bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autologous NeoHep Derived from Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Patients’ Blood Monocytes by Upregulation of c-MET Signaling
Authors: Bhattacharjee Jashdeep , Das Barun , Sharma Disha , Sahay Preeti , Jain Kshama , Mishra Alaknanda , Iyer Srikanth , Nagpal Puja , Scaria Vinod , Nagarajan Perumal , Khanduri Prakash , Mukhopadhyay Asok , Upadhyay Pramod 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
In view of the escalating need for autologous cell-based therapy for treatment of liver diseases, a novel candidate has been explored in the present study. The monocytes isolated from hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) nucleic acid test (NAT)-positive (HNP) blood were differentiated to hepatocyte-like cells (NeoHep) in vitro by a two-step culture procedure. The excess neutrophils present in HNP blood were removed before setting up the culture. In the first step of culture, apoptotic cells were depleted and genes involved in hypoxia were induced, which was followed by the upregulation of genes involved in the c-MET signaling pathway in the second step. The NeoHep were void of hepatitis B virus and showed expression of albumin, connexin 32, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-α, and functions such as albumin secretion and cytochrome P450 enzyme-mediated detoxification of xenobiotics. The engraftment of NeoHep derived from HBsAg-NAT-positive blood monocytes in partially hepatectomized NOD.CB17-Prkdcscid/J mice liver and the subsequent secretion of human albumin and clotting factor VII activity in serum make NeoHep a promising candidate for cell-based therapy.
Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB Protects Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) Derived From Immune Thrombocytopenia Patients Against Apoptosis and Senescence and Maintains MSC-Mediated Immunosuppression
Authors: Zhang Jia-min , Feng Fei-er , Wang Qian-ming , Zhu Xiao-lu , Fu Hai-xia , Xu Lan-ping , Liu Kai-yan , Huang Xiao-jun , Zhang Xiao-hui 
Published: July 2016

AbstractImmune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is characterized by platelet destruction and megakaryocyte dysfunction. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from ITP patients (MSC-ITP) do not exhibit conventional proliferative abilities and thus exhibit defects in immunoregulation, suggesting that MSC impairment might be a mechanism involved in ITP. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) improves growth and survival in various cell types. Moreover, PDGF promotes MSC proliferation. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of PDGF-BB on MSC-ITP. We showed that MSC-ITP expanded more slowly and appeared flattened and larger. MSC-ITP exhibited increased apoptosis and senescence compared with controls. Both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways account for the enhanced apoptosis. P53 and p21 expression were upregulated in MSC-ITP, but inhibition of p53 with pifithrin-α markedly inhibited apoptosis and senescence. Furthermore, MSCs from ITP patients showed a lower capacity for inhibiting the proliferation of activated T cells inducing regulatory T cells (Tregs) and suppressing the synthesis of anti-glycoprotein (GP)IIb-IIIa antibodies. PDGF-BB treatment significantly decreased the expression of p53 and p21 and increased survivin expression in MSC-ITP. In addition, the apoptotic rate and number of senescent cells in ITP MSCs were reduced. Their impaired ability for inhibiting activated T cells, inducing Tregs, and suppressing the synthesis of anti-GPIIb-IIIa antibodies was restored after PDGF-BB treatment. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that PDGF-BB protects MSCs derived from ITP patients against apoptosis, senescence, and immunomodulatory defects. This protective effect of PDGF-BB is likely mediated via the p53/p21 pathway, thus potentially providing a new therapeutic approach for ITP.SignificanceImmune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is characterized by platelet destruction and megakaryocyte dysfunction. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) improves growth and survival in various cell types and promotes mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) proliferation. PDGF-BB protects MSCs derived from ITP patients against apoptosis, senescence, and immunomodulatory defects. This protective effect of PDGF-BB is likely mediated via the p53/p21 pathway, thus potentially providing a new therapeutic approach for ITP.
A Multicenter Predictive Score for Amputation‐Free Survival for Patients Operated on with an Heparin‐Bonded ePTFE Graft for Critical Limb Ischemia
Authors: Dorigo Walter , Piffaretti Gabriele , Pulli Raffaele , Castelli Patrizio , Pratesi Carlo ,   PROPATEN Italian Registry Group, Pratesi Carlo , Dorigo Walter , Pulli Raffaele , Alessi Innocenti Alessandro , Pratesi Giovanni , De Blasis Giovanni , Scalisi Luciano , Monaca Vincenzo , Battaglia Giuseppe , Dorrucci Vittorio , Vecchiati Enrico , Casali Giovanni , Ferilli Fiore , Ottavi Paolo , Castelli Patrizio , Piffaretti Gabriele , Franchin Marco 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAim of the studyTo retrospectively create a predictive score for estimating amputation‐free survival (AFS) in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) operated on with the use of a heparin‐bonded expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) bypass graft (Hb‐ePTFE).MethodsOver a 13‐year period, ending in March 2015, a Hb‐ePTFE graft was implanted in 683 patients undergoing below‐knee revascularization for CLI in seven Italian vascular hospitals. Data concerning these interventions were retrospectively collected in a multicenter registry with a dedicated database. Univariate and multivariable analyses with Kaplan–Meier estimates were used to identify potential significant predictors of AFS at 5 years, and then a predictive risk score was constructed. A qualitative assessment of the Kaplan–Meier survival estimates for each integer score was performed, and subgroups of risk were stratified on the basis of the primary end point.ResultsOverall, estimated 5‐year AFS rate was 48.3 % (SE 0.024). At multivariate analysis, older age, coronary artery disease, end‐stage renal disease, tissue loss and poor runoff score were predictors of AFS. The integer score ranged from 0 to 11; Kaplan–Meier analysis for AFS in each score group identified three subgroups with significant differences at 5 years: low‐risk subgroup (scores from 0 to 2, 67.7 %), medium‐risk subgroup (scores 3 and 4, 49.2 %, p < 0.001 in comparison with low‐risk subgroup) and high‐risk subgroup (scores from 5 to 11, 25.2 %, p < 0.001 in comparison with either low‐risk subgroup or medium‐risk subgroup).ConclusionsA category of low‐risk patients with CLI treated with the indexed graft does exist, thus suggesting a primary role for Hb‐ePTFE in such patients. A prospective validation of such a score is necessary.
Energy Additivity Approaches to QSPR Modeling in Estimation of Dynamic Viscosity of Fatty Acid Methyl Ester and Biodiesel
Authors: Krisnangkura Kanit , Aryusuk Kornkanok , Phankosol Suriya , Lilitchan Supathra 
Published: July 2016

