bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Continued Alcohol Misuse in Human Cirrhosis is Associated with an Impaired Gut–Liver Axis
Authors: Bajaj Jasmohan S. , Kakiyama Genta , Zhao Derrick , Takei Hajime , Fagan Andrew , Hylemon Phillip , Zhou Huiping , Pandak William M. , Nittono Hiroshi , Fiehn Oliver , Salzman Nita , Holtz Mary , Simpson Pippa , Gavis Edith A. , Heuman Douglas M. , Liu Runping , Kang Dae Joong , Sikaroodi Masoumeh , Gillevet Patrick M. 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundCirrhosis and alcohol can independently affect the gut–liver axis with systemic inflammation. However, their concurrent impact in humans is unclear.MethodsOur aim was to determine the effect of continued alcohol misuse on the gut‐liver axis in cirrhotic patients. Age‐ and MELD‐balanced cirrhotic patients who were currently drinking (Alc) or abstinent (NAlc) and healthy controls underwent serum and stool collection. A subset underwent upper endoscopy and colonoscopy for biopsies and duodenal fluid collection. The groups were compared regarding (i) inflammation/intestinal barrier: systemic tumor necrosis factor levels, intestinal inflammatory cytokine (duodenum, ileum, sigmoid), and ileal antimicrobial peptide expression; (ii) microbiota composition: 16SrRNA sequencing of duodenal, ileal, and colonic mucosal and fecal microbiota; and (iii) microbial functionality: duodenal fluid and fecal bile acid (BA) profile (conjugation and dehydroxylation status), intestinal BA transporter (ASBT, FXR, FGF‐19, SHP) expression, and stool metabolomics using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.ResultsAlc patients demonstrated a significant duodenal, ileal, and colonic mucosal and fecal dysbiosis, compared to NAlc and controls with lower autochthonous bacterial taxa. BA profile skewed toward a potentially toxic profile (higher secondary and glycine‐conjugated BAs) in duodenal fluid and stool in Alc patients. Duodenal fluid demonstrated conjugated secondary BAs only in the Alc group. There was a greater expression of all ileal BA transporters in Alc patients. This group also showed higher endotoxemia, systemic and ileal inflammatory expression, and lower amino acid and bioenergetic‐associated metabolites, without change in antimicrobial peptide expression.ConclusionsDespite cirrhosis, continued alcohol misuse predisposes patients to widespread dysbiosis with alterations in microbial functionality such as a toxic BA profile, which can lead to intestinal and systemic inflammation.
Levels of beta‐trace protein in optic disc pit with macular detachment
Authors: Makdoumi Karim , Nilsson Torbjörn K. , Crafoord Sven 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundTo report beta‐trace protein (βTP) levels in the subretinal fluid (SRF) of four patients with a macular detachment associated with optic disc pit (ODP).MethodsFour patients with a serous retinal detachment involving the macula was operated by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with C2F6 gas tamponade and peeling of internal limiting membrane (ILM). Patients with a follow‐up period exceeding one year postoperatively were included in the study. The SRF was drained using a fine cannula without laser photocoagulation, and the samples were analysed using particle‐enhancing nephelometry. The levels of βTP were compared to 20 routine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples.ResultsIn four of the five samples from SRF had relatively low βTP levels, with a mean concentration of 6.6 mg/l (range 2.0 to 23.1 mg/l) compared to 16.0 mg/l (range 6.3‐26.8 mg/l) in CSF. The only SRF sample within the range corresponding to normal CSF was the first sample from patient 4, and the analysis of the renewed aspirate during the second operation was 2.8 mg/l. Postoperatively, the regression of SRF was slow, but regression of SRF in the foveal region took place in all cases; however, visual acuity (VA) was improved in only half of the patients.ConclusionThe results from the analysed SRF regarding βTP concentration in these patients indicate that the SRF in ODP is not identical to CSF, as the concentrations of βTP differ.
