bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estrogen reverses nicotine‐induced inflammation in chondrocytes via reducing the degradation of ECM
Authors: Peng Xiaoyun , Qiao Zhiguang , Wang You , Li Huiqin , Xie Yilin , Xin Mei , Qiao Zhongdong , Wang Zhaoxia 
Published: February 2019

AbstractProblemOsteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease with a very high incidence and the pathology of which is quite complex. Epidemiological investigation showed that OA may be related to smoking and estrogen levels, but there are few studies focused on the cross‐effect of these two factors. This research aims to investigate the molecular mechanism of nicotine and estrogen effects on chondrocytes to study the effect of smoking on the incidence of osteoarthritis in women.Method of the studyNicotine was added to obtain inflammatory supernatants of macrophages, which were used to induce chondrocyte inflammation. Toluidine staining and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the extracellular matrix (ECM) of chondrocytes, while the important proteins in the metabolism of chondrocytes were detected by Western blot.ResultsNicotine‐induced inflammatory supernatant promoted the degradation of ECM, such as type II collagen, aggrecan and proteoglycan 4. While in the presence of physiological concentrations of estrogen, this destructive effect is reversed. On the molecular level, estrogen (17β‐estradiol, 1 nmol/L) can inhibit the matrix degrading enzymes and promote the transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 pathway which is involved in matrix synthesis. However, in the presence of inflammatory induction, although estrogen could still inhibit the expression of matrix degrading enzymes, it inhibited the TGF‐β1 pathway. Moreover, the different inflammatory factors in the inflammatory supernatant, mainly tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, had different effects on the metabolic processes of chondrocytes.ConclusionEstrogen reverses nicotine‐induced inflammation mainly via reducing the degradation of ECM. The cross‐effect of estrogen and inflammatory factor inhibitors can be a potential clinical reference for OA patients.
Partner Conflict and Support as Moderators of Alcohol Use on Alcohol Problems and Marital Satisfaction in Young Adult Marital Dyads
Authors: Windle Michael , Windle Rebecca C. 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundThis cross‐sectional study used data from 483 young adult marital dyads to evaluate conflict‐with‐partner and support‐from‐partner as moderators of alcohol use on 2 outcomes: alcohol problems and marital satisfaction. A path analytic modeling approach was used to test stress‐exacerbating and stress‐buffering hypotheses, and to accommodate the interdependent nature of the dyadic data.MethodsThis cross‐sectional sample was selected from an adolescent‐to‐young adult longitudinal study in which spouses were recruited into the study during a later young adult assessment when the sample was, on average, 32.5 years old. Individual interviews using computerized technology were conducted with participants.ResultsFindings for the outcome of alcohol problems indicated stress exacerbation in that higher conflict by each partner in interaction with higher alcohol use was associated with more alcohol problems for wives. Husbands' and wives' alcohol problems were lower when higher partner support buffered the association between alcohol use and alcohol problems. For the outcome of marital satisfaction, higher support‐from‐partner buffered the association between alcohol use and marital satisfaction. Finally, the combination of alcohol use and conflict‐with‐partner had more adverse implications for women's alcohol problems relative to men's alcohol problems.ConclusionsThese findings highlight that interactions between interpersonal dimensions of romantic relationships and alcohol use by both partners contribute to our understanding of their associations with alcohol problems and marital satisfaction within the marital relationship. Furthermore, there was some sex specificity in that some interactions were more prominently associated with alcohol problems for wives than husbands.
