bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TC Mps1 12, a novel Mps1 inhibitor, suppresses the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via the accumulation of chromosomal instability
Authors: Choi Minji , Min Yoo Hong , Pyo Jaehyuk , Lee Chang‐Woo , Jang Chang‐Young , Kim Ja‐Eun 
Published: March 2017

Background and PurposeChromosomal instability is not only a hallmark of cancer but also an attractive therapeutic target. A diverse set of mitotic kinases maintains chromosomal stability. One of these is monopolar spindle 1 (Mps1, also known as TTK), which is essential for chromosome alignment and for the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC). Pharmacological inhibition of Mps1 has been suggested as a cancer therapeutic; however, despite the existence of a novel Mps1 inhibitor, TC Mps1 12, no such studies have been performed.Experimental ApproachThe effects of TC Mps1 12 on cell viability, chromosome alignment, centrosome number, mitotic duration, apoptosis and SAC were determined in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. In addition, the association of Mps1 expression with the overall survival of HCC patients was analysed.Key ResultsTreatment of human HCC cells with TC Mps1 12 led to chromosome misalignment and missegregation, and disorganization of centrosomes. Even in the presence of these errors, TC Mps1 12‐treated cells overrode the SAC, resulting in a shortened mitotic duration and mitotic slippage. This mitotic catastrophe triggered apoptosis and, finally, inhibited the growth of HCC cells. In addition, the expression of the Mps1‐encoding TTK gene was associated with poor overall survival of HCC patients.Conclusion and ImplicationsTC Mps1 12 results in the accumulation of chromosomal instabilities and mitotic catastrophe in HCC cells. Overall, these data demonstrate that the inhibition of Mps1 kinase using TC Mps1 12 is a promising therapeutic approach for liver cancer.
Rapid weight gain during infancy and early childhood is related to higher anthropometric measurements in preadolescence
Authors: Nanri H. , Shirasawa T. , Ochiai H. , Nomoto S. , Hoshino H. , Kokaze A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundThis study examined the relationship between rapid weight gain during infancy and/or early childhood and anthropometric measurements [body mass index (BMI), percent body fat (%BF), waist circumference (WC) and waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR)] in preadolescence by sex.MethodsSubjects were fourth‐grade school children (aged 9 to 10 years) from elementary schools in Ina‐town, Japan, in 2010. Measurements of height, weight, %BF and WC were conducted for each subject. We obtained data on height and weight of subjects at birth, age 1.5 years and age 3 years from the Maternal and Child Health handbook. Rapid weight gain was defined as a change in weight‐for‐age standard deviation score greater than 0.67 from birth to age 1.5 years (infancy) or from age 1.5 to 3 years (early childhood).ResultsAll anthropometric variables (BMI, %BF, WC and WHtR) at age 9 to 10 years were significantly higher in the rapid weight gain during both infancy and early childhood period group than in the no rapid weight gain group, regardless of sex. When compared with the no rapid weight gain group, rapid weight gain during early childhood period had significantly higher BMI and WC in boys and BMI, %BF and WC in girls. Compared with the no rapid weight gain group, the rapid weight gain during infancy group had a significantly higher WC in boys and significantly higher BMI and WC in girls.ConclusionRapid weight gain during both infancy and early childhood was related to higher anthropometric measurements, including WHtR, among Japanese preadolescents, regardless of sex. This study suggests that rapid weight gain during infancy and early childhood may be a risk factor for general/abdominal obesity later in life.
Reassessing the clinical spectrum associated with hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma syndrome in French FH mutation carriers
Authors: Muller M. , Ferlicot S. , Guillaud‐Bataille M. , Le Teuff G. , Genestie C. , Deveaux S. , Slama A. , Poulalhon N. , Escudier B. , Albiges L. , Soufir N. , Avril M.‐F. , Gardie B. , Saldana C. , Allory Y. , Gimenez‐Roqueplo A.‐P. , Bressac‐de Paillerets B. , Richard S. , Benusiglio P.R. 
