bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TNFSF4 polymorphisms are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus in the Malaysian population
Authors: Chua K. H. , Ooh Y. Y. , Chai H. C. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryTumour necrosis factor superfamily 4 (TNFSF4) gene has been reported to be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) susceptibility due to its encoding for OX40L protein that can increase autoantibody production and cause imbalance of T‐cell proliferation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of TNFSF4 rs2205960, rs1234315, rs8446748 and rs704840 with SLE in the Malaysian population. A total of 476 patients with SLE and 509 healthy controls were recruited. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was applied to genotype the selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Allelic and genotypic frequencies of each SNP were calculated for each ethnic group, and association test was performed using logistic regression. The overall association of each SNP in Malaysian patients with SLE was determined with meta‐analysis. The frequency of minor T allele of TNFSF4 rs2205960 was significant in Chinese and Indian patients with SLE, with P values of 0.05 (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.00–1.61) and 0.004 (OR = 3.16, 95% CI: 1.41–7.05), respectively. Significant association of minor G allele of rs704840 with SLE was also observed in Chinese (P = 0.03, OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.02–1.56). However, after Bonferroni correction, only T allele of rs2205960 remained significantly associated with Indian cohort. Overall, minor G allele of rs704840 showed significant association with SLE in the Malaysian population with P values of 0.05 (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.00–1.43). We suggested TNFSF4 rs704840 could be the potential SLE risk factors in the Malaysian population.
Metastasectomy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the era of modern systemic treatment: C‐reactive protein is an independent predictor of overall survival
Authors: Rausch Steffen , Kruck Stephan , Walter Kerstin , Stenzl Arnulf , Bedke Jens 
Published: August 2016

ObjectiveTo define the predictive capability of serum C‐reactive protein for a contemporary patient collective undergoing metastasectomy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma with access to modern targeted therapies.MethodsA total of 88 patients treated with metastasectomy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma from 2003 to 2014 were evaluated for putative clinicopathological risk factors and survival. Kaplan–Meier analyses, univariate and multivariate testing were carried out. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was applied to evaluate available risk stratification instruments for patients undergoing metastasectomy.ResultsMedian overall survival for the collective was 66.31 months (95% confidence interval 50.67–135.47; 5‐year overall survival 55%). The median preoperative C‐reactive protein level was 6.7 mg/L (range 0.1–161.7). A C‐reactive protein cut‐off value of 5 mg/dL was significantly discriminative of survival (P = 0.029). Median survival in dependence of C‐reactive protein accounted for 50.67 months (range 33.86–63.05 months) in the C‐reactive protein >5 mg/L group, and 135.47 months in the C‐reactive protein ≤5 mg/L group (range 66.31–135.47 months). C‐reactive protein elevation >5 mg/L, anemia and surgical margin status were identified as significant predictors of overall survival in univariate analysis. In a multivariate model, resection margin status (P = 0.015) and C‐reactive protein elevation (P = 0.038) were confirmed as independent predictive variables.ConclusionsElevated C‐reactive protein >5 mg/L was identified as an independent predictor of survival in a contemporary patient collective undergoing metastasectomy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Future analyses and risk stratification tools for patients undergoing metastasectomy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma should aim to evaluate and include C‐reactive protein. To overcome low patient numbers, multi‐institutional studies should be carried out.
