bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatocellular carcinoma in Australia 1982‐2014: Increasing incidence and improving survival
Authors: Wallace Michael C. , Preen David B. , Short Mark W. , Adams Leon A. , Jeffrey Gary P. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackground & AimsThere is a paucity of accurate and current data on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) trends in incidence and survival in developed countries. We performed an Australia‐wide assessment of HCC epidemiology across a 33‐year time span aiming to accurately describe changes in incidence and survival.MethodsCases of HCC from 1982 to 2014 were identified via the Australian Cancer Database (ACD). Trends in incidence rates were explored using piecewise linear regression. Survival was compared by Kaplan‐Meier survival curves and 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year survival probabilities by year of diagnosis.ResultsAge‐adjusted HCC incidence rate increased from 1.38 per 100 000 (95% CI: 1.34‐1.43) in 1982 to 4.96 per 100 000 (95% CI: 4.89‐5.03, P < 0.001) in 2014 with an average annual percentage increase of 4.46% (95% CI: 4.24%‐4.69%). The highest incidence rate in 2014 was in those aged 75‐79 (24.31 per 100 000; 95% CI: 19.50‐29.12). Almost 80% of cases across the period were men who had significantly higher age‐adjusted incidence rates in 2014 than women (8.55 per 100 000 [95% CI: 8.42‐8.68] vs 1.65 per 100 000 [95% CI: 1.60‐1.70]; P < 0.001). A hepatitis C (HCV) birth cohort effect was identified and associated with rapid increases in HCC incidence when members of the cohort aged and entered into age groups 45‐49, 50‐54 and 55‐59. Median survival increased from 2.10 months (95% CI: 1.57‐2.62 months) in those diagnosed between 1982 and 1984 to 12.07 months (95% CI: 11.17‐12.97 months) when diagnosed between 2010 and 2014 (P < 0.001).ConclusionsAn Australia‐wide analysis of HCC epidemiological trends across three decades shows significant and consistent increases in both incidence and survival.Lay summaryThere has been a significant increase in hepatocellular cancer (HCC) reported in Australia over the last three decades without evidence of slowing. Across the same time period, a significant improvement in survival has been identified with the average life expectancy after diagnosis now one year. This research lays the foundation for important public health service delivery.
Assessing changes in arthropod predator–prey interactions through DNA‐based gut content analysis—variable environment, stable diet
Authors: Eitzinger Bernhard , Abrego Nerea , Gravel Dominique , Huotari Tea , Vesterinen Eero J , Roslin Tomas 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAnalysing the structure and dynamics of biotic interaction networks and the processes shaping them is currently one of the key fields in ecology. In this paper, we develop a novel approach to gut content analysis, thereby deriving a new perspective on community interactions and their responses to environment. For this, we use an elevational gradient in the High Arctic, asking how the environment and species traits interact in shaping predator–prey interactions involving the wolf spider Pardosa glacialis. To characterize the community of potential prey available to this predator, we used pitfall trapping and vacuum sampling. To characterize the prey actually consumed, we applied molecular gut content analysis. Using joint species distribution models, we found elevation and vegetation mass to explain the most variance in the composition of the prey community locally available. However, such environmental variables had only a small effect on the prey community found in the spider's gut. These observations indicate that Pardosa exerts selective feeding on particular taxa irrespective of environmental constraints. By directly modelling the probability of predation based on gut content data, we found that neither trait matching in terms of predator and prey body size nor phylogenetic or environmental constraints modified interaction probability. Our results indicate that taxonomic identity may be more important for predator–prey interactions than environmental constraints or prey traits. The impact of environmental change on predator–prey interactions thus appears to be indirect and mediated by its imprint on the community of available prey.
Tolerability of isavuconazole after posaconazole toxicity in leukaemia patients
Authors: DiPippo Adam J. , Rausch Caitlin R. , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryBackgroundPosaconazole (PCZ) is widely used for prophylaxis or treatment of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in leukaemia patients. However, issues with PCZ tolerability can result in treatment interruption. Isavuconazole (ISA) has a similar broad spectrum of activity to PCZ; however, real‐world data regarding the tolerability of ISA after PCZ toxicity are lacking.ObjectivesTo describe the tolerability of ISA after PCZ toxicity in leukaemia patients.Patients/MethodsWe retrospectively assessed tolerability of ISA after PCZ toxicity in adult leukaemia patients (March 2015 to November 2017). We included all patients who received ≥7 days of ISA within 48 hours of PCZ discontinuation. Laboratory markers for liver toxicity were collected at three time points: prior to PCZ, at switch to ISA and after ISA therapy.ResultsWe identified 23 such patients. Increased liver function tests (LFTs) were noted in 20 patients on PCZ, while three patients had Grade 3/4 QTc prolongation. No patient discontinued subsequent ISA due to toxicity. Grade 3/4 elevations in LFTs were decreased after changing to ISA (30% after PCZ vs 5% after ISA). No patient had significant QTc prolongation after switching to ISA.ConclusionsIsavuconazole was well‐tolerated in patients discontinuing PCZ due to toxicity, with no patient discontinuing ISA due to toxicity.
The epidemiology of non‐Candida yeast isolated from blood: The Asia Surveillance Study
Authors: Lin Shang‐Yi , Lu Po‐Liang , Tan Ban Hock , Chakrabarti Arunaloke , Wu Un‐In , Yang Jui‐Hsuan , Patel Atul K. , Li Ruo Yu , Watcharananan Siriorn P. , Liu Zhengyin , Chindamporn Ariya , Tan Ai Ling , Sun Pei‐Lun , Hsu Li‐Yin , Chen Yee‐Chun ,   the Asia Fungal Working Group (AFWG)
Published: September 2018

