bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a young adult with transplanted heart: what happened to denervation?
Authors: Chinali Marcello , Formigari Roberto , Grutter Giorgia 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis manuscript describes the first report of takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a young heart transplant recipient following angry debate. Our patient is a 21‐year‐old woman with cardiac transplant performed owing to right ventricular failure in congenital heart disease. Positive echocardiography with typical asymmetry of regional function, positive enzymes, and negative biopsy and angiography met the criteria for the diagnosis of takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Patient was discharged after 1 week in good clinical conditions and fully recovered cardiac function. The development of takotsubo cardiomyopathy in transplanted heart suggests that re‐innervation occurs, thus representing a target for catecholamine‐induced cardiac dysfunction.
Kbtbd2 inhibits the cytotoxic activity of immortalized NK cells through down‐regulating mTOR signaling in a mouse hepatocellular carcinoma model
Authors: Dai Kai , Huang Yabing , Chen Zubing , Sun Xiaomei , Yang Lihua , Jiang Yingan 
Published: January 2018

AbstractNatural killer cell (NK cell)‐based immunotherapy is a promising therapeutic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of NK cell function in the tumor sites are not completely elucidated. In this study, we identified the enhanced expression of kelch repeat and BTB (POZ) domain containing 2 (Kbtbd2) in intratumoral NK cells in a mouse HCC implantation model as a negative regulator of NK cells. To investigate this interaction, we used a Tet‐on inducible expression system to control Kbtbd2 expression in an immortalized mouse NK cell line KIL C.2. With this approach, we found that overexpression of Kbtbd2 reduced KIL C.2 cell proliferation, decreased expression certain of Ly49 receptor family members, and substantially impaired cytotoxic activity of KIL C.2 cells in vitro. Moreover, phosphorylation of mTOR and its target 4E‐binding protein 1 was reduced in Kbtbd2‐expressing KIL C.2 cells, along with down‐regulated phosphorylation of Erk1/2. Adoptively transferred Kbtbd2‐expressing KIL C.2 cells exhibited weaker tumoricidal effect on hepatocellular carcinoma cells in the HCC implantation model, in comparison with transferred control KIL C.2 cells. Taken together, our investigation indicates that Kbtbd2 is an inhibitory molecule for the tumoricidal activity of KIL C.2 cells and perhaps intratumoral NK cells.
Allogenic and autogenic effects on mangrove dynamics from the Ceará Mirim River, north‐eastern Brazil, during the middle and late Holocene
Authors: Ribeiro Samuel Rodrigues , Batista Edson José Louzada , Cohen Marcelo C.L. , França Marlon Carlos , Pessenda Luiz C.R. , Fontes Neuza A. , Alves Igor C.C. , Bendassolli José A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIt is possible that climate changes and sea level fluctuations (allogenic processes) are and will cause major changes in mangrove dynamics. However, other driving forces may be significantly affecting this system. Distinguishing allogenic and autogenic influence on mangroves is a challenging question, because mechanisms related to the natural dynamics of depositional environments (autogenic processes) have strong influences on the establishment and degradation of mangroves. Thus, impacts on mangroves caused by autogenic processes may be erroneously attributed to allogenic mechanisms. Therefore, it is imperative to identify the ‘fingerprint’ of global changes in modern mangrove dynamics. In order to characterize the influence of these forces on mangroves, this work has used geomorphology and vegetation maps integrated with sedimentological and palynological data, radiocarbon dating, as well as δ13C, δ15N and C/N from sedimentary organic matter. The inter‐proxy analyses reveal an estuarine influence with mangrove development along the Ceará Mirim River, north‐eastern Brazil, since ~6920 cal yr bp, after the post‐glacial sea level rise. Relative sea level (RSL) has been stable during the middle and late Holocene. Mangrove establishment along this fluvial valley begins at about 6920 cal yr bp, caused by the sea‐level stabilization, an allogenic influence. However, after its establishment, wetland dynamics were mainly controlled by autogenic factors, related to channel migrations, instead of allogenic process. Some influence of sea‐level and climate changes on mangrove dynamics in this estuarine channel have been weakened by more intense tidal channels activities. Therefore, the expansion and contraction of mangrove areas along the estuary of the Ceará Mirim River since 6920 cal yr bp has been mainly influenced by channel dynamics that regulate the accretion and erosion of mangrove substrates. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new weighting method for improving the WENO‐Z scheme
Authors: Liu Shengping , Shen Yiqing , Zeng Fangjun , Yu Ming 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe calculation of the weight of each substencil is very important for a weighted essentially nonoscillatory (WENO) scheme to obtain high‐order accuracy in smooth regions and keep the essentially nonoscillatory property near discontinuities. The weighting function introduced in the WENO‐Z scheme provides a straightforward method to analyze the accuracy order in smooth regions. In this paper, we construct a new sixth‐order global smoothness indicator (GSI‐6) and a function about GSI‐6 and the local smoothness indicators (ISk) to calculate the weights. The analysis and numerical results show that, with the new weights, the scheme satisfies the sufficient condition for the fifth‐order convergence in smooth regions even at critical points. Meanwhile, it can also maintain low dissipation for discontinuous solutions due to relative large weights assigned to discontinuous substencils.
