bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bovine Hemoglobin Derived Peptide Asn‐Phe‐Gly‐Lys Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Cells Metastasis by Targeting Secreted Hsp90α
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhang Ting , Zhang Hongyi , Yang Haixia , Li Yanju , Jiang Yiqun 
Published: October 2017

AbstractPancreatic cancer is a digestive system malignant carcinoma with poor prognosis. The majority of patients are diagnosed with metastatic disease, which is also the leading cause of pancreatic cancer death. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimetastatic effect of Asn‐Phe‐Gly‐Lys (NFGK), a tetrapeptide derived from bovine hemoglobin pepsin hydrolysate, on human pancreatic cancer cell line MIAPaCa‐2. Wound healing assay and transwell invasion assay results showed that NFGK inhibited MIAPaCa‐2 cell migration and invasion dose‐dependently. Cell proliferation assay data showed that NFGK had slight cytotoxicity on MIAPaCa‐2 cells. Fluorescence confocal imaging data revealed that NFGK targeted the cell membrane of MIAPaCa‐2. Molecular docking data displayed that NFGK bond to the N‐terminus ATP‐binding pocket of secreted heat shock protein 90α (Hsp90α). Western blotting results further proved that NFGK inhibited secreted Hsp90α and downstream matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) level dose dependently, while it did not inhibit intracellular Hsp90 and cyclin‐dependent‐kinase 4 (CDK4). All above results demonstrated that bovine hemoglobin derived peptide NFGK inhibited pancreatic cancer cell metastasis by targeting secreted Hsp90α and its downstream MMP‐9.Practical ApplicationPeptide NFGK comes from bovine hemoglobin, which is digested by pepsin in stomach after eating. After digesting to NFGK, bovine hemoglobin will obtain new function of inhibiting pancreatic cancer cell metastasis without dramatic cell toxicity. These means NFGK may help those patients who are suffering pancreatic cancer to avoid cancer cell metastasis without too much side effect.
Protective Role of Flaxseed Oil and Flaxseed Lignan Secoisolariciresinol Diglucoside Against Oxidative Stress in Rats with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Pilar Bruna , Güllich Angélica , Oliveira Patrícia , Ströher Deise , Piccoli Jacqueline , Manfredini Vanusa 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis study evaluated the protective effect of flaxseed oil (FO) and flaxseed lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) against oxidative stress in rats with metabolic syndrome (MS). 48 rats were allocated into the following 6 groups: Groups 1 (control), 5 (FO), and 6 (SDG) received water and were treated daily orally with saline, FO, and SDG, respectively. Groups 2 (MS), 3 (MS+FO), and 4 (MS+SDG) received 30% fructose in drinking water for MS induction and were treated daily orally with saline, FO, and SDG, respectively. After 30 d, animals were sacrificed, and blood was collected for biochemical and oxidative analysis. Body weight was recorded weekly. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured before and after treatment. Fructose could produce MS and oxidative stress. FO and SDG prevented changes in SBP, lipids, and glucose. FO and SDG prevented oxidative damage to lipids, and only FO prevented oxidative damage to proteins associated to MS. FO and SDG improved enzymatic antioxidants defenses and reduced glutathione levels, which was greater with SDG. Total polyphenol levels were enhanced in groups that received SDG. Thus, the results of this study demonstrated that treatment with a 30% fructose solution for 30 d is effective for MS induction and the oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of MS induced by fructose‐rich diets. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the antioxidant effects attributed to flaxseed are mainly due to its high lignan content especially that of SDG, suggesting that this compound can be used in isolation to prevent oxidative stress associated with MS.Practical ApplicationWe report that the antioxidant effects attributed to flaxseed are mainly due to its high lignan content, especially that of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside. This is significant because suggests that this compound can be used in isolation to prevent oxidative stress associated with MS. Furthermore, this study was the only one to perform a comparison of the abilities of 2 components of flaxseed to protect against oxidative stress in an MS model, which brings a great advance in the medicine's field, since it indicates another alternative for improve the health and the quality of life of patients with this disorder.
