bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel biomarkers for prostate cancer: An evidence‐based review for use in clinical practice
Authors: Narayan Vikram M , Konety Badrinath R , Warlick Christopher 
Published: March 2017

AbstractProstate cancer is a heterogeneous disease with disparate outcomes. Traditional clinical parameters are limited in their ability to differentiate between these cases, and there is uncertainty regarding management strategies. A number of novel biomarkers have emerged, but how best to use them at the point of care remains confusing. In the present review, we describe the most common novel biomarkers, their key supporting literature, and propose a meaningful algorithm for their use in clinical practice. To identify commercially available prostate cancer diagnostic tests, we carried out a PubMed literature search (through May 2016). Only English‐language studies were included. We restricted our search to studies published within the past 10 years in order to focus our review on novel data. Secondary sources were also examined. We identified 12 novel biomarkers and categorized them into broad areas of clinical practice: (i) early diagnosis and screening; (ii) staging and primary treatment selection; (iii) post‐treatment risk stratification; (iv) advanced disease prognosis and treatment response; and (v) emerging tests. Most validation studies rely on small retrospective cohorts and carry a high risk of bias; furthermore, most cohorts are restricted to Caucasians, with little to no representation of other geographic, racial or ethnic populations. Novel biomarkers for prostate cancer management, while potentially helpful, should not replace standard clinical information and physician judgment. They are currently best suited to serve as an adjunct to existing management tools. Clinicians should have a sound grasp of each biomarker‐based test's indications and limitations.
Individual factors that influence experiences and perceptions of stigma and discrimination towards people with mental illness in Ghana
Authors: Gyamfi Sebastian , Hegadoren Kathy , Park Tanya 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPeople with a mental illness often encounter stigma and discrimination from a variety of sources, reinforcing negative self‐perceptions and influencing their health and well‐being. Even though support systems and attitudes of the general public act as powerful sources of stigma, views and perceptions held by people with mental illness also influence their sensitivity to the experiences they encounter. The aim of the present qualitative study was to examine perceptions of stigma and discrimination and self‐stigma in individuals diagnosed with a mental illness. This study adopted a narrative, descriptive method, using a semistructured interview guide to elicit participant perceptions regarding sources of stigma, discrimination, and personal factors that might influence their experiences. Twelve outpatients attending a clinic in Ghana were interviewed. Thematic content analysis was completed and augmented by field notes. Participants’ perceptions about personal impacts of stigma were found to be influenced by self‐stigma, anticipated stigma and discrimination, perceived discrimination, and their knowledge about their illness. For many participants, their views served to augment societal views, and thus reinforce negative self‐perceptions and their future. However, for other participants, their views served as a buffer in the face of environmental situations that reflect stigma and discrimination. Stigma is a complex, socially‐sanctioned phenomenon that can seriously affect the health of people with mental illness. As such, it requires coordinated strategies among public policy makers, governmental bodies, and health‐care providers to address stigma on a societal level, and to address its potential impacts on broad health outcomes for individuals with mental illness.
A decrease in eukaryotic elongation factor 2 phosphorylation is required for local translation of sensorin and long‐term facilitation in Aplysia
Authors: McCamphill Patrick K. , Ferguson Larissa , Sossin Wayne S. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)‐dependent protein synthesis is required for many forms of synaptic plasticity and memory, but the downstream pathways important for synaptic plasticity are poorly understood. Long‐term facilitation (LTF) in Aplysia is a form of synaptic plasticity that is closely linked to behavioral memory and an attractive model system for examining the important downstream targets for mTORC1 in regulating synaptic plasticity. Although mTORC1‐regulated protein synthesis has been strongly linked to translation initiation, translation elongation is also regulated by mTORC1 and LTF leads to an mTORC1‐dependent decrease in eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) phosphorylation. The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that the decrease in eEF2 phosphorylation is required for mTORC1‐dependent translation and plasticity. We show that the LTF‐induced decrease in eEF2 phosphorylation is blocked by expression of an eEF2 kinase (eEF2K) modified to be resistant to mTORC1 regulation. We found that expression of this modified kinase blocked LTF. LTF requires local protein synthesis of the neuropeptide sensorin and importantly, local sensorin synthesis can be measured using a dendra fluorescent protein containing the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs) of sensorin. Using this construct, we show that blocking eEF2 dephosphorylation also blocks the increase in local sensorin synthesis. These results identify decreases in eEF2 phosphorylation as a critical downstream effector of mTOR required for long‐term plasticity and identify an important translational target regulated by decreases in eEF2 phosphorylation.
