bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postoperative complications following colonic resection for cancer are associated with impaired long‐term survival
Authors: Arnarson Ö. , Butt‐Tuna S. , Syk I. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAimSurgery for colorectal cancer is associated with a high incidence of postoperative complications. The aim of this study was to analyse whether postoperative complications following radical resection for colorectal cancer are associated with increased recurrence rate and impaired survival.MethodPatients operated for colon cancer between 2007 and 2009 with curative intent were identified through the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry. The cohort was divided into three subgroups: patients who developed severe postoperative complications, patients who developed non‐severe complications and patients who did not develop any complication (controls).ResultsOf 6779 patients included in the study, 640 (9%) developed severe complications, 994 (15%) non‐severe complications and 5145 (76%) had no complications. The 5‐year overall survival rate was 60.3% in the severe complication group, 64.2% in the non‐severe complication group and 72.8% in the control group (P < 0.01). The 3‐year disease‐free survival rate was 66.8%, 70.9% and 77.8% respectively (P < 0.01). The recurrence rate did not differ between the three groups. In multivariate analysis, both severe and non‐severe complications were found to be risk factors for decreased overall survival at 5 years [hazard ratio (HR) 1.38, 95% CI 1.47–1.92, and HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.27–1.60 respectively; P < 0.05) as well as for decreased 3‐year disease‐free survival (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.14–1.65, and HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.08–1.48 respectively; P < 0.05).ConclusionComplications after colonic resection for cancer are associated with impaired 5‐year overall survival and 3‐year disease‐free survival and exhibit more severe postoperative complications, mainly via mechanisms other than cancer recurrence.
The impact of viewing conditions on observer variability for cross‐media colour reproduction
Authors: Cho Yoon Ji , Cui Guihua , Luo Ronnier , Sohn Kwanghoon 
Published: March 2019

This study investigates observer metamerism in cross‐media colour reproduction (CMCR) between monitor and physical colours. An LCD display was placed inside a viewing cabinet. The cabinet had a mid‐grey interior. Observers were asked to match a colour displayed on the monitor to a printed colour patch, which was also inside the viewing cabinet in two configurations, one consisting of two samples separated by a hairline gap (Configuration 1), and the other consisting of two samples separated by a large gap (Configuration 2). Eleven observers were asked to first match the background colour and then 10 test colours for each configuration, and this was repeated five times. The observers’ variability results showed little difference between inter‐ and intra‐variability, and between the two configurations. Comparing the observers’ results with the CIE 1964 standard colorimetric observer, Configuration 1 and Configuration 2 each showed similar agreement. In both configurations, the results of observer variability were smaller than those obtained by Oicherman et al. in 2008. In addition, each configuration's results showed better agreement with the CIE standard colorimetric observer than Oicherman et al.'s results. This implies that both configurations, one with two samples having a hairline gap and with two samples separated by a large gap in a viewing cabinet, could be recommended for future CMCR systems. However, if choosing between the two, then Configuration 2 is recommended rather than Configuration 1.
RETRACTED: miR‐664a‐3p functions as an oncogene by targeting Hippo pathway in the development of gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Lu , Li Bowen , Zhang Lu , Li Qing , He Zhongyuan , Zhang Xuan , Huang Xiaoxu , Xu Zhipeng , Xia Yiwen , Zhang Qiang , Li Qiang , Xu Jianghao , Sun Guangli , Xu Zekuan 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectivesIt has been accounted that miR‐664a‐3p has different functions in several malignancies; however, the precise role and underlying mechanism in gastric cancer have not been elucidated. Our study aims to explore the function of miR‐664a‐3p on the progression of gastric cancer (GC).MethodsqRT‐PCR was applied to detect the expression of miR‐664a‐3p in GC tissues and cells. The functions of miR‐664a‐3p on GC in vitro were examined by cell proliferation assay, and transwell assay. Related proteins of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and signal pathway were evaluated by Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis. The bioinformatic, dual‐luciferase assay or ChIP assay were employed to identify the interaction between miR‐664a‐3p and its target gene or Foxp3. The effects in vivo were investigated through a mouse tumorigenicity model.ResultsmiR‐664a‐3p was frequently upregulated in GC tissues and cells. Elevated expression of miR‐664a‐3p significantly promoted proliferation and invasion in vitro and in vivo. MOB1A was confirmed to be a target of miR‐664a‐3p and restoration of MOB1A attenuated the effects of miR‐664a‐3p. A series of investigations indicated that miR‐664a‐3p contributed to EMT process and inactivated the Hippo pathway by downregulating MOB1A.ConclusionTaken together, we revealed that miR‐664a‐3p functions as an oncogene by targeting Hippo pathway in the development of gastric cancer.
Advocating Workers' Collective Rights: The Prospects and Constraints Facing ‘Collective Bargaining’ NGOs in the Pearl River Delta, 2011–2015
Authors: Zhou Mujun , Yan Guowei 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTLabour struggles are frequent in China, but because workers’ organizational resources are controlled by the state, these struggles have been fragmented. Targeting this problem, a group of internationally connected labour NGOs emerged in the Pearl River Delta between 2011 and 2015. These organizations sought to advocate workers’ collective rights by helping workers organize outside the state system. Adopting a relational approach to the study of civil society, this article examines the impact of these NGOs. Based on ethnographic research and a unique data set, it argues that although the organizational skills shared by these NGOs could to some extent sustain workers’ collective actions, they could not be used to integrate the fragmented struggles. Due to the lack of institutional guarantees, activists’ interventions can generate more mistrust than solidarity. The preference of the key donor for a more confrontational and independent labour movement further widened the gap between NGOs and workers, and distracted the NGOs from channels that had the potential to influence policy. The study contributes to an understanding of social movements and NGO intervention by emphasizing the necessity of locating advocacy channels within the state, and the importance of recognizing and maintaining the complex ecology of civil society.
Ageing and epigenetics: linking neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Starr John M 
Published: March 2019

