bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between circulating IL-17 levels and rheumatoid arthritis and between IL-17 gene polymorphisms and disease susceptibility: a meta-analysis
Authors: Lee Young Ho , Bae Sang-Cheol 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo systematically review evidence regarding the relationship between circulating interleukin-17 (IL-17) levels and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and associations between polymorphisms in IL-17 genes and RA susceptibility.MethodWe performed a meta-analysis of serum/plasma IL-17 levels in patients with RA and controls, and evaluated evidence of associations between the rs2275913, rs3819024, rs4711998 and rs8193036 polymorphisms in IL-17A and the rs763780 and rs2397084 polymorphisms in IL-17F and risk for RA.ResultsFourteen studies including 3118 patients with RA and 2725 controls were included. Our meta-analysis revealed that IL-17 levels were significantly higher in the RA group than in the control group (p=3.1×10−6). Subgroup analysis using sample size showed increased IL-17 levels in samples from both small (n≤100) and large (n&gt;100) RA groups (p=1.1×10−4 and p=0.008, respectively). We found evidence of associations between RA and alleles from the IL-17A rs2275913 and IL-17F rs763780 polymorphisms in Caucasians (p=0.003 and p=0.037, respectively). In addition, we found an association between RA and alleles of the IL-17A rs3819024 polymorphism in the pooled RA cohort compared with matched controls (p=0.033). However, no evidence of association was found between the IL-17F rs2397084, IL-17A rs4711998 and IL-17A rs8193036 polymorphisms and RA susceptibility.ConclusionsOur meta-analysis revealed significantly higher circulating IL-17 levels in patients with RA, and found evidence of associations between the IL-17A rs2275913, IL-17F rs763780 and IL-17A rs3819024 polymorphisms and pathogenesis of RA.
Electronic and optical properties of Cr-, B-doped, and (Cr, B)-codoped SrTiO3
Authors: Wu Jiao , Huang Wei-Qing , Yang Ke , Wei Zeng-Xi , Peng P. , Huang Gui-Fang 
Published: January 2017

Energy band engineering of semiconductors plays a crucial role in exploring high-efficiency visible-light response photocatalysts. Herein, we systematically study the electronic properties and optical response of Cr-, B-doped SrTiO3, and (Cr, B)-codoped SrTiO3 by using first-principles calculations to explore the mechanism for its superior photocatalytic activities in the visible light region. Special emphasis is placed on uncovering the synergy effects of nonmetal B dopant with metal Cr dopant at different cation sites. It is found that the electronic properties and optical absorption of SrTiO3 can be dramatically engineered by mono- or co-doping. In particular, the intermediate levels lying in the bandgap of the codoped SrTiO3 relay on the Cr impurity doped at Sr or Ti cation sites. Moreover, the (Cr@Sr, B@O)-SrTiO3 retains the charge balancing without the generation of unexpected oxygen vacancies, and is more desirable for solar light harvesting due to its higher absorption than others in the entire visible light. The findings can rationalize the available experimental results and are helpful in designing SrTiO3-based photocatalysts with high-efficiency performance.
Two-dimensional finite element model to study the effect of water flux on the nitrate dynamics in the rhizosphere of a maize root
Authors: Badge Ratnamala , Adlakha Neeru 
Published: January 2017