AbstractViscosity is an important physical property of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and biodiesel (mixture of FAMEs). In this work, quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) for estimation of dynamic viscosity of FAMEs and biodiesel is approached via the Gibbs energy additivity method. The Gibbs energy of dynamic viscous flow is simply derived from the sum of the Gibbs energy of kinematic viscous flow and Gibbs energy of volumetric expansion. The derived model can be used for estimation of dynamic viscosity of saturated and unsaturated FAMEs commonly found in nature. Also, the proposed model can be extended to a mixture of FAMEs or biodiesel as well as biodiesel blends. Thus, the dynamic viscosity of FAMEs as well as neat and blended biodiesels can be estimated by the same equation from the carbon number (z) and number of double bonds (nd) at different temperature (T). The average absolute deviation (AAD) values for saturated, unsaturated FAMEs, biodiesels, and biodiesel blends (at 20–100 °C) are approximately the same as the original model for estimation of kinematic viscosity.
The Role of Quality Control in Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing Library Preparation
Authors: Nietsch Rouven , Haas Jan , Lai Alan , Oehler Daniel , Mester Stefan , Frese Karen S. , Sedaghat-Hamedani Farbod , Kayvanpour Elham , Keller Andreas , Meder Benjamin 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is getting routinely used in the diagnosis of hereditary diseases, such as human cardiomyopathies. Hence, it is of utter importance to secure high quality sequencing data, enabling the identification of disease-relevant mutations or the conclusion of negative test results. During the process of sample preparation, each protocol for target enrichment library preparation has its own requirements for quality control (QC); however, there is little evidence on the actual impact of these guidelines on resulting data quality. In this study, we analyzed the impact of QC during the diverse library preparation steps of Agilent SureSelect XT target enrichment and Illumina sequencing. We quantified the parameters for a cohort of around 600 samples, which include starting amount of DNA, amount of sheared DNA, smallest and largest fragment size of the starting DNA; amount of DNA after the pre-PCR, and smallest and largest fragment size of the resulting DNA; as well as the amount of the final library, the corresponding smallest and largest fragment size, and the number of detected variants. Intriguingly, there is a high tolerance for variations in all QC steps, meaning that within the boundaries proposed in the current study, a considerable variance at each step of QC can be well tolerated without compromising NGS quality.
Effect of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors on Sexual Function: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Liu Luhao , Zhao Shankun , Li Futian , Li Ermao , Kang Ran , Luo Lianmin , Luo Jintai , Wan Shawpong , Zhao Zhigang 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACT

Introduction
5α-Reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) are widely used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and androgenetic alopecia (AGA).