Epigenetics has classically been recognized as crucial to neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental disorders. More recently its role in ageing processes, including neurodegenerative disorders has emerged, although far more research is required in this area, particularly in humans. Epigenetic processes that regulate gene expression comprise strata of DNA modification (e.g. methylation), histone modification (e.g. histone acetylation), and mRNA translation (e.g. by microRNAs). These strata are progressively more fluid whereby changes in DNA methylation may persist for many years whilst expression of microRNAs fluctuates over short periods. There is considerable ‘cross‐talk’ between these epigenetic strata. Epigenetic mechanisms are open to parental imprinting and thus they are candidates for linking diseases, not just over the life course, but also intergenerationally. There is a genetic overlap between intellectual disability and cognitive ageing. Epigenetic pathways may strengthen the links between neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.What this paper adds

DNA methylation has relevance to both neurological development and neurodegeneration.

Links between epigenetics, genotype and phenotype are emerging.
Influence of O2 and CO2on fungal development and hydrophobin expression during the interaction between Heterobasidion parviporum and Phlebiopsis gigantea
Authors: Kern Linda , Linkies Ada 
Published: March 2019

AbstractHeterobasidion annosum is a very destructive fungal pathogen causing massive losses on forest trees in the northern hemisphere. Tree infection usually takes place through the cut surface after felling. Phlebiopsis gigantea is commonly used as a biological control agent, applied directly after cutting on the stump surface. We investigated the interaction between both fungi in different gas compositions with lowered O2 (0.1% and 0.4%) and enhanced CO2 (15%) concentrations, imitating conditions as present on the wood surface and inside living wood tissue. When grown under 0.1% O2 and 15% CO2, fungal development of both species was altered, growth rate of P. giganteawas decreased and of H. parviporum slightly increased. Low O2 and high CO2 induced the formation of highly hydrophilic tissue with impaired conidia formation and germination capacity. In H. parviporum,this effect was more striking after 7 dpi with 45% reduced vitality, in P. gigantea after 14 dpi with 89% vitality reduction. These observations suggest that entering the tree through the cut surface is accompanied by altering fungal tissue to be more hydrophilic with a concurrent reduction of conidia formation and germination. Expression of the hydrophobin genes HAH1 and HAH2 of H. parviporum at ambient air decreased significantly in response to fungal interaction with P. gigantea. Gene expression was also influenced by O2 and CO2 content. Reduction of O2to 0.4% led to significantly decreased transcription rate of both HAH1 and HAH2 in single and dual cultures.
Inducible and reversible silencing of the Pvalb gene in mice: An in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Filice Federica , Blum Walter , Lauber Emanuel , Schwaller Beat 
Published: March 2019

