bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple rare genetic variants co‐segregating with familial IgA nephropathy all act within a single immune‐related network
Authors: Cox S. N. , Pesce F. , El‐Sayed Moustafa J.S. , Sallustio F. , Serino G. , Kkoufou C. , Giampetruzzi A. , Ancona N. , Falchi M. , Schena F. P. ,   the European IgAN Consortium
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundIgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a common complex disease with a strong genetic involvement. We aimed to identify novel, rare, highly penetrant risk variants combining family‐based linkage analysis with whole‐exome sequencing (WES).MethodsLinkage analysis of 16 kindreds of South Italian ancestry was performed using an ‘affected‐only’ strategy. Eight most informative trios composed of two familial cases and an intrafamilial control were selected for WES. High‐priority variants in linked regions were identified and validated using Sanger sequencing. Custom TaqMan assays were designed and carried out in the 16 kindreds and an independent cohort of 240 IgAN patients and 113 control subjects.ResultsWe found suggestive linkage signals in 12 loci. After sequential filtering and validation of WES data, we identified 24 private or extremely rare (MAF <0.0003) linked variants segregating with IgAN status. These were present within coding or regulatory regions of 23 genes that merged into a common functional network. The genes were interconnected by AKT, CTNNB1, NFKB, MYC and UBC, key modulators of WNT/β‐catenin and PI3K/Akt pathways, which are implicated in IgAN pathogenesis. Overlaying publicly available expression data, genes/proteins with expression notably altered in IgAN were included in this immune‐related network. In particular, the network included the glucocorticoid receptor gene, NR3C1, which is the target of corticosteroid therapy routinely used in the treatment of IgAN.ConclusionOur findings suggest that disease susceptibility could be influenced by multiple rare variants acting in a common network that could provide the starting point for the identification of potential drug targets for personalized therapy.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitorTKI‐258 inhibits cell motility in oral squamous cell carcinomain vitro
Authors: Carneiro Anna Cecília Dias Maciel , Silveira Isadora Caixeta da , Rezende Arthur Silva , Silva Bruna Raphaela Oliveira , Crema Virgínia Oliveira 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundOral squamous cell carcinoma is extremely invasive, and this behavior is regulated by binding of extracellular molecules to the cell membrane receptors. TheTKI‐258 inhibits phosphorylation ofFGFRsVEGFRs andPDGFRs. Our aim was to analyze the effect ofTKI‐258 treatment in cell movement usingSCC‐4 cell line from human oral squamous cell carcinoma.MethodsF‐actin was stained with rhodamine phalloidin, and confocal analysis was performed. The migration and invasion (membrane covered with Matrigel™) three‐dimensional assays were performed, and control and cells treated withTKI‐258 that migrated through the membrane were counted after 24 h.ResultsControl cells presented abundant cytoplasm with F‐actin wide distributed and evident cell cortex; however, treated (1, 5 and 10 μMTKI‐258) cells showed round morphology, scanty cytoplasm, F‐actin disorganized and preserved cell cortex.TKI‐258 (1, 5, and 10 μM) treatment inhibits migrating cells (ANOVA, F = 97.749, d.f. = 3, 10;P< 0.0001), and it was concentration dependent. Invading cell treated with 5 μMTKI‐258 was significantly lower (t= 6.708, d.f. = 5,P< 0.001).ConclusionsThese results suggest that the tyrosine kinase inhibitorTKI‐258 has an inhibitory effect on cell motility, affecting F‐actin, cell migration, and cell invasion, and probably, these processes are regulated by signaling pathwaysFGFRs and/orPDGFRs and/orVEGFRs.
Life Events and Personality Trait Change
Authors: Bleidorn Wiebke , Hopwood Christopher J. , Lucas Richard E. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractObjectiveTheory and research have emphasized the impact of life events on personality trait change. In this article, we review prospective research on personality trait change in response to nine major life events in the broader domains of love and work.MethodWe expected to find that life events lead to personality trait change to the extent that they have a lasting influence on individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Moreover, we predicted that love‐related life events such as marriage or parenthood would be more strongly related to changes in traits that emphasize affective content, whereas work‐related life events would be more likely to lead to change in traits that reflect behavioral or cognitive content.ResultsThe current state of research provided some evidence that life events can lead to changes in personality traits and that different life events may be differently related to specific trait domains.ConclusionsA more general conclusion emerging from this review is that the evidence for the nature, shape, and timing of personality trait change in response to life events is still preliminary. We discuss the implications of the results for theory and research and provide directions for future studies on life events and personality trait change.
