bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population demography and biology of a new species of giant spiny trapdoor spider (Araneae: Idiopidae: Euoplos) from inland Queensland: developing a ‘slow science’ study system to address a conservation crisis
Authors: Rix Michael G , Wilson Jeremy D , Rix Alan G , Wojcieszek Aleena M , Huey Joel A , Harvey Mark S 
Published: August 2018

Abstract‘Slow science’ approaches to understanding the ecology, natural history and demography of species have declined over recent decades, despite the critical importance of these studies to conservation biology. With the progression of the Anthropocene, populations of invertebrates are under increasing pressure across the globe, yet few long‐term datasets exist to track potential changes or declines. Here, we present a newly developed ‘slow science’ study system, to understand the demography, biology and molecular ecology of a potentially threatened species of giant idiopid trapdoor spider from inland eastern Australia. This previously undescribed species in the tribe Euoplini, here newly described as Euoplos grandis Wilson & Rix sp. nov., has a highly fragmented distribution in the southern Brigalow Belt bioregion of south‐eastern Queensland, in a landscape largely cleared for cropped agriculture. The conservation significance of Idiopidae has long been recognised, and these spiders remain a flagship group for terrestrial invertebrate conservation in Australia. By studying growth rates, life spans, recruitment, natural history, fitness, gene flow, dispersal and other aspects of population and individual health, we aim gradually to uncover the population dynamics of a discrete natural population. In this paper, we summarise longitudinal data for 69 individual trapdoor spiders following an initial 18 months of study, and highlight preliminary demographic trends, biological observations and avenues for future genetic research. Ultimately, the aim of this study is to provide a baseline dataset for the conservation of Australian Idiopidae, and a guiding case study for similar taxa elsewhere in Australia.
Echocardiographic determination of resting haemodynamics and optimal positioning in term pregnant women
Authors: Dennis A. T. , Buckley A. , Mahendrayogam T. , Castro J. M. , Leeton L. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryOptimal positioning for anaesthesia in pregnant women involves balancing the need for ideal tracheal intubation conditions (achieved by the head elevated ramped position), with the prevention of reduced cardiac output from aortocaval compression (achieved by left lateral pelvic tilt). No studies have examined the effect on cardiac output of left lateral pelvic tilt in the ramped position. We studied non‐labouring, non‐anaesthetised healthy term pregnant women who underwent baseline (left lateral decubitus) cardiac assessment using transthoracic echocardiography. We then compared cardiac output, maternal physiological variables, fetal heart rate and comfort scores in three positions: left lateral decubitus; ramped position with wedge; and ramped position alone. Thirty women completed the study. Mean (SD) age, gestation and body mass index were 33.5 (3.93) years, 38.5 (0.94) weeks and 29.0 (4.0) kg.m−2, respectively. Mean ejection fraction, left ventricular internal diameter and mitral valve E/e’ were 55.2 (6.8) %, 4.70 (0.43) cm and 7.50 (1.82), respectively. There were no differences in cardiac output between the positions (p = 0.503). There were no differences in systolic (p = 0.955) or diastolic (p = 0.987) blood pressure, maternal heart rate (p = 0.133), oxygen saturation, respiratory rate (p = 0.964) or fetal heart rate (p = 0.361) between ramped with wedge and ramped alone positions. Left lateral decubitus was most comfortable (p = 0.001), however, there were no differences in comfort levels between ramped with wedge and ramped alone positions. The ramped position without left lateral tilt is safe and acceptable in non‐labouring, non‐anaesthetised, healthy term pregnant women. Left lateral pelvic tilt may be unnecessary in the head elevated ramped position in term pregnant women.
