bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic kidney disease in neurogenic bladder
Authors: Sung Bong Mo , Oh Dong‐Jin , Choi Moon Hee , Choi Hye Min 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimIt was believed that neurogenic bladder (NB) might be a risk factor of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, data are limited regarding the real incidence or risk of CKD in NB. In addition, serum creatinine (sCr), a classical marker of renal function, is not reliable in NB patients because they present muscle wasting due to disuse or denervation. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of CKD in NB patients using serum Cystatin‐C. Secondly, we aimed to identify the risk factors for CKD development in NB.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study in a public hospital, a specialized center for patients who were victims of industrial accidents. Serum Cystatin‐C was checked at the regular laboratory test in the structured NB programme of the hospital, and 313 patients were included in the study.ResultsThe overall prevalence of CKD, defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60/mL per 1.73m2 was 8.0% and 22.4%, by sCr‐based and Cystain‐C‐based eGFR, respectively, and was greater than age‐matched general population in Korea. sCr was not able to detect the early deterioration of renal function in NB patients. Co‐morbid diabetes, small bladder volume, recurrent urinary tract infection, and proteinuria were significantly associated with CKD in the multivariable analysis.ConclusionChronic kidney disease prevalence was more than three times higher in NB patients than in the general population despite recent progress in the medical care of NB. Co‐morbid diabetes, small bladder volume, recurrent urinary tract infection, and proteinuria seem to be the risk factors for CKD development in NB.
Tacrolimus improves proteinuria remission in adults with cyclosporine A‐resistant or ‐dependent minimal change disease
Authors: Xu Dechao , Gao Xiang , Bian Rongrong , Mei Changlin , Xu Chenggang 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimsCyclosporin A (CsA) is considered as an effective treatment option for steroid‐resistant or‐dependent patients with adult‐onset minimal change disease (MCD). However, CsA resistance or dependence is also observed in these patients. Tacrolimus (TAC) is a calcineurin inhibitor that is potent in cytokine suppression. The authors aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TAC therapy in CsA‐resistant and‐dependent adult‐onset MCD patients.MethodsPatients with adult‐onset MCD were enrolled in our department from 2008 to 2012. All patients were demonstrated to be resistant to or dependent on CsA therapy. Prednisone (0.5 mg/kg per day) combined with TAC (0.05–0.1 mg/kg per day) were prescribed to these patients for at least 6 months. The primary outcome was complete or partial remission of proteinuria. Secondary outcomes included time required for complete or partial remission, adverse events, number of relapses, and TAC dosages.ResultsA total of 11 MCD patients were enrolled in this observational study. The numbers of patients who presented with resistance to or dependence on CsA were 7 and 4, respectively. The total remission rate was 90.9% (10/11) with the complete remission rate 72.7% (8/11). Most remission patients achieved remission during the first 2 months of TAC therapy. Patients who presented with dependence on CsA had achieved complete remission with TAC therapy, while outcomes for CsA‐resistant patients were four complete remissions, two partial remissions and one resistance. The adverse events were observed in this study included infection, diarrhoea, and worsened hypertension. Five patients who had remission experienced relapse.ConclusionsTacrolimus improves proteinuria remission in adults with CsA‐resistant or ‐dependent MCD.
SOCIAL TRUST, IMPARTIAL ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN EU CRISIS MANAGEMENT INSTITUTIONS
Authors: PERSSON THOMAS , PARKER CHARLES F. , WIDMALM STEN 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIn this article, we investigate whether differences in social trust and impartial public administration have an impact on public confidence in EU crisis management institutions. Our assessment is based on a cross‐country comparison using aggregate country‐level data of the member states in the European Union. Earlier studies on the EU as a crisis manager have not carefully studied to what extent differences in social trust and administrative culture may or may not matter. Our analysis shows that in countries where citizens are treated impartially by their own national public administration institutions, people are less likely to support EU‐coordinated civil protection efforts. In contrast, in places where citizens perceive their government's treatment of them as partial and unfair, citizens will tend to support EU‐coordinated civil protection.
