bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High platelet counts increase metastatic risk in huge hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing transarterial chemoembolization
Authors: Xue Tong‐Chun , Ge Ning‐Ling , Xu Xin , Le Fan , Zhang Bo‐Heng , Wang Yan‐Hong 
Published: January 2016

AimAccumulating evidence suggests platelets play critical roles in tumor metastasis. Moreover, the role of platelets in metastasis is partially correlated with inflammation. However, evidence regarding the contribution of platelets to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis is lacking. This study investigated the association between platelets and metastatic risk in HCC.MethodsWe used huge HCC (diameter over 10 cm), a tumor subgroup with a strong inflammatory background, as a model to evaluate the potential predictive role of platelets and platelet‐related biomarkers for metastasis in HCC patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization. A logistic regression model was used to analyze risk factors for metastasis.ResultsPatients with huge HCC (n = 178) were enrolled, and 24.7% (44/178) of patients had remote metastases after treatment. Univariate analyses showed high platelet counts (P = 0.012), pretreatment platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratios (pre‐PLR) of 100 or more (P = 0.018) and post‐PLR of 100 or more (P = 0.013) were potential risk factors for metastasis. Furthermore, multivariate analyses showed high platelet counts (odds ratio, 2.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.074–4.443; P = 0.031) and platelet‐related biomarkers were independent risk factors for HCC metastasis. Particularly, the risk of metastasis in patients with high post‐PLR values was significantly greater than patients with low post‐PLR values. For tumor response and survival, patients with high platelet counts had faster disease progression (P = 0.002) and worse survival (P < 0.0001).ConclusionHigh platelet counts increase the extrahepatic metastasis risk of huge HCC undergoing chemoembolization, which supply clinical verification of the association between high platelet counts and HCC metastasis.
Antagonism between Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Williopsis mrakii and significance for mixed yeast alcoholic beverage fermentations
Authors: Li Xiao , Liu Shao‐Quan 
Published: January 2016

SummaryThis research was carried out to investigate the antagonism between Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Williopsis saturnus var. mrakii. When glucose level was ≥12% (w/v) (potential ethanol ≥7.2% v/v), W. mrakii that was co‐inoculated with S. cerevisiae died early, while W. mrakii alone could not survive in broth with ≥8% (v/v) ethanol. Moreover, when glucose was ≥15% (w/v) (potential ethanol ≥9.0% v/v), higher inoculums of S. cerevisiae induced faster cell decline of W. mrakii; when glucose was ≤2% (w/v), there was no early cell decline of W. mrakii at any inoculum ratio, but there was inoculum ratio‐dependent growth retardation. These results indicate that ethanol was at least one of the factors causing early cell decline of W. mrakii in co‐culture with S. cerevisiae. Further, S. cerevisiae was inhibited when it was inoculated sequentially into a W. mrakii monoculture; the former yeast was also suppressed when it was inoculated into the supernatants of a W. mrakii monoculture. This suggests that S. cerevisiae was sensitive to the mycosin (killer toxin) produced by W. mrakii. These findings have implications for controlling mixed yeast alcoholic beverage fermentations.
Ethylene production, respiration and gas exchange modelling in modified atmosphere packaging for banana fruits
Authors: Mendoza Rolando , Castellanos Diego A. , García Juan C. , Vargas Julio C. , Herrera Aníbal O. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryA mathematical model was developed from experimental measurements to describe the evolution of the O2, CO2 and ethylene in a modified atmosphere packaging system for Cavendish bananas. The respiration and ethylene production in the fruits were experimentally obtained from a closed system method and then represented by Michaelis–Menten equations of enzyme kinetics. The gas transfer through the packaging was described by a Fick's diffusion equation, and the temperature dependence was represented based on the Arrhenius law. The model was validated by packaging the fruit in perforated bags of polypropylene and low density polyethylene at 12 °C for a period of 8 days. With the developed model it was possible to satisfactorily describe the experimental evolution of the gas content in the headspace of the packages, obtaining coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.93 for the O2 levels, 0.90–0.91 for the CO2 levels, and 0.89–0.93 for the ethylene levels.
