bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relation of Serum ADMA, Apelin‐13 and LOX‐1 Levels with Inflammatory and Echocardiographic Parameters in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Dogan Ibrahim , Dogan Tolga , Yetim Mucahit , Kayadibi Huseyin , Yilmaz Mehmet B , Eser Baris , Kalcik Macit , Karavelioglu Yusuf 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease. Nitric oxide has a critical role in both endothelial dysfunction and the atherosclerosis process. We aimed to investigate the relationships between serum asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA), LOX‐1, and Apelin‐13 levels, which are known to act over nitric oxide with endothelial dysfunction and cardiac morphology as well as with each other in hemodialysis patients. The study comprised a total of 120 patients (53 females and 67 males) receiving hemodialysis three times a week for at least 6 months and an age‐gender matched control group (55 females and 58 males). Serum ADMA, LOX‐1, and Apelin‐13 levels were measured using the ELISA technique. Echocardiography, 24‐h blood pressure monitoring by the Holter and carotid artery intima‐media thickness (CIMT) measurement was performed on all of the included subjects. The associations between serum ADMA, LOX‐1, and Apelin‐13 levels with CIMT, echocardiographic parameters [left ventricular mass (LVM) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI)], and inflammatory markers [high sensitive C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR)] were evaluated by correlation analysis. Serum ADMA, Apelin‐13, and LOX‐1 levels were significantly higher in the hemodialysis group than the controls (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). CIMT, hsCRP, and NLR levels were also significantly higher in the hemodialysis group (P < 0.05, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Significant correlations were observed among the serum ADMA, Apelin‐13, and LOX‐1 levels. Moreover, notably positive correlations were found between these three biochemical markers and LVM, LVMI, hsCRP, and CIMT. Serum ADMA, Apelin‐13, and LOX‐1 levels can be indicators not only for the inflammatory process but also for the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases in hemodialysis patients.
Validation of Alcohol Flushing Questionnaires in Determining Inactive Aldehyde Dehydrogenase‐2 and Its Clinical Implication in Alcohol‐Related Diseases
Authors: Shin Cheol Min , Kim Nayoung , Cho Sung‐Il , Sung Joohon , Lee Hee‐Jung 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundOur aim was to validate alcohol flushing questionnaires in detecting inactive ALDH2 (ALDH2*1/*2 or ALDH2*2/*2).MethodsTwo study sets were established; in study set 1, 210 healthy male subjects (age 22 to 59 years) were enrolled; in study set 2, 756 subjects were enrolled who received esophagogastroduodenoscopy to evaluate their dyspeptic symptoms or as part of a gastric cancer screening program. Subjects in study sets 1 and 2 completed the modified alcohol flushing questionnaires of Yokoyama and colleagues (, ). Polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used to determine ALDH2 genotype.ResultsIn study set 1, 29.0% (61 of 210) had inactive ALDH2. The sensitivity and specificity of the modified alcohol flushing questionnaire for detecting inactive ALDH2 were 95.1 and 76.5%, respectively. Drinking problems negatively correlated with positive alcohol flushing response and inactive ALDH2 (all p‐values < 0.05). In study set 2, the sensitivity and specificity of the alcohol flushing questionnaire for detecting inactive ALDH2 were 78.9 and 82.1%, respectively. Interestingly, drinking ≥7 units/wk in men or ≥3.5 units/wk in women significantly increased the risk of benign gastric ulcer (BGU) among positive alcohol flushers (odds ratio, 8.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.38 to 58.30), but not among negative alcohol flushers.ConclusionsSimple flushing questionnaires may be administered to the Korean population as a screening tool in detecting individuals who carry inactive ALDH2. Alcohol flushing response negatively correlates with drinking problems and can modify the risk for BGU by alcohol intake.
