bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oncofetal HLF transactivates c-Jun to promote hepatocellular carcinoma development and sorafenib resistance
Authors: Xiang Dai-Min , Sun Wen , Zhou Tengfei , Zhang Cheng , Cheng Zhuo , Li Shi-Chao , Jiang Weiqi , Wang Ruoyu , Fu Gongbo , Cui Xiuliang , Hou Guojun , Jin Guang-Zhi , Li Hengyu , Hou Caiying , Liu Hui , Wang Hongyang , Ding Jin 
Published: May 2019

Background and aimsThe unique expression pattern makes oncofetal proteins ideal diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer. However, few oncofetal proteins have been identified and entered clinical practice.MethodsFetal liver, adult liver and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues were employed to assess the expression of hepatic leukaemia factor (HLF). The impact of HLF on HCC onset and progression was investigated both in vivo and in vitro. The association between HLF and patient prognosis was determined in patient cohorts. The correlation between HLF expression and sorafenib benefits in HCC was further evaluated in patient cohorts and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs).ResultsHLF is a novel oncofetal protein which is reactivated in HCC by SOX2 and OCT4. Functional studies revealed that HLF transactivates c-Jun to promote tumour initiating cell (TIC) generation and enhances TIC-like properties of hepatoma cells, thus driving HCC initiation and progression. Consistently, our clinical investigations elucidated the association between HLF and patient prognosis and unravelled the close correlation between HLF levels and c-Jun expression in patient HCCs. Importantly, HLF/c-Jun axis determines the responses of hepatoma cells to sorafenib treatment, and interference of HLF abrogated c-Jun activation and enhanced sorafenib response. Analysis of patient cohorts and PDXs further suggests that HLF/c-Jun axis might serve as a biomarker for sorafenib benefits in HCC patients.ConclusionsOur findings uncovered HLF as a novel oncofetal protein and revealed the crucial role of the HLF/c-Jun axis in HCC development and sorafenib response, rendering HLF as an optimal target for the prevention and intervention of HCC.
Dural puncture epidural analgesia for labor: a randomized comparison between 25-gauge and 27-gauge pencil point spinal needles
Authors: Contreras Felipe , Morales Juan , Bravo Daniela , Layera Sebastián , Jara Álvaro , Riaño Carlos , Pizarro Rodrigo , De La Fuente Natalia , Aliste Julián , Finlayson Roderick J , Tran De Q 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundThis double-blind, randomized trial compared dural puncture epidural analgesia (DPEA) for labor using 25-gauge and 27-gauge pencil point spinal needles. We hypothesized that both needle sizes would result in similar onset time (equivalence margin=2.5 min) and therefore designed the study as an equivalence trial.MethodsOne hundred and forty patients undergoing labor were randomized to DPEA with 25-gauge (n=70) or 27-gauge (n=70) pencil point spinal needles. After the placement of the epidural catheter, a bolus of 20 mL of bupivacaine 0.125% and fentanyl 2 µg/mL was administered to all subjects. Thereafter, patients received boluses of 12 mL of bupivacaine 0.125% every 2 hours as needed.A blinded investigator recorded the onset time (defined as the temporal interval required to achieve a pain score ≤1 on a 0–10 scale), S2 block, sensory block height (30 min after the initial bolus of local anesthetic), presence of motor block (30 min after the initial bolus of local anesthetic), number of top-up doses required during labor and incidence of postural headache.ResultsOut of the 140 recruited patients, 135 were retained for analysis. Compared with their 27-gauge counterparts, 25-gauge pencil point spinal needles provided a 1.6 min shorter DPEA onset (95% CI of the difference of the means: −3.2 to −0.1 min). However, there were no intergroup differences in terms of S2 block, sensory block height, motor block, number of top-up doses and incidence of postural headache.ConclusionDural puncture epidural analgesia with 25-gauge pencil point spinal needles provides a 1.6 min shorter onset time than DPEA with 27-gauge spinal needles. Although statistically significant, such a difference may not be clinically relevant. Further investigation is required to compare 25-gauge and 27-gauge spinal needles for DPEA in the setting of different local anesthetic infusion strategies.Trial registration numberNCT03389945.
Development of one general and six country-specific algorithms to assess societal health utilities based on ASAS HI
Authors: Essers Ivette , Hiligsmann Mickael , Kiltz Uta , Bansback Nick , Braun Juergen , van der Heijde Desirée , Boonen Annelies 
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveHealth utilities represent preference values that persons attach to health states. This study aims to develop one general and six country-specific algorithms to calculate societal preference values for health of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA), as assessed by the disease-specific Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society Health Index (ASAS HI).MethodsA survey was performed in random population samples from six European countries. In a best-worst choice experiment, subjects were asked to indicate repeatedly which of 4 random aspects of the 17-item ASAS HI was were most and least important. Bayesian analysis provided the relative importance of each of the 17 items. To rescale the relative importance scores on the absolute utility scale between 0 and 1, participants additionally completed two lead time trade-off experiments, one for ‘severe SpA’ and one for ‘best health’ without SpA. Six country-specific algorithms and one general algorithm were derived. The general algorithm was tested in 199 patients with axial SpA (axSpA).Results3039 subjects, mean age 47 years (SD 15) and 52% female completed the experiments. The population’s health utility value for SpA varied between − 0.24 for ‘worst’ SpA (country range −0.35 to 0.03), and 0.88 for ‘best’ health (country range 0.81 to 0.90). Among 199 patients with axSpA, the mean utility was 0.36 (SD 0.30, range −0.24 to 0.88) and discriminated well between patients having high (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) ≥ 4) or low (BASDAI < 4) disease activity (0.18 (SD 0.24) vs 0.51(SD 0.27), p<0.01).ConclusionOne general and six country-specific algorithms are available to convert scores from the ASAS HI into disease-specific societal utility values.
The Association Between Age and Clinical and Radiological Activity in Axial Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Li Philip Hei , Chung Ho Yin , Wong Chun Sing , Tsang Helen Hoi Lun , Lau Vince Wing Hang , Ho Grace , Xu Xiaopei , Lau Chak Sing , Ma Kai Yiu 
Published: May 2019

