bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abnormal heavy/light chain ratio after treatment is associated with shorter survival in patients with IgA myeloma
Authors: Suehara Yasuhito , Takamatsu Hiroyuki , Fukumoto Kota , Fujisawa Manabu , Narita Kentaro , Usui Yoshiaki , Takeuchi Masami , Endean Kelly , Matsue Kosei 
Published: November 2016

Immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy/light chain (HLC) assays enable the separate quantification of the different light chain types of each Ig class. We retrospectively analyzed the correlation of heavy/light chain ratio (HLCR) with clinical status and its impact on outcome in 120 patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Abnormal HLCR was seen more frequently in patients with poorer myeloma response, and it appeared to be more sensitive for detecting clonality in IgA myeloma compared to IgG myeloma after treatment. Among the 85 patients who achieved ≥VGPR, the patients remained HLCR abnormal were showed significantly shorter overall survival (OS) compared to those achieving a normal HLCR (not reached vs 55.5 months, P = 0.032). This correlation was seen in IgA myeloma patients (not reached vs 30.1 months, P = 0.014), but not in IgG myeloma patients when patients were analyzed separately. Univariate and multivariate analysis of factors that may affect survival identified abnormal HLCR at the best response as the only independent risk factor (hazard ratio, 4.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.4 – 15.26; P = 0.012) for shorter OS in this subset of patients. This study highlighted the HLC assay as a prognostic predictor in patients with IgA myeloma.
Combined fibrinogen and neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic marker of advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kijima Takashi , Arigami Takaaki , Uchikado Yasuto , Uenosono Yoshikazu , Kita Yoshiaki , Owaki Tetsuhiro , Mori Shinichiro , Kurahara Hiroshi , Kijima Yuko , Okumura Hiroshi , Maemura Kosei , Ishigami Sumiya , Natsugoe Shoji 
Published: November 2016

Patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is received chemoradiotherapy or chemotherapy for clinical management. However, it is difficult to predict tumor response and prognosis using blood markers before starting treatments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the pre‐treatment plasma fibrinogen and neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with advanced ESCC treated with chemoradiotherapy or chemotherapy, and to assess the clinical utility of a combined score using these blood markers, named as the F‐NLR (fibrinogen and NLR) score, as a predictor of tumor response and prognosis. A total of 98 advanced ESCC patients, treated with chemoradiotherapy or chemotherapy, were classified into three groups: F‐NLR score of 2, having both hyperfibrinogenemia (>400 mg/dL) and high NLR (>3.0), score of 1, one of these hematological abnormalities, and score of 0, having neither hyperfibrinogenemia nor high NLR. Fibrinogen and NLR were significantly higher in the progressive disease (PD) group than the non‐PD group (P = 0.0419, and P = 0.0001, respectively). A significantly higher F‐NLR score was found in the PD group than the non‐PD group (P = 0.0140). Overall survival was significantly lower in patients with an F‐NLR score of 2 than in those with an F‐NLR score of 0 or 1 (P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that the F‐NLR score was one of the independent prognostic factors (P = 0.0081). Our study demonstrates that the F‐NLR score is promising as a predictive marker for therapeutic effects and prognosis in patients with advanced ESCC.
Social media in colorectal surgery
Authors: Wexner S. D. , Petrucci A. M. , Brady R. R. , Ennis‐O'Connor M. , Fitzgerald J. E. , Mayol J. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe engagement of social media in healthcare continues to expand. For members of the colorectal community, social media has already made a significant impact on practice, education and patient care. The applications are unique such that they provide a platform for instant communication and information sharing with other users worldwide. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of how social media has the potential to change clinical practice, training, research and patient care in colorectal surgery.