The New Orleans Alcohol Use in HIV Study: Launching a Translational Investigation of the Interaction of Alcohol Use with Biological and Socioenvironmental Risk Factors for Multimorbidity in People Living with HIV
Authors: Welsh David A. , Ferguson Tekeda , Theall Katherine P. , Simon Liz , Amedee Angela , Siggins Robert W. , Nelson Steve , Brashear Meghan , Mercante Donald , Molina Patricia E. 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundAlcohol use disorders (AUDs) are highly prevalent in people living with HIV (PLWH) and are associated with increased HIV risk behaviors, suboptimal treatment adherence, potential interaction with medication pharmacodynamics, and greater risk for disease progression. Preclinical studies show that chronic binge alcohol administration accelerates disease progression and aggravates pathogenesis in the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)‐infected rhesus macaque model despite viral suppression by antiretroviral therapy.MethodsTo translate preclinical findings in the rhesus macaque model of chronic binge alcohol administration and SIV infection and to address areas of uncertainty surrounding the biological mechanisms and socioenvironmental modifiers that contribute to the relationship between alcohol use and HIV‐associated comorbidities, precocious aging, and disease progression, we designed a translational multiproject, longitudinal, cohort study, and the New Orleans Alcohol Use in HIV (NOAH) Study. The NOAH Study is led by a multidisciplinary team of scientists, with a research focus on the interaction of AUD and HIV. The overarching hypothesis is that alcohol use will lead to adverse health outcomes in PLWH. In this report, we describe the study design and baseline descriptive characteristics of our cohort.ResultsThree‐hundred and sixty‐five participants completed the baseline testing. The cohort is predominantly male (69%) and African American (83.5%). The majority of participants report incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level. CD4 counts <200 cells/μl were found in 12.8% and viral loads <50 copies/ml were found in 73.6%. These HIV status variables did not differ based upon alcohol use.ConclusionsThe NOAH Study facilitates bidirectional translational investigation of alcohol's impact on PLWH. Translation of preclinical findings to PLWH permits confirmation of basic biological mechanisms in humans and also allows incorporation of sociobehavioral factors that may affect biology but are challenging to replicate in preclinical models.
The Chemical Chaperone 4‐Phenylbutyric Acid Prevents Alcohol‐Induced Liver Injury in Obese KK‐Ay Mice
Authors: Suzuki Maiko , Kon Kazuyoshi , Ikejima Kenichi , Arai Kumiko , Uchiyama Akira , Aoyama Tomonori , Yamashina Shunhei , Ueno Takashi , Watanabe Sumio 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundCo‐occurrence of metabolic syndrome and chronic alcohol consumption is increasing worldwide. The present study investigated the effect of the chemical chaperone 4‐phenylbutyric acid (PBA)—which has been shown to alleviate dietary steatohepatitis caused by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress—on chronic‐plus‐binge ethanol (EtOH)–induced liver injury in a mouse model of obesity.MethodsMale KK‐Ay mice (8 weeks old) were fed a Lieber–DeCarli diet (5% EtOH) for 10 days. Some mice were given PBA intraperitoneally (120 mg/kg body weight, daily) during the experimental period. On day 11, mice were gavaged with a single dose of EtOH (4 g/kg body weight). Control mice were given a dextrin gavage after being pair‐fed a control diet. All mice were then serially euthanized before or at 9 hours after gavage.ResultsChronic‐plus‐binge EtOH intake induced massive hepatic steatosis along with hepatocyte apoptosis and inflammation, which was reversed by PBA treatment. Administration of PBA also suppressed chronic‐plus‐binge EtOH–induced up‐regulation of ER stress‐related genes including binding immunoglobulin protein (Bip), unspliced and spliced forms of X‐box‐binding protein‐1 (uXBP1 and sXBP1, respectively), inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). Further, it blocked chronic‐plus‐binge EtOH–induced expression of the oxidative stress marker heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and 4‐hydroxynonenal. Chronic EtOH alone (without binge) increased Bip and uXBP1, but it did not affect those of sXBP1, IP3R, CHOP, or HO‐1. PBA reversed the prebinge expression of these genes to control levels, but it did not affect chronic EtOH‐induced hepatic activity of cytochrome P450 2E1.ConclusionsBinge EtOH intake after chronic consumption induces massive ER stress‐related oxidative stress and liver injury in a mouse model of obesity through dysregulation of the unfolded protein response. PBA ameliorated chronic‐plus‐binge EtOH–induced liver injury by reducing ER and oxidative stress after an EtOH binge.
Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells depletion may cause pregnancy loss via upregulating the cytotoxicity of decidual natural killer cells
Authors: Ren Jiabin , Zeng Weihong , Tian Fuju , Zhang Siming , Wu Fan , Qin Xiaoli , Zhang Yan , Lin Yi 
Published: February 2019

ProblemMaternal immune system tolerance to the semiallogeneic fetus is critical for a successful pregnancy. Studies have shown that myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play an important role in maintaining feto‐maternal tolerance. However, the mechanisms remain poorly understood.MethodsFlow cytometry was used to evaluate the percentage of MDSCs in an allogeneic‐normal‐pregnant mouse model during different periods of gestation. We further assessed the percentage of MDSCs and their subtypes (granulocytic MDSCs [GR‐MDSCs] and monocytic MDSCs [MO‐MDSCs]) in a spontaneous abortion mouse model. The levels of the immunosuppressive molecules ARG‐1, iNOS, IL‐10, and TGF‐β in MDSCs were also evaluated. MDSCs were depleted by anti‐Gr‐1 injection, and the resorption rate was calculated. The cytotoxicity of decidual natural killer (NK) cells was evaluated, and the percentage of regulatory NK (NKreg) cells and regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) were evaluated.ResultsMyeloid‐derived suppressor cells was accumulated in a time‐dependent manner during pregnancy. However, the percentage of MDSCs was decreased in the spontaneous abortion mice compared with that in the control mice. In addition, the levels of ARG‐1, iNOS, IL‐10, and TGF‐β in MDSCs decreased differentially. Finally, depletion of MDSCs was associated with increased rates of resorption and the proportion of NKreg and Treg cells in uterine tissues; meanwhile, the cytotoxicity of decidual NK cells was upregulated by increasing the level of perforin, granzyme B, and natural killer group protein 2 D‐activating NK receptor (NKG2D).ConclusionDepletion of MDSCs may cause pregnancy loss, while upregulating the cytotoxicity of decidual NK cells and increasing NKreg and Treg cell numbers.
Financialisation, Climate Finance, and the Calculative Challenges of Managing Environmental Change
Authors: Bracking Sarah 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis article describes the emergent and unstable dispositif of climate finance that is being built from iterative experiments in climate finance provision. The article provides a periodisation of different phases of climate finance from the 1990s onward using examples from REDD+, ecosystem services, the Green Climate Fund, green bonds, and insurance‐based derivatives, and connects this periodisation to broader processes of financialisation. It analyses how climate finance projects incorporate competing systems of accounting denominated in carbon, natural capital, “green‐ness”, insurance risk and internationally transferred mitigation outcomes. The article argues that many accounting units are evident in current climate finance products, each loosely derived from a different phase in this periodisation. However, experiments in calculating time and value in climate finance continue, and although risk is being increasingly used to correlate different denominators of value, an overall solution for how climate change is to be accounted for in financial interventions remains elusive.
Accumulating Minerals and Dispossessing Indigenous Australians: Native Title Recognition as Settler‐Colonialism
Authors: Howlett Catherine , Lawrence Rebecca 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe changes in regulation of mineral development on Indigenous people's lands, wrought by the advent of native title in Australia, created an impression that the political economy of mining on Indigenous people's lands would be fundamentally transformed. In this paper we argue, in reality, a deeply seated settler‐colonial mentality endures in Australia within the institutions presiding over mineral governance, particularly in those States that are heavily dependent upon resource extraction. Focusing on the governance of mineral development in Queensland, Australia, we offer an analysis of the rationalities that inform the endurance of an inequitable architecture of extractive governance in that State. Our conceptual framework draws on a synthesis of the concepts of “accumulation by dispossession”, “settler colonialism”, and Indigenous critiques of the politics of recognition, to argue that liberal states remain deeply committed to the facilitation of mineral development on Indigenous people's lands in direct contravention to international norms.
