bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heme is involved in the systemic inflammatory response following radiofrequency ablation of hepatic hemangiomas
Authors: Yang Xu , Liu Jun , Yang Meng-meng , Wang Shao-hong , Xu Li , Ke Shan , Ding Xue-mei , Sun Wen-bing , GAO JUN 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an effective and minimally invasive treatment for managing hepatic hemangiomas. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) often occurs with hemoglobinuria, and its underlying pathophysiological mechanism is unknown. Heme can trigger inflammation by inducing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the production of inﬂammatory mediators. We therefore investigated whether circulating heme is involved in SIRS following RFA of hepatic hemangiomas.Methods We enrolled 65 patients with hepatic hemangioma who underwent RFA. Serum concentrations of free heme, ROS, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were measured after RFA. Univariate analysis and a multivariate binary logistic regression model were used to evaluate the contribution of 17 risk factors for SIRS after RFA.Results Fifty-nine (59/65, 90.8%) patients developed hemoglobinuria, among which 25 (38%) experienced SIRS shortly after RFA. In the SIRS group, the serum concentrations of heme, ROS, and TNF-α were immediately elevated after RFA compared with baseline and slowly regained their normal levels 3 days after RFA. Moreover, the concentrations of circulating heme significantly correlated with those of ROS ( r =0.805, P <0.001) and TNF-α ( r =0.797, P <0.001). Univariate analysis showed that the volume of a hemangioma (OR=1.293, P =0.031), time of ablation (OR=1.194, P =0.029) as well as the concentrations of heme (OR=1.430, P =0.017), ROS (OR=1.251, P =0.031), and TNF-α (OR=1.309, P =0.032) were significantly associated with SIRS.Conclusions Circulating heme was associated with the induction of ROS and the production of TNF-α, which may contribute to the induction of SIRS following RFA of hepatic hemangiomas.
Fructo-Oligosaccharides Ameliorate Steatohepatitis, Visceral Adiposity, and Associated Chronic Inflammation via Increased Production of Short-Chain Fatty Acids in a Mouse Model of Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Takai Atsuko , Kikuchi Kentaro , Ichimura Mayuko , Tsuneyama Koichi , Moritoki Yuki , Matsumoto Kotaro , Tsunashima Hiromichi , Onda Takeshi , Kuniyoshi Noriyuki , Nariyama Tomoyuki , Ohyatsu Sho , Kubota Juri , Nagumo Kozue , Sato Shipei , Hara Masumi , Miyakawa Hiroshi 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Within the spectrum of NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in combination with hepatic inflammation and fibrosis can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Dysbiosis was reported to contribute to NASH pathogenesis. This study aimed to determine the effects of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on steatohepatitis and visceral adiposity in an obese mouse model of NASH.
Methods: Twelve newborn C57BL/6J male mice were subcutaneously injected with monosodium glutamate (MSG) to induce obesity on a conventional diet. Six mice were also administered 5% FOS via drinking water from 10 weeks of age. At 18 weeks, histological characteristics of the liver and epididymal fat were compared between the groups. Hepatic mRNA expression of lipid metabolism enzymes and SCFA in feces and sera were measured.
Results: Hepatic steatosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and hepatocyte ballooning in the liver and increased hepatic mRNA expression of fatty acid synthase and glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase were observed in the MSG-treated mice. FOS treatment improved the liver pathology and blunted the increases in the mRNA expression levels of lipid metabolism enzymes. In addition, FOS inhibited adipocyte enlargement and formation of crown-like structures and reduced the M1 macrophage frequency in the epididymal fat of the MSG mice (39.4% ± 3.0% vs. 22.8% ± 0.7%; P = 0.001). FOS increased not only the fecal concentrations of n-butyric acid (0.04 ± 0.01 vs. 0.38 ± 0.14 mg/g, P = 0.02), propionic acid (0.09 ± 0.03 vs. 0.42 ± 0.16 mg/g, P = 0.02), and acetic acid (0.65 ± 0.16 vs. 1.48 ± 0.29 mg/g, P = 0.03) but also the serum concentration of propionic acid (3.9 ± 0.5 vs. 8.2 ± 0.5 μmol/L, P = 0.001).
Conclusions: FOS ameliorates steatohepatitis, visceral adiposity, and chronic inflammation by increasing SCFA production .
