bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of the combination of vascular targeted photodynamic therapy and anti‐cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4 in a preclinical mouse model of urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Corradi Renato B , LaRosa Stephen , Jebiwott Sylvia , Murray Katie S , Rosenzweig Barak , Somma Alexander J , Gomez Renato S , Scherz Avigdor , Kim Kwanghee , Coleman Jonathan A 
Published: January 2019

ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of combination treatment of vascular targeted photodynamic therapy and anti‐cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4 immunotherapy in a mouse model of urothelial carcinoma.MethodsWe used C57BL/6 mice injected with murine bladder 49 cell line. Mice were randomly allocated into four treatment groups: vascular targeted photodynamic therapy only, anti‐cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4 only, combination therapy and control. We carried out three separate experiments that used distinct cohorts of mice: tumor growth and development of lung metastases monitored with bioluminescent imaging (n = 91); survival evaluated with Kaplan–Meier curves (n = 111); and tumor cell population studied with flow cytometry (n = 20). In a fourth experiment, we re‐challenged tumors in previously treated mice and compared tumor growth with that of naïve mice.ResultsCombination therapy provided significant benefits over the other three treatment groups: prolonged survival (P < 0.0001), lower tumor signal (P < 0.0001) and decreased lung signal uptake (P ≤ 0.002). We also observed that mice previously treated with vascular targeted photodynamic therapy only or combination therapy did not present tumor growth after re‐challenged tumors.ConclusionsCombination of vascular targeted photodynamic therapy with anti‐cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4 is an effective therapy in a urothelial carcinoma syngeneic mouse model. The present results suggest this therapy as a potential treatment option for both bladder and upper tract tumors in future clinical trials.
Novel nomogram for the prediction of seminal vesicle invasion including multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Martini Alberto , Gupta Akriti , Cumarasamy Shivaram , Lewis Sara C , Haines Kenneth G , Briganti Alberto , Montorsi Francesco , Tewari Ashutosh K 
Published: January 2019

ObjectivesTo create a model that predicts side‐specific seminal vesicle invasion using clinical, biopsy and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging data.MethodsWe analyzed data from 544 patients who underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy at a single institution. To develop a side‐specific predictive model, we ultimately considered four variables: prostate‐specific antigen, highest ipsilateral biopsy Gleason grade, highest ipsilateral percentage core involvement and seminal vesicle invasion on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging. A binary multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to predict seminal vesicle invasion. A nomogram was then built based on the coefficients of the resulting logit function. The leave‐one‐out cross validation method was used for internal validation, and the decision curve analysis for the evaluation of the net clinical benefit.ResultsWe relied on 804 side‐specific cases after excluding negative biopsy observations (n = 284). Seminal vesicle invasion was reported on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in 41 (5%) cases, and on final pathology in 64 (8%) cases. All variables in the model emerged as predictors of seminal vesicle invasion (all P ≤ 0.001) and were subsequently considered to build a nomogram. The area under the curve of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging alone in predicting seminal vesicle invasion was 59.1%; whereas one of the clinical variables only was 85.1%. The area under the curve of the nomogram resulting from their combination was 86.5%. After internal validation, this resulted in 84.7%. The model achieved good calibration and the decision curve analysis showed its clinical benefit, especially when compared with relying only on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging prediction of seminal vesicle invasion.ConclusionsA nomogram based on clinical and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging data can predict seminal vesicle invasion and serve as a tool to urologists for surgical planning.
