bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic variants in NTCP exon gene are associated with HBV infection status in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Wu Wennan , Zeng Yongbin , Lin Jinpiao , Wu Yingying , Chen Tianbin , Xun Zhen , Ou Qishui 
Published: December 2017

AimSodium taurocholate co‐transporting polypeptide (NTCP) plays an important role in the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids. Recently, NTCP was identified as a hepatitis B virus (HBV) receptor. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of NTCP polymorphisms with HBV clinical outcomes and investigate the relationship between NTCP polymorphisms and the serum bile acid level in a Chinese Han population.MethodsThe single nucleotide polymorphisms rs2296651 and rs4646285 were genotyped in 1619 Chinese Han individuals. Improved multiple ligase detection reaction was utilized to genotype. The level of bile acids was measured by the enzymatic cycling method. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis was carried out to analyze the potential function.ResultsIn logistic regression analysis, the frequency of rs2296651 (S267F) CT genotype was higher in HBV immune recovery and healthy control groups than in the chronic HBV infection group (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Patients who carried allele T showed a higher bile acid level than patients who did not carry allele T (P = 0.009). The rs4646285 AA genotype was more common in the immune recovery group than in the chronic HBV infection group (P = 0.011). No difference in serum bile acid was detected between the rs4646285 wild‐type patients and mutant‐type patients. Quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction showed the NTCP mRNA levels were lower in rs4646285 variants than wild types.ConclusionNTCP gene polymorphisms may be associated with the natural course of HBV infection in a Chinese Han population. The S267F variant may be a protective factor to resist chronic hepatitis B progression which showed a higher bile acid level in Chinese Han chronic HBV infection patients. The rs4646285 variants could influence the expression of NTCP at the level of transcription, and ultimately may be associated with HBV infection immune recovery.
Giant cell tumours of bone treated with denosumab: histological, immunohistochemical and H3F3A mutation analyses
Authors: Kato Ikuma , Furuya Mitsuko , Matsuo Kosuke , Kawabata Yusuke , Tanaka Reiko , Ohashi Kenichi 
Published: December 2017

AimsDenosumab, a human monoclonal antibody directed against the receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL), is a therapeutic agent for giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB). Although some studies have reported that denosumab shrinks tumours and induces bone formation, the actual effects of RANKL suppression on GCTB remain unclear. A mutation in the H3 histone family member 3A gene (H3F3A) was recently identified as a genetic signature for GCTB. The aim of this study was to investigate the histopathological features and H3F3A mutation status of GCTBs treated with denosumab.Methods and resultsNine biopsy‐diagnosed patients with GCTB, who underwent curettage after neoadjuvant denosumab therapy, were reviewed. Immunohistochemistry for NFATc1 (an osteoclast marker), RUNX2 (an osteoblast marker) and histone H3.3 G34W (G34W, a GCTB marker) was performed; furthermore, H3F3A mutation status was examined with direct sequencing. Before therapy, GCTBs comprised NFATc1+ and RUNX2+ cells. All cases were G34W+ and contained H3F3A mutations. After therapy, the osteoclast‐like giant cells disappeared. Areas of slender spindle cell proliferation and reticular woven bone that were NFATc1− and RUNX2+ replaced the lesions in various proportions. However, all post‐therapy lesions still contained many G34W+ cells and harboured H3F3A mutations. Immunofluorescence double staining revealed that RUNX2+ mononuclear cells coexpressed G34W in pre‐therapy and post‐therapy lesions. Two patients experienced radiologically detected local recurrence within 2 years.ConclusionsDenosumab therapy effectively decreases the number of osteoclastic cells in GCTBs. However, the neoplastic cells with H3F3A mutation survive denosumab treatment and undergo dramatic histological changes in response to this agent.
The tectonic boundary between the Okcheon and Taebaeksan basins, South Korea: A restraining bend of a continental transform fault between the South and North China Cratons
Authors: Kim Hyeong Soo , Ree Jin‐Han , Yi Keewook 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe geological relationship between the Okcheon and Taebaeksan basins of the Okcheon belt on the Korean peninsula is a key issue in reconstructing the tectonic evolution of the peninsula. The boundary between the two basin sequences has been variously interpreted as a conformable, unconformable, or thrust contact, without clear evidence being provided for any of these hypotheses. Detailed examination of structures and microfabrics of deformed rocks adjacent to the contact in the Bonghwajae area suggests that the boundary between the two basin sequences is a thrust. Based on the U–Pb ages of detrital zircons from metasedimentary rocks and pre‐existing geologic data from the Okcheon belt, the thrust is a relay structure between two segments of a continental transform fault along which the Okcheon Basin was juxtaposed against the Taebaeksan Basin during the Permian–Triassic suturing of the North and South China Cratons.
Does it pay to concentrate conservation efforts for dead‐wood dependent insects close to existing reserves: a test on conservation planning in Sweden
Authors: Hallinger Martin , Kärvemo Simon , Ranius Thomas 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Forestry has significantly changed many boreal forest landscapes with negative effects on biodiversity. Main reasons are habitat loss and deterioration, due to a simplified forest composition, including a reduction in old trees and dead wood. In Sweden, measures to counter the loss of biodiversity are taken at forest harvesting, and include forest harvest retention.