AbstractInducible and reversible regulation of gene expression is a powerful approach for unraveling gene functions. Here, we describe the generation of a system to efficiently downregulate in a reversible and inducible manner the Pvalb gene coding for the calcium‐binding protein parvalbumin (PV) in mice. We made use of an IPTG‐inducible short hairpin RNA to activate Pvalb transcript knockdown and subsequently downregulate PV. The downregulation was rapidly reversed after withdrawal of IPTG. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed a decrease in PV expression of ≥50% in the presence of IPTG and full reversibility after IPTG removal. We foresee that the tightly regulated and reversible PV downregulation in mice in vivo will provide a new tool for the control of Pvalb transcript expression in a temporal manner. Because PV protein and PVALB transcript levels were found to be lower in the brain of patients with autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia, the novel transgenic mouse line might serve as a model to investigate the putative role of PV in these neurodevelopmental disorders.
Interspecific conflict and the evolution of ineffective rhizobia
Authors: Gano‐Cohen Kelsey A. , Wendlandt Camille E. , Stokes Peter J. , Blanton Mia A. , Quides Kenjiro W. , Zomorrodian Avissa , Adinata Eunice S. , Sachs Joel L. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMicrobial symbionts exhibit broad genotypic variation in their fitness effects on hosts, leaving hosts vulnerable to costly partnerships. Interspecific conflict and partner‐maladaptation are frameworks to explain this variation, with different implications for mutualism stability. We investigated the mutualist service of nitrogen fixation in a metapopulation of root‐nodule forming Bradyrhizobium symbionts in Acmispon hosts. We uncovered Bradyrhizobium genotypes that provide negligible mutualist services to hosts and had superior in planta fitness during clonal infections, consistent with cheater strains that destabilise mutualisms. Interspecific conflict was also confirmed at the metapopulation level – by a significant negative association between the fitness benefits provided by Bradyrhizobium genotypes and their local genotype frequencies – indicating that selection favours cheating rhizobia. Legumes have mechanisms to defend against rhizobia that fail to fix sufficient nitrogen, but these data support predictions that rhizobia can subvert plant defenses and evolve to exploit hosts.
Automatically detecting and tracking free‐ranging Japanese macaques in video recordings with deep learning and particle filters
Authors: Ueno Masataka , Hayashi Hidetaka , Kabata Ryosuke , Terada Kazunori , Yamada Kazunori 
Published: March 2019

AbstractRecently, automated observation systems for animals using artificial intelligence have been proposed. In the wild, animals are difficult to detect and track automatically because of lamination and occlusions. Our study proposes a new approach to automatically detect and track wild Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) using deep learning and a particle filter algorithm. Macaque likelihood is derived through deep learning and used as an observation model in a particle filter to predict the macaques’ position and size in an image. By using deep learning as an observation model, it is possible to simplify the observation model and improve the accuracy of the classifier. We investigated whether the algorithm could find body regions of macaques in video recordings of free‐ranging groups at Katsuyama, Japan to evaluate our model. Experimental results showed that our method with deep learning as an observation model had higher tracking accuracy than a method that uses a support vector machine. More generally, our study will help researchers to develop automatic observation systems for animals in the wild.
Genome‐wide signatures of environmental adaptation in European aspen (Populus tremula) under current and future climate conditions
Authors: Ingvarsson Pär K. , Bernhardsson Carolina 
Published: March 2019