Inverse correlation of expression of microRNA‐140‐5p with progression of multiple sclerosis and differentiation of encephalitogenic T helper type 1 cells
Authors: Guan Hongbing , Singh Udai P. , Rao Roshni , Mrelashvili Davit , Sen Souvik , Hao Haiping , Zumbrun Elizabeth E. , Singh Narendra P. , Nagarkatti Prakash S. , Nagarkatti Mitzi 
Published: January 2016

SummaryThe role of microRNA in the regulation of encephalitogenic T‐cell development is of interest in understanding the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Direct binding of microRNAs to their target mRNAs usually suppresses gene expression and facilitates mRNA degradation. In this study, we observed that the expression of several microRNAs was significantly altered in patients with MS. Interestingly, the expression of miR‐140‐5p, among other microRNAs, was significantly decreased in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with MS, and this microRNA may regulate encephalitogenic T helper type 1 (Th1) cell differentiation. The expression level of miR‐140‐5p was inversely correlated with disease severity with greater reduction in relapsing disease compared with remitting disease. Transfection of synthetic miR‐140‐5p in peripheral blood mononuclear cells suppressed encephalitogenic Th1 differentiation. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) was the functional target of miR‐140‐5p – transfection of the synthetic miR‐140‐5p suppressed activation of STAT1 and the expression of its downstream target, T‐bet. Our results suggested that miR‐140‐5p is probably involved in the regulation of encephalitogenic T cells in the pathogenesis of MS.
On the generalized bin packing problem
Authors: Baldi Mauro Maria , Bruglieri Maurizio 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe generalized bin packing problem (GBPP) is a novel packing problem arising in many transportation and logistic settings, characterized by multiple items and bins attributes and the presence of both compulsory and non‐compulsory items. In this paper, we study the computational complexity and the approximability of the GBPP. We prove that the GBPP cannot be approximated by any constant, unless . We also study the particular case of a single bin type and show that when an unlimited number of bins is available, the GBPP can be reduced to the bin packing with rejection (BPR) problem, which is approximable. We also prove that the GBPP satisfies Bellman's optimality principle and, exploiting this result, we develop a dynamic programming solution approach. Finally, we study the behavior of standard and widespread heuristics such as the first fit, best fit, first fit decreasing, and best fit decreasing. We show that while they successfully approximate previous versions of bin packing problems, they fail to approximate the GBPP.
The juxtaposition of ageing and nursing: the challenges and enablers of continuing to work in the latter stages of a nursing career
Authors: Clendon Jill , Walker Léonie 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimsTo identify why some nurses cope well with continuing to work as they age and others struggle.BackgroundThere is a need to understand better the challenges older nurses face and how they manage them.DesignSecondary analysis of existing data.MethodsData collected in two separate studies were analysed. The first study (2012) was an online, anonymous survey that collected free text (qualitative) and categorical data (n = 3273, 57·6% response rate). The second (2014) was an explorative, descriptive study that collected data through focus groups and interviews (n = 46). Qualitative data from both studies were analysed using David Thomas' () general inductive approach. Research Ethics Committee approval was gained for the 2012 and 2014 studies.ResultsData were categorised in two themes: the challenges of ageing and nursing; and factors that enable nurses to continue to practice. Physical challenges, fatigue, guilt, ageism and demands to complete continuing education were considered challenges. Maintaining personal fitness, self care, flexible working and a strong belief in their ability to contribute to the profession were present in older nurses who continued to practice.ConclusionWhile older nurses face growing physical and cognitive challenges as they age, they demonstrate strong resilience in the face of these challenges. It is recommended nurses seek support from their workplaces early to address challenges. Organisations must address ageism in the workplace and provide practical interventions such as supporting changes to work hours, shifting nurses to less physical roles and providing career planning to support resilience in older workers.