Linkage drag constrains the roots of modern wheat
Authors: Voss‐Fels Kai P. , Qian Lunwen , Parra‐Londono Sebastian , Uptmoor Ralf , Frisch Matthias , Keeble‐Gagnère Gabriel , Appels Rudi , Snowdon Rod J. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractRoots, the hidden half of crop plants, are essential for resource acquisition. However, knowledge about the genetic control of below‐ground plant development in wheat, one of the most important small‐grain crops in the world, is very limited. The molecular interactions connecting root and shoot development and growth, and thus modulating the plant's demand for water and nutrients along with its ability to access them, are largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that linkage drag in European bread wheat, driven by strong selection for a haplotype variant controlling heading date, has eliminated a specific combination of two flanking, highly conserved haplotype variants whose interaction confers increased root biomass. Reversing this inadvertent consequence of selection could recover root diversity that may prove essential for future food production in fluctuating environments. Highly conserved synteny to rice across this chromosome segment suggests that adaptive selection has shaped the diversity landscape of this locus across different, globally important cereal crops. By mining wheat gene expression data, we identified root‐expressed genes within the region of interest that could help breeders to select positive variants adapted to specific target soil environments.
Ice and anti‐nucleating activities of an ice‐binding protein from the annual grass, Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Bredow Melissa , Tomalty Heather E. , Smith Lindsay , Walker Virginia K. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractPlants exposed to sub‐zero temperatures face unique challenges that threaten their survival. The growth of ice crystals in the extracellular space can cause cellular dehydration, plasma membrane rupture and eventual cell death. Additionally, some pathogenic bacteria cause tissue damage by initiating ice crystal growth at high sub‐zero temperatures through the use of ice‐nucleating proteins (INPs), presumably to access nutrients from lysed cells. An annual species of brome grass, Brachypodium distachyon (Bd), produces an ice‐binding protein (IBP) that shapes ice with a modest depression of the freezing point (~0.1 °C at 1 mg/mL), but high ice‐recrystallization inhibition (IRI) activity, allowing ice crystals to remain small at near melting temperatures. This IBP, known as BdIRI, is unlike other characterized IBPs with a single ice‐binding face, as mutational analysis indicates that BdIRI adsorbs to ice on two faces. BdIRI also dramatically attenuates the nucleation of ice by bacterial INPs (up to −2.26 °C). This ‘anti‐nucleating’ activity is significantly higher than previously documented for any IBP.
RNA interference in shrimp and potential applications in aquaculture
Authors: Nguyen Dung Viet , Christiaens Olivier , Bossier Peter , Smagghe Guy 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAs the RNA interference mechanism was discovered, researchers have made huge strides in unravelling biological mechanisms at the gene level in a wide range of organisms. RNAi is a simple and rapid method that allows silencing gene expression at the post‐transcriptional level and is triggered by the introduction of double‐stranded RNA into the cell, leading to the degradation of the corresponding mRNA. In this review, we will provide an overview of successful RNAi experiments to date in Crustacea, and shrimp in particular, with special focus on various potential applications of RNA interference in research and aquaculture. An important aspect of RNAi in any species is the delivery of the double‐stranded RNA and the barriers that have to be overcome to get the dsRNA into the target cells. Different options, experimental procedures, success rates and challenges in using RNAi are discussed in this review.
