bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathologic significance of ROCK2 expression in oral squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Dourado Mauricio R. , de Oliveira Carine E. , Sawazaki‐Calone Iris , Sundquist Elias , Coletta Ricardo D. , Salo Tuula 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundRho‐associated coiled‐coil kinase 2 (ROCK2) is an oncoprotein that controls cytoskeleton organization and acts as prognostic marker in different types of solid tumors. ROCK2 overexpression is also observed in cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAF), which suggests its relevance within the tumor microenvironment. This study aimed to access the prognostic value of ROCK2 in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) and its association with CAF density.MethodsRho‐associated coiled‐coil kinase 2 immunohistochemical analysis was applied in 93 OSCC samples from 2 centers in Brazil and Finland. The samples were also stained for isoform α of smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) to characterize the presence of CAF in the tumor stroma. Clinicopathological associations were analyzed using Chi‐squared test, survival curves were constructed according to the Kaplan‐Meier method, and Cox proportional hazard model was applied for multivariate survival analysis.ResultsAdvanced clinical stage (P = .002) and increased density of CAF (P = .002) were significantly associated with high ROCK2 expression. The high expression of ROCK2 was also associated with shortened disease‐specific survival (HR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.15‐4.38, P = .04), but the association did not withstand the Cox multivariate survival analysis.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that high ROCK2 expression in OSCC is associated with advanced disease and follows the increase in CAF density, which may be important for tumor progression.
Cell proliferation is associated with intensity of tumor budding in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Marangon Junior Helvécio , Leão Priscila Laiza Rubim , Melo Victória Vasconcellos Moreira , Caixeta Ângela Braga , Souza Paulo Eduardo Alencar , de Aguiar Maria Cássia Ferreira , Horta Martinho Campolina Rebello 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundTumor budding is a morphological marker of cancer invasion, defined as the presence of isolated or small clusters of neoplastic cells at the tumor invasive front. This study aimed to evaluate the association between intensity of tumor budding and cell proliferation in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).MethodsImmunohistochemistry was employed in 163 OSCC samples to detect the cell proliferation marker Ki‐67 and multicytokeratin (to identify OSCC cells in tumor budding evaluation). The Mann‐Whitney test was used to evaluate differences in the cell proliferation index between samples with high‐intensity tumor budding and samples with low‐intensity or no tumor budding. In samples with high‐intensity tumor budding, the Wilcoxon test was used to evaluate differences in the cell proliferation index between the budding area and the area outside the budding. The chi‐square test assessed the association between cell proliferation index and intensity of tumor budding.ResultsThe cell proliferation index was higher in samples with high‐intensity tumor budding than in samples with low‐intensity or no tumor budding (P < .05). Tumors with high‐intensity tumor budding showed a higher cell proliferation index in the budding area than in the area outside the budding (P < .05). Finally, samples showing high‐intensity tumor budding were associated with high cell proliferation index (P < .05).ConclusionCell proliferation is positively associated with intensity of tumor budding in OSCC. Moreover, in tumors showing high‐intensity tumor budding, the budding area is the location of higher cell proliferation. These findings reinforce the hypothesis that tumor budding is associated with the biological behavior of OSCC.
Historical demography and colonization pathways of the widespread intertidal seaweed Hormosira banksii (Phaeophyceae) in southeastern Australia
Authors: Mueller Rebecca , Wright Jeffrey T. , Bolch Christopher J. S. 
Published: October 2017

The palaeoceanography of southern Australia has been characterized by fluctuating sea levels during glacial periods, changing temperature regimes and modified boundary currents. Previous studies on genetic structuring of species in southeastern Australia have focused mainly on the differentiation of eastern and western populations while the potential role of Bass Strait as a region of overlap for three biogeographic provinces (Peronia, Maugea, and Flindersia) has been largely ignored. This study aimed to explore the likely roles of historic and contemporary factors in determining divergence patterns in the habitat‐forming intertidal seaweed Hormosira banksii in southeastern Australia with a special focus on postglacial dispersal into Bass Strait. We examined the genetic diversity of 475 Hormosira specimens collected from 19 sites around southern Australia using DNA sequence analysis of cytochrome oxidase 1. Three major haplotype groups were identified (western, centre and eastern) corresponding with the three existing biogeographical provinces in this region. Historic break points appeared to be retained and reinforced by modern day dispersal barriers. Phylogeographic grouping of Hormosira reflected a combination of historic and contemporary oceanography. As western and eastern group haplotypes were largely absent within Bass Strait, re‐colonization after the last glacial maximum appeared to have originated from refuges within or near present day Bass Strait. Patterns of genetic structure for Hormosira are consistent with other marine species in this region and highlight the importance of biogeographical barriers in contributing to modern genetic structure.
