bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison between the urine dipstick and the pH‐meter to assess urine pH in sheep and dogs
Authors: Athanasiou Labrini V. , Katsoulos Panagiotis D. , Katsogiannou Eleni G. , Polizopoulou Zoe S. , Diamantaki Myrto , Kamatsos Constantinos , Christodoulopoulos Georgios 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundUrine pH is an integral part of a complete urinalysis, and is commonly measured in veterinary practice using semiquantitative reagent strips.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare the urine pH of dogs and sheep, using visual interpretation of dipstick reactions, and using a pH‐meter as the reference method. Agreement between the 2 methods was also assessed. An additional objective was to compare the urine pH before and after centrifugation.MethodsA total of 50 voided urine samples from sheep and 52 from dogs were collected into sterile containers. For pH measurements, 2 methods were used, a pH‐meter and urine dipstick reagent pads. Measurements were performed using urine samples before (whole urine) and after centrifugation (urine supernatant). For comparison of the 2 methods, Passing and Bablok regression analysis and Bland–Altman plots were used.ResultsThe equation created to assess agreement between the 2 methods in dogs showed a constant bias at −0.14 and a positive proportional bias at 0.98. From a clinical standpoint, total bias was below and above the maximum acceptable bias in sheep and dogs, respectively. Clinically acceptable bias was also found using centrifuged urine samples in sheep, but the urine pH values before and after centrifugation were nearly identical in dogs.ConclusionUrine dipstick reagent pads and pH‐meters can be used interchangeably to determine urine pH in sheep without needing centrifugation. In contrast, pH‐meters provide more accurate pH measurements than urine dipstick pads in canine urine, which is not improved by centrifugation.
The Precompetition Macronutrient Intake of Elite Gaelic Football Players
Authors: Cassidy Cathal , Collins Kieran , Shortall Marcus 
Published: February 2018

Competition-related dietary intake has not yet been investigated in Gaelic football. The present study examined the precompetition macronutrient intake of elite male Gaelic football players. Forty players from two teams completed a food diary on the 2 days preceding competition (Day 1 and Day 2) and on the match day prior to the match (match day). Carbohydrate intake was significantly greater on Day 2 compared with Day 1, for both absolute (295 ± 98 vs. 318 ± 77 g; p = .048; −23.6 g, 95% confidence interval [−47.3, 0.2]; Cohen’s d = 0.27) and relative intake (3.4 ± 1.1 vs. 3.7 ± 1.0 g/kg; p = .027; −0.3 g/kg, 95% confidence interval [−0.6, −0.03]; Cohen’s d = 0.32). The number of players in accordance with and not in accordance with the guidelines for carbohydrate intake on Day 2 was significantly different to an expected frequency distribution, χ2(1) = 32.400; p ≤ .001; φ = 0.9, with a greater number of players not meeting the guidelines (observed N = 2 vs. 38). The number of players in accordance with and not in accordance with the recommendations for carbohydrate intake on match day was significantly different to an expected frequency distribution, χ2(1) = 8.100; p = .004; φ = 0.45, with a greater number of players meeting the guidelines (observed N = 29 vs. 11). The major finding from the current investigation was that a significantly greater number of players did not meet carbohydrate intake guidelines on the day before competition. Individualized nutritional interventions are required in order to modify the current prematch dietary intake.
Within-Day Energy Deficiency and Metabolic Perturbation in Male Endurance Athletes
Authors: Torstveit Monica Klungland , Fahrenholtz Ida , Stenqvist Thomas B. , Sylta Øystein , Melin Anna 
Published: February 2018

Endurance athletes are at increased risk of relative energy deficiency associated with metabolic perturbation and impaired health. We aimed to estimate and compare within-day energy balance in male athletes with suppressed and normal resting metabolic rate (RMR) and explore whether within-day energy deficiency is associated with endocrine markers of energy deficiency. A total of 31 male cyclists, triathletes, and long-distance runners recruited from regional competitive sports clubs were included. The protocol comprised measurements of RMR by ventilated hood and energy intake and energy expenditure to predict RMRratio (measured RMR/predicted RMR), energy availability, 24-hr energy balance and within-day energy balance in 1-hr intervals, assessment of body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and blood plasma analysis. Subjects were categorized as having suppressed (RMRratio < 0.90, n = 20) or normal (RMRratio > 0.90, n = 11) RMR. Despite there being no observed differences in 24-hr energy balance or energy availability between the groups, subjects with suppressed RMR spent more time in an energy deficit exceeding 400 kcal (20.9 [18.8–21.8] hr vs. 10.8 [2.5–16.4], p = .023) and had larger single-hour energy deficits compared with subjects with normal RMR (3,265 ± 1,963 kcal vs. −1,340 ± 2,439, p = .023). Larger single-hour energy deficits were associated with higher cortisol levels (r = −.499, p = .004) and a lower testosterone:cortisol ratio (r = .431, p = .015), but no associations with triiodothyronine or fasting blood glucose were observed. In conclusion, within-day energy deficiency was associated with suppressed RMR and catabolic markers in male endurance athletes.