Clinical significance of liver histology on outcomes in biliary atresia
Authors: Webb Nicholas L , Jiwane Ashish , Ooi Chee Y , Nightinghale Scott , Adams Susan E , Krishnan Usha 
Published: October 2016

AimBiliary atresia (BA) literature has focussed on the relationship between age at Kasai procedure (KP) and post‐KP outcomes. This study primarily examines post‐KP outcomes including, 6‐month normalisation of bilirubin, 5‐year native liver survival (NLS), development of portal hypertension (PHT) and incidence of ascending cholangitis at a single tertiary paediatric centre in Australia. The study also evaluated prognostic factors which may influence these aforementioned outcomes.MethodsRetrospective chart review of all BA cases between 1999 and 2014. Age at KP, liver biopsy results, use of ursodeoxycholic acid or prophylactic antibiotics and occurrence of PHT and ascending cholangitis post‐KP were recorded and related to the primary post‐KP outcome measures.Results
BA was diagnosed in 29 patients. Twenty‐four of 29 patients underwent KP. Median age at KP was 68 days (29–104). Fourteen of 24 (58.3%) had bridging fibrosis and 5 of 24 (20.8%) had cirrhosis at time of KP. Median follow‐up was 8.4 years (2.08–15.58 years). Bilirubin normalisation within 6 months occurred in 7 of 24 (29.2%) patients and 5‐year NLS was 45.8% (11/24). Fourteen of 24 (58.3%) had PHT and 18 of 24 (75%) patients had ascending cholangitis post‐KP. Absence of bridging fibrosis in liver histology at KP was the only factor to be significantly associated with improved 5‐year NLS. None of the other variables examined had a significant association with either 5‐year NLS or bilirubin normalisation by 6 months.ConclusionFive‐year NLS in this series was 45.8%. Absence of bridging fibrosis at time of KP was the only factor significantly associated with improved 5‐year NLS.
Consistency in a marine algal‐grazer interaction over multiple scales
Authors: Johnson Ladd E. , Paine Robert T. 
Published: October 2016

Coralline algae are conspicuous members of many marine assemblages, especially those characterized by intense grazing pressure. We explored whether articulated species, especially Corallina vancouveriensis, depend on grazing invertebrates to both establish and flourish in an exposed rocky intertidal setting, and whether this plant–grazer relationship varied over more than three orders of magnitude (≈100–>300,000 μm). Three experimental manipulations, supplemented by observations on recruitment, demonstrated that (i) C. vancouveriensis failed to recover rapidly from disturbed areas when grazers were experimentally excluded; (ii) recruitment occurred in the presence of grazers; (iii) increasing surface texture of molded surfaces enhanced coralline recruitment more when grazers were present; and (iv) settlement occurred predominately in microtopographical low areas of a molded surface, whereas a competitively superior fleshy red alga tended to recruit to high areas. These results confirm that coralline algal establishment and persistence are enhanced by grazers and reveal that this relationship is consistent over a range of biologically relevant scales.
Species concept and nomenclatural changes within the genera Elliptochloris and Pseudochlorella (Trebouxiophyceae) based on an integrative approach
Authors: Darienko Tatyana , Gustavs Lydia , Pröschold Thomas 
Published: October 2016

The genera Elliptochloris and Pseudochlorella were erected for Chlorella‐like green algae producing two types of autospores and cell packages, respectively. Both genera are widely distributed in different soil habitats, either as free living or as photobionts of lichens. The species of these genera are often difficult to identify because of the high phenotypic plasticity and occasional lack of characteristic features. The taxonomic and nomenclatural status of these species, therefore, remains unclear. In this study, 34 strains were investigated using an integrative approach. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that the isolates belong to two independent lineages of the Trebouxiophyceae (Elliptochloris and Prasiola clades) and confirmed that the genera are not closely related. The comparison of morphology, molecular phylogeny, and analyses of secondary structures of SSU and ITS rDNA sequences revealed that all of the strains belong to three genera: Elliptochloris, Pseudochlorella, and Edaphochlorella. As a consequence of the taxonomic revisions, we propose two new combinations (Elliptochloris antarctica and Pseudochlorella signiensis) and validate Elliptochloris reniformis, which is invalidly described according to the International Code for Nomenclature (ICN), by designating a holotype. To reflect the high phenotypic plasticity of P. signiensis, two new varieties were described: P. signiensis var. magna and P. signiensis var. communis. Chlorella mirabilis was not closely related to any of these genera and was, therefore, transferred to the new genus Edaphochlorella. All of the taxonomic changes were highly supported by all phylogenetic analyses and were confirmed by the ITS‐2 Barcodes using the ITS‐2/CBC approach.
