bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of circular RNAs hsa_circ_0044235 in peripheral blood as novel biomarkers for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Luo Q , Zhang L , Li X , Fu B , Deng Z , Qing C , Su R , Xu J , Guo Y , Huang Z , Li J 
Published: September 2018

Summary
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new class of RNAs that can be used as biomarkers in clinical blood samples. However, little is known about circRNAs' diagnostic values for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study, the hsa_circ_0054189, hsa_circ_0008675, hsa_circ_0082689, hsa_circ_0082688, hsa_circ_0010932, hsa_circ_0002473 and hsa_circ_0044235 in peripheral blood were determined by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR). For hsa_circ_0044235, only one abnormal expression circRNAs in peripheral blood was selected as a targeted circRNA to explore the diagnostic value for RA. Our work demonstrated that the hsa_circ_0044235 in peripheral blood was decreased significantly in RA patients. The hsa_circ_0044235 in peripheral blood from RA patients did not correlate with C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) or disease activity score 28 (DAS28). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis suggested that the hsa_circ_0044235 in peripheral blood has significant value in the diagnosis of RA. The risk score based on hsa_circ_0044235 in peripheral blood also distinguished significantly the patients with RA from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study suggests that the hsa_circ_0044235 in peripheral blood may be a potential biomarker of patients with RA.
Clinical and laboratory features of seventy-eight UK patients with Good’s syndrome (thymoma and hypogammaglobulinaemia)
Authors: Zaman M , Huissoon A , Buckland M , Patel S , Alachkar H , Edgar J D , Thomas M , Arumugakani G , Baxendale H , Burns S , Williams A P , Jolles S , Herriot R , Sargur R B , Arkwright P D 
Published: September 2018

Summary
Good’s syndrome (thymoma and hypogammaglobulinaemia) is a rare secondary immunodeficiency disease, previously reported in the published literature as mainly individual cases or small case series. We use the national UK-Primary Immune Deficiency (UKPID) registry to identify a large cohort of patients in the UK with this PID to review its clinical course, natural history and prognosis. Clinical information, laboratory data, treatment and outcome were collated and analysed. Seventy-eight patients with a median age of 64 years, 59% of whom were female, were reviewed. Median age of presentation was 54 years. Absolute B cell numbers and serum immunoglobulins were very low in all patients and all received immunoglobulin replacement therapy. All patients had undergone thymectomy and nine (12%) had thymic carcinoma (four locally invasive and five had disseminated disease) requiring adjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. CD4 T cells were significantly lower in these patients with malignant thymoma. Seventy-four (95%) presented with infections, 35 (45%) had bronchiectasis, seven (9%) chronic sinusitis, but only eight (10%) had serious invasive fungal or viral infections. Patients with AB-type thymomas were more likely to have bronchiectasis. Twenty (26%) suffered from autoimmune diseases (pure red cell aplasia, hypothyroidism, arthritis, myasthenia gravis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome). There was no association between thymoma type and autoimmunity. Seven (9%) patients had died. Good’s syndrome is associated with significant morbidity relating to infectious and autoimmune complications. Prospective studies are required to understand why some patients with thymoma develop persistent hypogammaglobulinaemia.
Statins influence epithelial expression of the anti-microbial peptide LL-37/hCAP-18 independently of the mevalonate pathway
Authors: Lüthje P , Walker S , Kamolvit W , Mohanty S , Pütsep K , Brauner A 
Published: September 2018

SummaryAnti-microbial resistance increases among bacterial pathogens and new therapeutic avenues needs to be explored. Boosting innate immune mechanisms could be one attractive alternative in the defence against infectious diseases. The cholesterol-lowering drugs, statins, have been demonstrated to also affect the immune system. Here we investigate the effect of statins on the expression of the human cathelicidin anti-microbial peptide (CAMP) LL-37/hCAP-18 [encoded by the CAMP gene] and explore the underlying mechanisms in four epithelial cell lines of different origin. Simvastatin induced CAMP expression in bladder epithelial cells telomerase-immortalized uroepithelial cells (TERT-NHUCs), intestinal cells HT-29 and keratinocytes HEKa, but not in airway epithelial cells A549. Gene induction in HEKa cells was reversible by mevalonate, while this effect was independent of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway in TERT-NHUCs. Instead, inhibition of histone deacetylases by simvastatin seems to be involved. For HT-29 cells, both mechanisms may contribute. In addition, simvastatin increased transcription of the vitamin D-activating enzyme CYP27B1 which, in turn, may activate LL-37/hCAP-18 production. Taken together, simvastatin is able to promote the expression of LL-37/hCAP-18, but cell line-specific differences in efficacy and the involved signalling pathways exist.
