bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D and risk of preterm birth: Up‐to‐date meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials and observational studies
Authors: Zhou Shan‐Shan , Tao Yong‐Hao , Huang Kun , Zhu Bei‐Bei , Tao Fang‐Biao 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAimWe performed a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies to answer the two following questions: (i) whether low maternal circulating 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25‐OHD) is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth (PTB) or spontaneous PTB (sPTB); and (ii) whether vitamin D supplementation alone during pregnancy can reduce the risk of PTB.MethodsLiterature search was carried out using Pubmed, Web of Science and Embase databases up to June 2016. Pooled OR or relative risk (RR) with 95%CI were computed using fixed or random effects models depending on the size of heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis was used to explore potential sources of between‐study heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated using Egger's test and Begg's test.ResultsTwenty‐four articles (six RCT and 18 observational studies) were identified. Maternal circulating 25‐OHD deficiency (pooled OR, 1.25; 95%CI: 1.13–1.38) rather than insufficiency (pooled OR, 1.09; 95%CI: 0.89–1.35) was associated with an increased risk of PTB, and vitamin D supplementation alone during pregnancy could reduce the risk of PTB (pooled RR, 0.57; 95%CI: 0.36–0.91). This was also the case for the sPTB subgroup (circulating 25‐OHD <50 vs >50 nmol/L; pooled OR, 1.45; 95%CI: 1.20–1.75).ConclusionsMaternal circulating 25‐OHD deficiency could increase PTB risk and vitamin D supplementation alone during pregnancy could reduce PTB risk. Extrapolation of the results, however, must be done with caution, and there is urgent need for larger, better‐designed RCT to confirm this effect.
Melatonin signaling in T cells: Functions and applications
Authors: Ren Wenkai , Liu Gang , Chen Shuai , Yin Jie , Wang Jing , Tan Bie , Wu Guoyao , Bazer Fuller W. , Peng Yuanyi , Li Tiejun , Reiter Russel J. , Yin Yulong 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMelatonin affects a variety of physiological processes including circadian rhythms, cellular redox status, and immune function. Importantly, melatonin significantly influences T‐cell‐mediated immune responses, which are crucial to protect mammals against cancers and infections, but are associated with pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases. This review focuses on our current understanding of the significance of melatonin in T‐cell biology and the beneficial effects of melatonin in T‐cell response‐based diseases. In addition to expressing both membrane and nuclear receptors for melatonin, T cells have the four enzymes required for the synthesis of melatonin and produce high levels of melatonin. Meanwhile, melatonin is highly effective in modulating T‐cell activation and differentiation, especially for Th17 and Treg cells, and also memory T cells. Mechanistically, the influence of melatonin in T‐cell biology is associated with membrane and nuclear receptors as well as receptor‐independent pathways, for example, via calcineurin. Several cell signaling pathways, including ERK1/2‐C/EBPα, are involved in the regulatory roles of melatonin in T‐cell biology. Through modulation in T‐cell responses, melatonin exerts beneficial effects in various inflammatory diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, and multiple sclerosis. These findings highlight the importance of melatonin signaling in T‐cell fate determination, and T cell‐based immune pathologies.
Identification and characterization of Rubisco activase genes in Oryza punctata
Authors: Xu Si , Qin Zong‐Yan , Gong Pi‐Chang , Dong Qian‐Li , Bao Ying 
Published: February 2017

AbstractRubisco activase (Rca), a specific chaperone, catalyzes the in vivo activation of Rubisco, and thus plays a major role in plant photosynthesis. Although the genes encoding Rubisco activase have been studied in many model or economic plants, few studies have analyzed their homologs in plants of closely related crop species. In this study, an Rca gene was identified and characterized in a wild relative of rice, Oryza punctata Kotschy ex Steud. The gene was 2747 bp long and possessed six exons and five introns with 47% GC content. Furthermore, cDNA sequencing produced two transcripts, RcaL and RcaS, that differed in the sequence by an inclusion of 99 bp at the carboxy terminus of RcaL. Sequence comparison between the two transcripts and the genomic DNA showed that there was a 20‐bp alternative splicing event that occurred at the fifth intron of the gene leading to the synthesis of a short polypeptide. The leaf transcriptome analysis showed that RcaS had a higher expression level than that of RcaL in a normal growth environment. In addition, the yeast two‐hybrid assays showed the small isoform of Rubisco activase in close contact with the large subunit of the Rubisco in this species, supporting the side‐on binding model of interaction between two proteins. This study broadens our understanding of the molecular characteristics of some essential genes in photosynthesis.
