bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Response to treatment schedules after the first antiepileptic drug failed
Authors: Chi Xiaosa , Li Rui , Hao Xiaoting , Chen Jiani , Xiong Weixi , Xu Hao , He Yazhou , Liu Wenyu , Tong Xin , Zhang Le , Jiang Xinyue , Gao Hui , Zhou Dong 
Published: September 2018

SummaryObjectiveAfter the failure of the first antiepileptic drug (AED) at doses > 50% defined daily dose (DDD), there are three options for patients with epilepsy: combination therapy, alternative therapy, and increased dosage of the first AED. However, present studies have not provided evidence for which option is best. Therefore, we conducted this retrospective observational cohort study to compare the effects of three treatment schedules.MethodsPatients diagnosed with newly diagnosed epilepsy at the epilepsy clinic of West China Hospital between August 2006 and February 2016 were evaluated for eligibility for this study. Patients who failed to respond to the first AED at doses > 50% DDD were included, and divided into three cohorts: increased dosage, combination therapy, and alternative therapy. Cumulative incidence curves for time to seizure freedom were compared for different cohorts by Gray test. Competing risk regression was conducted to evaluate the association of clinical predictors with seizure freedom.ResultsAltogether, 502 patients (277 male, 55.2%) were included for further analysis, and the median duration of follow‐up was 32 months (range = 8‐127). The probability of seizure freedom was significantly higher in patients receiving combination therapy (n = 323) compared to the alternative therapy cohort (n = 76, P < 0.001) and increased dosage cohort (n = 103, P = 0.025). Competing risk regression analysis showed that combination therapy significantly increased the probability of seizure freedom (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.423, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.529‐3.841, P < 0.001). In addition, male sex and generalized seizure were significantly associated with increased probability of seizure freedom (male sex: HR = 1.440, 95% CI = 1.106‐1.880, P = 0.007; generalized seizure: HR = 1.543, 95% CI = 1.176‐2.020, P = 0.002).SignificanceCombination therapy may increase the probability of seizure freedom for patients with first AED failure due to lack of efficacy.
Maternal stress and fish reproduction: The role of cortisol revisited
Authors: Faught Erin , Vijayan Mathilakath M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractStressor‐induced elevation of circulating cortisol levels is generally considered to have an inhibitory effect on reproduction in teleosts. However, mature female fish have higher levels of circulating cortisol levels, and this is particularly telling in salmonids during their spawning migration. This raises the possibility that a cortisol buffering capacity is active at the level of the gonad. This is particularly important given the recent findings in zebrafish (Danio rerio, Cyprinidae) that zygotic cortisol content, either high or low, can alter developmental programming. Therefore, a tight regulation of corticosteroid during oogenesis may be essential for proper ovarian development. Here, we focus on the temporal dynamics of cortisol in the ovary and its role in regulating the different processes related to oogenesis. Maternally deposited cortisol along with the local production of this steroid by the ovary may be involved in the regulation of oogenesis. We propose two critical stages when cortisol may exert a modulatory effect on oogenesis. The first stage occurs during vitellogenesis when maternal cortisol is incorporated into the yolk, and the second is during maturation and ovulation when cortisol may have a regulatory role on the action of maturation‐inducing hormones. A key protective mechanism to prevent excess cortisol deposition appears to be the upregulation of 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 in the theca and/or granulosa cells of the developing oocyte in response to excess maternal cortisol stimulation. Taken together, cortisol dynamics during oogenesis is complex, but maintaining a “Goldilocks” concentration of this steroid may be a critical process governing successful spawning and progeny development.
Combined effects of warming and nutrients on marine communities are moderated by predators and vary across functional groups
Authors: White Lydia , Donohue Ian , Emmerson Mark C. , O’Connor Nessa E. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWarming, nutrient enrichment and biodiversity modification are among the most pervasive components of human‐induced global environmental change. We know little about their cumulative effects on ecosystems; however, even though this knowledge is fundamental to predicting and managing their consequences in a changing world. Here, we show that shifts in predator species composition can moderate both the individual and combined effects of warming and nutrient enrichment in marine systems. However, all three aspects of global change also acted independently to alter different functional groups in our flow‐through marine rock‐pool mesocosms. Specifically, warming reduced macroalgal biomass and assemblage productivity, whereas enrichment led to increased abundance of meso‐invertebrate consumers, and loss of predator species led to increased gastropod grazer biomass. This disparity in responses, both across trophic levels (macroalgae and intermediate consumers), and between detecting additive effects on aggregate measures of ecosystem functioning, yet interactive effects on community composition, illustrates that our forecasting ability depends strongly on the level of ecological complexity incorporated within global change experiments. We conclude that biodiversity change—and loss of predator species in particular—plays a critical and overarching role in determining how ecological communities respond to stressors.
