bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between rheumatoid arthritis and genetic variants of natural resistance‐associated macrophage protein 1 gene: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Hong , Yuan Fei‐Fei , Dai Zi‐Wei , Wang Bin , Ye Dong‐Qing 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAimTo evaluate the association between natural resistance‐associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1) polymorphisms and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodAll related studies were retrieved and screened from PubMed, CNKI and Web of Science. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were assessed for the strength of association between NRAMP1 and RA. Publication bias was measured by Begg's funnel plot and Egger's regression test. The robustness of this meta‐analysis was detected by sensitivity analysis.ResultsA total of five eligible publications were included in the present meta‐analysis. The polled data showed no association between RA and NRAMP1 D543N and 1729 + 55del4 in the allele model. However, the relationship between RA and NRAMP1 INT4 was statistically significant (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.14‐2.38). Genotypic analysis demonstrated that there were no associations between RA and NRAMP1 D543N, 1729 + 55del4 and INT4 in homozygous comparison (D543N: OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.15‐6.09; 1729 + 55del4: OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.29‐24.88; INT4: OR 3.18, 95% CI 0.62‐16.26), dominant model (D543N: OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.61‐61.78; 1729 + 55del4: OR 1.41, 95% CI 0.81‐2.47; INT4: OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.72‐2.06) and recessive model (D543N: OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.15‐5.91; 1729 + 55del4: OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.26‐3.86; INT4: OR 2.95, 95% CI 0.61‐14.16). In heterozygous comparison, it no association was shown between RA and NRAMP1 D543N and INT4, excepting NRAMP1 1729 + 55del4 (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.17‐2.56). Further subgroup analysis indicated that NRAMP1 1729 + 55del4 and INT4 were related to RA in Asia and in the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium group. There exists no publication bias in this meta‐analysis.ConclusionThis meta‐analysis indicated that NRAMP1 1729 + 55del4 and INT4 confer susceptibility to RA.
Role of fecal calprotectin in the assessment of intestinal inflammation in children with familial Mediterranean fever
Authors: Gucenmez Ozge Altug , Kume Tuncay , Makay Balahan , Babayigit Omur , Arslan Nur , Unsal Erbil 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAimFamilial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common auto‐inflammatory disease with recurrent fever and serositis episodes. In recent years, some cases with FMF were reported with gastrointestinal involvement without amyloidosis, vasculitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is not yet known whether gastrointestinal involvement is a part of the disease or not. The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency of intestinal inflammation by using a noninvasive method, fecal calprotectin measurement, in pediatric FMF patients.MethodSixty‐five FMF patients, 30 healthy controls and 11 patients with acute ulcerative colitis were included in the study. A standard survey inquiring gastrointestinal and other clinical symptoms was completed. The medications, MEFV mutations, whole blood count and C‐reactive protein levels were recorded. Fecal calprotectin was studied with the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method from the feces samples of the all subjects.ResultsNone of the FMF patients had clinical signs of IBD. Fecal calprotectin levels of the FMF patients were found to be significantly higher than the healthy controls (174.8 ± 150.8 vs 52.9 ± 36.5, p < 0.001). Fecal calprotectin levels of the ulcerative colitis patients were significantly higher than the FMF patients (523.5 ± 183 vs 174.8 ± 150.8, p = 0.001). There was a correlation between fecal calprotectin levels and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (r = 0.324, p = 0.009).ConclusionOur results supported subclinical intestinal inflammation in pediatric FMF patients. Further studies are needed to clarify the reason for intestinal inflammation in FMF patients.