Aim
To review all the available data on the effect of 5ARIs on sexual function and assess whether 5ARIs increase the risk of sexual dysfunction.

Methods
A systematic search of the literature was conducted using the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases. The search was limited to articles published in English and up to October 2015. Article selection proceeded according to the search strategy based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses criteria. Data were analyzed using Stata 12.0. A fixed- or a random-effects model was used to calculate the overall combined risk estimates. Publication bias was assessed using Begg and Egger tests.

Main Outcome Measures
Sexual dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, and decreased libido.

Results
After screening 493 articles, 17 randomized controlled trials with 17,494 patients were included. Nine studies evaluated the efficacy of 5ARIs in men with BPH. The other eight reported using 5ARIs in the treatment of men with AGA. The mean age of participants was 60.10 years across all studies. We included 10 trials (6,779 patients) on the efficacy and safety of finasteride, 4 trials (6,222 patients) on the safety and tolerability of dutasteride, and 3 trials (4,493 patients) using finasteride and dutasteride for AGA. The pooled relative risks for sexual dysfunction were 2.56 (95% CI = 1.48–4.42) in men with BPH and 1.21 (95% CI = 0.85–1.72) in men with AGA; those for erectile dysfunction were 1.55 (95% CI = 1.14–2.12) in men with BPH and 0.66 (95% CI = 0.20–2.25) in men with AGA; and those for decreased libido were 1.69 (95% CI = 1.03–2.79) in men with BPH and 1.16 (95% CI = 0.50–2.72) in men with AGA. Estimates of the total effects were generally consistent with the sensitivity analysis. No evidence of publication bias was observed.

Conclusion
Evidence from the randomized controlled trials suggested that 5ARIs were associated with increased adverse effects on sexual function in men with BPH compared with placebo. However, the association was not statistically significant in men with AGA. Well-designed randomized controlled trials are indicated to study further the mechanism and effects of 5ARIs on sexual function.
MiR‐31 and miR‐128 regulates poliovirus receptor‐related 4 mediated measles virus infectivity in tumors
Authors: Geekiyanage Hirosha , Galanis Evanthia 
Published: July 2016