Objective: To investigate the associations between age and clinical and radiological disease activities in axial SpA. Methods: One hundred and twenty-one patients fulfilling the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society Classification Criteria for axial SpA were included in analyses. Patient demographics, disease activity and radiographic scores, as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with diffusion weighted imaging derived apparent diffusion coefficient values (DWI(ADC)), were compared between patients aged > 40 and [Formula: see text] 40 years at a cross-sectional level. Variables with significant differences in univariate analyses were used as dependent variables in multivariate linear regression models adjusted for potential confounding/contributing factors. Results: Multivariate analysis showed that increasing age was significantly associated with higher Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (B = 0.04, p < 0.01) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index scores (B = 0.04, p < 0.01); as well as higher modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (B = 0.41, p < 0.01). On MRI, increasing age was associated with a lower DWI(ADC) (B = (-0.01), p < 0.01) of the SI joints, but higher DWI(ADC) values of the axial spine (B = 0.01, p = 0.01). Conclusion: Increasing age in SpA was associated with greater functional impairment and structural damage, more inflammation of the axial spine, but less inflammation of the SI joints. Our findings are consistent with the traditional belief that SpA is an “ascending disease” and highlights the importance of different modalities of MRI in the diagnosis and disease monitoring of SpA.
Parallel modulation of interhemispheric inhibition and the size of a cortical hand muscle representation during active contraction
Authors: Turco Claudia V. , Fassett Hunter J. , Locke Mitchell B. , El-Sayes Jenin , Nelson Aimee J. 
Published: May 2019