‘Shi Han Quan’ natural soda water prevents development of gout
Authors: Zhao Qingsong , Wang Lipei , Wu Xiongbin , Liu Tingting , Xu Jinmei , Li Ming , Li Bo , Guo Min , Cheng Zhifeng 
Published: October 2017

AbstractPurposeThis study aimed to explore the regulatory mechanism of the natural soda Shi Han Quan (SHQ) in the development of gout.MethodsHuman umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were stimulated with monosodium urate (MSU) for 24 h to induce acute gouty inflammation in vitro. HUVECs were divided into four groups: ddH2O group, ddH2O + MSU group, 1/2 ddH2O +1/2 SHQ + MSU group, and SHQ + MSU group. The effects of SHQ on cell viability, concentration and expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), and MSU‐induced release of interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐6 were investigated. Additionally, cell viability and ICAM‐1 concentration and expression were detected after HUVECs were incubated with the culture supernatant of THP‐1 cells that had been treated with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA), MSU and SHQ for 24 h.ResultsThe viability of HUVECs was significantly decreased with increasing transfection concentrations of MSU, and MSU treatment resulted in a significant increase of the concentration and expression of ICAM‐1. In addition, SHQ improved the MSU‐induced decrease in cell viability and alleviated MSU‐mediated increase in ICAM‐1 levels. Moreover, SHQ decreased MSU‐induced release of IL‐1β and IL‐6. After HUVECs were incubated with the culture supernatant of THP‐1 cells that had been treated with PMA, MSU and SHQ for 24 h, SHQ also markedly alleviated the effects of MSU, such as by increasing cell viability and decreasing ICAM‐1 levels.ConclusionsDrinking natural soda water may have a significant role in preventing gouty inflammation.
Learning curve and advantages of endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration as a first‐line diagnostic and staging procedure
Authors: Lin Ching‐Kai , Lai Chao‐Lun , Chang Lih‐Yu , Wen Yueh‐Feng , Ho Chao‐Chi 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundEndobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) is now the standard for mediastinal lymph node staging of lung cancer. Training and maintenance of technical skills is very important in order to apply new techniques in clinical use.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed of patients who underwent EBUS‐TBNA from November 2009 to December 2015. We assessed the learning curve, accuracy (%), and whether this procedure shortened the duration of lung cancer staging.ResultsThe EBUS‐TBNA learning curve continued to improve beyond 120 procedures. Diagnostic accuracy was similar between benign and malignant populations. There was no difference in the learning curve between the groups. Non‐small cell lung cancer patients who underwent EBUS‐TBNA as the first investigative procedure underwent fewer subsequent investigative procedures (1.47 vs. 2.05; P < 0.001), and had a shorter staging duration (4.52 vs. 11.05 days; P = 0.006) compared to those who underwent other procedures for the first investigation.ConclusionEBUS‐TBNA should be one of the preferred options for lung cancer diagnosis and staging because it reduces the staging duration compared to the use of other invasive procedures in initial investigation.
The Effect of Risk Factor Disclosures on the Pricing of Credit Default Swaps
Authors: Chiu Tzu‐Ting , Guan Yuyan , Kim Jeong‐Bon 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTThis study examines the relation between narrative risk disclosures in mandatory reports and the pricing of credit risk. In particular, we investigate whether and how the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) mandate of risk factor disclosures (RFDs) affects credit default swap (CDS) spreads. Based on the theory of Duffie and Lando (2001), we predict and find that CDS spreads decrease significantly after RFDs are made available in 10‐K/10‐Q filings. These results suggest that RFDs improve information transparency about the firm's underlying risk, thereby reducing the information risk premium in CDS spreads. The content analysis further reveals that disclosures pertinent to financial and idiosyncratic risk are especially relevant to credit investors. In cross‐sectional analyses, we document that RFDs are more useful for evaluating the business prospects and default risk of firms with greater information uncertainty/asymmetry. Overall, our findings imply that the SEC requirement for adding a risk factor section to periodic reports enhances the transparency of firm risk and facilitates credit investors in evaluating the credit quality of the firm.
Correction for bias in meta‐analysis of little‐replicated studies
Authors: Doncaster C. Patrick , Spake Rebecca 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Meta‐analyses conventionally weight study estimates on the inverse of their error variance, in order to maximize precision. Unbiased variability in the estimates of these study‐level error variances increases with the inverse of study‐level replication. Here, we demonstrate how this variability accumulates asymmetrically across studies in precision‐weighted meta‐analysis, to cause undervaluation of the meta‐level effect size or its error variance (the meta‐effect and meta‐variance).

