bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire would be a primary screening tool of neuropsychiatric test detecting minimal hepatic encephalopathy of cirrhotic patients
Authors: Hirano Hirotaka , Saito Masaya , Yano Yoshihiko , Momose Kenji , Yoshida Masaru , Tanaka Atsushi , Azuma Takeshi 
Published: August 2015

AimThe neuropsychiatric test (NP test) is a clinically available modality to confirm minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE), but it takes at least 30 min for outpatients to complete. An easier primary screening tool of the NP test would be helpful to predict MHE in routine testing on the public.MethodsWe performed a prospective cohort study on 59 cirrhotic outpatients at Kobe University Hospital. Laboratory measurements, the NP test and the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ) were performed. As an indicator of MHE, cases with and without two abnormal subsets or more in the NP test were compared, and the independent risk factors were statistically examined. Predictive scoring systems of the risk of MHE were established using multivariate logistic regression.ResultsCLDQ worry (WO) was the best predictive factor of MHE diagnosed by the NP test (P = 0.006). The predictive model using CLDQ WO discriminated well between patients with and without MHE (area under the curve, 0.714; 95% confidence interval, 0.582–0.824). The predictive scores of MHE enable the patient‐specific probability to be easily looked up.ConclusionCLDQ WO was shown to be an independent factor associated with the NP test to diagnose MHE in cirrhotic patients. The easy predictive scoring system of the risk of MHE using CLDQ WO could become a primary screening tool before performing the NP test in a social setting.
Predictors of progression into acute‐on‐chronic liver failure from acute deterioration of pre‐existing chronic liver disease
Authors: Zhang Qian , Han Tao , Li Ying , Nie CaiYun , Liu Hua 
Published: August 2015

AimTo compare the prognosis between the patients with progression into acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) from acute deterioration of pre‐existing chronic liver disease and patients without this progression, and to determine predictors of this disease progression.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 285 patients admitted with acute worsening of pre‐existing chronic liver disease within 4 weeks characterized by total bilirubin (TBIL) of 51 μM/L or more and prothrombin activity (PTA) of more than 40% but less than 70%, which did not meet the Asia–Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver criteria for ACLF. Patient survival was estimated by Kaplan–Meier analysis and subsequently compared by log–rank test. Independent predictors of disease progression were determined using univariate analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis.ResultsThe 90‐day survival rates significantly worsened in patients with progression into ACLF compared with those without this progression. Baseline TBIL, baseline Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and the maximum changing rates of PTA level and Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) score were independently associated with progression into ACLF in patients with acute deterioration of pre‐existing chronic liver disease.ConclusionPatients with acute worsening of pre‐existing chronic liver disease characterized by TBIL of 51 μM/L or more and PTA of more than 40% but less than 70% should receive aggressive prediction and prevention of ACLF development. Baseline TBIL, baseline MELD score, and the maximum changing rates of PTA level and CTP score may early predict the progression into ACLF.
T‐helper 17 cytokines (interleukins 17, 21, 22, and 6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α) in patients with alopecia areata: association with clinical type and severity
Authors: Atwa Mona A. , Youssef Nahed , Bayoumy Nervana M. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundAlopecia areata (AA) is an organ‐specific autoimmune disease characterized by T‐cell infiltrates and cytokine production. T‐helper 17 (Th17) cells are crucially involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.ObjectivesOur aim was to assess the association of Th17 with AA. We examined interleukin (IL)‐17, IL‐21, IL‐22, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) levels in the serum of patients with AA and studied their association with clinical type and severity of AA.Subjects and methodsThe serum concentrations of IL‐17, IL‐21, IL‐22, IL‐6, and TNF‐α were measured in 47 patients with AA and 40 healthy controls. The clinical type of AA was determined, and the severity of hair loss was assessed in accordance with the Alopecia Areata Investigational Assessment Guideline criteria.ResultsThe serum concentrations of IL‐17, IL‐21, IL‐22, IL‐6, and TNF‐α were significantly higher in patients with AA as compared with healthy controls (mean: IL‐17 33.23 ± 11.58 vs. 4.62 ± 1.88 pg/ml; P = 0.000, IL‐21 62.10 ± 6.11 vs. 48.38 ± 3.31 pg/ml; P = 0.000, IL‐22 19.27 ± 3.36 vs. 7.09 ± 1.62 pg/ml; P = 0.000, IL‐6 17.18 ± 3.08 vs. 4.59 ± 1.66 pg/ml; P = 0.000, TNF‐α 19.94 ± 3.59 vs. 9.95 ± 2.42 pg/ml; P = 0.000, respectively). There were significant positive correlations between serum IL‐17, TNF‐α, and disease severity. There was also significant positive correlation between serum IL‐22 and duration of AA.ConclusionOur results showed high serum levels of Th17 cytokines among patients with AA that may suggest a functional role of these cytokines in the pathogenesis of this important skin disease. It could also provide the rationale for new treatment strategies in AA.