Cocaine and HIV‐1 Tat disrupt cholesterol homeostasis in astrocytes: Implications for HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorders in cocaine user patients
Authors: Cotto Bianca , Natarajaseenivasan Kalimuthusamy , Ferrero Kimberly , Wesley Leroy , Sayre Matthew , Langford Dianne 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCholesterol synthesis and clearance by astrocytes are tightly regulated to maintain constant levels within the brain. In this context, liver X receptors (LXRs) are the master regulators of cholesterol homeostasis in the central nervous system (CNS). Increasing levels of cholesterol in astrocytes trigger LXR activation leading to the transcription of target genes involved in cholesterol trafficking and efflux, including apolipoprotein E, cytochrome P450 enzymes, sterol regulatory binding protein, and several ATP‐binding cassette transporter proteins. The disturbance of LXR signaling in the brain can lead to significant dysfunctions in cholesterol homeostasis, and disruptions in this pathway have been implicated in numerous neurological diseases including Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease. HIV infection of the CNS in combination with cocaine use is associated with astrocyte and neuronal energy deficit and damage. We propose that dysregulation in CNS cholesterol metabolism may be involved in the progression of HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) and in cocaine‐mediated neurocognitive impairments. We hypothesize that exposure of astrocytes to cocaine and the HIV protein Tat will disrupt LXR signaling. Alterations in these pathways will in turn, affect cholesterol bioavailability for neurons. Our data show that exposure of astrocytes to cocaine and HIV‐Tat significantly decreases LXRβ levels, downstream signaling and bioavailability of cholesterol. Taken together, these data uncover novel alterations in a bioenergetic pathway in astrocytes exposed to cocaine and the HIV protein Tat. Results from these studies point to a new pathway in the CNS that may contribute to HAND in HIV+ cocaine user individuals.
Exploring the advantages of multiband fMRI with simultaneous EEG to investigate coupling between gamma frequency neural activity and the BOLD response in humans
Authors: Uji Makoto , Wilson Ross , Francis Susan T. , Mullinger Karen J. , Mayhew Stephen D. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe established an optimal combination of EEG recording during sparse multiband (MB) fMRI that preserves high‐resolution, whole‐brain fMRI coverage while enabling broad‐band EEG recordings which are uncorrupted by MRI gradient artefacts (GAs). We first determined the safety of simultaneous EEG recording during MB fMRI. Application of MB factor = 4 produced <1°C peak heating of electrode/hardware during 20 min of GE‐EPI data acquisition. However, higher SAR sequences require specific safety testing, with greater heating observed using PCASL with MB factor = 4. Heating was greatest in the electrocardiogram channel, likely due to it possessing longest lead length. We investigated the effect of MB factor on the temporal signal‐to‐noise ratio for a range of GE‐EPI sequences (varying MB factor and temporal interval between slice acquisitions). We found that, for our experimental purpose, the optimal acquisition was achieved with MB factor = 3, 3mm isotropic voxels, and 33 slices providing whole head coverage. This sequence afforded a 2.25 s duration quiet period (without GAs) in every 3 s TR. Using this sequence, we demonstrated the ability to record gamma frequency (55–80 Hz) EEG oscillations, in response to right index finger abduction, that are usually obscured by GAs during continuous fMRI data acquisition. In this novel application of EEG‐MB fMRI to a motor task, we observed a positive correlation between gamma and BOLD responses in bilateral motor regions. These findings support and extend previous work regarding coupling between neural and hemodynamic measures of brain activity in humans and showcase the utility of EEG‐MB fMRI for future investigations.
