bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stalagmites from western Thailand: preliminary investigations and challenges for palaeoenvironmental research
Authors: Chawchai Sakonvan , Liu Guangxin , Bissen Raphael , Jankham Kampanart , Paisonjumlongsri Warisa , Kanjanapayont Pitsanupong , Chutakositkanon Vichai , Choowong Montri , Pailoplee Santi , Wang Xianfeng 
Published: December 2017

Locating suitable caves and stalagmites for palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic studies can be challenging. Isotopic geochemical analyses, albeit commonly performed for palaeoclimatic reconstruction, are also time consuming and costly. Therefore, petrographic and non‐destructive morphological studies on speleothems are desirable to facilitate sample selection for further analysis. In this study, 20 caves were surveyed in Ban Rai district, Uthai Thani province in western Thailand. After external physical observations in the field, three stalagmite samples were collected from Tham Nam Cave to test their potential for palaeoclimatic research. Firstly, the stalagmites were scanned by X‐ray computed tomography (CT scanning) and subsequently the CT images were compared with petrographic inspections. Columnar fabrics show the highest density, whereas closed and open dendritic fabrics have medium and the lowest densities, respectively. Layers near the top and bottom of the three stalagmites were dated by U‐Th mass spectrometric techniques. All three samples were deposited between c. 87 and c. 105 ka ago; therefore, they are probably the oldest stalagmites that have been reported so far from mainland Southeast Asia. However, their physical features indicate that all the samples have suffered from postdepositional dissolution, and are unlikely to be suitable for palaeoclimatic research. The internal dissolution feature of stalagmites, however, cannot be identified by visual inspection of uncut samples. We hereby argue that CT images are useful to characterize stalagmite petrography, in particular fabric, porosity and density. Such features can be used to select the ideal plane of a stalagmite for sectioning, to maximize the chances of robust climatic reconstruction.
Relationship between reticular pseudodrusen and choroidal thickness in intermediate age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Ho Chi YD , Lek Jia J , Aung Khin Z , McGuinness Myra B , Luu Chi D , Guymer Robyn H 
Published: December 2017

AbstractImportanceReticular pseudodrusen (RPD) is strongly associated with late age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) but their aetiology remains unknown. RPD have been associated with reduced choroidal thickness (ChT) but most studies are limited by small sample size and varying severity of AMD.BackgroundTo investigate the relationship between choroidal thickness and RPD in eyes with intermediate AMD (iAMD), controlling for variables known to influence ChT.DesignRetrospective cohort study.ParticipantsParticipants were recruited from Centre for Eye Research Australia.MethodsColour fundus photographs, fundus auto fluorescence, near‐infrared and spectral‐domain ocular coherence tomography (OCT) were graded for RPD. ChT was measured from enhanced‐depth imaging OCT scans at the centre of fovea, 1500 and 3000 μm nasal, temporal, superior and inferior from centre of fovea.Main Outcome MeasuresChT between RPD and non‐RPD group.ResultsA total of 297 eyes from 152 subjects were included. A total of 84 (28%) had RPD and were older than non‐RPD group (75.1 ± 5.4 years and 68.7 ± 6.9 years, respectively; P < 0.001). In unadjusted analysis, the RPD group was significantly associated with thinner choroids across all measured locations (P ≤ 0.022). After adjustment for variables, the presence of RPD was no longer associated with ChT (P ≥ 0.132 for all locations) but age (P < 0.001) and refractive error (P = 0.002) remained significantly associated with ChT.Conclusions and RelevanceAge and refractive error, rather than RPD, was significantly associated with reduced ChT in eyes with iAMD. Choroidal insufficiency may be a less important variable in RPD aetiology than previously considered.