Incidence of Merkel cell carcinoma in Olmsted County, Minnesota: a population‐based study
Authors: Chang Michael B. , Weaver Amy L. , Brewer Jerry D. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundMerkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive, often cutaneous malignancy. The incidence has been estimated from national registries in the USA and elsewhere, and data indicate variations depending on the region studied. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of MCC in Olmsted County (MN, USA).MethodsUsing the Rochester Epidemiology Project, which contains health records for all the residents of Olmsted County, we retrospectively reviewed the records for all cases of MCC from 1976 to 2011.ResultsThe overall annual age‐ and sex‐adjusted incidence of MCC in Olmsted County during 1976–2011 was 0.35 per 100,000 person‐years (95% CI, 0.14–0.57). The incidence tended to be higher among men than women with 0.69 per 100,000 (95% CI, 0.24–1.14) and 0.10 per 100,000 (95% CI, 0–0.24), respectively.ConclusionsThese data are within the range of previous MCC incidence reports, and the incidence of MCC in Olmsted County is consistent with rates reported in the remainder of the USA.
Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus starting as linear lupus erythematosus
Authors: Frances Laura , Betlloch Isabel , Leiva‐Salinas Maria , Marin Irene , Pascual Jose Carlos 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundCutaneous lupus in childhood is usually associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (LE). Linear cutaneous LE (LCLE) is an unusual presentation mostly seen in children and young adults.MethodsWe report a rare case of cutaneous subacute LE with a segmentary pattern following the lines of Blaschko in an 18‐month‐old girl with a 2‐month history of persistent, linear, asymptomatic, erythematous lesions along the right arm. The clinical diagnosis at presentation was lichen striatus.ResultsA biopsy showed an intense, band‐like, inflammatory cell infiltrate with perivascular and periadnexal involvement associated with basal cell liquefactive degeneration. The lesions were treated with topical corticosteroids and healed without scarring. Two months later, new lesions manifested as multiple erythematous, edematous, polycyclic plaques. A new biopsy showed a periadnexal infiltrate, a large amount of mucin, and a thickened basement membrane. Direct immunofluorescence was negative. Our definitive diagnosis was subacute cutaneous LE starting as linear LE. The lesions responded slowly to oral corticosteroids. Six months later, only a mild livedoid skin pattern remained on the patient's legs.ConclusionsLinear cutaneous LE usually presents with erythematous, atrophic, hyperkeratotic, dyschromic circular lesions arranged in a linear pattern; the main differential diagnosis is lichen striatum. In general, LCLE can be considered as discoid lupus following Blaschko's lines, which correspond to the direction of growth in clones of cutaneous cells that arise during embryogenesis. The present patient represents the first pediatric case of subacute cutaneous LE following Blaschko's lines, with posterior progression to a generalized form of subacute LE.
