bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of clinically significant portal hypertension on surgical outcomes and survival following hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Choi Sae Byeol , Kim Hyun Jung , Song Tae Jin , Ahn Hyeong Sik , Choi Sang Yong 
Published: May 2014

Abstract Surgical resection is not indicated in patients with portal hypertension in the current guideline of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage. We report a systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine the impact of clinically significant portal hypertension on survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following hepatectomy. Searched data in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were reviewed and 11 publications were included in the meta‐analysis. The inclusion criteria of clinically significant portal hypertension were esophageal varices and/or thrombocytopenia with splenomegaly. Pooled data were extracted and computed into odds ratios (ORs) for clinical outcome and hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival. The final pooled data were composed of 2,285 patients. There were 775 patients with clinically significant portal hypertension (PHT group) and 1,510 patients without clinically significant portal hypertension (non‐PHT group). Pooled proportion of mortality was 6.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.032–0.116) in PHT group and 2.8% (95% CI 0.014–0.054) in the non‐PHT group. The pooled proportion of morbidity was 41.7% (95% CI 0.274–0.575) in PHT group and 34.7% (95% CI 0.243–0.467) in non‐PHT group. Pooled data confirmed a significantly higher postoperative mortality in the PHT group, with OR 3.02 (P < 0.001). The PHT group also demonstrated significantly higher occurrence of postoperative complications (OR 1.39, P = 0.008), liver‐related morbidity (OR 3.10, P < 0.00001), and liver failure (OR 2.14, P = 0.0005) compared to the non‐PHT group. According to the overall survival, pooled analysis demonstrated that the PHT group demonstrated poorer survival than the non‐PHT group (HR 1.48, P = 0.007). The analyses support significantly higher rates of postoperative mortality, complications, liver‐related morbidity, liver failure, and poorer overall survival in PHT group compared with the non‐PHT group. Surgical resection should be selected carefully with strict surgical strategy in patients with clinically significant portal hypertension when surgical resection is planned.
Tumor necrosis factor‐α modulates epithelial mesenchymal transition mediators ZEB2 and S100A4 to promote cholangiocarcinoma progression
Authors: Techasen Anchalee , Namwat Nisana , Loilome Watcharin , Duangkumpha Kassaporn , Puapairoj Anucha , Saya Hideyuki , Yongvanit Puangrat 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) process strongly contributes to cancer metastasis. This study was to investigate the alteration of EMT‐related proteins (ZEB1, ZEB2 and S100A4) in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) tissues. The effect of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) on the expression of those molecules in CCA cells was investigated.MethodsThe quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) assay was used to quantify ZEB1, ZEB2 and S100A4 mRNA levels in 50 CCA tissues and related its expression to clinicopathological data. ZEB2 protein immunostaining was investigated in 165 CCA tissues. The effect of TNF‐α on EMT‐related CCA cell migration was evaluated using qRT‐PCR, immunofluorescence and transwell migration assays.ResultsZEB2 and S100A4 mRNA levels were found to be higher in CCA tissues. High levels of S100A4 mRNA and ZEB2 protein were significantly associated with CCA metastasis (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03). Moreover, a trend toward statistical association was found with high levels of both ZEB2 mRNA and protein with shorter survival time (P = 0.10 and P = 0.19). In addition, TNF‐α induced CCA cell migration by the induction of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) resulting in ZEB2 and S100A4 mRNA and protein activation.ConclusionsThese studies demonstrate that TNF‐α plays crucial role in the progression of CCA by activating TGF‐β signaling and the induction of ZEB2 and S100A4, EMT‐related proteins expression.
Variable characteristics of the wintertime net heat flux along the Kuroshio system and its association with climate in China
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Guan Yuping , Li Zhijin , Chao Yi , Huang Jianping 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTOn the basis of the datasets obtained for the monthly turbulent heat flux (1984–2009) from the Objectively Analyzed Air–Sea Heat Flux (OAFlux), the radiation flux from the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP), the variability characteristics of the net heat flux (Qnet) over the Kuroshio System (KS) and its relationship with the climate in China were studied. The results reveal that except for a steady enhancement in the period 1984–2009, the boreal winter Qnet over the KS is characterized by obvious interannual variation of the period quasi‐5 year as well as decadal variability shifting from negative to positive anomalies in the mid‐1990s. In the wintertime, the increasing KS Qnet is primarily responsible for the intensification of the East Asia winter monsoon (EAWM) via a deepening of the Aleutian low and an enhancement of the Siberia high and has a correlation coefficient of 0.72 with a 1‐month delay. The enhanced‐EAWM induces colder winters in Northeast China and higher Qnet over the KS by carrying significantly greater amounts of cold air mass. During the low Qnet winter, the EAWM is weakened, and the southwesterly wind that contains abundant water vapour enhances and pushes toward southern China, thereby bringing heavier rainfall. The anomalous Qnet over the KS in the wintertime lasts until the following spring with a weaker relative intensity. In the spring after the low KS Qnet winter, the anomalous easterly wind transfers colder air masses from the Sea of Japan to the North China and Yellow–Huaihe regions and then cools these regions. The warmer and wetter southwesterlies along the northwestern flank of the anomalous anticyclone east of Taiwan Island meet these colder easterlies accompanied by an anomalous upward motion, thereby inducing an anomalous northwest–southeast precipitation band in the central and eastern region of China, especially in the Yangtze‐Huaihe region.
System dynamics approach for modeling of sugar beet yield considering the effects of climatic variables
Authors: Pervin Lia , Islam Md Saiful 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe aim of this study was to develop a system dynamics model for computation of yields and to investigate the dependency of yields on some major climatic parameters, i.e. temperature and rainfall, for Beta vulgaris subsp. (sugar beet crops) under future climate change scenarios.RESULTSA system dynamics model was developed which takes account of the effects of rainfall and temperature on sugar beet yields under limited irrigation conditions. A relationship was also developed between the seasonal evapotranspiration and seasonal growing degree days for sugar beet crops. The proposed model was set to run for the present time period of 1993–2012 and for the future period 2013–2040 for Lethbridge region (Alberta, Canada). The model provides sugar beet yields on a yearly basis which are comparable to the present field data. It was found that the future average yield will be increased at about 14% with respect to the present average yield.CONCLUSIONThe proposed model can help to improve the understanding of soil water conditions and irrigation water requirements of an area under certain climatic conditions and can be used for future prediction of yields for any crops in any region (with the required information to be provided). The developed system dynamics model can be used as a supporting tool for decision making, for improvement of agricultural management practice of any region. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Lipopeptides from Bacillus and Paenibacillus spp.: A Gold Mine of Antibiotic Candidates
Authors: Cochrane Stephen A. , Vederas John C. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe emergence of multidrug‐resistant bacteria has placed a strain on health care systems and highlighted the need for new classes of antibiotics. Bacterial lipopeptides are secondary metabolites, generally produced by nonribosomal peptide synthetases that often exhibit broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity. Only two new structural types of antibiotics have entered the market in the last 40 years, linezolid and the bacterial lipopeptide daptomycin. A wide variety of bacteria produce lipopeptides, however Bacillus and Paenibacillus spp. in particular have yielded several potent antimicrobial lipopeptides. Many of the lipopeptides produced by these bacteria have been known for decades and represent a potential gold mine of antibiotic candidates. This list includes the polymyxins, octapeptins, polypeptins, iturins, surfactins, fengycins, fusaricidins, and tridecaptins, as well as some novel examples, including the kurstakins. These lipopeptides have a wide variety of activities, ranging from antibacterial and antifungal, to anticancer and antiviral. This review presents a reasonably comprehensive list of each class of lipopeptide and their known homologues. Emphasis has been placed on their antimicrobial activities, as well other potential applications for this interesting class of substances.
Maillard reaction products modulate gut microbiota composition in adolescents
Authors: Seiquer Isabel , Rubio Luis A. , Peinado M. Jesús , Delgado‐Andrade Cristina , Navarro María Pilar 
Published: May 2014