Impact of residual disease on overall survival in women with Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IIIB‐IIIC vs stage IV epithelial ovarian cancer after primary surgery
Authors: Sørensen Sarah M. , Schnack Tine H. , Høgdall Claus 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe objective of this study was to determine the impact of intra‐abdominal residual disease size, type (carcinomatosis, tumor mass or both), and location (upper/lower abdominal/both) on overall survival in women with Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IIIB‐IIIC vs stage IV epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent primary debulking surgery.Material and methodsAltogether 2092 women diagnosed with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer undergoing primary debulking surgery in Denmark during 2005‐2016 were identified in the Danish Gynecological Cancer Database. The impact of residual disease size, type, and location were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsComplete cytoreduction (residual disease = 0) was achieved in 47.3% and 38.4% of women with stage IIIB‐IIIC and IV epithelial ovarian cancer, respectively. A benefit in overall survival was observed in women with residual disease = 0 compared with women with residual disease, and among women with residual disease ≤1 cm compared with residual disease >2 cm in both stages IIIB‐IIIC and stage IV in multivariate analyses. Multivariate analyses showed an inferior overall survival for women with both residual carcinomatosis and residual tumor mass compared with those with residual tumor mass or residual carcinomatosis only for stage IIIB‐IIIC and IV, and an inferior overall survival for women with residual disease located in both the upper and lower abdomen compared with residual disease in the upper abdomen only in stages IIIB‐IIIC.ConclusionsOur results confirm the positive prognostic impact of both complete cytoreduction and residual disease ≤1 cm in stages IIIB‐IIIC as well as stage IV epithelial ovarian cancer. Women with stage IV do benefit from cytoreductive surgery and should be considered for primary debulking surgery, if residual disease = 0 can initially be expected.
Glucocorticoids exert differential effects on the endothelium in an in vitro model of the blood–retinal barrier
Authors: van der Wijk Anne‐Eva , Canning Paul , van Heijningen Rutger P. , Vogels Ilse M.C. , van Noorden Cornelis J.F. , Klaassen Ingeborg , Schlingemann Reinier O. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPurposeGlucocorticoids (GCs) are used as treatment in diabetic macular oedema, a condition caused by blood–retinal barrier (BRB) disruption. The proposed mechanisms by which GCs reduce macular oedema are indirect anti‐inflammatory effects and inhibition of VEGF production, but direct effects on the BRB endothelium may be equally important. Here, we investigated direct effects of GCs on the endothelium to understand the specific pathways of GC action, to enable development of novel therapeutics lacking the adverse side‐effects of the presently used GCs.MethodsPrimary bovine retinal endothelial cells (BRECs) were grown on Transwell inserts and treated with hydrocortisone (HC), dexamethasone (Dex) or triamcinolone acetonide (TA). Molecular barrier integrity of the BRB was determined by mRNA and protein expression, and barrier function was assessed using permeability assays. In addition, we investigated whether TA was able to prevent barrier disruption after stimulation with VEGF or cytokines.ResultsTreatment of BRECs with GCs resulted in upregulation of tight junction mRNA (claudin‐5, occludin, ZO‐1) and protein (claudin‐5 and ZO‐1). In functional assays, only TA strengthened the barrier function by reducing endothelial permeability. Moreover, TA was able to prevent cytokine‐induced permeability in human retinal endothelial cells and VEGF‐induced expression of plasmalemma vesicle‐associated protein (PLVAP), a key player in VEGF‐induced retinal vascular leakage.ConclusionGlucocorticoids have differential effects in an experimental in vitro BRB model. TA is the most potent in improving barrier function, both at the molecular and functional levels, and TA prevents VEGF‐induced expression of PLVAP.
Non–exposed endoscopic wall‐inversion surgery for pediatric gastrointestinal stromal tumor: A case report
Authors: Matsumoto Shiro , Hosoya Yoshinori , Lefor Alan K , Ino Yuji , Haruta Hidenori , Kurashina Kentaro , Saito Shin , Kitayama Joji , Sata Naohiro 
Published: August 2018

AbstractGastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) in patients under 18 years of age are classified as pediatric GIST. Pediatric GIST are extremely rare, and there are no reports of laparoscopic‐endoscopic cooperative surgery for these lesions. We report the use of non‐exposed endoscopic wall‐inversion surgery as a laparoscopic‐endoscopic cooperative surgery‐related procedure for the treatment of a pediatric GIST. The case involved a 17‐year‐old male patient who presented with anemia and was found to have a bleeding gastric tumor. The tumor was resected transorally using the non‐exposed endoscopic wall‐inversion surgery technique. No gene mutation of c‐Kit or Platelet‐Derived Growth Factor Receptor α (PDGFRα) was found, and the final pathological diagnosis was epithelial‐type GIST due to a succinate dehydrogenase abnormality. Follow‐up included a CT scan every 4 months. No recurrence has occurred to date.