Sex and maturity status affected the validity of a submaximal cycle test in adolescents
Authors: Björkman Frida , Eggers Andrea , Stenman Adam , Bohman Tony , Ekblom Björn , Ekblom Örjan 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimThis study assessed the validity and reliability of the Ekblom‐Bak (EB) submaximal cycle test in adolescents and identified any sex‐ or maturity‐related factors for prediction errors.MethodsWe recruited 50 healthy subjects through a public announcement in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2016. The 27 boys and 23 girls were aged 10–15 years and in Tanner stages I–IV. They performed an EB test and incremental treadmill running test for direct measurement of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max).ResultsThe estimation error of VO2max was 0.09 L/min. The correlation (r) was 0.86, and the standard error of the estimate (SEE) was 0.29 L/min. The largest overestimation was seen in prepubertal boys (0.49 L/min). The best precision of the EB test was achieved when boys in Tanner stages I and II were re‐calculated using the prediction equation developed for adult women. This yielded a mean difference of −0.05 L/min, r = 0.92 and SEE 0.23 L/min, in the entire sample. The prediction error was lowered in boys, but not girls, with increasing pubertal maturity.ConclusionThe EB test was reasonably valid in adolescents, seemed to be related to sex and maturity status, and our findings support its use.
The interplay between regulatory focus and temporal distance in the health context
Authors: Berezowska Aleksandra , Fischer Arnout R. H. , van Trijp Hans C. M. 
Published: September 2017

ObjectivesThis study identifies how the interaction between temporal distance, regulatory focus, and framing of health outcomes affects individuals’ intention to adopt a personalized nutrition service.DesignA 2 (temporal distance: immediate health outcomes vs. delayed health outcomes) × 2 (regulatory focus: prevention vs. promotion) × 2 (health outcome framing: illness prevention vs. health promotion) full‐factorial between‐subjects design.MethodsIn two experiments with samples of 236 and 242 students, regulatory focus was manipulated by asking participants to describe which academic outcomes they want to either achieve or prevent and how they aim to do this. Temporal distance and health outcome framing were manipulated by modifying descriptions of personalized nutrition services. To study the process through which temporal distance, regulatory focus, and health outcome framing affect adoption intention, measures of perceived privacy risk and perceived personalization benefit were included as mediators.ResultsThe interaction between temporal distance and regulatory focus had a significant effect on adoption intention, perceived privacy risk, and perceived personalization benefit. For prevention‐focused individuals’ adoption intention was higher, perceived personalization benefit was higher, and perceived privacy risk was lower when health outcomes were immediate instead of delayed. These effects were not significant for promotion‐focused individuals. Health outcome framing affected the interaction between temporal distance and regulatory focus, but only in Study 1. Only perceived personalization benefit served as a mediator.ConclusionTailoring temporal distance to individuals’ regulatory focus increases adoption intention for personalized nutrition advice.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Intention to adopt dietary recommendations results from a cognitive decision‐making process.

Regulatory focus and temporal distance are relevant for the adoption of dietary recommendations.

Temporal distance and regulatory focus are interrelated.

What does this study add?

The interaction between temporal distance and regulatory focus affects adoption intention.

Interaction between temporal distance and regulatory focus moderates the cognitive process that drives adoption.