Published: March 2017

We addressed uncertainties regarding hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC) by exploring all French cases, representing the largest series to date. Fumarate hydratase (FH) germline testing was performed with Sanger sequencing and qPCR/MLPA. Enzyme activity was measured when necessary. We carried out whenever possible a pathology review of RCC and S‐(2‐succino)‐cysteine (2SC)/fumarate hydratase immunohistochemistry. We estimated survival using non‐parametric Kaplan‐Meier. There were 182 cases from 114 families. Thirty‐seven RCC were diagnosed in 34 carriers (19%) at a median age of 40. Among the 23 RCC with pathology review, 13 were papillary type 2. There were 4 papillary RCC of unspecified type, 3 unclassified, 2 tubulocystic, and 1 collecting duct (CD) RCC, all 2SC+ and most (8/10) FH−. Of the remaining 14, papillary type 2, papillary unspecified, CD, and clear cell histologies were reported. The vast majority of RCC (82%) were metastatic at diagnosis or rapidly became metastatic. Median survival for metastatic disease was 18 months (95%CI: 11‐29). 133 cases (73%) had a history of cutaneous leiomyomas, 3 developed skin leiomyosarcoma. Uterine leiomyomas were frequent in women (77%), but no sarcomas were observed. Only 2 cases had pheochromocytomas/paraganglioma.ConclusionOur findings have direct implications regarding the identification and management of HLRCC patients.
Informed trading by foreign institutional investors as a constraint on tunneling: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiang , Yang Xiaotong , Strange Roger , Zhang Qiyu 
Published: March 2017

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueThis paper investigates how the trading activities of foreign institutional investors (FIIs) affect the tunneling activities of controlling shareholders in an emerging economy (China).Research Findings/InsightsWe use an unbalanced panel dataset of 167 FIIs with investments in Chinese real estate firms during the period 2003 to 2011, which gives us 1006 firm‐year observations in total. We find strong support for our hypothesis of an inverted U‐shaped relationship between FII trading turnover and the extent of tunneling by controlling shareholders.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsIn many emerging economies, the institutional environment for investor protection is weak. Powerful controlling shareholders may take the opportunity to extract private benefits via tunneling activities to the detriment of minority shareholders, and informed minority investors may also take advantage of less well‐informed investors. There are thus multiple principal–principal agency conflicts. FIIs are a particularly important group of informed investors. On the one hand, large‐scale aggressive trading by FIIs should drive stock prices to fundamentals, provide market discipline to management, and thus limit tunneling. On the other hand, FIIs may opt to exploit their private knowledge to gain trading profits at the expense of uninformed investors, and implicitly support tunneling. We highlight these potential effects, and demonstrate empirically an inverted U‐shaped relationship between FII trading turnover and the extent of tunneling.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsTunneling is a serious issue, particularly in emerging economies where the institutional arrangements for minority investor protection are often weak. FII involvement may enhance market discipline, but may also exacerbate the problem, so policymakers need to guard against potential adverse effects. An ownership cap on FII shareholdings is unlikely to be effective, but policymakers might strengthen QFII license revocation policies and issue more licenses to promote competition among FIIs.
Biliary reconstruction in liver transplant patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis, duct‐to‐duct or Roux‐en‐Y?