Total evidence phylogenetic analysis and reclassification of Euschistus Dallas within Carpocorini (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae: Pentatominae)
Authors: BIANCHI FILIPE M. , DEPRÁ MARÍNDIA , FERRARI AUGUSTO , GRAZIA JOCELIA , VALENTE VERA L. S. , CAMPOS LUIZ A. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractRobust phylogenetic hypotheses have become key for studies addressing the evolutionary biology and ecology of various groups of organisms. In the species‐rich heteropteran superfamily Pentatomoidea, phylogenies at lower taxonomic levels are still scarce and mostly employ exclusively morphological data. In this study, we conducted a total evidence phylogeny focusing on the tribe Carpocorini (Pentatomidae), using morphological data and four DNA markers (COI, Cytb, 16S and 28S rDNA; ∼2330 bp; 32 taxa) in order to investigate the relationships within Euschistus Dallas, one of the most speciose pentatomid genera, and between Euschistus and related genera. Our hypotheses generated by maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference show that the current taxonomic composition and classification of Euschistus and allied genera are in need of revision. Euschistus was recovered as nonmonophyletic, with the subgenera forming four independent lineages: Euschistus (Euschistus) and Euschistus (Lycipta) Stål are sister groups; Euschistus (Euschistomorphus) Jensen‐Haarup is more closely related to Dichelops Spinola and Agroecus Dallas; and Mitripus Rolston is divided into two clades closely related to Sibaria Stål and Ladeaschistus Rolston. We chose not to change the classification of E. (Euschistomorphus) until further data become available, and propose to split Euschistus into three genera with the exclusion of Euschistus (Mitripus) and all of its species. Here we elevate Mitripus to genus rank to include M. acutus comb.n., M. convergens comb.n. and M. legionarius comb.n., and propose Adustonotus Bianchi gen.n. to include A. anticus comb.n., A. latus comb.n., A. tauricornis comb.n., A. grandis comb.n., A. hansi comb.n., A. paranticus comb.n., A. irroratus comb.n. and A. saramagoi comb.n. We also provide identification keys to the genera Adustonotus gen.n., Ladeaschistus, Mitripus n. rank and Sibaria, here defined as the Mitripus genus group, and to the species of Mitripus and Adustonotus gen.n. Our results provide insights into the current status of the classification of the Pentatomidae, suggesting the need for phylogenetic analyses at different taxonomic levels within stink bugs.This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E09D2675‐0F2B‐4AAE‐9837‐257E0B18BC52.
Prevalence of hepatitis E virus infection among blood donors in mainland China: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Longmu , Jiao Shuxian , Yang Zhongsi , Xu Lei , Liu Li , Feng Qiuxia , Zhang Xia , Hou Yun , He Shuyi , Saldanha John , Wang Shuang , Wang Bin 
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUNDThe risk of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection from blood transfusion has raised increasing concern in many countries. Several transfusion‐transmitted cases have been described in the United Kingdom and Japan. The objective was to investigate the prevalence of HEV infection among Chinese blood donors and analyze the potential risk of HEV infection through blood transfusion in China.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSMajor English and Chinese research databases were used as background research for the study of locations, years, and the number of HEV infections among blood donors in China. The pooled, estimated rate of HEV infection was calculated. Subgroup analyses, for age, sex, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were performed using software for comprehensive meta‐analysis.RESULTSThe pooled rates of anti‐HEV IgM– and anti‐HEV IgG–positive donations were 1.09% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.95%‐1.26%) and 30% (95% CI, 25%‐34%), respectively. The prevalence of anti‐HEV IgM was significantly higher in donors with elevated ALT (4.34%) compared with the rate in donors with normal ALT (1.35%; χ2 = 39.66, p < 0.01). The anti‐HEV IgM and IgG rates were higher in the Southwest region (1.58 and 41%, respectively) compared to the rates in other regions of China (chi‐square test, p < 0.05). The anti‐HEV IgG rate was also significantly higher in donors 30 years and older compared with donors between 18 and 29 years of age (39% vs. 22%, respectively; χ2 = 1457.10, p < 0.01). Genetic analysis of HEV from RNA‐positive donors indicated that the majority of HEV infections were Genotype 1 (19/33 = 58%), while the remaining 14 isolates were Genotype 4 (14/33 = 42%; χ2 = 0.758, p > 0.05).CONCLUSIONQualified donations after routine blood donor screening still carry a potential risk for transmitting HEV. The major genotypes in Chinese donors in this study were Genotypes 1 and 4.
Reducing liberal red blood cell transfusions at an academic medical center
Authors: Saag Harry S. , Lajam Claudette M. , Jones Simon , Lakomkin Nikita , Bosco Joseph A. , Wallack Rebecca , Frangos Spiros G. , Sinha Prashant , Adler Nicole , Ursomanno Patti , Horwitz Leora I. , Volpicelli Frank M. 