Impact of Travel Distance and Urban‐Rural Status on the Multidisciplinary Management of Rectal Cancer
Authors: Loree Jonathan M. , Javaheri Khodadad R. , Lefresne Shilo V. , Speers Caroline H. , Ruan Jenny Y. , Chang Jennifer T. , Brown Carl J. , Kennecke Hagen F. , Olson Robert A. , Cheung Winson Y. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractObjectivesOptimal treatment of rectal cancer (RC) requires multidisciplinary care. We examined whether distance to treatment center or community size impacts access to multimodality care and population‐based outcomes in RC.MethodsPatients diagnosed with stage II/III RC from 1999 to 2009 and treated at 1 of 6 regional cancer centers in British Columbia were reviewed. Distance to treatment center was determined for each patient. Communities were classified as rural, small, medium, and large population centers. Logistic and Cox regression models assessed associations of distance and community size with treatment received as well as cancer‐specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS).ResultsOf 3,158 patients, 93.6% underwent surgery, 86.3% received radiotherapy, and 51.3% were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy (AC). Median time from diagnosis to oncologic consultation was longer for those >100 km from a treatment center or residing in medium/rural communities. Logistic regression demonstrated no correlation between distance or community size and receipt of treatment modality. Univariate analysis showed similar CSS (P = .18, .88) and OS (P = .36, .47) based on community size and distance, respectively. In multivariate analysis, distance >100 km had inferior CSS (Hazard Ratio [HR] 1.39, 95% CI: 1.03‐1.88; P = .031). There was no consistent trend between decreasing community size and outcomes; however, living in a small center was associated with improved OS (HR 0.58, 95% CI: 0.38‐0.88; P = .011) and CSS (HR 0.42, 95% CI: 0.25‐0.70; P = .001).ConclusionsIn this population‐based study, there were no urban‐rural differences in access to multidisciplinary care, but increased distance may be associated with worse cancer‐specific outcomes.
Application of xenogeneic anti‐canine distemper virus antibodies in treatment of canine distemper puppies
Authors: Liu P. C. , Chen C. A. , Chen C. M. , Yen C. H. , Lee M. H. , Chuang C. K. , Tu C. F. , Su B. L. 
Published: October 2016

ObjectiveThe clinical feasibility of passive immunotherapy has not been demonstrated in dogs naturally infected with canine distemper. In this study, porcine anti‐canine distemper virus IgG and F(ab′)2 antibody fragments were used to treat infected puppies.MethodsA total of 41 naturally infected puppies (age Äsix months) exhibiting severe respiratory signs, but lacking neurological signs, were enrolled in the study. Twenty‐five puppies were treated with a combination of IgG or F(ab′)2 antibody fragments (Group 1) and supportive therapy and 16 puppies received routine supportive care only (Group 2).ResultsThe survival rate of dogs in Group 1 (19/25; 76%) was significantly higher than that in Group 2 (5/16; 31·3%) (P<0·05). During the therapy, 8 of the 25 dogs (32%) in Group 1 developed neurological signs versus 12 of the 16 dogs (75%) in Group 2 (P<0·05). Adverse reactions were limited to elevated body temperature in dogs that received IgG antibodies.Clinical SignificancePorcine anti‐canine distemper virus antibodies improved survival in puppies affected with canine distemper with minimal adverse effects. Therefore, this therapy could be considered for treatment of endangered animal species infected with canine distemper virus.