Morphological study for understanding the sexual pattern in ghost shrimp Callichirus major (Crustacea: Axiidea)
Authors: Souza Tugstênio L. , Braga Adriane A. , López Greco Laura S. , Bertini Giovana , Nunes Erika T. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCallichirus major is a species of ghost shrimp that has burrowing habits, building underground galleries in the intertidal region of beaches. This study aimed to analyse some morphological parameters to verify its type of sexual pattern. A sample of 79 individuals, collected at the beach of Corujão, Espírito Santo, Brazil, was used. Data on the external morphology, presence of gonopores, carapace length (CL) and cheliped lengths (Lch) were obtained. In addition, the gonads were processed for histological analysis. The animals were divided into three categories: A, individuals with male characteristics; B, those presenting exclusively female characteristics; C, animals with characteristics of intersex, which presented supernumerary gonopores. Positive allometries were found for Lch versus CL only for category A, characterizing the group's marked heterochely. Histologically, it was possible to observe the presence of oocytes in category A and one case of male tissue in an intersex individual (category C). However, no genital ducts of both sexes were found in that individual. Callichirus major presents controversial sexual characters, which makes it difficult to understand the reproductive parameters and sexual pattern. However, maybe that species can develop a sexual system of hermaphroditism.
Meta‐analysis of the Influence of UGT Genetic Polymorphisms on Lamotrigine Concentration
Authors: Kim Su Cheol , Kim Myeong Gyu 
Published: August 2018

AbstractUridine 5′‐diphospho‐glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) are involved in the metabolism of lamotrigine, but whether the UGT1A4 and UGT2B7 genetic polymorphisms affect lamotrigine concentration remains controversial. Thus, the objective of this meta‐analysis was to analyse the influence of UGT1A4 and UGT2B7 genetic polymorphisms on lamotrigine concentration. Through searching, screening, selection, data extraction and quantitative analyses, the influence of UGT1A4 and UGT2B7 genetic polymorphisms on lamotrigine concentration‐to‐dose ratio (CDR) was assessed by meta‐analysis of nine studies. Neither UGT1A4 70C>A nor 142T>G significantly affected lamotrigine CDR values (standardized difference in means [SDM] = 0.433, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.380‐1.302; SDM = −0.458, 95% CI = −1.141‐0.224, respectively). Only the UGT2B7 ‐161C>T homozygous variant had significantly higher CDR values than the wild‐type (WT) and heterozygous variant (SDM = 0.634, 95% CI = 0.056‐1.222). In conclusion, CDR of lamotrigine was significantly higher for the UGT2B7 ‐161C>T homozygous variant than for the WT and heterozygous variant. Thus, UGT2B7 ‐161C>T homozygous variant needs to receive reduced dose.
Prospective study of brentuximab vedotin in relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma patients who are not suitable for stem cell transplant or multi‐agent chemotherapy
Authors: Walewski Jan , Hellmann Andrzej , Siritanaratkul Noppadol , Ozsan Guner Hayri , Ozcan Muhit , Chuncharunee Suporn , Goh Ai Sim , Jurczak Wojciech , Koren Jan , Paszkiewicz‐Kozik Ewa , Wang Bingxia , Singh Shalini , Huebner Dirk , Engert Andreas , von Tresckow Bastian 
Published: August 2018

SummarySome patients with relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) are not considered suitable for stem cell transplant (SCT) and have a poor prognosis. This phase IV study (NCT01990534) evaluated brentuximab vedotin (1·8 mg/kg intravenously once every 3 weeks) in 60 patients (aged ≥18 years) with CD30‐positive relapsed/refractory HL, a history of ≥1 prior systemic chemotherapy regimen, who were considered unsuitable for SCT/multi‐agent chemotherapy. Primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) per independent review facility (IRF). Secondary endpoints included duration of response (DOR), progression‐free survival (PFS) per IRF, overall survival (OS), proportion proceeding to SCT and safety. The ORR was 50%, with 12% CR; 47% proceeded to SCT. Median DOR was 4·6 months and median duration of CR was 6·1 months. After a median follow‐up of 6·9 and 16·6 months, median PFS and OS were 4·8 months (95% confidence interval, 3·0–5·3) and not reached, respectively; estimated OS rate was 86% at 12 months. Most common adverse events (≥10%) were peripheral neuropathy (35%), pyrexia (18%), diarrhoea and neutropenia (each 10%). Brentuximab vedotin showed notable activity with a safety profile consistent with known toxicities, and may act as a bridge to SCT, enabling high‐risk patients who achieve suboptimal response to frontline/salvage chemotherapy/radiotherapy to receive potentially curative SCT.
