bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lactate increases myotube diameter via activation of MEK/ERK pathway in C2C12 cells
Authors: Ohno Y. , Oyama A. , Kaneko H. , Egawa T. , Yokoyama S. , Sugiura T. , Ohira Y. , Yoshioka T. , Goto K. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimLactate is produced in and released from skeletal muscle cells. Lactate receptor, G‐protein‐coupled receptor 81 (GPR81), is expressed in skeletal muscle cells. However, a physiological role of extracellular lactate on skeletal muscle is not fully clarified. The purpose of this study was to investigate extracellular lactate‐associated morphological changes and intracellular signals in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells.MethodsMouse myoblast C2C12 cells were differentiated for 5 days to form myotubes. Sodium lactate (lactate) or GPR81 agonist, 3,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,5‐DHBA), was administered to the differentiation medium.ResultsLactate administration increased the diameter of C2C12 myotubes in a dose‐dependent manner. Administration of 3,5‐DHBA also increased myotube diameter. Not only lactate but also 3,5‐DHBA upregulated the phosphorylation level of mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2), p42/44 extracellular signal‐regulated kinase‐1/2 (ERK1/2) and p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (p90RSK). MEK inhibitor U0126 depressed the phosphorylation of ERK‐p90RSK and increase in myotube diameter induced by lactate. On the other hand, both lactate and 3,5‐DHBA failed to induce significant responses in the phosphorylation level of Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin, p70 S6 kinase and protein degradation‐related signals.ConclusionThese observations suggest that lactate‐associated increase in the diameter of C2C12 myotubes is induced via activation of GRP81‐mediated MEK/ERK pathway. Extracellular lactate might have a positive effect on skeletal muscle size.
Vedolizumab in patients with concurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease does not improve liver biochemistry but is safe and effective for the bowel disease
Authors: Christensen B. , Micic D. , Gibson P. R. , Yarur A. , Bellaguarda E. , Corsello P. , Gaetano J. N. , Kinnucan J. , Rao V. L. , Reddy S. , Singh S. , Pekow J. , Rubin D. T. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryBackgroundBlocking of lymphocyte trafficking to bile ducts is a potential mechanism to alter the disease course of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).AimTo describe the effect of the α4β7 integrin antibody, vedolizumab, on liver biochemistry and disease activity in patients with PSC and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).MethodsThis is a retrospective multi‐centre study of adult patients with a diagnosis of both IBD and PSC. The primary outcome was change in serum alkaline phosphatase level at weeks 14 and 30. Secondary outcomes included changes in other liver biochemistries and in clinical outcomes for the bowel disease. A safety analysis for adverse events was performed.ResultsThirty‐four patients (16 Crohn's disease, 18 ulcerative colitis) were included. Nine (26%) had a history of liver transplant. Median follow‐up on vedolizumab was 9 months (IQR: 7‐16). There was no overall change in serum alkaline phosphatase level with vedolizumab therapy (median 268 [IQR: 105‐551] IU/L at baseline versus 249 [IQR: 183‐634] IU/L, P = 0.99 at week 30). No significant changes in other liver biochemistries or the Mayo PSC Risk Score were demonstrated at week 30. Clinical remission was achieved at week 30 in 55% of Crohn's disease and 29% of ulcerative colitis patients. Seven (21%) patients ceased vedolizumab; six patients stopped therapy due to persistent IBD activity and one for worsening of liver biochemistries.ConclusionVedolizumab treatment in patients with PSC and IBD did not improve liver biochemistry but was associated with improvement in bowel disease and a favourable safety profile.
