bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of season and sunlight on viral kinetics during hepatitis C virus therapy
Authors: Hernández-Alvarez Noemi , Pascasio Acevedo Juan Manuel , Quintero Enrique , Fernández Vázquez Inmaculada , García-Eliz María , de la Revilla Negro Juan , Crespo García Javier , Hernández-Guerra Manuel 
Published: March 2017

Background and aimsRapid viral response (RVR) during antiviral treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) predicts sustained viral response (SVR). Recently, vitamin D levels have been associated with SVR. As sunlight is the most important source of vitamin D and shows seasonal variation, we evaluated the effect of season on viral kinetics during peginterferon/ribavirin-based therapy for HCV.MethodsConsecutive HCV patients treated with peginterferon/ribavirin and boceprevir/ telaprevir (June 2011–July 2014) were included. Patients were grouped according to season when therapy was initiated (Season A: May–October and Season B: November–April) depending on hours of daily sunlight. Multiple logistic regression analysis included factors known to influence SVR to treatment. The dependent variables were undetectable viral load (VL) or VL ≤15 UI/mL (VL ≤15) at weeks 4, 8 and 12, end of treatment and SVR.ResultsThe study included 930 patients (66.8% men; median 54 years) treated with telaprevir (n=537) or boceprevir, without (n=481) or with lead-in therapy of peginterferon/ribavirin. Baseline characteristics of patients in Season A (45.3%, n=421) and Season B groups were similar. Overall, a higher rate of RVR (23.5% vs 16.1%, p=0.005) and VL ≤15 (51.0% vs 38.6%, p≤0.001) was observed in patients starting treatment during Season A versus Season B. By logistic regression analysis, initiating treatment in Season A proved to be an independent predictor of RVR and VL ≤15.ConclusionsIn our setting, seasonality affects viral kinetics in HCV genotype 1 patients treated with peginterferon/ribavirin-based therapy. Our findings support the hypothesis that vitamin D influences viral response to peginterferon/ribavirin-based therapy.
Reducing depressive symptoms after the Great East Japan Earthquake in older survivors through group exercise participation and regular walking: a prospective observational study
Authors: Tsuji Taishi , Sasaki Yuri , Matsuyama Yusuke , Sato Yukihiro , Aida Jun , Kondo Katsunori , Kawachi Ichiro 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesSurvivors of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake have an increased risk of depressive symptoms. We sought to examine whether participation in group exercise and regular walking could mitigate the worsening of depressive symptoms among older survivors.DesignProspective observational study.SettingOur baseline survey was conducted in August 2010, ∼7 months prior to the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, among people aged 65 or older residing in Iwanuma City, Japan, which suffered significant damage in the disaster. A 3-year follow-up survey was conducted in 2013.Participants3567 older survivors responded to the questionnaires predisaster and postdisaster.Primary outcome measuresChange in depressive symptoms was assessed using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS).ResultsFrom predisaster to postdisaster, the mean change in GDS score increased by 0.1 point (95% CI −0.003 to 0.207). During the same interval, the frequency of group exercise participation and daily walking time also increased by 1.9 days/year and 1.3 min/day, respectively. After adjusting for all covariates, including personal experiences of disaster, we found that increases in the frequency of group exercise participation (B=−0.139,β=−0.049, p=0.003) and daily walking time (B=−0.087,β=−0.034, p=0.054) were associated with lower GDS scores. Interactions between housing damage and changes in group exercise participation (B=0.103,β=0.034, p=0.063) and changes in walking habit (B=0.095,β=0.033, p=0.070) were marginally significant, meaning that the protective effects tended to be attenuated among survivors reporting more extensive housing damage.ConclusionsParticipation in group exercises or regular walking may mitigate the worsening of depressive symptoms among older survivors who have experienced natural disaster.