Unravelling key controls on the rift climax to post‐rift fill of marine rift basins: insights from 3D seismic analysis of the Lower Cretaceous of the Hammerfest Basin, SW Barents Sea
Authors: Marín Dora , Escalona Alejandro , Grundvåg Sten‐Andreas , Olaussen Snorre , Sandvik Sara , Śliwińska Kasia K. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn this study, we investigate key factors controlling the rift climax to post‐rift marine basin fill. We use two‐ and three‐dimensional seismic data in combination with sedimentological core descriptions from the Hammerfest Basin, south‐western Barents Sea to characterize and analyse the tectonostratigraphy and seismic facies of the Lower Cretaceous succession. Based on our biostratigraphic analyses, the investigated seismic facies are correlated to 5–10 million year duration sequences that make up the stratigraphic framework of the basin fill. The seismic facies suggest the basin fill was deposited in shallow to deep‐marine conditions. During rift climax in Volgian/Berriasian to Barremian times, a fully linked fault array controlled the formation of slope systems consisting of gravity flow deposits along the southern margin of the basin. Renewed uplift of the Loppa High north of the basin provided coarse‐grained sediments for fan deltas and shorelines that developed along the northern basin margin. During the early to middle late Aptian, the input of coarse‐grained sediments occurred mainly in the NW and SW corners of the basin, reflecting renewed uplift‐induced topography in the western flank of the Loppa High and along the western Finnmark Platform. The lower Albian part of the basin fill is interpreted as a post‐rift succession, where the remnant topography associated with the Finnmark Platform continued to provide sediments to prograding fan deltas and adjacent shorelines. During the Albian, a series of faults were reactivated in the northern part of the basin, and footwall wedges comprising various gravity flow deposits occur along these faults. During the latest Albian to Cenomanian, the south‐eastern part of the Loppa High was flooded by a rise in eustatic sea‐level and differential subsidence. However, the western part of the high remained exposed and acted as a sediment source for a shelf‐margin system prograding towards the SE. It is concluded that the rift climax succession is controlled by: along strike variability of throw and steps of the main bounding faults; the diachronous movement of the faults; and the nature of the feeder system. The evolution of the post‐rift succession may be controlled by rifting in adjacent basins which preferentially renew sources of sediments; local reactivation of faults; and local remnant topography of the basin flanks. We suggest that existing tectonostratigraphic models for rift basins should be updated, to incorporate a more regional perspective and integrating variables such as the influence of adjacent rift systems.
The Decline in Adult Activities Among U.S. Adolescents, 1976–2016
Authors: Twenge Jean M. , Park Heejung 
Published: September 2017

The social and historical contexts may influence the speed of development. In seven large, nationally representative surveys of U.S. adolescents 1976–2016 (N = 8.44 million, ages 13–19), fewer adolescents in recent years engaged in adult activities such as having sex, dating, drinking alcohol, working for pay, going out without their parents, and driving, suggesting a slow life strategy. Adult activities were less common when median income, life expectancy, college enrollment, and age at first birth were higher and family size and pathogen prevalence were lower, consistent with life history theory. The trends are unlikely to be due to homework and extracurricular time, which stayed steady or declined, and may or may not be linked to increased Internet use.
Determinants of low risk of asthma exacerbation during pregnancy
Authors: Ali Z. , Nilas L. , Ulrik C. S. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryBackgroundAssessment of asthma control every 4‐6 weeks during pregnancy is recommended to reduce risk of exacerbation, and by that improve outcome.ObjectiveTo identify determinants of pregnancies with low risk of asthma exacerbation.MethodsAll pregnant women enrolled into the Management of Asthma during Pregnancy (MAP) programme at Hvidovre Hospital since 2007. Assessment of asthma control, adjustment of treatment, spirometry and measurement of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) were performed, and baseline characteristics and exacerbation history were collected at enrolment. Determinants of low‐exacerbation risk pregnancies were identified by logistic regression analysis (stepwise backward elimination).ResultsIn 1283 pregnancies, 107 exacerbations were observed. Multiple regression analysis revealed that no history of pre‐pregnancy exacerbations (P < .001), no prescribed controller medication (P < .001), and clinically stable asthma at enrolment (P = .002) were significantly associated with low risk of exacerbation during pregnancy; with these combined characteristics, only two of 385 pregnancies were complicated by an exacerbation (OR 0.04, 95% CI 0.01‐0.18, P < .001).Conclusion and clinical relevanceClinically stable asthma at enrolment, together with no history of previous exacerbations and no prescribed controller medication, is a determinant of low risk of an asthma exacerbation during pregnancy, which may guide clinicians in individualizing surveillance of asthma during pregnancy.