Hepatitis C virus re‐treatment in the era of direct‐acting antivirals: projections in the USA
Authors: Chhatwal J. , Chen Q. , Ayer T. , Bethea E. D. , Kanwal F. , Kowdley K. V. , Wang X. , Roberts M. S. , Gordon S. C. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryBackgroundThe introduction of oral direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) has dramatically changed the landscape of HCV treatment. However, a small percentage of patients fail to achieve sustained virologic response (SVR). Understanding the number of people who fail on DAAs and require re‐treatment is important for budget impact and disease burden projections.AimTo quantify the number of HCV patients who fail to achieve SVR on oral DAAs (NS5A vs. non‐NS5A) and require re‐treatment.MethodsWe used a mathematical model to simulate clinical management of HCV in the USA, which included the implementation of HCV screening, treatment, and disease progression. We simulated different waves of DAA treatment and used real‐world data to extract SVR rates and market shares of available therapies.ResultsOur model projected that the number of people living without viraemia (i.e. cured) would increase from 0.70 million in 2014 to 1.78 million by 2020. Between 2014 and 2020, 1.50 million people would receive treatment with DAAs, of whom 124 000 (8.3%) are projected to fail to achieve SVR. Among those treatment failures, 66 600 (53.7%) patients would fail treatment with NS5A inhibitors and 69 600 (56.1%) would have cirrhosis. During the same period, 34 200 people would progress to decompensated cirrhosis and 27 300 would develop hepatocellular carcinoma after failing to achieve SVR.ConclusionsEven in the era of highly effective DAAs, a significant number of patients will fail to achieve SVR and will require re‐treatment options. Timely and effective re‐treatment is essential to prevent the long‐term sequelae of HCV.
Modified rib pivot lateral thoracotomy: a case series
Authors: Appelgrein C , Hosgood G 
Published: January 2018

ObjectiveTo describe a modified rib pivot thoracotomy and its clinical application in client‐owned dogs and cats.Study designCase series of 24 dogs and 1 cat requiring a thoracotomy.MethodsA lateral thoracic incision over the required thoracic segment was made. The latissimus dorsi muscle was reflected dorsally. The predetermined rib was identified and the periosteum overlying the rib was elevated circumferentially, avoiding the intercostal neurovascular structures. Holes were pre‐placed above and below the proposed osteotomy site. The rib was osteotomised and pivoted cranially. The pleura was incised and the required intrathoracic procedure was then performed. The thoracic cavity was closed by pre‐placement of a suture through the pre‐placed holes within the osteotomised rib. The pleura and intercostal musculature were closed, avoiding the intercostal neurovascular structures. The rib was re‐apposed and the lateral approach was closed. The cases included were reviewed for both the rib pivoted as per the procedure required and postoperative complications.ResultsThe study group comprised 8 Staffordshire Bull Terriers, 2 Poodles, 2 German Shepherd Dogs, 1 each of Basset Hound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Golden Retriever, Australian Shepherd, Vizsla, Bull Mastiff, Schnauzer, Jack Russell Terrier, Bulldog, Deerhound, Labrador Retriever and Australian Terrier, and 1 cat. A modified rib pivot thoracotomy was performed for lung lobectomy (n = 11), oesophagectomy (7), subtotal pericardectomy (5), patent ductus arteriosus ligation (1) and thoracic duct ligation (1). Follow‐up ranged from 2 to 40 weeks postoperatively. Postoperative complications included seroma formation in two dogs.ConclusionA modified rib pivot thoracotomy should be considered as an alternative lateral thoracic approach with good exposure, minimal complications and low morbidity.
Effects of Ojeok‐san on the Pharmacokinetics of Celecoxib at Steady‐state in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Park Sang‐In , Park Ji‐Young , Park Min‐Ju , Yim Sung‐Vin , Kim Bo‐Hyung 
Published: January 2018

AbstractOjeok‐san is a frequently used herbal medication for the management of osteoarthritic pain. We evaluated the effect of Ojeok‐san on the pharmacokinetics of celecoxib at steady‐state in healthy individuals. An open‐label, fixed‐sequence, two‐period, two‐treatment cross‐over study was conducted. In period I, the individuals received celecoxib capsule 200 mg once daily for 4 days. In period II, only Ojeok‐san (14.47 g/pack, three times daily) was administered for 4 days, followed by co‐administration with celecoxib for 4 days. On the fourth (final) day of administration, Ojeok‐san was administered as a single dose. The blood samples for pharmacokinetic evaluation were collected for up to 48 hr after the administration of celecoxib in each study period. Of the 22 enrolled individuals, 20 individuals completed the study. In the presence of Ojeok‐san, the systemic exposure of celecoxib was decreased. The geometric mean ratios ([celecoxib + Ojeok‐san]/celecoxib) and the 90% confidence intervals for the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and the area under the plasma concentration–time curve during dosing interval (AUCτ) of celecoxib at steady‐state were 0.725 (0.620–0.848) and 0.885 (0.814–0.962), respectively. The changes in the mean of the Cmax and AUCτ of celecoxib were greater in intermediate metabolizers of cytochrome 2C9 (CYP2C9) than in normal metabolizers. Our results suggested that the Cmax and AUCτ of celecoxib were reduced by Ojeok‐san co‐administration. This finding may be beneficial to determine the required adjustment of celecoxib dosage when co‐administered with Ojeok‐san.