Evaluation of Basal Serum or Plasma Cortisol Concentrations for the Diagnosis of Hypoadrenocorticism in Dogs
Authors: Gold A.J. , Langlois D.K. , Refsal K.R. 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundPrevious studies that included limited numbers of affected dogs have suggested basal cortisol concentrations ≤55 nmol/L (2 μg/dL) are sensitive, but nonspecific, for a diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism. A detailed assessment of the diagnostic utility of basal cortisol concentrations is warranted.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo evaluate the utility of basal cortisol concentrations for the diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism in a large number of dogs, including those with and without serum electrolyte abnormalities.AnimalsFive hundred and twenty‐two dogs, including 163 dogs with hypoadrenocorticism, 351 dogs with nonadrenal gland illness, and 8 dogs with equivocal results.MethodsRetrospective study. Basal and post‐ACTH cortisol concentrations and sodium and potassium concentrations were collected from medical records. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed for basal cortisol concentrations by standard methodologies. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were determined for various cut‐points.ResultsThe area under the ROC curve was 0.988 and was similarly excellent regardless of serum electrolyte concentrations. At the most discriminatory cut‐point of 22 nmol/L (0.8 μg/dL), sensitivity and specificity were 96.9 and 95.7%, respectively. A basal cortisol concentration of ≤55 nmol/L (2 μg/dL) resulted in a sensitivity of 99.4%. Conversely, a basal cortisol concentration of ≤5.5 nmol/L (0.19 μg/dL) resulted in a specificity of 99.1%.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceSimilar to findings in previous studies, basal cortisol concentrations >55 nmol/L (2 μg/dL) are useful in excluding a diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism. Interestingly, excellent specificities and positive predictive values were observed at lower cut‐point cortisol concentrations.
Stored Canine Whole Blood Units: What is the Real Risk of Bacterial Contamination?
Authors: Miglio A. , Stefanetti V. , Antognoni M.T. , Cappelli K. , Capomaccio S. , Coletti M. , Passamonti F. 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundBacterial contamination of whole blood (WB) units can result in transfusion‐transmitted infection, but the extent of the risk has not been established and may be underestimated in veterinary medicine.ObjectivesTo detect, quantify, and identify bacterial microorganisms in 49 canineWBunits during their shelf life.AnimalsForty‐nine healthy adult dogs.MethodsForty‐nineWBunits were included in the study. Immediately after collection, 8 sterile samples from the tube segment line of each unit were aseptically collected and tested for bacterial contamination on days 0, 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 of storage. A qPCR assay was performed on days 0, 21, and 35 to identify and quantify any bacterial DNA.ResultsOn bacterial culture, 47/49 blood units were negative at all time points tested, 1 unit was positive forEnterococcusspp. on days 0 and 1, and 1 was positive forEscherichia colion day 35. On qPCR assay, 26 of 49 blood units were positive on at least 1 time point and the bacterial loads of the sequences detected (Propionobacteriumspp.,Corynebacteriumspp.,Caulobacterspp.,Pseudomonasspp.,Enterococcusspp.,Serratiaspp., andLeucobacterspp.) were <80 genome equivalents (GE)/μL.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceMost of the organisms detected were common bacteria, not usually implicated in septic transfusion reactions. The very low number of GE detected constitutes an acceptable risk of bacterial contamination, indicating thatWBunits have a good sanitary shelf life during commercial storage.
The Formation of Cabinet Coalitions in Presidential Systems
Authors: Freudenreich Johannes 
Published: October 2016

AbstractCabinet coalitions are central to the functioning of Latin American presidential systems. However, the reasons for their formation remain unclear. While recent studies suggest that presidents invite parties to the cabinet to facilitate governability and lawmaking, this study argues that the composition of cabinet coalitions is largely predetermined by commitments made before presidential elections. To analyze this argument, the study introduces the conditional logit model as a new empirical strategy for modeling cabinet choice under this type of regime. Based on a new dataset of 107 cabinets in 13 Latin American democracies, the study shows that pre-electoral commitments strongly affect cabinet formation and thereby also confound the relationship between cabinet formation and governability.
Potential use of metabolic breath tests to assess liver disease and prognosis: has the time arrived for routine use in the clinic?