Cloning and molecular characterization of five MAPKK genes from grapevine (Vitis vinifera) and two of them positively regulate salt and drought tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Gang , Liang Ying-hai , Zhang Ji-yu , Cheng Zong-Ming (Max) 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade plays an important role in plant development and stress response. In particular, MAPK kinases (MAPKKs/MKKs) have been reported to play a crucial role in MAPK cascades that mediate a variety of stress responses in plants. Few MKKs in grapevine (Vitis vinifera), however, have been functionally characterized.Results: In the present study, five MKK members in grapevine (‘Pinot Noir’) were identified, cloned and designated as VvMKK1-VvMKK5. A phylogenetic analysis grouped these into four sub-families based on the similarity of their conserved motifs and gene structure to other Arabidopsis MKK members. RT-qPCR results indicated that the expression of VvMKK1, VvMKK2, VvMKK4, and VvMKK5 was up-regulated in mature leaves, young leaves, and roots, but exhibited low expression levels in leaf petioles. VvMKK2, VvMKK3, and VvMKK5 genes were differentially up-regulated when grapevine leaves were inoculated with spores of Erisyphe necator, or treated with SA, ETH, H2O2, or exposed to drought, indicating that these genes may be involved in a variety of signaling pathways. Over expression of VvMKK2 and VvMKK4 genes in transgenic Arabidopsis plants resulted in the production of seeds with a significantly higher germination and survival rate, and better seedling growth under stress conditions than wild-type plants. Overexpression of VvMKK2 in Arabidopsis resulted in improved salt and drought stress tolerance while overexpression of VvMKK4 improved salt stress tolerance.Conclusions: Results of the present investigation provide a better understanding of the interaction and function of MAPKKK-MAPKK-MAPK genes at the transcriptional level in grapevine and led to the identification of candidate genes for improved drought and salt stress in grapes.
Assessment Of Stress On Serum Estradiol Levels In Female Subordinate Naked Mole Rats Following Isolation From Natal Colony
Authors: MAKORI AMOS ONYANSI , NYONGESA A. W. , ODONGO H. , MASAI R. J. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Objective: This study investigated the effects of isolation of subordinate naked mole rats from natal colonies on their reproductive success. The study aimed at establishing whether the reproductive suppression in subordinate naked mole rats is the outcome of social stress exerted by breeding female in the colony or other unknown environmental factors within the colony set-up. Blood samples from experimental and control groups were collected on 2nd, 4th, 6th , 8th, 12th and 20th weeks of experimental period for hormonal analysis using ELISA technique. The Statistical analysis done using student t-test at 5% significance level.
Results: Hormone analysis showed significant change in both cortisol (t = 8.74, P=0.01) and estradiol (t=7.15, P=0.02) of subordinate isolated females. Results showed no correlation between stress and cyclicity. Conclusively, the observed reproductive suppression among subordinate naked mole rats in natal colonies is probably due to presence of queen or other reproductive aspects that may not be directly related to stress.
Microbiological and cytological characterization of coelomic fluid from three captive endangered amphibian Gastrotheca species with edema syndrome: Preliminary analysis.
Authors: Oleas-Paz Anahí , Santamaría-Naranjo Ana Cecilia , Rojas-Carrillo Maira , Merino-Viteri Andrés , Genoy-Puerto Alexander 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Objective: Edema syndrome is highly prevalent but under researched in captive frogs around the world. The objective of the present study was to characterize at a basic microbiological and cytological level the edema fluid of 20 individuals of the genus Gastrotheca to determine the presence of possible anaerobic and aerobic bacteria.
Results: Fourteen types of bacteria were identified in the edema fluid, twelve of them at the species level ( Pasteurella haemolytica , Hafnia alvei , Enterobacter agglomerans , Aeromonas hydrophila , Pseudomonas fluorescens , Burkholderia pseudomallei , Salmonella arizonae , Enterobacter gergoviae , Enterobacter sakazakii , Yersinia enterocolitica , Klebsiella oxytoca, and Klebsiella ozaenae ) and two at the genus level ( Enterococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp.). The most frequently identified cells were lymphocytes (37.7% in females and 46.4% in males), erythrocytes (23.5% in females and 17.5% in males) and neutrophils (4.2% in females and 2.8% in males). Finally, no relationship was found between the data obtained and the sex of the individuals studied.
