bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel acquisitions on biology and management of transformed follicular lymphoma
Authors: Minoia Carla , Zucca Emanuele , Conconi Annarita 
Published: March 2018

AbstractFollicular lymphoma (FL) generally has an indolent clinical course, but in some patients, a histological transformation (HT) into aggressive entities may take place and often lead to a poorer survival. The rituximab era has seen an improved outcome of FL, including those with HT. The current treatment strategies for transformed FL are based on immunochemotherapy for the cases with HT at the time of diagnosis or as the first event after watchful waiting. Patients transforming after prior treatment of FL usually benefit from autologous stem cell transplant. Unfortunately, early assessment of the transformation risk remains elusive. Recent studies delved the mechanisms of HT, showing that this is a complex process, resulting from a number of epigenetic and genetic lesions occurring in the tumour cell population as well as progressive changes in the tumour microenvironment. This novel knowledge has prompted clinical investigations on a variety of new therapeutic strategies.
Low serum level of epidermal growth factor in chronic ketamine users
Authors: Zhang Minling , He Hongbo , Ning Yuping , Ding Yi , Ke Xiaoyin , Wang Daping , Deng Xuefeng , Fan Ni 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundGrowth factors play an important role in brain development. Whether epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays a role in the pathophysiology of ketamine related disorders is unexplored. In this study, we examined the serum levels of EGF in chronic ketamine users as compared with healthy controls. The possible correlation between serum EGF levels with the demographic, ketamine use characteristics and psychopathological symptoms were analyzed.MethodsSixty‐seven chronic ketamine users and 40 healthy subjects were recruited. Serum EGF levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Psychopathological symptoms were assessed using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory.ResultsThe serum level of EGF in the chronic ketamine users was significantly lower than that of healthy subjects (22.34 ± 4.81 pg/ml vs. 87.10 ± 2.96 pg/ml, F = 15.169, p < 0.01). The serum EGF level was negatively correlated with the current average dose of ketamine consumption per day of use (p = 0.015), and positively associated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale positive symptom score (p = .022).ConclusionsSerum level of EGF decreased in chronic ketamine users compared with healthy subjects, which may play a role in the pathophysiology of ketamine related disorders.
3D bone models to study the complex physical and cellular interactions between tumor and the bone microenvironment
Authors: Vanderburgh Joseph P. , Guelcher Scott A. , Sterling Julie A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAs the complexity of interactions between tumor and its microenvironment has become more evident, a critical need to engineer in vitro models that veritably recapitulate the 3D microenvironment and relevant cell populations has arisen. This need has caused many groups to move away from the traditional 2D, tissue culture plastic paradigms in favor of 3D models with materials that more closely replicate the in vivo milieu. Creating these 3D models remains a difficult endeavor for hard and soft tissues alike as the selection of materials, fabrication processes, and optimal conditions for supporting multiple cell populations makes model development a nontrivial task. Bone tissue in particular is uniquely difficult to model in part because of the limited availability of materials that can accurately capture bone rigidity and architecture, and also due to the dependence of both bone and tumor cell behavior on mechanical signaling. Additionally, the bone is a complex cellular microenvironment with multiple cell types present, including relatively immature, pluripotent cells in the bone marrow. This prospect will focus on the current 3D models in development to more accurately replicate the bone microenvironment, which will help facilitate improved understanding of bone turnover, tumor‐bone interactions, and drug response. These studies have demonstrated the importance of accurately modelling the bone microenvironment in order to fully understand signaling and drug response, and the significant effects that model properties such as architecture, rigidity, and dynamic mechanical factors have on tumor and bone cell response.