Daily activity patterns in the giant root rat (Tachyoryctes macrocephalus), a fossorial rodent from the Afro‐alpine zone of the Bale Mountains, Ethiopia
Authors: Vlasatá T. , Šklíba J. , Lövy M. , Meheretu Y. , Sillero‐Zubiri C. , Šumbera R. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractRodents adjust their activity to environmental conditions. The adjustment can be especially pronounced in climatically challenging environments. We studied activity patterns in the free‐living giant root rat (Tachyoryctes macrocephalus), a large fossorial rodent endemic to the Afro‐alpine ecosystem of the Bale Mountains, Ethiopia, by means of radio telemetry. We radio‐tracked 17 adults during two periods of a dry season differing in temperature and food supply. In both periods, root rats spent a large part of the day (around 79%) in their underground nests. The proportion of time the animals were active aboveground decreased from 6.9 to 3.8% between the early and late dry season, which contradicts our prediction that aboveground activity would increase under lower food supply. We propose that there are thermoregulation advantages of prolonged aboveground activity during warm hours in the colder early dry season. In both periods, the root rats displayed diurnal activity with a unimodal pattern positively related to the temperature at the soil surface. Unlike in some other burrowing rodents, there was no tendency to decrease activity in the warmest part of the day even in the relatively warm late dry season.
Three‐dimensional assessment of condylar position and joint spaces after maxillary first premolar extraction in skeletal Class II malocclusion
Authors: Alhammadi M. S. , Fayed M. S. , Labib A. 
Published: February 2017

Structured AbstractObjectivesThis study sought to investigate the three‐dimensional (3D) changes in anteroposterior, vertical and mediolateral positions and orientations of the mandibular condyle as well as joint space parameters following maxillary first premolar extraction and incisor retraction in skeletal Class II patients.Setting and Sample PopulationThirty patients were treated by orthodontic maxillary first premolar extraction at the Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.Materials and MethodsCone beam computed tomography (CBCT) analysis was performed in patients pre‐ and post‐treatment. Sixty joints were evaluated based on the volumetric images, and the following 3D measurements were evaluated: (i) mandibular condylar position relative to the cranial base and the joint itself, (ii) condylar inclination and (iii) anterior, posterior, superior and medial joint spaces.ResultsThere was a statistically significant (P≤.05) posterior positioning of the condyle relative to the vertical plane. The distance increased significantly from 5.77 to 6.82 mm as this plane is anterior to the mandibular condyle. There was an increased anterior joint space (from 3.10 to 3.90 mm) and decreased posterior joint space (from 2.78 to 2.23 mm) following treatment. No changes were observed in mediolateral and vertical condylar positions.ConclusionsPosterior positioning of the condyle after orthodontic extraction and incisor retraction may occur, but its clinical significance requires further assessment in future studies.
Stem hydraulic capacitance decreases with drought stress: implications for modelling tree hydraulics in the Mediterranean oak Quercus ilex
Authors: Salomón Roberto L , Limousin Jean‐Marc , Ourcival Jean‐Marc , Rodríguez‐Calcerrada Jesús , Steppe Kathy 
Published: February 2017

AbstractHydraulic modelling is a primary tool to predict plant performance in future drier scenarios. However, as most tree models are validated under non‐stress conditions, they may fail when water becomes limiting. To simulate tree hydraulic functioning under moist and dry conditions, the current version of a water flow and storage mechanistic model was further developed by implementing equations that describe variation in xylem hydraulic resistance (RX) and stem hydraulic capacitance (CS) with predawn water potential (ΨPD). The model was applied in a Mediterranean forest experiencing intense summer drought, where six Quercus ilex trees were instrumented to monitor stem diameter variations and sap flow, concurrently with measurements of predawn and midday leaf water potential. Best model performance was observed when CS was allowed to decrease with decreasing ΨPD. Hydraulic capacitance decreased from 62 to 25 kg m−3 MPa−1 across the growing season. In parallel, tree transpiration decreased to a greater extent than the capacitive water release and the contribution of stored water to transpiration increased from 2.0 to 5.1%. Our results demonstrate the importance of stored water and seasonality in CS for tree hydraulic functioning, and they suggest that CS should be considered to predict the drought response of trees with models.