A New Efficient Method to Detect Genetic Interactions for Lung Cancer GWAS
Authors: Luyapan Jennifer , Ji Xuemei , Xiao Xiangjun , Zhu Dakai , Duell Eric J. , Christiani David C. , Schabath Matthew B. , Arnold Susanne M. , Zienolddiny Shanbeh , Brunnström Hans , Melander Olle , Thornquist Mark D. , MacKenzie Todd A. , Amos Christopher I. , Gui Jiang 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have proven successful in predicting genetic risk of disease using single-locus models; however, identifying single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) interactions at the genome-wide scale is limited due to computational and statistical challenges. We address the computational burden encountered when detecting SNP interactions for survival analysis, such as age of disease-onset. To confront this problem, we developed a novel algorithm, called the Efficient Survival Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction (ES-MDR) method, which uses Martingale Residuals as the outcome parameter to estimate survival outcomes, and implemented the Quantitative Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction method to identify significant interactions associated with age of disease-onset. To demonstrate efficacy, we evaluated this method on two simulation sets to estimate the type I error and power. Simulations show that ES-MDR identifies interactions using less computational workload and allows for adjustment of covariates. We applied ES-MDR on the OncoArray-TRICL Consortium data with 14,935 cases and 12,787 controls for lung cancer (SNPs = 108,254) to search over all two-way interactions to identify genetic interactions associated with lung cancer age-of-onset. We tested the best model in an independent data set from the OncoArray-TRICL data. Our experiment on the OncoArray-TRICL data identified many one-way and two-way models with a single-base deletion in the noncoding region of BRCA1 (HR = 1.24, P = 3.15 x 10-15), as the top marker to predict age of lung cancer onset. From the results of our extensive simulations and analysis of a large GWAS study, we demonstrate that our method is an efficient algorithm that identifies genetic interactions to include in our models to predict survival outcomes.
Effect of Smoking On Treatment Outcome Among Tuberculosis Patients In Malaysia; A Multicentre Study
Authors: Khan Amer Hayat , Sulaiman Syed Azhar Syed , Hassali Mohamed Azmi , Khan Kashif Ullah , Ming Long Chiau , Mateen Umer 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background : Smoking plays a key role in the development of tuberculosis (TB) infection and is also a predictor of poor TB treatment prognosis and outcomes. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of smoking and to evaluate the TB treatment outcomes among TB patients. Methods : A multicenter retrospective study design was used in order to collect data of TB patients at four different states of Malaysia, namely Penang, Sabah, Sarawak and Selangor. Medical records of patients having TB admitted at the selected hospitals from January 2006 to March 2009 were included in the study. Medical records with incomplete data were excluded. A validated data collection form was used to note patient demographic and clinical data. Results: Of all TB patients, the prevalence of smokers was 4313 (46.2%) while 5024 (53.8%) were non-smokers. Male gender (OR= 1.43, 95% CI 1.30-1.58), Chinese ethnicity (OR= 1.23, 95% CI 1.02-1.49), Sarawak indigenous ethnicity (OR= 0.74, 95% CI 0.58-0.95), urban residents (OR= 1.46, 95% CI 1.33-1.61), employed individuals (OR= 1.21, 95% CI 1.09-1.34), alcoholics (OR= 4.91, 95% CI 4.04-5.96), drug abusers (OR= 7.43, 95% CI 5.70-9.60) and presence of co-morbid condition (OR= 1.27, 95% CI 1.16-1.40) showed significant association with smoking habit. This study revealed that 3236 (75.0%) patients were successfully treated in smokers group while 4004 (79.7%) patients belong to non-smokers group. The proportion of death rate 283 (6.6%), defaulters 284 (6.6%) and treatment interruption 204 (4.7%) was high in smokers group. Conclusions: Smoking had a strong influence on TB and is a major barrier towards treatment success (OR= 0.76, 95% CI 0.69-0.84, p< 0.001). Therefore, the findings point out that smoking cessations is an effective way to decrease treatment failure and drug resistance.
