bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monitoring serum proangiogenic cytokines from hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with sorafenib
Authors: Adachi Takuya , Nouso Kazuhiro , Miyahara Koji , Oyama Atsushi , Wada Nozomu , Dohi Chihiro , Takeuchi Yasuto , Yasunaka Tetsuya , Onishi Hideki , Ikeda Fusao , Nakamura Shinichiro , Shiraha Hidenori , Takaki Akinobu , Takabatake Hiroyuki , Fujioka Shin‐ichi , Kobashi Haruhiko , Takuma Yoshitaka , Iwadou Shouta , Uematsu Shuji , Takaguchi Koichi , Hagihara Hiroaki , Okada Hiroyuki ,   on behalf of the Okayama Liver Cancer Group
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackground and AimSeveral factors, including proangiogenic cytokines, have been reported as predictive markers for the treatment effect of sorafenib in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, most of them were determined based on one‐time measurements before treatment.MethodsWe consecutively recruited 80 advanced HCC patients who were treated with sorafenib prospectively. Serum levels of eight proangiogenic cytokines and the appearance of adverse events were monitored periodically, and their correlations with the prognoses of the patients were evaluated.ResultsAmong six significant risk factors for overall survival in univariate analyses, high angiopoietin‐2 (hazard ratio, 2.06), high hepatocyte growth factor (hazard ratio, 2.08), and poor performance status before the treatment (hazard ratio, 2.48) were determined as independent risk factors. In addition, high angiopoietin‐2 at the time of progressive disease was a marker of short post‐progression survival (hazard ratio, 4.27). However, there was no significant variable that predicted short progression‐free survival except the presence of hepatitis B virus surface antigen.ConclusionsPredictions of overall survival and post‐progression survival were possible by periodically measuring serum proangiogenic cytokines, especially angiopoietin‐2, in patients with HCC treated with sorafenib.
Beneficial effect of butyrate‐producing Lachnospiraceae on stress‐induced visceral hypersensitivity in rats
Authors: Zhang Jindong , Song Lijin , Wang Yujing , Liu Chang , Zhang Lu , Zhu Shiwei , Liu Shuangjiang , Duan Liping 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackground and AimEmerging evidence indicates that psychological stress is involved in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome, which is characterized by visceral hypersensitivity and may be accompanied by gut dysbiosis. However, how such stress contributes to the development of visceral hypersensitivity is incompletely understood. Here, we aimed to investigate the influence that stress‐induced microbial changes exert on visceral sensitivity, as well as the possible underlying mechanisms associated with this effect.MethodsMale Sprague–Dawley rats underwent chronic water avoidance stress (WAS) to induce visceral hypersensitivity. Visceral sensitivity, colonic tight junction protein expression, and short‐chain fatty acids of cecal contents were measured. Fecal samples were collected to characterize microbiota profiles. In a separate study, oral gavage of Roseburia in WAS rats was conducted to verify its potential role in the effectiveness on visceral hypersensitivity.ResultsRepeated WAS caused visceral hypersensitivity, altered fecal microbiota composition and function, and decreased occludin expression in the colon. Stressed rats exhibited reduced representation of pathways involved in the metabolism of butyrate and reduced abundance of several operational taxonomic units associated with butyrate‐producing bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae. Consistently, supplementation with Roseburia hominis, a species belonging to Lachnospiraceae, significantly increased cecal butyrate content. Moreover, Roseburia supplementation alleviated visceral hypersensitivity and prevented the decreased expression of occludin.ConclusionsReduction in the abundance of butyrate‐producing Lachnospiraceae, which is beneficial for the intestinal barrier, was involved in the formation of visceral hypersensitivity. R. hominis is a potential probiotic for treating stress‐induced visceral hypersensitivity.