Role of linoleic acid in arsenical palmar keratosis
Authors: Ahmed Tarafder S. , Misbahuddin Mir 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundChronic arsenic exposure can lead to palmoplantar keratosis. In the stratum corneum of skin, linoleic acid is of the utmost importance to the inflammation, keratinization, and regeneration processes.ObjectivesThe aims of this study were: (i) to present quantitative information on the linoleic acid fraction of intercorneocyte lipids, and (ii) to elucidate the role of linoleic acid in the pathophysiology of arsenical keratosis.MethodsLipid extracts were collected from keratotic lesions in seven patients, seven arsenic‐exposed subjects, and seven non‐exposed control subjects. Linoleic acid levels of the specimens were estimated by reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC).ResultsThere was a significant (P < 0.001) increase in mean ± standard error (SE) linoleic acid levels in arsenical keratosis patients (palm: 25.66 ± 4.95 μg/cm2; dorsum: 28.25 ± 6.20 μg/cm2) compared with arsenic‐exposed (palm: 2.75 ± 0.85 μg/cm2; dorsum: 1.96 ± 0.64 μg/cm2) and non‐exposed (palm: 1.52 ± 0.61 μg/cm2; dorsum: 1.28 ± 0.39 μg/cm2) control subjects. There was no significant difference (P = 0.556) in linoleic acid concentration in the non‐affected skin of the dorsum of the hand (28.25 ± 6.20 μg/cm2) compared with that in the palmar sites (25.66 ± 4.95 μg/cm2) in the patient group. The change in linoleic acid levels in the arsenic‐exposed control group did not differ from that in non‐exposed controls (P = 1.000).ConclusionsLinoleic acid concentration is elevated in arsenical keratosis; this finding warrants further investigation to ascertain whether linoleic acid plays a direct role in the pathophysiology of arsenical keratosis.
Analysis of clinical features and lifestyle in Korean senile gluteal dermatosis patients
Authors: Moon Sung Hyuk , Kang Boo Kyoung , Jeong Ki Heon , Shin Min Kyung , Lee Mu‐Hyoung 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundSenile gluteal dermatosis (SGD) is characterized by hyperkeratotic lichenified skin lesions on the superior part and both sides of the anal cleft. These lesions are particularly prevalent in sedentary and elderly patients.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and other clinical characteristics of SGD in elderly Korean individuals.MethodsA total of 280 subjects aged >60 years identified through the outpatient department at our hospital were included in this study. Basic clinical information was collected, and the subjects were evaluated clinically for gluteal lesions. Skin biopsies were performed in eight of the patients diagnosed with SGD.ResultsAmong a total of 280 subjects, 37 were diagnosed with SGD. Their mean age was 70.4 years. The prevalence of SGD was found to increase with age. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between SGD and lower lean body mass, longer period of a sedentary lifestyle, use of a Korean‐style mattress, and diabetes mellitus. Most patients had either mild symptoms or were asymptomatic. Skin biopsies showed hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, follicular plugging, and meandering superficial vessel proliferation with mild lymphohistiocytic infiltration. None of the biopsy specimens exhibited amyloid deposition.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that SGD is a common disorder in elderly Korean individuals and is associated with prolonged periods of rest such as those occurring in a highly sedentary lifestyle and with sleeping on a Korean‐style mattress.
Hepatocyte growth factor‐expressing adenovirus upregulates matrix metalloproteinase‐1 expression in keloid fibroblasts
Authors: Jeon Yeo Reum , Ahn Hyo Min , Choi Il Kyu , Yun Chae Ok , Rah Dong Kyun , Lew Dae Hyun , Lee Won Jai 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundKeloids are marked by an overabundance of extracellular matrix. The antifibrotic effect of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is achieved by increasing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that drive extracellular matrix catabolism. As such, we cultivated an RGD‐modified HGF‐expressing adenovirus (dE1‐RGD/lacZ/HGF) for introduction into keloid fibroblasts (KFs), looking at the subsequent impact on MMP‐1 expression.MethodsKFs infected with either test virus as experimental group (dE1‐RGD/lacZ/HGF) or its counterpart (dE1‐RGD/lacZ) as control group were examined for HGF protein expression using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Collagen (types I and III) and MMP‐1 mRNA levels were also determined by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction, and ELISA was used to monitor MMP‐1 protein expression.ResultsIn KFs harboring the test virus, high levels of HGF were induced at a multiplicity of infection ratio of 50 (3260.6 ± 162.7 pg/ml) after 72 hours of incubation. Furthermore, reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction and ELISA confirmed that MMP‐1 mRNA and protein expression rose significantly in KFs after transduction by the test virus (P < 0.05). However, mRNA levels of collagen were unaffected by the experimental group.ConclusionThese results suggest that an HGF‐expressing adenovirus may be therapeutic for keloids by increasing MMP‐1 expression.
