bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum heparanase concentration and heparanase activity in patients with retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Hu Yijun , Atik Alp , Yu Honghua , Li Tao , Zhang Boyong , Li Dongli , Cai Ning , Yu Yang , Chen Jing , Li Guodong , Yuan Ling 
Published: July 2016

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the serum heparanase concentration and heparanase activity of the patients with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) or branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).MethodsThis prospective study included 23 CRVO patients, 13 BRVO patients and 28 control subjects. Serum heparanase concentration was measured by ELISA. Serum heparanase activity was determined using a heparan degrading enzyme assay kit (Mountain View, CA, USA). Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust for the possible confounding factors when comparing the difference in serum heparanase concentration and activity between patients with RVO and control subjects.ResultsPatients with CRVO (3.963 ± 0.816 U/l) or BRVO (3.371 ± 1.522 U/l) had significantly higher levels of heparanase protein compared to controls (1.055 ± 0.902 U/l). This significance remained after adjusting for aforementioned confounding factors (CRVO versus control, p = 0.000, 95%CI: 2.450–4.488; BRVO versus control, p = 0.006, 95%CI: 0.776–4.050). Patients with CRVO (0.3587 ± 0.1498 U/ml) or BRVO (0.3616 ± 0.0570 U/ml) had significantly higher levels of heparanase activity compared to controls (0.1449 ± 0.0952 U/ml). The significance was maintained after adjusting for the aforementioned confounding factors (CRVO versus control, p = 0.012, 95%CI: 0.036–0.275; BRVO versus control, p = 0.000, 95%CI: 0.150–0.395). There was no significant difference in serum heparanase protein levels and activities between CRVO and BRVO groups before and after confounding factor adjustment.ConclusionOur study provides the first direct clinical link between systemic heparanase protein levels and heparanase activity with RVO, suggesting a critical role for heparanase in the pathophysiology of RVO.
Systematic review: genetic biomarkers associated with anti‐TNF treatment response in inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Bek S. , Nielsen J. V. , Bojesen A. B. , Franke A. , Bank S. , Vogel U. , Andersen V. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryBackgroundPersonalised medicine, including biomarkers for treatment selection, may provide new algorithms for more effective treatment of patients. Genetic variation may impact drug response and genetic markers could help selecting the best treatment strategy for the individual patient.AimTo identify polymorphisms and candidate genes from the literature that are associated with anti‐tumour necrosis factor (TNF) treatment response in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis.MethodsWe performed a PubMed literature search and retrieved studies reporting original data on association between polymorphisms and anti‐TNF treatment response and conducted a meta‐analysis.ResultsA functional polymorphism in FCGR3A was significantly associated with anti‐TNF treatment response among CD patients using biological response criterion (decrease in C‐reactive protein, levels). Meta‐analyses showed that polymorphisms in TLR2 (rs3804099, OR (95% CI) = 2.17 (1.35–3.47)], rs11938228 [OR = 0.64 (0.43–0.96)], TLR4 (rs5030728) [OR = 3.18 (1.63–6.21)], TLR9 (rs352139) [OR = 0.43 (0.21–0.88)], TNFRSF1A (rs4149570) [OR = 2.06 (1.02–4.17)], IFNG (rs2430561) [OR = 1.66 (1.05–2.63)], IL6 (rs10499563) [OR = 1.65 (1.04–2.63)] and IL1B (rs4848306) [OR = 1.88 (1.05–3.35)] were significantly associated with response among IBD patients using clinical response criteria. A positive predictive value of 0.96 was achieved by combining five genetic markers in an explorative analysis.ConclusionsThere are no genetic markers currently available which are adequately predictive of anti‐TNF response for use in the clinic. Genetic markers bear the advantage that they do not change over time. Therefore, hypothesis‐free approaches, testing a large number of polymorphisms in large, well‐characterised cohorts, are required in order to identify genetic profiles with larger effect sizes, which could be employed as biomarkers for treatment selection in clinical settings.
Fast‐to‐slow shift of muscle fiber‐type composition by dietary apple polyphenols in rats: Impact of the low‐dose supplementation
Authors: Mizunoya Wataru , Okamoto Shinpei , Miyahara Hideo , Akahoshi Mariko , Suzuki Takahiro , Do Mai‐Khoi Q. , Ohtsubo Hideaki , Komiya Yusuke , Qahar Mulan , Waga Toshiaki , Nakazato Koichi , Ikeuchi Yoshihide , Anderson Judy E. , Tatsumi Ryuichi 
Published: July 2016