Nutrient cycling potential within microbial communities on culturally important stoneworks
Authors: Zanardini Elisabetta , May Eric , Purdy Kevin J. , Murrell J. Colin 
Published: October 2018

SummaryPrevious studies on microbes associated with deterioration of cultural heritage (CH) stoneworks have revealed a diverse microbiota adapted to stresses such as low nutrients, aridity and high salinity, temperatures and radiation. However, the function of these pioneer microbial communities is still unclear. This study examines bacterial and archaeal diversity in exfoliated and dark encrustation sandstone from Portchester Castle (UK) by 16S rRNA and functional gene analyses. Bacterial and archaeal communities from the exfoliated sites were distinctly different from the dark encrustation. Detected genera were linked to extreme environmental conditions, various potential functional roles and degradation abilities. From these data it was possible to reconstruct almost complete nitrogen and sulfur cycles, as well as autotrophic carbon fixation and mineral transformation processes. Analysis of RNA showed that many of the detected genera in these nutrient cycles were probably active in situ. Thus, CH stonework microbial communities are highly diverse and potentially self‐sustaining ecosystems capable of cycling carbon, nitrogen and sulfur as well as the stone biodeterioration processes that lead to alterations such as exfoliation and corrosion. These results highlight the importance of diversity and internal recycling capacity in the development of microbial communities in harsh and low energy systems.
CCN family member 1 deregulates cholesterol metabolism and aggravates atherosclerosis
Authors: Zhao Jin‐Feng , Chen Hsiang‐Ying , Wei Jeng , Jim Leu Shr‐Jeng , Lee Tzong‐Shyuan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAimCCN family member 1 (CCN1) is an extracellular matrix cytokine and appears in atherosclerotic lesions. However, we have no evidence to support the role of CCN1 in regulating cholesterol metabolism and atherosclerosis.MethodsApolipoprotein E‐deficient (apoE−/−) mice were used as in vivo model. Oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL)‐induced macrophage‐foam cells were used as in vitro model. RT‐PCR and western blot analysis were used for evaluating gene and protein expression, respectively. Conventional assay kits were used for assessing the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and cytokines.ResultsWe show predominant expression of CCN1 in foamy macrophages in atherosclerotic aortas of apoE−/−mice. In apoE−/− mice, CCN1 treatment worsened hyperlipidaemia, systemic inflammation, and the progression of atherosclerosis. In addition, CCN1 decreased the capacity of reverse cholesterol transport and downregulated the protein expression of ATP‐binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and ABCG1 in atherosclerotic aortas. Notably, CCN1 decreased the protein expression of cholesterol clearance‐related proteins, including ABCG5, ABCG8, liver X receptor α (LXRα), cholesterol 7α‐hydrolase and LDL receptor in liver, and exacerbated hepatic lipid accumulation. In macrophages, treatment with oxLDL increased CCN1 expression. Inhibition of CCN1 activity by neutralizing antibody or small interfering RNA attenuated the oxLDL‐induced lipid accumulation. In contrast, cotreatment with CCN1 or overexpression of CCN1 augmented oxLDL‐induced lipid accumulation by impairing apolipoprotein AI‐ and high‐density lipoprotein‐dependent cholesterol efflux, which was attributed to downregulation of LXRα‐dependent expression of ABCA1 and ABCG1.ConclusionOur findings suggest that CCN1 plays a pivotal role in regulating cholesterol metabolism and the development of atherosclerosis.
Stress, Depressive Symptoms, and Maternal Self‐Efficacy in First‐Time Mothers: Modelling and Predicting Change across the First Six Months of Motherhood
Authors: Law Kwok Hong , Dimmock James , Guelfi Kym J. , Nguyen Thinh , Gucciardi Daniel , Jackson Ben 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundFirst‐time mothers commonly experience stress and depressive symptoms in the postpartum period. Maternal self‐efficacy has been shown to be an important protective factor against these experiences; however, research on the dynamic nature of stress, depressive symptoms, and maternal self‐efficacy is limited. The aim of this study was to document changes in these psychological factors among first‐time mothers, and determine how early maternal self‐efficacy perceptions may predict change in stress and depressive symptoms over the first 6 months postpartum.MethodsSixty first‐time Australian mothers were recruited during their third trimester of pregnancy. Participants completed a baseline survey during the third trimester of pregnancy (M = 32.87 weeks,SD = 2.62 weeks), and subsequently reported stress, depressive symptoms, and maternal self‐efficacy every 3 weeks postpartum for 6 months. Latent growth curve modelling was used to estimate participants’ change over time for stress and depressive symptoms.ResultsFirst‐time mothers’ stress and depressive symptoms peaked, and maternal self‐efficacy was weakest, at 3 weeks postpartum. Maternal self‐efficacy at 3 weeks postpartum was a significant (negative) predictor of 3‐week levels of, and also (positively) predicted later reductions in, stress.ConclusionFuture interventions aimed at bolstering early maternal self‐efficacy may protect against postpartum stress for first‐time mothers.