Hydrogeochemical Evolution Along Groundwater Flow Paths in the Manas River Basin, Northwest China
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Liang Xing , Liu Yanfeng , Jin Menggui , Knappett Peter S.K. , Liu Yalei 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe impacts of long‐term pumping on groundwater chemistry remain unclear in the Manas River Basin, Northwest China. In this study, major ions within five surface water and 105 groundwater samples were analyzed to identify hydrogeochemical processes affecting groundwater composition and evolution along the regional‐scale groundwater flow paths using the multivariate techniques of hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal components analysis (PCA) and traditional graphical methods for analyzing groundwater geochemistry. HCA classified the groundwater samples into four clusters (C1 to C4). PCA reduced the dimensionality of geochemical data into three PCs, which explained 86% of the total variance. The results of HCA and PCA were used to identify three zones: “recharge,” “transition,” and “discharge.” In the recharge zone the groundwater type is Ca‐HCO3‐SO4 and is primarily impacted by the dissolution of calcite and silicate weathering. In the transition zone the groundwater type is Ca‐HCO3‐SO4‐Cl and is impacted by rock dissolution and reverse ion exchange. In the discharge zone the groundwater type is Na‐Cl and is impacted by evaporation and reverse ion exchange. In addition, anthropogenic activities impact the groundwater chemistry in the study area. The groundwater type generally changes from Ca‐HCO3‐SO4 in the recharge area to Na‐Cl in the discharge area along the regional‐scale groundwater flow paths. This study provides a process‐based knowledge for understanding the interaction of groundwater flow patterns and geochemical evolution within the Manas River Basin.
Helicobacter pylori and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: A new enigma?
Authors: Abdel‐Razik Ahmed , Mousa Nasser , Shabana Walaa , Refaey Mohamed , Elhelaly Rania , Elzehery Rasha , Abdelsalam Mostafa , Elgamal Ayman , Nassar Mervat R. , Abu El‐Soud Atef , Seif Ahmed S. , Tawfik Ahmed M. , El‐Wakeel Niveen , Eldars Waleed 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackground and AimThe relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a matter of debate. We achieved this prospective work to study whether H. pylori infection is a risk factor for NAFLD.MethodsA cohort multicenter pilot study of 369 adults without NAFLD at baseline was followed up for 2 years. Serum leptin, insulin, tumor necrosis factor‐α, adiponectin, and interleukin‐6 were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and leptin/adiponectin ratio (LAR) were calculated. Fecal H. pylori antigen was measured by ELISA. A total of 127 participants with H. pylori positive were treated and then followed up for 3 months.ResultsHelicobacter pylori‐positive patients (46.3%) were associated with an increase in IR, proinflammatory cytokines, C‐reactive protein (CRP), LAR, NAFLD‐liver fat score (NAFLD‐LFS), and hepatic steatosis index (HSI) (all P < 0.01). Multivariate analysis of NAFLD according to HSI and NAFLD‐LFS reported that presence of H. pylori, LAR, CRP, IL‐6, smoking, and age (all P < 0.01) were independent risk factors for the presence of NAFLD. Multiple models adjusted for potential mediators or confounders such as metabolic, inflammatory, and biochemical factors were constructed. After therapy of H. pylori infection, there was a significant reduction in lipogenic profile, IR, leptin, LAR, CRP, proinflammatory cytokines, HSI, and NAFLD‐LFS, as well as, increasing HDL.ConclusionHelicobacter pylori infection was related to an increased risk of NAFLD development, through increased markers of IR, inflammatory mediators, and lipid metabolism. Moreover, its eradication can recover these NAFLD risk factors.