Significance of circulatory DPP4 activity in metabolic diseases
Authors: Nargis Titli , Chakrabarti Partha 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), also known as CD26 is a type II transmembrane protein that is released from the cell membrane in a nonclassical secretory mechanism. This exopeptidase selectively degrades varieties of substrates including incretin hormones, growth factors, and cytokines. A significant detectable amount of DPP4 activity can be measured in plasma as well as in different tissues such as intestinal epithelium, vascular endothelium, lymphocytes, monocytes, kidney, liver, adipose, lung, thymus, spleen, prostate, etc. Enzymatically active circulatory DPP4 is shed from the plasma membrane via proteolytic cleavage, a process responsible for the enhanced plasma DPP4 levels and activity. Elevated circulatory DPP4 activity as well as levels has been found in wide spectrum of metabolic diseases including diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases. Moreover, recent preclinical studies have further expanded the repertoire for the usage of DPP4 inhibitors in the treatment of other metabolic diseases and in their consequent complications. In the present review we highlight the reason behind the elevated circulatory DPP4 levels in metabolic diseases with a focus on the tissue of origin. We also underscore the discrepancy of protein levels with enzyme activity of circulatory DPP4 in metabolic diseases. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(2):112–119, 2018
Pharmacokinetics of Rolapitant in Patients With Mild to Moderate Hepatic Impairment
Authors: Wang Jing , Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Zhi‐Yi , Arora Sujata , Lu Sharon , Kansra Vikram 
Published: January 2018

AbstractRolapitant is a selective and long‐acting neurokinin‐1 receptor antagonist approved in an oral formulation in combination with other antiemetic agents for the prevention of delayed chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting in adults. This was a phase 1 open‐label, parallel‐group pharmacokinetic and safety study of a single oral dose of 180 mg of rolapitant and its major active metabolite, M19, in subjects with mild and moderate hepatic impairment compared with healthy matched controls. Pharmacokinetics were assessed by a mixed‐model analysis of variance of log‐transformed values for maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax), observed time at Cmax (tmax), area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) from time 0 to the time of the last quantifiable concentration (AUC0–t), and AUC from time 0 to 120 hours (AUC0–120), with hepatic group as a fixed effect. Mean rolapitant Cmax, AUC0–t, and AUC0–120 were similar in the mild hepatic impairment and healthy control groups. In subjects with moderate hepatic impairment, AUC0–t was similar and Cmax was 25% lower than in healthy controls. Mean M19 Cmax and AUC0–t were similar in the mild hepatic impairment group and healthy controls, but <20% lower in those with moderate hepatic impairment versus healthy controls. Fraction of unbound rolapitant was comparable in all groups for rolapitant and M19. Rolapitant was well tolerated in all groups, without serious adverse events. Pharmacokinetic differences between healthy subjects and those with mild or moderate hepatic impairment are unlikely to pose a safety risk and do not warrant predefined dosage adjustment in the presence of hepatic impairment.
