bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between 1p13 polymorphisms and peripheral arterial disease in a Chinese population with diabetes
Authors: Qin Jiangyuan , Tian Jinli , Liu Guanhua , Zhang Yazhong , Tian Luobing , Zhen Yanfeng , Zhang Hewei , Xu Jing , Sun Xueling , Fang Hui 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAims/IntroductionVariants on chromosome 1p13 have been associated with coronary artery disease and acute myocardial infarction risk in different ethnic groups. The present study aimed to investigate the association between 1p13 polymorphisms and the development of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in a Chinese population with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Materials and Methods1p13 polymorphisms, rs599839, rs646776 and rs12740374, were assessed in a cohort of 882 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients including 440 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with PAD (DM + PAD group) and 442 patients without PAD (DM group). Genotyping was carried out using TaqMan assay.ResultsCompared with the DM group, the frequencies of the minor G allele of both rs599839 and rs646776 and the minor T allele of rs12740374 decreased (P = 0.013, P = 0.019 and P = 0.005, respectively), and the frequencies of rs599839 AG + GG, rs646776 AG + GG and rs12740374 CT+TT genotypes were statistically significantly decreased as well (P = 0.017, P = 0.011 and P = 0.007, respectively) in the dominant model in the DM + PAD group than in the DM group. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, glycated hemoglobin, triglyceride, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, smoking, hypertension, diabetes duration, coronary heart disease and cerebral infarction showed that the genotypic distribution of rs599839 AG + GG, rs646776 AG + GG and rs12740374 CT + TT remained statistically different between the DM and DM + PAD group (P = 0.014, P = 0.003 and P = 0.004, respectively). The frequencies of haplotype GGT were statistically significantly different between groups (P = 0.08).ConclusionsThe present study strongly supports that genotypes of rs599839, rs646776 and rs12740374 on 1p13 are protective factors for diabetic PAD in a Chinese population. Haplotype GGT generated by rs599839, rs646776 and rs12740374 might also decrease the risk of the disease.
Cenicriviroc, a cytokine receptor antagonist, potentiates all‐trans retinoic acid in reducing liver injury in cholestatic rodents
Authors: Yu Dongke , Cai Shi‐Ying , Mennone Albert , Vig Pamela , Boyer James L. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackground & AimsCholestatic liver injury is mediated by bile acid‐induced inflammatory responses. We hypothesized that superior therapeutic effects might be achieved by combining treatments that reduce the bile acid pool size with one that blocks inflammation.MethodsBile duct‐ligated (BDL) rats and Mdr2(Abcb4)−/− mice were treated with all‐trans retinoic acid (atRA), a potent inhibitor of bile acid synthesis, 5 mg/kg/d by gavage, or Cenicriviroc (CVC), a known antagonist of CCR2 and CCR5, 50 mg/kg/d alone or in combination for 14 days and 1 month respectively.ResultsAll‐trans retinoic acid alone reduced bile acid pool size and liver necrosis in BDL rats. However, the combination with CVC further reduced liver to body weight ratio, bile acid pool size, plasma liver enzyme, bilirubin, liver necrosis and fibrosis when compared to the atRA treatment. The assessment of hepatic hydroxyproline content further confirmed the reduced liver injury concurrent with reduction of pro‐inflammatory cytokines emphasizing the synergistic effects of these two agents. Profiling of hepatic inflammatory cells revealed that combination therapy reduced neutrophils and T cells but not macrophages. The superior therapeutic effects of combination treatment were also confirmed in Mdr2−/− mice where a significant reduction in plasma liver enzymes, bilirubin, liver fibrosis, bile duct proliferation and hepatic infiltration of neutrophils and T cells and expression of cytokines were found.ConclusionsMultitargeted therapy is an important paradigm for treating cholestatic liver injury. The combination of CVC with atRA or other FXR activators may warrant a clinical trial in patients with cholestatic liver disease.
The Morality of Disordered Eating and Recovery in Southern Italy
Authors: Cheney Ann M. , Sullivan Steve , Grubbs Kathleen 
Published: January 2018