Position statement by the Pelvic Floor Society on behalf of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland on the use of mesh in ventral mesh rectopexy
Authors: Mercer‐Jones M. A. , Brown S. R. , Knowles C. H. , Williams A. B. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe following position statement forms part of a response to the current concerns regarding use of mesh to perform rectal prolapse surgery. It highlights the actions being pursued by the Pelvic Floor Society (TPFS) regarding clinical governance in relation to ventral mesh rectopexy (VMR). The following are summary recommendations.

Available evidence suggests that mesh morbidity for VMR is far lower than that seen in transvaginal procedures (the main subject of current concern) and lower than that observed following other abdomino‐pelvic procedures for urogenital prolapse, e.g. laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy.
VMR should be performed by adequately trained surgeons who work within a multidisciplinary team (MDT) framework. Within this, it is mandatory to discuss all patients considered for surgery at an MDT meeting.
Clinical outcomes of surgery and any complications resulting from surgery should be recorded in the TPFS‐hosted national database (registry) available for this purpose; in addition, all patients should be considered for entry into ongoing and planned UK/European randomized studies where this is feasible.
A move towards accreditation of UK units performing VMR will improve performance and outcomes in the long term.
An enhanced programme of training including staged porcine, cadaveric and preceptorship sessions will ensure the competence of surgeons undertaking VMR.
Enhanced consent forms and patient information booklets are being developed, and these will help both surgeons and patients.
There is weak observational evidence that technical aspects of the procedure can be optimized to reduce morbidity rates. Suture material choice may contribute towards morbidity. The available evidence is insufficient to support the use of one mesh over another (biologic vs synthetic); however, the use of polyester mesh is associated with increased morbidity.
Iran–China Cooperation in the Silk Road Economic Belt: From Strategic Understanding to Operational Understanding
Authors: Shariatinia Mohsen , Azizi Hamidreza 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIran served as a bridge in the ancient Silk Road, connecting the East and the West. It also has great potential to play an important role in the new Silk Road. The present study analyzes the factors affecting Iran–China cooperation in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative at the strategic and operational levels. This article shows that, at the strategic level, Iran defines this project as an opportunity to improve its status in the world economy, expanding its room to manoeuvre in the international arena and developing its ties with China, a rising great power. At the operational level, the opportunities and challenges for Iran–China cooperation could be summarized as pertaining to five realms within the Silk Road Economic Belt Initiative: policy coordination, facilitation of connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people‐to‐people bonds. The present study asserts that the main opportunity for cooperation between the two countries lies in facilitating connectivity and that the key challenge is financial integration.
The Belt and Road Initiative Impact on Europe: An Italian Perspective
Authors: Fardella Enrico , Prodi Giorgio 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis paper analyzes the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative on Europe with a specific focus on Italy. We concentrate on the impact of new railways and port infrastructures on bilateral trade. Our analysis suggests that the development of new railway connections will benefit most of the Northern and Central European countries. Some industries like automotive and electronics that have a higher value to weight ratio will benefit more than others. However, due to higher costs, railway services will never reach a high percentage of total import/export flows. Investment in new port facilities, although less “new” compared with railways, may be a bigger game changer. The development of the Port of Piraeus has already increased the importance of the Mediterranean Sea as an import/export hub for China. If the other planned investments in Egypt and Algeria are completed, this phenomenon will be magnified. This presents a huge challenge for Italy. The Italian port in the high Adriatic Sea could be displaced by Piraeus capacity, especially if this port is linked through railways with the center of Europe. Italy needs to coordinate its ports together with its railway network to take advantage of Belt and Road Initiative opportunities.