Authors: Shamsaeefar Alireza , Shafiee Mohammad , Nikeghbalian Saman , Kazemi Kourosh , Mansorian Mohsenreza , Motazedian Nasrin , Afshinnia Farsad , Geramizadeh Bita , Malekhosseini Seyed Ali 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIntroductionRoux‐en‐Y choledochojejunostomy and duct‐to‐duct (D‐D) anastomosis are biliary reconstruction methods for liver transplantation. However, there is a controversy over which method produces better results. We have compared the outcome of D‐D anastomosis vs. Roux‐en‐Y hepaticojejunostomy in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis who had undergone liver transplant in Shiraz Organ Transplant Center.MaterialsThe medical records of 405 patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) who had undergone liver transplant from 1996 to 2015 were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: Roux‐en‐Y group and D‐D group. Morbidity, disease recurrence, and graft and patient survival rates were compared between the two groups.ResultsTotal of 143 patients underwent a D‐D biliary reconstruction, and 260 patients had a Roux‐en‐Y loop. Biliary complication involved 4.2% of patients from the D‐D group, and 3.9% from the Roux‐en‐Y group (P=. 863). Actuarial 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year patient survival for D‐D and Roux‐en‐Y group was 92%, 85%, and 74%; and 87%, 83%, and 79%, respectively (P=.384). The corresponding 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year probability of biliary complication was 97%, 95%, and 92%; and 98%, 97%, and 94%, respectively (P=.61).ConclusionDuct‐to‐duct biliary reconstruction in liver transplantation for selected patients with PSC is a good alternative instead of Roux‐en‐Y biliary reconstruction.
Bedside screening with the use of pocket‐size imaging device can be useful for ruling out carotid artery stenosis in patients scheduled for cardiac surgery
Authors: Filipiak‐Strzecka Dominika , Kasprzak Jarosław D. , Szymczyk Ewa , Wejner‐Mik Paulina , Lipiec Piotr 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundPatients (pts) scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting, burdened with high risk of carotid stenosis, are recommended to undergo duplex ultrasonography (DUS) of carotid arteries.PurposeTo validate pocket‐size imaging device (PSID) equipped with linear probe as an easily accessible tool enabling bedside screening for carotid artery stenosis (CAS).MethodsA total of 100 pts (60 men, mean age 69±11 years) with multivessel coronary artery disease underwent bedside DUS of carotid arteries with the use of PSID performed by a cardiology resident trained in DUS. Subsequently, DUS with the use of stationary high‐end ultrasound system was performed in all pts to verify findings of PSID examination.ResultsInitial diagnosis of atherosclerotic plaque presence obtained with PSID in 59 patients was confirmed by high‐end ultrasound system examination in all cases. There was a statistically significant correlation of intima‐media thickness measurements between PSID and stationary system (r=.58; 95% CI: 0.48–0.66; P<.0001), but the coefficient of agreement (κ) between the two methods in classification of intima‐media as normal or thickened (>0.9 mm) was only .38 (95% CI: 0.299–0.459). During PSID examination, turbulent flow was observed in 21 pts—CAS was confirmed in all these pts—5 pts were diagnosed with significant CAS, the rest with CAS ranging from 30% to 70%.ConclusionsPocket‐size imaging device equipped with linear probe allows for identification of patients with atherosclerotic plaques and turbulent flow in carotid arteries; however, the degree of CAS cannot be reliably determined. The measurement accuracy of intima‐media thickness is insufficient for a diagnostic purpose.
Oviposition preference but not adult feeding preference matches with offspring performance in the bronze bug Thaumastocoris peregrinus
Authors: Martínez Gonzalo , Finozzi María Victoria , Cantero Gissel , Soler Roxina , Dicke Marcel , González Andrés 
Published: March 2017

AbstractOptimal foraging and optimal oviposition are two major forces leading to plant selection by insect females, but the contribution of these forces to the host‐selection process has been little studied for sucking herbivores. We studied feeding and oviposition behavior of a global pest, the bronze bug, Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero & Dellapé (Heteroptera: Thaumastocoridae), using dual‐choice bioassays to evaluate the preference of females between host species, developmental leaf stage, or prior plant exposure to conspecifics. We assessed the link between these preferences and the performance of the offspring, by comparing survival and developmental time of nymphs reared on the various treatments. Finally, we compared the composition of the leaf wax of healthy and damaged leaves, and tested the effects of leaf wax on female preference behavior. Using healthy adult leaves of Eucalyptus tereticornis Sm. (Myrtaceae) as a reference, we found that females prefer to feed on Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden and E. tereticornis adult leaves that had been previously damaged by female conspecifics, whereas they reject juvenile leaves of E. tereticornis as food. Females also prefer to oviposit on leaves previously damaged by conspecifics but they rejected E. grandis as oviposition substrate. Nymphal performance varied among leaf treatments, suggesting a correlation with oviposition preference (but not feeding preference). Epicuticular wax extracts from damaged leaves contained higher concentrations of long‐chain, saturated linear alkanes, aldehydes, and alcohols than extracts from undamaged leaves. However, a choice assay failed to demonstrate an oviposition preference based on leaf surface wax chemistry. We discuss these findings in the context of the preference‐performance relationship.