SummaryBackgroundCurrent guidelines recommend echinocandins as first‐line therapy for candidemia. However, several non‐Candida yeast are non‐susceptible to echinocandins (echinocandin non‐susceptible yeast, ENSY), including Cryptococcus, Geotrichum, Malassezia, Pseudozyma, Rhodotorula, Saprochaete, Sporobolomyces and Trichosporon. In laboratories that are not equipped with rapid diagnostic tools, it often takes several days to identify yeast, and this may lead to inappropriate presumptive use of echinocandins in patients with ENSY fungemia. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of ENSY species during a 1‐year, laboratory surveillance programme in Asia.MethodsNon‐duplicate yeast isolated from blood or bone marrow cultures at 25 hospitals in China, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand were analysed. Isolates were considered to be duplicative if they were obtained within 7 days from the same patient.ResultsOf 2155 yeast isolates evaluated, 175 (8.1%) were non‐Candida yeast. The majority of non‐Candida yeast were ENSY (146/175, 83.4%). These included Cryptococcus (109 isolates), Trichosporon (23), Rhodotorula (10) and Malassezia (4). The proportion of ENSY isolates (146/2155, 6.7%) differed between tropical (India, Thailand and Singapore; 51/593, 8.6%) and non‐tropical countries/regions (China, Hong Kong and Taiwan; 95/1562, 6.1%, P = 0.038). ENSY was common in outpatient clinics (25.0%) and emergency departments (17.8%) but rare in intensive care units (4.7%) and in haematology‐oncology units (2.9%). Cryptococcus accounted for the majority of the non‐Candida species in emergency departments (21/24, 87.5%) and outpatient clinics (4/5, 80.0%).ConclusionsIsolation of non‐Candida yeast from blood cultures was not rare, and the frequency varied among medical units and countries.
Intestinal involvement in amyloidosis is a sequential process
Authors: den Braber‐Ymker Marjanne , Heijker Sanneke , Lammens Martin , Croockewit Sandra , Nagtegaal Iris D. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundGastrointestinal amyloidosis causes dysmotility. A comprehensive histological analysis to explain these symptoms is lacking. Therefore, we systematically examined histological features of intestinal dysmotility in patients with AL and AA amyloidosis, compared to controls.MethodsAutopsy tissue material from small bowel and colon was used for histological (semiquantitative) evaluation of the mucosa, blood vessels, muscular layers, enteric nervous system (ENS) and the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), using hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid Schiff, Elastic von Gieson and Congo red staining, and immunohistochemistry with α‐smooth muscle actin, HuC/D, S100 and CD117 antibodies, according to guidelines of the Gastro 2009 International Working Group.Key ResultsAmyloid deposits were present in the vascular walls of all amyloidosis patients. In the mucosa, amyloid was found in 67% of AA patients. The muscular layers were involved in 64% of amyloidosis patients, most prominent in AA patients, associated with the presence of polyglucosan inclusion bodies, but not with either abnormal α‐actin patterns or fibrosis. Amyloid in the muscularis propria surrounding the myenteric plexus was found, but not inside the myenteric plexus. These deposits might be related to loss of the ICC network, but there was no association with decreased neuronal or nerve fiber density.Conclusions & InferencesWe hypothesize that intestinal dysmotility in amyloidosis patients is a sequential process: amyloid deposition starts in the vasculature, followed by involvement of the muscular layers, ICC loss, and potentially affect the myenteric plexus. This final stage may be accompanied by clinical symptoms of severe intestinal dysmotility.
Oxidative protein folding: state‐of‐the‐art and current avenues of research in plants
Authors: Meyer Andreas J. , Riemer Jan , Rouhier Nicolas 
Published: September 2018