Ability of independently ambulant children with cerebral palsy to ride a two‐wheel bicycle: a case–control study
Authors: Toovey Rachel , Reid Susan M , Rawicki Barry , Harvey Adrienne R , Watt Kerrianne 
Published: November 2016

AimLimited information exists on the ability of children with cerebral palsy (CP) to ride a two‐wheel bicycle, an activity that may improve health and participation. We aimed to describe bicycle‐riding ability and variables associated with ability to ride in children with CP (Gross Motor Functional Classification System [GMFCS] levels I–II) compared with children with typical development.MethodThis case–control study surveyed parents of 114 children with CP and 87 children with typical development aged 6 to 15 years (115 males, mean age 9y 11mo, standard deviation [SD] 2y 10mo). Kaplan–Meier methods were used to compare proportions able to ride at any given age between the two groups. Logistic regression was used to assess variables associated with ability to ride for children with CP and typical development separately.ResultsThe proportion of children with CP able to ride at each level of bicycle‐riding ability was substantially lower at each age than peers with typical development (p<0.001). While most children with typical development were able to ride independently by 10 years of age, 51% of children with CP classified as GMFCS level I and 3% of those classified as GMFCS level II had obtained independent riding in the community by 15 years of age. Variables associated with ability to ride for children classified as GMFCS level I were age and parent‐rated importance of their child being able to ride.InterpretationSome independently ambulant children with CP can learn to ride a bicycle, in particular if they are classified as GMFCS level I. Variables associated with ability to ride deserve consideration in shaping future efforts for the majority of this population who are not yet able to ride.
Efficacy of fungicides on Hymenoscyphus fraxineus and their potential for control of ash dieback in forest nurseries
Authors: Hrabětová M. , Černý K. , Zahradník D. , Havrdová L. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryTwenty‐six commercial formulations of fungicides at six concentrations were evaluated in vitro for their efficacy on mycelial growth of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (anamorph Chalara fraxinea). The results are presented as EC50, EC90 and minimal inhibitory concentration values; the comparisons with the recommended application concentrations showed that 10 of the 26 fungicides were highly effective in their ability to inhibit the mycelial growth of the pathogen. The eight most effective fungicides identified based on multiple comparisons analysis were azoxystrobin, bitertanol, captan (in two‐component preparation with trifloxystrobin), difenoconazole, kresoxim‐methyl, spiroxamine (in multicomponent preparation with tebuconazole and triadimenol), tebuconazole and trifloxystrobin. Azoxystrobin, difenoconazole, kresoxim‐methyl, mancozeb, myclobutanil, pyrimethanil, tebuconazole and trifloxystrobin were selected to verify their effectiveness in in planta tests. During two field tests in nurseries, it was found out that tebuconazole (triazole), trifloxystrobin and kresoxim‐methyl (strobilurins) and mancozeb (dithiocarbamate) were significantly effective against H. fraxineus. The best results were gained with tebuconazole, when mean percentage of diseased saplings was 16.3%, whereas in the control, it was 63.6%. The combination and alternation of fungicides from the triazole, strobilurine and dithiocarbamate chemical groups should be an effective tool for protecting ash saplings in forest nurseries. Moreover, exact timing of the treatment reflecting rainfall and development of first symptoms in the foliage will be also important.
Climate change alters the reproductive phenology and investment of a lacustrine fish, the three‐spine stickleback
Authors: Hovel Rachel A. , Carlson Stephanie M. , Quinn Thomas P. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractHigh‐latitude lakes are particularly sensitive to the effects of global climate change, demonstrating earlier ice breakup, longer ice‐free seasons, and increased water temperatures. Such physical changes have implications for diverse life‐history traits in taxa across entire lake food webs. Here, we use a five‐decade time series from an Alaskan lake to explore effects of climate change on growth and reproduction of a widely distributed lacustrine fish, the three‐spine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). We used multivariate autoregressive state‐space (MARSS) models to describe trends in the mean length for multiple size classes and to explore the influence of physical (date of ice breakup, surface water temperature) and biological (density of con‐ and heterospecifics) factors. As predicted, mean size of age 1 and older fish at the end of the growing season increased across years with earlier ice breakup and warmer temperatures. In contrast, mean size of age 0 fish decreased over time. Overall, lower fish density and warmer water temperatures were associated with larger size for all cohorts. Earlier ice breakup was associated with larger size for age 1 and older fish but, paradoxically, with smaller size of age 0 fish. To explore this latter result, we used mixing models on age 0 size distributions, which revealed an additional cohort in years with early ice breakup, lowering the mean size of age 0 fish. Moreover, early ice breakup was associated with earlier breeding, evidenced by earlier capture of age 0 fish. Our results suggest that early ice breakup altered both timing and frequency of breeding; three‐spine stickleback spawned earlier and more often in response to earlier ice breakup date. While previous studies have shown the influence of changing conditions in northern lakes on breeding timing and growth, this is the first to document increased breeding frequency, highlighting another pathway by which climate change can alter the ecology of northern lakes.