Areas of high conservation values (AHCV) have been identified in Sweden to prioritise conservation efforts, but so far these areas have not been used when making decisions about forest harvest retention.

In this study, we tested if dead wood from forest harvest retention is used by more dead wood‐dependent insect species (24 beetles and four other insects, redlisted or indicating high biodiversity) on clearcuts within than outside of AHCVs and whether the composition of the surrounding landscape influences species occurrence.

There were not more dead wood‐dependent insect species per clearcut within AHCVs than outside. The surrounding landscape had an influence on the species richness on clearcuts, but in several cases the pattern was the opposite of our hypotheses. Increased standing volume of relevant tree species, however, tended to increase the occurrence or number of associated species.

The designation of ACHVs in Sweden is not related with occurrence of dead wood or dead wood‐dependent organisms. We also found that landscape context can have effects on species richness. The result urges for better planning so that ACHV areas are designated in landscapes where their potential for conservation of dead wood‐dependent organisms is highest.
Ficoll‐hypaque separation vs whole blood lysis: Comparison of efficiency and impact on minimal residual disease analysis
Authors: Genuardi E. , Barbero D. , Dogliotti I. , Mantoan B. , Drandi D. , Gambella M. , Zaccaria G. M. , Monitillo L. , Della Starza I. , Cavalli M. , De Novi L. A. , Ciabatti E. , Grassi S. , Gazzola A. , Mannu C. , Del Giudice I. , Galimberti S. , Agostinelli C. , Piccaluga P. P. , Ladetto M. , Ferrero S. ,   Fondazione Italiana Linfomi (FIL) MRD Network
Published: December 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe high‐throughput era remarkably changed molecular laboratory practice. Actually, the increasing number of processed samples requires to reduce the risk of operator biases, by automating or simplifying as much as possible both the analytical and the pre‐analytical phases. Minimal residual disease (MRD) studies in hematology often require a simultaneous processing of many bone marrow and peripheral blood samples from patients enrolled in prospective, multicenter, clinical trials, monitored at several planned time points.MethodsIn this study, we demonstrate that red blood cell lysis (RBL) pre‐analytical procedure can replace the time‐consuming Ficoll stratification as cell recovering step. Here, we show a MRD comparison study using both total white blood cells and mononuclear cells recovered by the 2 procedures from 46 follicular lymphoma (FL), 15 multiple myeloma (MM), and 11 mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients enrolled in prospective clinical trials.ResultsThe experiments were performed in the 4 laboratories of the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi (FIL) MRD Network and showed superimposable results, in terms of good correlation (R = 0.87) of the MRD data obtained by recovering blood cells by the 2 approaches.ConclusionBased on these results, the FIL MRD Network suggests to optimize the pre‐analytical phases introducing RBL approach for cell recovery in the clinical trials including MRD analysis.
Estimated incidence of influenza‐associated severe acute respiratory infections in Indonesia, 2013‐2016
Authors: Susilarini Ni K. , Haryanto Edy , Praptiningsih Catharina Y. , Mangiri Amalya , Kipuw Natalie , Tarya Irmawati , Rusli Roselinda , Sumardi Gestafiana , Widuri Endang , Sembiring Masri M. , Noviyanti Widya , Widaningrum Christina , Lafond Kathryn E. , Samaan Gina , Setiawaty Vivi 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundIndonesia's hospital‐based Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) surveillance system, Surveilans Infeksi Saluran Pernafasan Akut Berat Indonesia (SIBI), was established in 2013. While respiratory illnesses such as SARI pose a significant problem, there are limited incidence‐based data on influenza disease burden in Indonesia. This study aimed to estimate the incidence of influenza‐associated SARI in Indonesia during 2013‐2016 at three existing SIBI surveillance sites.MethodsFrom May 2013 to April 2016, inpatients from sentinel hospitals in three districts of Indonesia (Gunung Kidul, Balikpapan, Deli Serdang) were screened for SARI. Respiratory specimens were collected from eligible inpatients and screened for influenza viruses. Annual incidence rates were calculated using these SIBI‐enrolled influenza‐positive SARI cases as a numerator, with a denominator catchment population defined through hospital admission survey (HAS) to identify respiratory‐coded admissions by age to hospitals in the sentinel site districts.ResultsFrom May 2013 to April 2016, there were 1527 SARI cases enrolled, of whom 1392 (91%) had specimens tested and 199 (14%) were influenza‐positive. The overall estimated annual incidence of influenza‐associated SARI ranged from 13 to 19 per 100 000 population. Incidence was highest in children aged 0‐4 years (82‐114 per 100 000 population), followed by children 5‐14 years (22‐36 per 100 000 population).ConclusionsIncidence rates of influenza‐associated SARI in these districts indicate a substantial burden of influenza hospitalizations in young children in Indonesia. Further studies are needed to examine the influenza burden in other potential risk groups such as pregnant women and the elderly.
Recognition of Delirium Features in Clinical Practice: Data from the “Delirium Day 2015” National Survey
Authors: Mossello Enrico , Tesi Francesca , Di Santo Simona G. , Mazzone Andrea , Torrini Monica , Cherubini Antonio , Bo Mario , Musicco Massimo , Bianchetti Angelo , Ferrari Alberto , Ferrara Nicola , Trabucchi Marco , Morandi Alessandro , Bellelli Giuseppe ,   the Italian Study Group on Delirium
Published: December 2017