Immobilization of glycerol dehydrogenase and NADH oxidase for enzymatic synthesis of 1,3‐dihydroxyacetone with in situ cofactor regeneration
Authors: Zhuang Meng‐Yao , Jiang Xiao‐Ping , Ling Xiao‐Min , Xu Meng‐Qiu , Zhu Yi‐Hao , Zhang Ye‐Wang 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDNicotinamide cofactor‐dependent oxidoreductases have been widely applied to the bioproduction of varieties of useful compounds. Efficient cofactor regeneration is often required for these oxidoreductase‐catalyzed reactions. Herein, enzymatic production of 1, 3‐dihydroxyacetone (DHA) via immobilized enzymes with in situ cofactor regeneration was reported.RESULTSGlycerol dehydrogenase (GDH) and NADH oxidase (Nox) were immobilized on two carriers: macroporous resin and epoxy functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (EFMN). Higher enzyme loading capacity and activity recovery were achieved on EFMN. A high immobilization yield of 90% and >70% recovery activity were obtained for both enzymes using EFMN as carriers. Besides, both immobilized enzymes showed enhanced pH stability and temperature tolerance. Co‐immobilized and mixed immobilized enzymes were evaluated for synthesis of DHA, and mixed immobilized enzymes showed higher catalytic rate. The mixed reaction system also was investigated in view of various operational factors. Under the optimal conditions, a high DHA concentration with mixed immobilized enzymes system can reach up to 3.5 mmol L–1, which was about four times higher than that without cofactor regeneration system.CONCLUSIONThe immobilized GDH and Nox on magnetic nanoparticles showed enhanced stabilities. A cofactor regeneration system with immobilized enzymes could be utilized for efficient production of DHA from inexpensive substrates. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparative assessment of five trials of universal HIV testing and treatment in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Perriat Delphine , Balzer Laura , Hayes Richard , Lockman Shahin , Walsh Fiona , Ayles Helen , Floyd Sian , Havlir Diane , Kamya Moses , Lebelonyane Refeletswe , Mills Lisa A , Okello Velephi , Petersen Maya , Pillay Deenan , Sabapathy Kalpana , Wirth Kathleen , Orne‐Gliemann Joanna , Dabis François ,   the Universal Test and Treat Trials Consortium (UTC)
Published: January 2018

AbstractDesignUniversal voluntary HIV counselling and testing followed by prompt initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all those diagnosed HIV‐infected (universal test and treat, UTT) is now a global health standard. However, its population‐level impact, feasibility and cost remain unknown. Five community‐based trials have been implemented in sub‐Saharan Africa to measure the effects of various UTT strategies at population level: BCPP/YaTsie in Botswana, MaxART in Swaziland, HPTN 071 (PopART) in South Africa and Zambia, SEARCH in Uganda and Kenya and ANRS 12249 TasP in South Africa. This report describes and contrasts the contexts, research methodologies, intervention packages, themes explored, evolution of study designs and interventions related to each of these five UTT trials.MethodsWe conducted a comparative assessment of the five trials using data extracted from study protocols and collected during baseline studies, with additional input from study investigators. We organized differences and commonalities across the trials in five categories: trial contexts, research designs, intervention packages, trial themes and adaptations.ResultsAll performed in the context of generalized HIV epidemics, the trials highly differ in their social, demographic, economic, political and health systems settings. They share the common aim of assessing the impact of UTT on the HIV epidemic but differ in methodological aspects such as study design and eligibility criteria for trial populations. In addition to universal ART initiation, the trials deliver a wide range of biomedical, behavioural and structural interventions as part of their UTT strategies. The five studies explore common issues, including the uptake rates of the trial services and individual health outcomes. All trials have adapted since their initiation to the evolving political, economic and public health contexts, including adopting the successive national recommendations for ART initiation.ConclusionsWe found substantial commonalities but also differences between the five UTT trials in their design, conduct and multidisciplinary outputs. As empirical literature on how UTT may improve efficiency and quality of HIV care at population level is still scarce, this article provides a foundation for more collaborative research on UTT and supports evidence‐based decision making for HIV care in country and internationally.