Effects of Date fruit (Phoenix Dactylifera) on Bishop Score and Frequency of Caesarean Section: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Karimi Alireza Bagherzadeh , Elmi Asghar , Mirghafourvand Mojgan , Navid Roghyeh Baghervand 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background : The rate of cesarean section is increasing in the world with different drafts in various countries. This growth increases unpleasant outcomes of delivery. Recent studies explained benefits of date palm fruit on labor process improvement. Date fruit can be a factor to increase vaginal delivery and to reduce frequency of cesarean section to prevent its great complications. This systematic review has been designed to review clinical studies that investigate the effects of date palm fruit on labor outcomes (duration of labor stages, bishop score and frequency of cesarean section) compared with routine cares. Methods : This study was performed in 2019. Required data has been gathered from electronic databases and manual searches. All randomized clinical trials evaluating the effects of date palm fruit on labor and delivery that have been published from January 2000 to August 2019 in English and Persian languages were included in this systematic review. The methodological quality of the included studies were evaluated according to the risk of bias assessment of Cochrane handbook of systematic reviews and were reported using, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. Results : Six studies were included in the qualitative and quantitative synthesis. Meta-Analysis showed that date fruit consumption significantly reduces active phase of labor (MD= -60.26, 95%CI (-107.18, -13.34), P=0.01) and significantly reduces duration of the first stage of labor (MD= -50.90, 95%CI (-100.63, -1.16), P=0.04) and significantly improves the bishop score (MD = 2.45, 95%CI (1.87, 3.04), P<0.00001) and it reduces the frequency of cesarean section but not significantly (Odds Ratio= 0.67, 95%CI (0.44, 1.02), P=0.06). Conclusion : Date can reduce the duration of active phase and the first stage of labor and the rate of cesarean section and improves the bishop score, but due to from the low to mediate quality of the studies, it seems that the other studies are needed to prove these results better than this. Key words : Date palm, date fruit, Phoenix dactiylifera, delivery, labor, systematic review, meta-analysis.
Molecular fingerprinting of lal teer chili variety “morich super f1”
Authors: Sohrawardy Hossain , Sultana Salina 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background : Molecular markers do not influence the environment and age of the plant species. DNA fingerprinting is a useful tool for varietal protection for the seed industry. Molecular fingerprinting helps to maintain the genetic purity of parent lines and hybrids.
Result: Primer PP 24 and PP 53 showed polymorphic band to Morich Super F 1 and its parents.
Conclusion: Morich Super hybridity test conducts at the Lal Teer Biotech Laboratory using these primers.
Managing hypertension in frail oldest-old – the role of guideline use by general practitioners from 29 countries
Authors: Roulet Céline , Rozsnyai Zsofia , Jungo Katharina Tabea , Ploeg Milly Van der , Floriani Carmen , Kurpas Donata , Vinker Shlomo , Pestic Sanda Kreitmayer , Petrazzuoli Ferdinando , Hoffmann Kathryn , Viegas Rita , Mallen Christian , Tatsioni Athina , Maisonneuve Hubert , Collins Claire , Lingner Heidrun , Tsopra Rosy , Müller Yolanda , Poortvliet Rosalinde , Gusselkoo Jacobijn , Streit Sven 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background The best management of hypertension in frail oldest-old (≥80 years of age) remains unclear while lacking guidelines providing specific recommendations.Aim, Objectives To investigate guideline use in general practitioners (GPs) and if guideline use relates to different decisions when managing hypertension in frail oldest-old.Design/Setting Cross-sectional study.Methods GPs participated in a survey with case-vignettes of frail oldest-old varying in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). GPs in Europe, Brazil, Israel and New Zealand were invited. We compared the percentage of GPs using guidelines per country and further stratified on the most frequently mentioned guidelines. To adjust for patient characteristics (SBP, CVD and GP’s gender, years of experience and prevalence of oldest-old in their practice), we used a mixed-effects regression model accounting for clustering within countries.Results Overall, 2,543 GPs from 29 countries were included. About 60% reported to use guidelines. Higher guideline use was found in female (p=0.031) and less-experienced GPs (p<0.001). Across countries, we found a large variation in guidelines use, ranging from 25% to 90% of the GPs. However, there was no difference in decisions about treatment hypertension in frail oldest-old patients between GPs that used or not used guidelines nor which guideline they used.Conclusion Many GPs reported using guidelines to manage hypertension in frail oldest-old patients, however guideline users did not decide differently from non-users. Instead of focusing on the fact if GPs use guidelines or not, we as a scientific community should put an emphasis on what guidelines suggest in frail and oldest-old patients.