Contents

Summary
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I.
Introduction
1230

II.
Formation and isomerization of disulfides in the ER and the Golgi apparatus
1231

III.
The disulfide relay in the mitochondrial intermembrane space: why are plants different?
1236

IV.
Disulfide bond formation on luminal proteins in thylakoids
1240

V.
Conclusion
1242

Acknowledgements
1242

References
1242

SummaryDisulfide bonds are post‐translational modifications crucial for the structure and function of thousands of proteins. Their formation and isomerization, referred to as oxidative folding, require specific protein machineries found in oxidizing subcellular compartments, namely the endoplasmic reticulum and the associated endomembrane system, the intermembrane space of mitochondria and the thylakoid lumen of chloroplasts. At least one protein component is required for transferring electrons from substrate proteins to an acceptor that is usually molecular oxygen. For oxidation reactions, incoming reduced substrates are oxidized by thiol‐oxidoreductase proteins (or domains in case of chimeric proteins), which are usually themselves oxidized by a single thiol oxidase, the enzyme generating disulfide bonds de novo. By contrast, the description of the molecular actors and pathways involved in proofreading and isomerization of misfolded proteins, which require a tightly controlled redox balance, lags behind. Herein we provide a general overview of the knowledge acquired on the systems responsible for oxidative protein folding in photosynthetic organisms, highlighting their particularities compared to other eukaryotes. Current research challenges are discussed including the importance and specificity of these oxidation systems in the context of the existence of reducing systems in the same compartments.
BES1 hinders ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE5 and promotes seed germination in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhao Xuan , Dou Liru , Gong Zhizhong , Wang Xiangfeng , Mao Tonglin 
Published: September 2018

Summary

Proper regulation of seed germination is essential for the successful propagation of a plant. The transcription factor ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE5 (ABI5) of the abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway plays a central role in the inhibition of seed germination. ABI5 is precisely regulated by the core ABA signaling components and multiple other factors. However, the complex regulatory network of ABI5 remains largely unknown.

In this study, we determined the biochemical interaction between ABI5 and the BRINSENSITIVE1 (BRI1)‐EMS‐SUPPRESSOR1 (BES1) transcription factor of the brassinosteroid (BR) signaling pathway, as well as the function of BES1 regulating ABI5 during seed germination in Arabidopsis.

BES1 directly interacts with ABI5 both in vitro and in vivo. The bZIP domain of ABI5, which is responsible for DNA binding, is critical for ABI5 binding to BES1. The interaction of BES1 with ABI5 significantly suppressed the binding of ABI5 to the promoter regions of downstream genes, which resulted in their reduced expression and consequently facilitated seed germination.