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The role of complement inhibitors beyond controlling inflammation
Authors: Blom A. M. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe complement system is an arm of innate immunity that aids in the removal of pathogens and dying cells. Due to its harmful, pro‐inflammatory potential, complement is controlled by several soluble and membrane‐bound inhibitors. This family of complement regulators has been recently extended by the discovery of several new members, and it is becoming apparent that these proteins harbour additional functions. In this review, the current state of knowledge of the physiological functions of four complement regulators will be described: cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), CUB and sushi multiple domains 1 (CSMD1), sushi domain‐containing protein 4 (SUSD4) and CD59. Complement activation is involved in both the development of and defence against cancer. COMP expression is pro‐oncogenic, whereas CSMD1 and SUSD4 act as tumour suppressors. These effects may be related in part to the complex influence of complement on cancer but also depend on unrelated functions such as the protection of cells from endoplasmic reticulum stress conveyed by intracellular COMP. CD59 is the main inhibitor of the membrane attack complex, and its deficiency leads to complement attack on erythrocytes and severe haemolytic anaemia, which is now amenable to treatment with an inhibitor of C5 cleavage. Unexpectedly, the intracellular pool of CD59 is crucial for insulin secretion from pancreatic β‐cells. This finding is one of several relating to the intracellular functions of complement proteins, which until recently were only considered to be present in the extracellular space. Understanding the alternative functions of complement inhibitors may unravel unexpected links between complement and other physiological systems, but is also important for better design of therapeutic complement inhibition.
Overexpression of Yes‐associated protein and its association with clinicopathological features of hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Lin Chengjie , Hu Zhigao , Lei Biao , Tang Bo , Yu Hongping , Qiu Xiaoqiang , He Songqing 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundYes‐associated protein (YAP) overexpression is reported to be associated with risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but current studies have not explored the relationship between YAP expression with HCC clinicopathological features.MethodsTo assess these associations, a meta‐analysis was performed which included four eligible studies including 391 HCC cases and 334 controls. There were eight eligible studies to investigate the association between YAP expression in HCC and clinicopathological features of liver cancer patients. Literature was obtained from PubMed, Embase, Wangfang and China National Knowledge Infrastructure.ResultsAnalysis indicated that YAP expression in HCC was greater than in adjacent non‐tumour tissue (odds ratio [OR], 15.80, 95% confidence interval [CI], 10.53‐23.70, P<.00001; heterogeneity=.30). YAP overexpression in HCC was significantly associated with vascular invasion (OR, 2.21, 95% CI, 11.64‐2.97, P<.00001, heterogeneity=.10), less cellular differentiation (OR, 2.38, 95% CI, 1.61‐3.51, P<.00001, heterogeneity=.333), tumours larger than 5 cm (OR, 2.52, 95% CI, 1.75‐3.62, P<.00001; heterogeneity=.17) and TNM tumour stage I + II (OR, 0.44, 95% CI, 0.28‐0.75, P=.00003, heterogeneity=.12).ConclusionsOverexpression of YAP contributes to HCC formation, and its overexpression is associated with vascular invasion, low cellular differentiation tumours larger than 5 cm and TNM tumour stage III + IV.
Interleukin‐1 inhibition facilitates recovery from liver injury and promotes regeneration of hepatocytes in alcoholic hepatitis in mice
Authors: Iracheta‐Vellve Arvin , Petrasek Jan , Gyogyosi Benedek , Bala Shashi , Csak Timea , Kodys Karen , Szabo Gyongyi 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsInflammation and impaired hepatocyte regeneration contribute to liver failure in alcoholic hepatitis (AH). Interleukin (IL)‐1 is a key inflammatory cytokine in the pathobiology of AH. The role of IL‐1 in liver regeneration in the recovery phase of alcohol‐induced liver injury is unknown.MethodsIn this study, we tested IL‐1 receptor antagonist to block IL‐1 signalling in a mouse model of acute‐on‐chronic liver injury on liver inflammation and hepatocyte regeneration in AH.ResultsWe observed that inhibition of IL‐1 signalling decreased liver inflammation and neutrophil infiltration, and resulted in enhanced regeneration of hepatocytes and increased rate of recovery from liver injury in AH.ConclusionOur novel findings suggest that IL‐1 drives sustained liver inflammation and impaired hepatocyte regeneration even after cessation of ethanol exposure.