Long‐term prospective study of the persistence of solifenacin succinate in previously untreated Japanese female patients with overactive bladder
Authors: Tanaka Yoshinori , Tanuma Yasushi , Masumori Naoya 
Published: August 2016

ObjectivesTo prospectively evaluate the persistence of solifenacin treatment in previously untreated Japanese female patients with overactive bladder.MethodsA total of 73 previously untreated Japanese female patients diagnosed with overactive bladder were given 5 mg of solifenacin once daily and prospectively followed for 3 years with periodic evaluations. The drug persistence rate was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. If solifenacin had to be terminated or a patient did not come to the hospital to receive a prescription, the reason was determined.ResultsAfter solifenacin treatment, the overactive bladder symptom score and average voided volume were significantly improved and maintained for 3 years. The 6‐month, 1‐year, 2‐year and 3‐year persistence rates were 50.7%, 41.1%, 32.9% and 23.3%, respectively. The major reasons for solifenacin therapy discontinuation were symptom resolution (27.4%) and adverse events (20.5%). Patients with nocturia three times or more at baseline had lower persistence than those with nocturia more than three times. Patients without detrusor overactivity at baseline had lower drug persistence than those with detrusor overactivity.ConclusionsApproximately one‐quarter of previously untreated Japanese overactive bladder female patients continue solifenacin treatment for 3 years. Many patients discontinue solifenacin for various reasons, including symptom resolution and adverse events.
Prevalence and comorbidities in adults with psoriasis compared to atopic eczema
Authors: Radtke M.A. , Schäfer I. , Glaeske G. , Jacobi A. , Augustin M. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundMost data suggesting an association between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) have come from specialized populations at either low or high risk of CVD. Atopic dermatitis (AD) has been associated with a number of modifiable risk factors, particularly obesity. There has been a recent controversy on the suggestion that associations with comorbidities in psoriasis may be due to overreporting or biased by disease severity and therefore not necessarily representative of the general psoriasis population.ObjectivesTo evaluate the prevalence of AD and psoriasis and to compare the prevalence rates of comorbidities based on a large sample of health insurance data.MethodsData were collected from a database of non‐selected individuals from a German statutory health insurance organization that covers all geographic regions. Individuals identified by International Classification of Diseases (ICD)‐10 codes applied to all outpatient and inpatient visits in the year 2009. Comorbidities were evaluated by ICD‐10 diagnoses.ResultsThe database consisted of 1 642 852 members of a German statutory health insurance. Of 1 349 671 data sets analyzed, 37 456 patients ≥18 years were diagnosed with psoriasis (prevalence 2.78%), and 48 140 patients ≥18 years of age were diagnosed with AD, equivalent to a prevalence of 3.67%. Patients with psoriasis showed increased rates of comorbidities in all age groups. Comorbidities related to the metabolic syndrome including arterial hypertension [prevalence ratio (PR), 1.94; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.90–1.98], hyperlipidaemia (PR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.73–1.81), obesity (PR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.69–1.79) and diabetes mellitus (PR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.83–1.94) were significantly more common among patients with psoriasis compared to AD.ConclusionsDiseases forming part of the metabolic syndrome showed significant lower prevalence rates in patients with AD than in patients with psoriasis. Within the limitations of secondary healthcare data, our study disproves the suggestion that associations with comorbidities in psoriasis may be biased by a higher degree of severity or overreporting.
What do we know about palmoplantar pustulosis?
Authors: Misiak‐Galazka M. , Wolska H. , Rudnicka L. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractPalmoplantar pustulosis is characterized by a chronic eruption of sterile pustules on palms and soles. The disease affects mainly women in the sixth and seventh decade of life. Some authors consider palmoplantar pustulosis a separate entity, whereas others consider it a condition in the spectrum of psoriasis. Aim of this study was to summarize the most recent data about PPP which aimed at establishing the nosological position of palmoplantar pustulosis. A systematic search of published literature was carried out. General characteristics of patients with PPP in different populations were present. We reviewed histological, immunological and genetic studies, as well as treatment options for PPP. PPP presents with clinical features, which are not present in psoriasis; however, the common coexistence of psoriasis vulgaris and/or positive family history for psoriasis indicates at least a close relationship between PPP and psoriasis. At present, there are not sufficient data to exclude PPP from psoriasis group.
