bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Yeasts from macroalgae and lichens that inhabit the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica
Authors: Duarte Alysson Wagner Fernandes , Passarini Michel Rodrigo Zambrano , Delforno Tiago Palladino , Pellizzari Franciane Maria , Cipro Caio Vinicius Zecchin , Montone Rosalinda Carmela , Petry Maria Virginia , Putzke Jair , Rosa Luiz Henrique , Sette Lara Durães 
Published: August 2016

SummaryAntarctic terrestrial ecosystems are largely dominated by lichens, while shallow coastal environments are mainly covered by macroalgae. The aim of this study was to isolate and to evaluate the diversity of yeasts in different species of macroalgae and lichens collected in South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. A total of 405 yeasts were recovered (205 from macroalgae and 200 from lichens). The yeast community from macroalgae was most diversity than the yeast community from lichen. The dominance index was similar for both substrates. A total of 24 taxa from macroalgae and 18 from lichens were identified, and only 5 were common to both substrates. Metschnikowia australis, Mrakia sp., Rhodotorula glacialis and Glaciozyma litorale were the most abundant yeasts in macroalgae and Cryptococcus victoriae, Rhodotorula laryngis, Rhodotorula arctica, Trichosporon sp. 1 and Mrakia sp. were the most abundant in lichens. Based on molecular and phylogenetic analyses, four yeast from macroalgae and six from lichens were considered potential new species. This is the first study to report the yeast communities from the Antarctic macroalgae Himantothallus grandifolius and lichen Ramalina terebrata. Results suggest that Antarctic phyco and lichensphere represent a huge substrate for cold‐adapted yeasts and enhanced the knowledge of the microbiota from extreme environments.
The response of meiofauna and microphytobenthos to engineering effects of fiddler crabs on a subtropical intertidal sandflat
Authors: Citadin Monica , Costa Tânia Marcia , Netto Sérgio A. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractFiddler crabs are key bioturbators on tidal flats. During their intense bioturbation process, they manipulate large amounts of sediment, altering the physical state of existing materials. We investigated whether different types of sediment bioturbation produced by fiddler crabs modulate meiofaunal assemblages and microphytobenthic content. We hypothesized that sedimentary structures produced by burrowing (the burrow itself and the excavation pellets) and feeding (feeding pellets) generate different microenvironments compared with areas without apparent signs of fiddler crab disturbance, affecting both meiofauna and microphytobenthos, independent of the sampling period. Our results indicate that the engineering effects of burrow construction and maintenance and the engineering effects of fiddler crab foraging modulate meiofaunal assemblages in different ways. Overall, meiofauna from burrows and excavation pellets was more abundant and diverse than at control sites, whereas feeding pellets contained poor meiofaunal assemblages. By contrast, only foraging effects were detected on microphytobenthos; independent of the sampling period, Chl a and phaeopigment content were higher in the feeding pellets, but similar among burrows, excavation pellets and control sites. The present study demonstrates that the different engineering effects of fiddler crabs are an important source of habitat heterogeneity and a structuring agent of meiofaunal assemblages on subtropical tidal flats.
A Comparison of Market Integration in Nineteenth‐Century China and Japan
Authors: Yao Ke , Zheng Xiao‐Ping 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThis paper performs a cointegration analysis using an Error Correction Model (ECM) on annual rice prices to measure and compare market integration in China and Japan during the nineteenth century. We find markets in Japan were more integrated than in China at both the regional and national levels during the period. Moreover, market integration in Japan improved during industrialisation. These findings support the view that a well‐integrated market is a cause as well as a result of economic growth.
Metabolism and cold tolerance of Chinese white pine beetle Dendroctonus armandi (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) during the overwintering period
Authors: Wang Juan , Gao Guanqun , Zhang Ranran , Dai Lulu , Chen Hui 
Published: August 2016