Caffeine Consumption Is Associated With Higher Level of Physical Activity in Japanese Women
Authors: Tripette Julien , Murakami Haruka , Hara Hidemi , Kawakami Ryoko , Gando Yuko , Ohno Harumi , Miyatake Nobuyuki , Miyachi Motohiko 
Published: February 2018

Caffeine has been described as a sports performance-enhancing substance. However, it is unclear whether it can increase the level of physical activity (PA) in nonathletic individuals. This study investigates the relationship between daily caffeine consumption and (a) daily PA/fitness or (b) intervention-induced changes in PA in women and men. On the basis of responses to a dietary habit questionnaire, which included items on caffeinated beverages, 1,032 Japanese adults, were categorized into lower or higher caffeine consumption groups (relative to the median caffeine consumption). In each group, daily step count; sedentary time; and light, moderate, and vigorous PA outcomes were objectively measured. Physical fitness, including peak oxygen consumption, was also evaluated. The relationship between daily caffeine consumption and the change in the levels of PA was investigated in a subgroup of 202 subjects who participated in a 1-year PA counseling intervention. Women in the higher caffeine consumption group presented higher moderate-to-vigorous PA and step count compared with their counterparts in the lower consumption group (4.0 ± 2.1 vs. 3.3 ± 2.1 MET-hr/day, p < .001; 10,335 ± 3,499 vs. 9,375 ± 3,527 steps/day, p < .001). A significant positive correlation was noted between caffeine consumption and peak oxygen consumption among women (r = .15, p < .001). No caffeine-related effects were noted in men. The lower and higher caffeine consumption groups showed no significant differences in their levels of PA at the end of the 1-year intervention. Therefore, caffeine consumption appears to be associated with higher levels of PA in Japanese women. Further studies are needed to clarify this association.
Short Proline-Rich Lipopeptide Potentiates Minocycline and Rifampin against Multidrug- and Extensively Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Domalaon Ronald , Sanchak Yaroslav , Koskei Linet Cherono , Lyu Yinfeng , Zhanel George G. , Arthur Gilbert , Schweizer Frank 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

A series of 16 short proline-rich lipopeptides (SPRLPs) were constructed to mimic longer naturally existing proline-rich antimicrobial peptides. Antibacterial assessment revealed that lipopeptides containing hexadecanoic acid (C
16
) possess optimal antibacterial activity relative to others with shorter lipid components. SPRLPs were further evaluated for their potential to serve as adjuvants in combination with existing antibiotics to enhance antibacterial activity against drug-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. Out of 16 prepared SPRLPs, C
12
-PRP was found to significantly potentiate the antibiotics minocycline and rifampin against multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant (MDR/XDR)
P. aeruginosa
clinical isolates. This nonhemolytic C
12
-PRP is comprised of the heptapeptide sequence PRPRPRP-NH
2
acylated to dodecanoic acid (C
12
) at the N terminus. The adjuvant potency of C
12
-PRP was apparent by its ability to reduce the MIC of minocycline and rifampin below their interpretative susceptibility breakpoints against MDR/XDR
P. aeruginosa
. An attempt to optimize C
12
-PRP through peptidomimetic modification was performed by replacing all
l
- to
d
-amino acids. C
12
-PRP demonstrated that it was amenable to optimization, since synergism with minocycline and rifampin were retained. Moreover, C
12
-PRP displayed no cytotoxicity against human liver carcinoma HepG2 and human embryonic kidney HEK-293 cell lines. Thus, the SPRLP C
12
-PRP is a lead adjuvant candidate that warrants further optimization. The discovery of agents that are able to resuscitate the activity of existing antibiotics against drug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens, especially
P. aeruginosa
, is of great clinical interest.