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUNDEducational and computerized interventions have been shown to reduce red blood cell (RBC) transfusion rates, yet controversy remains surrounding the optimal strategy needed to achieve sustained reductions in liberal transfusions.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThe purpose of this study was to assess the impact of clinician decision support (CDS) along with targeted education on liberal RBC utilization to four high‐utilizing service lines compared with no education to control service lines across an academic medical center. Clinical data along with associated hemoglobin levels at the time of all transfusion orders between April 2014 and December 2015 were obtained via retrospective chart review. The primary outcome was the change in the rate of liberal RBC transfusion orders (defined as any RBC transfusion when the hemoglobin level is >7.0 g/dL). Secondary outcomes included the annual projected reduction in the number of transfusions and the associated decrease in cost due to these changes as well as length of stay (LOS) and death index. These measures were compared between the 12 months prior to the initiative and the 9‐month postintervention period.RESULTSLiberal RBC utilization decreased from 13.4 to 10.0 units per 100 patient discharges (p = 0.002) across the institution, resulting in a projected 12‐month savings of $720,360. The mean LOS and the death index did not differ significantly in the postintervention period.CONCLUSIONTargeted education combined with the incorporation of CDS at the time of order entry resulted in significant reductions in the incidence of liberal RBC utilization without adversely impacting inpatient care, whereas control service lines exposed only to CDS had no change in transfusion habits.
Draft Genome Sequences of Biosafety Level 2 Opportunistic Pathogens Isolated from the Environmental Surfaces of the International Space Station
Authors: Checinska Sielaff Aleksandra , Singh Nitin K. , Allen Jonathan E. , Thissen James , Jaing Crystal , Venkateswaran Kasthuri 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT
The draft genome sequences of 20 biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) opportunistic pathogens isolated from the environmental surfaces of the International Space Station (ISS) were presented. These genomic sequences will help in understanding the influence of microgravity on the pathogenicity and virulence of these strains when compared with Earth strains.
Genome Sequence of a Virulent Genotype III Newcastle Disease Virus Isolated from Laying Ducks in China
Authors: Wen Guoyuan , Wang Min , Wang Honglin , Li Lintao , Luo Qingping , Zhang Tengfei , Cheng Guofu , Shao Huabin 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT
Here, we report the complete genome sequence of a virulent Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strain HN1007, isolated from diseased duck flocks in Henan, China, in 2010. The isolate has a genome length of 15,186 nucleotides, and was classified as a member of genotype III of class II.
Inhibition of sphingosine 1-phosphate signaling ameliorates murine nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Mauer Amy S. , Hirsova Petra , Maiers Jessica L. , Shah Vijay H. , Malhi Harmeet 
Published: December 2016

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a lipotoxic disorder, wherein proinflammatory lipids, such as ceramide and its derivative sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), contribute to macrophage-associated liver inflammation. For example, we have previously demonstrated a role for S1P in steatotic hepatocyte-derived S1P-enriched extracellular vesicles in macrophage chemotaxis in vitro. Therefore, we hypothesized that FTY720, an S1P antagonist, would ameliorate NASH by inhibiting proinflammatory monocyte chemotaxis. To test our hypothesis, NASH was established in C57BL/6 male mice by feeding a diet high in fructose, saturated fat, and cholesterol for 22 wk. Then mice received daily intraperitoneal injections of FTY720 for 2 wk before analysis of liver injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. FTY720-treated mice with NASH demonstrated improved liver histology with a significant reduction in hepatocyte ballooning and inflammatory foci. Hepatomegaly was reversed, and liver triglycerides were reduced following FTY720 administration to mice with NASH. Correspondingly, serum ALT levels, hepatic inflammatory macrophage accumulation, and the expression of Ly6C in recruited myeloid cells was reduced in FTY720-treated mice. Hepatic collagen accumulation and expression of α-smooth muscle actin were significantly lowered as well. Body composition, energy consumption and utilization, and hepatic sphingolipid composition remained unchanged following FTY720 administration. FTY720 ameliorates murine nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Reduction in liver injury and inflammation is associated with a reduction in hepatic macrophage accumulation, likely due to dampened recruitment of circulating myeloid cells into the liver. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis may be a novel indication for the therapeutic use of FTY720. NEW & NOTEWORTHY There are no approved pharmacologic therapies for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. This study describes the use of FTY720, a novel small molecule, for the amelioration of NASH in a mouse model. We demonstrate that 2-wk administration of FTY720 to mice with NASH led to a reduction in liver injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. These data provide a preclinical rationale for studying this drug in human NASH.