Immunotherapy for hepatitis B in the direct acting antiviral era: Reevaluating the thymosin α1 efficacy trials in the light of a combination therapy approach
Authors: Naylor P. H. , Mutchnick M. G. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryHepatitis B virus (HBV) causes both acute and chronic hepatitis and infects large numbers of individuals worldwide. Unfortunately, prediction of typical clinical outcome is problematic and there is considerable variability in the frequency, duration and severity of disease progression. The mainstay of HBV treatment is directed towards the suppression of HBV replication by nucleos(t)ide analogs (NUCs). The use of immunomodulators such as α‐Interferon and thymosin α1 can, in select patients, results in elimination of both HBsAg and HBeAg. Given the observation that viral clearance is most effective in the presence of a strong immune response, this review summarizes data suggesting that the use of a combination of an immune modulator such as Tα1 with a highly effective NUC may result in a more successful therapeutic approach in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Results from small studies using combination Tα1 and NUCs are encouraging, and ongoing clinical trials combining entecavir with Tα1 are anticipated to provide important data assessing the use of a combination of Tα1 with a NUC to achieve resolution of CHB.
Impact of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir on the work productivity of genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C patients in Asia
Authors: Younossi Z. M. , Chan H. L. Y. , Dan Y. Y. , Lee M. H. , Lim Y. ‐S. , Kruger E. , Tan S. C. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryChronic, untreated hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with a poor clinical prognosis and a detrimental impact on patients' lives, including on work productivity. To estimate the value of productivity losses due to genotype 1 (GT1) HCV infection in Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan and to estimate the potential productivity gains associated with treating patients with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) therapy, an economic model was developed with a time horizon of 1 year. Hepatitis C virus patients entered the model at 12 weeks post‐treatment, having achieved or not achieved sustained virological response (SVR). Absenteeism and presenteeism rates were taken from a pooled analysis of data from the ION 1‐3 studies. These rates were converted into hours of lost productivity, multiplied by the average wage and applied to the total employed, adult GT1 population in each country. Results were compared assuming no treatment, and assuming all patients were treated with LDV/SOF. Total productivity losses due to untreated HCV were: $11.3 million, $17.1 m, $146.0 m and $349.1 m in Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. LDV/SOF treatment resulted in economic gains of $4.5 m, $6.8 m, $58.7 m and $138 m, respectively. These gains were due to reduced presenteeism. The results were sensitive to changes in the prevalence of HCV and the average wage. In conclusion, productivity losses due to untreated HCV infection represent a substantial economic burden. By instituting universal HCV treatment with LDV/SOF (or other therapies with high SVR rates), productivity gains can be achieved.