Single‐staged implant placement using bone ring technique with and without membrane placement: An experimental study in the Beagle dog
Authors: Haga‐Tsujimura Maiko , Nakahara Ken , Kobayashi Eizaburo , Igarashi Kensuke , Schaller Benoit , Saulacic Nikola 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimTo evaluate the impact of a collagen membrane on bone remodeling and osseointegration of implants placed simultaneously with a bone ring technique.Material and MethodsStandardized, vertical alveolar bone defects in the mandibles of six dogs were created. Tapered dental implants designed for two‐stage subcrestal placement were inserted simultaneously with a bone ring technique. On one side of the mandible, the augmented sites were covered with a collagenous membrane. Implants with (M Group) and without membranes (NM Group) were left for an osseointegration period of 3 and 6 months, respectively. Block biopsies of the implants with surrounding bone were harvested and analyzed histologically.ResultsImplant exposure was a common finding (2/3) concomitantly with loss of healing caps. It appeared to be related to advanced bone loss around the implants. Exposure of implants was more frequent in M Group, however, without significant differences when compared to NM Group. The total bone area within the region of the bone ring was greater in the NM Group compared to the M Group. Moreover, in the region of the pristine bone of the M Group, the total bone was greater than at the corresponding NM Group sites at both observation periods. A nonparametric analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed no significant effects of membrane placement or healing period on the total area of the bone. The total bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) for the two groups was similar at each observation time point. However, BIC increased significantly at 6‐month compared with 3‐month observation period (p = .0088) in both groups.ConclusionsIn vertical bone augmentation applying the bone ring technique, the disruption of soft tissue was a frequent complication. Membrane placement yielded no significant advantage on the osseointegration (BIC) of implants or bone characteristics.
Combined Erlotinib and PF‐03084014 treatment contributes to synthetic lethality in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Yang , Wang Zhao , Ding Xu , Dong Yibo , Zhang Wei , Zhang Wei , Zhong Yi , Gu Wenyi , Wu Yunong , Song Xiaomeng 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectivesHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is characterized by high mortality and low survival rates. As an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor, Erlotinib has been approved for treatment of various tumours. PF‐03084014 is a selective inhibitor of Notch1 signalling. This study aimed to explore new approaches for simultaneously targeting EGFR and Notch1 signalling to attenuate tumour growth and improve survival.Materials and methodsCell proliferation was determined by CCK‐8 assay and Flow cytometry. Cell invasive ability was determined by Transwell assay. Western blot was used to test the expression of Notch1 and EGFR pathway. Cleaved Caspase‐3 staining and TUNEL assay were used to verify the apoptosis through combined treatment.ResultsWe first confirmed proliferative inhibition and cell death in HNSCC with combined Erlotinib and PF‐03084014 treatment. Moreover, we found PF‐03084014 reversed the increased invasion induced by Erlotinib. In a preclinical therapeutic drug trial in vivo, combined treatment effectively abrogated tumour growth. Most importantly, one mechanism was found that PF‐03084014 alone could activate the PI3K/AKT signalling, the downstream of EGFR signalling, and Erlotinib alone could activate the intracellular domain of Notch1 (NICD), while combined treatment of PF‐03084014 and Erlotinib suppressed the HNSCC growth.ConclusionsThese results suggested that concomitant inhibition of the Notch1 and EGFR pathways represented a rational strategy for promoting apoptosis in HNSCC and overcoming treatment resistance.
Hepcidin and DNA promoter methylation in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Udali Silvia , Castagna Annalisa , Corbella Michela , Ruzzenente Andrea , Moruzzi Sara , Mazzi Filippo , Campagnaro Tommaso , De Santis Domenica , Franceschi Antonia , Pattini Patrizia , Gottardo Rossella , Olivieri Oliviero , Perbellini Luigi , Guglielmi Alfredo , Choi Sang‐Woon , Girelli Domenico , Friso Simonetta 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe liver hormone hepcidin regulates iron homoeostasis that is often altered in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Epigenetic phenomena control gene expression through a dynamic fashion; therefore, considering the plasticity of both iron homoeostasis and epigenetic mechanisms and their role in liver carcinogenesis, we investigated whether hepcidin gene (HAMP) expression is modulated by DNA methylation, thus affecting iron status in human HCC.Materials and methodsThirty‐two patients affected by nonviral HCC were enrolled, and their main clinical and biochemical characteristics were obtained. Neoplastic and homologous non‐neoplastic liver tissues were analysed for HAMP promoter DNA methylation, for HAMP gene expression and for iron content. An in vitro demethylation assay with a human hepatocarcinoma cell line was performed to evaluate the role of DNA methylation on HAMP transcriptional repression.ResultsGene expression and DNA methylation analyses on tissues showed that HAMP was transcriptionally repressed in HCC tissues consensually with a promoter hypermethylation. Furthermore, patients with HCC had low serum hepcidin concentrations, and HCC tissues had relative iron depletion as compared to non‐neoplastic liver tissues. The cell culture model showed the functional role of DNA hypermethylation by downregulating HAMP gene expression. Through a quantitative methylation analysis on HCC tissues, we then proved that methylation at definite CpG sites within consensus sequences for specific transcription factors is possibly the mechanism underlying HAMP repression.ConclusionsThis study highlights a novel role for HAMP downregulation through DNA promoter hypermethylation and emphasises the significance of epigenetics in the regulation of iron metabolism in HCC.