Post‐acute care use after major head and neck oncologic surgery with microvascular reconstruction
Authors: Parhar Harman S. , Chang Brent A. , Durham J. Scott , Anderson Donald W. , Hayden Richard E. , Prisman Eitan 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesPost‐acute care (PAC) centers, such as skilled nursing facilities, unskilled nursing facilities, lower acuity hospitals, and rehabilitation centers, serve to optimize recovery after acute care hospitalization. We aimed to identify factors associated with PAC utilization among patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgery with microvascular reconstruction because it may be helpful for patient decision making, discharge planning, and resource allocation.MethodsRetrospective linked analysis of the 2011 to 2015 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Eligible patients were identified and stratified by discharge disposition (home or PAC) after their postoperative acute‐care hospitalization. After an initial univariate screen of demographic and clinical variables, a multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed modelling discharge to PAC.ResultsOf the 1,652 identified patients, 261 (15.8%) were discharged to PAC. Those admitted to PAC were older, had a higher burden of comorbidity, and were more likely to be functionally dependent. They also had longer surgeries, longer hospitalizations, higher rates of reoperation, and higher rates of postoperative complications. After multivariate analysis, factors independently associated with PAC discharge included increasing age (odds ratio [OR] 2.12 per 10‐year increase; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.81–2.48), active smoking status (odds ratio (OR) 1.61; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.13–2.29), prolonged hospitalization (OR 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02–1.07), and postoperative pulmonary complications (OR 2.02; 95% CI, 1.36–2.99).ConclusionOf the patients undergoing surgery for head and neck cancers with microvascular reconstruction, 15.8% are discharged to PAC. Age, active smoking status, prolonged hospitalization, and postoperative pulmonary complications (vs. comorbidity, functional status, or primary tumor site) are independently associated with discharge to PAC.Level of EvidenceLevel 2c. Laryngoscope, 2532–2538, 2018
Dynamic pricing and replenishment: Optimality, bounds, and asymptotics
Authors: Xiao Yongbo 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn many applications, managers face the problem of replenishing and selling products during a finite time horizon. We investigate the problem of making dynamic and joint decisions on product replenishment and selling in order to improve profit. We consider a backlog scenario in which penalty cost (resulting from fulfillment delay) and accommodation cost (resulting from shortage at the end of the selling horizon) are incurred. Based on continuous‐time and discrete‐state dynamic programming, we study the optimal joint decisions and characterize their structural properties. We establish an upper bound for the optimal expected profit and develop a fluid policy by resorting to the deterministic version of the problem (ie, the fluid problem). The fluid policy is shown to be asymptotically optimal for the original stochastic problem when the problem size is sufficiently large. The static nature of the fluid policy and its lack of flexibility in matching supply with demand motivate us to develop a “target‐inventory” heuristic, which is shown, numerically, to be a significant improvement over the fluid policy. Scenarios with discrete feasible sets and lost‐sales are also discussed in this article.
Effect of European Medicines Agency's regulatory measures on nimesulide utilization in Portugal
Authors: Pinto Daniel , Silva Ana , Heleno Bruno , Rodrigues David Silvério , Santos Isabel , Caetano Pedro A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPurposeSevere hepatic adverse events led the European Medicines Agency to recommend restrictions on nimesulide use. Our aim was to determine their effect on nimesulide dispensing in Portugal.MethodsInterrupted time‐series using pharmacy billing records of the Portuguese National Health Service. Regulatory actions, concurrent events, and nimesulide dispensing were recorded from 2006 to 2015. The primary outcome was the number defined daily doses (DDD) of nimesulide dispensed per month. Secondary outcomes were the number of adverse reactions to nimesulide and the variation of nimesulide prescriptions by prescribing site category.ResultsWe defined 3 possible interruption periods: (1) May 2007 to March 2008: nimesulide was withdrawn from Ireland, the European Medicines Agency initiated a safety review, and this was reported by Portuguese media; (2) October 2009 to April 2010: the European Commission reached a decision and mandated a broader safety review; and (3) December 2010 to April 2012: the Commission's decision was implemented in Portugal, the broader safety review was concluded and implemented. Nimesulide use showed a declining trend at the start of the series (−12.2 thousand DDD/month). Interruptions 1 and 3 were associated with decreases in level (−824.7 thousand and −449.0 thousand DDD, respectively). Interruption 3 was associated with a greater decrease in primary care than in other sites. The number of reported adverse events did not decrease.ConclusionsNimesulide use decreased significantly following 2 complex interventions including regulatory measures, media reports, and other concurrent factors. However, this was not associated with a decrease in reported adverse drug reactions.