Evaluating ecological niche model accuracy in predicting biotic invasions using South Florida's exotic lizard community
Authors: Mothes Caitlin C. , Stroud James T. , Clements Stephanie L. , Searcy Christopher A. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAimPredicting environmentally suitable areas for non‐native species is an important step in managing biotic invasions, and ecological niche models are commonly used to accomplish this task. Depending on these models to enact appropriate management plans assumes their accuracy, but most niche model studies do not provide validation for their model outputs. South Florida hosts the world's most globally diverse non‐native lizard community, providing a unique opportunity to evaluate the predictive ability of niche models by comparing model predictions to observed patterns of distribution, abundance and physiology in established non‐native populations.LocationFlorida, USA.TaxonLizards.MethodsUsing Maxent, we developed niche models for all 29 non‐native lizard species with established populations in Miami‐Dade County, Florida, using native range data to predict habitat suitability in the invaded range. We then used independently collected field data on abundance, geographical spread and thermal tolerances of the non‐native populations to evaluate Maxent's ability to make predictions in both geographical and environmental space in the non‐native range.ResultsMaxent performed well in predicting across geographical space where these non‐native lizards were most likely to occur, but within a given geographical extent was unable to predict which individual species would be the most abundant or widespread. Comparisons with physiological data also revealed an imperfect fit, but without any consistent biases.Main conclusionsWe performed one of the most extensive field validations of Maxent's ability to predict where invasions are likely to occur, and our results support its continued use in this role. However, the program was unable to predict the relative abundance and geographical spread of established species, indicating limited utility for identifying which invasive species will be the greatest management concern. These results underscore the importance of other factors, such as time since introduction, dispersal ability and biotic interactions in determining the relative success of non‐native species post‐establishment.
Trabecular meshwork cells are a valuable resource for cellular therapy of glaucoma
Authors: Sun Hong , Zhu Qin , Guo Ping , Zhang Yuan , Tighe Sean , Zhu Yingting 
Published: January 2019

AbstractTrabecular meshwork (TM) contains a subset of adult stem cells or progenitors that can be differentiated into corneal endothelial cells, adipocytes and chondrocytes, but not osteocytes or keratocytes. Accordingly, these progenitors can be utilized as a cell‐based therapy to prevent blindness caused by glaucoma, corneal endothelial dysfunction and other diseases in general. In this review, we review in vitro expansion techniques for TM progenitors, discuss their phenotypic properties, and highlight their potential clinical applications in various ophthalmic diseases.
Rapid evolution of testis size relative to sperm morphology suggests that post‐copulatory selection targets sperm number in Anolis lizards
Authors: Kahrl Ariel F. , Johnson Michele A. , Cox Robert M. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPost‐copulatory sexual selection is thought to be responsible for much of the extraordinary diversity in sperm morphology across metazoans. However, the extent to which post‐copulatory selection targets sperm morphology versus sperm production is generally unknown. To address this issue, we simultaneously characterized the evolution of sperm morphology (length of the sperm head, midpiece and flagellum) and testis size (a proxy for sperm production) across 26 species of Anolis lizards, a group in which sperm competition is likely. We found that the length of the sperm midpiece has evolved 2–3 times faster than that of the sperm head or flagellum, suggesting that midpiece size may be the most important aspect of sperm morphology with respect to post‐copulatory sexual selection. However, testis size has evolved faster than any aspect of sperm morphology or body size, supporting the hypothesis that post‐copulatory sexual selection acts more strongly upon sperm production than upon sperm morphology. Likewise, evolutionary increases in testis size, which typically indicate increased sperm competition, are not associated with predictable changes in sperm morphology, suggesting that any effects of post‐copulatory selection on sperm morphology are either weak or variable in direction across anoles. Collectively, our results suggest that sperm production is the primary target of post‐copulatory sexual selection in this lineage.
Piscine orthoreovirus‐3 is prevalent in wild seatrout (Salmo trutta L.) in Norway
Authors: Garseth Åse Helen , Moldal Torfinn , Gåsnes Siri Kristine , Hjortaas Monika Jankowska , Sollien Vegard Pedersen , Gjevre Anne‐Gerd 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn 2017, a PCR‐based survey for Piscine orthoreovirus‐3 (PRV‐3) was conducted in wild anadromous and non‐anadromous salmonids in Norway. In seatrout (anadromous Salmo trutta L.), the virus was present in 16.6% of the fish and in 15 of 21 investigated rivers. Four of 221 (1.8%) Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) from three of 15 rivers were also PCR‐positive, with Ct‐values indicating low amounts of viral RNA. All anadromous Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus L.) were PCR‐negative. Neither non‐anadromous trout (brown trout) nor landlocked salmon were PRV‐3 positive. Altogether, these findings suggest that in Norway PRV‐3 is more prevalent in the marine environment. In contrast, PRV‐3 is present in areas with intensive inland farming in continental Europe. PRV‐3 genome sequences from Norwegian seatrout grouped together with sequences from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) in Norway and Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch Walbaum) in Chile. At present, the origin of the virus remains unknown. Nevertheless, the study highlights the value of safeguarding native fish by upholding natural and artificial barriers that hinder introduction and spread, on a local or national scale, of alien fish species and their pathogens. Accordingly, further investigations of freshwater reservoirs and interactions with farmed salmonids are warranted.