Models meet data: Challenges and opportunities in implementing land management in Earth system models
Authors: Pongratz Julia , Dolman Han , Don Axel , Erb Karl‐Heinz , Fuchs Richard , Herold Martin , Jones Chris , Kuemmerle Tobias , Luyssaert Sebastiaan , Meyfroidt Patrick , Naudts Kim 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAs the applications of Earth system models (ESMs) move from general climate projections toward questions of mitigation and adaptation, the inclusion of land management practices in these models becomes crucial. We carried out a survey among modeling groups to show an evolution from models able only to deal with land‐cover change to more sophisticated approaches that allow also for the partial integration of land management changes. For the longer term a comprehensive land management representation can be anticipated for all major models. To guide the prioritization of implementation, we evaluate ten land management practices—forestry harvest, tree species selection, grazing and mowing harvest, crop harvest, crop species selection, irrigation, wetland drainage, fertilization, tillage, and fire—for (1) their importance on the Earth system, (2) the possibility of implementing them in state‐of‐the‐art ESMs, and (3) availability of required input data. Matching these criteria, we identify “low‐hanging fruits” for the inclusion in ESMs, such as basic implementations of crop and forestry harvest and fertilization. We also identify research requirements for specific communities to address the remaining land management practices. Data availability severely hampers modeling the most extensive land management practice, grazing and mowing harvest, and is a limiting factor for a comprehensive implementation of most other practices. Inadequate process understanding hampers even a basic assessment of crop species selection and tillage effects. The need for multiple advanced model structures will be the challenge for a comprehensive implementation of most practices but considerable synergy can be gained using the same structures for different practices. A continuous and closer collaboration of the modeling, Earth observation, and land system science communities is thus required to achieve the inclusion of land management in ESMs.
Multidimensional factors associated with the loss of independence: A population‐based longitudinal study
Authors: Kabayama Mai , Mikami Hiroshi , Kamide Kei 
Published: December 2017

AimTo clarify the factors associated with loss of independence multidimensionally over a 3‐year period among community‐dwelling older adults.MethodsThe survey was exclusively carried out by the local government for people aged >65 years who were independent at baseline living in H‐City, a mid‐sized urban city in Japan. The participants completed a self‐administered postal questionnaire, and we obtained data regarding their loss of independence from administrative records 3 years later.ResultsA total of 22 328 participants completed the follow up (baseline mean age 71.6 years). At follow up, 998 (4.3%) participants were categorized as dependent, with 606 requiring partial support in toileting, bathing and so on (mild loss of independence), and 392 requiring complete support (severe loss). Factors independently associated with mild loss of independence after 3 years for both men and women were advanced age, low physical function, low nutritional status, low cognitive function and high depression risk. In contrast, factors independently associated with severe loss of independence were advanced age, low physical function and high depression risk in men, and advanced age, and low physical and cognitive function in women.ConclusionsWe clarified the variety of factors associated with loss of independence according to its severity, and the strength of those independent associations was different in the whole city longitudinal study. The present study's findings have important clinical implications for the development of better preventive medicine to establish a society of healthy longevity. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 448–455.