Pitavastatin improves glycated hemoglobin in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes
Authors: Huang Chung‐Huei , Huang Yu‐Yao , Hsu Brend Ray‐Sea 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo investigate the effect of pitavastatin on glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes.Materials and MethodsMedical records of 340 patients with type 2 diabetes treated with pitavastatin or atorvastatin between 1 August 2013 and 31 May 2014 were reviewed. A total of 96 patients who had not received statins were treated with pitavastatin (N to P group). A total of 100 patients who had previously used atorvastatin were switched to pitavastatin (A to P group). A total of 144 patients continued with atorvastatin treatment. Data were collected at baseline, 3 and 6 months of treatment. Changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level were analyzed in 222 patients who did not change their antidiabetic agent during 6 months of treatment.ResultsA negative correlation between baseline HbA1c and delta HbA1c at 6 months was found in the pitavastatin‐treated patients (N to P group: ρ = −0.329, P = 0.006; A to P group: ρ = −0.480, P < 0.001). The correlation remained similar after adjusting for age, body mass index, dose of pitavastatin, estimated glomerular filtration rate and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. After 6 months of treatment, the benefit of pitavastatin on HbA1c in the patients with poorly controlled diabetes was significant in both the N to P (8.1 vs 7.4%, P = 0.018) and A to P (9.7 vs 9.0%, P = 0.015) groups.ConclusionsPitavastatin decreases HbA1c in patients with type 2 diabetes with a higher baseline HbA1c level. The benefit on HbA1c was also observed in patients with previous use of atorvastatin.
Parental and hybridDaphniafrom theD. longispinacomplex: long‐term dynamics in genetic structure and significance of overwintering modes
Authors: Griebel J. , Gießler S. , Yin M. , Wolinska J. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIn recent decades, hybridization has become a focus of attention because of its role in evolutionary processes. However, little is known about changes in genetic structure within and between parental species and hybrids over time. Here, we studied processes of genetic change in parental species and hybrids from theDaphnia longispinacomplex (Crustacea, Cladocera) over a period of six years across ten habitats. These cyclical parthenogens respond to fluctuating environments by switching from asexual to sexual reproduction. Importantly, sexually produced diapausing eggs, which resist extreme conditions such as low temperatures and serve as dispersal stages, are produced to a lower extent by hybrids. Long‐term microsatellite data revealed clear differences between hybrids and parental species. In hybrids, clonal diversity values were lower, whereas heterozygosity and linkage disequilibrium values were higher compared to parental species. Clonal diversity of hybrids responded to the strength of the winter, with cold winters resulting in few genotypes in the following spring. In time windows when only asexual hybrid females survive, priority effects will favour the establishment of the hybrid offspring before hatchlings from parental diapause eggs can enter the community. The constant high levels of heterozygosity maintained by clonal reproduction in hybrids might lead to their successful establishment over time, when they are able to escape competition from both parental species. Although we found evidence that hybrids diversity depends on fluctuating environments, a direct link between hybrid abundance and the strength of winter was missing. Because of reduced adaptability in clonally reproducing hybrids, multiple factors must contribute to promoting their long‐term success in fluctuating environments.
Beyond the wing planform: morphological differentiation between migratory and nonmigratory dragonfly species
Authors: Suárez‐Tovar C. M. , Sarmiento C. E. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractMigration is a significant trait of the animal kingdom that can impose a strong selective pressure on several structures to overcome the amount of energy that the organism invests in this particular behaviour. Wing linear dimensions and planform have been a traditional focus in the study of flying migratory species; however, other traits could also influence aerodynamic performance. We studied the differences in several flight‐related traits of migratory and nonmigratoryLibellulid species in a phylogenetic context to assess their response to migratory behaviour. Wings were compared by linear measurements, shape, surface corrugations and microtrichia number. Thorax size and pilosity were also compared. Migratory species have larger and smoother wings, a larger anal lobe that is reached through an expansion of the discoidal region, and longer and denser thoracic pilosity. These differences might favour gliding as an energy‐saving displacement strategy. Most of the changes were identified in the hind wings. No differences were observed for the thorax linear dimensions, wetted aspect ratio, some wing corrugations or the wing microtrichiae number. Similar changes in the hind wing are present in clades where migration evolved. Our results emphasize that adaptations to migration through flight may extend to characteristics beyond the wing planform and that some wing characteristics in libellulids converge in response to migratory habits, whereas other closely related structures remain virtually unchanged. Additionally, we concluded that despite a close functional association and similar selective pressures on a structure, significant differences in the magnitude of the response may be present in its components.