Effects of in‐hospital exercise on sarcopenia in hepatoma patients who underwent transcatheter arterial chemoembolization
Authors: Koya Shunji , Kawaguchi Takumi , Hashida Ryuki , Hirota Keisuke , Bekki Masafumi , Goto Emiko , Yamada Maiko , Sugimoto Masako , Hayashi Saki , Goshima Norihiro , Yoshiyama Teruhito , Otsuka Takashi , Nozoe Ryosuke , Nagamatsu Ayu , Nakano Dan , Shirono Tomotake , Shimose Shigeo , Iwamoto Hideki , Niizeki Takashi , Matsuse Hiroo , Koga Hironori , Miura Hiroko , Shiba Naoto , Torimura Takuji 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackground and AimSarcopenia is a prognostic factor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. HCC patients who underwent transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) are at a risk of muscle atrophy. We aimed to investigate the effects of in‐hospital exercise on muscle mass and factors associated with muscle hypertrophy in HCC patients who underwent TACE.MethodsWe enrolled 209 HCC patients who underwent TACE. Patients were classified into either an exercise (n = 102) or control (n = 107) group. In the exercise group, patients were treated with in‐hospital exercise (median 2.5 metabolic equivalents/20–40 min/day). The effects of exercise on muscle mass were evaluated by changes in skeletal muscle index (ΔSMI) between before and after TACE. Factors associated with an increase in SMI were analyzed by logistic regression and decision‐tree analyses.ResultsThere was no significant difference in serum albumin and bilirubin levels between the two groups. ΔSMI was significantly higher in the exercise group than in the control group (0.28 cm2/m2 vs −1.11 cm2/m2, P = 0.0029). In the logistic regression analysis, exercise was an independent factor for an increase in SMI (hazard ratio 2.13; 95% confidence interval 1.215–3.846; P = 0.0085). Moreover, the decision‐tree analysis showed that exercise was the initial divergence variable for an increase in SMI (the ratio of increased SMI: 53% in the exercise group vs 36% in the control group).ConclusionsIn‐hospital exercises increased muscle mass in HCC patients who underwent TACE. In addition, exercise was an independent factor for muscle hypertrophy. Thus, in‐hospital exercise may prevent sarcopenia in HCC patients who underwent TACE.
Inhibition, shifting and updating in relation to psychometric intelligence across ability groups in the psychiatric population
Authors: Biesmans K. E. , van Aken L. , Frunt E. M. J. , Wingbermühle P. A. M. , Egger J. I. M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundAssessment of intelligence and executive function (EF) is common in complex neuropsychiatric practice. Although previous studies have shown that EF and intelligence are related, it is unknown whether these constructs relate to one another in a similar manner across different ability groups (mild intellectual disability, borderline intellectual disability and normal/high intelligence). This study therefore examines the relation between three EFs (inhibition, shifting and updating) and intelligence in a heterogeneous psychiatric sample. It is hypothesised that the strength of the relation between intelligence and the three EFs decreases when the level of intelligence increases, in accordance with Spearman's Law of Diminishing Returns.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional, between and within subject design, one of the three intelligence tests (Kaufman Adolescent and Adult Intelligence Test and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – third and fourth editions) and several EF tests (Stroop Colour–Word Test, Trail Making Test and Spatial Working Memory task) were administered to 250 neuropsychiatric inpatients and outpatients (Mage = 39.8, standard deviation = 14.3, 52.8% male). Based upon their full‐scale IQ score, patients were divided into three ability groups (mild intellectual disability, borderline intellectual disability or normal/high intelligence). The relation between EF and intelligence was assessed through analyses of the correlation pattern; groups were compared using analysis of covariance.ResultsAnalyses showed significant correlations between the constructs of EF and intelligence. A significant interaction effect was found for shifting, with highest correlations in the normal to high intelligence group, but not for inhibition and updating.ConclusionsResults support a specific role for shifting in this EF–intelligence relation. The correlational pattern of updating and intelligence, as well as the differential relation of shifting and intelligence across ability groups, suggests that EF tasks may not measure distinct EFs in lower intellectual ability but rely on cognitive primitives such as processing speed. EF tasks can be considered less valid indicators of EF ability. Implications in terms of the need for development of specific tasks to measure cognition in low intellectual ability are discussed.
Lock‐In Effects in Relationship Lending: Evidence from DIP Loans
Authors: HASAN IFTEKHAR , RAMÍREZ GABRIEL G. , ZHANG GAIYAN 
Published: November 2018

AbstractDo prior lending relationships result in pass‐through savings (lower interest rates) for borrowers, or do they lock in higher costs for borrowers? Theoretical models suggest that when borrowers experience greater information asymmetry, higher switching costs, and limited access to capital markets, they become locked into higher costs from their existing lenders. Firms in Chapter 11 seeking debtor‐in‐possession (DIP) financing often fit this profile. We investigate the presence of lock‐in effects using a sample of 348 DIP loans. We account for endogeneity using the instrument variable (IV) approach and the Heckman selection model and find consistent evidence that prior lending relationship is associated with higher interest costs and the effect is more severe for stronger existing relationships. Our study provides direct evidence that prior lending relationships do create a lock‐in effect under certain circumstances, such as DIP financing.