Co‐authorship Network Analysis in the Accounting Discipline
Authors: Kılıç Merve , Uyar Ali , Koseoglu Mehmet Ali 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to explore co‐authorship structures in the accounting discipline through social network analysis. For this purpose, we hand‐collected the authorship data of 10 863 papers published in 22 accounting journals listed on the Web of Science for the period 2000–2016. The findings indicate that the proportion of multi‐author papers has increased over time while the trend away from sole authorship has continued. The network indicators and visualisations reflect that accounting research manifests a small‐world property. Despite the large network size, a high number of ties among nodes, the size of giant components and a high clustering coefficient all support this inference. We hope that emphasis on collaboration metrics motivates and encourages researchers to engage with other scholars both locally and abroad. Furthermore, the development of research networks in the analysis period indicates that the trend is moving towards more collaboration; thus, being part of a team or team‐making is key to integration with other scholars.
Influence of thiopurine S‐methyltransferase polymorphisms in mercaptopurine pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers
Authors: Saiz‐Rodríguez Miriam , Ochoa Dolores , Belmonte Carmen , Román Manuel , Martínez‐Ingelmo Cristina , Ortega‐Ruíz Lucía , Sarmiento‐Iglesias Carmen , Herrador Coral , Abad‐Santos Francisco 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMercaptopurine is a drug commonly used in the treatment of different types of cancer, especially acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, and autoimmune diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease and in patients receiving organ transplants. It is metabolized by three cytosolic enzymes. One of them, thiopurine S‐methyltransferase (TPMT), is responsible for catalysing the methylation reaction of mercaptopurine to 6‐methylmercaptopurine, thus inactivating the drug. Individuals with TPMT loss‐of‐function alleles (*2, *3A, *3B or *3C) can be extremely sensitive to the effect of mercaptopurine, since it can be accumulated, therefore producing haematological toxicity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of TPMT polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics of mercaptopurine. For that purpose, we used collected pharmacokinetic data from 48 healthy volunteers (all males) who received a single oral dose of mercaptopurine 50 mg in two bioequivalence studies. The volunteers were subsequently genotyped for TPMT *2, *3A, *3B and *3C alleles by real‐time PCR. There were four carriers (8.3%) of TPMT*2 and TPMT*3A alleles. Mercaptopurine elimination was affected by TPMT loss‐of‐function polymorphisms, since heterozygous subjects show 18% higher half‐life compared to wild‐type individuals. This fact is consistent with the expected since the presence of loss‐of‐function alleles decreases TPMT enzymatic activity and, thus, affects mercaptopurine elimination. Moreover, mercaptopurine pharmacokinetic parameters were different among races, since Latins showed higher plasma concentrations and lower clearance compared to Caucasians. This fact might be due to a different distribution of polymorphisms in genes, other than TPMT, that also influence the pharmacokinetics of mercaptopurine.