Background/ObjectivesDelirium is underrecognized in clinical practice. The primary aim of the present multicenter study was to compare the ability of nurses to identify delirium features with a standardized assessment. The secondary aim was to identify predictors of missed or incorrect identifications of delirium by nurses.DesignPoint prevalence study in 120 wards across Italy.Setting“Delirium Day 2015.”ParticipantsInpatients aged 65 and older (N = 1,867).MeasurementsParticipants and nurses were asked specific questions to investigate their perceptions of the presence of delirium features (acute cognitive change, inattention, cognitive fluctuations, impaired arousal). Delirium was identified according to the results of the Assessment Test for Delirium and Cognitive Impairment (4AT), completed by a physician. Comorbidities including dementia, disability, drug treatments, and delirium motor subtype according to the Delirium Motor Subtype Scale were recorded.ResultsDelirium was present in 429 subjects (23%) according to the 4AT. Cognitive fluctuations was the delirium feature that the nurses most often recognized. Nurses’ perceptions of acute cognitive change, cognitive fluctuations, or impaired arousal had 84% sensitivity and 81% specificity for delirium. The nonmotor subtype of delirium was less likely to be recognized (80%) than the hyperactive (97%), mixed (92%), and hypoactive (90%) subtypes. Incorrect perception of delirium was more frequent in subjects with dementia (specificity 64%).ConclusionsThe delirium feature that nurses were best able to recognize was cognitive fluctuations. The nonmotor subtype was associated with a lower recognition rate. Routine observation and registration of delirium features by nurses in clinical practice might be helpful to increase formal diagnosis of delirium.
Adenosine A2A receptors are required for glutamate mGluR5‐ and dopamine D1 receptor‐evoked ERK1/2 phosphorylation in rat hippocampus: involvement of NMDA receptor
Authors: Krania Paraskevi , Dimou Eleni , Bantouna Maria , Kouvaros Stylianos , Tsiamaki Eirini , Papatheodoropoulos Costas , Sarantis Konstantinos , Angelatou Fevronia 
Published: December 2017