The dynamics of tent‐roosts in the palm Sabal mauritiiformis and their use by bats in a montane dry forest
Authors: Herrera‐Victoria Ana María , Zuluaga‐Egas Marlyn , Rojas‐Díaz Vladimir , Valenzuela Leonor A. , Kattan Gustavo H. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTent‐making bats modify leaves to build refuges. Leaf modification involves energetic and defense costs that should be balanced by the benefits of tent‐roosting. The alteration of the leaf's vascular system reduces the tent's life expectancy, so to obtain a benefit, bats are expected to use tents regularly as long as they remain functional and not modify more leaves than necessary. Over 2 yr, we documented the dynamics of tent construction and use by Uroderma convexum and other bat species in the palm Sabal mauritiiformis in a Colombian transitional dry forest. We also assessed tent condition and compared it to nonmodified leaves of approximately the same age in focal palms. Probability of tent use by U. convexum varied between 57 percent during a reproductive period and 4 percent outside of this period. Bats cut the main vein of folioles, partially affecting water transport in the leaf. However, there were no differences between tents and nonmodified leaves in deterioration scores or deterioration rates over 1 yr. During 2 yr, 48 tents were lost for different causes, but this loss was balanced by the construction of 51 new tents. Thus, bats maintained an excess of usable tents. Palm leaves are long‐lived and seem preadapted to sustain damage and remain viable, particularly in species growing in dry environments. We present several hypotheses to explain the advantage of maintaining a tent surplus.
Measurement of Typhi Vi antibodies can be used to assess adaptive immunity in patients with immunodeficiency
Authors: Evans C , Bateman E , Steven R , Ponsford M , Cullinane A , Shenton C , Duthie G , Conlon C , Jolles S , Huissoon A P , Longhurst H J , Rahman T , Scott C , Wallis G , Harding S , Parker A R , Ferry B L 
Published: January 2018

SummaryVaccine-specific antibody responses are essential in the diagnosis of antibody deficiencies. Responses to Pneumovax II are used to assess the response to polysaccharide antigens, but interpretation may be complicated. Typhim Vi®, a polysaccharide vaccine for Salmonella typhoid fever, may be an additional option for assessing humoral responses in patients suspected of having an immunodeficiency. Here we report a UK multi-centre study describing the analytical and clinical performance of a Typhi Vi immunoglobulin (Ig)G enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) calibrated to an affinity-purified Typhi Vi IgG preparation. Intra- and interassay imprecision was low and the assay was linear, between 7·4 and 574 U/ml (slope = 0·99–1·00; R2 &gt; 0·99); 71% of blood donors had undetectable Typhi Vi IgG antibody concentrations. Of those with antibody concentrations &gt; 7·4 U/ml, the concentration range was 7·7–167 U/ml. In antibody-deficient patients receiving antibody replacement therapy the median Typhi Vi IgG antibody concentrations were &lt; 25 U/ml. In vaccinated normal healthy volunteers, the median concentration post-vaccination was 107 U/ml (range 31–542 U/ml). Eight of eight patients (100%) had post-vaccination concentration increases of at least threefold and six of eight (75%) of at least 10-fold. In an antibody-deficient population (n = 23), only 30% had post-vaccination concentration increases of at least threefold and 10% of at least 10-fold. The antibody responses to Pneumovax II and Typhim Vi® correlated. We conclude that IgG responses to Typhim Vi® vaccination can be measured using the VaccZyme Salmonella typhi Vi IgG ELISA, and that measurement of these antibodies maybe a useful additional test to accompany Pneumovax II responses for the assessment of antibody deficiencies.