Specific knock‐down of tissue non‐specific alkaline phosphatase mRNA levels inhibits intracellular lipid accumulation in 3T3‐L1 and HepG2 cells
Authors: Chirambo George , van Niekerk Chantal , Crowther Nigel J. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe use of non‐specific inhibitors of tissue non‐specific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP) in pre‐adipocytes blocks intracellular lipid accumulation. TNSALP is also expressed in hepatocytes, which are known to accumulate lipid in a similar manner to pre‐adipocytes. The purpose of this study was to use specific silencing of TNSALP mRNA, using short interfering (si) RNA, to investigate the role of TNSALP in intracellular lipid accumulation in 3T3‐L1 and HepG2 cells. Cellular activity of TNSALP was measured using an automated colorimetric assay, and intracellular lipid accumulation was determined using the lipid‐specific dye, Oil Red O. Cells were transfected with siRNA directed against TNSALP mRNA, and expression of the TNSALP gene was determined at selected time points postinduction of lipid droplet formation. Expression of the TNSALP gene was inhibited by a maximum of 88 ± 1.9% (P < 0.005 vs. control) 11 days after initiation of lipid droplet formation in the 3T3‐L1 cells and 80 ± 8.9% (P < 0.05 vs. control) after 4 days in the HepG2 cells. This led to significant inhibition of both TNSALP activity and intracellular lipid accumulation in both cell lines. These data demonstrates that TNSALP plays an important role in the control of lipid droplet formation in both pre‐adipocyte and hepatocyte cell lines.
The association between MICA/MICB polymorphism and respiratory syncytial virus infection in children
Authors: Luo Q. , Guo X. , Peng S. , Luo W. , Tian F. , Yu P. , Zou Y. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryMICA/MICB gene polymorphisms are related to several cancers and infectious diseases, but there are no reports on the association between MICA/MICB gene polymorphisms and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. To clarify the association between MICA/MICB gene polymorphisms and infection of RSV in children, we collected fresh blood samples from paediatric patients with and without pneumonia after RSV infection. The MICA/MICB alleles were characterized by PCR sequence‐specific primers (PCR‐SSP) and PCR sequence‐based genotyping (PCR‐SBT), and then, the frequency of the MICA/MICB alleles and haplotypes was calculated. The results showed that the frequencies of MICA*002:01 and MICA‐A9 in RSV‐infected patients were significantly lower than in controls (9% vs. 20%, pc = 0.04). The allele frequency of MICA*002:01 in pneumonia patients (8%) and nonpneumonia patients (9%) was significantly lower than in controls (20%, pc = 0.02). MICA*002:01‐MICB*008(Δrel = 0.616), MICA*009‐MICB*016 (Δrel = 0.506), and MICA*045‐MICB*014 (Δrel = 0.700) showed linkage disequilibrium in patients infected with RSV. The haplotype frequency of MICA*002:01‐MICB*005:02 in RSV‐infected patients was significantly lower than in controls (10% vs. 16%, pc = 0.033). In conclusion, allele MICA*002:01/A9 and haplotype MICA*002:01‐MICB*005:02 were negatively associated with RSV respiratory tract infections.
Demographic transition, immigration, gentrification: Unravelling early signs of re‐urbanisation in a European city
Authors: Salvati Luca 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAfter long‐lasting suburbanisation, early signs of re‐urbanisation have been recently observed in southern Europe, one of the regions most affected by the 2007‒2008 crisis. With recession, population dynamics have been influenced by multiple drivers, including the increased attractiveness of inner cities, as a result of gentrification, massive immigration and the economic re‐polarisation of central cores with respect to peripheral zones. This study identifies the contribution of different population groups (unmarried and divorced native people, traditional families, non‐native residents) and age groups to medium‐term (2006‒2015) demographic growth (or decline) in 115 districts (historic centre, compact urban area, suburbs) of the municipality of Rome, Italy. Results outline complex and non‐linear population dynamics with growing and declining districts scattered across the urban area. Non‐native people as well as unmarried and divorced native residents increased in the historical city and in suburban areas. Native population decreased in consolidated urban districts, the preferred location of married people. The evidence for re‐urbanisation in Rome is relatively mixed and suggests the importance of processes of social segregation shaping population dynamics. Variations in the spatial distribution of the resident population and its main demographic components reveal recent trends of growth and decline on the metropolitan scale, producing relevant information for policies governing urban expansion.