The impact of the CYP2D6 gene polymorphism on the risk of pemphigoid
Authors: Rychlik‐Sych Mariola , Barańska Małgorzata , Wojtczak Anna , Skrętkowicz Jadwiga , Żebrowska Agnieszka , Waszczykowska Elżbieta 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundStudies concerning the etiopathogenesis of numerous diseases emphasize the involvement of genetically determined impairments of xenobiotic metabolism. Nowadays, more attention has been drawn to the role of cytochrome P450 and its isoenzymes in the course of dermatological diseases, including pemphigoid, the most frequently occurring autoimmune bullous disease, whose etiopathogenesis has not been completely elucidated.AimThe aim of the study was to find out whether there was any relationship between the CYP2D6 gene polymorphism and the development of bullous pemphigoid (BP).Material and methodsThe study included 221 subjects, 71 patients with BP, and 150 healthy volunteers constituting a control group. The identification of CYP2D6 (CYP2D6*1, CYP2D6*3, CYP2D6*4) gene alleles was performed using the polymerase chain reaction–fragment length polymorphism method.ResultsA higher frequency of the CYP2D6*3/CYP2D6*4 genotype was observed in patients with BP (P = 0.0033) than in controls. The relative risk of developing BP expressed with the odds ratio was nearly four times higher in subjects in whom the presence of the CYP2D6*3 allele was detected (odds ratio 3.8; P = 0.0234).ConclusionThe study results may suggest the impact of CYP2D6 gene polymorphism (A2637 deletion) on a higher prevalence of bullous pemphigoid.
Association between genetic variants in NOD2, C13orf31, and CCDC122 genes and leprosy among the Chinese Yi population
Authors: Xiong Jun‐Hao , Mao Chong , Sha Xiao‐Wei , Jin Zheng , Wang Hao , Liu Yang‐Ying , Ning Yong 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundA significant association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in NOD2, C13orf31, and CCDC122 genes and leprosy has been reported in a previous genome‐wide association study of leprosy in the Chinese Han population. However, it remains unknown whether this association exists among the Chinese Yi population. The aim of this study was to investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms in NOD2, C13orf31, and CCDC122 genes are associated with leprosy among the Chinese Yi population in China.MethodsWe genotyped rs9302752, rs7194886, rs8057341, and rs3135499 in the NOD2 gene; rs3764147 and rs10507522 in the C13orf31 gene; and rs3088362 and rs9533634 in the CCDC122 gene in a Chinese Yi cohort comprised of 319 patients with leprosy and 355 ethnic‐matched controls. The differences between the patients and healthy controls were analyzed using chi‐squared analysis.ResultsSignificant differences of rs3135499 in NOD2, rs3764147 and rs10507522 in C13orf31, and rs3088362 and rs9533634 in CCDC122 were observed between the patients and the healthy control groups in the cohort. The allelic P values and odd ratios were as follows: rs3135499, 1.0 × 10−8 and 2.55; rs3764147, 1.7 × 10−7 and 1.88; rs10507522, 1.16 × 10−5 and 1.95; rs3088362, 8.2 × 10−4 and 1.51; rs9533634, 5.34 × 10−5 and 1.73. No significant differences were found in the distributions of rs9302752, rs7194886, and rs8057341 between the patients and healthy controls.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that genetic variants in the NOD2, C13orf31, and CCDC122 genes are closely associated with leprosy among the Chinese Yi population, which implicates the pathogenic role of NOD2, C13orf31, and CCDC122 genes in a different ethnicity.
Identification and Characterization ofPseudocercosporaSpecies Causing Grapevine Leaf Spot in China
Authors: Liang Chunhao , Jayawardena Ruvishika Shehali , Zhang Wei , Wang Xiuguo , Liu Mei , Liu Li , Zang Chaoqun , Xu Xinran , Hyde Kevin David , Yan Jiye , Li Xinghong , Zhao Kuihua 
Published: August 2015

AbstractPseudocercosporais an important plant pathogenic genus causing leaf spots on grapevine leaves and other hosts worldwide. A survey of vineyards in four provinces of China was carried out to identify the causal agent of Pseudocercospora leaf spot. A phylogenetic analysis based on a combination ofLSU,ITSandACTloci, coupled with morphology, showed thatPseudocercospora vitisis the sole causal agent of this leaf spot disease. This study represents the first attempt to identify and characterize the cercosporoid species causing Pseudocercospora leaf spot in China using morphological and molecular approaches.