Upper molar morphology, homologies and evolutionary patterns of chinchilloid rodents (Mammalia, Caviomorpha)
Authors: Rasia Luciano Luis , Candela Adriana M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractChinchilloidea are a clade of caviomorph rodents that includes seven living species, the Dinomyidae Dinomys branickii, the Chinchillidae Lagostomus maximus, two species of Chinchilla and three species of Lagidium. In addition, two extinct families are traditionally considered chinchilloids – Neoepiblemidae and Cephalomyidae. The phylogeny of the Chinchilloidea has so far not been well established and is based on partial analyses. Studying the anatomy and ontogeny of extinct and extant taxa, we propose homologies for the upper molars of Chinchilloidea for which these homologies have not been previously proposed: that is the Chinchillidae Prolagostomus, Lagostomus, Lagidium and Chinchilla, and the Neoepiblemidae Neoepiblema and Phoberomys. We identify patterns of occlusal simplification within Chinchilloidea and evaluate its importance in an evolutionary context. A phylogenetic analysis recovered Dinomyidae, Chinchillidae and Neoepiblemidae as clades. ‘Cephalomyidae’ have not been not recovered as a monophyletic group and ‘cephalomyids’ are closely related to Neoepiblemidae. Branisamys is not included within the Dinomyidae and appears to be a basal chinchilloid.
Value‐based assessment of hysterectomy approaches
Authors: Danilyants Natalya , MacKoul Paul , Baxi Rupen , van der Does Louise Q. , Haworth Leah R. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimBy evaluating operative outcomes relative to cost, we compared the value of minimally invasive hysterectomy approaches, including a technique discussed less often in the literature, laparoscopic retroperitoneal hysterectomy (LRH), which incorporates retroperitoneal dissection and ligation of the uterine arteries at their vascular origin.MethodsRetrospective chart review of all women (N = 2689) aged greater than or equal to 18 years who underwent hysterectomy for benign conditions from 2011 to 2013 at a high‐volume hospital in Maryland, USA. Procedures included: laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy, robotic‐assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy (RALH), total laparoscopic hysterectomy, laparoscopic‐assisted vaginal hysterectomy, total vaginal hysterectomy (TVH), and LRH.ResultsTotal vaginal hysterectomy had the highest intraoperative complication rate (9.6%;P < 0.0001) but the lowest postoperative complication rate (1.8%;P < 0.0001). Robotics had the highest postoperative complication rate (11.4%;P < 0.0001). LRH had the shortest operative time (71.2 min;P < 0.0001) and the lowest intraoperative complication rates (2.1%;P < 0.0001). LRH and TVH were the least costly (averaging $4061 and $6416, respectively), while RALH was the most costly ($9354). Taking both operative outcomes and cost into account, LRH, TVH and laparoscopic‐assisted vaginal hysterectomy yielded the highest value scores; total laparoscopic hysterectomy, RALH, and laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy yielded the lowest.ConclusionUnderstanding the value of surgical interventions requires an evaluation of both operative outcomes and direct hospital costs. Using a quality‐cost framework, the LRH approach as performed by high‐volume laparoscopic specialists emerged as having the highest calculated value.