Revisiting habitat and lifestyle transitions in Heteroptera (Insecta: Hemiptera): insights from a combined morphological and molecular phylogeny
Authors: Weirauch Christiane , Schuh Randall T. , Cassis Gerasimos , Wheeler Ward C. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractHeteroptera, the true bugs, are part of the largest clade of non‐holometabolous insects, the Hemiptera, and include > 42 000 described species in about 90 families. Despite progress in resolving phylogenetic relationships between and within infraorders since the first combined morphological and molecular analysis published in 1993 (29 taxa, 669 bp, 31 morphological characters), recent hypotheses have relied entirely on molecular data. Weakly supported nodes along the backbone of Heteroptera made these published phylogenies unsuitable for investigations into the evolution of habitats and lifestyles across true bugs. Here we present the first combined morphological and molecular analyses of Heteroptera since 1993, using 135 taxa in 60 families, 4018 aligned bp of ribosomalDNAand 81 morphological characters, and various analytical approaches. The sister‐group relationship of the predominantly aquatic Nepomorpha with all remaining Heteroptera is supported in all analyses, and a clade formed by Enicocephalomorpha, Dipsocoromorpha and Gerromorpha in some. All analyses recover Leptopodomorpha + (Cimicomorpha + Pentatomomorpha), mostly with high support. Parsimony‐ and likelihood‐based ancestral state reconstructions of habitats and lifestyles on the combined likelihood phylogeny provide new insights into the evolution of true bugs. The results indicate that aquatic and semi‐aquatic true bugs invaded these habitats three times independently from terrestrial habitats in contrast to a recent hypothesis. They further suggest that the most recent common ancestor of Heteroptera was predacious, and that the two large predominantly phytophagous clades (Trichophora and Miroidea) are likely to have derived independently from predatory ancestors. We conclude that by combining morphological and molecular data and employing various analytical methods our analyses have converged on a relatively well‐supported hypothesis of heteropteran infraordinal relationships that now requires further testing using phylogenomic and more extensive morphological datasets.
Association of early pregnancy body mass index with post‐partum weight change among African–American women
Authors: Schneider C. R. , Biggio J. R. , Chandler‐Laney P. C. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryPost‐partum weight retention is relatively common and increases the risk for future obesity. Women who are overweight or obese prior to pregnancy, or who gain excessively during pregnancy, are more likely to retain weight post‐partum. Much of the existing research is limited by a single post‐partum body‐weight measure and therefore cannot distinguish post‐partum weight retention from post‐partum weight accrual. This study tested the hypothesis that early pregnancy body mass index (BMI) is positively associated with post‐partum weight change, independent of gestational weight gain (GWG) and breastfeeding (BF) among African–American women, a demographic group with greater risk for obesity. Healthy African–American women (n = 32) were weighed at 2 weeks and 3 months post‐partum to derive post‐partum weight change. Data from prenatal care records were retrieved to calculate BMI at the first prenatal care visit and GWG. BF status at 2 weeks post‐partum was self‐reported. Early pregnancy BMI was positively associated with post‐partum weight change (partial r = 0.53, P < 0.005), independent of GWG and BF status at 2 weeks post‐partum. These results extend the literature by suggesting that the association between early pregnancy BMI and post‐partum weight retention may be at least partially attributable to the accrual of new weight during the post‐partum period. Future research in a larger and more diverse cohort is warranted and should explore potential mechanisms contributing to post‐partum weight change.
Impact of intraoperative cytokine adsorption on outcome of patients undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation—an observational study
Authors: Nemeth Endre , Kovacs Eniko , Racz Kristof , Soltesz Adam , Szigeti Szabolcs , Kiss Nikolett , Csikos Gergely , Koritsanszky Kinga B. , Berzsenyi Viktor , Trembickij Gabor , Fabry Szabolcs , Prohaszka Zoltan , Merkely Bela , Gal Janos 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to assess the influence of intraoperative cytokine adsorption on the perioperative vasoplegia, inflammatory response and outcome during orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT).MethodsEighty‐four OHT patients were separated into the cytokine adsorption (CA)‐treated group or controls. Vasopressor demand, inflammatory response described by procalcitonin and C‐reactive protein, and postoperative outcome were assessed performing propensity score matching.ResultsIn the 16 matched pairs, the median noradrenaline requirement was significantly less in the CA‐treated patients than in the controls on the first and second postoperative days (0.14 vs 0.3 μg*kg−1*min−1, P = .039 and 0.06 vs 0.32 μg*kg−1*min−1, P = .047). The inflammatory responses were similar in the two groups. There was a trend toward shorter length of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit (ICU) stay in the CA‐treated group compared to the controls. No difference in adverse events was observed between the two groups. However, the frequency of renal replacement therapy was significantly less in the CA‐treated patients than in the controls (P = .031).ConclusionsIntraoperative CA treatment was associated with reduced vasopressor demand and less frequent renal replacement therapy with a favorable tendency in length of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay. CA treatment was not linked to higher rates of adverse events.