Small samples, typical of the ecological literature, induce big sampling errors in variance estimation, which substantially bias precision‐weighted meta‐analysis. Simulations revealed that biases differed little between random‐ and fixed‐effects tests. Meta‐estimation of a one‐sample mean from 20 studies, with sample sizes of 3–20 observations, undervalued the meta‐variance by c. 20%. Meta‐analysis of two‐sample designs from 20 studies, with sample sizes of 3–10 observations, undervalued the meta‐variance by 15%–20% for the log response ratio (lnR); it undervalued the meta‐effect by c. 10% for the standardized mean difference (SMD).

For all estimators, biases were eliminated or reduced by a simple adjustment to the weighting on study precision. The study‐specific component of error variance prone to sampling error and not parametrically attributable to study‐specific replication was replaced by its cross‐study mean, on the assumptions of random sampling from the same population variance for all studies, and sufficient studies for averaging. Weighting each study by the inverse of this mean‐adjusted error variance universally improved accuracy in estimation of both the meta‐effect and its significance, regardless of number of studies. For comparison, weighting only on sample size gave the same improvement in accuracy, but could not sensibly estimate significance.

For the one‐sample mean and two‐sample lnR, adjusted weighting also improved estimation of between‐study variance by DerSimonian‐Laird and REML methods. For random‐effects meta‐analysis of SMD from little‐replicated studies, the most accurate meta‐estimates obtained from adjusted weights following conventionally weighted estimation of between‐study variance.

We recommend adoption of weighting by inverse adjusted‐variance for meta‐analyses of well‐ and little‐replicated studies, because it improves accuracy and significance of meta‐estimates, and it can extend the scope of the meta‐analysis to include some studies without variance estimates.
Earlier Alcohol Use Onset Predicts Poorer Neuropsychological Functioning in Young Adults
Authors: Nguyen‐Louie Tam T. , Matt Georg E. , Jacobus Joanna , Li Irene , Cota Claudia , Castro Norma , Tapert Susan F. 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundNeurodevelopment may be shaped by environmental factors such as alcohol intake. Over 20% of U.S. high school students begin drinking before age 14, and those who initiated drinking before age 14 are 4 times more likely to develop psychosocial, psychiatric, and substance use difficulties than those who began drinking after turning 20. Little is known, however, about how the age of alcohol use onset influences brain development.MethodsThis study prospectively examined the effects of alcohol use onset age on neurocognitive functioning in healthy adolescent drinkers (N = 215). Youth were administered a neuropsychological battery before substance use initiation (M = 13.6 years, SD = 0.8) and on average 6.8 years later (M = 20.2 years, SD = 1.5). Hierarchical linear regressions examined if earlier ages of onset for first and regular (i.e., weekly) alcohol use adversely influenced neurocognition, above and beyond baseline neurocognition, substance use severity, and familial and social environment factors.ResultsAs hypothesized, an earlier age of first drinking onset (AFDO) predicted poorer performance in the domains of psychomotor speed and visual attention (ps<0.05, N = 215) and an earlier age of weekly drinking onset (AWDO) predicted poorer performances on tests of cognitive inhibition and working memory, controlling for baseline neuropsychological performance, drinking duration, and past‐year marijuana use (ps<0.05, N = 127). No relationship between AFDO and AWDO was found with verbal learning and memory and visuospatial ability.ConclusionsThis is the first study to assess the association between age of adolescent drinking onset and neurocognitive performance using a comprehensive test battery. This study suggests that early onset of drinking increases risk for alcohol‐related neurocognitive vulnerabilities and that initiation of any or weekly alcohol use at younger ages appears to be a risk factor for poorer subsequent neuropsychological functioning. Findings have important implications for public policies related to the legal drinking age and prevention programming. Further studies are needed to replicate these preliminary findings and better understand mediating processes and moderating conditions.