In vivo crystalline lens measurements with novel swept-source optical coherent tomography: an investigation on variability of measurement
Authors: Shoji Takuhei , Kato Naoko , Ishikawa Sho , Ibuki Hisashi , Yamada Norihiro , Kimura Itaru , Shinoda Kei 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveTo evaluate the reproducibility of in vivo crystalline lens measurements obtained by novel commercially available swept-source (SS) optical coherence tomography (OCT) specifically designed for anterior segment imaging.Methods and analysisOne eye from each of 30 healthy subjects was randomly selected using the CASIA2 (Tomey, Nagoya, Japan) in two separate visits within a week. Each eye was imaged twice. After image scanning, the anterior and posterior lens curvatures and lens thickness were calculated automatically by the CASIA2 built-in program at 0 dioptre (D) (static), −1 D, −3 D and −5 D accommodative stress. The intraobserver and intervisit reproducibility coefficient (RC) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated.ResultsThe intraobserver and intervisit RCs ranged from 0.824 to 1.254 mm and 0.789 to 0.911 mm for anterior lens curvature, from 0.276 to 0.299 mm and 0.221 to 0.270 mm for posterior lens curvature and from 0.065 to 0.094 mm and 0.054 to 0.132 mm for lens thickness, respectively. The intraobserver and intervisit ICCs ranged from 0.831 to 0.865 and 0.828 to 0.914 for anterior lens curvature, from 0.832 to 0.898 and 0.840 to 0.933 for posterior lens curvature and from 0.980 to 0.992 and 0.942 to 0.995 for lens thickness. High ICC values were observed for each measurement regardless of accommodative stress. RCs in younger subjects tended to be larger than those in older subjects.ConclusionsThis novel anterior segment SS-OCT instrument produced reliable in vivo crystalline lens measurement with good repeatability and reproducibility regardless of accommodation stress.
Developing a model for embedded palliative care in a cancer clinic
Authors: DeSanto-Madeya Susan , McDermott David , Zerillo Jessica A , Weinstein Nancy , Buss Mary K 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesDescribe the development and key features of a model for embedded palliative care (PC) for patients with advanced kidney cancer or melanoma seen in a cancer clinic.MethodsRetrospective chart review of patients following an initial phase and then a prospective review following the implementation of a model for embedded PC.ResultsIn the initial phase, 18 patients were seen for a total of 53 visits; 78% were seen more than once, with a mean of three visits per patient. In the model phase, 46 patients were seen for a total of 163 visits; 74% were seen more than once, with a mean of 3.5 visits. Demographics were similar between the two groups. Content of the first PC visit in the initial and model phases was symptom management (61% and 57%), psychosocial support/relationship building (28% and 35%) and advance care planning/decision-making support (11% and 8%), respectively.ConclusionsThe initial phase demonstrated acceptability and feasibility of a model for embedded PC for patients and the oncology team. Establishment of specific eligibility criteria and screening to identify eligible patients in the model phase led to an increased uptake of PC for patients with advanced kidney cancer and melanoma in a cancer clinic.
SENP1 promotes hypoxia-induced cancer stemness by HIF-1α deSUMOylation and SENP1/HIF-1α positive feedback loop
Authors: Cui Chun-Ping , Wong Carmen Chak-Lui , Kai Alan Ka-Lun , Ho Daniel Wai-Hung , Lau Eunice Yuen-Ting , Tsui Yu-Man , Chan Lo-Kong , Cheung Tan-To , Chok Kenneth Siu-Ho , Chan Albert C Y , Lo Regina Cheuk-Lam , Lee Joyce Man-Fong , Lee Terence Kin-Wah , Ng Irene Oi Lin 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveWe investigated the effect and mechanism of hypoxic microenvironment and hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cancer stemness.DesignHCC cancer stemness was analysed by self-renewal ability, chemoresistance, expression of stemness-related genes and cancer stem cell (CSC) marker-positive cell population. Specific small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteases 1 (SENP1) mRNA level was examined with quantitative PCR in human paired HCCs. Immunoprecipitation was used to examine the binding of proteins and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay to detect the binding of HIFs with hypoxia response element sequence. In vivo characterisation was performed in immunocompromised mice and stem cell frequency was analysed.ResultsWe showed that hypoxia enhanced the stemness of HCC cells and hepatocarcinogenesis through enhancing HIF-1α deSUMOylation by SENP1 and increasing stabilisation and transcriptional activity of HIF-1α. Furthermore, we demonstrated that SENP1 is a direct target of HIF-1/2α and a previously unrecognised positive feedback loop exists between SENP1 and HIF-1α.ConclusionsTaken together, our findings suggest the significance of this positive feedback loop between HIF-1α and SENP1 in contributing to the increased cancer stemness in HCC and hepatocarcinogenesis under hypoxia. Drugs that specifically target SENP1 may offer a potential novel therapeutic approach for HCC.