Hepatitis B s antigen kinetics during treatment with nucleos(t)ides analogues in patients with hepatitis B e antigen‐negative chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Striki Athanasia , Manolakopoulos Spilios , Deutsch Melanie , Kourikou Anastasia , Kontos George , Kranidioti Hariklia , Hadziyannis Emilia , Papatheodoridis George 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackground/AimsSerum hepatitis B s antigen (HBsAg) levels might be used as a predictor of virological breakthrough or of sustained off‐treatment virological response in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. We evaluated the changes of HBsAg in those patients under nucleos(t)ide analogue(s) [NA(s)] therapy for ≥12 months.MethodsWe included 99 HBeAg‐negative CHB patients treated with low‐genetic barrier NA(s) for a mean of 66 months (lamivudine: 66, adefovir: 6, lamivudine plus adefovir: 11 and telbivudine: 16) and 86 HBeAg‐negative CHB patients treated under entecavir or tenofovir for a mean of 30 months as the comparison group.ResultsCompared to baseline, HBsAg levels decreased by a median of 162, 1525, 943, 1545, 2163 and 3859 IU/mL at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months of therapy with low‐genetic barrier NA(s) respectively. The 6‐, 12‐, 24‐, 36‐, 48‐ and 60‐month cumulative rates of HBsAg<100 IU/mL were 2%, 3%, 3%, 5%, 5% and 5%, and <1000 IU/mL 6%, 9%, 15%, 19%, 24% and 61% respectively. Baseline HBsAg levels were the only significant variable associated with the time to HBsAg drop <1000 IU/mL. HBsAg loss occurred in 3.0% of patients. The high‐genetic barrier NAs were not found to offer a greater or faster HBsAg decline.ConclusionsIn HBeAg‐negative CHB patients, long‐term therapy with low‐genetic barrier NA(s) decreases serum HBsAg levels, but the rate of decline is slow. Lower baseline HBsAg levels are significantly associated with on‐therapy HBsAg drop <1000 IU/mL. Serum HBsAg decline is similar during therapy with low‐ or high‐genetic barrier NAs.
The nature and emplacement of distal aqueous‐rich ejecta deposits from Hale crater, Mars
Authors: Grant John A. , Wilson Sharon A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractHale crater formed in the Early to Middle Amazonian and is one of the best preserved large craters on Mars. We focus on the emplacement of previously mapped distal continuous ejecta and newly recognized discontinuous distal ejecta deposits reaching up to 450 km northeast of Hale. The distal continuous ejecta deposits are typically tens of meters thick, likely water‐rich, and subsequent dewatering of some resulted in flow along gradients of 10 m km‐1 for distances of tens of kilometers. The discontinuous distal ejecta are typically <10 m thick with volumes generally <0.5 km3 and embay Hale secondaries, which occur up to ~600 km from Hale. Both continuous and discontinuous distal ejecta deposits are typically smooth at scales of tens to hundreds of meters, relatively dark‐toned, devoid of eolian bedforms, inferred to be mostly fine‐grained, and were likely emplaced within hours to 1–2 days after impact. The occurrence of well‐preserved discontinuous distal ejecta at Hale is unusual compared to other large Martian craters and could be due to impact into an ice‐rich substrate that enabled their formation and (or) their survival after minimal postimpact degradation relative to older craters. The pristine nature of distal continuous and discontinuous distal deposits at Hale and the preservation of associated secondaries imply (1) low erosion rates after the Hale impact, comparable to those estimated elsewhere during the Amazonian; (2) the impact did not significantly influence long‐term global or regional scale geomorphic activity or climate; and (3) the Hale impact occurred after late alluvial fan activity in Margaritifer Terra.