Population pharmacokinetics and dosing regimen optimisation of lopinavir in Chinese adults infected with HIV
Authors: Niu Wan‐jie , Sun Tao , Liu Li , Liu Xiao‐qian , Zhang Ren‐fang , Yin Lin , Wang Jiang‐rong , Jia Xiao‐fang , Lu Hong‐Zhou , Zhong Ming‐kang , Jiao Zheng , Zhang Li‐jun 
Published: October 2018

AbstractLopinavir (LPV) is a protease inhibitor (PI) for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Current studies on LPV are mainly focused on Caucasians, and none have investigated the population pharmacokinetics (PPK) of LPV in Chinese population. The present study aimed to develop a PPK model for oral LPV in Chinese adults who are HIV‐infected. A total of 460 LPV concentrations from 174 Chinese patients who received LPV/ritonavir (LPV/r) 400/100 mg orally every 12 hours (q12h) were analysed using the non‐linear mixed‐effects modelling approach. Simulations of the LPV concentration profile were performed with different dosing regimens. A one‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and elimination process described the data. The estimated apparent clearance (CL/F) and volume of distribution (V/F) (% relative standard error [RSE]) for oral LPV were 5.9 L/h (3%) and 117 L (8%), respectively. Body‐weight was identified as a covariate on CL/F. In patients who weighed between 45 and 115 kg and received the standard 400/100 mg q12h regimen, the probability of achieving target trough concentration (Ctrough) of 1 mg/L was >98% for PI‐naïve patients and the probability of achieving target Ctrough of 4 mg/L was <80% for PI‐pretreated patients. This is the first population pharmacokinetic study to characterise the PK of LPV in Chinese patients with HIV infection. There were no obvious ethnic differences in the PK of LPV between the Chinese population and Caucasian population. The simulations demonstrated that the standard dosing regimen of 400/100 mg q12h (LPV/r tablets) appears to be sufficient for PI‐naïve patients but suboptimal for PI‐pretreated patients. Therefore, the regimen of 800/200 mg q12h was recommended for PI‐pretreated patients. Further investigation of dosage recommendation could be helpful in optimising LPV therapy for HIV infections.
Identification of alcohol‐binding site(s) in proteins using diazirine‐based photoaffinity labeling and mass spectrometry
Authors: Das Joydip 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDefining molecular targets of alcohol and understanding the molecular mechanism of alcohol actions are necessary to develop effective therapeutics for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Here, we describe a detailed protocol for identifying alcohol‐binding site(s) in proteins using diazirine‐based azialcohol as photoaffinity labeling agents. Upon photoirradiation, azialcohol photoincorporates into alcohol‐binding proteins. The stoichiometry and site of azialcohol photoincorporation can be determined using high‐resolution mass spectrometry. Identification of the alcohol‐binding residues in protein followed by measuring the biological significance of these residues in regulating alcohol action are important steps in characterizing the molecular targets of alcohol.
A Longitudinal and Multidimensional Examination of the Associations Between Temperament and Self‐Restraint During Toddlerhood
Authors: Smith Watts Ashley K. , Friedman Naomi P. , Corley Robin P. , Hewitt John K. , Hink Laura K. , Robinson JoAnn L. , Rhee Soo H. 
Published: October 2018

Developing self‐restraint, or the inhibition of behavior in response to a prohibition, is an important process during toddlerhood. The objective of this study was to gain a better understanding of individual differences in the development of self‐restraint during toddlerhood by examining stable elements and growth of temperament (i.e., attentional control, behavioral inhibition, negative emotionality), general intelligence, and self‐restraint. Participants were 412 same‐sex twin pairs (approximately 90% European American) from predominately middle‐class households in Colorado. Data were collected at 14, 20, 24, and 36 months. Results indicated that higher behavioral inhibition, attentional control, and intelligence were independently associated with better self‐restraint, whereas higher negative emotionality was an independent predictor of lower self‐restraint. The associations between temperament and self‐restraint generally appeared to be stable from 14 to 36 months.
Confronting the Goldilocks Problem: Encountering “The Middle” in Anthropological Studies of Food and Agriculture
Authors: Thompson Jennifer Jo , Stinnett Ashley 
Published: October 2018

AbstractGlobally, and in the U.S., agricultural and food systems are increasingly bifurcated into large and small‐scale operations. Our ethnographic work indicates that there is a great deal of creativity and innovation between these poles, but this is largely being overlooked in agricultural research and policy where “the middle” is largely subject to erasure. Although constructs of scale are ideological in nature, they have material impacts across actors and networks. In this context, there is a critical need for theoretical and ethnographic work that seeks to understand the vast middle. Anthropologists are poised to bring the depth of contextualized, materially focused, process‐oriented ethnography to understanding how agriculture and food systems are experienced and navigated, in highly heterogeneous ways—at the thresholds of scale, and in the interconnections of networks. To illustrate, we draw upon our ethnographic research in the meat industry and with farm to school initiatives.