How to fight against southern pine beetle epidemics: An insurance approach
Authors: Chen Xuan , Goodwin Barry K. , Prestemon Jeffrey P. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe southern pine beetle (SPB) is among the leading biological agents killing southern pine species in the eastern United States. In light of recognized spatiotemporal autocorrelation in SPB outbreaks, we devise a spatiotemporal block bootstrapping method that can be applied to analyze spatiotemporally dependent infestations. We also identify the relevant risk determinants and evaluate their impacts on the frequency of SPB outbreaks. For example, we find forest type, climate, and natural disasters like storm and forest management are all significantly associated with SPB risks. Using the results of a statistical model, we design a county‐level group index insurance plan that generates estimates of actuarially fair premium rates for timber stands containing southern pine species. Given that no government‐provided compensation scheme for SPB epidemics currently exists, application of this new insurance product could reduce forest owners losses. Our study offers an approach to analyzing and protecting against risks of other destructive pests affecting the timber sector.
Minimally invasive, robot‐assisted procedure for kidney transplantation among morbidly obese: Positive outcomes at 5 years post‐transplant
Authors: Spaggiari Mario , Lendacki Frances Rose , Di Bella Caterina , Giulianotti Pier Cristoforo , Benedetti Enrico , Oberholzer Jose , Tzvetanov Ivo 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe pre‐transplant weight loss required of end‐stage renal disease patients is often unachievable. Though robot‐assisted procedures among extremely obese have shown minimal complication, long‐term outcomes are understudied. Previously, we reported no difference in 6‐month patient and graft survival among 28 robot‐assisted transplant cases (2009‐2013) and 28 open controls (2004‐2010). Groups were frequency‐matched on age, sex, race, donor compatibility, disease, and dialysis history. Cases had greater median pre‐transplant body mass index (BMI; 42.3 (31.1‐64.3) vs 36.8 (30.0‐51.1)). Here, we compared patient and graft survival through 5 years post‐transplant. Infection, wound complications, and significant re‐hospitalizations were collected. One‐, three‐, and five‐year graft survival were 100%, 100%, and 89.3% among cases, and 96.4%, 85.7%, and 78.6% among controls. Rejection within 1 year was greater among cases (11 vs 8). Five‐year rates were similar (P = 0.54). Post‐transplant BMI remained comparable. No cases and eight controls experienced surgical site infection (SSI). Two cases and one control experienced hernias. Post‐transplant diabetes was documented among five cases and six controls. Three deaths occurred among cases, two among controls. This is the most extensive known follow‐up of such obese recipients of robot‐assisted transplant. Our procedure is a promising pathway to transplant and decreased mortality for those deemed too high risk for conventional surgery.
Detection of Angiotensin II type I‐receptor antibodies in transplant glomerulopathy
Authors: Bussolino Stefania , Dolla Caterina , Ariaudo Claudia , Civiletti Federica , Messina Maria , Mella Alberto , Caorsi Cristiana , Amoroso Antonio , Barreca Antonella , Papotti Mauro , Giunti Sara , Fop Fabrizio , Biancone Luigi 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundTransplant glomerulopathy (TG) is an important cause of late graft loss. The role of angiotensin type 1‐receptor antibodies (AT1R‐Ab) in TG is not known.MethodsAll the TG cases (N = 137) between January 2007 and December 2014 (N = 1410) were analyzed. Donor‐specific anti‐HLA antibodies (DSA) at the time of biopsy and AT1R‐Ab IgG (positive, >17 UI/mL; “at risk,” 10‐17 UI/mL; negative, <10 UI/mL) in pre‐transplant sera (PT‐Ab) and at biopsy time (BT‐Ab) were studied.ResultsAT1R‐PT‐Ab+ and AT1R‐BT‐Ab+ patients were 16.5% (51.5% “at risk”) and 11.5% (27.4% “at risk”), respectively. Clinical correlations were found between AT1R‐Ab and HCV infection, number of transplants, and age. Considering Banff scores, ptc was higher in DSA+ patients vs AT1R‐PT‐Ab+ (P = 0.002) or AT1R‐BT‐Ab+ (P = 0.001) without differences in g and chronicity score (ci + ct); cg showed lower scores in DSA+ patients vs AT1R‐BT‐Ab+ (P = 0.001). Graft survival was not influenced by the presence of AT1R‐Ab, AT1‐R‐Ab titer or MFI, but we observed a longer graft survival in patients with both AT1R‐BT‐Ab+ or “at risk” and DSA+ vs patients positive only for DSA (P = 0.02), for AT1R‐BT‐Ab (P = 0.019) or AT1R‐BT‐Ab “at risk” (P = 0.039).ConclusionAT1R‐Ab showed no independent prognostic role in TG in this pilot analysis.