Efficacy and Safety of Rituximab for the Treatment of Graves' Orbitopathy: A Meta‐analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Shen Wan‐Chen , Lee Chia‐Hwa , Loh El‐Wui , Hsieh An‐Tsz , Chen Lawrence , Tam Ka‐Wai 
Published: March 2018

Study ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of rituximab in patients with Graves' orbitopathy (GO).DesignSystematic review and meta‐analysis of four randomized controlled trials.PatientsA total of 293 patients with GO who received rituximab or control (either glucocorticoids, the established first‐line therapy [three trials], or saline [one trial]).Measurements and ResultsRelevant studies published before February 2018 were identified from the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases and the ClinicalTrials.gov registry. Individual effect sizes were standardized, and a meta‐analysis was conducted to calculate the pooled effect size by using a random‐effects model. Treatment efficacy was assessed by measuring the following outcomes: clinical activity score (CAS), sight visual acuity reduction (NOSPECS) score, proptosis, diplopia, changes in eye volume, quality of life, and adverse events. In the four included trials, 113 patients in the rituximab group and 108 patients in the control group were evaluated. Compared with the control group, CAS (weighted mean difference 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.25–0.89) was significantly reduced at 24 weeks in the rituximab group. Compared with the control group, considerable proptosis reduction was also observed in the rituximab group; however, the difference was not significant. The proportion of adverse events in the rituximab group was not significantly higher than that in the glucocorticoid control group, but one of the included trials indicated that the rituximab group had more serious adverse events than the saline control group.ConclusionRituximab is a relatively safe and viable treatment that is superior to glucocorticoids or saline for patients with moderate to severe GO. However, the incidence of serious adverse events was disparate among the included trials. Additional studies involving a larger sample size and investigating the optimal rituximab dosage, frequency, and method of administration are warranted.
Calpain‐2 triggers prostate cancer metastasis via enhancing CRMP4 promoter methylation through NF‐κB/DNMT1 signaling pathway
Authors: Gao Xin , Mao Yun‐Hua , Xiao Chutian , Li Ke , Liu Wei , Li Liao‐Yuan , Pang Jun 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundMetastasis is the major cause of cancer‐specific death in patients with prostate cancer (PCa). We previously reported that collapsing response mediator protein‐4 (CRMP4) is a PCa metastasis‐suppressor gene and the hypermethylation in CRMP4 promoter is responsible for the transcription repression in metastatic PCa. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of calpain‐2 in CRMP4 promoter hypermethylation and its functional modulation in PCa metastasis.MethodsCalpain‐2 expression in PCa tissues (n = 87) and its specific mechanisms of functional modulation in CRMP4 expression via limited enzymatic cleavage was investigated. We then focused on the cooperative crosstalk of calpain‐2 and NF‐κB RelA/p65 in CRMP4 promoter methylation for the initiation of PCa metastasis. Statistical differences between groups were determined using a two‐tailed Student's t‐test. P < 0.05 indicated statistically significant.ResultsCalpain‐2 was differentially upregulated in metastatic PCa compared with localized PCa. Moreover, calpain‐2 cleaved CRMP4 into the N‐terminally fragment which promoted migration and invasion in PCa cells via nuclear translocation and activation of E2F1‐mediated DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) expression. NF‐κB RelA/p65 recruited DNMT1 to bind to and methylate CRMP4 promoter in which Serine276 phosphorylation of p65 was essential. Furthermore, CRMP4 exhibited anti‐metastatic function via inhibiting the expression of VEGFC through Semaphorin3B‐Neuropilin2 signaling.ConclusionCalpain‐2 may contribute to the promoter methylation of CRMP4 to repress its transcription, leading to the metastasis of PCa via enhancing VEGFC expression.