Interhemispheric inhibition (IHI) between motor cortexes is thought to suppress unwanted mirror movements during voluntary behaviors and can be assessed using paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The magnitude of IHI may be related to the size of the cortical representation for a given muscle as a mechanism for facilitating unimanual control. To date, the relationship between IHI and cortical muscle representations remains unknown. Fifteen healthy, right-handed individuals participated in the present study. IHI was examined in the right first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle by delivering conditioning TMS to ipsilateral (right) primary motor cortex (M1) followed by a test TMS pulse to contralateral (left) M1. The size of the FDI representation in M1 was determined by delivering suprathreshold TMS over a 5 × 5-cm grid centered on the FDI motor hotspot of the left M1. Both IHI and cortical territory were obtained during three conditions: rest, contralateral (right) FDI contraction, and ipsilateral (left) FDI contraction. Results indicate a significant association between IHI and the size of the FDI representation only in the context of contraction and not when the FDI muscle was relaxed. Specifically, reduced IHI corresponded to larger cortical FDI representations during both contralateral and ipsilateral contraction. These data demonstrate that, for a muscle of the hand, the magnitude of IHI and the cortical territory are associated within the context of muscle contraction. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provides evidence from noninvasive brain stimulation that communication between the motor cortexes of the two hemispheres plays a role in shaping the motor cortical map that outputs to a hand muscle during active contraction of that muscle. This relationship exists only when the hand muscle is contracted. The findings presented further our understanding of motor control during unilateral movement and may inform future research targeting clinical populations that exhibit impaired unilateral control.
Symptomatic Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease and Incidence of Unexpected Abscess during Sigmoidectomy: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Mari Giulio M. , Crippa Jacopo , Borroni Giacomo , Cocozza Eugenio , Roscio Francesco , Scandroglio Ildo , Origi Matteo , Ferrari Giovanni , Forgione Antonello , Riggio Valentina , Pugliese Raffaele , Costanzi Andrea T.M. , Maggioni Dario ,   on behalf of the AIMS Academy Clinical Research Network
Published: May 2019

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease can affect patients’ everyday routine. Considerable efforts have been made to identify clinical features that correlate to the severity of the disease. Unexpected intraoperative abscesses are reported in large retrospective series, showing how uncomplicated symptoms and presentations can underlie a complicated disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of pericolic or intramural abscess in patients undergoing elective sigmoidectomy for symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease and see if chronic symptoms correlate to the presence of an abscess. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Between January 2016 and June 2018, we prospectively collected data of patients who were given indication to elective sigmoidectomy for symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease. Patients were divided into 3 groups: acute resolving, smoldering, and atypical according to a previously described classification of uncomplicated diverticular disease. <b><i>Results:</i></b> One hundred fifty-eight consecutive patients were enrolled in the study. The median age was 63 years (22– 88), and the mean body mass index was 26 (±7) kg/m<sup>2</sup>. There were 114 patients in the acute resolving group, 36 in the smoldering group, and 8 in the atypical group. An unexpected abscess was reported in 75 patients (47.5%) during surgery or pathological examination. The incidence of ­abscess was greater for patient in the smoldering group (<i>p</i> = 0.0243). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our series of patients affected by symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease showed an incidence of unexpected pericolic or intramural abscess of 47.5%. Patients affected by smoldering diverticular disease presented a greater abscess rate.
Pterostilbene Ameliorates Nephropathy Injury in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Zhang Ying , Ren Shaoyu , Ji Ying , Liang Yafeng 
Published: May 2019

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Our study investigated the therapeutic role and potential mechanisms of pterostilbene (PS) in diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> DN models were established by high-fat diet after streptozotocin injection. A total of 50 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, DN, PS-treated groups (PS-H, PS-M, PS-L). PS was administered to rats by gavage for 8 weeks at 3 different doses (25, 10, and 5 mg/kg/day). The levels of oxidative stress activity (superoxide dismutase [SOD], malondialdehyde [MDA], glutathione peroxidase [GSH-PX]) and inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, monocyte chemoattractant factor [MCP]-1) were detected by ­ELISA. TGF-β, Smad1, and fibronectin (FN) were measured through immunohistochemistry. The relative expressions of phospho-IκBα/IκBα, phospho-IκB kinases (IKK)β/IKKβ, phospho-nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65/NF-κB p65 were detected by western blot. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Compared with DN group, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and MCP-1 were decreased in the PS-H group (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05). Meanwhile, the levels of SOD, MDA, GSH-PX improved in kidney and serum in PS-H groups (<i>p</i>&#x3c; 0.05). PS also significantly decreased the level of phospho-NF-κB p65 and increased the levels of phospho- IKKβ and phospho-Iκ-Bα (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05). The results showed that PS treatment decreased TGF-β, Smad1, and FN expressions. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> PS had potential therapeutic effects on DN, which may be related to the regulation of NF-κB pathway.
Ficophagus auriculatae n. sp. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae), an associate of the Ficus auriculata-complex in China
Authors: Zeng Yongsan , Huang Jianfeng , Zhang Dayuan , Zeng Wensheng , Shi Rongrong , Zhang Yuan , Peng Yanqiong , Ye Weimin , Giblin-Davis Robin M. 
Published: May 2019