Abstract

Cold hardiness becomes a crucial strategy because temperature change often leads to fluctuations in insect abundance.
The present study investigated the relationship between cold‐tolerance ability in overwintering Chinese white pine beetle Dendroctonus armandi Tsai and Li larvae and physiological body indices aiming to determine the possible overwintering strategy from September 2013 to May 2014.
Supercooling points (SCP) differed significantly across months, showing a precipitous drop in December 2013 and January 2014. The maximum monthly mean supercooling point was −1.7 ± 0.4 °C (15 September 2013) and the minimum monthly mean was −7.5 ± 0.2 °C (15 January 2014). The SCP tended to decrease as the ambient temperature decreased until January, before increasing until the end of the winter.
Glycerol, sorbitol and trehalose contents showed a significant negative correlation with the SCP.
The latter results indicate that the cold tolerance ability of the larvae is enhanced by exposure to 4.0 °C.
Dendroctonus armandi larvae decreased their mortality at −8.0 °C after cold acclimation at 4.0 °C for 24 h.
Progestin suppressed inflammation and cell viability of tumor necrosis factor‐α‐stimulated endometriotic stromal cells
Authors: Grandi Giovanni , Mueller Michael , Bersinger Nick , Papadia Andrea , Nirgianakis Konstatinos , Cagnacci Angelo , McKinnon Brett 
Published: August 2016

ProblemEndometriosis is an estrogen‐dependent inflammatory disease. Progestins are a first‐line treatment for endometriosis via activation of pituitary progesterone receptors and suppression of systemic estrogen: a less than optimal treatment. Increasing evidence is beginning to show that progestins may also influence local endometriotic cells, which may contribute to their clinical efficacy.Method of studyEndometrial stromal cells (ESC) isolated from women with endometriosis were cultured with TNF‐α to simulate an inflammatory environment. ESC were treated with the progestins, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), norethisterone acetate (NETA), or dienogest (DNG) and cytokine mRNA production, protein secretion, and cell viability measured.ResultsDNG, NETA, and MPA suppressed the secretion of interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)‐1 from ESC. DNG and NETA only reduced the TNF‐α‐stimulated mRNA production. All three progestins suppressed TNF‐α‐stimulated ESC proliferation.ConclusionProgestins may influence endometriotic stromal cells altering the inflammatory microenvironment and their clinical efficacy.
Long‐term survival following open repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Englund Raymond , Katib Nedal 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundLong‐term results for patients being managed for ruptured compared to elective abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are unclear. We hypothesize that patients who survive 30 days or more following repair of ruptured AAA (RAAA) performed by open technique have a life expectancy no different to those patients surviving 30 days or more following elective AAA repair, or compared to a general age‐matched population.MethodsBetween 1987 and December 2014, 620 consecutive patients were treated by the principal author for aortic aneurysmal disease. Two subgroups were selected from this population, elective open abdominal repair (215) and RAAA open repair (105). Comparable age‐matched life curves with the general population were used from the Australian Bureau of Statistics for each patient according to gender, age and date of presentation. Statistical comparison was by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.ResultsBoth the open and RAAA groups were well matched for age and sex. There was no statistical difference between RAAA survival and an age‐matched population P = 0.23, or was there any difference between open repair and an age‐matched population, P = 0.1. Survival curves for RAAA and open repair were similar, P = 0.98. For elective open repair 1‐, 5‐, 10‐, 15‐ and 20‐year survival was 93.6, 71.2, 40, 17 and 2% respectively. Corresponding results for RAAA were 92.5, 74, 36.7, 13.5 and 5% respectively.ConclusionOpen AAA repair for RAAA or elective aneurysm treatment restores predicted life expectancy for those patients surviving 30 days or more and is therefore a durable method of treatment for this condition.
Validation of the Leuven Postprandial Distress Scale, a questionnaire for symptom assessment in the functional dyspepsia/postprandial distress syndrome
Authors: Carbone F. , Vandenberghe A. , Holvoet L. , Vanuytsel T. , Van Oudenhove L. , Jones M. , Tack J. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryBackgroundA validated patient‐reported outcome instrument is lacking for the functional dyspepsia/postprandial distress syndrome.AimTo validate the Leuven Postprandial Distress Scale (LPDS).MethodsThe LPDS diary, comprising eight symptoms with verbal descriptors rated for severity (0–4), was derived from focus groups and cognitive debriefing. It was used in a 2‐week run‐in, 8‐week double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial of itopride 100 mg t.d.s. Results in 60 patients, with concealed treatment allocation, were used to analyse LPDS content validity, consistency, reliability and responsiveness. Patients also filled out Patient Assessment of Gastrointestinal Symptoms (PAGI‐SYM), Nepean Dyspepsia Index, overall treatment evaluation and overall symptom severity questionnaires. Construct validity was evaluated by known‐group analyses and by correlating LPDS with these additional questionnaires. Minimum Clinically Important Difference was determined from threshold changes in anchor questionnaires.ResultsSymptom patterns and factor analysis identified three cardinal symptoms of postprandial distress syndrome (early satiation, postprandial fullness, upper abdominal bloating), whose mean intensities generate weekly LPDS scores. Known‐groups analysis showed large‐effect‐size differences in LPDS scores (Cohen's d = 2.16). Strong correlations (r > 0.57) between LPDS scores and relevant anchors at baseline indicate good convergent validity. Internal consistency of LPDS was good (α > 0.85) with high inter‐item correlations (0.67–0.76), and test–retest reliability (r = 0.85). Changes in LPDS scores were highly convergent with changes in overall treatment evaluation, overall symptom severity and PAGI‐SYM (r > 0.52). minimum clinically important difference analysis generated thresholds of 0.4‐0.6.ConclusionsThe Leuven Postprandial Distress Scale, which is supported by the European Medicines Agency, is a sensitive and reliable patient‐reported outcome instrument to assess symptoms in the functional dyspepsia/postprandial distress syndrome.
Laparoscopic radical lymph node dissection for advanced colon cancer close to the hepatic flexure
Authors: Uematsu Dai , Akiyama Gaku , Sugihara Takehiko , Magishi Akiko , Yamaguchi Takuya , Sano Takayuki 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIntroductionComplete mesocolic excision is currently recognized as a standard procedure for colon cancer. Gastroepiploic, infrapyloric, and superficial pancreatic head lymph node metastases in the gastrocolic ligament have been reported for colon cancer close to the hepatic flexure. We sought to investigate metastases in the gastrocolic ligament in colon cancer close to the hepatic flexure.MethodsThis was a single‐center retrospective study. All patients with T2 or deeper invasive colon cancer in the relevant tumor location who underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy or extended right hemicolectomy at our institution between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2015 were included.ResultsLymph node dissection in the gastrocolic ligament was performed in 35 cases. Complications occurred in 11 patients (31%) and were grades I and II according to the Clavien–Dindo classification. Lymph node metastases in the gastrocolic ligament were found in only three patients (9%). Each metastasis was larger than 9 mm.ConclusionsMetastases in the gastrocolic ligament occurred in 9% of patients with T2 or deeper invasive colon cancer close to the hepatic flexure. Laparoscopy was feasible and useful during gastrocolic ligament resection. This study included a small sample and lacked an extended follow‐up. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical relevance of this finding, particularly in terms of recurrence and long‐term survival.
Does tablet formulation alone improve adherence and persistence: a comparison of ezetimibe fixed dose combination versus ezetimibe separate pill combination?
Authors: Bartlett Louise E. , Pratt Nicole , Roughead Elizabeth E. 
Published: August 2016