Cheese supplemented with probiotics reduced the Candida levels in denture wearers—RCT
Authors: Miyazima TY , Ishikawa KH , Mayer MPA , Saad SMI , Nakamae AEM 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesThe access to probiotics should be facilitated in order to encourage their usage. We evaluated the effect of consumption of two experimental probiotic‐containing cheeses on the oral colonization of Candida in denture wearers.MethodsSixty denture wearers harboring oral Candida were randomly allocated in groups who received cheese supplemented with Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM (T1) or Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lr‐32 (T2), daily for 8 weeks, and a control group (C) who received a control cheese. Oral samples were obtained through a mouthwash, and Candida levels were determined (CFU/mL) at baseline and after the 8‐week experimental period.ResultsAt baseline, the mean levels of Candida spp. (log CFU/mL) were similar among the groups. However, the mean levels of Candida were significantly reduced in groups T1 and T2 but not in C (Tukey, p<.05). The reduction in Candida oral levels occurred independently on the colonizing Candida species, participant age, and use of bi‐ or unimaxillary dentures.ConclusionsDaily consumption of cheese supplemented with probiotics, with either L. acidophilus NCFM or L. rhamnosus Lr‐32, was able to reduce the colonization of oral Candida in complete denture wearers, suggesting its potential in reducing the risk of oral candidiasis in this highly susceptible population.
Age‐related variation in the cellular composition of equine bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
Authors: Hostetter Shannon J. , Clark Sandra K. , Gilbertie Jessica M. , Wiechert Sarah A. , Jones Doug E. , Sponseller Brett A. 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundPrevious reports reveal variation in the cellular composition of equine bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF).ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to compare the profiles ofBALFfrom horses to assess age‐related differences. SerialBALFsamples were collected from the same individuals over a one‐year period to identify changes in individual animals as they aged.MethodsCollection ofBALFwas performed on horses aged one week and one, 2, 6, and 12 months. Total nucleated cell count (TNCC), protein concentration, and cytology were assessed. Longitudinal analysis was performed and compared to healthy adults.ResultsFoals at one week and 6 months of age had significantly higherTNCCthan adults (medians: 320/μL, 285/μL, and 90/μL, respectively); no differences in total protein were found. Foals at one month had the highest proportion of macrophages (median: 87.3%), differing significantly from both yearlings and adults (medians: 45.5% and 48.7%, respectively). Foals aged one week and one month had significantly lower proportions of lymphocytes than yearlings and adults (medians: 3.2% and 4.7% vs 43.2% and 45.8%, respectively). Eosinophil percentage was lowest in foals aged one week, one month, and 2 months (median: 0.0%) and highest in foals aged 6 months (median: 2.2%). Mast cell percentages were highest in yearlings and adults (medians: 2.2% and 3.3%, respectively) and neutrophil percentage was highest in foals aged one week (13.7%).ConclusionsCytologic profiles ofBALFfrom foals and adult horses differed considerably. Significant changes inTNCCand percentages of lymphocytes, macrophages, and eosinophils occurred with age.
Trichoscopic diagnosis of cutaneous Pelodera strongyloides infestation in a dog
Authors: Căpitan Rareş G. M. , Noli Chiara 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundPelodera strongyloides infestation has rarely been reported in dogs. It is a saprophytic free‐living nematode, found in moist decaying organic matter, whose L3 larval stages occasionally can invade the skin of dogs and humans. Larvae penetrate the follicular infundibula causing an erythematous and pruritic dermatitis. The disease is usually diagnosed by deep skin scraping or histopathology, with large numbers of parasites readily identified in hair follicles.Case reportPelodera strongyloides dermatitis was diagnosed in a six‐year‐old mixed breed dog presenting with alopecia, erythema and severe pruritus on the ventrum and limbs. The infestation was diagnosed by microscopic examination of plucked hair shafts and confirmed on microscopic examination of skin biopsies collected for histopathology. Only two of 10 deep skin scrapings gave positive findings. The nematode infestation was eradicated following two applications, 2 weeks apart, of a moxidectin/imidacloprid spot‐on product.Conclusion and clinical importanceSkin scrapings are considered the diagnostic test of choice for P. strongyloides infestations. In this case, parasites were identified by hair trichograms more readily than by skin scrapings.
International, prospective haemovigilance study on methylene blue‐treated plasma
Authors: Noens L. , Vilariño Ma. D. , Megalou A. , Qureshi H. 