Role of Helicobacter pylori infection in cancer‐associated fibroblast‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in vitro
Authors: Krzysiek‐Maczka Gracjana , Targosz Aneta , Szczyrk Urszula , Strzałka Malgorzata , Sliwowski Zbigniew , Brzozowski Tomasz , Czyz Jarosław , Ptak‐Belowska Agata 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundMajor human gastrointestinal pathogen Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) colonizes the gastric mucosa causing inflammation and severe complications including cancer, but the involvement of fibroblasts in the pathogenesis of these disorders in H. pylori‐infected stomach has been little studied. Normal stroma contains few fibroblasts, especially myofibroblasts. Their number rapidly increases in the reactive stroma surrounding inflammatory region and neoplastic tissue; however, the interaction between H. pylori and fibroblasts remains unknown. We determined the effect of coincubation of normal rat gastric fibroblasts with alive H. pylori (cagA+vacA+) and H. pylori (cagA−vacA−) strains on the differentiation of these fibroblasts into cells possessing characteristics of cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) able to induce epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of normal rat gastric epithelial cells (RGM‐1).Materials and MethodsThe panel of CAFs markers mRNA was analyzed in H. pylori (cagA+vacA+)‐infected fibroblasts by RT‐PCR. After insert coculture of differentiated fibroblasts with RGM‐1 cells from 24 up to 48, 72, and 96 hours, the mRNA expression for EMT‐associated genes was analyzed by RT‐PCR.ResultsThe mRNA expression for CAFs markers was significantly increased after 72 hours of infection with H. pylori (cagA+vacA+) but not H. pylori (cagA−vacA−) strain. Following coculture with CAFs, RGM‐1 cells showed significant decrease in E‐cadherin mRNA, and the parallel increase in the expression of Twist and Snail transcription factors mRNA was observed along with the overexpression of mRNAs for TGFβR, HGFR, FGFR, N‐cadherin, vimentin, α‐SMA, VEGF, and integrin‐β1.ConclusionHelicobacter pylori (cagA+vacA+) strain induces differentiation of normal fibroblasts into CAFs, likely to initiate the EMT process in RGM‐1 epithelial cell line.
Prognostic utility of novel biomarkers in acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) associated with hepatitis B: A multicenter prospective study
Authors: Zhao Ruihong , Wu Wei , Zhou Zhibo , Zheng Xiaoqing , Sun Wenjie , Shi Yemin , Yu Haiying , Wang Fang , Zhao Hong , Sun Shanshan , Jin Linfeng , Sheng Jifang , Shi Yu 
Published: September 2018

AimFlare‐ups of chronic hepatitis B can sometimes be severe and even progress to acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF), with high short‐term mortality. A timely estimation of the risk of death should be initiated early. The aim of the present study was to determine whether novel biomarkers add prognostic information beyond current clinical scoring systems.MethodsPatients with hepatitis B‐associated ACLF were prospectively enrolled from five hospitals in China between August 2017 and March 2018. Their plasma was screened for soluble CD163 (sCD163), neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL), and copeptin. The association between these biomarkers and mortality was analyzed. The performance of the Model for End‐stage Liver Disease, Asian‐Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver–ACLF Research Consortium score, and the Chronic Liver Failure Consortium ACLF score, with or without biomarkers, were compared.ResultsOne hundred fifty one patients were enrolled. Advanced ACLF patients had significantly higher levels than early ACLF individuals of plasma biomarkers sCD163 (P = 0.001), NGAL (P = 0.006), and copeptin (P = 0.049). Thirty‐four deaths occurred during the 28‐day follow‐up period (22.5%). Both sCD163 and NGAL showed a strong independent association with 28‐day mortality, whereas copeptin did not. Scoring systems incorporating sCD163 and NGAL had better discrimination and calibration, as measured by area under the receiver operating characteristic curves, the Akaike information criteria, integrated discrimination improvement, and net reclassification improvement.ConclusionsSoluble CD163 and NGAL are independently associated with short‐term mortality in hepatitis B‐associated ACLF. Use of a combination of sCD163 and NGAL improves prognostication.