Community‐based screening of hepatitis C with a one‐step RNA detection algorithm from dried‐blood spots: Analysis of key populations in Barcelona, Spain
Authors: Saludes V. , Folch C. , Morales‐Carmona A. , Ferrer L. , Fernàndez‐López L. , Muñoz R. , Jiménez M. , Loureiro E. , Fernández‐Dávila P. , Bascuñana E. , Casabona J. , Martró E. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryAlternative strategies are required to enhance the diagnosis of silent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in key populations at risk. Among them, HCV prevalence and bio‐behavioural data are scarce for HIV‐negative men who have sex with men (MSM) and men and trans‐women sex workers. We sought to describe and assess the potential benefits of a community‐based one‐step HCV screening and confirmatory strategy for these populations in Barcelona. The screening strategy based on a real‐time RT‐PCR assay for HCV‐RNA detection in dried‐blood spots (DBS) was validated and implemented in addition to an antibody point‐of‐care test in a community centre. HCV prevalence was assessed, and bio‐behavioural data were collected. The molecular assay was precise, reproducible, sensitive and specific. Four HIV‐negative MSM reported being currently infected (0.75% HCV self‐reported prevalence). Implementation of DBS testing was easy, and acceptability was >95%, but no silent HCV case was diagnosed (N = 580). High‐risk sexual practices and drug use for sex were reported frequently. HIV prevalence was 4.7% in MSM and 10% in sex workers. Self‐reported prevalence of other STIs ranged from 11.3% to 36.2%. In conclusion, HCV‐RNA testing in DBS showed a good performance, but the assessed one‐step strategy does not seem beneficial in this setting. Although no silent HCV infections were detected, the observed high‐risk behaviours and prevalence of other STIs suggest that HCV spread should be periodically monitored among these populations in Barcelona by means of behavioural surveillance, rapid antibody testing and molecular confirmation in DBS.
Seasonal Changes in the Milt Quality of Waigieu Seaperch, Psammoperca waigiensis: Implications for Artificial Propagation
Authors: Le Minh Hoang , Pham Hung Quoc 
Published: October 2017

AbstractMilt quality of Waigieu seaperch was sampled at the beginning, the middle, and the end of the spawning season to assess if the sampling season has an effect on milt quality parameters. The milt volume and total sperm production were higher at the middle of the spawning season while the sperm concentration in milt was significantly higher at the beginning and the end of the spawning season. Sperm morphology and the major parameters of seminal plasma (pH, total protein, Mg2+, or Ca2+ concentrations) did not differ throughout the spawning season. The concentrations of Na+ and the osmolality increased throughout the spawning season. The percentage of motile cells did not differ during the spawning season while the duration of sperm motility (swimming duration) and velocity (swimming speed) were significantly different during the spawning season. The fertilization rate (75.7 ± 6.8%) and hatching rate (56.5 ± 3.1%) at the middle of the spawning season were higher than at the beginning and end periods. Results indicated that milt quality parameters and fertility success in the middle of the spawning season were higher compared to earlier and later sampling dates. Thus, we recommend collecting milt during this time for maximal fertilization and hatching success.
Toxicity of Peracetic Acid to Fish: Variation among Species and Impact of Water Chemistry
Authors: Straus David L. , Meinelt Thomas , Liu Dibo , Pedersen Lars‐Flemming 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThere has been strong interest in the use of peracetic acid (PAA) in aquaculture as it can be used to disinfect water and hard surfaces and thereby eliminate or lower the burden of fish pathogens. Unfortunately, there has been little research on the toxicity of PAA to fish. Twelve species of fingerling fish that are important to aquaculture were exposed to PAA for 24 h in static toxicity bioassays in well water. These fish were: fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas; black‐nose crappie, Pomoxis nigromaculatus; bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus; blue tilapia, Oreochromis aureus; channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus; golden shiner, Notemigonus crysoleucas; goldfish, Carassius auratus; grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella; largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides; rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss; sunshine bass, Morone chrysops × M. saxatilis; and walleye, Sander vitreus. Median lethal concentration (LC50) values were estimated with the trimmed Spearman–Karber method using nominal PAA concentrations. The mean 24‐h LC50 values ranged from 2.8 to 9.3 mg/L PAA. Fathead minnow were very sensitive and blue tilapia were very tolerant to PAA exposure; LC50 values of other species tested were within the range of 4.1–6.2 mg/L PAA. More importantly, the 24‐h no‐observed‐effect concentration (NOEC) ranged from 1.9 to 5.8 mg/L PAA; the NOEC would be considered as the safe range for culturists to investigate the use of PAA. Decreased alkalinity/hardness increased the toxicity of PAA, while a small increase of dissolved organic content had no effect on PAA toxicity. Results of the present study are important information on the safe application of PAA for the aquaculture industry.