Bi-allelic variants inCOL3A1encoding the ligand to GPR56 are associated with cobblestone-like cortical malformation, white matter changes and cerebellar cysts
Authors: Vandervore Laura , Stouffs Katrien , Tanyalçin Ibrahim , Vanderhasselt Tim , Roelens Filip , Holder-Espinasse Muriel , Jørgensen Agnete , Pepin Melanie G , Petit Florence , Khau Van Kien Philippe , Bahi-Buisson Nadia , Lissens Willy , Gheldof Alexander , Byers Peter H , Jansen Anna C 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundCollagens are one of the major constituents of the pial membrane, which plays a crucial role in neuronal migration and cortical lamination during brain development. Type III procollagen, the chains of which are encoded byCOL3A1, is the ligand of the G protein-coupled receptor 56 (GPR56), also known as adhesion G protein-coupled receptor G1. Bi-allelic mutations inGPR56give rise to cobblestone-like malformation, white matter changes and cerebellar dysplasia. This report shows that bi-allelic mutations inCOL3A1are associated with a similar phenotype.MethodsExome analysis was performed in a family consisting of two affected and two non-affected siblings. Brain imaging studies of this family and of two previously reported individuals with bi-allelic mutations inCOL3A1were reviewed. Functional assays were performed on dermal fibroblasts.ResultsExome analysis revealed a novel homozygous variant c.145C>G (p.Pro49Ala) in exon 2 ofCOL3A1. Brain MRI in the affected siblings as well as in the two previously reported individuals with bi-allelicCOL3A1mutations showed a brain phenotype similar to that associated with mutations inGPR56.ConclusionHomozygous or compound heterozygous mutations inCOL3A1are associated with cobblestone-like malformation in all three families reported to date. The variability of the phenotype across patients suggests that genetic alterations in distinct domains of type III procollagen can lead to different outcomes. The presence of cobblestone-like malformation in patients with bi-allelicCOL3A1mutations emphasises the critical role of the type III collagen–GPR56 axis and the pial membrane in the regulation of brain development and cortical lamination.
A volcanic centre in Mexico's Pacific continental shelf
Authors: Alvarez Román , Corbo Camargo Fernando , Yutsis Vsevolod V. , Arzate Jorge A. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
On the continental platform of western Mexico, there is a young island of volcanic origin: Isla Isabel. It is the only volcanic manifestation in the region, contrasting with Islas Tres Marías, which are not volcanic. We aim at characterizing the source of the volcanic activity present in this particular location. Under Isla Isabel there is a bathymetric bulge that rises 60–80 m above the platform, and extends 20 km in the NW–SE direction and 17 km in the perpendicular direction. Isla Isabel is the only emerged portion of the bulge, extending only 1.8 km in the NW–SE direction. The island shows Plio-Pleistocene volcanic activity, including the formation of maars and the presence of mantle xenoliths. Using independent 2D modelling and 3D inversion methods for the gravity and magnetic fields, we analyse the nature of the bulge and its surroundings. A magnetotelluric station yields information about the electrical resistivity under the island, with penetration depths of approximately 20 km. The models are consistent with the presence of dense bodies of varying magnetizations that are interpreted as intrusive bodies. Results support the presence of an intrusion that locally has raised the ocean-floor topography. Volcanic activity projected from the bulge created Isla Isabel; the existence of additional, submerged volcanic centres in the area is most probable. We are inclined to identify the Isabel Bulge as a laccolith.
Geophysical modelling of Isla Isabel: a volcanic island on the Mexican continental margin
Authors: Alvarez Román , Corbo Camargo Fernando , Yutsis Vsevolod V. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Isla Isabel is a small island located on top of a 20 km-long bathymetric bulge, part of the continental shelf of Nayarit in the vicinity of the mouth of the Gulf of California; it is of volcanic origin with tuff cones, basaltic flows and Surtseyan-type explosion craters exposed. Geophysical surveys were carried out in order to model the geological bodies associated with the local gravity and magnetic fields. 2D and 3D models are presented, and a 1D inversion model is derived from magnetotelluric data. Analysis of the density models of the upper 1400 m suggests two growth stages for Isla Isabel in this depth range: the first one reaching 800 m in depth and the second one projecting from that depth to the surface. The corresponding magnetic susceptibility models concur with this observation. The bodies projected to the surface appear to correspond to diatremes. The 1D magnetotelluric inversion shows two conductive anomalies within the crust between 3–5 and 8–17 km, followed by a resistive substratum that coincides with the seismically derived limit of the Earth's crust at the island's position.