Long‐term trends in economic inequality: the case of the Florentine state, c. 1300–1800
Authors: Alfani Guido , Ammannati Francesco 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis article provides an overview of economic inequality, particularly of wealth, in the Florentine state (Tuscany) from the early fourteenth to the late eighteenth century. Regional studies of this kind are rare, and this is only the second‐ever attempt at covering such a long period. Consistent with recent research conducted on other European areas, during the early modern period we find clear indications of a tendency for economic inequality to grow continually, a finding that for Tuscany cannot be explained as the consequence of economic growth. Furthermore, the exceptionally old sources we use allow us to demonstrate that a phase of declining inequality, lasting about one century, was triggered by the Black Death from 1348 to 1349. This finding challenges earlier scholarship and significantly alters our understanding of the economic consequences of the Black Death.
False positive Ralstonia solanacearum real‐time PCR results in routine potato tuber samples caused by Advenella species: adaptations to avoid these cross‐reactions
Authors: Körner U. A. , Kroll U. , Hilgert S. 
Published: March 2017

Several real‐time PCR tests for the detection of Ralstonia solanacearum have been developed in recent years. Only the RS primer‐probe system, developed by Weller et al., detects all phylotypes of R. solanacearum in one test. The Saxon State Company for Environment and Agriculture (BfUL) has been using this real‐time PCR test since 2012 for routine testing of potato samples for R. solanacearum. Since the introduction of this test in the laboratory, samples were analysed which were suspected to be false positives [as they gave negative results in other standard tests of the European Union (EU) Commission Directive 2006/63/EC]. Advenella kashmirensis was identified as the cause of selected false positive samples. Inclusion of the three other known Advenella species revealed that this genus could be responsible for false positive results. Because of the rising number of these cases over the last years, two different modifications of the original test from Weller et al. were evaluated independently. It was possible to reduce false positive events, caused by Advenella species by 95% in retested potato tuber samples by using a shortened RS‐primer set in the first adaption of the RS primer‐probe system of Weller et al. The combination of the original RS primer‐set, published by Weller et al., with the RSP‐55T MGB‐probe, published recently in Vreeburg et al., in a second adaption, eliminated false positive events completely.
Castration in the standing horse combining laparoscopic and conventional techniques
Authors: Rijkenhuizen A. B. M. , van der Harst M. R. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryBackgroundStanding laparoscopic castration without orchidectomy has been shown to be a reliable method of castration in animals with abdominal cryptorchidism, but it cannot be recommended as a method of castration in those with inguinal cryptorchidism or normal males. An alternative laparoscopic method for the castration of horses with descended testes was developed.ObjectivesTo report the results of laparoscopy‐assisted abdominal transection of the spermatic cord and a modified open method in the standing horse for castration of descended testes in unilateral abdominal cryptorchids.Study designDescriptive case series.MethodsFifteen unilateral abdominal cryptorchids were castrated laparoscopically by performing intra‐abdominal ligation of both spermatic cords. The spermatic cord of the cryptorchid testis was not transected. After intra‐abdominal transection of the spermatic cord of the descended testis, the testis was removed by an open castration technique in the standing horse. Data collected included time taken to perform the surgical procedure, surgical complications and post‐operative recovery.ResultsAbdominal testes were located on the right side in eight horses and on the left in seven. The surgical procedure was easy to perform and few intra‐ or post‐operative complications were seen. Pulse and respiration rates and rectal temperatures remained within normal limits during the evaluation period in all but one animal, which displayed transient pyrexia. The scrotal and laparoscopic incisional wounds healed well without any signs of swelling or exudate. In one Warmblood, there was prolapse of subcutaneous tissue the day after surgery, which retracted in 3 days. The owners were contacted by telephone at 2–3 months after discharge. Post‐operative recovery had been uneventful in all horses.Main limitationsThis study included a small number of cases in which all surgeries were performed by or under the supervision of the same surgeon. Follow‐up was limited to telephone reports from owners.ConclusionsA laparoscopic technique that is combined with an open scrotal incision to remove the descended testis in the standing horse was developed and shown to be a safe and reliable option for the castration of unilateral abdominal cryptorchids.