CPT2 downregulation adapts HCC to lipid-rich environment and promotes carcinogenesis via acylcarnitine accumulation in obesity
Authors: Fujiwara Naoto , Nakagawa Hayato , Enooku Kenichiro , Kudo Yotaro , Hayata Yuki , Nakatsuka Takuma , Tanaka Yasuo , Tateishi Ryosuke , Hikiba Yohko , Misumi Kento , Tanaka Mariko , Hayashi Akimasa , Shibahara Junji , Fukayama Masashi , Arita Junichi , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Hirschfield Hadassa , Hoshida Yujin , Hirata Yoshihiro , Otsuka Motoyuki , Tateishi Keisuke , Koike Kazuhiko 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveMetabolic reprogramming of tumour cells that allows for adaptation to their local environment is a hallmark of cancer. Interestingly, obesity-driven and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-driven hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mouse models commonly exhibit strong steatosis in tumour cells as seen in human steatohepatitic HCC (SH-HCC), which may reflect a characteristic metabolic alteration.DesignNon-tumour and HCC tissues obtained from diethylnitrosamine-injected mice fed either a normal or a high-fat diet (HFD) were subjected to comprehensive metabolome analysis, and the significance of obesity-mediated metabolic alteration in hepatocarcinogenesis was evaluated.ResultsThe extensive accumulation of acylcarnitine species was seen in HCC tissues and in the serum of HFD-fed mice. A similar increase was found in the serum of patients with NASH-HCC. The accumulation of acylcarnitine could be attributed to the downregulation of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 (CPT2), which was also seen in human SH-HCC. CPT2 downregulation induced the suppression of fatty acid β-oxidation, which would account for the steatotic changes in HCC. CPT2 knockdown in HCC cells resulted in their resistance to lipotoxicity by inhibiting the Src-mediated JNK activation. Additionally, oleoylcarnitine enhanced sphere formation by HCC cells via STAT3 activation, suggesting that acylcarnitine accumulation was a surrogate marker of CPT2 downregulation and directly contributed to hepatocarcinogenesis. HFD feeding and carnitine supplementation synergistically enhanced HCC development accompanied by acylcarnitine accumulation in vivo.ConclusionIn obesity-driven and NASH-driven HCC, metabolic reprogramming mediated by the downregulation of CPT2 enables HCC cells to escape lipotoxicity and promotes hepatocarcinogenesis.
Expression of Adipocyte/Macrophage Fatty Acid–Binding Protein in Tumor-Associated Macrophages Promotes Breast Cancer Progression
Authors: Hao Jiaqing , Yan Fei , Zhang Yuwen , Triplett Ashley , Zhang Ying , Schultz Debra A. , Sun Yanwen , Zeng Jun , Silverstein Kevin A.T. , Zheng Qi , Bernlohr David A. , Cleary Margot P. , Egilmez Nejat K. , Sauter Edward , Liu Shujun , Suttles Jill , Li Bing 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) play a critical role in cancer development and progression. However, the heterogeneity of TAM presents a major challenge to identify clinically relevant markers for protumor TAM. Here, we report that expression of adipocyte/macrophage fatty acid–binding protein (A-FABP) in TAM promotes breast cancer progression. Although upregulation of A-FABP was inversely associated with breast cancer survival, deficiency of A-FABP significantly reduced mammary tumor growth and metastasis. Furthermore, the protumor effect of A-FABP was mediated by TAM, in particular, in a subset of TAM with a CD11b+F4/80+MHCII−Ly6C− phenotype. A-FABP expression in TAM facilitated protumor IL6/STAT3 signaling through regulation of the NFκB/miR-29b pathway. Collectively, our results suggest A-FABP as a new functional marker for protumor TAM.
Significance: These findings identify A-FABP as a functional marker for protumor macrophages, thus offering a new target for tumor immunotherapy. Cancer Res; 78(9); 2343–55. ©2018 AACR.