AbstractScholars have traced the processes through which moral subjectivities are constituted in culturally meaningful ways through eating disorders and recovery practices, demonstrating how subjective meanings of eating disorders and recovery from them are imbued with moral undertones and become meaningful ways of existing within specific historical and cultural contexts. Drawing on ethnographic insights and interviews with young women with disordered eating histories in southern Italy, we show how suffering from eating disorders and recovery from them enables women to retool their identities and craft moral selves. We draw attention to the value of medical anthropology in the care and comprehension of well‐being of girls and women suffering from disordered eating.
Efficacy of peritoneal dialysis in neonates presenting with hyperammonaemia due to urea cycle defects and organic acidaemia
Authors: Celik Muhittin , Akdeniz Osman , Ozgun Nezir 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTAimNewborns with inborn errors of metabolism can present with hyperammonaemic coma. In this study, we evaluated the effect of peritoneal dialysis on plasma ammonium levels and on the short‐term outcome in neonatal patients with urea cycle defects and organic acidaemia.MethodsData from infants with hyperammonaemia due to urea cycle defects or organic acidaemia treated with dialysis were collected and retrospectively analyzed. The results of patient groups (group I, survived; and group II, died) were compared.ResultsFourteen neonates were enrolled in this study. In group I, plasma ammonium levels before dialysis were median (IQR) 1652 μg/dL (1165–2098 μg/dL); in group II, they were 1289 μg/dL (1070–5550 μg/dL). There was no statistically significant difference. Urea cycle defects were diagnosed in eight, and organic acidaemia in six patients. The duration of a blood ammonia level >200 μg/dL was longer in group II (P = 0.04). A <60.8% decline in the ammonia level from the beginning of dialysis to the 12th hour of dialysis carried a 3.33‐fold higher risk of mortality, when compared with a greater decline. Five patients with urea cycle defects, and one with organic acidaemia, died. The mortality risk was 8.33‐fold (95% CI = 0.63–90.86) higher for patients with urea cycle defects than for those with organic acidaemia.ConclusionIn patients with hyperammonaemia treated with peritoneal dialysis, the rate of ammonia removal and the underlying aetiology appear to be important prognostic factors. Neonates with organic acidaemia who are admitted to centres without continuous renal replacement therapy facilities can be effectively treated with peritoneal dialysis.
Evolutionary history of mycorrhizal symbioses and global host plant diversity
Authors: Brundrett Mark C. , Tedersoo Leho 
Published: January 2018

Contents

Summary
1108

I.
Introduction
1108

II.
Mycorrhizal plant diversity at global and local scales
1108

III.
Mycorrhizal evolution in plants: a brief update
1111

IV.
Conclusions and perspectives
1114

References
1114

SummaryThe majority of vascular plants are mycorrhizal: 72% are arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM), 2.0% are ectomycorrhizal (EcM), 1.5% are ericoid mycorrhizal and 10% are orchid mycorrhizal. Just 8% are completely nonmycorrhizal (NM), whereas 7% have inconsistent NM–AM associations. Most NM and NM–AM plants are nutritional specialists (e.g. carnivores and parasites) or habitat specialists (e.g. hydrophytes and epiphytes). Mycorrhizal associations are consistent in most families, but there are exceptions with complex roots (e.g. both EcM and AM). We recognize three waves of mycorrhizal evolution, starting with AM in early land plants, continuing in the Cretaceous with multiple new NM or EcM linages, ericoid and orchid mycorrhizas. The third wave, which is recent and ongoing, has resulted in root complexity linked to rapid plant diversification in biodiversity hotspots.
Passive transfer models of myasthenia gravis with muscle‐specific kinase antibodies
Authors: Verschuuren Jan J.G.M. , Plomp Jaap J. , Burden Steve J. , Zhang Wei , Fillié‐Grijpma Yvonne E. , Stienstra‐van Es Inge E. , Niks Erik H. , Losen Mario , van der Maarel Silvère M. , Huijbers Maartje G. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMyasthenia gravis (MG) with antibodies to muscle‐specific kinase (MuSK) is characterized by fluctuating fatigable weakness. In MuSK MG, involvement of bulbar muscles, neck, and shoulder and respiratory weakness are more prominent than in acetylcholine receptor (AChR) MG. MuSK autoantibodies are mainly of the IgG4 subclass, and as such are unable to activate complement, have low affinity for Fc receptors, and are functionally monovalent. Therefore, the pathogenicity of IgG4 MuSK autoantibodies was initially questioned. A broad collection of in vitro active immunization and passive transfer models has been developed that have shed light on the pathogenicity of MuSK autoantibodies. Passive transfer studies with purified IgG4 from MuSK MG patients confirmed that IgG4 is sufficient to reproduce clear clinical, electrophysiological, and histological signs of myasthenia. In vitro experiments revealed that MuSK IgG4 autoantibodies preferably bind the first Ig‐like domain of MuSK, correlate with disease severity, and interfere with the association between MuSK and low‐density lipoprotein receptor–related protein 4 and collagen Q. Some patients have additional IgG1 MuSK autoantibodies, but their role in the disease is unclear. Altogether, this provides a rationale for epitope‐specific or IgG4‐specific treatment strategies for MuSK MG and emphasizes the importance of the development of different experimental models.
Subtype-Specific Selection for Resistance to Fluoroquinolones but Not to Tetracyclines Is Evident in Campylobacter jejuni Isolates from Beef Cattle in Confined Feeding Operations in Southern Alberta, Canada
Authors: Webb Andrew L. , Selinger L. Brent , Taboada Eduardo N. , Inglis G. Douglas 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT

Campylobacter jejuni
was longitudinally isolated from beef cattle housed in four confined feeding operations (CFOs) in Southern Alberta, Canada, over 18 months. All of the cattle were administered a variety of antimicrobial agents (AMAs) nontherapeutically and metaphylactically during their time in the CFOs. In total, 7,966
C. jejuni
isolates were recovered from cattle. More animals were colonized by the bacterium after >60 days in the CFO (interim) than were individuals upon entry at the CFO (arrival). Subtyping and resistance to seven AMAs were determined for 1,832 (23.0%) and 1,648 (20.7%) isolates, respectively. Increases in the proportion of isolates resistant to tetracycline were observed at all four CFOs between sample times and to ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid at one or more CFOs. The vast majority of isolates resistant to tetracycline carried
tetO
, whereas ciprofloxacin resistance was predominantly attributed to mutations in the
gyrA
gene. Although considerable diversity was observed, a majority of
C. jejuni
isolates belonged to one of five predominant subtype clusters. There was no difference in subtype diversity by CFO, but the population structure differed between sample times. Selection for resistance to ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid was subtype dependent, whereas selection for resistance to tetracycline was not. The findings indicate that a proportion of cattle entering CFOs carry resistant
C. jejuni
subtypes, and the characteristics of beef cattle CFOs facilitate transmission/proliferation of diverse subtypes, including those resistant to AMAs, which coupled with the densities of CFOs likely contribute to the high rates of cattle-associated campylobacteriosis in Southern Alberta.