Resibufogenin suppresses transforming growth factor‐β‐activated kinase 1‐mediated nuclear factor‐κB activity through protein kinase C‐dependent inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3
Authors: Liu Lu , Liu Yang , Liu Xiaojia , Zhang Na , Mao Genxiang , Zeng Qingxuan , Yin Mingxiao , Song Danqing , Deng Hongbin 
Published: August 2018

AbstractResibufogenin (RB), one of the major active compounds of the traditional Chinese medicine Chansu, has received considerable attention for its potency in cancer therapy. However, the anticancer effects and the underlying mechanisms of RB on pancreatic cancer remain elusive. Here, we found that RB inhibited the viability and induces caspase‐dependent apoptosis in human pancreatic cancer cells Panc‐1 and Aspc. Resibufogenin‐induced apoptosis was through inhibition of constitutive nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activity and its target genes’ expression, which was caused by downregulation of transforming growth factor‐β‐activated kinase 1 (TAK1) levels and suppression of IκB kinase activity in Panc‐1 and Aspc cells. This induction of TAK1‐mediated NF‐κB inactivation by RB was associated with increased glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3) phosphorylation and subsequent suppression of its activity. Moreover, RB‐induced GSK‐3 phosphorylation/inactivation acted through activation of protein kinase C but not Akt. Finally, RB suppressed human pancreatic tumor xenograft growth in athymic nude mice. Thus, our findings reveal a novel mechanism by which RB suppresses TAK1‐mediated NF‐κB activity through protein kinase C‐dependent inhibition of GSK‐3. Our findings provide a rationale for the potential application of RB in pancreatic cancer therapy.
Fatigue and the wear-off effect in adult patients with common variable immunodeficiency
Authors: Hajjar J , Kutac C , Rider N L , Seeborg F O , Scalchunes C , Orange J 
Published: August 2018

Summary
Patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) have increased fatigue compared with the general population. Fatigue is associated with lower quality of life (QoL), which is associated with higher mortality in CVID. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-reported fatigue for patients with CVID and to identify its possible drivers and burden on QoL. We analysed data from the 2013 Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) treatment survey. Answers were included from 873 CVID patients who responded (respondents). Of the 873 respondents included in the analysis, 671 (76·9%) reported fatigue, of whom 400 (83·7%) were receiving intravenous (i.v.) immunoglobulins (IVIG) and 271 (68·6%) were receiving subcutaneous (s.c.) immunoglobulins. This difference in fatigue between patients receiving IVIG and SCIG was statistically significant (P &lt; 0·001). Dose and frequency of immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgGRT) did not affect fatigue prevalence. Fatigued patients on IVIG reported greater infection rates and required more anti-microbials during the wear-off period. Fatigued patients reported worse health status than non-fatigued patients, and had lower rates of employment, education, household income and school attendance than their non-fatigued counterparts. Fatigue is increased in CVID, especially among patients receiving IVIG, compared to SCIG. Fatigue has a significant impact on QoL and productivity in patients with CVID. Further studies to identify the mechanisms of fatigue are warranted to help advance therapeutic measures to treat this disease and improve patients’ QoL and wellbeing.