AbstractOur previous studies demonstrated that an 8‐week intake of 5% (w/w) apple polyphenol (APP) in the diet improves muscle endurance of young‐adult rats. In order to identify a lower limit of the dietary contribution of APP to the effect, the experiments were designed for lower‐dose supplementation (8‐week feeding of 0.5% APP in AIN‐93G diet) to 12‐week‐old male Sprague‐Dawley rats. Results clearly showed that the 0.5% APP diet significantly up‐regulates slower myosin‐heavy‐chain (MyHC) isoform ratios (IIx and IIa relative to total MyHC) and myoglobin expression in lower hind‐limb muscles examined (P < 0.05). There was a trend to increased fatigue resistance detected from measurements of relative isometric plantar‐flexion force torque generated by a stimulus train delivered to the tibial nerve (F(98, 1372) = 1.246, P = 0.0574). Importantly, there was no significant difference in the animal body‐phenotypes or locomotor activity shown as total moving distance in light and dark periods. Therefore, the present study encourages the notion that even low APP‐intake may increase the proportions of fatigue‐resistant myofibers, and has promise as a strategy for modifying performance in human sports and improving function in age‐related muscle atrophy.
Coat and hair color: hair cortisol and serotonin levels in lactating Holstein cows under heat stress conditions
Authors: Ghassemi Nejad Jalil , Kim Byong‐Wan , Lee Bae‐Hun , Sung Kyung‐Il 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe deleterious effects of heat stress on animal health are being increasingly recognized. This study aimed to determine hair cortisol (HC) and serotonin levels in lactating Holstein cows under heat stress conditions with different coat and hair‐cut color. Forty‐five multiparous lactating Holstein cows (days in milk = 130 ± 47, body weight = 753 ± 85 kg) were divided to two main groups of over 80% black coat color (BC) and over 85% white coat color (WC) visually observed based on registry certificates and subdividing to black hair sample (BH) and white hair samples (WH) in 2 × 2 factorial arrangements. Hair samples were taken from the forehead of the individuals. Higher HC levels were observed in BC than WC cows (P < 0.05). No differences were found in HC levels between BH and WH groups (P > 0.05). Serotonin levels showed no difference between BC and WC (P > 0.05). Interaction between coat color and hair color was not significant (P > 0.05). The cortisol levels in hair are not affected by pigmentation. However, pigmentation within the coat alters cortisol levels. In conclusion, white coat color retains less cortisol than the black coat. Therefore, white coats are preferable for dairy cows under heat stress conditions.
Inhibition of spleen tyrosine kinase attenuates IgE‐mediated airway contraction and mediator release in human precision cut lung slices
Authors: Koziol‐White Cynthia J , Jia Yanlin , Baltus Gretchen A , Cooper Philip R , Zaller Dennis M , Crackower Michael A , Sirkowski Erich E , Smock Steven , Northrup Alan B , Himes Blanca E , Alves Stephen E , Panettieri Reynold A 
Published: July 2016