Oncolytic measles virus strains are currently being evaluated in several clinical trials, as a promising novel oncolytic platform. Poliovirus receptor‐related 4 (PVRL4) was recently identified as a potent measles virus (MV) receptor; however, its regulation is not yet understood. Increased levels of PVRL4 protein were observed in cell membrane, cytoplasm and nuclei of glioblastoma, breast and ovarian tumor clinical samples with no significant change in PVRL4 mRNA levels in glioblastoma and breast cancer compared with their corresponding control samples, suggesting that PVRL4 is likely post‐transcriptionally regulated. Therefore, we sought to investigate the potential role of miRNAs in PVRL4 regulation and thus MV infectivity. We demonstrated that miR‐31 and miR‐128 can bind to the 3′UTR of PVRL4 and decrease PVRL4 levels while anti‐miR‐31/128 increase PVRL4 levels suggesting that PVRL4 is miRNA targeted. Furthermore, miR‐31/128 expression levels were down‐regulated in glioblastoma and breast tumor samples and showed significant negative correlations with PVRL4 levels. Infection with an MV strain that exclusively utilizes PVRL4 as its receptor showed that over‐expression of miR‐31/128 decreases MV infectivity while inhibition of the respective miRNAs via anti‐miRs increase MV infectivity and reduce tumor size in mouse xenograft models of glioblastoma, breast and ovarian cancer. Additionally, miR‐128 levels showed significant correlations with MV infection and in vivo anti‐tumor effect, while MV infection increased miR‐31 expression and thereby contributed to the observed decrease in PVRL4 levels. This study suggests that PVRL4 is post‐transcriptionally regulated by miR‐128 and miR‐31 and harbors possible miRNA targets that could modulate MV infectivity and in turn enhance MV based oncolytic therapeutic strategies.
Unpacking the curvilinear relationship between negative affectivity, performance, and turnover intentions: The moderating effect of time-related work stress
Authors: Bouckenooghe Dave , Raja Usman , Butt Arif Nazir , Abbas Muhammad , Bilgrami Sabahat 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThis study explores the relationships of negative affectivity with two frequently studied outcome variables job performance and turnover intentions. Conventional wisdom holds that negative affectivity has a harmful impact on both job performance and intentions to leave; however, we propose a more nuanced perspective using empirical and theoretical arguments (e.g., self-regulation theory) to highlight the functional effects of negative affectivity. To test our hypotheses, we collected self-reported and supervisor-reported data from seven organizations in Pakistan. The findings based on data collected from 280 employees show that while negative affectivity is detrimental for job performance, this effect is mitigated as negative affectivity increases. It further shows that the linear negative main effect of negative affectivity on job performance is more pronounced when employees experience less time-related work stress. Finally, the curvilinear relationship between negative affectivity and turnover intentions is moderated by time-related work stress. The relationship has a U shape at high levels of time-related work stress, whereas at low levels it has an inverted U shape. A discussion of the limitations, future research, and implications for theory building and practice conclude the article.
Sense of calling in the workplace: The moderating effect of supportive organizational climate in Taiwanese organizations
Authors: Lee Amber Yun-Ping , Chen I-Heng , Chang Po-Chien 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe sense of calling has emerged as a burgeoning research interest for the past decade due to its close connection to the meaningfulness of work. However, the effects of a sense of calling and how it functions in the workplace remain unclear. This study aims at enhancing the concept of calling and understanding its application in organizations. Therefore, a cross-level model was proposed according to data collected from 24 organizations in Taiwan. As a result, our study demonstrated that sense of calling is positively related to individual performance, and the supportive organizational climate also plays an important role in the relationship between sense of calling and contextual performance. Consequently, by incorporating factors at both the organizational and individual levels into the mechanism of calling, a valuable insight into and application of an individual’s sense of calling in the work context has been established, and management implications were also provided.
Oral vitamin D supplementation at five times the recommended allowance marginally affects serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in dogs
Authors: Young Lauren R. , Backus Robert C. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractLittle is known regarding optimal vitamin D status in adult dogs. To date no studies on vitamin D supplementation for improving vitamin D status have been reported for adult dogs. The aims of this study were to identify dogs with low vitamin D status and evaluate an oral dosage of cholecalciferol (D3) for effectiveness in increasing vitamin D status. For this, forty-six privately owned dogs were evaluated. Of the dogs, thirty-three (or 71·7 %) had serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations less than 100 ng/ml, a minimum previously suggested for vitamin D sufficiency in dogs. Subsequently, thirteen dogs were enrolled in a supplementation trial. Dogs were given either a D3supplement (n7; 2·3 µg/kg0·75) or olive oil placebo (n6) daily with food. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D were determined at weeks 1, 3 and 6, and at the trial end. Only at the trial end (weeks 9–10) was 25(OH)D significantly greater (P= 0·05) in supplementedv.placebo dogs. Serum concentrations of 24R,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol determined at the trial end were about 40 % of that of 25(OH)D3and not significantly different between the groups. Concentrations of parathyroid hormone, ionised Ca, P and creatinine measured in initial and final serum samples indicated supplementation caused no toxicity. We conclude that vitamin D3supplementation at a dosage near the National Research Council recommended safe-upper limit was not effective for rapidly raising serum 25(OH)D concentrations in healthy, adult dogs. Further work is needed in evaluating the metabolism of orally administered D3in dogs before dosing recommendations can be made.
Greenland surface mass-balance observations from the ice-sheet ablation area and local glaciers
Authors: MACHGUTH HORST , THOMSEN HENRIK H. , WEIDICK ANKER , AHLSTRØM ANDREAS P. , ABERMANN JAKOB , ANDERSEN MORTEN L. , ANDERSEN SIGNE B. , BJØRK ANDERS A. , BOX JASON E. , BRAITHWAITE ROGER J. , BØGGILD CARL E. , CITTERIO MICHELE , CLEMENT POUL , COLGAN WILLIAM , FAUSTO ROBERT S. , GLEIE KARIN , GUBLER STEFANIE , HASHOLT BENT , HYNEK BERNHARD , KNUDSEN NIELS T. , LARSEN SIGNE H. , MERNILD SEBASTIAN H. , OERLEMANS JOHANNES , OERTER HANS , OLESEN OLE B. , SMEETS C. J. P. PAUL , STEFFEN KONRAD , STOBER MANFRED , SUGIYAMA SHIN , VAN AS DIRK , VAN DEN BROEKE MICHIEL R. , VAN DE WAL RODERIK S. W. 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACTGlacier surface mass-balance measurements on Greenland started more than a century ago, but no compilation exists of the observations from the ablation area of the ice sheet and local glaciers. Such data could be used in the evaluation of modelled surface mass balance, or to document changes in glacier melt independently from model output. Here, we present a comprehensive database of Greenland glacier surface mass-balance observations from the ablation area of the ice sheet and local glaciers. The database spans the 123 a from 1892 to 2015, contains a total of ~3000 measurements from 46 sites, and is openly accessible through the PROMICE web portal (http://www.promice.dk). For each measurement we provideX, YandZcoordinates, starting and ending dates as well as quality flags. We give sources for each entry and for all metadata. Two thirds of the data were collected from grey literature and unpublished archive documents. Roughly 60% of the measurements were performed by the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS, previously GGU). The data cover all regions of Greenland except for the southernmost part of the east coast, but also emphasize the importance of long-term time series of which there are only two exceeding 20 a. We use the data to analyse uncertainties in point measurements of surface mass balance, as well as to estimate surface mass-balance profiles for most regions of Greenland.
Influencing Readiness and Intentions to Offer Tobacco Dependence Treatment Through Training: King Hussein Cancer Center and Global Bridges Promoting an Underutilised Specialty in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Authors: Hawari Feras I. , Bader Rasha K. , Obeidat Nour A. , Ayub Hiba S. , Ghonimat Iyad M. , Hays J. Taylor , Hurt Richard D. 
Published: July 2016