Tobacco Use and Cancer Risk in the Agricultural Health Study
Authors: Andreotti Gabriella , Freedman Neal D. , Silverman Debra T. , Lerro Catherine C. , Koutros Stella , Hartge Patricia , Alavanja Michael C. , Sandler Dale P. , Freeman Laura Beane 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Background: Cigarettes are well known to cause cancer, but less is known about the risks of other tobacco products and use of more than one product.
Methods: We examined cancer incidence in relation to exclusive use of six tobacco products [cigarettes, other combustibles (pipe, cigar, cigarillo), and smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco, snuff)] in the Agricultural Health Study. We also examined the added cancer risks associated with use of cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Results: In our study population of 84,015, ever use of smokeless tobacco was higher than the general United States population, whereas cigarette use was lower and other combustible product use was about the same. The strongest associations for exclusive ever use were for lung cancer [cigarettes HR = 15.48; 95% confidence interval (CI), 11.95–20.06; other combustible tobacco HR = 3.44; 95% CI, 1.53–7.71; smokeless tobacco HR = 2.21; 95% CI, 1.11–4.42]. Compared with exclusive cigarette smokers, cigarette smokers who additionally ever-used another combustible product had higher risks of smoking-related cancers (HR = 1.16; 95% CI, 1.04–1.30), especially among those who smoked cigarettes for more than 15 years.
Conclusions and Impact: Cigarette smokers who additionally ever used smokeless tobacco had cancer risks similar to exclusive cigarette smokers. Users of cigarettes and other combustible tobacco may have higher risks of certain cancers than exclusive cigarette users. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(5); 769–78. ©2016 AACR.
Decreasing Black-White Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Incidence and Stage at Presentation in the United States
Authors: May Folasade P. , Glenn Beth A. , Crespi Catherine M. , Ponce Ninez , Spiegel Brennan M.R. , Bastani Roshan 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Background: There are long-standing black–white disparities in colorectal cancer incidence and outcomes in the United States. Incidence and stage at diagnosis reflect the impact of national efforts directed at colorectal cancer prevention and control. We aimed to evaluate trends in black–white disparities in both indicators over four decades to inform the future direction of prevention and control efforts.
Methods: We used Surveillance, Epidemiology, & End Results (SEER) data to identify whites and blacks with histologically confirmed colorectal cancer from January 1, 1975 through December 31, 2012. We calculated the age-adjusted incidence and the proportion of cases presenting in late stage by race and year. We then calculated the annual percentage change (APC) and average APC for each indicator by race, examined changes in indicators over time, and calculated the incidence disparity for each year.
Results: There were 440,144 colorectal cancer cases from 1975 to 2012. The overall incidence decreased by 1.35% and 0.46% per year for whites and blacks, respectively. Although the disparity in incidence declined from 2004 to 2012 (APC = −3.88%; P = 0.01), incidence remained higher in blacks in 2012. Late-stage disease declined by 0.27% and 0.45% per year in whites and blacks, respectively. The proportion of late-stage cases became statistically similar in whites and blacks in 2010 (56.60% vs. 56.96%; P = 0.17).
Conclusions: Black–white disparities in colorectal cancer incidence and stage at presentation have decreased over time.
Impact: Our findings reflect the positive impact of efforts to improve colorectal cancer disparities and emphasize the need for interventions to further reduce the incidence gap. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(5); 762–8. ©2016 AACR.