Summary
A new nematode species was recovered from the syconia of Ficus auriculata-complex, including F. auriculata, F. oligodon and F. hainanensis, from Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, China. It is described herein as Ficophagus auriculatae n. sp. and is characterised by possessing the combined characters of a short post-uterine sac, excretory pore located between the metacorpus and the stylet basal knobs, testis multi-reflexed, amoeboid sperm, three pairs of subventral papillae on male tail, rounded male tail tip without mucron, absence of gubernaculum (= apophysis) and sickle-shaped spicules with terminal cucullus. Ficophagus auriculatae n. sp. was differentiated from other sequenced species by the partial small subunit rRNA gene and D2-D3 expansion segments of the large subunit rRNA gene. Phylogenetic analysis with the above-mentioned sequences suggested that F. auriculatae n. sp. has a closer relationship with F. fleckeri in the same highly supported monophyletic clade than with the other sequenced Ficophagus and Schistonchus sensu lato species.
Analysis of nematode-endosymbiont coevolution in the Xiphinema americanum species complex using molecular markers of variable evolutionary rates
Authors: Howe Dana K. , Smith McKinley , Tom Danielle M. , Brown Amanda M.V. , Peetz Amy B. , Zasada Inga A. , Denver Dee R. 
Published: May 2019

Summary
Bacterial symbioses play important roles in shaping diverse biological processes in nematodes, and serve as targets in nematode biocontrol strategies. Focusing on the Xiphinema americanum species complex, we expanded upon recent research investigating patterns of coevolution between Xiphinema spp. and Xiphinematobacter spp., utilising two symbiont genetic markers of varying evolutionary rates. Phylogenetic analysis of nematode mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) revealed five strongly supported major clades. Analysis of slow-evolving 16S rDNA in bacterial symbionts resulted in a phylogenetic topology composed of four major clades that grouped taxa highly congruent with the nematode mtDNA topology. A faster evolving protein-coding symbiont gene (nad) provided more phylogenetic resolution with seven well-supported clades, also congruent with the nematode mtDNA tree topology. Our results reinforce recent studies suggesting extensive coevolution between Xiphinema spp. and their vertically transmitted endosymbionts Xiphinematobacter spp. and illustrate the advantages of including genetic markers of varying evolutionary rates in coevolutionary and phylogenetic studies.
Morphological and molecular characterisation of Hoplolaimus smokyensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Hoplolaimidae), a lance nematode from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA
Authors: Ma Xinyuan , Robbins Robert T. , Bernard Ernest C. , Holguin Claudia M. , Agudelo Paula 
Published: May 2019

Summary
Hoplolaimus smokyensis n. sp. is a new species of lance nematode collected in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA. Females of H. smokyensis n. sp. have a labial region characterised by six, occasionally five, annules. The basal lip annule is subdivided by about 24 longitudinal striae. The stylet averages 47 μm long with robust, tulip-shaped stylet knobs bearing anterior projections. The hemizonid is ca 4 μm anterior to the excretory pore. The lateral field is incompletely areolated and has four continuous incisures from the metacorpus region to the tail region. There are three pharyngeal gland nuclei. Vulval epiptygma are absent. The scutellate phasmids are located one anterior and one posterior to the vulva. The male is shorter than the female and the head region is higher and more rounded than that of the female. The bursa extends to the tail tip and the gubernaculum is large and protrusible and has titillae and a capitulum. Morphologically, H. smokyensis n. sp. is most similar to H. galeatus and H. stephanus, but can be distinguished by differences such as the number of annules and longitudinal striae on the lip region and morphometric values. Hoplolaimus smokyensis n. sp. is also genetically distinct from other species according to comparisons of ribosomal and mitochondrial DNA sequences. Phylogenetic analyses based on ribosomal and mitochondrial gene sequences suggest that H. smokyensis n. sp. is a lineage distinct from related Hoplolaimus species.
Digital Language Divide in the European High North: The Level of Online Presence of Minority Languages from Northern Finland, Norway and Sweden
Authors: Dymet Marcin 
Published: May 2019