Implant‐associated gene expression in the jaw bone of smokers and nonsmokers: A human study using quantitativeqPCR
Authors: Sayardoust Shariel , Omar Omar , Norderyd Ola , Thomsen Peter 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to compare the molecular events in implant‐adherent cells and in peri‐implant bone during the osseointegration of machined and oxidized titanium implants in smokers and nonsmokers.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐four smokers and 24 nonsmokers each received machined and anodically oxidized mini‐implants. The mini‐implants and the surrounding bone were retrieved after 1, 7, and 28 days, for gene expression analysis of selected factors using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).ResultsDifferences between machined and oxidized implants were more evident in the implant‐adherent cells than the peri‐implant bone. The machined implants revealed higher expression of proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) (in nonsmokers), and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (in nonsmokers and smokers), compared with the oxidized implants. Conversely, the expression of bone formation genes, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, was generally higher at the oxidized implants. In smokers, the temporal pattern revealed the delayed and initial inhibition of osteoblastic and osteoclastic gene expression, respectively, mainly at the machined implants. In contrast, oxidized implants revealed higher expression of bone remodeling, cathepsin K (CatK) and calcitonin receptor, and coupling, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin, genes after 7 day in smokers.ConclusionsThe implant‐adherent cells are more sensitive to surface properties and smoking conditions than the cells in the peri‐implant bone. Smoking imposes inhibitory effects on the initial molecular events of osseointegration in the human bone–implant interface. The surface properties of oxidized implants appear to have a beneficial effect on osseointegration by mitigating the smoking‐induced negative effects.
Modifiable vascular risk factors, white matter disease and cognition in early Parkinson's disease
Authors: Chahine L. M. , Dos Santos C. , Fullard M. , Scordia C. , Weintraub D. , Erus G. , Rosenthal L. , Davatzikos C. , McMillan C. T. 
Published: August 2018

Background and purposeDementia in Parkinson's disease (PD) is common and disabling. Identification of modifiable risk factors for it is essential. Vascular risk factors (VRFs) may be associated with cognitive decline in early PD. Biomarkers that serve as surrogates of the long‐term effect of VRFs on PD are needed. To that end, we aimed to quantitate white matter hyperintensities (WMH) in early PD, measure associations with VRFs and examine relationships between WMH and longitudinal cognition.MethodsParticipants in the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative study (141 patients with PD, 63 healthy controls) with adequate baseline structural brain magnetic resonance imaging data were included. Hypertension and diabetes history, and body mass index were combined to create a vascular risk score. WMH were quantitated via automated methods. Cognition was assessed annually with a comprehensive test battery.ResultsIn the PD group, vascular risk score was associated with WMH for total brain (β = 0.210; P = 0.021), total white matter (β = 0.214; P = 0.013), frontal (β = 0.220; P = 0.002) and temporal (β = 0.212; P = 0.002) regions. Annual rate of change in global cognition was greater in those with higher vascular risk score (β = −0.040; P = 0.007) and greater WMH (β = −0.029; P = 0.049). Higher temporal WMH burden was associated with great decline over time in verbal memory (β = −0.034; P = 0.031).ConclusionsIn early PD, modifiable VRFs are associated with WMH on brain magnetic resonance imaging. Temporal WMH burden predicts decline in verbal memory. WMH may serve as a surrogate marker for the effect of VRFs on cognitive abilities in PD.
Abnormal sleep in patients with epileptic or dissociative (non‐epileptic) seizures: a polysomnography study
Authors: Popkirov S. , Stone J. , Derry C. P. 
Published: August 2018

Background and purposeThe aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of sleep disorders and measure the objective sleep quality in patients with seizure disorders.MethodsPatients admitted for video electroencephalography monitoring were prospectively recruited and polysomnography was performed on the third night of monitoring.ResultsA total of 4/44 (9%) patients with epilepsy and 2/22 (9%) patients with dissociative seizures were found to have mild sleep‐disordered breathing. Three (7%) patients with epilepsy were found to have mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and three (14%) patients with dissociative seizures had mild or moderate OSAHS. Most patients with sleep‐disordered breathing or OSAHS were overweight or obese. Time awake after sleep onset was high in both groups. There were no significant differences in sleep architecture between the groups except for a difference in average N3 sleep stage proportion. Periodic limb movements (PLMs) were common in both groups and 27% of patients with dissociative seizures had both high PLM rates and high arousal indices, suggesting a high prevalence of probable PLM disorder in that group (compared with 9% in the epilepsy group).ConclusionsOur findings contradict the commonly reported high comorbidity of OSAHS and epilepsy, and question its purported clinical relevance. High rates of PLMs were found in patients with dissociative seizures. In both patient groups, high awake after sleep onset times were indicative of sleep disruption, which can have an epileptogenic effect and is known to increase dissociative tendencies.