The New Zealand Probabilistic Tsunami Hazard Model: development and implementation of a methodology for estimating tsunami hazard nationwide
Authors: Power William , Wang Xiaoming , Wallace Laura , Clark Kate , Mueller Christof 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
For New Zealand, a country straddling the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’, effective mitigation of the risks posed by tsunamis is an urgent priority. Mitigation measures include evacuation mapping, land-use planning and engineering of tsunami resilient buildings and infrastructure; but for these to be effective, a quantitative estimate of the tsunami hazard is needed. For this purpose we present the New Zealand Probabilistic Tsunami Hazard Model (NZPTHM). The model uses a Monte Carlo method for sampling from the geophysical parameters that constrain the magnitude–frequency distributions of the earthquake sources that can cause tsunamis affecting New Zealand. The sampled parameters are used to construct synthetic catalogues of the source events and the subsequent tsunami heights. Processing of these synthetic catalogues produces hazard curves, describing maximum tsunami height as a function of return period, which include ‘error bars’ (confidence intervals) as determined by the Monte Carlo model. Most practical mitigation measures require inundation modelling, and for this purpose we propose using de-aggregation, a process by which a small set of scenarios can be extracted from the NZPTHM for the purpose of detailed inundation modelling.
Spatial variability in sediment lithology and sedimentary processes along the Japan Trench: use of deep-sea turbidite records to reconstruct past large earthquakes
Authors: Ikehara Ken , Usami Kazuko , Kanamatsu Toshiya , Arai Kazuno , Yamaguchi Asuka , Fukuchi Rina 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Large earthquakes and related tsunamis serve as triggering mechanisms that generate turbidity currents which form turbidites. The event deposits from the recent 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake and tsunami are observed throughout a wide area along the Pacific coast of Tohoku, northern Japan, extending from the coast through the shelf and slope, to the trench floor. Spatio-temporal correlation of turbidites and other tsunamigenic deposits, such as those generated in the 2011 event, can be used to reconstruct the recurrence history of large earthquakes and tsunamis. Here we use sediment cores and sub-bottom profiles to analyse the depositional setting along the Japan Trench, and show that the environment is ideal for preserving turbidites. The subducting Pacific Plate creates graben or basins along the trench floor that accommodate the episodic deposition of fine-grained turbidites; and interseismic hemipelagic deposits that form with high sedimentation rates along the Japan Trench effectively cover earthquake-induced turbidites and preserve the deposits as a geological record of large earthquakes. Therefore, small deep-sea basins with high sedimentation rates, such as in and around the Japan Trench floor, are favourable environments for studies of turbidite palaeoseismology.
Improved Performance of Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Diagnosis in HCV Cirrhosis with Normal Alanine Transaminase
Authors: Yang Ju Dong , Dai Jianliang , Singal Amit G. , Gopal Purva , Addissie Benyam D. , Nguyen Mindie H. , Befeler Alex S. , Reddy K. Rajender , Schwartz Myron , Harnois Denise M. , Yamada Hiroyuki , Gores Gregory J. , Feng Ziding , Marrero Jorge A. , Roberts Lewis R. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Background: The utility of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance is controversial. We aimed to identify factors associated with elevated AFP and define the patients for whom AFP is effective for surveillance.
Methods: Data from the NCI Early Detection Research Network phase II HCC biomarker study (233 early-stage HCC and 412 cirrhotic patients) were analyzed. We analyzed 110 early-stage HCC and 362 cirrhotic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients for external validation. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC curve (AUC) for HCC were calculated.