Introduction:Although tobacco dependence treatment (TDT) is key to tobacco control, there continues to be a shortage of services in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Barriers to offering services include the lack of training and education.Aims:To create a network of healthcare providers (HCPs) capable of advancing TDT, King Hussein Cancer Center – the regional host for Global Bridges in the EMR – developed, implemented, and evaluated a regional TDT training programme.Methods:The programme employed a predisposing–enabling–reinforcing framework, and utilised a combination of learning techniques. The evidence-informed curriculum aimed to influence knowledge, confidence, and competence, and the evaluation mechanism was aligned with these aims.Results and discussion:Training produced a 37% and 23% gain in knowledge and TDT-specific competencies, respectively. The majority of participants reported that the workshops enhanced confidence, and 72% reported intentions for positive change. Participants rated the workshops highly, and anticipated value from joining Global Bridges network. Immediate outcomes indicate success in advancing participants’ self-efficacy and readiness to treat. Intentions for positive change may potentially be the first step in modifying practice.Conclusion:Capacity building in TDT could be the first step in meeting the need for trained HCPs through positively influencing knowledge, confidence, competence, and intentions.
Presidential Address: Fourth Annual Meeting of the American Political Science Association: The Future of Representative Government
Authors: Judson F. N. 
Published: July 2016

In the United States we have seen a revival of the ancient discussion concerning the line of demarcation between national and State authority under our complex federal system, but there is an underlying question which cannot have escaped the thoughtful observer involved in the growing popular distrust of the representative system whereon both federal and State governments are based. This tendency is being manifested in very material modifications in representative government, as understood by the founders of our government, and I therefore ask your attention to the consideration of The Future of Representative Government.This form of government, wherein the sovereign power of law-making is wholly delegated to deputies elected by the people, is of comparatively modern origin, and in the modern sense of the term it was unknown to the ancients. While its origin is obscure, we know that it was in England that representative government found its development in the form in which it was so greatly impressed upon the framers of our Constitution. Sir Henry Maine in his Popular Government says that it was virtually England's discovery of government by representation which caused parliamentary institutions to be preserved in England from the destruction which overtook them everywhere else, and to devolve as an inheritance upon the United States.