Histological assessment of the liver explant in transplanted hepatitis C virus patients achieving sustained virological response with direct‐acting antiviral agents
Authors: Putra Juan , Schiano Thomas D , Fiel M Isabel 
Published: December 2017

AimsThe use of direct‐acting anti‐viral agents (DAAs) has resulted in extremely high sustained virological response (SVR) rates in patients being treated while on liver transplantation (LT) waiting lists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the histological findings of hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients who achieved SVR after receiving DAA treatment [SVR(+)] prior to LT, and compare them with HCV patients who had not achieved SVR [SVR(−)].Methods and resultsFifty‐eight adult HCV patients who underwent LT at our institution from 2014 to 2016 were included in the study. Two pathologists, blinded to SVR status, simultaneously evaluated the histological sections. Assessment included the Histology Activity Index (HAI/modified Knodell score), fibrosis stage (Ishak score), and Laennec cirrhosis stage. The study group comprised 25 SVR(+) patients (56% male; mean age, 63.8 years), and the control group comprised 33 SVR(−) patients (69% male; mean age, 61.7 years). There was no significant difference in HAI between the groups (P = 0.414). Patients who achieved SVR also did not show less portal inflammation (P = 0.787), interface hepatitis (P = 0.999), confluent necrosis (P = 0.627) or spotty necrosis (P = 0.093) than the control group. There was a trend towards a higher degree of inflammation in patients who achieved SVR in <24 weeks (P = 0.07). The degree of focal lytic necrosis/apoptosis and portal inflammation was more prominent in SVR(+) patients with shorter SVR–LT intervals.ConclusionsOur study is the first to report persistent inflammation in HCV patients who received DAAs prior to LT. This supports the notion that inflammation is immunologically driven and that inflammation persists despite the absence of virus.
RNA interference‐mediated functional characterization of aquaporin genes in Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Yao X.‐X. , Meng Q.‐W. , Li G.‐Q. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAn obvious challenge faced by most terrestrial insects is maintaining water homeostasis in an arid environment. Current research suggests aquaporins may be evolved to meet the challenge. However, up to now, this suggestion has not been verified in any insect that feeds upon solid food with mandibulate mouthparts. In the present paper, nine putative aquaporin genes [Tribolium castaneum big brain, T. castaneum Drosophila integral protein (TcDrip), T. castaneum Pyrocoelia rufa integral protein (TcPrip), T. castaneum aquaporin 12‐like, T. castaneum entomoglyceroporin 1 (TcEglp1), TcEglp2, TcEglp3, TcEglp4 and TcEglp5] were identified in T. castaneum. The transcripts of the nine genes were easily detectable in the foregut, midgut, hindgut–Malpighian tubule complex, fat body and carcass (except gut and fat body). Amongst them TcDrip, TcPrip, TcEglp1, TcEglp3 and TcEglp5 were highly transcribed in the hindgut–Malpighian tubule complex; TcEglp4 was abundantly expressed in both the fat body and hindgut–Malpighian tubule complex. RNA interference (RNAi)‐mediated knockdown of TcEglp3 caused a grey larval cuticle, in contrast to a smooth and bright cuticle in control larvae. Approximately 40% of the TcEglp3 RNAi larvae had their hindguts protruding from the anus; their fresh wet faeces were attached to the hindgut. Another 20% of these treated larvae did not defaecate normally; wet brown faeces were adhered to the anal area. As a result, the larval growth was inhibited and about 60% larval lethality occurred. Silencing of TcEglp4 or TcDrip exhibited similar but weaker defective phenotypes as those of the TcEglp3‐silenced larvae. Therefore, Eglp3, Eglp4 and Drip may contribute to the conductance of water in the alimentary canal and Malpighian tubules in T. castaneum.
Serum androgens and prostate‐specific antigen levels in androgenetic alopecia: is there a difference between frontal and vertex baldness?