Comparison of uninterrupted anticoagulation with dabigatran etexilate or warfarin in the periprocedural period for atrial fibrillation catheter ablation: Results of the Japanese subgroup of the RE‐CIRCUIT trial
Authors: Yoshida Yukihiko , Watarai Masato , Fujii Kenshi , Shimizu Wataru , Satomi Kazuhiro , Inden Yasuya , Murakami Yoshimasa , Murakami Masato , Iwasa Atsushi , Kimura Masaomi , Yamada Nobuko , Nakagawa Tomofumi , Nordaby Matias , Okumura Ken 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundThere are limited data on uninterrupted anticoagulation with direct oral anticoagulants during catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF), particularly in Japan. We planned a subgroup analysis of the RE‐CIRCUIT study, comparing the use of uninterrupted dabigatran therapy with warfarin therapy during catheter ablation among the Japanese subgroup and with that in the total population.MethodsThe RE‐CIRCUIT study utilized a prospective, randomized, open‐label, blinded endpoint design, and the primary endpoint was the incidence of major bleeding events (MBEs). Patients were randomized to uninterrupted dabigatran 150 mg twice daily or warfarin. In this study, we analyzed the results in Japanese patients.ResultsOf 704 enrolled patients in the study, 112 Japanese patients were randomized to dabigatran (n = 65) or warfarin (n = 47). MBEs were experienced by two patients: one in the dabigatran group (1.6%, cardiac tamponade) and one in the warfarin group (2.2%, groin hematoma) (risk difference vs warfarin −0.6%; 95% CI −5.8, 4.7). Within the Japanese subgroup, there were no thromboembolic events in both groups.ConclusionWhile not designed to show statistical difference between two treatment groups, our results from the Japanese subgroup supported those from the overall population. Furthermore, this study provided clinical information regarding MBE, especially cardiac tamponade, in Japanese patients.
Cover Image, Volume 98, Issue 3
Authors: Ogawa Elizângela M , Costa Helber B , Ventura José A , Caetano Luiz CS , Pinto Fernanda E , Oliveira Bruno G , Barroso Maria Eduarda S , Scherer Rodrigo , Endringer Denise C , Romão Wanderson 
Published: January 2018

The cover image, by Elizângela M Ogawa et al., is based on the Research Article Chemical profile of pineapple cv. Vitória in different maturation stages using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8561. Image Credit: José A Ventura.
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Postneoadjuvant adjuvant chemotherapy in resected N1 non‐small cell lung cancer with residual nodal disease
Authors: Smithy James W. , Rosen Joshua E. , Gao Sarah J. , Kim Anthony W. 
Published: January 2018

Background and ObjectivesNodal positivity following neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is considered a poor prognostic sign, but little data are available on the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy in these cases. This analysis sought to determine whether adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with increased survival in NSCLC patients with residual N1 disease at resection.MethodsPatients from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) with cN1T1‐2M0 NSCLC treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and definitive resection between 2006 and 2012 were identified. Treatment groups were defined as those receiving no additional therapy or adjuvant chemotherapy ± radiation after resection. Five‐year overall survival (OS) was estimated for each group. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to estimate hazard ratios adjusting for demographic, clinical, and facility characteristics.ResultsAmong 90 eligible patients, 5‐year OS was 43% and 56% for patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy and no additional treatment, respectively (P < 0.56). With multivariable analysis, the estimated hazard ratio was 0.61 (95% CI: 0.61‐2.64, P = 0.51) for adjuvant chemotherapy compared to no additional therapy.ConclusionThis analysis suggests that adjuvant chemotherapy is not associated with increased survival in NSCLC patients with pathologic N1 NSCLC following neoadjuvant chemotherapy and resection.
Cyclodextrin‐assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for the preconcentration of carbamazepine and clobazam with subsequent sweeping micellar electrokinetic chromatography
Authors: Chen Szu‐Ying , Chen Wen‐Chi , Chang Sarah Y. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA new version of dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction, namely, cyclodextrin‐assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction, with subsequent sweeping micellar electrokinetic chromatography has been developed for the preconcentration and sensitive detection of carbamazepine and clobazam. α‐Cyclodextrin and chloroform were used as the dispersive agent and extraction solvent, respectively. After the extraction, carbamazepine and clobazam were analyzed using micellar electrokinetic chromatography with ultraviolet detection. The detection sensitivity was further enhanced using the sweeping technique. Under optimal extraction and stacking conditions, the calibration curves of carbamazepine and clobazam were linear over a concentration range of 2.0–200.0 ng/mL. The method detection limits at a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3 were 0.6 and 0.5 ng/mL with sensitivity enhancement factors of 3575 and 4675 for carbamazepine and clobazam, respectively. This developed method demonstrated high sensitivity enhancement factors and was successfully applied to the determination of carbamazepine and clobazam in human urine samples. The precision and accuracy for urine samples were less than 4.2 and 6.9%, respectively.