Supplementation of L‐glycine and L‐glutamate to Japanese quails from 01 to 36 days of age using the ideal protein concept
Authors: Vieira Danilo V. G. , Silva José H. V. , Costa Fernando G. P. , Melo Thiago S. , Lima Matheus R. , Cavalcante Danilo T. , de Vargas Júnior José G. , Bonaparte Talita P. , Oliveira Lorena C. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractExperiment I: T1‐1 = basal diet with 25% crude protein (CP) + limiting amino acids (LA); T1‐2 = 20% CP + LA; T1‐3 = 20% CP + LA + L‐glycine; T1‐4 = 20% CP + LA + L‐glutamate; T1‐5 = 20% CP + LA + L‐glycine + L‐glutamate. Experiment II: T2‐1 = basal diet with 22% CP + LA; T2‐2 = 20% CP + LA; T2‐3 = 17.6% CP + LA + L‐glycine; T2‐4 = 17.6% CP + LA + L‐glutamate; T2‐5 = 17.6% CP + LA + L‐glycine + L‐glutamate. The reduction of dietary protein based on the concept of ideal protein decreases nitrogen excretion in quails when L‐glycine is added to the diets. Quails fed diets supplemented with L‐glutamate as the non‐specific nitrogen source equivalent to the nitrogen level of the control diet had increased nitrogen excretion. However, quails had reduced nitrogen excretion in both experiments when L‐glycine was added to diets with L‐glutamate. Carcass fat was increased by reducing dietary protein, but fat deposition was reduced by adding L‐glutamate and L‐glycine, or both. The dietary addition of L‐glutamate and L‐glycine in quails based on the ideal protein concept is not necessary (Exp. I). Although the total nitrogen, electrolytic balance and glycine level were adjusted in diets, quails had decreased performance. Therefore, other hypotheses besides protein reduction need to be studied (Exp. II). Protein reduction with supplementation of only limiting essential amino acids does not affect quail performance. Dietary addition of L‐glycine reduces nitrogen excretion.
Characterisation of the Toxoplasma gondii tyrosine transporter and its phosphorylation by the calcium‐dependent protein kinase 3
Authors: Wallbank Bethan A. , Dominicus Caia S. , Broncel Malgorzata , Legrave Nathalie , Kelly Gavin , MacRae James I. , Staines Henry M. , Treeck Moritz 
Published: November 2018

SummaryToxoplasma gondii parasites rapidly exit their host cell when exposed to calcium ionophores. Calcium‐dependent protein kinase 3 (TgCDPK3) was previously identified as a key mediator in this process, as TgCDPK3 knockout (∆cdpk3) parasites fail to egress in a timely manner. Phosphoproteomic analysis comparing WT with ∆cdpk3 parasites revealed changes in the TgCDPK3‐dependent phosphoproteome that included proteins important for regulating motility, but also metabolic enzymes, indicating that TgCDPK3 controls processes beyond egress. Here we have investigated a predicted direct target of TgCDPK3, ApiAT5‐3, a putative transporter of the major facilitator superfamily, and show that it is rapidly phosphorylated at serine 56 after induction of calcium signalling. Conditional knockout of apiAT5‐3 results in transcriptional upregulation of most ribosomal subunits, but no alternative transporters, and subsequent parasite death. Mutating the S56 to a non‐phosphorylatable alanine leads to a fitness cost, suggesting that phosphorylation of this residue is beneficial, albeit not essential, for tyrosine import. Using a combination of metabolomics and heterologous expression, we confirmed a primary role in tyrosine import for ApiAT5‐3. However, no significant differences in tyrosine import could be detected in phosphorylation site mutants showing that if tyrosine transport is affected by S56 phosphorylation, its regulatory role is subtle.
The auxin influx carrier, OsAUX3, regulates rice root development and responses to aluminium stress
Authors: Wang Mei , Qiao JiYue , Yu ChenLiang , Chen Hao , Sun ChenDong , Huang LinZhou , Li ChuanYou , Geisler Markus , Qian Qian , Jiang De An , Qi YanHua 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn rice, there are five members of the auxin carrier AUXIN1/LIKE AUX1 family; however, the biological functions of the other four members besides OsAUX1 remain unknown. Here, by using CRISPR/Cas9, we constructed two independent OsAUX3 knock‐down lines, osaux3‐1 and osaux3‐2, in wild‐type rice, Hwayoung (WT/HY) and Dongjin (WT/DJ). osaux3‐1 and osaux3‐2 have shorter primary roots (PRs), decreased lateral root (LR) density, and longer root hairs (RHs) compared with their WT. OsAUX3 expression in PRs, LRs, and RHs further supports that OsAUX3 plays a critical role in the regulation of root development. OsAUX3 locates at the plasma membrane and functions as an auxin influx carrier affecting acropetal auxin transport. OsAUX3 is up‐regulated in the root apex under aluminium (Al) stress, and osaux3‐2 is insensitive to Al treatments. Furthermore, 1‐naphthylacetic acid accented the sensitivity of WT/DJ and osaux3‐2 to respond to Al stress. Auxin concentrations, Al contents, and Al‐induced reactive oxygen species‐mediated damage in osaux3‐2 under Al stress are lower than in WT, indicating that OsAUX3 is involved in Al‐induced inhibition of root growth. This study uncovers a novel pathway alleviating Al‐induced oxidative damage by inhibition of acropetal auxin transport and provides a new option for engineering Al‐tolerant rice species.