Review article: dietary fibre in the era of microbiome science
Authors: O’Grady John , O’Connor Eibhlís M. , Shanahan Fergus 
Published: February 2019

SummaryBackgroundExplanations for the health benefits of dietary fibre have, in the past, been inconsistent and studies of the physiological effects of dietary fibre were, perhaps, directed at the wrong read‐outs. Confounding factors included a failure to appreciate the molecular diversity and varied properties of fibre‐types and the role of fibre as a substrate for microbial metabolism in the gut.AimTo present a modern perspective on fibre science and to encourage clinicians to re‐consider the health impact of dietary fibre and how best to approach adjustments in dietary consumption.MethodsThis perspective is drawn selectively from recent microbiome science; no attempt was made to perform an exhaustive review of all articles related to every aspect of dietary fibre.ResultsAdvances in microbiome science have revealed not only the functional impact of dietary fibre on the composition and function of the microbiota but have also demonstrated the physiologic responses to microbial‐derived metabolites from fibre digestion. Moreover, studies have shown the personalised nature of host responses to dietary fibre intervention, with outcomes being dependent on individual pre‐treatment gut ecology.ConclusionsThe physical properties of dietary fibres are important for homeostasis within the gut, but the predominant health benefits extend beyond the gut to enhanced metabolic welfare, including protection against obesity and related metabolic diseases. Fibre is a form of functional food joining a growing list of examples of diet‐microbe‐host interactions which link microbe‐host metabolic and immune cascades.
Effects of prednisone on docetaxel pharmacokinetics in men with metastatic prostate cancer: A randomized drug–drug interaction study
Authors: Belderbos Bodine P.S. , Hussaarts Koen G.A.M. , van Harten Leonie J. , Oomen‐de Hoop Esther , de Bruijn Peter , Hamberg Paul , van Alphen Robbert J. , Haberkorn Brigitte C.M. , Lolkema Martijn P. , de Wit Ronald , van Soest Robert J. , Mathijssen Ron H.J. 
Published: February 2019

AimsDocetaxel has been approved for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer in combination with prednisone. Since prednisone is known to induce the cytochrome P450 iso‐enzyme CYP3A4, which is the main metabolizing enzyme of docetaxel in the liver, a potential drug–drug interaction may occur. In this prospective randomized pharmacokinetic cross‐over study we investigated docetaxel exposure with concomitant prednisone, compared to docetaxel monotherapy in men with metastatic prostate cancer.MethodsPatients scheduled to receive at least 6 cycles of docetaxel (75 mg/m2) and who gave written informed consent were randomized to receive either the 1st 3 cycles, or the last 3 consecutive cycles with prednisone (twice daily 5 mg). Pharmacokinetic blood sampling was performed during cycle 3 and cycle 6. Primary endpoint was difference in docetaxel exposure, calculated as area under the curve (AUC0‐inf) and analysed by means of a linear mixed model. Given the cross‐over design the study was powered on 18 patients to answer the primary, pharmacokinetic, endpoint.ResultsEighteen evaluable patients were included in the trial. Docetaxel concentration with concomitant prednisone (AUC0‐inf 2784 ng*h/mL, 95% confidence interval 2436–3183 ng*h/mL) was similar to the concentration of docetaxel monotherapy (AUC0‐inf 2647 ng*h/mL, 95% confidence interval 2377–2949 ng*h/mL). Exploratory analysis showed no toxicity differences between docetaxel monotherapy and docetaxel cycles with prednisone.ConclusionNo significant difference in docetaxel concentrations was observed. In addition, we found similar toxicity profiles in absence and presence of prednisone. Therefore, from a pharmacokinetic point of view, docetaxel may be administrated with or without prednisone.
Exact Inference for Integrated Population Modelling
Authors: Besbeas P. , Morgan B.J.T. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntegrated population modelling is widely used in statistical ecology. It allows data from population time series and independent surveys to be analysed simultaneously. In classical analysis the time-series likelihood component can be conveniently approximated using Kalman filter methodology. However, the natural way to model systems which have a discrete state space is to use hidden Markov models (HMMs). The proposed method avoids the Kalman filter approximations and Monte Carlo simulations. Subject to possible numerical sensitivity analysis, it is exact, flexible, and allows the use of standard techniques of classical inference. We apply the approach to data on Little owls, where the model is shown to require a one-dimensional state space, and Northern lapwings, with a two-dimensional state space. In the former example the method identifies a parameter redundancy which changes the perception of the data needed to estimate immigration in integrated population modelling. The latter example may be analysed using either first- or second-order HMMs, describing numbers of one-year olds and adults or adults only, respectively. The use of first-order chains is found to be more efficient, mainly due to the smaller number of one-year olds than adults in this application. For the lapwing modelling it is necessary to group the states in order to reduce the large dimension of the state space. Results check with Bayesian and Kalman filter analyses, and avenues for future research are identified.