IMPORTANCE
A small proportion of cattle entering a CFO carry
Campylobacter jejuni
, including subtypes resistant to AMAs. The large numbers of cattle arriving from diverse locations at the CFOs and intermingling within the CFOs over time, coupled with the high-density housing of animals, the high rates of transmission of
C. jejuni
subtypes among animals, and the extensive use of AMAs merge to create an ideal situation where the proliferation of diverse antimicrobial-resistant
C. jejuni
subtypes is facilitated. Considering that Southern Alberta reports high rates of campylobacteriosis in the human population and that many of these clinical cases are due to
C. jejuni
subtypes associated with cattle, it is likely that the characteristics of beef cattle CFOs favor the propagation of clinically relevant
C. jejuni
subtypes, including those resistant to medically important AMAs, which constitute a risk to human health.
Evaluation of Preexisting Anti-Hemagglutinin Stalk Antibody as a Correlate of Protection in a Healthy Volunteer Challenge with Influenza A/H1N1pdm Virus
Authors: Park Jae-Keun , Han Alison , Czajkowski Lindsay , Reed Susan , Athota Rani , Bristol Tyler , Rosas Luz Angela , Cervantes-Medina Adriana , Taubenberger Jeffery K. , Memoli Matthew J. 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT
Influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) surface glycoprotein is currently the primary target of licensed influenza vaccines. Recently, broadly reactive antibodies that target the stalk region of the HA have become a major focus of current novel vaccine development. These antibodies have been observed in humans after natural infection with influenza A virus, but the data are limited. Using samples and data from the uniquely controlled setting of an influenza A/H1N1 virus human challenge study of healthy volunteers, we performed a secondary analysis that for the first time explores the role of anti-HA stalk antibody as a human correlate of protection. An anti-HA stalk antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed on samples from 65 participants challenged with a 2009 H1N1pdm virus. Pre- and postchallenge anti-HA stalk titers were then correlated with multiple outcome measures to evaluate anti-HA stalk antibody titer as a correlate of protection. Anti-HA stalk antibody titers were present before challenge and rose in response to challenge in 64% of individuals. Those individuals with higher titers at baseline were less likely to develop shedding, but not less likely to develop symptoms. Similar to the hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) titer, the baseline anti-HA stalk antibody titer did not independently predict a decrease in the severity of influenza disease, while the antineuraminidase (neuraminidase inhibition [NAI]) titer did. As a correlate of protection, the naturally occurring anti-HA stalk antibody titer is predictive of a reduction of certain aspects of disease similar to HAI titer, but the NAI titer is the only identified correlate that is an independent predictor of a reduction of all assessed influenza clinical outcome measures.

IMPORTANCE
This is the first study to evaluate preexisting anti-HA stalk antibodies as a predictor of protection. We use a healthy volunteer influenza challenge trial for an examination of the role such antibodies play in protection. This study demonstrates that anti-HA stalk antibodies are naturally generated in response to an infection, but there is significant variability in response. Similar to antibodies that target the HA head, baseline anti-HA stalk antibody titer is a correlate of protection in terms of reduced shedding, but it is not a predictor of reduced clinical disease or an independent predictor of disease severity. These results, in the context of the limited data available in humans, suggest that vaccines that induce anti-HA stalk antibodies could play a role in future vaccine strategies, but alone, this target may be insufficient to induce a fully protective vaccine and overcome some of the issues identified with current vaccines.
Does the size of local government debt affect the level of debt of off-budget entities? The case of local government in Korea
Authors: Jeong Seong-ho 
Published: January 2018

The rapid growth of debt of off-budget entities is the result of budgetary constraints. When local governments face fiscal stress, with rising debt, they tend to rely on local public enterprise debt to minimize debt limits and budgetary constraints. This study tests how the debt level of local governments affects the debt level of off-budget entities in 16 Korean metropolitan cities and provinces from 2008 to 2013, applying panel regressions. The results assert that as the debt of a local government increases, public enterprise debt increases accordingly. The findings confirm that public enterprises are used to lessen budget pressure by increasing the total public debt. This practice is like concealing local government debt by using off-budget entities, which eventually creates a fiscal illusion. Points for practitioners Off-budget entities are tools for bigger government and larger debt, so it is necessary to control the use of off-budget debt by imposing ceilings on the off-budget debt limit. From a comprehensive debt management perspective, off-budget entities should be used less to pursue government projects. Additionally, a segmented accounting system should be introduced within the off-budget entities.
Translation and validation of Simplified Chinese version of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale in chronic pain patients: Education may matter
Authors: Shen Bangli , Wu Bo , Abdullah Taha B , Zhan Gonghao , Lian Qingquan , Vania Apkarian Apkar , Huang Lejian 
Published: January 2018