Mission‐Driven Intermediaries as Anchors of the Middle Ground in the American Food System: Evidence from Warrenton, NC
Authors: Tewari Meenu , Kelmenson Sophie , Guinn Andrew , Cumming Gabriel , Colloredo‐Mansfeld Rudolph 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMoving beyond direct marketing, food systems work is increasingly connecting sustainably grown food with supermarkets, dining services, and other mainstream outlets. It is here that growers come face‐to‐face with the rigid conditions of a globalized food system. In this paper we document the emergence of mission‐driven intermediaries as bridging institutions in the middle spaces of American agriculture that are using value addition and strategic scaling up to connect alternative food systems to local and regional markets at profitable prices. Through in‐depth interviews with Working Landscapes of Warrenton, North Carolina, we describe one path to becoming a Mission‐Driven Intermediary, in which intermediaries with roots in the nonprofit sector evolve into organizations of hybrid form that include revenue‐generating activities. This institutional heterodoxy allows lateral alliances with diverse entities that help recombine existing resources in new ways, enabling the organization to demonstrate long‐term commitment to the local food project while successfully improvising to survive in a highly competitive and corporatized industry.
New Inquiries into the Agri‐Cultures of the Middle
Authors: De Master Kathryn 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe disappearing “agriculture of the middle” (AOTM) in the US has been characterized as a market structure phenomenon, with midsized farms being defined as “too small to compete in the highly consolidated commodity markets and too large and commoditized to sell in the direct markets” (Kirschenmann et al. 2008). A national priority research agenda aimed at addressing this market vulnerability and renewing the AOTM has analyzed values‐based supply chains models, new forms of aggregation and distribution, and linkages among vulnerable small and midsized farming operations. These contributions have significantly advanced research on alternative market structures within the mid‐tier agricultural sector. However, insufficient attention has been given to cultural particularities and the AOTM. This cultural gap in the scholarship is partially redressed with the new collection of case studies presented in this special issue of CAFE. This commentary traces some of the key contributions of AOTM research and situates these recent CAFE contributions in the context of the existing literature. It concludes by suggesting two lines of inquiry for future research that examine critical cultural questions pertinent to AOTM scholarship.
Conclusion: Developing conceptual understandings of transitions and policy implications
Authors: Downes Paul , Anderson Jim , Nairz‐Wirth Erna 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTransition requires a multidimensional, interdisciplinary approach for its re‐conceptualisation to bring to the fore systemic and power related concerns affecting marginalised and vulnerable groups. This concluding article examines the special issue articles through a range of perspectives. These include examining transitions through a hermeneutics of suspicion, as a mask to displace focus away from other issues of system blockages and failures, building on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory and Bourdieu’s symbolic violence and cultural capital. A distinctive focus on spatial systems as concentric relational spaces contrasted with fragmented, hierarchical diametric spatial systems is applied to transitions. This goes beyond conventional spatial assumptions of transition as a “bridge”. Temporal assumptions underpinning transitions are explored to challenge one directional approaches, while key issues of marginalised students’ and parents’ voices are highlighted. Intersectionality theory is invoked to examine the interplay between issues of social class, ethnicity, gender in the special issue articles. Building on the special issue articles’ qualitative and quantitative research findings, key policy conclusions for transitions are identified. These include the need to promote relational spaces, increase system capacity, develop flexible nonlinear pathways, address structural segregation issues, and recognise that formal equality principles are insufficient for a culturally responsive approach to transitions. These policy conclusions regarding transitions are relevant for the multiple educational domains explored, ranging from early childhood, primary, postprimary, through to access to university and the labour market. They go beyond typical transition policy responses of induction days, information transfer, staff and interinstitutional communication, and curricular bridging approaches.