The growth of plants and the quality and quantity of crop production depend on the uptake dynamics of water and mineral salts by the roots from the rhizosphere. This water and nutrient dynamics in the rhizosphere is still not well understood. In view of above a mathematical model is proposed to study the effect of water flux on the nitrate dynamics in the rhizosphere of a single maize root. The model incorporates the important mechanisms like diffusion and mass flow of solutes in the rhizosphere. The parameters like soil porosity, soil buffer power, radius of the root have incorporated in the model. Appropriate boundary and initial conditions have been framed based on the physical conditions of the problem. Coaxial circular sector elements have been employed to discretize the circular cross-section of the root. Galerkin finite element method has been employed to obtain the solution. The numerical results have been computed and used to study the effect of water flux on nitrate dynamics at the surface of the root and in the rhizosphere. The change percentage in nitrate concentration at the surface of the root in the rhizosphere of maize root due to change in water flux [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text]s[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] is observed to be 0.28–1.21%, 2.91–13.73% and 3.20–15.11% in [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mol[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] respectively which is quite significant.
Targeted, Deep Sequencing Reveals Full Methylation Profiles of Multiple HPV Types and Potential Biomarkers for Cervical Cancer Progression
Authors: Liu Pengyuan , Iden Marissa , Fye Samantha , Huang Yi-Wen , Hopp Elizabeth , Chu Chen , Lu Yan , Rader Janet S. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackground: Invasive cervical cancer (ICC) and its premalignant phase (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia; CIN1-3) are distinguished by gynecologic and pathologic examination, yet no current methodologies can predict precancerous lesions that are destined to progress to ICC. Thus, development of reliable assays to assess patient prognosis is much needed.Methods: Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA methylation is significantly altered in cervical disease. Using an HPV enrichment approach and next-generation DNA sequencing, methylation status was characterized in a case–case comparison of CIN (n = 2 CIN1; n = 2 CIN2; n = 20 CIN3) and ICC (n = 37) samples. Pyrosequencing validated methylation changes at CpGs of interest in a larger sample cohort (n = 61 CIN3; 50 ICC).Results: Global viral methylation, across HPV types, was significantly higher in ICC than CIN3. Average L1 gene methylation in 13 different HPV types best distinguished CIN3 from ICC. Methylation levels at individual CpG sites as a quantitative classifier achieved a sensitivity and specificity of &gt;95% for detecting ICC in HPV 16 samples. Pyrosequencing confirmed significantly higher methylation of these CpGs in E1 of HPV 16 in ICC compared with CIN3.Conclusions: Global HPV methylation is significantly higher in ICC than CIN3, with L1 gene methylation levels performing best for distinguishing CIN3 from ICC. Methylation levels at CpGs in the E1 gene of HPV 16 (972, 978, 1870, and 1958) can distinguish between CIN3 and ICC.Impact: Higher methylation at specific E1 CpGs may associate with increased likelihood of progression to ICC in HPV 16–positive CIN3 lesions. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(4); 642–50. ©2017 AACR.
15α-methoxypuupehenol Induces Antitumor Effects In Vitro and In Vivo against Human Glioblastoma and Breast Cancer Models
Authors: Hilliard Tyvette S. , Miklossy Gabriella , Chock Christopher , Yue Peibin , Williams Philip , Turkson James 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Studies with 15α-methoxypuupehenol (15α-MP), obtained from the extracts of Hyrtios species, identified putative targets that are associated with its antitumor effects against human glioblastoma and breast cancer. In the human glioblastoma (U251MG) or breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cells, treatment with 15α-MP repressed pY705Stat3, pErk1/2, pS147CyclinB1, pY507Alk (anaplastic lymphoma kinase), and pY478ezrin levels and induced pS10merlin, without inhibiting pJAK2 (Janus kinase) or pAkt induction. 15α-MP treatment induced loss of viability of breast cancer (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468) and glioblastoma (U251MG) lines and glioblastoma patient–derived xenograft cells (G22) that harbor aberrantly active Stat3, with only moderate or little effect on the human breast cancer, MCF7, colorectal adenocarcinoma Caco-2, normal human lung fibroblast, WI-38, or normal mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF Stat3fl/fl) lines that do not harbor constitutively active Stat3 or the Stat3-null (Stat3−/−) mouse astrocytes. 15α-MP–treated U251MG cells have severely impaired F-actin organization and altered morphology, including the cells rounding up, and undergo apoptosis, compared with a moderate, reversible morphology change observed for similarly treated mouse astrocytes. Treatment further inhibited U251MG or MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, colony formation, and migration in vitro while only moderately or weakly affecting MCF7 cells or normal mouse astrocytes. Oral gavage delivery of 15α-MP inhibited the growth of U251MG subcutaneous tumor xenografts in mice, associated with apoptosis in the treated tumor tissues. Results together suggest that the modulation of Stat3, CyclinB1, Alk, ezrin, merlin, and Erk1/2 functions contributes to the antitumor effects of 15α-MP against glioblastoma and breast cancer progression. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(4); 601–13. ©2017 AACR.