Comparison of skin elasticity and stiffness of the thoracodorsal artery perforator flap and commonly used flaps in head and neck reconstruction
Authors: ren zhenhu , Wu Kun , Yang Wen-jun , He Yue , Hu Jing-Zhou 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background Reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial defects requires soft and ductile flaps. Thoracodorsal artery perforator flap (TDAP) has good plasticity, but it is not widely used in the repair of oral and maxillofacial defects. The main aims of this study are to compare the skin elasticity and hardness of various free flaps commonly used in reconstructive surgery, and to explore the advantages and disadvantages of TDAP.Methods The elasticity and stiffness of the most commonly used free flaps in our department were measured by ElastiMeter and SkinFibroMeter. The elasticity and stiffness values of TDAP, anterolateral thigh flap, anterior medial femoral flap and forearm flap were measured respectively.Results The elasticity of TDAP was the lowest among all flaps, and the difference was statistically significant, except for the forearm flap (p = 0.000; p = 0.000; p = 0.06). The stiffness of TDAP was the lowest among all skin flaps, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.000; p = 0.000; p = 0.000).Conclusions TDAP is indeed suitable for reconstruction of head and neck defect, especially oral and oropharyngeal defect. Due to the ductile texture of TDAP, it is very conducive to the recovery of the morphology and function of oral and oropharyngeal organs.
Is a simplified version of PsAMRIS (sPsAMRIS) a potential tool for therapy monitoring in established psoriatic arthritis?
Authors: Abrar Daniel Benjamin , Schleich Christoph , Brinks Ralph , Vordenbäumen Stefan , Frenken Miriam , Goertz Christine , Schneider Matthias , Ostendorf Benedikt , Sewerin Philipp 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: To evaluate whether a simplified version of the psoriatic arthritis magnetic resonance imaging score (PsAMRIS), sPsAMRIS, is a potential tool for therapy monitoring in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
Methods: Seventeen patients with PsA, according to CASPAR classification criteria, with inadequate methotrexate response received anti-TNF treatment and were assessed by 3T MRI of the clinically dominant hand at baseline and after 6 months. Scoring was according to PsAMRIS. Items were reduced based on standard response mean (SRM), resulting in a simplified PsAMRIS (sPsAMRIS), which was compared to PsAMRIS by calculation of the total SRM and relative efficiency (RE) after bootstrapping.
Results: The PsAMRIS subscore of MCP3, 4, and PIP4 resulted in the highest SRM (–0.07 each) and were, therefore, included in sPsAMRIS. sPsAMRIS had a higher SRM compared to PsAMRIS (–0.13 vs. –0.02) and a higher RE (29.46). PsAMRIS and sPsAMRIS were highly correlated at baseline (r=0.75, p<0.01) and follow-up (r=0.64, p=0.01). The evaluation time was reduced from 471 to 142 seconds at baseline and from 478 to 133 seconds at follow-up (p<0.001).
Conclusions: sPsAMRIS is a potential tool for therapy monitoring in psoriatic arthritis and is a time-saving variation of OMERACT PsAMRIS.
Effect Of Early Caffeine Therapy On Weight Gain In Very Preterm Infants
Authors: Mani Srinivasan , Kupferman Fernanda , Kim Roger 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: Premature infants were observed to have poor weight gain for the first 3 weeks after initiating caffeine therapy. The practical impact of this adverse effect in the era of prophylactic (early) caffeine therapy in very preterm infants have not been analyzed well.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted including preterm infants born at < 31 weeks gestation between June 2013 and June 2016. Infants were divided into 2 groups based on the timing of caffeine initiation: less than the 48 hours after birth (early) and 48 or more hours after birth (late). The outcome was weight in grams at the end of 3rd week of life. Independent t-test and repeated-measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used for analysis. Results: Thirty-nine (84.6%) out of 46 infants born < 31 weeks gestation with a birth weight < 1250 grams were included in the study. Of the 39 infants, 22 received early caffeine therapy and 17 received late caffeine therapy. On comparing the weight at 3 weeks of age between the two groups, the early caffeine group had a significantly better weight gain with a mean weight at 3 weeks being 1140 grams vs 985 grams (p=0.03). Conclusion: In very preterm infants, early caffeine therapy was associated with better weight gain in the first 3 weeks of life.