Background and PurposeAsthma presents as a heterogeneous syndrome characterized by airway obstruction, inflammation and hyper‐reactivity (AHR). Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) mediates allergen‐induced mast cell degranulation, a central component of allergen‐induced inflammation and AHR. However, the role of Syk in IgE‐mediated constriction of human small airways remains unknown. In this study, we addressed whether selective inhibition of Syk attenuates IgE‐mediated constriction and mast cell mediator release in human small airways.Experimental ApproachHuman precision cut lung slices (hPCLS) ex vivo derived from non‐asthmatic donors were incubated overnight with human IgE, dexamethasone, montelukast, antihistamines or a selective Syk inhibitor (SYKi). High‐affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) activation by anti‐IgE cross‐linking was performed, and constriction and mediator release measured. Airway constriction was normalized to that induced by maximal carbachol stimulation. Syk expression (determined by qPCR and immunoblot) was also evaluated in human primary airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells to determine whether Syk directly modulates HASM function.Key ResultsWhile dexamethasone had little effect on FcεR‐mediated contraction, montelukast or antihistamines partially attenuated the response. SYKi abolished anti‐IgE‐mediated contraction and suppressed the release of mast cell or basophil mediators from the IgE‐treated hPCLS. In contrast, SYKi had little effect on the non‐allergic contraction induced by carbachol. Syk mRNA and protein were undetectable in HASM cells.Conclusions and ImplicationsA selective Syk inhibitor, but not corticosteroids, abolished FcεR‐mediated contraction in human small airways ex vivo. The mechanism involved FcεRI receptor activation on mast cells or basophils that degranulate causing airway constriction, rather than direct actions on HASM.
Parenting children with intellectual disabilities in Malawi: the impact that reaches beyond coping?
Authors: Masulani‐Mwale C. , Mathanga D. , Silungwe D. , Kauye F. , Gladstone M. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryBackgroundRates of disability are high in resource poor settings with 85% of children with disabilities living in these settings. Long‐term caregiving for disabled children is associated with fatigue, financial difficulties, parenting distress and other psychological issues. While such parents of children have repeatedly highlighted their feelings of discrimination, stigma and exclusion, leading to mental health issues, there is little research from the developing world addressing these issues.Research objectivesThis study aims to explore psychological experiences of parents caring for children with intellectual disabilities; understand their mechanisms of coping and their psychosocial needs in Malawi.MethodologyThis study used a qualitative phenomenological design. We purposively sampled parents who had children diagnosed with intellectual disability from two clinics in two cities in Malawi. Between January 2015 and March 2015, we conducted 10 focus group discussions and four in‐depth interviews. All ethical study procedures were carefully followed. All interviews were tape‐recorded, transcribed and translated from vernacular to English. Thematic approach of data analysis was adopted to understand the data.FindingsCaring for intellectually disabled children comes with a number of challenges. Parents have limited access to services for their children let alone for their own psychological issues; they experience stigma and discrimination, have mental health issues resulting from the caring role, have suicidal ideas and in some cases have even been coerced by neighbours to kill their disabled child. To manage these issues, most parents cope through their spirituality.Discussion and recommendationApart from suicide and filicide, the findings of this study are similar to those performed in other countries. It is recommended that parents' psychological issues be managed concurrently when providing services for their children. There is also a need to develop psychosocial training interventions to address the needs of the parents of these children.
Laparoscopic‐assisted colonoscopy: results and follow‐up endoscopic success
Authors: Quyn A. J. , Vujovic Z. , Ziyaie D. , Steele R. J. C. , Campbell K. L. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAimIncomplete colonoscopy occurs in 8–10% of attempted examinations. An incomplete colonoscopy is usually followed by radiological evaluation of the large bowel to complete the colonic assessment. Patients then found to have polyps of > 1 cm represent a significant management dilemma. This study describes our experience using laparoscopy to facilitate complete colonoscopy and polypectomy in patients with fixed angulation and the success of subsequent colonoscopies.MethodAll patients from 2008 to 2012 with an incomplete colonoscopy because of fixed angulation and with polyps detected by subsequent imaging underwent standard laparoscopy with colonic mobilization by division of adhesions to facilitate direct vision. Completion of colonoscopy and polypectomy, intra‐operative complications, postoperative morbidity and successful standard follow‐up colonoscopy were studied.ResultsTwelve patients underwent the procedure. Complete colonoscopy to caecum was successful in all, with a median of 2 (range 1–5) polyps per patient and a mean polyp size of 22 mm. One iatrogenic enterotomy was repaired immediately, with no sequelae. Ten patients have since undergone colonoscopy under sedation, with complete colonic evaluation possible in nine of the patients.ConclusionLaparoscopic‐assisted colonoscopy allows safe polypectomy in patients with incomplete colonoscopy, without the need for segmental resection. This less‐invasive procedure yields recovery times similar to those of colonoscopy alone, avoiding the morbidity of a segmental resection with the added benefit of successful routine colonoscopy in the future.
How effective is bimodal soil hydraulic characterization? Functional evaluations for predictions of soil water balance
Authors: Romano N. , Nasta P. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryTo overcome some drawbacks of the unimodal relations commonly used to describe soil hydraulic properties (SHPs), previously we developed bimodal lognormal relations that have the following main features: (i) they are closed‐form expressions, (ii) they have a sound theoretical basis and provide a more general conceptualization of soil and (iii) they improve the description of both the water retention (WRF) and hydraulic conductivity (HCF) functions. Nevertheless, the reliability of soil hydraulic analytical relations is often tested only at the curve fitting level. Comparisons between unimodal and bimodal soil hydraulic relations are more effective and informative when performed within a functional evaluation approach. We use the HYDRUS‐1D package to quantify and compare soil moisture dynamics and storage regimes for hydrological processes at both the event and annual time‐scales when the soil domain is characterized by either unimodal or bimodal hydraulic properties. Seven soil samples taken from a previous study were used in numerical simulations of drainage or infiltration processes; there were large relative discrepancies in terms of simulated soil water storage. A subsequent test that involved simulations of soil water budget for the period 2000–2012 was implemented for a peach‐orchard field by a conventional scaling method. This test also enables soil spatial variation to be taken into consideration. Two different scenarios enable the epistemic uncertainty to be evaluated when different hydraulic models are considered for soil with weak or strong bimodality. With Willmott's refined index of agreement, discrepancies in soil water storage were about 15% (weak bimodality) or more than 30% (strong bimodality).Highlights