Developmental Etiologies of Alcohol Use and Their Relations to Parent and Peer Influences Over Adolescence and Young Adulthood: A Genetically Informed Approach
Authors: Deutsch Arielle R. , Wood Phillip K. , Slutske Wendy S. 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundDistinct changes in alcohol use etiologies occur during adolescence and young adulthood. Additionally, measured environments known to influence alcohol use such as peers and parenting practice can interact or be associated with this genetic influence. However, change in genetic and environmental influences over age, as well as how associations with measured environments change over age, is understudied.MethodsThe National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) sibling subsample was used to examine data‐driven biometric models of alcohol use over ages 13 to 27. Associations between friends’ drinking, parental autonomy granting, and maternal closeness were also examined.ResultsThe best‐fitting model included a 5‐factor model consisting of early (ages 13 to 20) and overall (ages 13 to 27) additive genetic and unique environmental factors, as well as 1 overall common environment factor. The overall additive genetic factor and the early unique environment factor explained the preponderance of mean differences in the alcohol use over this portion of the life span. The most important factors explaining variance attributed to alcohol use changed over age. Additionally, friend use had the strongest associations with genetic and environmental factors at all ages, while parenting practices had almost no associations at any age.ConclusionsThese results supplement previous studies indicating changes in genetic and environmental influences in alcohol use over adolescence and adulthood. However, prior research suggesting that constraining exogenous predictors of genetic and environmental factors to have effects of the same magnitude across age overlooks the differential role of factors associated with alcohol use during adolescence. Consonant with previous research, friend use appears to have a more pervasive influence on alcohol use than parental influence during this age. Interventions and prevention programs geared toward reducing alcohol use in younger populations may benefit from focus on peer influence.
Problematic alcohol use associates with sodium channel and clathrin linker 1 (SCLT1) in trauma‐exposed populations
Authors: Almli Lynn M. , Lori Adriana , Meyers Jacquelyn L. , Shin Jaemin , Fani Negar , Maihofer Adam X. , Nievergelt Caroline M. , Smith Alicia K. , Mercer Kristina B. , Kerley Kimberly , Leveille Jennifer M. , Feng Hao , Abu‐Amara Duna , Flory Janine D. , Yehuda Rachel , Marmar Charles R. , Baker Dewleen G. , Bradley Bekh , Koenen Karestan C. , Conneely Karen N. , Ressler Kerry J. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractExcessive alcohol use is extremely prevalent in the United States, particularly among trauma‐exposed individuals. While several studies have examined genetic influences on alcohol use and related problems, this has not been studied in the context of trauma‐exposed populations. We report results from a genome‐wide association study of alcohol consumption and associated problems as measured by the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) in a trauma‐exposed cohort. Results indicate a genome‐wide significant association between total AUDIT score and rs1433375 [N = 1036, P = 2.61 × 10−8 (dominant model), P = 7.76 × 10−8 (additive model)], an intergenic single‐nucleotide polymorphism located 323 kb upstream of the sodium channel and clathrin linker 1 (SCLT1) at 4q28. rs1433375 was also significant in a meta‐analysis of two similar, but independent, cohorts (N = 1394, P = 0.0004), the Marine Resiliency Study and Systems Biology PTSD Biomarkers Consortium. Functional analysis indicated that rs1433375 was associated with SCLT1 gene expression and cortical‐cerebellar functional connectivity measured via resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Together, findings suggest a role for sodium channel regulation and cerebellar functioning in alcohol use behavior. Identifying mechanisms underlying risk for problematic alcohol use in trauma‐exposed populations is critical for future treatment and prevention efforts.
Lower trial participation by culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) cancer patients is largely due to language barriers
Authors: Smith Allan ‘Ben’ , Agar Meera , Delaney Geoff , Descallar Joseph , Dobell‐Brown Kelsey , Grand Melissa , Aung Jennifer , Patel Pinky , Kaadan Nasreen , Girgis Afaf 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimClinical trials play a critical role in advancing cancer care, but international research shows that few cancer patients, particularly culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients, participate in trials. This limits generalizability of trial results and increases health disparities. This study aimed to establish rates and correlates of trial participation among CALD patients in South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD), a highly culturally diverse area.MethodsData from all cancer patients diagnosed and/or treated in SWSLHD from January 2006 to July 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. The primary outcome was trial enrolment among patients born in non‐English speaking countries (CALD) versus English speaking countries (non‐CALD). Multivariable logistic regression evaluated CALD status as a predictor of trial participation. Moderators of trial participation by the different CALD groups, namely those whose preferred language was English (CALD‐PLE) or was not English (CALD‐PLNE), were examined by testing interactions between CALD status and other demographic and clinical variables.ResultsA total of 19 453 patients were analyzed (54.9% non‐CALD, 16.5% CALD‐PLE, 18.5% CALD‐PLNE). Overall, 7.4% of patients were enrolled in a trial. Trial participation was significantly lower in CALD patients than non‐CALD patients (5.7% vs 8.4%; odds ratio [OR] = 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69–0.91; P = 0.001). CALD‐PLNE patients were less likely to participate in trials than non‐CALD (OR = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.36–0.56; P < 0.0001) and CALD‐PLE patients (OR = 0.53; 95% CI, 0.67–0.41; P < 0.0001).ConclusionsLimited English proficiency seems particularly unfavorable to trial participation. Development and evaluation of strategies to overcome language barriers (e.g. simplified and translated multimedia participant information materials) is needed.