Albendazole, levamisole and ivermectin are effective against monogeneans of Colossoma macropomum (Pisces: Serrasalmidae)
Authors: Alves Carliane Maria Guimarães , Nogueira Joziele Neves , Barriga Isaac Belo , dos Santos Joilson Rodrigues , Santos Gracienhe Gomes , Tavares‐Dias Marcos 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis study evaluated the efficacy of albendazole, ivermectin, levamisole, mebendazole and praziquantel on monogeneans of Colossoma macropomum, based on in vitro and in vivo assays. In vitro assays indicated that albendazole (500, 100, 1,500 and 2,000 mg/L), ivermectin (200, 250, 300 and 350 mg/L) and levamisole (50, 75, 100 and 125 mg/L) were 100% effective against Anacanthorus spatulatus, Notozothecium janauachensis, Mymarothecium boegeri and Linguadactyloides brinkmanni, while mebendazole (125, 150, 175 and 200 mg/L) and praziquantel (5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/L) were ineffective. Fish mortality in 24 hr therapeutic baths with 500 mg/L of albendazole was 6.6%, but the behaviour of the animals remained unchanged, while 200 mg/L of ivermectin caused lethargy, signs of hypoxia and 100% mortality within 2 hr, and 125 mg/L of levamisole caused no mortality. The efficacy of 500 mg/L of albendazole was 48.6% in the 24 hr baths, while that of 125 mg/L levamisole was 88.2%. Although ivermectin showed in vitro efficacy, the lowest concentration used in baths was highly toxic to fish. Therefore, we recommend the use of 125 mg/L of levamisole to control and treat monogenean infestations on C. macropomum in fish farming.
Two epizootic Perkinsus spp. events in commercial oyster farms at Santa Catarina, Brazil
Authors: Luz Cunha Ana C. , Pontinha Vitor de A. , de Castro Maria Alcina M. , Sühnel Simone , Medeiros Sthefanie C. , Moura da Luz Ângela M. , Harakava Ricardo , Tachibana Leonardo , Mello Danielle F. , Danielli Naissa M. , Dafre Alcir L. , Magalhães Aimê R. M. , P. Mouriño José Luiz 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPerkinsus spp. have been detected in various bivalve species from north‐east Brazil. Santa Catarina is a South Brasil state with the highest national oyster production. Considering the pathogenicity of some Perkinsus spp., a study was carried out to survey perkinsosis in two oyster species cultured in this State, the mangrove oyster Crassostrea gasar and the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas. Sampling involved eight sites along the state coast, and oyster sampling was collected during the period between January 2013 and December 2014. For the detection of Perkinsus, Ray's fluid thioglycollate medium (RFTM) and histology were used, and for the identification of the species, PCR and DNA sequencing were used. Perkinsus spp. was found by RFTM in C. gigas and C. gasar from São Francisco do Sul. This pathology was also detected in C. gasar from Balneário Barra do Sul both, by RFTM and histology. Perkinsus marinus was identified in C. gigas and C. gasar from São Francisco do Sul and Perkinsus beihaiensis in C. gasar from Balneário Barra do Sul. This is the first report of P. marinus in C. gigas from South America. Results of this preliminary study suggest that both oyster species tolerate the species of Perkinsus identified, without suffering heavy lesions.
Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals the role of p53 signalling pathway during red‐spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus infection in Lateolabrax japonicus brain cells
Authors: Xiang Yangxi , Jia Peng , Liu Wei , Yi Meisheng , Jia Kuntong 
Published: January 2019

AbstractNervous necrosis virus (NNV) is one of the fish pathogens that have caused mass mortalities of many marine and freshwater fishes in the world. To better comprehend the molecular immune mechanism of sea perch (Lateolabrax japonicus) against NNV infection, the comparative transcriptome analysis of red‐spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV)‐infected or mock‐infected L. japonicus brain (LJB) cells was performed via RNA sequencing technology. Here, 1,969 up‐regulated genes and 9,858 down‐regulated genes, which were widely implicated in immune response pathways, were identified. Furthermore, we confirmed that p53 signalling pathway was repressed at 48 hr post‐RGNNV infection, as indicated by up‐regulation of Mdm2 and down‐regulation of p53 and its downstream target genes, including Bax, Casp8 and CytC. Overexpression of L. japonicus p53 (Ljp53) significantly inhibited RGNNV replication and up‐regulated the expression of apoptosis‐related genes, whereas the down‐regulation caused by pifithrin‐α led to the opposite effect, suggesting Ljp53 might promote cell apoptosis to repress virus replication. Luciferase assay indicated that Ljp53 could enhance the promoter activities of zebrafish interferon (IFN)1, indicating that Ljp53 could exert its anti‐RGNNV activities by enforcing the type I IFN response. This study revealed the potential antiviral role of p53 during NNV infection.
Optimal design of flax fiber reinforced polymer composite as a lightweight component for automobiles from a life cycle assessment perspective
Authors: Deng Yelin , Guo Yansong , Wu Peng , Ingarao Giuseppe 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe present study combines the generalized rule‐of‐mixture (ROM) model and the Ashby material selection method for the life cycle assessment (LCA) of flax fiber reinforced polymers (FRPs) and glass FRPs (GFRPs). The ROM model allows life cycle environmental impact predictions according to specific parameters of flax FRPs such as fiber format, volume fraction, manufacturing technique, and load‐bearing capacity. The comparisons applied in this study are constructed on two common composite structures: mat panels and injection molded struts with equal stiffness and strength as the design criteria. On the one hand, the parametric LCA predicts that the equal strength design criterion for flax FRPs contributes to consistent mass increases, subsequently resulting in higher life cycle environmental impacts compared to the reference GFRPs; on the other hand, under the equal stiffness criterion the flax mat polypropylene (flax mat‐PP) film helps with mass reduction in reference to the glass mat‐PP composite, leading to the 20–50% life cycle environmental impact reductions for most impact categories. The subsequent evaluation of the influences of the fiber volume fraction on flax FRPs shows different patterns. For the short flax fiber‐PP composite, a steady decrease of the life cycle CO2 emissions can be observed with the increasing fiber volume fraction. However, for the flax mat‐PP composite, depending on the tensile modulus of the flax fiber, the optimal volume fractions of the fiber change from 28 to 32% v/v, whereby the lowest life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions can be achieved.
Multiomic analysis of oral keratinocytes chronically exposed to shisha
Authors: Patil Shankargouda , Patel Krishna , Advani Jayshree , Subbannayya Tejaswini , Rajagopalan Pavithra , Babu Niraj , Solanki Hitendra , Bhandi Shilpa , Sidransky David , Chatterjee Aditi , Gowda Harsha , Ferrari Marco 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundTobacco is smoked in different form including cigarettes and water pipes. One popular form of water pipe smoking especially in Middle Eastern countries is shisha smoking. Shisha has been associated with various diseases including oral cancer. However, genomic alterations and gene expression changes associated with chronic shisha exposure have not been previously investigated.ObjectivesWhole‐exome sequencing and gene expression profiling of immortalized human oral keratinocytes (OKF6/TERT1) cells chronically treated with 0.5% shisha extract for a period of 8 months was undertaken to characterize molecular alterations associated with shisha exposure.MethodsGenomic DNA and RNA were extracted and preprocessed as per manufacturer's instruction and subjected to whole‐exome and transcriptome sequencing using Illumina HiSeq2500 platform. Exome was analyzed using GATK pipeline whereas RNA‐Seq data was analyzed using HiSat2 and HTSeq along with DESeq to elucidate differentially expressed genes.ResultsWhole‐exome sequence analysis led to identification of 521 somatic missense variants corresponding to 389 genes RNA‐Seq data revealed 247 differentially expressed genes (≥2‐fold, P‐value<0.01) in shisha treated cells compared to parental cells. Pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed that interferon‐signaling pathway was significantly affected. We predict activation of MAPK1 pathway which is known to play a key role in oral cancer. We also observed allele specific expression of mutant LIMA1 based on RNA‐Seq dataset.ConclusionOur findings provide insights into genomic alterations and gene expression pattern associated with oral keratinocytes chronically exposed to shisha.