AbstractInteraction between mGluR5 and NMDA receptors (NMDAR) is vital for synaptic plasticity and cognition. We recently demonstrated that stimulation of mGluR5 enhances NMDAR responses in hippocampus by phosphorylating NR2B(Tyr1472) subunit, and this reaction was enabled by adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR) (J Neurochem, 135, 2015, 714). In this study, by using in vitro phosphorylation and western blot analysis in hippocampal slices of male Wistar rats, we show that mGluR5 stimulation or mGluR5/NMDARs co‐stimulation synergistically activate ERK1/2 signaling leading to c‐Fos expression. Interestingly, both reactions are under the permissive control of endogenous adenosine acting through A2ARs. Moreover, mGluR5‐mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation depends on NMDAR, which however exhibits a metabotropic way of function, since no ion influx through its ion channel is required. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that mGluR5 and mGluR5/NMDAR‐evoked ERK1/2 activation correlates well with the mGluR5/NMDAR‐evoked NR2B(Tyr1472) phosphorylation, since both phenomena coincide temporally, are Src dependent, and are both enabled by A2ARs. This indicates a functional involvement of NR2B(Tyr1472) phosphorylation in the ERK1/2 activation. Our biochemical results are supported by electrophysiological data showing that in CA1 region of hippocampus, the theta burst stimulation (TBS)‐induced long‐term potentiation coincides temporally with an increase in ERK1/2 activation and both phenomena are dependent on the tripartite A2A, mGlu5, and NMDARs. Furthermore, we show that the dopamine D1 receptors evoked ERK1/2 activation as well as the NR2B(Tyr1472) phosphorylation are also regulated by endogenous adenosine and A2ARs. In conclusion, our results highlight the A2ARs as a crucial regulator not only for NMDAR responses, but also for regulating ERK1/2 signaling and its downstream pathways, leading to gene expression, synaptic plasticity, and memory consolidation.
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9‐month results of polymer‐free sirolimus eluting stents in young patients compared to a septuagenarian and octogenarian all‐comer population
Authors: Kherad Behrouz , Waliszewski Matthias , Leschke Matthias , Kader Muhammad Ali , Bang Liew Houng , Ruiz‐Poveda Fernando Lozano , Pieske Burkert , Krackhardt Florian 
Published: December 2017