Effects of the Acute and Chronic Ethanol Intoxication on Acetate Metabolism and Kinetics in the Rat Brain
Authors: Hsieh Ya‐Ju , Wu Liang‐Chih , Ke Chien‐Chih , Chang Chi‐Wei , Kuo Jung‐Wen , Huang Wen‐Sheng , Chen Fu‐Du , Yang Bang‐Hung , Tai Hsiao‐Ting , Chen Sharon Chia‐Ju , Liu Ren‐Shyan 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundEthanol (EtOH) intoxication inhibits glucose transport and decreases overall brain glucose metabolism; however, humans with long‐term EtOH consumption were found to have a significant increase in [1‐11C]‐acetate uptake in the brain. The relationship between the cause and effect of [1‐11C]‐acetate kinetics and acute/chronic EtOH intoxication, however, is still unclear.Methods[1‐11C]‐acetate positron emission tomography (PET) with dynamic measurement of K1 and k2 rate constants was used to investigate the changes in acetate metabolism in different brain regions of rats with acute or chronic EtOH intoxication.ResultsPET imaging demonstrated decreased [1‐11C]‐acetate uptake in rat brain with acute EtOH intoxication, but this increased with chronic EtOH intoxication. Tracer uptake rate constant K1 and clearance rate constant k2 were decreased in acutely intoxicated rats. No significant change was noted in K1 and k2 in chronic EtOH intoxication, although 6 of 7 brain regions showed slightly higher k2 than baseline. These results indicate that acute EtOH intoxication accelerated acetate transport and metabolism in the rat brain, whereas chronic EtOH intoxication status showed no significant effect.ConclusionsIn vivo PET study confirmed the modulatory role of EtOH, administered acutely or chronically, in [1‐11C]‐acetate kinetics and metabolism in the rat brain. Acute EtOH intoxication may inhibit the transport and metabolism of acetate in the brain, whereas chronic EtOH exposure may lead to the adaptation of the rat brain to EtOH in acetate utilization. [1‐11C]‐acetate PET imaging is a feasible approach to study the effect of EtOH on acetate metabolism in rat brain.
Localization of thrombospondin‐1 and its receptor CD36 in the ovary of the ostrich (Struthio camelus)
Authors: Rodler D. , Sinowatz F. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryAngiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre‐existing vasculature, plays a decisive role for the rapid growth of avian follicles. Compared to mammals, few data on the angiogenesis in the avian ovary are available. However, whereas several pro‐angiogenic factors in the avian ovary have been recently studied in detail, little information is available on the localization of anti‐angiogenic factors. The aim of this study was to determine the localization and possible function of the anti‐angiogenic factor thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1) and its receptor CD36 in the ovary of the ostrich using immunohistochemistry and to correlate the results with ultrastructural data. Whereas the oocytes and granulosa cells of all follicular stages were negative for TSP‐1, myofibroblasts of the theca externa and smooth muscle cells of blood vessels showed distinct reactions. A distinctly different staining pattern was observed for CD36. The oocytes were CD36 negative. No immunostaining for CD36 could be observed neither in the granulosa cells nor in the adjacent theca interna of vitellogenic follicles. In the theca externa, blood vessels protruding towards the oocyte showed CD36‐positive endothelial cells. In conclusion, a fine balance between angiogenic and anti‐angiogenic processes assures that a dense net of blood vessels develops during the rapid growth of a selected follicle. Anti‐angiogenic molecules, such as TSP‐1 and its receptor CD36 may, after the oocyte has reached its final size, inhibit further angiogenesis and limit the transport of yolk material to the mature oocyte. By this mechanism, the growth of the megalecithal oocyte during folliculogenesis may cease.
Immune checkpoint molecules soluble program death ligand 1 and galectin‐9 are increased in pregnancy
Authors: Enninga Elizabeth Ann L. , Harrington Susan M. , Creedon Douglas J. , Ruano Rodrigo , Markovic Svetomir N. , Dong Haidong , Dronca Roxana S. 
Published: December 2017

ProblemPregnancy requires balance between tolerance to the haploidentical fetus and the mother's ability to mount immune responses. There are parallels to this phenomenon that occur in metastatic cancer. We assessed soluble program death ligand‐1 soluble PD‐L1 (sPD‐L1) and galectin‐9 in the blood of pregnant women during gestation as these molecules are highly involved in immune suppression during cancer.Method of studyMaternal blood was collected from 30 primigravida women at monthly intervals during pregnancy, delivery and 6‐week post‐partum. Blood was analyzed for sPD‐L1 and galectin‐9 concentrations by ELISA. Term placentas were collected in formalin and IHC was completed for PD‐L1 and galectin‐9 expression.ResultsMaternal blood levels of sPD‐L1 (0.438 ng/mL) and galectin‐9 (1976 pg/mL) were elevated early in normal pregnancies compared to non‐pregnant controls (0.242 ng/mL and 773 pg/mL, respectively). sPD‐L1 increased throughout gestation, whereas galectin‐9 remained elevated until parturition; both proteins returned to control levels post‐partum. Women carrying male fetuses had significantly higher galectin‐9 levels, but not sPD‐L1, than those carrying females (2263 pg/mL vs 1874 pg/mL; P = .0005). Trophoblast cells of the term placenta coexpress galectin‐9 and PD‐L1.ConclusionImmune‐regulatory molecules galectin‐9 and sPD‐L1 increased during pregnancy and may play a role in immune tolerance that is critical for the fetus.