A simplified protocol using rituximab and immunoglobulin for ABO‐incompatible low‐titre living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Kim Seong Hoon , Lee Eung Chang , Shim Jae Ryong , Park Sang Jae 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsNo consensus has been reached regarding optimal treatment strategies for ABO‐incompatible (ABO‐I) living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We introduce a simplified protocol using rituximab and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).MethodsData were analysed on adult patients who underwent ABO‐I LDLT of which protocol added rituximab (300 mg/m2) before surgery and IVIG (0.8 g/kg) on post‐operative days 1 and 4 to the conventional immunosuppressive regimen used in ABO‐compatible (ABO‐C) LDLT, without plasmapheresis, splenectomy or graft local infusion. The outcomes were compared with those of ABO‐C LDLT by 1:2 propensity score‐matched analysis.ResultsConsecutive 43 ABO‐I LDLT patients were identified between 2014 and 2016. Before desensitization, the median isoagglutinin titre was 1:8 (range, 1:2‐1:64). The titre was reduced to 4 (range, 0‐16) at the time of LDLT. None showed a rebound rise of isoagglutinin titres. No antibody‐mediated rejection occurred. Biliary stricture was the most common complication with an incidence of 30.2%. A comparator group of 86 ABO‐C LDLT patients were selected. There was no statistical difference in the overall complication rate including acute cellular rejection, biliary complications and infection between ABO‐I and ABO‐C groups. The 3‐year cumulative patient survival rates in the ABO‐I and ABO‐C groups were 82.4% and 85.9% respectively (P = .115).ConclusionsA simplified protocol using rituximab and IVIG for ABO‐I LDLT was safe and effective in achieving sufficient desensitization and comparable outcomes in patients with the titre no higher than 1:64.
Towards a capability approach to child growth: A theoretical framework
Authors: Haisma Hinke , Yousefzadeh Sepideh , Boele Van Hensbroek Pieter 
Published: October 2017

AbstractChild malnutrition is an important cause of under‐5 mortality and morbidity around the globe. Despite the partial success of (inter)national efforts to reduce child mortality, under‐5 mortality rates continue to be high. The multidimensional approaches of the Sustainable Development Goals may suggest new directions for rethinking strategies for reducing child mortality and malnutrition. We propose a theoretical framework for developing a “capability” approach to child growth. The current child growth monitoring practices are based on 2 assumptions: (a) that anthropometric and motor development measures are the appropriate indicators; and (b) that child growth can be assessed using a single universal standard that is applicable around the world. These practices may be further advanced by applying a capability approach to child growth, whereby growth is redefined as the achievement of certain capabilities (of society, parents, and children). This framework is similar to the multidimensional approach to societal development presented in the seminal work of Amartya Sen. To identify the dimensions of healthy child growth, we draw upon theories from the social sciences and evolutionary biology. Conceptually, we consider growth as a plural space and propose assessing growth by means of a child growth matrix in which the context is embedded in the assessment. This approach will better address the diversities and the inequalities in child growth. Such a multidimensional measure will have implications for interventions and policy, including prevention and counselling, and could have an impact on child malnutrition and mortality.
Factors associated with the introduction of complementary feeding in theFrench ELFEcohort study
Authors: Bournez Marie , Ksiazek Eléa , Wagner Sandra , Kersuzan Claire , Tichit Christine , Gojard Séverine , Thierry Xavier , Charles Marie‐Aline , Lioret Sandrine , de Lauzon‐Guillain Blandine , Nicklaus Sophie 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to estimate the age of complementary feeding introduction (CFI) and investigate the related health, demographic, and socio‐economic factors.Analyses were based on 10,931 infants from the French national birth cohort ELFE, born in 2011. Health, demographic, and socio‐economic data concerning infants and parents were collected at birth (face‐to‐face interviews and medical records) and 2 months (telephone interviews). Data on milk feeding and CFI practices were collected at birth and 2 months then monthly from 3 to 10 months using online or paper questionnaires. The associations between both health and social factors and CFI age were tested by multivariable multinomial logistic regressions. The mean CFI age was 5.2 ± 1.2 months; 26% of the infants started complementary feeding before 4 months of age (CF < 4 months), 62% between 4 and 6 months of age, and 12% after 6 months of age (CF > 6 months). CF < 4 months was more likely when mothers smoked, were overweight/obese, younger (<29 years), and used their personal experience as an information source in child caregiving and when both parents were not born in France. CF < 4 months was less likely when the infant was a girl, second‐born, when the mother breastfed longer, and had attended at least one birth preparation class. Mothers of second‐born infants and who breastfed their child longer were more likely to introduce CF > 6 months. Couples in which fathers were born in France and mothers were not born in France were less likely to introduce CF > 6 months. CF < 4 months occurred in more than 25% of the cases. It is important to continue promoting clear CFI recommendations, especially in smoking, overweight, young, not born in France, and nonbreastfeeding mothers.