Gender-Based Violence Against Female Students in European University Settings
Authors: List Katrin 
Published: March 2018

AbstractDue to their age and lifestyle, female students in general are at an increased risk of various forms of sexual violence. Particular sociocultural contexts also form the background of gender-based violence in professional and academic structures. Yet despite institutional and legal efforts to protect (potential) survivors of sexual violence from primary (and secondary) victimization, persistent assaults demonstrate the reluctance of organizations and individuals to fully accept women’s experiences as being physically and psychologically harmful. Based on quantitative and qualitative data obtained in the context of the European research project “Gender-Based Violence, Stalking and Fear of Crime”,1 this article presents a comparative analysis of the prevalence of sexual violence, feelings of safety (or a lack thereof) and the reasons for (non-)disclosure for five European countries. A dataset of about 21,000 responses from German, British, Italian, Spanish and Polish students indicates that sexualized violence is a major problem at universities and that it has yet to be recognized as such. This – added to the fact that it is generally suppressed or concealed by universities – makes it society’s problem as well. The article discusses widespread social myths about victims and perpetrators, the role of the new media in victimization, and the issues of universities’ responsibility for their students (through institutional policy and specific responses to incidents of gender-based violence). The results presented here demonstrate the contradictory perceptions that students have in regard to their experiences and the nature of sexualized violence in an academic environment.
Optimal diversification strategies in the networks of related products and of related research areas
Authors: Alshamsi Aamena , Pinheiro Flávio L. , Hidalgo Cesar A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCountries and cities are likely to enter economic activities that are related to those that are already present in them. Yet, while these path dependencies are universally acknowledged, we lack an understanding of the diversification strategies that can optimally balance the development of related and unrelated activities. Here, we develop algorithms to identify the activities that are optimal to target at each time step. We find that the strategies that minimize the total time needed to diversify an economy target highly connected activities during a narrow and specific time window. We compare the strategies suggested by our model with the strategies followed by countries in the diversification of their exports and research activities, finding that countries follow strategies that are close to the ones suggested by the model. These findings add to our understanding of economic diversification and also to our general understanding of diffusion in networks.
In-vivo biomagnetic characterisation of the American cockroach
Authors: Kong Ling-Jun , Crepaz Herbert , Górecka Agnieszka , Urbanek Aleksandra , Dumke Rainer , Paterek Tomasz 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWe present a quantitative method, utilising a highly sensitive quantum sensor, that extends applicability of magnetorelaxometry to biological samples at physiological temperature. The observed magnetic fields allow for non-invasive determination of physical properties of magnetic materials and their surrounding environment inside the specimen. The method is applied to American cockroaches and reveals magnetic deposits with strikingly different behaviour in alive and dead insects. We discuss consequences of this finding to cockroach magneto-reception. To our knowledge, this work represents the first characterisation of the magnetisation dynamics in live insects and helps to connect results from behavioural experiments on insects in magnetic fields with characterisation of magnetic materials in their corpses.
Unexpected Crossover in the kinetics of mutarotation in the supercooled region: the role of H-bonds
Authors: Wolnica K. , Dulski M. , Kaminska E. , Tarnacka M. , Wrzalik R. , Śmiszek-Lindert W. E , Kaminski K. , Paluch M. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIntra- and intermolecular studies on the molten L-sorbose have been carried out at variable temperature conditions to determine the crosover temperature (T
c
). In addition, isothermal time-dependent FTIR and Raman measurements were performed to probe the pace of mutarotation and activation energy of this reaction in the studied saccharide, which varied from 53–62 kJ/mol up to 177–192 kJ/mol below and above T
c
, respectively. To explain the change in activation barrier for the mutarotation a complementary analysis using difference FTIR spectra collected around T
c
= 365 K in the hydroxyl region has been done. It was found that the alteration of kinetic parameters and molecular dynamics around T
c
are strictly related to the variation in the strength of H-bonds which above T
c
are significantly weaken, increasing the freedom of rotation of functional groups and movement of individual molecules. That phenomenon most likely affects the proton transfer, underlying molecular mechanism of mutarotation, which may lead to the significant increase in activation barrier. The new insight into a molecular aspect of the mutarotation around T
c
has created an opportunity to better understanding the relationship between physics of condensed matter and the potential role of H-bonds dynamics on the progress of the chemical reaction in highly viscous systems.