Simeprevir plus peginterferon/ribavirin for HCV genotype 1‐infected treatment‐naïve patients in China and South Korea
Authors: Wei Lai , Han Tao , Yang Dongliang , Heo Jeong , Shang Jia , Cheng Jun , Chen Xinyue , Xie Qing , Kim Ju‐Hyun , Kalmeijer Ronald , Ouwerkerk‐Mahadevan Sivi , Hoeben Eva , Lenz Oliver , Verbinnen Thierry , Sinha Rekha , Li MengChun , Scott Jane , Peeters Monika , Witek James ,   on behalf of the TIGER team
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackground and AimApproximately one‐third of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (GT) 1 infection live in East Asia. This study evaluated the efficacy, pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of simeprevir plus peginterferon alpha‐2a and ribavirin (PR) in HCV GT1‐infected, treatment‐naïve, Asian patients with compensated liver disease.MethodsThis phase III, randomized study (NCT01725529) was conducted in China and South Korea. Patients received simeprevir 150 mg once daily (QD), simeprevir 100 mg QD, or placebo, in combination with PR for 12 weeks. Patients in the simeprevir groups received PR alone for a further 12 or 36 weeks based on response‐guided treatment criteria. Patients in the placebo group received a further 36 weeks of PR alone. The primary efficacy endpoint was sustained virologic response 12 weeks after planned end of treatment (SVR12). Secondary endpoints were safety, pharmacokinetics, tolerability, and patient‐reported outcomes.ResultsOverall, 457 patients were treated; the majority had GT1b infection (452/457 [99%]) and IL28B CC GT (364/457 [80%]). Of the 454 patients who had liver biopsy, 26 had cirrhosis (6%). SVR12 rates were superior for both the simeprevir 100 mg (89%; P = 0.003) and 150 mg (91%; P < 0.001) groups versus placebo (76%). Adverse events were mainly grade 1/2 and occurred at a similar incidence across all treatment groups. Overall, eight patients (2%) discontinued simeprevir or placebo treatment because of adverse events.ConclusionsBoth simeprevir (100 mg and 150 mg QD) plus PR achieved superiority in SVR12 versus placebo plus PR in treatment‐naïve, HCV GT1‐infected, Asian patients and were well tolerated.
Assessment of penile erection methods in rhesus macaques to model pharmacokinetics of antiretroviral drugs and penile infection with simian immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Hayes James , Powell Nathaniel , Lathrop George , Heneine Walid , Dobard Charles W. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundAn established macaque model to assess HIV interventions against penile transmission is currently not available. Physiological changes during penile erections may affect susceptibility to infection and drug pharmacokinetics (PK). Here, we identify methods to establish erections in macaques to evaluate penile transmission, PK, and efficacy under physiologic conditions.MethodsPenile rigidity and length were evaluated in eight rhesus macaques following rectal electrostimulation (RES), vibratory stimulation (VS), or pharmacological treatment with Sildenafil Citrate (Viagra) or Alprostadil.ResultsRectal electrostimulation treatment increased penile rigidity (>82%) and length (2.5 ± 0.58 cm), albeit the response was transient. In contrast, VS alone or coupled with Viagra or Alprostadil failed to elicit an erection response.ConclusionRectal electrostimulation treatment elicits transient but consistent penile erections in macaques. High rigidity following RES treatment demonstrates increased blood flow and may provide a functional model for penile PK evaluations and possibly simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) transmission under erect conditions.