Addressing common pitfalls does not provide more support to geographical and ecological abundant‐centre hypotheses
Authors: Santini L. , Pironon S. , Maiorano L. , Thuiller W. 
Published: September 2018

A long‐standing hypothesis in biogeography is that a species’ abundance is highest at the centre of its geographical or environmental space and decreases toward the edges. Several studies tested this hypothesis and provided mixed results and overall weak support to the theory. Most studies, however, are affected by several limitations related to the sample size, the comparability among abundance measures, the definition of species geographic range and corresponding environmental space, and the proxy variables used to represent centrality/marginality gradients.Here we test the abundant‐centre hypothesis on 108 bird and mammal species and embrace the plural nature of the hypothesis by considering 9 geographic and ecological centrality/marginality measures. We analyse the species‐specific effect sizes using a meta‐analytical approach, and test whether the support for the hypothesis is mediated by species dispersal abilities, and the geographic and environmental coverage of the data.The summary effect sizes estimated for the 9 measures are largely inconsistent with the theoretical expectations and show a significant amount of residual heterogeneity. Variables such as dispersal distance, geographic and environmental coverage of the data, appear important in explaining the variation observed between different species, but the results are contrary to those originally hypothesized, and inconsistent across centrality/marginality measures and the datasets used.We show that addressing common pitfalls in previous studies does not provide more support to the abundant‐centre hypothesis, with support being very dependent on the centrality/marginality measure tested, the geographic extent considered for the test, and geographic and environmental coverage of the data. The abundant‐centre hypothesis so far remains an appealing speculation with little and variable empirical support.
Oxygen responses within the nucleus accumbens are associated with individual differences in effort exertion in rats
Authors: Hailwood Jonathan M. , Gilmour Gary , Robbins Trevor W. , Saksida Lisa M. , Bussey Timothy J. , Marston Hugh M. , Gastambide Francois 
Published: September 2018

AbstractGoal‐directed motivated behaviour is crucial for everyday life. Such behaviour is often measured, in rodents, under a progressive ratio (PR) schedule of reinforcement. Previous studies have identified a few brain structures critical for supporting PR performance. However, the association between neural activity within these regions and individual differences in effort‐related behaviour is not known. Presently, we used constant potential in vivo oxygen amperometry, a surrogate for functional resonance imaging in rodents, to assess changes in tissue oxygen levels within the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in male Wistar rats performing a PR task. Within both regions, oxygen responses to rewards increased as the effort exerted to obtain the rewards was larger. Furthermore, higher individual breakpoints were associated with greater magnitude NAc oxygen responses. This association could not be explained by temporal confounds and remained significant when controlling for the different number of completed trials. Animals with higher breakpoints also showed greater magnitude NAc oxygen responses to rewards delivered independently of any behaviour. In contrast, OFC oxygen responses were not associated with individual differences in behavioural performance. The present results suggest that greater NAc oxygen responses following rewards, through a process of incentive motivation, may allow organisms to remain on task for longer and to overcome greater effort costs.