Authors: Lis‐Święty A. , Arasiewicz H. , Ranosz‐Janicka I. , Brzezińska‐Wcisło L. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundAndrogenetic alopecia (AGA) seems to be a marker of increased risk of prostate cancer (PCa).ObjectiveWe sought to investigate potential pathophysiological differences between frontal and vertex balding that might have the impact on the incidence of PCa.MethodsSerum concentrations of testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) were measured in 88 subjects with AGA.ResultsWe have examined sixty patients with frontal baldness and 28 patients with vertex baldness. The subgroups did not differ significantly in age, BMI and as regards age of AGA onset, duration of AGA and comorbidities. The mean value of DHT in serum of the men with vertex baldness was higher than those in the men with frontal baldness with statistical significance (P < 0.05). The groups did not show significant differences in mean value of serum T and PSA levels, and DHT/T ratio. No correlation was found between the serum PSA level and serum androgen levels as well as DHT/T ratio.ConclusionsVertex baldness may signal higher exposures to circulating DHT. Serum PSA level cannot serve as surrogate diagnostic marker of increased androgenic activity in men with AGA.
Acetate provokes mitochondrial stress and cell death in Ustilago maydis
Authors: Kretschmer Matthias , Lambie Scott , Croll Daniel , Kronstad James W. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryThe fungal pathogen Ustilago maydis causes disease on maize by mating to establish an infectious filamentous cell type that invades the host and induces tumours. We previously found that β‐oxidation mutants were defective in virulence and did not grow on acetate. Here, we demonstrate that acetate inhibits filamentation during mating and in response to oleic acid. We therefore examined the influence of different carbon sources by comparing the transcriptomes of cells grown on acetate, oleic acid or glucose, with expression changes for the fungus during tumour formation in planta. Guided by the transcriptional profiling, we found that acetate negatively influenced resistance to stress, promoted the formation of reactive oxygen species, triggered cell death in stationary phase and impaired virulence on maize. We also found that acetate induced mitochondrial stress by interfering with mitochondrial functions. Notably, the disruption of oxygen perception or inhibition of the electron transport chain also influenced filamentation and mating. Finally, we made use of the connections between acetate and β‐oxidation to test metabolic inhibitors for an influence on growth and virulence. These experiments identified diclofenac as a potential inhibitor of virulence. Overall, these findings support the possibility of targeting mitochondrial metabolic functions to control fungal pathogens.
Liver transplant for metastatic pancreatoblastoma: 7‐year event‐free survival after chemotherapy, pancreatectomy, complete hepatectomy, and liver transplant
Authors: Ghaffarian A. A. , Book L. , Meyers R. L. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPancreatoblastoma is a rare malignant tumor in children. Surgical resection of the tumor is necessary for cure; however, due to its aggressive nature, it is often unresectable at presentation due to tumor size, local invasion, and/or metastasis. Because it is a rare tumor, there is currently no standard treatment regimen. We report a case of a 4‐year‐old boy who presented with metastatic pancreatoblastoma with multiple large metastases involving all four sectors of the liver. We began treatment with chemotherapy (cisplatin, 5FU, vincristine, and doxorubicin), which significantly reduced the tumor burden in both the pancreas and liver. We then performed a staged subtotal pancreatectomy, complete hepatectomy, and living donor left lateral segment liver transplant. This was followed by postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. Our patient is alive and healthy and has now been tumor‐free for 7 years with no tumor relapse.
Ultraviolet B eye irradiation aggravates atopic dermatitis via adrenocorticotropic hormone and NLRP3 inflammasome in NC/Nga mice
Authors: Hiramoto Keiichi , Yamate Yurika , Yokoyama Satoshi 
Published: December 2017

SummaryBackgroundUltraviolet (UV) B irradiation has been shown to improve atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the relationship between UVB eye irradiation and AD is not known. This issue was addressed using a mouse model of AD.MethodsThe eyes of NC/Nga mice were irradiated with UVB at a dose of 1.0 kJ/m2 using a 20SE sunlamp for the duration of the experimental period.ResultsAD symptoms deteriorated upon UVB eye irradiation. The levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the plasma and nucleotide‐binding domain and leucine‐rich‐containing family, pyrin domain‐containing (NLRP)3 and neutrophil markers in the skin were increased in UVB‐irradiated mice. Treatment with inhibitors of ACTH, caspase‐1, interleukin‐18, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) partly reversed the effects of irradiation, with the greatest improvement observed upon ACTH inhibition. The NLRP3 inflammasome was implicated in the effects of UVB irradiation.ConclusionsUVB eye irradiation causes AD symptom deterioration, which is likely mediated by ACTH and the activity of the inflammasome.