Challenges of operating a multi‐species breeding‐for‐release facility at Perth Zoo, Australia
Authors: Mawson P. R. , Lambert C. 
Published: November 2016

Breeding facilities based at zoological institutions are now considered a key component of integrated species‐conservation efforts. Many zoos and aquariums now operate such facilities under the One Plan approach, which integrates in situ and ex situ efforts with disease management, research and education elements. Perth Zoo, Australia, has been using such an approach since the late 1980s and has demonstrated success by producing large numbers (n = 3841) of animals from 11 species for release to the wild as part of coordinated species‐recovery programmes, operated with key government and non‐governmental partners. Managing a multi‐species breeding facility has been made possible by having dedicated staff caring for the animals, establishing a science‐based approach to all aspects of husbandry, and regularly publishing key results and lessons learned from those efforts. The longer‐term success of the programme has been dependent on the continuous support of the board and executive of Perth Zoo, and the embedding of a conservation ethos into strategic documents, education programmes and media communications with the wider public. Funding a long‐term programme has not been without its difficulties, and a flexible and adaptive approach to seeking and securing funding has been necessary.
Predictors of Long‐Term Mortality in Older Patients Hospitalized for Acutely Decompensated Heart Failure: Clinical Relevance of Natriuretic Peptides
Authors: Passantino Andrea , Guida Piero , Lagioia Rocco , Ammirati Enrico , Oliva Fabrizio , Frigerio Maria , Scrutinio Domenico 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundAcute heart failure is a common cause of hospitalization among older patients. Optimized risk stratification might improve the outcome for this subgroup of patients. Natriuretic peptides have been used in the diagnosis of heart failure and in evaluating the prognosis of patients hospitalized for heart failure. However, their utility in the elderly is still controversial.ObjectiveTo evaluate long‐term survival and prognostic factors for elderly patients hospitalized for acutely decompensated heart failure and evaluate the prognostic utility of NT‐proBNP.DesignRetrospective, multicenter cohort study.SettingTwo Italian hospitals.ParticipantsTwo hundred seventy‐nine patients, aged >75 years; hospitalized for decompensation of chronic, established heart failure.MethodsBaseline clinical data were recorded at admission. The primary outcome was long‐term mortality.ResultsIn‐hospital, 12‐month and 5‐year mortality were, respectively, 10%, 36%, and 77%. NT‐proBNP, eGFR, hemoglobin, diabetes, systolic blood pressure, and moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation were independently associated with long‐term prognosis and were entered into a multivariate model, with a C‐index of 0.765 for the determination of high‐risk patients. The C‐index for NT‐proBNP to predict mortality at 2 and 12 months was 0.740 and 0.756, respectively. The optimal cutoff point for predicting mortality at 2 and 12 months was 8,444 pg/mL (hazard ratio 5.33) and 8,275 pg/mL (hazard ratio 6.03), respectively.ConclusionElderly patients hospitalized for acutely decompensated heart failure had a poor long‐term outcome, especially in the subgroup with reduced ejection fraction (EF). In addition to EF and comorbidities, NT‐pro‐BNP remained independently prognostic among elderly patients hospitalized with heart failure.