Illuminated night alters hippocampal gene expressions and induces depressive‐like responses in diurnal corvids
Authors: Taufique S. K. Tahajjul , Prabhat Abhilash , Kumar Vinod 
Published: September 2018

AbstractArtificial light at night induces circadian disruptions and causes cognitive impairment and mood disorders; yet very little is known about the neural and molecular correlates of these effects in diurnal animals. We manipulated the night environment and examined cellular and molecular changes in hippocampus, the brain region involved in cognition and mood, of Indian house crows (Corvus splendens) exposed to 12 hr light (150 lux): 12 hr darkness (0 lux). Diurnal corvids are an ideal model species with cognitive abilities at par with mammals. Dim light (6 lux) at night (dLAN) altered daily activity:rest pattern, reduced sleep, and induced depressive‐like responses (decreased eating and self‐grooming, self‐mutilation, and reduced novel object exploration); return to an absolute dark night reversed these negative effects. dLAN suppressed nocturnal melatonin levels; however, diurnal corticosterone levels were unaffected. Concomitant reduction of immunoreactivity for DCX and BDNF suggested dLAN‐induced suppression of hippocampal neurogenesis and compromised neuronal health. dLAN also negatively influenced hippocampal expression of genes associated with depressive‐like responses (bdnf, il‐1β, tnfr1, nr4a2), but not of those associated with neuronal plasticity (egr1, creb, syngap, syn2, grin2a, grin2b), cellular oxidative stress (gst, sod3, cat1) and neuronal death (caspase2, caspase3, foxo3). Furthermore, we envisaged the role of BDNF and showed epigenetic modification of bdnf gene by decreased histone H3 acetylation and increased hdac4 expression under dLAN. These results demonstrate transcriptional and epigenetic bases of dLAN‐induced negative effects in diurnal crows, and provide insights into the risks of exposure to illuminated nights to animals including humans in an urban setting.
Thrombectomy in posterior circulation stroke: differences in procedures and outcome compared to anterior circulation stroke in the prospective multicentre REVASK registry
Authors: Weber R. , Minnerup J. , Nordmeyer H. , Eyding J. , Krogias C. , Hadisurya J. , Berger K. ,   the REVASK investigators
Published: September 2018

Background and purposeIn contrast to anterior circulation stroke (ACS), there is no evidence from randomized trials that mechanical thrombectomy (MT) with modern stent retrievers or thromboaspiration is safe and effective in posterior circulation stroke (PCS).MethodsThe present analysis was based on the prospective multicentre Registry on Revascularization in Ischemic Stroke Patients (REVASK) in Germany. Demographic data, periprocedural times and complications, recanalization rates, and functional outcome at discharge and after 3 months were compared between 139 consecutive patients with PCS (84.9% basilar artery, 16.5% vertebral artery and 4.3% posterior cerebral artery occlusion) and 961 patients with ACS treated with MT.ResultsCompared to ACS, PCS patients were significantly younger (65 vs. 69 years, P = 0.021) and had a lower median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at baseline (12 vs. 15, P = 0.024). Patients with PCS had a significantly longer time delay between symptom onset and both start and end of the MT procedure. Successful recanalization and thrombectomy passes did not significantly differ between the two groups. No symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage occurred in PCS compared to 3% in ACS (P = 0.010). The median NIHSS score at discharge was 3 in PCS and 4 in ACS. Favourable functional outcome at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale 0–2 38.0% vs. 42.6%, P = 0.392) and mortality (33.7% vs. 30.8%, P = 0.539) did not differ significantly between PCS and ACS.ConclusionsThe study suggests that MT in PCS shows a lower risk of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage and similar effectiveness compared to ACS. PCS patients also seem to benefit from MT started beyond 6 h after symptom onset.
Socioeconomics of adopting IPM strategies by oilseed rape farmers
Authors: Menzler‐Hokkanen I. , Hokkanen H. M. T. 
Published: September 2018

A questionnaire for oilseed rape growers in the 2002–2003 growing season was disseminated in six European countries (Estonia, Finland, Germany, Poland, Sweden and the United Kingdom). The main aims of the questionnaire were to study growers` cropping practices, their knowledge of and attitudes towards integrated pest management (IPM) and the constraints to changing their growing practices. In total, 1005 replies were obtained for analysis. Europe‐wide, only the pollen beetle (Brassicogethes aeneus) required control measures by most growers (64.5%), in the growing season 2002–2003. The number of insecticide spray treatments were typically 0–4 per season, ranging from an average of 1.0 in Sweden and Finland to 2.6 in Poland. Spraying frequency was the same for conventional and IPM farmers (1.65 sprays/season), but in Finland and Poland farmers using IPM sprayed more often than farmers using conventional practices. Factors affecting farmers’ spray patterns were analysed, and these were affected by farm size, farmer age, number of decision making criteria applied, and the source of information concerning pest management. In addition, constraints and motivations to change farming practices were analysed. Several factors were identified, but surprisingly, in all countries, there was a group of 10–20% of farmers who would not want to start using IPM, even when it would improve their profits and would not cause any more work than their current conventional practice.