Alopecia areata is characterized by expansion of circulating Th2/Tc2/Th22, within the skin‐homing and systemic T‐cell populations
Authors: Czarnowicki T. , He H. Y. , Wen H.‐C. , Hashim P. W. , Nia J. K. , Malik K. , Estrada Y. , Kimmel G. W. , Taliercio M. , Krueger J. G. , Guttman‐Yassky E. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundCharacterizing blood profile of alopecia areata (AA) is important not only for treatment advancements, but also for possibly identifying peripheral biomarkers that will eliminate the need for scalp biopsies. We aimed to compare frequencies of skin homing (CLA+) vs systemic (CLA−) “polar” CD4+ and CD8+ and activated T‐cell subsets in AA vs atopic dermatitis (AD) and control blood.MethodsFlow cytometry was used to measure IFN‐γ, IL‐13, IL‐9, IL‐17, and IL‐22 cytokines in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Inducible co‐stimulator molecule (ICOS) and HLA‐DR were used to define mid‐ and long‐term T‐cell activation. We compared peripheral blood from 32 moderate‐to‐severe AA adults with 43 moderate‐to‐severe AD patients and 30 age‐matched controls.ResultsAA patients had increased CLA+/CLA− Th2 (P < .007), CLA+ Tc2 (P = .04), and CLA+ Th22 (P < .05) frequencies than controls. Except of CLA− Tc1 cells (P = .03), IFN‐γ levels were mostly similar between AA, AD, and controls (P > .1). ICOS and HLA‐DR activation were significantly higher in AA than controls (P < .05). T regulatory cells were significantly decreased in AA patients than controls (P < .01) and were correlated with activated CD8+ T cells and with multiple cytokine subsets (P < .05). While Th2 and Tc2 clustered with disease severity, IFN‐γ producing cells were linked with AA duration.ConclusionsAlopecia areata is accompanied by Th2/Tc2 activation in skin‐homing and systemic subsets, correlating with disease severity, while IFN‐γ is linked to disease chronicity. These data hint for a possible role of diverse T‐cells subsets in disease pathogenesis and emphasize the systemic nature of AA supporting the need for systemic therapeutic strategies in severe patients.
Effects of composite antimicrobial peptide on growth performance and health in weaned piglets
Authors: Shi Jiankai , Zhang Pan , Xu Meng meng , Fang Zhengfeng , Lin Yan , Che Lianqiang , Feng Bin , Li Jian , Li Gang , Wu De , Xu Shengyu 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis study was conducted to evaluate the effects of composite antimicrobial peptide (CAP) on growth performance and health status in weaned piglets. Over 28 days, 36 weaned piglets (body weight, 10.58 ± 0.99 kg) underwent three treatments: negative control (NC, basal diet), positive control (PC, basal diet + 20 mg/kg colistin sulphate + 50 mg/kg kitasamycin), and CAP treatment (CAP, basal diet with 400 mg/kg CAP). Average daily gain of piglets fed the CAP diet was greater (P < 0.05) than that of piglets fed the PC or NC diet during days 1–7, 8–14 and 15–21. Diarrhea rates of piglets fed the CAP or PC diet were lower (P < 0.05) than those of NC‐fed piglets during days 1–7. Apparent total tract digestibility for dry matter and crude ash in CAP‐fed piglets was greater (P < 0.05) than that of NC‐fed piglets. In the CAP group, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts were greater (P < 0.05) and Escherichia coli counts were lower (P < 0.05) than numbers for the NC group. Our results indicate that dietary CAP had beneficial effects on growth performance and health status in weaned piglets.