Prediction of Chemotherapeutic Efficacy in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer by Serum Metabolomic Profiling
Authors: Tian Yanhua , Wang Zhijie , Liu Xiaohui , Duan Jianchun , Feng Guoshuang , Yin Yuxin , Gu Jin , Chen Zhaoli , Gao Shugeng , Bai Hua , Wan Rui , Jiang Jun , Liu Jia , Zhang Cong , Wang Di , Han Jiefei , Zhang Xue , Cai Liangliang , He Jie , Wang Jie 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Purpose: No validated biomarkers that could identify the subset of patients with lung adenocarcinoma who might benefit from chemotherapy have yet been well established. This study aimed to explore potential biomarker model predictive of efficacy and survival outcomes after first-line pemetrexed plus platinum doublet based on metabolomics profiling.
Experimental Design: In total, 354 consecutive eligible patients were assigned to receive first-line chemotherapy of pemetrexed in combination with either cisplatin or carboplatin. Prospectively collected serum samples before initial treatment were utilized to perform metabolomics profiling analyses under the application of LC/MS-MS. Binary logistic regression analysis was carried out to establish discrimination models.
Results: There were 251 cases randomly sorted into discovery set, the rest of 103 cases into validation set. Seven metabolites including hypotaurine, uridine, dodecanoylcarnitine, choline, dimethylglycine, niacinamide, and l-palmitoylcarnitine were identified associated with chemo response. On the basis of the seven-metabolite panel, a discriminant model according to logistic regression values g(z) was established with the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.912 (Discovery set) and 0.909 (Validation set) in differentiating progressive disease (PD) groups from disease control (DC) groups. The median progression-free survival (PFS) after chemotherapy in patients with g(z) ≤0.155 was significantly longer than that in those with g(z) &gt; 0.155 (10.3 vs.4.5 months, P &lt; 0.001).
Conclusions: This study developed an effective and convenient discriminant model that can accurately predict the efficacy and survival outcomes of pemetrexed plus platinum doublet chemotherapy prior to treatment delivery. Clin Cancer Res; 24(9); 2100–9. ©2018 AACR.
Drug Resistance in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Brain Metastases: Blame the Barrier or the Brain?
Authors: Kabraji Sheheryar , Ni Jing , Lin Nancy U. , Xie Shaozhen , Winer Eric P. , Zhao Jean J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe brain is the most common site of first metastasis for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer treated with HER2-targeting drugs. However, the development of effective therapies for breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM) is limited by an incomplete understanding of the mechanisms governing drug sensitivity in the central nervous system. Pharmacodynamic data from patients and in vivo models suggest that inadequate drug penetration across the “blood–tumor” barrier is not the whole story. Using HER2-positive BCBMs as a case study, we highlight recent data from orthotopic brain metastasis models that implicate brain-specific drug resistance mechanisms in BCBMs and suggest a translational research paradigm to guide drug development for treatment of BCBMs. Clin Cancer Res; 24(8); 1795–804. ©2018 AACR.
Effect of bisphenol A exposure on the expressions of five ovary development related genes in the oriental river prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense (Decapoda, Palaemonidae)
Authors: Li Xiu , Zhang Fengying , Jiang Keji , Zhao Weihong , Zhao Ming , Song Wei , Ma Lingbo 
Published: February 2018

The oriental river prawn,Macrobrachium nipponense, is one of the important commercial shrimp species. Recently a severe problem of precocious maturation has greatly hampered this shrimp aquaculture industry. Bisphenol A (BPA), a high-production-volume chemical substance used in the plastic manufacturing industry, has been thought of as an endocrine disruptor on the developmental processes of animals. In this study, we investigated the effect of BPA exposure on the expressions of five ovary development related genes such as Mago nashi, Tsunagi, Gustavus, Ubc9, and Von Willebrand factor D-Kazal inM. nipponense. Five concentration gradients (5.01, 7.76, 12.06, 18.62 and 28.84 mg/l) of BPA were set and the ovaries of exposed prawns were collected at different time points for expression analysis. Compared with the control group at day 19, BPA had a two-phase effect: a stimulating effect under low concentrations from 5.01 to 12.06 mg/l, whereas a negative effect was noted at high concentrations from 12.06 to 28.84 mg/l. The expression profiles under different BPA concentrations significantly changed along with the extension of exposure time. The medium concentration of BPA (12.06 mg/l) had a persistent influence on the expressions of the transcripts, while the effect was transient under the lowest concentration (5.01 mg/l). It is suggested that the concentration under 5.01 mg/l might be safe for the development ofM. nipponense, but exceeding 12.06 mg/l may be harmful. When exposed to clean fresh water without BPA, the gene expressions rebounded a little. This may indicate that the biological damage of BPA was partly reversible after the prawns had been placed in the fresh water without BPA. So the BPA pollutant concentration should be controlled at secure levels in order to ensure safety in aquaculture, in this respect. This study provides fundamental data for the relationship between BPA and precocious maturation of the prawn, and will most probably contribute to the understanding of the sexual maturation process in crustaceans.