An update on cutaneous melanoma in Turkey: evaluation of 19‐year data in a single tertiary centre and review of the literature
Authors: Baykal C. , Atci T. , Polat Ekinci A. , Buyukbabani N. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundInformation on frequency of melanoma and its clinicopathological subtypes derived from dermatology clinics in Turkey is limited.ObjectiveAs data about melanoma show clear differences due to geographic and ethnic distribution, we scrutinized the rich data of our dermatology centre in Istanbul.MethodsConsecutive patients diagnosed with melanoma in a tertiary dermatology clinic during the last 19 years were retrospectively investigated about the clinical presentation of the skin lesions during admission, frequency of subtypes and localization of the tumour.ResultsThere were 227 patients with melanoma showing five different clinical presentations: 200 of them had totally 207 primary cutaneous melanoma (PCM) lesions, nine had PCM lesions associated with metastatic skin lesions, three presented with local recurrence, eight with only skin metastases and seven with regressed skin melanoma following systemic melanoma metastases. Histologically, 23.19% of the PCM lesions were intraepidermal (in situ) and Breslow thickness was less than 1 mm in 30.9% of the patients with invasive melanoma. The most common subtype was superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) (37.19%), followed by lentigo malignant melanoma (LMM) (31.4%), acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) (19.32%) and nodular melanoma (NM) (6.76%). Head and neck region was the most common (34.78%) localization of PCM lesions.ConclusionsDifferent clinical presentations, including various types of cutaneous melanoma metastases, were seen. However, a great proportion of our patients were relatively early diagnosed, either having an in situ or an invasive PCM with a Breslow thickness ≤1 mm. Even though SSM was the most common subtype of PCM in our series, its rate was lower compared to many European countries. Furthermore, the rate of NM subtype was also low, while LMM and ALM rates were higher in comparison to studies originating from European countries. This striking discrepancy requires further studies to explain the probable causes.
Compound heterozygotes for filaggrin gene mutations do not always show severe atopic dermatitis
Authors: Sekiya A. , Kono M. , Tsujiuchi H. , Kobayashi T. , Nomura T. , Kitakawa M. , Suzuki N. , Yamanaka K. , Sueki H. , McLean W.H.I. , Shimizu H. , Akiyama M. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundMutations in FLG, which encodes profilaggrin, cause ichthyosis vulgaris (IV) and are an important predisposing factor for atopic dermatitis (AD). IV shows autosomal hemidominant (semidominant) inheritance, and patients with bi‐allelic FLG mutations tend to have severe IV phenotypes. However, the effect of bi‐allelic FLG mutations on AD incidence and severity remains a subject of controversy.ObjectiveIn this study, we studied individuals with bi‐allelic null FLG mutations to elucidate the effect of bi‐allelic FLG mutations on AD incidence and severity.MethodsSix individuals with bi‐allelic FLG null mutations from three families of IV/AD were investigated. We report the detailed clinical features of the individuals. The phenotype was confirmed by the clinical examinations and the severity of IV and AD was scored using ichthyosis score and Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI).ResultIt was found that five of the six patients had severe IV, and the remaining patient showed moderate IV. Two of the six had moderate AD and three of the six had mild AD. The remaining patient had no AD.ConclusionOur results suggest that individuals with bi‐allelic FLG mutations do not always have severe AD and confirm that not all individuals with bi‐allelic FLG mutations have AD.
Body size evolution of a shell‐brooding cichlid fish from Lake Tanganyika
Authors: Takahashi T. , Ota K. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe substrate‐brooding cichlid fishTelmatochromis temporalisin Lake Tanganyika demonstrates a simple example of ecological speciation between normal and dwarf morphs through divergent natural selection on body size. The dwarf morph most likely evolved from the ancestral normal morph; therefore, elucidating the evolution of its small body size is a key to understanding this ecological speciation event. Previous studies suggest that the small body size of the dwarf morph is an adaptation to the use of empty snail shells as shelters (males) and spawning sites (females), but this idea has not been fully evaluated. Combining original and previously published information, this study compared likelihood values to determine the primary factor that would be responsible for regulating the body size of the dwarf morph. Male body size is most likely regulated by the ability to turn within shells, which may influence the predation avoidance of adult fish. Females are smaller than males, and their body size is most likely regulated by the ability to lay eggs in the small spaces within shells close to the shell apices where predation risk on eggs is lower. This study provides new evidence supporting the hypothesis that different natural selection factors affected body size of the different sexes of the dwarf morph, which has not been reported in other animal species.