Short‐term outcome and risk factors for post‐operative complications following umbilical resection in 82 foals (2004–2016)
Authors: Reig Codina L. , Werre S. R. , Brown J. A. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryBackgroundUmbilical remnant infection and patent urachus are an important cause of morbidity for the equine neonate. Left untreated, fatal complications can develop. Identifying risk factors for post‐operative complications after surgery are important for estimating prognosis.ObjectivesTo identify risk factors associated with post‐operative complications in foals undergoing umbilical remnant resection due to patent and/or infected umbilical remnants.Study designRetrospective case series.MethodsFoals undergoing umbilical remnant resection due to patent urachus or infected remnants at the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center from 2004 to 2016 were included in the study. Data were obtained from medical records and associations between outcomes and post‐operative complications, and pre or intraoperative clinical variables were assessed using bivariable and multivariable analyses.ResultsEighty‐two foals underwent umbilical remnant resection of which 73 (89.0%) survived to discharge. The urachus was the most commonly affected structure being patent and/or infected in 84.1% of cases. Concurrent diseases were present in 60.6% of foals prior to surgery, with diarrhoea and septic arthritis being most common. The presence of preoperative septic arthritis and/or physitis were significantly associated with nonsurvival (OR 33; 95% confidence interval 1.1–985.2; P = 0.04). Longer anaesthesia time (OR 1.4; 95% confidence interval 1.1–1.7; P = 0.02) and failure of passive transfer of immunoglobulins (OR 5.9; 95% confidence interval 1.2–29.04; P = 0.03) were associated with increased odds for post‐operative complications.Main limitationsIt is not known if medical treatment alone would have been successful in foals that did not receive preoperative medical treatment.ConclusionsOverall survival is high after surgical excision of umbilical remnants. The presence of preoperative septic arthritis and/or physitis was associated with decreased survival and failure of passive transfer of immunoglobulins and longer anaesthesia times were associated with increased odds for post‐operative complications.
The vascular morphology of melanoma is related to Breslow index: An in vivo study with dynamic optical coherence tomography
Authors: De Carvalho Nathalie , Welzel Julia , Schuh Sandra , Themstrup Lotte , Ulrich Martina , Jemec Gregor B. E. , Holmes Jon , Kaleci Shaniko , Chester Johanna , Bigi Laura , Ciardo Silvana , Pellacani Giovanni 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundMalignant melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer, which can lead to metastasis development. Vascularization enhancement is fundamental for tumor growth, worsening the prognosis. Dynamic optical coherence tomography (D‐OCT) enables the in vivo evaluation of vascular patterns in skin lesions.ObjectiveIn vivo evaluation of the melanoma vessel morphology by means of D‐OCT and correlation with Breslow index.MethodsRetrospective analysis of histologically proven melanomas, evaluated by D‐OCT at three different depths (150, 300 and 500 μm), was performed. Vessels were classified according to morphology (dots, blobs, coiled, line, curved, serpiginous), distribution (regular, irregular) and the presence/type of branches. The data were correlated with Breslow thickness.ResultsA total of 127 melanomas were evaluated. Dotted vessels were recorded at all depths, and their irregular distribution was associated with lesions thicker than 1.0 mm (from 75% to 91%), compared with thin ones (42%) at 150 μm (P = 0.031), and from 33% to 57% vs 18% at 300 μm (P = 0.021). Serpiginous and branching vessels with bulges were predominantly seen in melanomas thicker than 2 mm at 150 μm (from 14% to 27%, P < 0.001) and 300 μm of depth (from 36% to 54%, P < 0.001).LimitationsBackground noise hampered vessel detection at 500 μm. No correlation with dermoscopy/histology.ConclusionVascular pattern evaluation at 150 and 300 μm provided data on tumor microvascular asset and its pattern of progression in accordance with Breslow thickness. Since vascular progression is theoretically linked with tumor aggressiveness, the study of vascular pattern related with melanoma metastatization capability is warranted.