AimsThe aim of this study was to compare adherence and persistence in patients who add ezetimibe to statin therapy as a separate pill combination (SPC) or fixed dose combination (FDC).MethodThis is a retrospective cohort study of prescription data conducted in an Australian health dataset. Two cohorts were identified: those dispensed statins and subsequently ezetimibe as either SPC or FDC. We compared adherence to combination therapy using the medication possession ratio (MPR), multivariate linear and logistic regression. Persistence to initial combination medicines and any lipid‐lowering therapies were analysed using Kaplan Meyer survival and Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsA total of 3651 people initiated ezetimibe SPC and 5740 ezetimibe FDC. There was no significant difference in adherence with mean MPRs: ezetimibe SPC = 0.99 (95% confidence interval 0.98–1.01) and FDC = 0.97 (95% CI 0.95–0.99). One year persistence rates to initial combination medicines were ezetimibe SPC 49.1% vs. FDC 62.4%; hazard ratio (HR) = 1.81 (95% CI 1.76–1.90). However, persistence to any lipid‐lowering therapy was higher in those initiating ezetimibe SPC = 84.9% vs. FDC = 76%; HR = 0.62 (95% CI 0.55–0.72). One year persistence rates to any two lipid‐lowering medicines were similar: ezetimibe SPC 65.2% and FDC 65%.ConclusionIn this study FDCs have little impact on either adherence or persistence to combination lipid‐lowering therapy in people who have been taking statins. The benefit of higher persistence to FDCs in first episode of treatment with initial medicines is debatable as persistence to dual therapy was similar in both cohorts.
Laparoscopic retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy using an ergonomic chair: demonstration of technique and matched‐pair analysis
Authors: Rassweiler Jens J. , Klein Jan , Tschada Alexandra , Gözen Ali Serdar 
Published: August 2016

