were no differences on self‐reported allophilia between the two groups. Allies were rated by the people of color who nominated them as higher on qualities of outgroup affirmation and informed action than were nominated friends. Limitations of and implications for these findings are discussed.