Fecal calprotectin as a non‐invasive biomarker for intestinal involvement of Behçet's disease
Authors: Kim Duk Hwan , Park Yehyun , Kim Bun , Kim Seung Won , Park Soo Jung , Hong Sung Pil , Kim Tae Il , Kim Won Ho , Cheon Jae Hee 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackground and AimThe diagnostic and prognostic values of fecal calprotectin (FC) levels in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases have been proven. However, little is known about the usefulness of FC measurement in predicting intestinal involvement of Behçet's disease (BD).MethodsForty‐four consecutive patients with systemic BD who underwent colonoscopy for the evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms were prospectively enrolled between November 2012 and March 2014 in a single tertiary medical center. Fecal specimens from the patients were obtained the day before bowel cleansing and 3 months after colonoscopy.ResultsTwenty‐five patients showed intestinal ulcerations on colonoscopy (12 [48.0%] typical and 13 [52.0%] atypical ulcerations). The median FC level in the intestinal BD group was significantly higher than that in the non‐diagnostic group (112.53 [6.86–1604.39] vs 31.64 [5.46–347.60] µg/g, respectively, P = 0.003). Moreover, the typical ulceration group showed a significantly higher median FC level than the atypical ulceration group in patients with intestinal BD (435.995 [75.65–1604.39] vs 71.42 [6.86–476.94] µg/g, respectively, P = 0.033). Multivariate analysis revealed higher FC as an independent predictor of intestinal BD (OR = 38.776; 95% CI = 2.306–652.021; P = 0.011). The cut‐off level of FC for predicting intestinal BD was 68.89 µg/g (76% sensitivity and 79% specificity). The absolute changes between fecal calprotectin levels and the disease activity index of intestinal BD from initial diagnosis of intestinal BD to 3 months after diagnosis were significantly correlated (Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.470, P = 0.027).ConclusionThe FC level might serve as a non‐invasive surrogate marker of intestinal involvement of BD.
Assessment of treatment failure in endodontic therapy
Authors: Bergenholtz G. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryThere is a paucity of guidelines for the dental profession to assess failure of endodontic therapy. While a successful treatment can be well defined by the absence of apical periodontitis and clinical symptoms after a period of observation, failed treatment has escaped a distinct standing over the years. This article highlights aspects of significance and concludes that research ought to better explore the general health properties of persistent apical periodontitis on root‐filled teeth and finally confirm the extent there is an association between apical periodontitis and adverse systemic health effects. Clearing this condition will determine whether clinicians should take a serious or relaxed attitude to persistent apical periodontitis subsequent to endodontic treatment.
CREDIT CRUNCHAND INSURANCE CONSUMPTION: THE AFTERMATHOF THE SUBPRIME MORTGAGE CRISIS
Authors: Kamiya Shinichi 
Published: August 2016

AbstractUsing cross‐state panel data of the U.S. personal auto insurance premiums from 2007 to 2012, this study provides evidence that consumer purchases of insurance were reduced by more than expected from losses of risk exposure during and after the subprime mortgage crisis. Analyses show that the credit crunch of auto loans and a deterioration of net worth in housing resulting from the bursting housing bubble contributed to the reduced consumption of auto insurance. This result is robust even after controlling for associated factors, such as the insurance price, personal spending on vehicles, and general consumption. These findings provide evidence for a real effect of the financial crisis.