Testing a Military Family Stress Model
Authors: Gewirtz Abigail H. , DeGarmo David S. , Zamir Osnat 
Published: March 2017

The current study examines a military family stress model, evaluating associations between deployment‐related stressors (i.e., deployment length/number, posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD] symptoms) and parent, child, parenting, and dyadic adjustment among families in which a parent had previously deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan in the recent conflicts. Married families (N = 293) with at least one child between the ages of 4 and 12 were recruited from a Midwestern state. Service members were from the Reserve Component (National Guard or Reserves); fathers (N = 253) and/or mothers had deployed (N = 45) to the recent conflicts in the Middle East. Multiple‐method (observations of parenting and couple interactions; questionnaires) and multiple informant measures were gathered online and in the homes of participants, from parents, children, and teachers. Findings demonstrated associations between mothers’ and fathers’ PTSD symptoms and a latent variable of child adjustment comprising teacher, parent, and child report. Mothers’ but not fathers’ PTSD symptoms were also associated with dyadic adjustment and parenting practices; parenting practices were in turn associated with child adjustment. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for military family stress research and interventions to support and strengthen parents and families after deployment.
The Neoarchaean surficial sulphur cycle: An alternative hypothesis based on analogies with 20th‐century atmospheric lead
Authors: Gallagher M. , Whitehouse M. J. , Kamber B. S. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe revisit the S‐isotope systematics of sedimentary pyrite in a shaly limestone from the ca. 2.52 Ga Gamohaan Formation, Upper Campbellrand Subgroup, Transvaal, South Africa. The analysed rock is interpreted to have been deposited in a water depth of ca. 50–100 m, in a restricted sub‐basin on a drowning platform. A previous study discovered that the pyrites define a nonzero intercept δ34SV‐CDT–Δ33S data array. The present study carried out further quadruple S‐isotope analyses of pyrite, confirming and expanding the linear δ34SV‐CDT–Δ33S array with an δ34S zero intercept at ∆33S ca. +5. This was previously interpreted to indicate mixing of unrelated S‐sources in the sediment environment, involving a combination of recycled sulphur from sulphides that had originally formed by sulphate‐reducing bacteria, along with elemental sulphur. Here, we advance an alternative explanation based on the recognition that the Archaean seawater sulphate concentration was likely very low, implying that the Archaean ocean could have been poorly mixed with respect to sulphur. Thus, modern oceanic sulphur systematics provide limited insight into the Archaean sulphur cycle. Instead, we propose that the 20th‐century atmospheric lead event may be a useful analogue. Similar to industrial lead, the main oceanic input of Archaean sulphur was through atmospheric raindown, with individual giant point sources capable of temporally dominating atmospheric input. Local atmospheric S‐isotope signals, of no global significance, could thus have been transmitted into the localised sediment record. Thus, the nonzero intercept δ34SV‐CDT–Δ33S data array may alternatively represent a very localised S‐isotope signature in the Neoarchaean surface environment. Fallout from local volcanic eruptions could imprint recycled MIF‐S signals into pyrite of restricted depositional environments, thereby avoiding attenuation of the signal in the subdued, averaged global open ocean sulphur pool. Thus, the superposition of extreme local S‐isotope signals offers an alternative explanation for the large Neoarchaean MIF‐S excursions and asymmetry of the Δ33S rock record.