Blood donation and testosterone replacement therapy
Authors: Chin‐Yee Benjamin , Lazo‐Langner Alejandro , Butler‐Foster Terrie , Hsia Cyrus , Chin‐Yee Ian 
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUNDPolycythemia is the most common adverse effect of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and may predispose patients to adverse vascular events. Current Canadian guidelines recommend regular laboratory monitoring and discontinuing TRT or reducing the dose if the hematocrit exceeds 54% (hemoglobin ≥180 g/L). This threshold has been interpreted by some physicians and patients to indicate the need for phlebotomy or blood donation while on TRT.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe reviewed all male blood donors in Southwestern Ontario at Canadian Blood Services from December 2013 to March 2016 who self‐identified or were found on donor screening to be on TRT. Hemoglobin concentration was measured at the time of donation or clinic visit and with each subsequent appointment in repeat donors.RESULTSWe identified 39 patients on TRT who presented for blood donation over a 2‐year period. The mean hemoglobin level at all clinic visits was 173 g/L (range, 134‐205 g/L; n = 108). Hemoglobin concentrations of 180 g/L or more (calculated hematocrit, ≥54%) were measured at 25% of appointments. Of the 27 repeat donors, 12 (44%) had persistently elevated hemoglobin levels (≥180 g/L) at subsequent donations.CONCLUSIONHemoglobin concentrations were elevated in donors on TRT, and significant numbers had hemoglobin levels above those recommended by current guidelines. These data also suggest that repeat blood donation was insufficient to maintain a hematocrit below 54%. Our findings raise concerns about the persistent risk of vascular events in these donors, particularly when coupled with the misperception by patients and health care providers that donation has reduced or eliminated the risks of TRT‐induced polycythemia.
Improved outcomes and reduced costs associated with a health‐system–wide patient blood management program: a retrospective observational study in four major adult tertiary‐care hospitals
Authors: Leahy Michael F. , Hofmann Axel , Towler Simon , Trentino Kevin M. , Burrows Sally A. , Swain Stuart G. , Hamdorf Jeffrey , Gallagher Trudi , Koay Audrey , Geelhoed Gary C. , Farmer Shannon L. 
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUNDPatient blood management (PBM) programs are associated with improved patient outcomes, reduced transfusions and costs. In 2008, the Western Australia Department of Health initiated a comprehensive health‐system–wide PBM program. This study assesses program outcomes.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThis was a retrospective study of 605,046 patients admitted to four major adult tertiary‐care hospitals between July 2008 and June 2014. Outcome measures were red blood cell (RBC), fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP), and platelet units transfused; single‐unit RBC transfusions; pretransfusion hemoglobin levels; elective surgery patients anemic at admission; product and activity‐based costs of transfusion; in‐hospital mortality; length of stay; 28‐day all‐cause emergency readmissions; and hospital‐acquired complications.RESULTSComparing final year with baseline, units of RBCs, FFP, and platelets transfused per admission decreased 41% (p < 0.001), representing a saving of AU$18,507,092 (US$18,078,258) and between AU$80 million and AU$100 million (US$78 million and US$97 million) estimated activity‐based savings. Mean pretransfusion hemoglobin levels decreased 7.9 g/dL to 7.3 g/dL (p < 0.001), and anemic elective surgery admissions decreased 20.8% to 14.4% (p = 0.001). Single‐unit RBC transfusions increased from 33.3% to 63.7% (p < 0.001). There were risk‐adjusted reductions in hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67‐0.77; p < 0.001), length of stay (incidence rate ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.84‐0.87; p < 0.001), hospital‐acquired infections (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.73‐0.86; p < 0.001), and acute myocardial infarction‐stroke (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.58‐0.82; p < 0.001). All‐cause emergency readmissions increased (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.10; p = 0.001).CONCLUSIONImplementation of a unique, jurisdiction‐wide PBM program was associated with improved patient outcomes, reduced blood product utilization, and product‐related cost savings.