The landscape of urological retractions: the prevalence of reported research misconduct
Authors: Mena Jorge D. , Ndoye Medina , Cohen Andrew J. , Kamal Puneet , Breyer Benjamin N. 
Published: February 2019

ObjectivesTo evaluate the landscape of retractions of literature and to determine the prevalence of research misconduct in the field of urology.MethodsThree databases (PUBMED, Embase, Retraction Watch) were queried for all retracted studies on urological topics in both urological and non‐urological journals from April 1999 to March 2018. Two reviewers screened the records and determined the final list of articles to be included in the analysis.ResultsA total of 138 articles met the inclusion criteria. Over 80% of retractions occurred after 2009. Retractions originated from 76 different journals (13 urological journals) and 28 countries. The most common reasons for retraction were plagiarism (28%), fake peer review (20%), error (20%), and falsification of data (13%). Misconduct accounted for two‐thirds of the retractions (n = 93). A large watermark, indicating retraction of the article, was present in 75% of the manuscripts. Articles were cited a total of 4454 times, 38% of citations happened after retraction. The majority of retracted articles related to urological oncology (70%). The highest number of retractions for an individual author was five. Rates of retraction among popular urological journals since 2010 have increased but remain a small proportion of all publications: BJUI, 0.189%; World Journal of Urology, 0.132%; European Urology, 0.058%; Urology, 0.047%; and Journal of Urology, 0.024%.ConclusionRetractions of urological literature, similarly to retractions of other biomedical literature, have been rising over the last decade. The majority of these retractions stem from research misconduct. Despite retractions, flawed articles continued to be cited.
Medium‐term oncological outcomes in a large cohort of men treated with either focal or hemi‐ablation using high‐intensity focused ultrasonography for primary localized prostate cancer
Authors: Stabile Armando , Orczyk Clement , Hosking‐Jervis Feargus , Giganti Francesco , Arya Manit , Hindley Richard G. , Dickinson Louise , Allen Clare , Punwani Shonit , Jameson Charles , Freeman Alex , McCartan Neil , Montorsi Francesco , Briganti Alberto , Ahmed Hashim U. , Emberton Mark , Moore Caroline M. 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveTo report medium‐term oncological outcomes in men receiving primary focal treatment with high‐intensity focused ultrasonography ( HIFU) for prostate cancer (PCa).Patients and MethodsConsecutive patients with PCa treated with primary focal HIFU at two centres by six treating clinicians were assessed. Patients were submitted to either focal ablation or hemi‐ablation using HIFU (Sonablate 500). The primary objective of the study was to assess medium‐term oncological outcomes, defined as overall survival, freedom from biopsy failure, freedom from any further treatment and freedom from radical treatment after focal HIFU. The secondary objective was to evaluate the changes in pathological features among patients treated with focal HIFU over time. We also assessed the relationship between year of surgery and 5‐year retreatment probability.ResultsA total of 1032 men treated between November 2005 and October 2017 were assessed. The median age was 65 years and median prostate‐specific antigen level was 7 ng/mL. The majority of patients had a Gleason score of 3 + 4 or above (80.3%). The median (interquartile range) follow‐up was 36 (14–64) months. The overall survival rates at 24, 60 and 96 months were 99%, 97% and 97%, respectively. Freedom from biopsy failure, defined as absence of Gleason 3 + 4 disease, was 84%, 64% and 54% at 24, 60 and 96 months. Freedom from any further treatment was 85%, 59% and 46% at 24, 60 and 96 months, respectively. Approximately 70% of patients who were retreated received a second focal treatment. Freedom from radical treatment was 98%, 91% and 81% at 24, 60 and 96 months. During the study period, we observed an increase in the proportion of patients undergoing focal HIFU with Gleason 3 + 4 disease and with T2 stage disease as defined by multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging. Finally, there was a reduction over time in the proportion of patients undergoing re‐treatment within 5 years of first treatment.ConclusionsFocal HIFU for PCa is a feasible therapeutic strategy, with acceptable survival and oncological results and a reduction in the 5‐year retreatment rates over the last decade. Re‐do focal treatment is a feasible technique whose functional and oncological outcomes have still to be evaluated.