Urban redevelopment and residential location choice: Evidence from a major earthquake in Japan
Authors: Xu Hangtian , Wang Si 
Published: January 2019

AbstractWe examine residential location choice behavior in a metropolitan area of Japan that experienced seismic damage. We find that the internal structure of the affected area was reshaped, although, in the long term, its total population size was robust to this temporary shock. Before the earthquake, the population was evolving toward a state of equilibrium with dense locations in the core facing redevelopment barriers and, therefore, stagnation. In contrast, the periphery was becoming increasingly appealing and thus growing. Seismic damage allowed for redevelopment at higher density, making the adjusted equilibrium with dense locations grow again. In summary, the initially expanding periphery stagnated as an unintended consequence of urban redevelopment.
Changes in serum pepsinogen levels and their value as a predictor of treatment outcomes in children with peptic ulcer
Authors: Zhou Bin , Chen Xintao , Huang Biao , Hu Yonghong , Tang Guorong , Zhang Jue , Lin Qiong 
Published: January 2019

AimTo investigate pepsinogen secretion from the neonatal stage to childhood and its diagnostic value for peptic ulcer (PU) in children.MethodsIn this study, 2114 ‘healthy’ children and 51 children with PUs undergoing a medical examination by gastroscopy were selected as subjects. The serum content of pepsinogen I (PGI) and serum pepsinogen II (PGII) was tested for each of the subjects using time‐resolved fluorescence immunoassay, which is characterised by high sensitivity and a wide measuring range.ResultsThe serum PGI and PGII levels were found to increase with age, becoming stable and similar to those of adults at the age of 16. In 51 children with PUs, PGI was 201.03 ± 30.74 ng/mL before treatment and 187.92 ± 19.86 ng/mL after treatment (P > 0.05); PGII was 17.36 ± 1.47 ng/mL before treatment and 17.20 ± 3.98 ng/mL after treatment (P > 0.05).ConclusionsIt is difficult to establish the normal range of PG in children owing to its variance by age. However, if the normal reference range for individual age groups is known, it may still serve as a useful diagnosis system as well as a detecting indicator during the course of PU treatment. There are significant differences in PGI expression in children with PU before and after PU is cured, whereas other indicators show no differences before and after treatment.
Reduced delivery of epididymal adipocyte‐derived exosomal resistin is essential for melatonin ameliorating hepatic steatosis in mice
Authors: Rong Bohan , Feng Ruonan , Liu Chenlong , Wu Qiong , Sun Chao 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAdipocyte‐derived exosomes (Exos) serve as bioinformation‐containing messengers in cell‐to‐cell communications, and numerous reports demonstrate that resistin, an adipokine, is strongly associated with hepatic steatosis and other fatty liver diseases, suggesting that adipose dysfunction‐generated altered pattern of exosomal cytokines may contribute to shaping the physiological activities in liver. Admittedly, melatonin‐mediated positive effects on various tissues/organs have been respectively reported, but regulatory mechanisms of melatonin on the crosstalk between adipose tissue and liver have been investigated rarely. Overall, we hypothesize that the crosstalk originating from adipose tissue may be another worthy regulatory pathway for melatonin ameliorating of hepatic steatosis. Here, we first found the amount of adipocyte‐derived exosomal resistin to be significantly decreased by melatonin supplementation. Compared to mice with ExosHFD or Exosresistin treatment, ExosMT remarkably ameliorated hepatic steatosis. Further test demonstrated that resistin was a pivotal cytokine which repressed phosphorylation of 5′ adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase α (pAMPKα Thr172) to trigger endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, resulting in hepatic steatosis, whereas ExosMT reversed these risks in hepatocytes. In adipocytes, we identified melatonin to reduce the production of resistin through the brain and muscle arnt‐like protein 1 (Bmal1) transcriptional inhibition. Notably, we also confirmed that melatonin enhanced N6‐Methyladenosine (m6A) RNA demethylation to degrade resistin mRNA in adipocytes. Overall, melatonin decreases traffic volume of adipocyte‐generated exosomal resistin from adipocytes to hepatocytes, which further alleviates ER stress‐induced hepatic steatosis. Our findings illustrate a novel melatonin‐mediated regulatory pathway from adipocytes to hepatocytes, indicating that adipocyte‐derived exosome is a new potential target for treating obesity and related hepatorenal syndrome.