Activation of Nur77 in microglia attenuates proinflammatory mediators production and protects dopaminergic neurons from inflammation‐induced cell death
Authors: Liu Tian‐Ya , Yang Xiao‐Ying , Zheng Long‐Tai , Wang Guang‐Hui , Zhen Xue‐Chu 
Published: November 2016

AbstractMicroglia‐mediated neuroinflammation plays a critical role in the pathological development of Parkinson's disease (PD). Orphan nuclear receptor Nur77 (Nur77) is abundant in neurons, while its role in microglia‐mediated neuroinflammation remains unclear. The present data demonstrated that the expression of Nur77 in microglia was reduced accompanied by microglia activation in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro and in experimental 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine‐PD mouse model. Nur77 over‐expression or application of Nur77 agonist cytosporone B suppressed the expression of proinflammatory genes, such as inducible nitric oxide NOS, cyclooxygenase‐2, IL‐1β, and tumor necrosis factor‐α in the activated microglia, while silenced Nur77 exaggerated the inflammatory responses in microglia. Moreover, activation of Nur77 suppressed the LPS‐induced NF‐κB activation which was partly dependent on p38 MAPK activity, since inhibition of p38 MAPK by SB203580 abolished the LPS‐activated NF‐κB in microglia. On the other hand, inhibition of p38 MAPK attenuated LPS‐induced Nur77 reduction. Furthermore, in a microglia‐conditioned cultured media system, Nur77 ameliorated the cytotoxicity to MN9D dopaminergic cells. Lastly, cytosporone B attenuated microglia activation and loss of dopaminergic neuron in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine‐PD mouse model. Taken together, these findings revealed the first evidence that Nur77 was an important modulator in microglia function that associated with microglia‐mediated dopaminergic neurotoxicity, and thus modulation of Nur77 may represent a potential novel target for treatment for neurodegenerative disease.
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Long‐term melatonin treatment delays ovarian aging
Authors: Tamura Hiroshi , Kawamoto Mai , Sato Shun , Tamura Isao , Maekawa Ryo , Taketani Toshiaki , Aasada Hiromi , Takaki Eiichi , Nakai Akira , Reiter Russel J. , Sugino Norihiro 
Published: November 2016

AbstractOvarian aging is characterized by gradual declines in oocyte quantity and quality. Melatonin is considered an anti‐aging agent due to its cytoprotective actions as an antioxidant. This study examined whether long‐term melatonin treatment would delay ovarian aging in mice. Female ICR mice (10 weeks old) were given melatonin‐containing water (100 μg/mL; melatonin) or water only until 43 weeks of age. Their oocytes were recovered from the oviduct, and in vitro fertilization was performed. The ovaries were used for a histological analysis of the number of follicles. The mRNA expression of the aging‐related sirtuin genes (SIRT1, SIRT3) and the autophagy‐related gene (LC3) and the telomere length of the ovarian chromosomes were analyzed. Transcriptome changes in the ovaries were also characterized using microarray. The number of ovulated oocytes decreased with age; however, it was greater in melatonin‐treated mice than that from control animals. The decreased fertilization rate and blastocyst rate during aging also were higher in the melatonin‐treated mice than in the controls, as were the numbers of primordial, primary, and antral follicles. The mRNA expression of SIRT1 and LC3 and telomere length were enhanced due to melatonin treatment. Seventy‐eight genes that were downregulated during aging and upregulated by melatonin were identified by a microarray analysis. Forty of these 78 genes were ribosome‐related genes, and a free radical scavenging network was identified. The present results indicate that melatonin delays ovarian aging by multiple mechanisms including antioxidant action, maintaining telomeres, stimulating SIRT expression and ribosome function, and by reducing autophagy.
The value of cure associated with treating treatment‐naïve chronic hepatitis C genotype 1: Are the new all‐oral regimens good value to society?