Main aim of this study is the assessment of epistemic uncertainty in modelling soil water dynamics.
We make functional evaluations for both event‐based and long‐term hydrological processes.
Disregard of bimodal soil hydraulic behaviour can lead to large epistemic errors.
Better predictions of soil hydraulic properties should be sought in future research.
Controls on the storage of organic carbon in permafrost soil in northern Siberia
Authors: Palmtag J. , Ramage J. , Hugelius G. , Gentsch N. , Lashchinskiy N. , Richter A. , Kuhry P. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryThis research examined soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN) and aboveground phytomass carbon (PhC) stocks in two areas of the Taymyr Peninsula, northern Siberia. We combined field sampling, chemical and 14C radiocarbon dating analyses with land cover classifications for landscape‐level assessments. The estimated mean for the 0–100‐cm depth SOC stocks was 14.8 and 20.8 kg C m−2 in Ary‐Mas and Logata, respectively. The corresponding values for TN were 1.0 and 1.3 kg N m−2. On average, about 2% only (range 0–12%) of the total ecosystem C is stored in PhC. In both study areas about 34% of the SOC at 0–100 cm is stored in cryoturbated pockets, which have formed since at least the early Holocene. The larger carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio of this cryoturbated material indicates that it consists of relatively undecomposed soil organic matter (SOM). There are substantial differences in SOC stocks and SOM properties within and between the two study areas, which emphasizes the need to consider both geomorphology and soil texture in the assessment of landscape‐level and regional SOC stocks.Highlights

This research addresses landscape‐scale and regional variation in SOC stocks.
Landform and soil texture are taken into account in the analysis.
The contribution of phytomass to total ecosystem C stored is limited.
Large SOC stocks are susceptible to decomposition following permafrost thaw.
Chronic periodontitis is associated with lacunar infarct: a case–control study
Authors: Leira Y. , López‐Dequidt I. , Arias S. , Rodríguez‐Yáñez M. , Leira R. , Sobrino T. , Campos F. , Blanco M. , Blanco J. , Castillo J. 
Published: July 2016