ObjectivesTo present the technique and long‐term results of retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN), focusing on the impact of an ergonomic platform.Patients and MethodsBetween January 2000 and May 2016, 287 patients (193 men, 94 women) underwent LPN performed by four surgeons. The median (range) patient age was 59 (19–85) years, tumour size 3.1 (1–9) cm and PADUA score 7.3 (6–12). Access was retroperitoneal in 235 cases (82%). Since October 2010, we have used the ETHOS™ chair (ETHOS™, Seattle, WA, USA) during excision of the tumour in 130 patients (45.3%). A total of 51 tumours (17.7%) were excised without ischaemia and 226 (78.7%) under warm ischaemia, with clamping of the renal artery using an enucleo‐resection technique. We suture the resection bed and perform renorrhaphy using a barbed‐suture pre‐loaded with absorbable LAPRA‐TY™ clips (Ethicon, Somerville, NJ, USA). The impact of the ETHOS chair was examined using a matched‐pair analysis (66 with ETHOS chair vs 67 without ETHOS chair).ResultsThe median (range) operating time was 146 (60–325) min, the median (range) estimated blood loss was 99 (10–3 000) mL and the mean (range) warm ischaemia time (WIT) was 17.1 (7–47) min. Histology showed 240 (83.6%) renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) and 46 (15.9%) benign tumours. The cumulative overall disease‐free survival rate after a median (range) follow‐up of 84 (3–155) months was 100% for 203 pT1 RCCs and local recurrence was observed in one patient (0.4%), who was managed by radical nephrectomy. There were two conversions (0.7%) to open surgery, both to hand‐assisted laparoscopy. Perirenal haematoma was observed in 13 patients (4.5%). A total of 20 patients (6.9%) required transfusions (2–11 units). We observed five urine leaks (1.7%) requiring prolonged drainage. The median (range) length of hospital stay was 5 (3–24) days. Three patients developed arteriovenous fistulas, which were successfully occluded by superselective embolization (1.0%). Use of the ETHOS chair resulted in shorter operating time (134.7 vs 168.5 min; P = 0.04), including WIT (13.1 vs 15.9 min; P = 0.01), and a lower complication rate (15 vs 29.8%; P = 0.02).ConclusionsLaparoscopic partial nephrectomy is technically difficult but oncologically effective. Standardization and simplification of endoscopic suturing using the ETHOS chair significantly improved the outcomes of the surgical procedure.
Ice‐margin and meltwater dynamics during the mid‐Holocene in the Kangerlussuaq area of west Greenland
Authors: Carrivick Jonathan L. , Yde Jacob , Russell Andrew J. , Quincey Duncan J. , Ingeman‐Nielsen Thomas , Mallalieu Joseph 
Published: August 2016

Land‐terminating parts of the west Greenland ice sheet have exhibited highly dynamic meltwater regimes over the last few decades including episodes of extremely intense runoff driven by ice surface ablation, ponding of meltwater in an increasing number and size of lakes, and sudden outburst floods, or ‘jökulhlaups’, from these lakes. However, whether this meltwater runoff regime is unusual in a Holocene context has not been questioned. This study assembled high‐resolution topographical data, geological and landcover data, and produced a glacial geomorphological map covering ~1200 km2. Digital analysis of the landforms reveals a mid‐Holocene land‐terminating ice margin that was predominantly cold‐based. This ice margin underwent sustained active retreat but with multiple minor advances. Over c. 1000 years meltwater runoff became impounded within numerous and extensive proglacial lakes and there were temporary connections between some of these lakes via spillways. The ice‐dams of some of these lakes had several quasi‐stable thicknesses. Meltwater was apparently predominantly from supraglacial sources although some distributary palaeochannel networks and some larger bedrock palaeochannels most likely relate to mid‐Holocene subglacial hydrology. In comparison to the geomorphological record at other Northern Hemisphere ice‐sheet margins the depositional landforms in this study area are few in number and variety and small in scale, most likely due to a restricted sediment supply. They include perched fans and deltas and perched braidplain terraces. Overall, meltwater sourcing, routing and the proglacial runoff regime during the mid‐Holocene in this land‐terminating part of the ice sheet was spatiotemporally variable, but in a manner very similar to that of the present day.
Improvement of islet graft function using liraglutide is correlated with its anti‐inflammatory properties
Authors: Langlois A , Dal S , Vivot K , Mura C , Seyfritz E , Bietiger W , Dollinger C , Peronet C , Maillard E , Pinget M , Jeandidier N , Sigrist S 
Published: August 2016