Authors: Younossi Zobair M. , Park Haesuk , Dieterich Douglas , Saab Sammy , Ahmed Aijaz , Gordon Stuart C. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackground & AimsAll‐oral regimens are associated with high cure rates in hepatitis C virus‐genotype 1 (HCV‐GT1) patients. Our aim was to assess the value of cure to the society for treatingHCVinfection.MethodsMarkov model forHCV‐GT1 projected long‐term health outcomes, life years, and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) gained. The model compared second‐generation triple (sofosbuvir+pegylated interferon+ribavirin [PR] and simeprevir+PR) and all‐oral (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir and ombitasvir+paritaprevir/ritonavir+dasabuvir±ribavirin) therapies with no treatment. Sustained virological response rates were based on PhaseIII RCTs. We assumed that 80% and 95% ofHCV‐GT1 patients were eligible for second‐generation triple and all‐oral regimens. Transition probabilities, utility and mortality were based on literature review. The value of cure was calculated by the difference in the savings from the economic gains associated with additionalQALYs.ResultsModel estimated 1.52 million treatment‐naïveHCV‐GT1 patients in theUS. Treating all eligibleHCV‐GT1 patients with second‐generation triple and all‐oral therapies resulted in 3.2 million and 4.8 million additionalQALYs gained compared to no treatment respectively. Using $50,000 as value ofQALY, these regimens lead to savings of $185 billion and $299 billion; costs of these regimens were $109 billion and $128 billion. The value of cure with second‐generation triple and all‐oral regimens was $55 billion and $111 billion, when we conservatively assumed only drug costs. Cost savings were greater forHCV‐GT1 patient cured with cirrhosis compared to patients without cirrhosis.ConclusionsThe recent evolution of regimens forHCV GT1 has increased efficacy and value of cure.
Forecasting pollination declines through DNA barcoding: the potential contributions of macroecological and macroevolutionary scales of inquiry
Authors: Vamosi Jana C. , Gong Yan‐Bing , Adamowicz Sarah J. , Packer Laurence 
Published: November 2016

SummaryWhile pollinators are widely acknowledged as important contributors to seed production in plant communities, we do not yet have a good understanding of the importance of pollinator specialists for this ecosystem service. Determination of the prevalence of pollinator specialists is often hindered by the occurrence of cryptic species and the limitations of observational data on pollinator visitation rates, two areas where DNA barcoding of pollinators and pollen can be useful. Further, the demonstrated adequacy of pollen DNA barcoding from historical records offers opportunities to observe the effects of pollinator loss over longer timescales, and phylogenetic approaches can elucidate the historical rates of extinction of specialist lineages. In this Viewpoint article, we review how advances in DNA barcoding and metabarcoding of plants and pollinators have brought important developments to our understanding of specialization in plant–pollinator interactions. We then put forth several lines of inquiry that we feel are especially promising for providing insight on changes in plant–pollinator interactions over space and time. Obtaining estimates of the effects of reductions in specialists will contribute to forecasting the loss of ecosystem services that will accompany the erosion of plant and pollinator diversity.
Alterations of specific lipid groups in serum of obese humans: a review
Authors: Mika A. , Sledzinski T. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryObesity is a major contributor to the dysfunction of liver, cardiac, pulmonary, endocrine and reproductive system, as well as a component of metabolic syndrome. Although development of obesity‐related disorders is associated with lipid abnormalities, most previous studies dealing with the problem in question were limited to routinely determined parameters, such as serum concentrations of triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, low‐density and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Many authors postulated to extend the scope of analysed lipid compounds and to study obesity‐related alterations in other, previously non‐examined groups of lipids. Comprehensive quantitative, structural and functional analysis of specific lipid groups may result in identification of new obesity‐related alterations. The review summarizes available evidence of obesity‐related alterations in various groups of lipids and their impact on health status of obese subjects. Further, the role of diet and endogenous lipid synthesis in the development of serum lipid alterations is discussed, along with potential application of various lipid compounds as risk markers for obesity‐related comorbidities.