MALAT1 Is Associated with Poor Response to Oxaliplatin-Based Chemotherapy in Colorectal Cancer Patients and Promotes Chemoresistance through EZH2
Authors: Li Peilong , Zhang Xin , Wang Haiyan , Wang Lili , Liu Tong , Du Lutao , Yang Yongmei , Wang Chuanxin 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
A major reason for oxaliplatin chemoresistance in colorectal cancer is the acquisition of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer cells. The long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), MALAT1, is a highly conserved nuclear ncRNA and a key regulator of metastasis development in several cancers. However, its role in oxaliplatin-induced metastasis and chemoresistance is not well known. In this study, we aim to investigate the prognostic and therapeutic role of lncRNA MALAT1 in colorectal cancer patients receiving oxaliplatin-based therapy and further explore the potential transcriptional regulation through interaction with EZH2 based on the established HT29 oxaliplatin-resistant cells. Our results showed that high MALAT1 expression was associated with reduced patient survival and poor response to oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in advanced colorectal cancer patients. Oxaliplatin-resistant colorectal cancer cells exhibited high MALAT1 expression and EMT. LncRNA MALAT1 knockdown enhances E-cadherin expression and inhibits oxaliplatin-induced EMT in colorectal cancer cells. EZH2 is highly expressed and associated with the 3′ end region of lncRNA MALAT1 in colorectal cancer, and this association suppressed the expression of E-cadherin. Furthermore, targeted inhibition of MALAT1 or EZH2 reversed EMT and chemoresistance induced by oxaliplatin. Finally, the interaction between lncRNA MALAT1 and miR-218 was observed, which further indicated its prognostic value in patients who received standard FOLFOX (oxaliplatin combine with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin) treatment. In conclusion, this study illuminates the prognostic role of lncRNA MALAT1 in colorectal cancer patients receiving oxaliplatin-based treatment and further demonstrates how lncRNA MALAT1 confers a chemoresistant function in colorectal cancer. Thus, lncRNA MALAT1 may serve as a promising prognostic and therapeutic target for colorectal cancer patients.
APC/C Dysfunction Limits Excessive Cancer Chromosomal Instability
Authors: Sansregret Laurent , Patterson James O. , Dewhurst Sally , López-García Carlos , Koch André , McGranahan Nicholas , Chao William Chong Hang , Barry David J. , Rowan Andrew , Instrell Rachael , Horswell Stuart , Way Michael , Howell Michael , Singleton Martin R. , Medema René H. , Nurse Paul , Petronczki Mark , Swanton Charles 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Intercellular heterogeneity, exacerbated by chromosomal instability (CIN), fosters tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance. However, extreme CIN correlates with improved cancer outcome, suggesting that karyotypic diversity required to adapt to selection pressures might be balanced in tumors against the risk of excessive instability. Here, we used a functional genomics screen, genome editing, and pharmacologic approaches to identify CIN-survival factors in diploid cells. We find partial anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) dysfunction lengthens mitosis, suppresses pharmacologically induced chromosome segregation errors, and reduces naturally occurring lagging chromosomes in cancer cell lines or following tetraploidization. APC/C impairment caused adaptation to MPS1 inhibitors, revealing a likely resistance mechanism to therapies targeting the spindle assembly checkpoint. Finally, CRISPR-mediated introduction of cancer somatic mutations in the APC/C subunit cancer driver gene CDC27 reduces chromosome segregation errors, whereas reversal of an APC/C subunit nonsense mutation increases CIN. Subtle variations in mitotic duration, determined by APC/C activity, influence the extent of CIN, allowing cancer cells to dynamically optimize fitness during tumor evolution.
Significance: We report a mechanism whereby cancers balance the evolutionary advantages associated with CIN against the fitness costs caused by excessive genome instability, providing insight into the consequence of CDC27 APC/C subunit driver mutations in cancer. Lengthening of mitosis through APC/C modulation may be a common mechanism of resistance to cancer therapeutics that increase chromosome segregation errors. Cancer Discov; 7(2); 218–33. ©2017 AACR.
See related commentary by Burkard and Weaver, p. 134.
This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 115
Relations Between Aortic Stiffness and Left Ventricular Mechanical Function in the Community
Authors: Bell Vanessa , McCabe Elizabeth L. , Larson Martin G. , Rong Jian , Merz Allison A. , Osypiuk Ewa , Lehman Birgitta T. , Stantchev Plamen , Aragam Jayashri , Benjamin Emelia J. , Hamburg Naomi M. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Mitchell Gary F. , Cheng Susan 
Published: January 2017