Neurological mechanism of Xiaochaihutang's antidepressant-like effects to socially isolated adult rats
Authors: Ma Jie , Wu Chun Fu , Wang Fang , Yang Jing Yu , Dong Ying Xu , Su Guang Yue , Zhang Kuo , Wang Zhi Qian , Xu Long Wen , Pan Xing , Zhou Ting Shuo , Ma Ping , Song Shao Jiang 
Published: August 2016

Abstract

Objectives
Xiaochaihutang (XCHT) has antidepressant effects in multiple animal models of depression in our previous studies. But the antidepressant effects and exact mechanisms of XCHT in a rat model of chronic social isolation stress (CSIS) have never been studied. We therefore aimed to investigate the effects of XCHT on depressive/anxiety-related behaviours of CSIS-exposed rats and understand the neurological mechanism involving neurogenesis.

Methods
We established the CSIS model and then investigated the effects of XCHT on behavioural change. HPLC-MS/MS was adopted to quantify neurotransmitter levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Immunofluorescence technology was used to study the effects of XCHT on neurogenesis; while expressions of 5-HT1A receptor signalling pathway in the hippocampus were measured using Western blotting.

Key Findings
Xiaochaihutang significantly alleviated depressive/anxiety-like behaviours of CSIS-exposed rats. XCHT significantly regulated levels of monoamine neurotransmitters in the CSF without affecting Glu, GABA and ACh. XCHT also significantly increased neurogenesis in CSIS-exposed rats. Additionally, XCHT reversed CSIS-induced decrease of 5-HT1A receptor expression and promoted the expression of BDNF in the hippocampus.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that XCHT could significantly regulate the depressive/anxiety-like behaviours induced by CSIS, which are likely attributed to the promotion of hippocampal neurogenesis and neurotrophin expressions through the activation of serotonergic system.
Virulence of Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. brasiliense on potato compared with that of other Pectobacterium and Dickeya species under climatic conditions prevailing in the Netherlands
Authors: van der Wolf J. M. , de Haan E. G. , Kastelein P. , Krijger M. , de Haas B. H. , Velvis H. , Mendes O. , Kooman‐Gersmann M. , van der Zouwen P. S. 
Published: August 2016

In western Europe, Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. brasiliense is emerging as a causal agent of blackleg disease. In field experiments in the Netherlands, the virulence of this pathogen was compared with strains of other Dickeya and Pectobacterium species. In 2013 and 2014, seed potato tubers were vacuum infiltrated with high densities of bacteria (106 CFU mL−1) and planted in clay soil. Inoculation with P. carotovorum subsp. brasiliense and P. atrosepticum resulted in high disease incidences (75–95%), inoculation with D. solani and P. wasabiae led to incidences between 5% and 25%, but no significant disease development was observed in treatments with P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum, D. dianthicola or the water control. Co‐inoculations of seed potatoes with P. carotovorum subsp. brasiliense and D. solani gave a similar disease incidence to inoculation with only P. carotovorum subsp. brasiliense. However, co‐inoculation of P. carotovorum subsp. brasiliense with P. wasabiae resulted in a decrease in disease incidence compared to inoculation with only P. carotovorum subsp. brasiliense. In 2015, seed potatoes were inoculated with increasing densities of P. carotovorum subsp. brasiliense, D. solani or P. atrosepticum (103–106 CFU mL−1). After vacuum infiltration, even a low inoculum density resulted in high disease incidence. However, immersion without vacuum caused disease only at high bacterial densities. Specific TaqMan assays were evaluated and developed for detection of P. carotovorum subsp. brasiliense, P. wasabiae and P. atrosepticum and confirmed the presence of these pathogens in progeny tubers of plants derived from vacuum‐infiltrated seed tubers.
Strategic R&D Commitment and the Gains from Trade
Authors: Dewit Gerda , Leahy Dermot 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThis paper examines how trade liberalization affects innovation, profits and welfare in a model of reciprocal markets when firms pre‐commit to research and development (R&D). We establish that the equilibrium is not always unique and show that, with trade, R&D commitment leads to higher levels of innovation, lower profits, higher consumer surplus and higher welfare than when R&D is chosen simultaneously to output levels. Furthermore, if the effectiveness of R&D is sufficiently high, trade always yields higher welfare than autarky, implying that R&D commitment may significantly enhance the welfare gains from trade liberalization.