Allosteric control of a bacterial stress response system by an anti‐σ factor
Authors: Luebke Justin L. , Eaton Daniel S. , Sachleben Joseph R. , Crosson Sean 
Published: October 2017

SummaryBacterial signal transduction systems commonly use receiver (REC) domains, which regulate adaptive responses to the environment as a function of their phosphorylation state. REC domains control cell physiology through diverse mechanisms, many of which remain understudied. We have defined structural features that underlie activation of the multi‐domain REC protein, PhyR, which functions as an anti‐anti‐σ factor and regulates transcription of genes required for stress adaptation and host‐microbe interactions in Alphaproteobacteria. Though REC phosphorylation is necessary for PhyR function in vivo, we did not detect expected changes in inter‐domain interactions upon phosphorylation by solution X‐ray scattering. We sought to understand this result by defining additional molecular requirements for PhyR activation. We uncovered specific interactions between unphosphorylated PhyR and an intrinsically disordered region (IDR) of the anti‐σ factor, NepR, by solution NMR spectroscopy. Our data support a model whereby nascent NepR(IDR)‐PhyR interactions and REC phosphorylation coordinately impart the free energy to shift PhyR to an open, active conformation that binds and inhibits NepR. This mechanism ensures PhyR is activated only when NepR and an activating phosphoryl signal are present. Our study provides new structural understanding of the molecular regulatory logic underlying a conserved environmental response system.
The island cotton NBS‐LRR gene GbaNA1 confers resistance to the non‐race 1 Verticillium dahliae isolate Vd991
Authors: Li Nan‐Yang , ma Xue‐Feng , Short Dylan P. G. , Li Ting‐Gang , Zhou Lei , Gui Yue‐Jing , Kong Zhi‐Qiang , Zhang Dan‐Dan , Zhang Wen‐Qi , Li Jun‐Jiao , Subbarao Krishna V. , Chen Jie‐Yin , Dai Xiao‐Feng 
Published: October 2017

SummaryWilt caused by Verticillium dahliae significantly reduces cotton yields, as host resistance in commercially cultivated Gossypium species is lacking. Understanding the molecular basis of disease resistance in non‐commercial Gossypium species could galvanize the development of Verticillium wilt resistance in cultivated species. Nucleotide‐binding site leucine‐rich repeat (NBS‐LRR) proteins play a central role in plant defence against pathogens. In this study, we focused on the relationship between a locus enriched with eight NBS‐LRR genes and Verticillium wilt resistance in G. barbadense. Independent virus‐induced gene silencing of each of the eight NBS‐LRR genes in G. barbadense cultivar Hai 7124 revealed that silencing of GbaNA1 alone compromised the resistance of G. barbadense to V. dahliae isolate Vd991. In cultivar Hai 7124, GbaNA1 could be induced by V. dahliae isolate Vd991 and by ethylene, jasmonic acid and salicylic acid. Nuclear protein localization of GbaNA1 was demonstrated by transient expression. Sequencing of the GbaNA1 orthologue in nine G. hirsutum accessions revealed that all carried a non‐functional allele, caused by a premature peptide truncation. In addition, all 10 G. barbadense and nine G. hirsutum accessions tested carried a full‐length (∼1140 amino acids) homologue of the V. dahliae race 1 resistance gene Gbve1, although some sequence polymorphisms were observed. Verticillium dahliae Vd991 is a non‐race 1 isolate that lacks the Ave1 gene. Thus, the resistance imparted by GbaNA1 appears to be mediated by a mechanism distinct from recognition of the fungal effector Ave1.