This study shed new light on the coordination of multiple signaling pathways during seed germination. In particular, BES1 directly binds to ABI5, which interferes with its transcriptional activity and suppresses ABA signaling output.
Overweight and obesity as major, modifiable risk factors for urinary incontinence in young to mid‐aged women: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lamerton T. J. , Torquati L. , Brown W. J. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryThe purpose of this review and meta‐analysis was to evaluate overweight and obesity as risk factors for urinary incontinence in young to mid‐aged women. Understanding these relationships during this life stage is important as early onset increases the risk for developing severe and persistent incontinence. A systematic search resulted in 497 citations, 14 of which were retained for review. Data were analysed by overweight and obesity and by subtype of urinary incontinence – stress, urge, mixed and severe. When compared with ‘normal’ body mass index, overweight was associated with a one‐third increase in risk of urinary incontinence (relative risk = 1.35, 95% confidence interval = 1.20–1.53), while the risk was doubled in women with obesity (relative risk = 1.95, 95% confidence interval = 1.58–2.42). When estimates were pooled according to urinary incontinence subtype, there was no statistical difference in risk. Overweight and obesity are strong predictors of urinary incontinence, with a significantly greater risk observed for obesity. Clinical advice to young women at risk of, or presenting with, obesity should not be limited to metabolic health only but should emphasize the role of excess weight on pelvic floor weakening and subsequent risk of incontinence.
Unusual skin manifestations associated with parvovirus B19 primary infection in children
Authors: Ferrari Bruno , Díaz María Sol , López Micaela , Larralde Margarita 
Published: September 2018

AbstractParvovirus B19 is a DNA virus of the Parvoviridae family. We present four children with unusual exanthems associated with parvovirus infection: a purpuric periflexural pattern, a purpuric vasculitic pattern, and a combination of the two.
Size‐dependent Tumor Response to Photodynamic Therapy and Irinotecan Monotherapies Revealed by Longitudinal Ultrasound Monitoring in an Orthotopic Pancreatic Cancer Model
Authors: Pigula Michael , Huang Huang‐Chiao , Mallidi Srivalleesha , Anbil Sriram , Liu Joyce , Mai Zhiming , Hasan Tayyaba 
Published: September 2018