AbstractFuture climate change has been predicted to disrupt local adaptation in many perennial plants, such as forest trees, but the magnitude and location of these effects are thus far poorly understood. Here, we assess local adaptation to current climate in European aspen (Populus tremula) by using environmental association analyses to identify genetic variants associated with two representative climate variables describing current day variation in temperature and precipitation. We also analysed patterns of genetic differentiation between southern and northern populations and observe that regions of high genetic differentiation are enriched for SNPs that are significantly associated with climate. Using variants associated with climate, we examined patterns of isolation by distance and environment and used spatial modelling to predict the geographic distribution of genomic variation in response to two scenarios of future climate change. We show that climate conditions at a northern reference site will correspond to climate conditions experienced by current day populations located 4–8 latitude degrees further south. By assessing the relationship between phenotypic traits and vegetative fitness, we also demonstrate that southern populations harbour genetic variation that likely would be adaptive further north under both climate change scenarios. Current day populations at the lagging edge of the distribution in Sweden can therefore serve as sources for introducing adaptive alleles onto northern populations, but the likelihood of this largely depends on naturally occurring levels of gene flow.
Equine ulcerative keratitis with furrow: A review of the outcomes of 72 cases from 1987 to 2015
Authors: Berkowski W. M. , Craft W. F. , Whitley R. D. , Brooks D. E. , Plummer C. E. 
Published: March 2019

SummaryBackgroundUlcerative keratitis with peripheral furrow formation is a poorly‐described condition which has been associated with a grave prognosis due to rapid necrosis of the cornea.ObjectiveTo describe the infectious aetiologies associated with furrow‐forming ulcerative keratitis, its overall clinical course and the efficacy of medical and surgical intervention in horses.Study designRetrospective clinical case series.MethodsMedical records of 72 horses which presented with furrow‐forming ulcerative keratitis at the University of Florida between 1987 and 2015 were reviewed.ResultsSeventy‐two horses (72 eyes) with furrow‐forming ulcerative keratitis were treated at the University of Florida between 1987 and 2015. Of these, a definitive aetiologic diagnosis was available for 37 eyes. Ten of 37 eyes (27%) were diagnosed with fungal keratitis based on cytology of corneal scraping, culture, histopathology and/or fungalPCR. Fourteen of 37 eyes (38%) were diagnosed with a mixed fungal and bacterial keratitis. Thirteen of 37 eyes (35%) were diagnosed with bacterial keratitis. Overall, 26 of 72 total eyes were treated with medical therapy alone (36%). Forty‐six of 72 eyes were treated medically and surgically (64%). Of the 26 eyes which received medical therapy, 20 healed with a positive visual outcome (77%) and 6 eyes were non‐visual (23%). Of the 46 eyes which received surgical intervention, 40 healed with a positive visual outcome (87%), while six eyes were non‐visual (13%). Altogether, 60 of 72 eyes healed with a positive visual outcome following medical or surgical treatment of furrow‐forming ulcerative keratitis (83%). Twelve of 72 eyes failed treatment (17%), with six eyes requiring enucleation and six globes becoming phthisical after treatment.Main limitationsInconsistencies in available medical record data due to the large span of time (1987–2015) are inherent in this retrospective study, along with gradual evolution of corneal surgical techniques and medical therapies over the decades.ConclusionsFurrow‐forming ulcerative keratitis was associated with a positive visual outcome in 83% of horses treated at the University of Florida between the years 1987 and 2015. Furrow formation may be associated with either fungal or bacterial infection.
Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation of quadriceps on the quadriceps strength and functional performance in nursing home residents: A comparison of short and long stimulation periods
Authors: Acaröz Candan Sevim , Akoğlu Abdullah Sinan , Büğüşan Sema , Yüksel Fuat 
Published: March 2019

AimTo determine the effect of two neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) periods on quadriceps strength (QS) and functional performance in nursing home residents.MethodsA total of 53 older adults living in a nursing home were randomized into two groups: NMES with a short stimulation period and NMES with a long stimulation period. The quadriceps muscles were bilaterally stimulated three times a week for 6 weeks in both groups. Strength was measured with a digital handheld dynamometer and 30‐s chair stand test. Functional performance was evaluated with the Berg balance scale, Timed Up and Go test and 6‐min walking test.ResultsAnalysis was carried out on 44 older adults, who completed the study protocol. The isometric QS did not change within groups or between groups. Interestingly, the 30‐s chair stand test score increased for both groups, but the improvements were similar among groups. The Berg balance scale score, Timed Up and Go test time and 6‐min walking test distance also improved in both groups. However, no difference in any of the functional outcome measures was observed between groups.ConclusionsThe present findings showed that both NMES protocols might be an alternative to achieve an improvement in functional strength of the lower extremities and functional performance in nursing home residents, whereas neither of the two protocols seems effective for improving isometric QS. Both methods might contribute to maintaining isometric QS during the aging process. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 409–413.
Reliability and acceptability of using a social robot to carry out cognitive tests for community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Takaeda Kana , Kamimura Tomoko , Inoue Takenobu , Nishiura Yuko 
Published: March 2019