ObjectivesTo evaluate the 9‐month safety and efficacy of polymer‐free sirolimus eluting drug eluting stents in septuagenarians and octogenarians.MethodsAn all‐comer, worldwide single armed trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02629575) was conducted to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of an ultra‐thin strut, polymer‐free sirolimus eluting stent (PF‐SES). The primary endpoint was the 9‐month target revascularization rate (TLR). Secondary endpoints included the rates of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), stent thrombosis (ST) and bleeding (BARC) in septuagenarians (≥70 years, <80 years), and in octogenarians (≥80 years) to be compared to the younger patient group (<70 years).ResultsA total of 1607 patients were treated with PF‐SES in the sub‐70‐year‐old age group, 694 in septuagenarians, and 371 in the octogenarian patient group. At 9 months, the MACE rates were 7.2% in octogenarians, 5.3% in septuagenarians, and 3.0% in the younger patient group (P = 0.001). These were mostly driven by all‐cause mortality (4.4% vs 1.9% vs 0.6%, P < 0.001) while the TLR rates were only numerically lower in the younger age group (P = 0.080). BARC 1‐5 bleeding events were more frequent in the older age group (1.9% vs 2.7% vs 4.6%, P = 0.012) whereas the rates for ST were not different (0.7% vs 0.6% vs 0.6%, P = 0.970).ConclusionsIn octogenarians treated with PF‐SES, the rates for MACE, overall mortality, and bleeding are higher as compared to the younger age groups. However, the rates for TLR and ST were not significantly different across the investigated age groups. PF‐SES are safe and effective in octogenarians.
Transglutaminase type 2 plays a key role in the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
Authors: Palucci I. , Matic I. , Falasca L. , Minerva M. , Maulucci G. , De Spirito M. , Petruccioli E. , Goletti D. , Rossin F. , Piacentini M. , Delogu G. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundMycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), the aetiological agent of tuberculosis (TB), is capable of interfering with the phagosome maturation pathway, by inhibiting phagosome–lysosome fusion and the autophagic process to ensure survival and replication in macrophages. Thus, it has been proposed that the modulation of autophagy may represent a therapeutic approach to reduce MTB viability by enhancing its clearance.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate whether transglutaminase type 2 (TG2) is involved in the pathogenesis of MTB.ResultsWe have shown that either genetic or pharmacological inhibition of TG2 leads to a marked reduction in MTB replicative capacity. Infection of TG2 knockout mice demonstrated that TG2 is required for MTB intracellular survival in macrophages and host tissues. The same inhibitory effect can be reproduced in vitro using Z‐DON, a specific inhibitor of the transamidating activity of TG2. Massive cell death observed in macrophages that properly express TG2 is hampered by the absence of the enzyme and can be largely reduced by the treatment of wild‐type macrophages with the TG2 inhibitor. Our data suggest that reduced MTB replication in cells lacking TG2 is due to the impairment of LC3/autophagy homeostasis. Finally, we have shown that treatment of MTB‐infected murine and human primary macrophages with cystamine, a TG2 inhibitor already tested in clinical studies, causes a reduction in intracellular colony‐forming units in human macrophages similar to that achieved by the anti‐TB drug capreomycin.ConclusionThese results suggest that inhibition of TG2 activity is a potential novel approach for the treatment of TB.
Clinical and Arterial Spin Labeling Brain MRI Features of Transitional Venous Anomalies
Authors: Zhang Michael , Telischak Nicholas A. , Fischbein Nancy J. , Steinberg Gary K. , Marks Michael , Zaharchuk Greg , Heit Jeremy J. , Iv Michael 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSETransitional venous anomalies (TVAs) are rare cerebrovascular lesions that resemble developmental venous anomalies (DVAs), but demonstrate early arteriovenous shunting on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) without the parenchymal nidus of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). We investigate whether arterial spin labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can distinguish brain TVAs from DVAs and guide their clinical management.METHODSWe conducted a single‐center retrospective review of patients with brain parenchymal DVA‐like lesions with increased ASL signal on MRI. Clinical histories and follow‐up information were obtained. Two readers assessed ASL signal location relative to the vascular lesion on MRI and, if available, the presence of arteriovenous shunting on DSA.RESULTSThirty patients with DVA‐like lesions with increased ASL signal were identified. Clinical symptoms prompted MRI evaluation in 83%. Symptoms did not localize to the venous anomaly in 90%. Ten percent presented with acute symptoms, only one of whom presented with hemorrhage. ASL signal in relation to the venous anomaly was identified in: 50% in the adjacent parenchyma, 33% in the lesion, 7% in a distal draining vein/sinus, and 10% in at least two of these sites. Follow‐up DSA confirmed arteriovenous shunting in 71% of ASL‐positive venous anomalies. Interrater agreement was very good (κ = .81‐1.0, P < .001).CONCLUSIONA DVA‐like lesion with increased ASL signal likely represents a TVA with arteriovenous shunting. Our study indicates that these lesions are usually incidentally detected and have a lower risk of hemorrhage than AVMs. ASL‐MRI may be a useful tool to identify TVAs and guide further management of patients with TVAs.
Validation of the Pain Resilience Scale in Chinese‐speaking patients with temporomandibular disorders pain
Authors: He S. L. , Wang J. H. , Ji P. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryTo validate the Pain Resilience Scale (PRS) for use in Chinese patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) pain. According to international guidelines, the original PRS was first translated and cross‐culturally adapted to formulate the Chinese version of PRS (PRS‐C). A total of 152 patients with TMD pain were recruited to complete series of questionnaires. Reliability of the PRS‐C was investigated using internal consistency and test‐retest reliability. Validity of the PRS‐C was calculated using cross‐cultural validity and convergent validity. Cross‐cultural validity was evaluated by examining the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). And convergent validity was examined through correlating the PRS‐C scores with scores of 2 commonly used pain‐related measures (the Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale [CD‐RISC] and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia for Temporomandibular Disorders [TSK‐TMD]). The PRS‐C had a high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.92) and good test‐retest reliability (intra‐class correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.81). The CFA supported a 2‐factor model for the PRS‐C with acceptable fit to the data. The fit indices were chi‐square/DF = 2.21, GFI = 0.91, TLI = 0.97, CFI = 0.98 and RMSEA = 0.08. As regards convergent validity, the PRS‐C evidenced moderate‐to‐good relationships with the CD‐RISC and the TSK‐TMD. The PRS‐C shows good psychometric properties and could be considered as a reliable and valid measure to evaluate pain‐related resilience in patients with TMD pain.