Background

Aortic stiffness impairs optimal ventricular–vascular coupling and left ventricular systolic function, particularly in the long axis. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (
GLS
) has recently emerged as a sensitive measure of early cardiac dysfunction. In this study, we investigated the relation between aortic stiffness and
GLS
in a large community‐based sample.

Methods and Results

In 2495 participants (age 39–90 years, 57% women) of the Framingham Offspring and Omni cohorts, free of cardiovascular disease, we performed tonometry to measure arterial hemodynamics and echocardiography to assess cardiac function. Aortic stiffness was evaluated as carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity and as characteristic impedance, and
GLS
was calculated using speckle tracking–based measurements. In multivariable analyses adjusting for age, sex, height, systolic blood pressure, augmentation index, left ventricular structure, and additional cardiovascular risk factors, increased carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (B±
SE
: 0.122±0.030% strain per
SD
,
P
<0.0001) and characteristic impedance (0.090±0.029,
P
=0.002) were both associated with worse
GLS
. We observed effect modification by sex on the relation between characteristic impedance and
GLS
(
P
=0.004); in sex‐stratified multivariable analyses, the relation between greater characteristic impedance and worse
GLS
persisted in women (0.145±0.039,
P
=0.0003) but not in men (
P
=0.73).

Conclusions

Multiple measures of increased aortic stiffness were cross‐sectionally associated with worse
GLS
after adjusting for hemodynamic variables. Parallel reductions in left ventricular long axis shortening and proximal aortic longitudinal strain in individuals with a stiffened proximal aorta, from direct mechanical ventricular‐vascular coupling, offers an alternative explanation for the observed relations.
A Multiple-Model Convection-Permitting Ensemble Examination of the Probabilistic Prediction of Tropical Cyclones: Hurricanes Sandy (2012) and Edouard (2014)
Authors: Melhauser Christopher , Zhang Fuqing , Weng Yonghui , Jin Yi , Jin Hao , Zhao Qingyun 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
This study examines a multimodel comparison of regional-scale convection-permitting ensembles including both physics and initial condition uncertainties for the probabilistic prediction of Hurricanes Sandy (2012) and Edouard (2014). The model cores examined include COAMPS-TC, HWRF, and WRF-ARW. Two stochastic physics schemes were also applied using the WRF-ARW model. Each ensemble was initialized with the same initial condition uncertainties represented by the analysis perturbations from a WRF-ARW-based real-time cycling ensemble Kalman filter. It is found that single-core ensembles were capable of producing similar ensemble statistics for track and intensity for the first 36–48 h of model integration, with biases in the ensemble mean evident at longer forecast lead times along with increased variability in spread. The ensemble spread of a multicore ensemble with members sampled from single-core ensembles was generally as large or larger than any constituent model, especially at longer lead times. Systematically varying the physic parameterizations in the WRF-ARW ensemble can alter both the forecast ensemble mean and spread to resemble the ensemble performance using a different forecast model. Compared to the control WRF-ARW experiment, the application of the stochastic kinetic energy backscattering scheme had minimal impact on the ensemble spread of track and intensity for both cases, while the use of stochastic perturbed physics tendencies increased the ensemble spread in track for Sandy and in intensity for both cases. This case study suggests that it is important to include model physics uncertainties for probabilistic TC prediction. A single-core multiphysics ensemble can capture the ensemble mean and spread forecasted by a multicore ensemble for the presented case studies.
The Cornish experience of the ASSIST-CKD project
Authors: Barton Anna L , Mallard Angela S , Patterson Anthea , Thomas Nicola , Dickinson Stephen , Gallagher Hugh 
Published: January 2017