Authors: Stravitz R. Todd , Ilan Yaron 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe progression of liver disease may be unique among organ system diseases in that progressive fibrosis compromises not only the sufficiency of hepatocyte mass but also impairs blood flow to the liver, resulting in porto‐systemic shunting. Although liver biopsy as an assessment of fibrosis has become the key biomarker of and target for new therapies, it is invasive and subject to sampling error, and cannot quantify metabolic function or porto‐systemic shunting. Measurement of the hepatic venous pressure gradient accommodates some of the deficiencies of biopsy but requires expertise not widely available and misses minor changes in hepatocellular mass and thereby information about metabolic function. Thus, an unmet need in clinical hepatology remains unfulfilled: a noninvasive biomarker which quantitates both the hepatocellular insufficiency and porto‐systemic shunting inherent in progressive hepatic fibrosis. Ideally, such a biomarker should correlate with clinical endpoints including liver‐related survival and cirrhotic complications, be performed at the point‐of‐care, and be affordable and easy to use. This review, an expert opinion, summarizes background and recent data suggesting that metabolic breath tests may now meet these requirements and have a valid place in clinical hepatology to supplant the time‐honoured assessment of hepatic fibrosis.
On the possible origin of troilite‐metal nodules in the Katol chondrite (L6‐7)
Authors: Ray Dwijesh , Ghosh S. , Murty S.V.S. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMicrotextural study of a single troilite‐metal nodule (TMN) from the Katol L6‐7 chondrite, a recent fall (May, 2012) in India suggests that the TMN is primarily an aggregate of submicron‐scale intergrowth of troilite and kamacite (mean Ni: 6.18 wt%) juxtaposed with intensely fractured silicates, mainly olivine (Fa: 25 mole%), low‐Ca pyroxene (Fs: 21.2 mole%), and a large volume of maskelynite. Evidence of shock textures in the TMN indicates a high degree of shock metamorphism that involves plagioclase‐maskelynite and olivine‐wadsleyite/ringwoodite transformations and formation of quenched metal‐sulfide melt textures due to localized shear‐induced frictional melting. It is inferred that the TMN formation is an independent, localized event by a high energy impact and its subsequent incorporation in the ejected chondritic fragment of the parent body. Katol chondrite has been calibrated with a peak shock pressure of S5 (~45 GPa) after Stöffler et al. (1991), whereas peak shock pressure within the TMN exceeds the shock facies S6 (>45 GPa) following Bennett and McSween (1996) and Stöffler et al. (1991). Overall, the shock‐thermal history of the Katol TMN is dissimilar as compared to the host chondrite.
Differences in the emotional and practical experiences of exclusively breastfeeding and combination feeding mothers
Authors: Komninou Sophia , Fallon Victoria , Halford Jason Christian Grovenor , Harrold Joanne Alison 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe majority of research examining the barriers to breastfeeding focuses on the physical challenges faced by mothers rather than the risks of encountering negative emotional and practical feeding experiences. We aimed to quantify the emotional and practical experiences of the overall sample of breastfeeding mothers and identify the differences in the emotional and practical experiences of exclusively breastfeeding mothers and combination feeding mothers, by feeding type and intention. Eight hundred forty‐five mothers with infants up to 26 weeks of age and who had initiated breastfeeding were recruited through relevant social media via advertisements providing a link to an online survey. Predictors of emotional experiences included guilt, stigma, satisfaction with feeding method, and the need to defend themselves due to infant feeding choices. Practical predictors included perceived support from health professionals, main sources of infant feeding information, and respect from their everyday environment, workplace, and when breastfeeding in public. Current feeding type and prenatal feeding intention. In the overall sample, 15% of the mothers reported feeling guilty, 38% stigmatized, and 55% felt the need to defend their feeding choice. Binary logit models revealed that guilt and dissatisfaction were directly associated with feeding type, being higher when supplementing with formula. No associations with feeding intention were identified. This study demonstrates a link between current breastfeeding promotion strategies and the emotional state of breastfeeding mothers who supplement with formula to any extent. To minimize the negative impact on maternal well‐being, it is important that future recommendations recognize the challenges that exclusive breastfeeding brings and provide a more balanced and realistic target for mothers.