Teaching Ivory 101: Building on a Legacy at the Walters Art Museum
Authors: Lauffenburger Julie , Drayman‐Weisser Terry 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe Walters Art Museum is a leader in the study, exhibition, and preservation of ivory. This is due to the confluence of several circumstances: a collection that includes over 2000 objects made wholly or in part from ivory and related materials, curatorial decisions to include ivory objects in display, and in‐house conservation expertise leading to new treatments and better understanding of the materials we collectively refer to as ivory. The Walters also plays a major role in ivory education, using its collections recently enhanced by a gift of over 400 non‐accessioned ivory specimens specifically for public access and outreach. This paper describes the museum's history and on‐going activities focused on ivory. It highlights the role of the ivory study collection to create public awareness and to address issues raised by the endangered status of the African elephant, supporting advocacy for both art and animal conservation. Since teaching about ivory at the Walters originated and has been consistently pursued through the Conservation and Technical Research Department, this paper is presented primarily from that perspective and demonstrates how such a program is enhanced by collaboration with staff educators. The article includes object accession numbers for works cited in the text.
Brown adipose tissue lipid metabolism in morbid obesity: Effect of bariatric surgery‐induced weight loss
Authors: Dadson Prince , Hannukainen Jarna C. , Din Mueez U , Lahesmaa Minna , Kalliokoski Kari K. , Iozzo Patricia , Pihlajamäki Jussi , Karlsson Henry K. , Parkkola Riitta , Salminen Paulina , Virtanen Kirsi A. , Nuutila Pirjo 
Published: January 2018

ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the effect of bariatric surgery on lipid metabolism in supraclavicular brown adipose tissue in morbidly obese women. We hypothesized that lipid metabolism improves after surgery‐induced weight loss.Materials and methodsA total of 23 morbidly obese women (BMI, 42.1 ± 4.2 kg/m2; age, 43.8 ± 9.8 years) were assessed before and 6 months after bariatric surgery and 15 age‐ and sex‐matched controls (22.6 ± 2.8 kg/m2) were assessed once. In the supraclavicular fat depot, fractional (FUR) and NEFA uptake rates were measured with 18F‐FTHA‐PET. We assessed tissue morphology (triglyceride content) using computed tomography (CT)‐radiodensity (in Hounsfield Units[HU]) and the proportion of fat with high density (sBAT [%]) in the entire supraclavicular fat depot.ResultsThe supraclavicular fractional uptake rate was lower in obese women compared to controls (0.0055 ± 0.0035 vs 0.0161 ± 0.0177 1/min, P = .001). Both FUR (to 0.0074 ± 0.0035 1/min, P = .01) and NEFA uptake rates (to 0.50 ± 0.50 μmol/100 g/min, P = .001) increased after surgery. Compared to controls, obese women had lower CT‐radiodensity (−101.2 ± 10.1 vs −82.5 ± 5.8 HU, P < .001) and sBAT (43.4 ± 8.4% vs 64.5 ± 12.4%, P < .001). After surgery, CT‐radiodensity increased (to −82.5 ± 9.6 HU, P < .001), signifying decreased triglyceride content and sBAT improved (to 58.0 ± 10.7%, P < .001), indicating an increased proportion of brown fat. The change in tissue morphology, reflected as increase in CT‐radiodensity and sBAT (%), was associated with a decrease in adiposity indices and an increase in whole‐body insulin sensitivity.ConclusionsA decrease in triglyceride content, coupled with the increased proportion of brown adipose tissue in the supraclavicular fat depot, may play a role in the improvement of whole‐body insulin sensitivity observed in morbidly obese women after surgery‐induced weight loss.