Introduction The ASSIST-CKD project is a national quality improvement programme, aiming to decrease the number of patients presenting late to renal services by enabling laboratories to review up to five years of estimated glomerular filtration rate results graphically and report deteriorating patients to their general practitioner. Aim To assess the impact of the project on the laboratory, and of patient reporting on general practitioner management and the local renal service. Method Each week two searches were performed (Search A: maximum age 65 years, maximum eGFR 50 ml/min/1.73 m2 and Search B: Age 66–120 years, maximum eGFR 40 ml/min/1.73 m2) on patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate requested by their general practitioner within the previous seven days. Patients showing deterioration in estimated glomerular filtration rate had a printed graph sent to their general practitioner. Feedback on the graphs and their impact on patient management were obtained from the general practitioners via a questionnaire. Results A median of 37 patients/week were listed for review for Search A, with 32% reported; and Search B a median of 227 patients/week listed, 32% reported. General practitioner surgery questionnaires (29) showed the reports were well received. Of general practitioners responding to the questionnaire, 67% had reviewed a patient earlier than intended, 54% had reviewed local guidance, 48% had emailed the renal team and 48% had referred a patient on receipt of a graph; 34% had shown a graph to their patients, of whom 70% found that useful. Conclusion There is some evidence that ASSIST-CKD reporting has enhanced patient care; however, further long-term assessment is still required.
Female Sterilisation
Authors: Davidson A. C. , Donald I. 
Published: January 2017

There has been a rapid increase in the number of female sterilisations performed over the last 6 years. The reasons for this together with the indications for sterilisation are discussed. The different forms of sterilisation operation currently performed are discussed and an attempt made to evaluate the relative merits of each. A series of 810 laparoscopic sterilisations performed in the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, is presented and the results discussed. The view is expressed that this form of sterilisation may well become the method of choice in most gynaecological units within the next 5 years.
The International System of Units (S.I.) and its Application to Clinical Chemistry
Authors: Whitby L. G. 
Published: January 2017

As part of the national programme of metrication, clinical chemistry laboratories in the U.K. are in process of changing their methods of reporting results so as to express them in SI units. This article gives examples of the effects of adopting SI units on the numerical expression of chemical results, and discusses practical aspects which may facilitate their introduction and acceptance in medical practice. For many chemical measurements, the change to SI units will cause substantial alterations in the numerical data with which clinicians will have to deal, and awareness of this fact will be necessary if serious mistakes in the management of patients' illnesses are to be avoided. The tasks of laboratory staff in planning and carrying out the necessary educational programmes are considered.
Cirrhosis and Primary Liver Cell Carcinoma in Tayside
Authors: Hislop W. S. , Masterton Norma , Bouchier Ian A. D. , Hopwood D. 
Published: January 2017

Despite Scotland's well-recognised alcohol problem, there is scant information on the aetiology of cirrhosis in this country. This study of 222 patients, reviewed 197 cases presenting as cirrhosis and 25 cases presenting as primary liver cell carcinoma (PLCC) in the East Tayside area of Scotland between 1975 and 1979. The survey was based on an analysis of all histologically proven cases of cirrhosis and PLCC encountered during a five-year period. There was a constant rate of presentation of cirrhosis of about 40 new patients per year, with a stable pattern of aetiology. About 55 per cent were due to alcohol, and there was no significant change in this proportion over the study. No evidence was found for an increasing female susceptibility or earlier female morbidity in alcoholic cirrhosis. Cryptogenic cirrhosis, cardiac cirrhosis and secondary biliary cirrhosis were more often diagnosed at post mortem. Ninety one per cent of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis were females, but the expected male preponderance in haemochromatosis was not present. In addition to the 25 patients presenting with PLCC, three of the cirrhotic patients developed the tumour by the end of 1979. Seventy one per cent of PLCC cases arose in already cirrhotic livers, none were HBsAg positive. Bronchopneumonia, hepatic failure, gastrointestinal bleeding and cardiac failure were the most frequent causes of death.
Subacute Pulmonary Hypertension and Systemic Tumour Embolism from Cervical Cancer
Authors: Varma J. S. 
Published: January 2017

Venous tumour embolization is not unusual in malignant disease (1–3) usually in the form of individual cells or small clumps. Malignant cells in the pulmonary vasculature are therefore not an uncommon finding, especially in patients with abdominal neoplasms (4–7). Arterial emboli from a malignant tumour are, however, rare (8,9), particularly peripheral ones (9,10) and those sufficiently large to cause organ infarction. An unusual case of pulmonary and widespread systemic tumour embolization from carcinoma of the cervix is described in which systemic dissemination of tumour emboli had apparently resulted from transpulmonary passage, without the development of pulmonary metastases.