Background and purposeChronic periodontitis (ChP) and lacunar infarct (LI) are two common diseases amongst the elderly. Although several studies have shown an association between ischaemic stroke and ChP, little is known about the relationship between ChP and LI. The study aims to investigate whether ChP is associated with the presence of lacunar stroke.MethodsAn age‐ and gender‐matched case–control study of 62 cases (subjects diagnosed with LI) and 60 controls is reported. Clinical periodontal measures (probing pocket depth, recession, clinical attachment level, full mouth plaque score and full mouth gingival bleeding on probing score) were assessed, and associated risk factors for periodontitis and lacunar stroke were ascertained by means of a structured questionnaire.ResultsChronic periodontitis showed a strong association with LI after adjusting for common vascular risk factors (odds ratio 4.20; 95% confidence interval 1.81–10.20; P = 0.001). Likewise, severe ChP and LI also tended to be significantly associated, independent of other vascular covariates (odds ratio 3.53; 95% confidence interval 1.07–12.77; P = 0.04).ConclusionsChronic periodontitis was independently associated with the presence of LI after adjusting for well‐known vascular risk factors for lacunar stroke. Further observational studies are necessary to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms that can explain this relationship.
Seizure clusters in drug‐resistant focal epilepsy
Authors: Asadi‐Pooya Ali A. , Nei Maromi , Sharan Ashwini , Sperling Michael R. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryWe investigated clinical factors associated with seizure clustering in patients with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy and any association between seizure clustering and outcome after surgery. We performed a retrospective study including patients with a diagnosis of drug‐resistant focal epilepsy who underwent epilepsy surgery. Patients were prospectively registered in a database from 1986 until 2015. Seizure cluster was defined as two or more seizures occurring within 2 days. Potential risk factors for seizure clustering were assessed. To investigate any potential association between seizure clusters and seizure outcome after surgery, time to event analysis was used to produce a Kaplan‐Meier estimate of seizure recurrence. We studied 764 patients. Seizure clusters were reported in 23.6% of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and 16.9% of extratemporal patients (p = 0.2). We could not identify any significant clinical factors associated with seizure clustering. Among patients with TLE, those who had history of seizure clusters fared better after surgery (p < 0.01). We found that seizure clusters relate to prognosis after temporal lobe surgery in drug‐resistant TLE. These data may provide added value for surgical prognostication when combined with other data types. A better understanding of the neurobiology underlying seizure clusters is needed.
Lake Name or Name Lake? The etymology of lake nomenclature in the United States
Authors: Beisner Beatrix E. , Carey Cayelan C. 
Published: July 2016

Summary

The rationale for the naming of lakes has often puzzled limnologists. This problem is especially apparent in North America because the nomenclature of lakes across the continent appears to be variable, with ‘Name Lake’ occurring frequently, such as in Trout Lake, but also ‘Lake Name’, as in Lake Sunapee.

We examined the potential drivers of lake naming patterns using the U.S. EPA National Lakes Assessment database of c. 1000 lakes chosen in a randomised, stratified design. Potential drivers included major limnological characteristics and geographical position relative to European settlement patterns.

Of a list of 814 lakes with this binary nomenclature, almost 20% had a Lake Name, with the other 80% being a Name Lake. Across the U.S.A., lakes with larger surface areas were more likely to have a Lake Name, but there was no significant relationship between nomenclature and maximum depth.

Examining naming patterns by EPA ecoregion and by state revealed that Lake Names were more common in the southern states and along the eastern seaboard, regardless of their surface area.

Analysis of available databases of lake nomenclature in Europe and Canada suggests that these geographical shifts in lake names may be due to the main European colonist source countries that settled these regions, with Lake Name predominating in countries where Gaelic and Romance linguistic influences were strongest.