One of the inequalities generated by the introduction of information and communication technologies (ICTs) is the digital language divide, that is, differences in the online presence of languages and unequal access to information due to the lack of understanding of the available content. The digital language divide is particularly visible in the case of small languages with a low number of speakers. There is a large group of languages with non-existent or irrelevant online presence. This is often the case of the endangered minority languages. The number of language speakers or the level of knowledge of a given language is not sufficient to generate a vital online community.
This article presents the current language situation in the European High North with a focus on minority languages: Sámi and Meänkieli languages in Sweden, Sámi and Kven languages in Norway, and Sámi languages in Finland. It also introduces the phenomenon of digital language divide. The article explores the current situation of the minority languages in the European High North in light of their online presence. It responds to the following questions: Is there online presence of the studied minority languages? Is there a need amongst the minorities’ members for more extensive presence? To conclude, the article discusses the possible effects of a language’s underrepresentation.
Refocusing and Redefining Cybersecurity: Individual Security in the Digitalising European High North
Authors: Salminen Mirva 
Published: May 2019

This article introduces cybersecurity in the discussion on security in the European High North in a redefined and refocused form. Instead of scrutinising the technical measures taken to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information in systems and networks (information security) or the criticality of a number of digitally operated infrastructures to the functioning of society (national cybersecurity), it concentrates on the human being. It examines cybersecurity from an individual’s perspective by asking what kind of personal security concerns people may have with regard to digitalisation and how those are or are not present in the discussion on health and social security re-organisation in the Finnish Lapland.
The theoretical foundation of this article rests within the human security framework. Individuals living their everyday lives in particular cyber-physical environments are taken as the referent object of security. In the digitalising European High North, multiple aspects of everyday security depend upon cybersecurity, including economic, environmental, and food securities. This article concentrates on health and social security. It examines linkages between the re-organisation of health and social security in Finland and personal security concerns with a particular focus on the case of Länsi-Pohja area in south-western Lapland. The overall aim is to create room for bottom-up influence on the primarily top-down processes of security production in the cyber-physical environment.
Changing Spatiotemporal Patterns of 5- and 10-Day Illinois Heavy Precipitation Amounts, 1900–2018
Authors: Changnon David , Gensini Vittorio A. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis study examined the spatiotemporal variability associated with 5-/10-day heavy precipitation amounts for 48 high-quality and long-duration (1900–2018) stations in Illinois. The top five seasonal and annual heavy precipitation amounts for each duration were determined and examined for each station. Annual and seasonal spatial patterns generally showed a trend of decreasing precipitation amounts as one moved northward through Illinois. Spatial distributions of the top seasonal amounts exhibited the highest values in boreal spring and summer, with the lowest values during winter. Temporal analysis of the top five 5- and 10-day amounts from 1900 to 2018 indicated an increasing trend with a higher frequencies in the 2000–18 period for spring, summer, winter, and annual time periods (statistically significant for spring and annual). No trend was found in autumn heavy precipitation occurrence. In addition, heavy precipitation events were examined in the context of the background atmospheric environment using the Twentieth Century Reanalysis. Event-averaged precipitable water values were shown to scale linearly with total precipitation in the winter season. Low-level circulation fields indicate that the most widespread heavy rain episodes occur when a synoptic anticyclone is positioned off the coast of the eastern United States. Results from this study suggest that design values used for hydrologic structures should be reevaluated given recent observations.