Results: HCV etiology, non-White race, and serum alanine transaminase (ALT) predicted elevated AFP in cirrhotics. Non-White race and ALT predicted elevated AFP in HCC patients. Higher AUC of AFP for HCC was noted in patients with HBV (0.85) and alcohol (0.84), whereas it was lower in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV; 0.80) and nonviral/alcohol etiology (0.76). The AUC was higher in HCV patients with serum ALT ≤40 U/L than patients with serum ALT &gt;40 U/L (0.91 vs. 0.75, P &lt; 0.01). At 90% specificity, the sensitivity of AFP increased from 44% to 74% in Whites with HCV and from 50% to 85% in non-Whites with HCV. There was a trend toward higher AUC in HCV patients with serum ALT ≤40 U/L than those with serum ALT &gt;40 U/L (0.79 vs. 0.69, P = 0.10) in the validation cohort.
Conclusions: The satisfactory performance of AFP in HCV patients with normal ALT should be further validated.
Impact: The AFP may serve as a valuable surveillance test in HCV patients with normal ALT. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(7); 1085–92. ©2017 AACR.
Kernel Density Estimation as a Measure of Environmental Exposure Related to Insulin Resistance in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Jankowska Marta M. , Natarajan Loki , Godbole Suneeta , Meseck Kristin , Sears Dorothy D. , Patterson Ruth E. , Kerr Jacqueline 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Background: Environmental factors may influence breast cancer; however, most studies have measured environmental exposure in neighborhoods around home residences (static exposure). We hypothesize that tracking environmental exposures over time and space (dynamic exposure) is key to assessing total exposure. This study compares breast cancer survivors' exposure to walkable and recreation-promoting environments using dynamic Global Positioning System (GPS) and static home-based measures of exposure in relation to insulin resistance.
Methods: GPS data from 249 breast cancer survivors living in San Diego County were collected for one week along with fasting blood draw. Exposure to recreation spaces and walkability was measured for each woman's home address within an 800 m buffer (static), and using a kernel density weight of GPS tracks (dynamic). Participants' exposure estimates were related to insulin resistance (using the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, HOMA-IR) controlled by age and body mass index (BMI) in linear regression models.
Results: The dynamic measurement method resulted in greater variability in built environment exposure values than did the static method. Regression results showed no association between HOMA-IR and home-based, static measures of walkability and recreation area exposure. GPS-based dynamic measures of both walkability and recreation area were significantly associated with lower HOMA-IR (P &lt; 0.05).
Conclusions: Dynamic exposure measurements may provide important evidence for community- and individual-level interventions that can address cancer risk inequities arising from environments wherein breast cancer survivors live and engage.
Impact: This is the first study to compare associations of dynamic versus static built environment exposure measures with insulin outcomes in breast cancer survivors. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(7); 1078–84. ©2017 AACR.
G-1 Inhibits Breast Cancer Cell Growth via Targeting Colchicine-Binding Site of Tubulin to Interfere with Microtubule Assembly
Authors: Lv Xiangmin , He Chunbo , Huang Cong , Hua Guohua , Wang Zhengfeng , Remmenga Steven W. , Rodabough Kerry J. , Karpf Adam R. , Dong Jixin , Davis John S. , Wang Cheng 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
G-protein–coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1) has been reported to play a significant role in mediating the rapid estrogen actions in a wide range of normal and cancer cells. G-1 was initially developed as a selective agonist for GPER. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the actions of G-1 are unknown, and recent studies report inconsistent effects of G-1 on the growth of breast cancer cells. By employing high-resolution laser scanning confocal microscopy and time-lapse imaging technology, as well as biochemical analyses, in the current study, we provide convincing in vitro and in vivo evidence that G-1 is able to suppress the growth of breast cancer cells independent of the expression status of GPERs and classic estrogen receptors. Interestingly, we found that triple-negative breast cancer cells (TNBC) are very sensitive to G-1 treatment. We found that G-1 arrested the cell cycle in the prophase of mitosis, leading to caspase activation and apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Our mechanistic studies indicated that G-1, similar to colchicine and 2-methoxyestradiol, binds to colchicine binding site on tubulin, inhibiting tubulin polymerization and subsequent assembly of normal mitotic spindle apparatus during breast cancer cell mitosis. Therefore, G-1 is a novel microtubule-targeting agent and could be a promising anti-microtubule drug for breast cancer treatment, especially for TNBC treatment. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(6); 1080–91. ©2017 AACR.