Vitamin D facilitates trophoblast invasion through induction of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition
Authors: Kim Ryang Hee , Ryu Byung Jun , Lee Ki Mo , Han Jae Won , Lee Sung Ki 
Published: December 2017

ProblemVitamin D deficiency increases the risk of developing pregnancy‐related complications, including preeclampsia and small‐for‐gestational‐age infants. Vitamin D was demonstrated to promote the invasiveness of human extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). However, whether vitamin D induces the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of EVTs remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated whether vitamin D promotes EMT and the related signaling pathways.Method of studyIn this study, we performed EMT experiments using JAR cells based on the expression of the mesenchymal markers and vitamin D receptor. JAR cells were treated with calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D. Western blotting was performed to evaluate EMT markers and key molecules of signaling pathways. Invasion assays were conducted. Expression and secretion of MMPs were analyzed by real‐time PCR and zymography.ResultsCalcitriol significantly enhanced EMT and the invasive capability of JAR cells, along with increased expression and secretion of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9. Moreover, ERK signaling pathway was activated by calcitriol. The effects of calcitriol were neutralized by ERK signaling blocker.ConclusionCalcitriol facilitated EMT induction and expression of MMPs via ERK signaling pathway, which promoted the invasive capability of EVTs. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the potential application of vitamin D in the prevention of pregnancy complications.
Maternal CD8+ T‐cell depletion alleviates intrauterine inflammation‐induced perinatal brain injury
Authors: Lei Jun , Xie Li , Zhao Hongxi , Gard Candice , Clemens Julia L. , McLane Michael W. , Feller Mia C. , Ozen Maide , Novak Christopher , Alshehri Wael , Alhejaily Nader , Shabi Yahya , Rosenzweig Jason M. , Facciabene Andrea , Burd Irina 
Published: December 2017

We investigated the mechanisms by which CD8+ T‐cell trafficking in placenta contributes to perinatal brain injury by studying effects of maternal CD8+ T‐cell depletion (DEP) in a mouse model of intrauterine inflammation (IUI). Maternal CD8+ T cells were depleted with anti‐CD8+ antibodies. IUI was induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). DEP was confirmed using flow cytometry. Preterm birth rate was evaluated. Offspring neurologic sequelae were assessed by Nissl staining, immune arrays, confirmatory individual TaqMan® gene assays, and neurobehavioral tests. DEP did not significantly prevent LPS‐induced preterm birth but improved neurobehavioral performance (P < .001) and increased cortical neuronal density (P < .05) in LPS‐exposed pups compared to controls. These changes were associated with decreased CCL3 and CXCL10 and increased CCL5 in DEP LPS‐exposed mice. We demonstrate that DEP reduces perinatal brain injury following IUI. This supports a role for maternal CD8+ T‐cell trafficking in placenta in mediating perinatal brain injury separate from preterm birth mechanisms.
Combined treatment approach to chronic anal fissure with associated anal fistula
Authors: FitzDowse Andrew J. , Behrenbruch Corina C. , Hayes Ian P. 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundAnal fistula in association with chronic anal fissure (fissure‐fistula) is infrequently described. Recognizing this association and managing both components may help prevent some treatment failures seen with chronic anal fissure. This study aims to report on the outcomes of 20 consecutive patients with fissure‐fistula managed with fistulotomy and injection of botulinum A toxin.MethodsThe study is a retrospective, observational study, assessing the success of symptom resolution following fistulotomy with botulinum A toxin, in patients identified as having a chronic anal fissure with associated anal fistula. The study included all patients with this condition treated with combination treatment by a single surgeon at a tertiary care hospital between January 2013 and January 2016.ResultsTwenty patients with fissure‐fistula treated with fistulotomy and botulinum toxin A were identified. The median cohort age was 44 years (range 25–78), with a predominance of males (80%) and posterior fissure position (80%). The most common presenting symptoms were anal pain (70%), rectal bleeding (55%), anal discharge (35%) and anal pruritus (35%). Mean follow‐up was 10.5 weeks and all patients who attended follow‐up appointments reported resolution of symptoms. There were no cases of incontinence and none of the cohort required further surgical intervention for the condition.ConclusionChronic anal fissure with associated anal fistula can be successfully managed with fistulotomy and injection of botulinum toxin A. Further studies would be helpful in determining if recognition and management of the fistula component in isolation with fistulotomy is as effective as fistulotomy plus botulinum A toxin.