Targeting canine mammary tumours via gold nanoparticles functionalized with promising Co(II) and Zn(II) compounds
Authors: Raposo L. R. , Roma‐Rodrigues C. , Jesus J. , Martins L. M. D. R. S. , Pombeiro A. J. , Baptista P. V. , Fernandes A. R. 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundDespite continuous efforts, the treatment of canine cancer has still to deliver effective strategies. For example, traditional chemotherapy with doxorubicin and/or docetaxel does not significantly increase survival in dogs with canine mammary tumors (CMTs).AimsEvaluate the efficiency of two metal compounds [Zn(DION)2]Cl (TS262, DION = 1,10‐phenanthroline‐5,6‐dione) and [CoCl(H2O)(DION)2][BF4] (TS265) and novel nanovectorizations designed to improve the anti‐cancer efficacy of these compounds in a new CMT derived cell line (FR37‐CMT).Materials and methodsFR37‐CMT cells were exposed to different concentrations of TS262 and TS265 and two new nanoparticle systems and cellular viability was determined. These nanosystems are composed of polyethylene‐glycol, bovine‐serum‐albumin and TS262 or TS265 (NanoTS262 or NanoTS265, respectively).ResultsIn FR37‐CMT, TS262 and TS265 displayed IC50 values well below those displayed by doxorubicin and cisplatin. The nanovectorizations further decreased the IC50 values.DiscussionTS262 and TS265 proved to be effective against FR37‐CMT cells and more effective than of doxorubicin and cisplatin. The Nanosystems efficiently delivered the cytotoxic cargo inducing a significant reduction of cell viability in FR37‐CMT cell line when compared to the free compounds.ConclusionsTS262 and TS265 are compounds with potential in the treatment of CMTs. NanoTS262 and NanoTS265 demonstrate that such simple nanovectorization via gold nanoparticles shows tremendous potential as anti‐cancer formulations, which may easily be expanded to suit other cargo.
Negative pressure wound therapy using polyvinyl alcohol foam to bolster full‐thickness mesh skin grafts in dogs
Authors: Or Matan , Van Goethem Bart , Kitshoff Adriaan , Koenraadt Annika , Schwarzkopf Ilona , Bosmans Tim , de Rooster Hilde 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo report the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) foam to bolster full‐thickness mesh skin grafts in dogs.Study DesignRetrospective case series.AnimalsClient‐owned dogs (n = 8).Material and MethodsFull‐thickness mesh skin graft was directly covered with PVA foam. NPWT was maintained for 5 days (in 1 or 2 cycles). Grafts were evaluated on days 2, 5, 10, 15, and 30 for graft appearance and graft take, granulation tissue formation, and complications.ResultsFirm attachment of the graft to the recipient bed was accomplished in 7 dogs with granulation tissue quickly filling the mesh holes, and graft take considered excellent. One dog had bandage complications after cessation of the NPWT, causing partial graft loss. The PVA foam did not adhere to the graft or damage the surrounding skin.ConclusionThe application of NPWT with a PVA foam after full‐thickness mesh skin grafting in dogs provides an effective method for securing skin grafts, with good graft acceptance. PVA foam can be used as a primary dressing for skin grafts, obviating the need for other interposing materials to protect the graft and the surrounding skin.
Animal Models of Zika Virus Infection, Pathogenesis, and Immunity
Authors: Morrison Thomas E. , Diamond Michael S. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT
Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging mosquito-transmitted flavivirus that now causes epidemics affecting millions of people on multiple continents. The virus has received global attention because of some of its unusual epidemiological and clinical features, including persistent infection in the male reproductive tract and sexual transmission, an ability to cross the placenta during pregnancy and infect the developing fetus to cause congenital malformations, and its association with Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. This past year has witnessed an intensive effort by the global scientific community to understand the biology of ZIKV and to develop pathogenesis models for the rapid testing of possible countermeasures. Here, we review the recent advances in and utility and limitations of newly developed mouse and nonhuman primate models of ZIKV infection and pathogenesis.