Molecular Camouflage of Plasmodium falciparum Merozoites by Binding of Host Vitronectin to P47 Fragment of SERA5
Authors: Tougan Takahiro , Edula Jyotheeswara R. , Takashima Eizo , Morita Masayuki , Shinohara Miki , Shinohara Akira , Tsuboi Takafumi , Horii Toshihiro 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe malaria parasitePlasmodium falciparumproliferates in the blood stream where the host immune system is most active. To escape from host immunity,P. falciparumhas developed a number of evasion mechanisms. Serine repeat antigen 5 (SERA5) is a blood stage antigen highly expressed at late trophozoite and schizont stages. The P47 N-terminal domain of SERA5, the basis of SE36 antigen of the blood stage vaccine candidate under clinical trials, covers the merozoite surface. Exploring the role of the P47 domain, screening of serum proteins showed that vitronectin (VTN) directly binds to 20 residues in the C-terminal region of SE36. VTN co-localized with P47 domain in the schizont and merozoite stages. Phagocytosis assay using THP-1 cells demonstrated that VTN bound to SE36 prevented engulfment of SE36-beads. In addition, several serum proteins localized on the merozoite surface, suggesting that host proteins camouflage merozoites against host immunity via binding to VTN.
Orthogonality of Pyrrolysine tRNA in the Xenopus oocyte
Authors: Infield Daniel T. , Lueck John D. , Galpin Jason D. , Galles Grace D. , Ahern Christopher A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractChemical aminoacylation of orthogonal tRNA allows for the genetic encoding of a wide range of synthetic amino acids without the need to evolve specific aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. This method, when paired with protein expression in the Xenopus laevis oocyte expression system, can extract atomic scale functional data from a protein structure to advance the study of membrane proteins. The utility of the method depends on the orthogonality of the tRNA species used to deliver the amino acid. Here, we report that the pyrrolysyl tRNA (pylT) from Methanosarcina barkeri fusaro is orthogonal and highly competent for genetic code expansion experiments in the Xenopus oocyte. The data show that pylT is amendable to chemical acylation in vitro; it is then used to rescue a cytoplasmic site within a voltage-gated sodium channel. Further, the high fidelity of the pylT is demonstrated via encoding of lysine within the selectivity filter of the sodium channel, where sodium ion recognition by the distal amine of this side-chain is essential. Thus, pylT is an appropriate tRNA species for delivery of amino acids via nonsense suppression in the Xenopus oocyte. It may prove useful in experimental contexts wherein reacylation of suppressor tRNAs have been observed.
A new caenagnathid dinosaur from the Upper Cretaceous Wangshi Group of Shandong, China, with comments on size variation among oviraptorosaurs
Authors: Yu Yilun , Wang Kebai , Chen Shuqing , Sullivan Corwin , Wang Shuo , Wang Peiye , Xu Xing 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe bone-beds of the Upper Cretaceous Wangshi Group in Zhucheng, Shandong, China are rich in fossil remains of the gigantic hadrosaurid Shantungosaurus. Here we report a new oviraptorosaur, Anomalipes zhaoi gen. et sp. nov., based on a recently collected specimen comprising a partial left hindlimb from the Kugou Locality in Zhucheng. This specimen’s systematic position was assessed by three numerical cladistic analyses based on recently published theropod phylogenetic datasets, with the inclusion of several new characters. Anomalipes zhaoi differs from other known caenagnathids in having a unique combination of features: femoral head anteroposteriorly narrow and with significant posterior orientation; accessory trochanter low and confluent with lesser trochanter; lateral ridge present on femoral lateral surface; weak fourth trochanter present; metatarsal III with triangular proximal articular surface, prominent anterior flange near proximal end, highly asymmetrical hemicondyles, and longitudinal groove on distal articular surface; and ungual of pedal digit II with lateral collateral groove deeper and more dorsally located than medial groove. The holotype of Anomalipes zhaoi is smaller than is typical for Caenagnathidae but larger than is typical for the other major oviraptorosaurian subclade, Oviraptoridae. Size comparisons among oviraptorisaurians show that the Caenagnathidae vary much more widely in size than the Oviraptoridae.