Effect of fermented total mixed rations on the growth performance, carcass and meat quality characteristics of Hanwoo steers
Authors: Kim Tae‐Il , Mayakrishnan Vijayakumar , Lim Dong‐Hyun , Yeon Jeong‐Ha , Baek Kwang‐Soo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis study was conducted to assess the effects of fermented total mixed ration (FTMR) on the growth performance, carcass and meat quality traits of Hanwoo steers. The present study evidenced that the FTMR had a strong effect on dry matter intake, body weight, daily gain, slaughter weight and carcass characteristics compared with control animals. The results showed that the dry matter intake (7.17 ± 0.13 kg), average body weight (615.20 ± 112.82 kg), and daily gain (0.56 ± 0.16 kg) were greater in animals receiving FTMR than in control animals (P < 0.05). The meat quality characteristics indicated that cooking loss and the pH values did not vary between control and FTMR treated animals; however, animals in the treated groups (FTMR) had higher meat quality grades, carcass weight (396.13 ± 18.35), fat thickness (13.25 ± 1.75), marbling score (5.63 ± 0.56), meat color (40.06 ± 1.23), crude fat (18.39 ± 1.32) and sensory characteristics (flavor 5.03 ± 0.17; tenderness 4.42 ± 0.33; juiciness 5.10 ± 0.16). Nevertheless, the shear force values decreased significantly in FTMR‐treated animals compared with control group steers. Overall, FTMR may not only improve the growth performance, biochemical metabolites, and fatty and acetic acid profiles of steers, but may also enhance the carcass and meat quality characteristics of Hanwoo steers. Regarding economics, our research findings suggest that FTMR‐based feeds may enhance Hanwoo steer meat quality at a low cost.
Instructor personality matters for student evaluations: Evidence from two subject areas at university
Authors: Kim Lisa E. , MacCann Carolyn 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundInstructors are under pressure to produce excellent outcomes in students. Although the contribution of student personality on student outcomes is well established, the contribution of instructor personality to student outcomes is largely unknown.AimThis study examined the influence of instructor personality (as reported by both students and instructors themselves) on student educational outcomes at university.Sample and methodMathematics and psychology university students (N = 515) and their instructors (n = 45) reported their personality under the Big Five framework.ResultsMultilevel regressions were conducted to predict each outcome from instructor personality, taking into account the effects of student gender, age, cognitive ability, and personality, as well as instructor gender and age. Student‐reports of instructor personality predicted student evaluations of teaching but not performance self‐efficacy or academic achievement. Instructor self‐reports did not predict any of the outcomes. Stronger associations between student‐reports and the outcomes than instructor self‐reports could be explained by students providing information on both the predictor and the outcome variables, as well as a greater number of raters providing information on instructor personality. Different domains of the instructor Big Five were important for different element of student evaluations of teaching.ConclusionsThe study highlights the importance of studying instructor personality, especially through other‐reports, to understand students’ educational experiences. This has implications for how tertiary institutions should use and interpret student evaluations.