Objective Pain catastrophizing is linked to many aspects of pain perception and defines a unique dimension in predicting pain intensity and physical disability. Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) is an effective, validated,self-report measure, commonly used in clinical trials. Here, we present a Simplified Chinese PCS (SC-PCS) version developed in Chinese patients suffering from chronic pain. Methods The SC-PCS was generated in five steps and tested on an initial patient cohort (N = 30). A convenience sample (N = 200) of in-hospital patients with non-malignant pain lasting for more than 12 weeks were recruited for the study, of which 81 completed 5 additional pain questionnaires. A subset (N = 24) of the patients completed an additional SC-PCS, 10 days after the initial query to assess test–retest validation. Results Intra-class correlations coefficient indicated high reproducibility and temporal consistency, (0.97), for the total score. Cronbach’s alpha determined high internal consistency across the SC-PCS total score and its three subscales (0.87, 0.85, 0.62, and 0.65). The SC-PCS total score moderately or weakly (R = −0.2 to 0.49), but significantly, correlated with other measurements, such as pain Visual Analog Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scales, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and education. We used exploratory factor analysis to examine the dimensionality of the SC-PCS, which indicated instability of the current three-factor model. However, a confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the three-factor model had the best goodness-fitting. Conclusions We demonstrate the successful translational adaptation from English to Simplified Chinese as well as the reliability and validity of SC-PCS. An important discovery was education level significantly correlated with SC-PCS, identifying a future consideration for other cross-cultural development of self-reported measures.
Bevacizumab in temozolomide refractory high-grade gliomas: single-centre experience and review of the literature
Authors: Jeck Jennifer , Kassubek Rebecca , Coburger Jan , Edenhofer Simone , Schönsteiner Stefan S. , Ludolph Albert C. , Schmitz Bernd , Engelke Jens , Mayer-Steinacker Regine , Lewerenz Jan , Bullinger Lars 
Published: January 2018

Background: Despite multidisciplinary treatment approaches, the prognosis for patients with high-grade glioma (HGG) is poor, with a median overall survival (OS) of 14.6 months for glioblastoma multiforme (GB). As high levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) are found in HGG, targeted anti-antiangiogenic therapy using the humanized monoclonal antibody bevacizumab (BEV) was studied in a series of clinical trials. Still, the discrepancy of BEV’s efficacy with regard to initial clinical and radiological response and its reported failure to prolong survival remains to be explained. Here, we illustrate the effectiveness of BEV in recurrent HGG by summarizing our single-centre experience. Methods: We have retrospectively investigated the effect of BEV in temozolomide refractory HGG in 39 patients treated at the University Hospital of Ulm, Germany. Results: Median duration of BEV treatment was 12.5 weeks; 23% of patients received BEV for more than 6 months and 15% for more than 1 year, until clinical or radiological tumour progression led to discontinuation. Furthermore, Karnofsky performance status increased in 30.6% and steroid dose decreased in 39% of all patients. Conclusions: The review of literature reveals that phase II and III studies support BEV as an effective therapy in recurrent HGG, at least with regard to progression-free survival (PFS), but landmark phase III trials failed to prove benefit concerning OS. Here, we discuss reasons that may account for this observation. We conclude that prolonging PFS with maintenance of neurological function and personal and economic independency justifies the off-label use of BEV.
A Predictive Algorithm to Detect Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Lee Chee , Sharma Maneesh , Kantorovich Svetlana , Brenton Ashley 
Published: January 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical utility of an algorithm-based decision tool designed to assess risk associated with opioid use in the primary care setting. Methods: A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted to assess the utility of precision medicine testing in 1822 patients across 18 family medicine/primary care clinics in the United States. Using the profile, patients were categorized into low, moderate, and high risk for opioid use. Physicians who ordered testing were asked to complete patient evaluations and document their actions, decisions, and perceptions regarding the utility of the precision medicine tests. Results: Approximately 47% of primary care physicians surveyed used the profile to guide clinical decision-making. These physicians rated the benefit of the profile on patient care an average of 3.6 on a 5-point scale (1 indicating no benefit and 5 indicating significant benefit). Eighty-eight percent of all clinicians surveyed felt the test exhibited some benefit to their patient care. The most frequent utilization for the profile was to guide a change in opioid prescribed. Physicians reported greater benefit of profile utilization for minority patients. Patients whose treatment was guided by the profile had pain levels that were reduced, on average, 2.7 levels on the numeric rating scale. Conclusions: The profile provided primary care physicians with a useful tool to stratify the risk of opioid use disorder and was rated as beneficial for decision-making and patient improvement by the majority of physicians surveyed. Physicians reported the profile resulted in greater clinical improvement for minorities, highlighting the objective use of this profile to guide judicial use of opioids in high-risk patients. Significantly, when physicians used the profile to guide treatment decisions, patient-reported pain was greatly reduced.