From Freedom to Slavery
Authors: Rositani Annunziata 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
This article presents some reflections on slavery in the Ancient Near East during the Old Babylonian period. Particular attention is paid to an analysis of the sources for prisoners of war originating from Uruk in which the bīt asīrī, “the house of prisoners of war” is mentioned. These texts from the bīt asīrī date to the short reign of Rīm-Anum, who held power in Uruk for about eighteen months, between 1742 and 1740 BC. The use of war prisoners as labor force and slaves is examined in detail. It is suggested that the bīt asīrī was an institutional entity, managed by the state, and moreover that it was connected with the production of flour. This investigation also makes comparisons with other references to prisons in the Ancient Near East and especially in the Bible. Lastly, the ways in which war captives could be freed are discussed.
Co-producing “Post-normal” Climate Knowledge with Communities in Northeast Bangladesh
Authors: Bremer S. , Stiller-Reeve M. , Blanchard A. , Mamnun N. , Naznin Z. , Kaiser M. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Concepts of knowledge “co-production” are increasingly encouraged in climate research, including as an extended mode of climate science inquiry. So-called “post-normal” science offers opportunities to advance this branch of co-production research with theory and methods. However, the literature lacks material of how to “do” climate knowledge co-production as extended science, and particularly as post-normal science.
This paper presents an account of post-normal science theory and how it guided the TRACKS (Transforming Climate Knowledge with and for Society) project’s research practice, co-producing climate knowledge with communities in northeast Bangladesh. Key principles of post-normal science are described and explanations given of how they were translated into the research process, and specifically into workshops. The paper therefore provides insights for scholars and practitioners on one form of knowledge co-production, and thus contributes to this growing scholarship.
Evidence‐Based Use of Perioperative Antibiotics in Otolaryngology
Authors: Patel Priyesh N. , Jayawardena Asitha D. L. , Walden Rachel L. , Penn Edward B. , Francis David O. 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo identify and clarify current evidence supporting and disputing the effectiveness of perioperative antibiotic use for common otolaryngology procedures.Data SourcesPubMed, Embase (OVID), and CINAHL (EBSCO).Review MethodsEnglish‐language, original research (systematic reviews/meta‐analyses, randomized control trials, prospective or retrospective cohort studies, case‐control studies, or case series) studies that evaluated the role of perioperative antibiotic use in common otolaryngology surgeries were systematically extracted using standardized search criteria by 2 investigators independently.ConclusionsCurrent evidence does not support routine antibiotic prophylaxis for tonsillectomy, simple septorhinoplasty, endoscopic sinus surgery, clean otologic surgery (tympanostomy with tube placement, tympanoplasty, stapedectomy, and mastoidectomy), and clean head and neck surgeries (eg, thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy, salivary gland excisions). Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for complex septorhinoplasty, skull base surgery (anterior and lateral), clean‐contaminated otologic surgery (cholesteatoma, purulent otorrhea), and clean‐contaminated head and neck surgery (violation of aerodigestive tract, free flaps). In these cases, antibiotic use for 24 to 48 hours postoperatively has shown equal benefit to longer duration of prophylaxis. Despite lack of high‐quality evidence, the US Food and Drug Administration suggests antibiotic prophylaxis for cochlear implantation due to the devastating consequence of infection. Data are inconclusive regarding postoperative prophylaxis for nasal packing/splints after sinonasal surgery.Implications for PracticeEvidence does not support the use of perioperative antibiotics for most otolaryngologic procedures. Antibiotic overuse and variability among providers may be due to lack of formal practice guidelines. This review can help otolaryngologists understand current evidence so they can make informed decisions about perioperative antibiotic usage.