AimTo improve access to cognitive testing for older adults, the reliability and acceptability of a speech‐based cognitive test administered by a social robot were investigated.MethodsThe Japanese version of the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status was administered by a social robot to participants recruited from retirement homes and adult daycare facilities. The robot's dialogue and gestures were preprogrammed, while the researcher controlled the timing of proceeding to the next question and scored participants’ responses. We examined the internal consistency, alternate form reliability (experiment 1) and test–retest reliability (experiment 2) of the cognitive test. The acceptability of the cognitive test was also examined using a questionnaire in experiment 2.ResultsA total of 66 individuals (mean age 81.2 ± 5.8 years) participated in experiment 1; the internal consistency (Cronbach's α) of the test was 0.691 and its alternate form reliability (measured by interclass correlation coefficient) was 0.728. A total of 40 of these individuals (mean age 82.0 ± 5.4 years) also participated in experiment 2, and the test–retest reliability was 0.818. According to the questionnaire responses, over half of the participants wanted (or very much wanted) to use the robot version of the test to measure the deterioration of their cognitive function.ConclusionsA robot‐administered cognitive test might have satisfactory reliability and acceptability to community‐dwelling older adults if those aspects of the test implemented by the researcher can also be successfully automated. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 552–556.
Liver fibrosis markers as assessed by ultrasound elastography and serum samples: A large comparative study in hepatitis virus B and C liver diseases
Authors: Nishimura Takashi , Iijima Hiroko , Nishikawa Hiroki , Kondo Reiichiro , Yano Hirohisa , Kage Masayoshi , Aoki Tomoko , Nakano Chikage , Yuri Yukihisa , Ishii Noriko , Hasegawa Kunihiro , Takata Ryo , Yoh Kazunori , Sakai Yoshiyuki , Takashima Tomoyuki , Aizawa Nobuhiro , Ikeda Naoto , Iwata Yoshinori , Enomoto Hirayuki , Hirota Seiichi , Fujimoto Jiro , Nishiguchi Shuhei 
Published: March 2019

AimWe aimed to compare the well‐established liver fibrosis (LF) markers in Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB, n = 331) and chronic hepatitis C (CHC, n = 886) and to discuss possible causes of differences in results between CHB patients and CHC patients.MethodsVirtual touch quantification (VTQ) in acoustic radiation force impulse, Fibrosis‐4 (Fib‐4) index, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), and hyaluronic acid (HA) were compared between the two cohorts. As an additional investigation, total collagen proportional area (TCPA, %) was tested using liver pathological samples (n = 83).ResultsSignificant LF (F2 or greater) and advanced LF (F3 or greater) were identified in 153 (46.2%) and 76 (23.0%) patients in the CHB cohort and 579 (65.3%) and 396 (44.7%) patients in the CHC cohort. The median VTQ, Fib‐4 index, APRI, and HA values in the CHB cohort were 1.20 m/s, 1.36, 0.44, and 25 ng/mL; those in the CHC cohort were 1.32 m/s, 2.60, 0.74, and 65.5 ng/mL (P‐values, all <0.0001). Similar tendencies were noted by F stage‐based stratification. The median TCPA in the CHB cohort and the CHC cohort were 8.5% and 12.7% (P < 0.0006). The TCPA values in the CHC cohort were higher than those in the CHB cohort regardless of LF stage.ConclusionValues of LF markers in CHB patients can differ from those in CHC patients even in the same LF stage. Difference in total amount of collagen fiber in CHB and CHC appears to be linked to the difference.