NFκB‐inducing kinase inhibits NFκB activity specifically in neurons of the CNS
Authors: Mao Xianrong , Phanavanh Bounleut , Hamdan Hamdan , Moerman‐Herzog Andréa M. , Barger Steven W. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe control ofNFκB inCNSneurons appears to differ from that in other cell types. Studies have reported induction ofNFκB in neuronal cultures and immunostainingin vivo, but others have consistently detected little or no transcriptional activation byNFκB in brain neurons. To test if neurons lack some component of the signal transduction system forNFκB activation, we transfected cortical neurons with several members of this signaling system along with a luciferase‐basedNFκB‐reporter plasmid; RelA was cotransfected in some conditions. No component of theNFκB pathway was permissive for endogenousNFκB activity, and none stimulated the activity of exogenous RelA. Surprisingly, however, the latter was inhibited by cotransfection ofNFκB‐inducing kinase (NIK). Fluorescence imaging of RelA indicated that co‐expression ofNIKsequestered RelA in the cytoplasm, similar to the effect of IκBα.NIK‐knockout mice showed elevated expression of anNFκB‐reporter construct in neuronsin vivo. Cortical neurons cultured fromNIK‐knockout mice showed elevated expression of anNFκB‐reporter transgene. Consistent with data from other cell types, a C‐terminal fragment ofNIKsuppressed RelA activity in astrocytes as well as neurons. Therefore, the inhibitory ability of theNIKC‐terminus was unbiased with regard to cell type. However, inhibition ofNFκB by full‐lengthNIKis a novel outcome that appears to be specific toCNSneurons. This has implications for unique aspects of transcription in theCNS, perhaps relevant to aspects of development, neuroplasticity, and neuroinflammation.imageFull‐length NIK was found to inhibit (down arrow) transcriptional activation of NFκB in neurons, while it elevated (up arrow) activity in astrocytes. Deletion constructs corresponding to the N‐terminus or C‐terminus also inhibited NFκB in neurons, while only the C‐terminus did so in astrocytes. One possible explanation is that the inhibition in neurons occurs via two different mechanisms, including the potential for a neuron‐specific protein (e.g., one of the 14‐3‐3 class) to create a novel complex in neurons, whereas the C‐terminus may interact directly with NFκB. [Structure of NIK is based on Liu J., Sudom A., Min X., Cao Z., Gao X., Ayres M., Lee F., Cao P., Johnstone S., Plotnikova O., Walker N., Chen G., and Wang Z. (2012) Structure of the nuclear factor κB‐inducing kinase (NIK) kinase domain reveals a constitutively active conformation. J Biol Chem. 287, 27326‐27334); N‐terminal lobe is oriented at top].
Caregiving to persons living with HIV/AIDS: experiences of Vietnamese family members
Authors: Lundberg Pranee C , Doan Thoa Thi Kim , Dinh Thu Thi Xuan , Oach Nhung Kim , Le Phong Hoang 
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectivesTo examine the experiences of caregiving among Vietnamese family members of persons living with HIV/AIDS.BackgroundAs the number of persons living with HIV/AIDS increases, the need of family caregivers who can take responsibility for the home care of these persons increases. Vietnam has one of the fastest growing HIV epidemics in Asia.DesignA descriptive cross‐sectional study with quantitative and qualitative methods was used.MethodsA purposive sample of 104 family caregivers, both male and female, participated voluntarily by answering a questionnaire of caregiver burden, and 20 of them participated in in‐depth interview.ResultsFemale caregivers were mainly mothers and wives while male caregivers were mainly husbands, fathers and siblings. The largest group of family caregivers reported moderate to severe burden. There was no difference between genders in total caregiver burden, but there were several differences between older and younger caregivers in some items of caregiver burden. Five categories of experiences emerged: Different types of caregiving to persons living with HIV/AIDS, cultural and religious issues associated with caregiving, keeping secret to avoid stigma and discrimination, lack of knowledge about disease and provision of care, and fear, anxiety and frustration.ConclusionsStigma and discrimination should be decreased by providing knowledge to the general public about HIV/AIDS, in particular about ways of transmission and protection. Special knowledge should be given to family caregivers to enable them to give care to persons living with HIV/AIDS at home. This could be done through culturally appropriate training/intervention programmes in which coping methods should be included. Support group interventions should also be carried through. The results obtained can be used as baseline information.Relevance to clinical practiceHealth care providers should consider gender, age and culture of family members of persons living with HIV/AIDS. Knowledge about HIV/AIDS, provision of care at home and in hospital, and support groups should be developed and implemented.