AbstractLongitudinal monitoring of tumor size in vivo can provide important biological information about disease progression and treatment efficacy that is not captured by other modes of quantification. Ultrasound enables high‐throughput evaluation of orthotopic mouse models via fast acquisition of three‐dimensional tumor images and calculation of volume with a reasonable degree of accuracy. Herein, we compare orthotopic pancreatic tumor volume measurements determined by ultrasound with volume measured by calipers and tumor weight, and found strong correlations between the three modalities over a large range of tumor sizes, suggesting ultrasound can accurately quantify tumor volumes in this model. Furthermore, we demonstrate the unique ability of longitudinal treatment monitoring to reveal a tumor size‐dependent response to Benzoporphyrin Derivative photodynamic therapy (BPD‐PDT) and irinotecan. Small tumors (5–35 mm3) were found to respond well to a single round of PDT, while large tumors (35–65 mm3) showed no response to the same treatment. These results highlight the role that tumor size can play in preclinical interpretation of treatment response and more generally suggest that careful evaluation of subtle biological features such as this must be carefully considered in order to grant a more comprehensive understanding of disease biology in vivo.
Annual decline in arterial blood oxygen predicts development of chronic respiratory failure in COPD with mild hypoxaemia: A 6‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Uemasu Kiyoshi , Sato Susumu , Muro Shigeo , Sato Atsuyasu , Tanabe Naoya , Hasegawa Koichi , Hamakawa Yoko , Mizutani Tatsushi , Fuseya Yoshinori , Tanimura Kazuya , Takahashi Tamaki , Hirai Toyohiro 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveChronic respiratory failure (CRF) with hypoxaemia is an important pathophysiology in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and existing mild hypoxaemia may be a sign of future CRF development. However, little is known about the trajectory of partial arterial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) decline in patients with COPD. We assessed decline in PaO2 and the impact of short‐term reductions in PaO2 to predict future decline in PaO2.MethodsA total of 172 outpatients with COPD from a prospective cohort study were enrolled. Pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gas (ABG) analyses were conducted at baseline and 1 year after enrolment and changes in PaO2 (ΔPaO2) and other parameters were calculated. Survival and incidence of CRF (as assessed by prescription of long‐term home oxygen therapy) were monitored for 6 years.ResultsA total of 164 patients completed the observation period and 101 patients had mild hypoxaemia (PaO2 < 80 Torr) at baseline. No patients with normal PaO2 (≥80 Torr) developed CRF, and 10 patients with mild hypoxaemia developed CRF in 6 years. Baseline airflow limitation and diffusion capacity were significantly associated with development of CRF. Receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis showed that ΔPaO2 of −3.05 Torr/year is a useful cut‐off value to predict development of CRF in 6 years (hazard ratio (HR): 12.6, 95% CI: 3.48–58.73, P < 0.0001).ConclusionPatients with COPD and mild hypoxaemia may benefit from repeat ABG after 1 year. Although PaO2 trajectories widely varied, significant annual changes in PaO2 of at least −3.0 Torr/year were predictive of CRF development.
Does a foreign degree pay? The return to foreign education in China
Authors: Guo Mengmeng , Zhang Yaxin , Ye Jingjing 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA large body of literature is devoted to estimating causal effects of schooling; however, few studies have addressed the returns on education overseas. In this paper, we focus on the causal impact of holding a foreign education degree on one's performance in the homeland labor market in the context of China, the world's leading source of students pursuing education overseas. To address the issue of endogeneity, we construct an instrumental variable based on the exchange rate when the individual is about to make further education plans to isolate the arguably exogenous cost‐side shocks to one's education decision. Utilizing data from the China Household Financial Survey, we find that holding a foreign education degree has no effect on one's propensity to join the labor market but leads to a 108.95% increase in one's wage upon employment. Moreover, such effects display significant heterogeneity among returnees regarding their background. Specifically, returnees earn less if they went abroad after China joined the WTO, work in public sectors or have rich family resources.
Is the Relationship Between Remittances and Political Institutions Monotonic? Evidence from Developing Countries
Authors: Williams Kevin 
Published: September 2018

AbstractRemittances have become one of the most important sources of household income in developing countries, empowering recipients to be more politically independent. Using a dynamic estimator and panel data for 84 developing countries over the 1982–2011 period, this paper investigates the effect that remittances have on political institutions. Controlling for country and time fixed effects and using an exogenous source of variation to instrument remittances, the baseline results show that remittances start having a positive effect on democratic institutions when remittances reach 22% of GDP. This evidence suggests that remittances can influence the relationship between recipients and political elites, providing incentives for recipient households to hold their political representatives more accountable.
Direct measurement and master curve construction of viscoelastic Poisson's ratio with digital image correlation
Authors: Hoshino Yusuke , Tamai Kazuki , Zhang Yuelin , Yoneyama Satoru 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA simple procedure for measuring two independent material properties of a viscoelastic material is proposed. Poisson's ratio is directly measured using digital image correlation during dynamic viscoelasticity test. Therefore, the complex Poisson's ratio as well as the complex modulus is simultaneously obtained from same specimen under same condition. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by measuring the material properties of a soft epoxy resin. The measurement example shows that the master curves of the time‐dependent Poisson's ratio as well as other material properties for the wide range of the reduced time can be obtained by the proposed procedure.
Are advisory services “fit for purpose” to support sustainable soil management? An assessment of advice in Europe
Authors: Ingram Julie , Mills Jane 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis assessment examines the extent to which advisory services are able to address current and emerging knowledge needs of practitioners (primarily farmers) about sustainable soil management (SSM) in Europe. The assessment is structured around the following components: the context of advice (policy, market, socio‐economic conditions, privatization of advisory systems); the challenges that SSM presents for advice; the current and emerging practitioner knowledge needs; and the existing structure and function of advisory services for SSM. The analysis reveals fragmented policy and advisory services, paralleled by the multi‐scale character of SSM and a diverse audience for advice. The challenges and opportunities this complex arena presents are analysed, and suggestions made for achieving more effective advisory services for SSM, together with examples of existing approaches.