Reproductive morphology and DNA sequences of the brown alga Platysiphon verticillatus support the new combination Platysiphon glacialis
Authors: Kawai Hiroshi , Hanyuda Takeaki , Yamagishi Takahiro , Kai Atsushi , Lane Chris E. , McDevit Dan , Küpper Frithjof C. , Saunders Gary W. 
Published: August 2015

Platysiphon verticillatus, a brown alga endemic to the Arctic, was described based on vegetative specimens collected at Inglefield Bay, West Greenland. The species is distinctive in having a lanceolate blade‐like thallus terminated by a terete portion, both covered with hair‐like assimilatory filaments. Punctaria glacialis was described from Eastern Greenland, and the species differs from other Punctaria species in lacking hairs and plurilocular zoidangia. Unilocular zoidangia were reported, but instead of zoids being released they formed cell walls in situ developing the appearance of plurilocular zoidangia. However, the fate of the zoids, as well as the walled cells was not traced, and the life history of the alga has remained unclear. By comparing DNA sequences (cox1, cox3, and rDNA ITS2) of specimens morphologically referable to Platysiphon verticillatus and Punctaria glacialis collected at Baffin Island, as well as re‐examining morphology and studying crude cultures, we concluded that they are the same taxonomic entity. Furthermore, their cox3 sequence and vegetative morphology agreed with those of the type specimen of Punctaria glacialis. Consequently, we propose Platysiphon glacialis comb. nov. The life cycle could not be completed in culture, but we hypothesize that in situ germination of the unizoids produces reduced gametophytes housed in peripheral tissue of erect sporophytic thalli.
Molecular phylogeny of two unusual brown algae, Phaeostrophion irregulare and Platysiphon glacialis, proposal of the Stschapoviales ord. nov. and Platysiphonaceae fam. nov., and a re‐examination of divergence times for brown algal orders
Authors: Kawai Hiroshi , Hanyuda Takeaki , Draisma Stefano G. A. , Wilce Robert T. , Andersen Robert A. 
Published: August 2015

The molecular phylogeny of brown algae was examined using concatenated DNA sequences of seven chloroplast and mitochondrial genes (atpB, psaA, psaB, psbA, psbC, rbcL, and cox1). The study was carried out mostly from unialgal cultures; we included Phaeostrophion irregulare and Platysiphon glacialis because their ordinal taxonomic positions were unclear. Overall, the molecular phylogeny agreed with previously published studies, however, Platysiphon clustered with Halosiphon and Stschapovia and was paraphyletic with the Tilopteridales. Platysiphon resembled Stschapovia in showing remarkable morphological changes between young and mature thalli. Platysiphon, Halosiphon and Stschapovia also shared parenchymatous, terete, erect thalli with assimilatory filaments in whorls or on the distal end. Based on these results, we proposed a new order Stschapoviales and a new family Platysiphonaceae. We proposed to include Phaeostrophion in the Sphacelariales, and we emended the order to include this foliose member. Finally, using basal taxa not included in earlier studies, the origin and divergence times for brown algae were re‐investigated. Results showed that the Phaeophyceae branched from Schizocladiophyceae ~260 Ma during the Permian Period. The early diverging brown algae had isomorphic life histories, whereas the derived taxa with heteromorphic life histories evolved 155–110 Ma when they branched from the basal taxa. Based on these results, we propose that the development of heteromorphic life histories and their success in the temperate and cold‐water regions was induced by the development of the remarkable seasonality caused by the breakup of Pangaea. Most brown algal orders had diverged by roughly 60 Ma, around the last mass extinction event during the Cretaceous Period, and therefore a drastic climate change might have triggered the divergence of brown algae.
Effort Elicitation, Wage Differentials and Income Distribution in A Wage‐Led Growth Regime
Authors: Jair da Silveira Jaylson , Tadeu Lima Gilberto 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTMotivated by the empirical evidence on endogenous labor effort and wage differentials, this paper explores implications for distribution and growth of firms using different strategies to elicit effort from workers. The frequency distribution of effort‐elicitation strategies across firms is governed by a replicator dynamic that generates wage differential as a long‐run equilibrium. Although firms willing to elicit more effort have to compensate workers with a higher wage rate, a larger proportion of firms adopting such strategy will not necessarily produce a higher wage share and thereby a higher growth rate. The intuition is that, depending on the accompanying rise in labor productivity, the wage share may not vary positively with the proportion of firms paying higher wages.