Dysbalanced sex hormone status is an independent predictor of decompensation and mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Paternostro Rafael , Heinisch Birgit B. , Reiberger Thomas , Mandorfer Mattias , Bardach Constanze , Lampichler Katharina , Seeland Berit , Schwarzer Remy , Trauner Michael , Peck‐Radosavljevic Markus , Ferlitsch Arnulf 
Published: September 2018

AimsEndocrinological abnormalities, including low testosterone levels, are prevalent in cirrhosis. We assessed sexual hormone status in regard to hemodynamic abnormalities and its impact on hepatic decompensation and survival.MethodsMales with cirrhosis were prospectively included in this study since 2010. Sexual hormones including bioavailable testosterone, total testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone, prolactin, and sex hormone‐binding globulin as well as Child–Pugh score, Model for End‐stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and hepatic venous pressure gradient were recorded. Sarcopenia was also assessed in patients with available computed tomography scans. Clinical follow‐up for hepatic decompensation, liver transplantation, and death was recorded until May 2017.ResultsOne hundred fourteen male cirrhotic patients were included: age 55 ± 9.4 years, MELD 13.5 (range, 7–20.7). Etiologies were alcoholic liver disease in 61(53.5%) patients, viral in 30 (26.3%) patients, and other in 23 (20.2%). Child–Pugh scores were A in 32 (28.1%) patients, B in 48 (42.1%), and C in 34 (29.8%). Levels of bioavailable testosterone and total testosterone decreased with advanced Child–Pugh score (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001) whereas prolactin increased (P = 0.002). Median bioavailable testosterone (0.8 ng/mL [0.1–2] vs. 1.68 ng/mL [0.07–2.65]; P = 0.004) and total testosterone (2.7 ng/mL [0.23–12.34] vs. 7 ng/mL [0.25–10]; P = 0.041) levels were lower in patients with severe portal hypertension (hepatic venous pressure gradient >12 mmHg). Median bioavailable testosterone (0.25 ng/mL [0.07–1.7] vs. 0.97 ng/mL [0.15–2.74)]; P = 0.017) and total testosterone levels (1.28 ng/mL [0.25–7.32] vs. 4.32 ng/mL [0.43–13.47]; P = 0.031) were significantly lower in sarcopenic patients. Median follow‐up was 13 months (0.2–75 months) and liver‐related events were recorded in 46 patients (40.4%; death, 31 [27.2%]). Low total testosterone was associated with an increased risk for hepatic decompensation and/or death, even after adjusting for Child–Pugh score, MELD, and other relevant factors (Child–Pugh score model: hazard ratio 2.503, 95% confidence interval, 1.214–5.157, P = 0.013; MELD model: hazard ratio 3.065, 95% confidence interval, 1.523–6.169, P = 0.002).ConclusionIn parallel to increasing severity of cirrhosis, levels of testosterone decline whereas prolactin levels increase. However, low testosterone levels are independently associated with a higher risk for hepatic decompensation and mortality.
WAGE VOLATILITY AND CHANGING PATTERNS OF LABOR SUPPLY
Authors: Hong Jay H. , Seok Byoung Hoon , You Hye Mi 
Published: September 2018

AbstractOver the past few decades, the skilled–unskilled hours differential for U.S. men increased when the skill premium rose sharply, in contrast with dominant income effects. Based on PSID data, we show that over the 1967–2000 period, skilled men experienced a three times larger increase in wage volatility than unskilled men. With the rise in wage volatility, our general equilibrium incomplete markets model generates a 2.7 hours increase in the hours differential whereas it increased by 1.4 hours in the data. We find that hours adjustments are important for self‐insurance in the short run, whereas precautionary savings play a crucial role eventually.
A highly efficient method of dehydroxylation and fining of Nd phosphate laser glasses
Authors: Muñoz Francisco , Balda Rolindes 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWe describe herein a method that shows to be highly efficient in the dehydroxylation and fining process of phosphate glasses and that has been tested on the Nd‐doped 15Na2O‐15K2O‐20BaO‐50P2O5 metaphosphate composition. The method consists of a two‐step procedure: first, the batch is melted in a ceramic crucible; then, the obtained glass is re‐melted under a constant N2 flow, while being placed inside a graphite crucible with a much bigger surface area as compared to its depth. This allows the melt to be spread over the crucible area resulting in a relatively thin layer with a high area in contact with the atmosphere at the temperature of remelting. It has been demonstrated that the water content decreases with both temperature and time length and that the glass samples obtained are completely free of bubbles and stria showing very high chemical and optical homogeneity. This method employed, has been proven to be very effective, as evidenced by the great increase in the lifetime of Nd3+ luminescence––reaching a maximum of 380 μs‐which is much higher than the one measured in the untreated glass.