Background and PurposeLiraglutide improves the metabolic control of diabetic animals after islet transplantation. However, the mechanisms underlying this effect remain unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative properties of liraglutide on rat pancreatic islets in vitro and in vivo.Experimental ApproachIn vitro, rat islets were incubated with 10 μmol·L−1 liraglutide for 12 and 24 h. Islet viability functionality was assessed. The anti‐inflammatory properties of liraglutide were evaluated by measuring CCL2, IL‐6 and IL‐10 secretion and macrophage chemotaxis. The anti‐oxidative effect of liraglutide was evaluated by measuring intracellular ROS and the total anti‐oxidative capacity. In vivo, 1000 islets were cultured for 24 h with or without liraglutide and then transplanted into the liver of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic Lewis rats with or without injections of liraglutide. Effects of liraglutide on metabolic control were evaluated for 1 month.Key ResultsIslet viability and function were preserved and enhanced with liraglutide treatment. Liraglutide decreased CCL2 and IL‐6 secretion and macrophage activation after 12 h of culture, while IL‐10 secretion was unchanged. However, intracellular levels of ROS were increased with liraglutide treatment at 12 h. This result was correlated with an increase of anti‐oxidative capacity. In vivo, liraglutide decreased macrophage infiltration and reduced fasting blood glucose in transplanted rats.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe beneficial effects of liraglutide on pancreatic islets appear to be linked to its anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative properties. These findings indicated that analogues of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 could be used to improve graft survival.
Peripheral blood T cell subset characteristics of multiple sclerosis in remission phase correlate with annualized relapse rates
Authors: Song Zi‐Ye , Nakamura Yuri , Yamasaki Ryo , Kawano Yuji , Shinoda Koji , Guzailiayi Maimaitijiang , Masaki Katsuhisa , Yamaguchi Hiroo , Matsushita Takuya , Kira Jun‐ichi 
Published: August 2016

AbstractObjectiveA large number of disease‐modifying drugs are available for multiple sclerosis (MS); however, there is no established biomarker to predict long‐term disease severity and future relapses in MS. We aimed to clarify the alterations in peripheral blood T cell subsets that are associated with MS relapse and disease severity, according to cytokine production profiles in the remission phase.MethodsBlood samples collected from 29 relapsing–remitting MS patients in the remission phase and 21 healthy controls (HC) were analyzed for various cytokine‐producing T cell subsets by flow cytometry.ResultsMS patients in the remission phase had significantly higher percentages of interleukin (IL)‐17+CD4+ T cells, IL‐4+CD4+ T cells, IL‐9+CD4+ T cells, interferon‐γ+CD8+ T cells and IL‐4+CD8+ T cells than HC (P = 0.047, P = 0.007, P = 0.026, P = 0.015 and P = 0.007, respectively). In MS, the percentages of IL‐9+CD4+ T cells, IL‐9+CD8+ T cells and IFN‐γ+IL‐17+CD8+ T cells showed a significant positive correlation with annualized relapse rates (ARR) (P = 0.011, r = 0.47, P = 0.007, r = 0.49 and P = 0.044, r = 0.38, respectively).ConclusionsIn the remission phase of MS, both anti‐inflammatory cytokine‐producing T cells and pro‐inflammatory cytokine‐producing T cells are increased; however, only the percentages of pro‐inflammatory cytokine‐producing T cells, such as IL‐9‐producing CD4+ T cells, IL‐9‐producing CD8+ T cells and IFN‐γ‐ and IL‐17‐producing CD8+ T cells, correlate with ARR. These pro‐inflammatory cytokine‐producing T cells in the remission phase might be candidate biomarkers for future relapses in MS patients.