Clinical and genetic factors are associated with pain and hospitalisation rates in sickle cell anaemia in Cameroon
Authors: Wonkam Ambroise , Mnika Khuthala , Ngo Bitoungui Valentina J. , Chetcha Chemegni Bernard , Chimusa Emile R. , Dandara Collet , Kengne Andre P. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryWe aimed to investigate the clinical and genetic predictors of painful vaso‐occlusive crises (VOC) in sickle cell disease (SCD) in Cameroon. Socio‐demographics, clinical variables/events and haematological indices were acquired. Genotyping was performed for 40 variants in 17 pain‐related genes, three fetal haemoglobin (HbF)‐promoting loci, two kidney dysfunctions‐related genes, and HBA1/HBA2 genes. Statistical models using regression frameworks were performed in R®. A total of 436 hydoxycarbamide‐ and opioid‐naïve patients were studied; median age was 16 years. Female sex, body mass index, Hb/HbF, blood transfusions, leucocytosis and consultation or hospitalisation rates significantly correlated with VOC. Three pain‐related genes variants correlated with VOC (CACNA2D3‐rs6777055, P = 0·025; DRD2‐rs4274224, P = 0·037; KCNS1‐rs734784, P = 0·01). Five pain‐related genes variants correlated with hospitalisation/consultation rates. (COMT‐rs6269, P = 0·027; FAAH‐rs4141964, P = 0·003; OPRM1‐rs1799971, P = 0·031; ADRB2‐rs1042713; P < 0·001; UGT2B7‐rs7438135, P = 0·037). The 3·7 kb HBA1/HBA2 deletion correlated with increased VOC (P = 0·002). HbF‐promoting loci variants correlated with decreased hospitalisation (BCL11A‐rs4671393, P = 0·026; HBS1L‐MYB‐rs28384513, P = 0·01). APOL1 G1/G2 correlated with increased hospitalisation (P = 0·048). This first study from Africa has provided evidence supporting possible development of genetic risk model for pain in SCD.
Regulatory B cells induced by ultraviolet B through toll‐like receptor 4 signalling contribute to the suppression of contact hypersensitivity responses in mice
Authors: Liu Xiaoming , Huang Haiyan , Gao Hongbin , Wu Xia , Zhang Wei , Yu Bo , Dou Xia 
Published: December 2017

SummaryBackgroundUltraviolet (UV) B irradiation is known to suppress contact hypersensitivity (CHS) responses in mouse models by suppressing immune responses. However, the cellular mechanisms responsible for UVB‐induced systemic suppression remain unclear. Regulatory B cells have been reported to play an inhibitory role during CHS. It is presently unknown whether regulatory B cells contribute to the effect of UVB phototherapy.ObjectiveTo investigate the inductive effect of UVB on regulatory B cells and the underlying mechanisms by using a CHS mouse model.MethodsCHS was induced with oxazolone, and evaluated by histopathology, flow cytometry, and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction.ResultWe found that UVB irradiation induced regulatory B cell expansion and ameliorated CHS. UVB‐induced regulatory B cells contribute to systemic immunosuppression by inhibiting the proliferation of T cells. Moreover, we determined that toll‐like receptor (TLR) 4, the expression of which was upregulated in B cells after UVB exposure, played an essential role in the induction of regulatory B cells.ConclusionOur data identified regulatory B cells as regulators of UVB‐induced immunosuppression in CHS, and suggest the importance of the UVB–TLR4 axis in the generation of regulatory B cells.
Colonoscopy conversion after flexible sigmoidoscopy screening: results from the UK Bowel Scope Screening Programme
Authors: Siau K. , Yew A. C. , Ishaq S. , Jewes S. , Shetty S. , Brookes M. , Veitch A. , McKaig B. , Murugananthan A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimIn the UK Bowel Scope Screening Programme (BSSP), patients progress to colonoscopy based on high‐risk features on flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS). We aim to assess the practice of colonoscopy conversion and predictors of detection of additional adenomas on colonoscopy.MethodThe Bowel Cancer Screening database was interrogated and collated with endoscopic and histological findings from patients undergoing colonoscopy following FS between August 2013 and August 2016. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of new adenomas.ResultsFS was performed on 11 711 patients, with an adenoma detection rate (ADR) of 8.5% and conversion to colonoscopy in 421 (3.6%). The additional ADR at colonoscopy was 35.2%, with one additional malignant diagnosis (0.26%). The adenoma miss rate was 3.6%. On multivariate analysis, a polyp ≥ 10 mm was the only high‐risk indication associated with additional ADR at colonoscopy (OR 3.68, 95% CI 1.51–3.65, P < 0.001), in addition to male gender (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.46–3.83, P < 0.001). Predictors of detection of a new adenoma ≥ 10 mm included: villous adenoma (P = 0.002), polyp ≥ 10 mm (P = 0.007) and male gender (P = 0.039). The presence of any conversion criterion was associated with the detection of any proximal adenoma (P < 0.001) and adenoma ≥ 10 mm (P = 0.031).ConclusionMale gender, polyps ≥ 10 mm and villous‐preponderant histology at FS were predictors of adenomas < 10 mm and ≥ 10 mm at colonoscopy. Further data are required to assess the role for gender‐based stratification of conversion criteria.