Review of safety and efficacy of approved systemic psoriasis therapies
Authors: Kaushik Shivani B. , Lebwohl Mark G. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease which affects nearly 3% of the adult US population. Due to the chronic nature of the disease and need for long‐term treatment, psoriasis is associated with substantial disease burden and negative impact on patients’ quality of life. In the past, systemic agents such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, and acitretin have been the mainstay treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis. Multiple new molecular targets have been recently identified, and novel biologic therapies directed at these targets have been approved leading to a paradigm shift in psoriasis management. However, despite the availability of several treatment options and continued introduction of highly efficacious biologics, undertreatment of psoriasis patients remains a huge problem. This can be largely attributed to several causes including high cost of biologics, lack of experience, and reluctance of practitioners to initiate or switch to systemic treatment regimens in moderate to severe psoriasis patients. In this article, we aim to provide a concise review of mechanism, safety, and efficacy of the approved systemic treatments for psoriasis.
Paired APTTs of low and high lupus anticoagulant sensitivity permit distinction from other abnormalities and achieve good lupus anticoagulant detection rates in conjunction with dRVVT
Authors: Kumano Osamu , Amiral Jean , Dunois Claire , Peyrafitte Marie , Moore Gary W. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIntroductionA prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) may be indicative of a specific or multiple factor deficiency, therapeutic anticoagulation, presence of a nonspecific factor inhibitor, or lupus anticoagulant (LA). Recently, pairing of the LA‐sensitive APTT and standard APTT reagents, Cephen LS and Cephen, respectively, has been shown to be effective in LA detection. The present study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of this reagent pair for discriminating between causes of APTT elevation and the detection of LA in conjunction with dilute Russell's viper venom time (dRVVT).MethodsPlasma samples from 50 normal and 105 non‐anticoagulated LA‐positive patients in routine dRVVT and/or dilute APTT (dAPTT) via the percent correction formula were employed. Cephen LS/Cephen and dRVVT reagents LA1/LA2 were used to screen/confirm, respectively. Thirty‐four symptomatic LA‐negative, 25 warfarinised non‐antiphospholipid syndrome, 6 coagulation inhibitors, 17 samples with hereditary elevated APTT, and 24 FVIII/IX/XI/XII and 17 FII/V/X artificial single deficiency plasmas were used.ResultsThirty‐three samples out of 105 (31%) were LA‐positive in Cephen LS/Cephen. The total percent positivity in Cephen LS/Cephen and LA1/LA2 pairs was 89.1% against samples with the routine dRVVT/dAPTT double positive. The percent corrections of Cephen LS/Cephen in the routine dAPTT/dRVVT positive group were significantly higher than those in all other groups.ConclusionsThe percent correction of the APTT reagent pair showed higher values in LA‐positive samples. The combination will be useful with respect to differentiating LA from other abnormal samples and is effective in LA detection when paired with dRVVT.
Submicron‐grained Yb:Lu2O3 transparent ceramics with lasing quality
Authors: Yin Danlei , Ma Jie , Liu Peng , Yao Bingqing , Wang Jun , Dong Zhili , Kong Ling Bing , Tang Dingyuan 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWe report on our recent progress of fabricating Yb3+‐doped Lu2O3 transparent ceramics for 1 μm solid‐state laser application. Well‐dispersed 3.3 at.% Yb:Lu2O3 nanopowders were synthesized using a co‐precipitation method. Without using any sintering aids, the Yb:Lu2O3 nanopowders could be densified by vacuum sintering at 1500°C/10 hours followed by HIPing at 1480°C/4 hours. Such obtained Yb:Lu2O3 ceramics had not only dense microstructure and submicron grain size of about 0.6 μm, but also in‐line transmission of 80.0% at 600 nm. Preliminary continuous wave (CW) laser experiments with an uncoated Yb:Lu2O3 ceramic slab have demonstrated highly efficient CW laser oscillation at 1079.8 nm.