Published: March 2017

Background and objectivesMethylene blue is a phenothiazine dye, which in combination with visible light has virucidal and bactericidal properties, disrupting the replication of a broad range of enveloped viruses and some non‐enveloped viruses. The study objective was to collect data on adverse reactions occurring with methylene blue plasma administered in a routine clinical practice environment and document their characteristics and severity.Materials and methodsThis was an open label, multicentre, non‐controlled, non‐randomized, non‐interventional study. Patients who receive a methylene blue plasma transfusion were observed for any signs and symptoms (adverse reactions) within 24 h safter the start of the transfusion, in different hospitals for a study duration of at least 1 year.ResultsA total of 19 315 methylene blue plasma units were transfused. There were eight patients with adverse reactions recorded during the study, one of them serious. Two had more than one reaction (two and four, respectively). Three patients had previous transfusions with methylene blue plasma only.ConclusionMethylene blue plasma has a very acceptable safety profile with a rate of serious adverse reactions of 0·5/10 000 units.
Equilibrium beach profiles: erosion and accretion balanced approach
Authors: Riazi Amin , Türker Umut 
Published: March 2017

AbstractEstimating the magnitude of profile scale factor is currently based on the assumption that beach profiles are in equilibrium condition. However, this assumption cannot be applied to all beach profiles. In this article, a boundary based profile scale factor is proposed that through a normalized coordinate system leads to a unique global profile scale factor. The global profile scale factor helps to determine an initial linear beach profile. The amount of erosion and accretion that causes the initial linear profile to transform to the natural equilibrium beach profile (EBP) can be calculated. Accordingly, the balance between the amount of erosion and accretion will identify a turning point distinguishing the erosion and accretion areas on the profile. This turning point helps to evaluate whether the profile is in equilibrium condition or not. The proposed model was validated through various beach profiles resulting in high degrees of accuracy and reliability.
Botnet C&C Traffic and Flow Lifespans Using Survival Analysis
Authors: Oujezsky Vaclav , Horvath Tomas , Skorpil Vladislav 
Published: March 2017

This paper addresses the issue of detecting unwanted traffic in data networks, namely the detection of botnet networks. In this paper, we focused on a time behavioral analysis, more specifically said – lifespans of a simulated botnet network traffic, collected and discovered from NetFlow messages, and also of real botnet communication of a malware.As a method we chose survival analysis and for rigorous testing of differences Mantel–Cox test. Lifespans of those referred traffics are discovered and calculated by lifelines using Python language.Based on our research we have figured out a possibility to distinguish the individual lifespans of C&C communications that are identical to each other by using survival projection curves, although it occurred in a different time course.
Africa in the Eyes of a Memoirist (Volume One)
Authors: Afolayan Michael O. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
This publication is made up of essays dealing with the experiences of the memoirist, Professor Emeritus A.B. Assensoh of Indiana University, usa, who is also a Courtesy Professor Emeritus of University of Oregon, also in the usa. It is a publication that has been enriched by the author’s wide-ranging experiences in this first volume, which is centered largely on African topical issues but, very briefly, on other geographic areas in Asia, Europe and North America, as they relate to issues being discussed by the memoirist. The second volume is expected to deal heavily with essays on the author’s experiences in the usa, as part of North America, which is also to be published by Pan-African University Press of Austin, Texas, usa. Readers cannot wait for such a timely second volume of “A Matter of Sharing”.
A new species of the genus Xya Latreille, 1809 (Orthoptera, Tridactyloidea, Tridactylidae) from Sichuan, China
Authors: CAO CHENG-QUAN , SHI JIAN-PING , HU YU-LIN 
Published: March 2017

A new species Xya leshanensis sp. nov. of the genus Xya Latreille, 1809 from Sichuan, China is described in this paper. It is similar to Xya nitobei (Shiraki, 1913), but differs from latter by apical part of antennae joint almost as same as basal part in width; width of pronotum 1.25 times its length; hind wing long, extending over the end of abdomen distinctly; hind femur with four small yellowish-white spots on upper side; epiproct with a pair of large spines laterally directed on posterior angle, apical half narrow distinctly. Type specimens are deposited in the College of Life Science, Leshan Normal University, Leshan 614004, China.