Dinucleotide Composition in Animal RNA Viruses Is Shaped More by Virus Family than by Host Species
Authors: Di Giallonardo Francesca , Schlub Timothy E. , Shi Mang , Holmes Edward C. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT
Viruses use the cellular machinery of their hosts for replication. It has therefore been proposed that the nucleotide and dinucleotide compositions of viruses should match those of their host species. If this is upheld, it may then be possible to use dinucleotide composition to predict the true host species of viruses sampled in metagenomic surveys. However, it is also clear that different taxonomic groups of viruses tend to have distinctive patterns of dinucleotide composition that may be independent of host species. To determine the relative strength of the effect of host versus virus family in shaping dinucleotide composition, we performed a comparative analysis of 20 RNA virus families from 15 host groupings, spanning two animal phyla and more than 900 virus species. In particular, we determined the odds ratios for the 16 possible dinucleotides and performed a discriminant analysis to evaluate the capability of virus dinucleotide composition to predict the correct virus family or host taxon from which it was isolated. Notably, while 81% of the data analyzed here were predicted to the correct virus family, only 62% of these data were predicted to their correct subphylum/class host and a mere 32% to their correct mammalian order. Similarly, dinucleotide composition has a weak predictive power for different hosts within individual virus families. We therefore conclude that dinucleotide composition is generally uniform within a virus family but less well reflects that of its host species. This has obvious implications for attempts to accurately predict host species from virus genome sequences alone.

IMPORTANCE
Determining the processes that shape virus genomes is central to understanding virus evolution and emergence. One question of particular importance is why nucleotide and dinucleotide frequencies differ so markedly between viruses. In particular, it is currently unclear whether host species or virus family has the biggest impact on dinucleotide frequencies and whether dinucleotide composition can be used to accurately predict host species. Using a comparative analysis, we show that dinucleotide composition has a strong phylogenetic association across different RNA virus families, such that dinucleotide composition can predict the family from which a virus sequence has been isolated. Conversely, dinucleotide composition has a poorer predictive power for the different host species within a virus family and across different virus families, indicating that the host has a relatively small impact on the dinucleotide composition of a virus genome.
Cohort profile: the Scottish Research register SHARE. A register of people interested in research participation linked to NHS data sets
Authors: McKinstry Brian , Sullivan Frank M , Vasishta Shobna , Armstrong Roma , Hanley Janet , Haughney John , Philip Sam , Smith Blair H , Wood Amanda , Palmer Colin N A 
Published: February 2017

PurposeRecruitment to trials is often difficult. Many trials fail to meet recruitment targets resulting in underpowered studies which waste resources and the time of those who participated. While there is evidence that many people are willing to take part in research, particularly if it involves a condition from which they suffer, researchers are unable to easily contact such people often relying on busy clinicians to identify them. Many clinicians perceive themselves as too busy to take part in research activities. The Scottish Health Research Register SHARE adopts an approach which asks the public to consent to their data held in National Health Service databases to be used to determine their suitability for research projects. Additionally, participants can consent for spare blood, left after routine venepuncture to be automatically identified in the laboratory and stored for future research studies.ParticipantsAnyone over the age of 16 years in Scotland can participate. Participants are approached through a range of methods including directly at outpatient clinics and general practitioners practices, leaflets with hospital letters and personal email from employers.Findings to dateSHARE has recruited around 130 000 people. SHARE has demonstrated that it can quickly and efficiently recruit to studies, over 20 until now. In addition, it can be used to administer questionnaire studies by email and recruit to patient and public involvement groups.Future plansSHARE continues to steadily recruit with the ambition of eventually achieving 1 000 000 people in Scotland. We are steadily increasing the number of data sets we use for identifying participants. We are adding a mobile app which will facilitate dissemination about research and allow the collection of physiological and activity data if desired. We anticipate that SHARE will soon become the main source of health research recruitment in Scotland.