Hepcidin mediated iron homoeostasis as immune regulator in visceral leishmaniasis patients
Authors: Singh Bhawana , Singh Siddharth Sankar , Sundar Shyam 
Published: November 2018

SummaryAimIron is key ingredient for immunosurveillance and host‐pathogen interaction. Intracellular pathogen steals the iron from the host, but how parasite orchestrates iron acquisition and affects immune responses remains controversial. We aimed to study the iron homoeostasis in visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and its influence on immune machinery.Methods and ResultsThis study was performed on purified monocytes and T cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells and splenic aspirates for transcriptional analyses of iron homoeostasis (hepcidin, DMT1, transferrin receptor, ferroportin) and immune modulations (IFN‐γ, HLA‐DR, IL‐10, iNOS, IL‐6). Serum/plasma was used for determination of iron, total/transferrin iron‐binding capacity and anti‐leishmania antibody titres in cases. We report that VL‐induced perturbation in iron homoeostasis may cause immune dysfunctions. VL cases had decreased iron uptake by transferrin‐dependent and transferrin‐independent routes while elevated hepcidin, degraded sole iron exporter ferroportin. Therefore, it appears that perturbation in iron homoeostasis has essential role in HLA‐DR mediated antigen presentation and innate armoury by downregulating iNOS as well as altering IFN‐γ, IL‐6 and IL‐10 profiles.ConclusionThe iron homoeostasis by hepcidin can serve as one of the crucial determinants for regulating immune cell signalling; therefore, targeting iron metabolism, specifically hepcidin alone or in combination with agonists, can serve to clear infection.
Effect of spraying of fine water particles on facial skin moisture and viscoelasticity in adult women
Authors: Nishimura Naoki , Inoue Shinsuke , Yokoyama Keiko , Iwase Satoshi 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackground/purposeIt is known that the elderly and adult women with reduction in sebum secretion have reduced skin barrier function, drying of the skin in a low humidity environment is accompanied by physiological distress. As our hypothesis, when fine water particles are sprayed on the skin, the water content of the corneal layer is significantly increased. In the present study, we examined the ability of fine water particles to improve facial skin moisture levels in adult women.MethodsWe examined skin conductance, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and skin elasticity as an index of skin barrier function at the cheek in 17 healthy adult women in the spraying of fine water particles, in the environment temperature at 24°C and 34.5% relative humidity.ResultsThe skin conductance of stratum corneum after 120 minute of spraying, A condition (peak particle size below 0.5 μm) was 119.7 ± 25.1%, B condition (peak particle size 1.8 μm) was 100.4 ± 31.7%, C condition (peak particle size 5.4 μm) was 110.1 ± 25.0%, and the A condition was significantly higher than the B condition. Also, skin elasticity in the A condition tended to be higher value than in the other conditions. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) after 120 minute of spraying showed a lower value in the A condition than in the other conditions. In the A condition, the skin conductance steadily maintained their initial levels up to 360 minute after spraying.ConclusionEspecially, by spraying smallest fine water particles, skin barrier function at the cheek was improved. These data indicated that non‐charged fine water particles played an important role on moisten skin in a low humidity environment.
Successful treatment of Ureaplasma‐induced hyperammonemia syndrome post‐lung transplant
Authors: Matson Kristine M. , Sonetti David A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractHyperammonemia, in the absence of significant liver dysfunction, is an uncommon but often fatal occurrence following orthotopic lung transplant. Prior reports have provided evidence to support Ureaplasma species as an etiology for this syndrome. This case report describes an individual post‐lung transplant, treated emperically with doxycycline along with other measures to lower ammonia levels, at the time hyperammonemia with encephalopathy was recognized. The patient clinically improved. Ureaplasma species were subsequently identified using 16S ribosomal RNA gene PCR/sequencing of pleural fluid, and by culture of bronchoalveolar (BAL) fluid. This case provides further support for empiric treatment of Ureaplasma species upon recognition of hyperammonemia syndrome post‐lung transplant.