ScopeScarce data are available concerning effects of certain bioactive substances such as Maillard reaction products (MRP) on the gut microbiota composition, and the question of how a diet rich in MRP affects gut microbiota in humans is still open.Methods and resultsTwo experiments were conducted. In expt. 1, adolescents consumed diets either high or low in MRP in a two‐period crossover trial; in expt. 2, rats were fed diets supplemented or not with MRP model‐systems. Intestinal microbiota composition in fecal (adolescents) or cecal (rat) samples was assessed by qPCR analysis. Negative correlations were found in the human assay between lactobacilli numbers and dietary advanced MRP (r = −0.418 and −0.387, for hydroxymethylfurfural and carboxymethyl‐lysine respectively, p < 0.05), whereas bifidobacteria counts were negatively correlated with Amadori compounds intake. In the rat assay, total bacteria and lactobacilli were negatively correlated with MRP intake (r = −0.674,−0.675 and −0.676, for Amadori compounds, hydroxymethylfurfural and carboxymethyl‐lysine respectively, p < 0.05), but no correlations were found with bifidobacteria.ConclusionsDietary MRP are able to modulate in vivo the intestinal microbiota composition both in humans and in rats, and the specific effects are likely to be linked to the chemical structure and dietary amounts of the different browning compounds.
Unfavorable effect of trigonelline, an alkaloid present in coffee and fenugreek, on bone mechanical properties in estrogen‐deficient rats
Authors: Folwarczna Joanna , Zych Maria , Nowińska Barbara , Pytlik Maria , Janas Aleksandra 
Published: May 2014

ScopeTrigonelline (1‐methylpyridinium‐3‐carboxylate), an alkaloid present in coffee and fenugreek seed, has been reported to exhibit phytoestrogenic activity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of trigonelline on bone mechanical properties of rats with normal estrogen level and estrogen deficiency (developing osteoporosis).Methods and resultsThe experiments were performed on 3‐month‐old nonovariectomized and ovariectomized (estrogen‐deficient) Wistar rats, divided into control rats and rats receiving trigonelline (50 mg/kg p.o. daily) for 4 weeks. The ovariectomy was performed 7–8 days before the start of trigonelline administration. Serum bone turnover markers and bone mineralization, as well as mechanical properties of the tibial metaphysis, femoral diaphysis, and femoral neck were examined. Estrogen deficiency caused worsening of bone mineralization and mechanical properties of the tibial metaphysis, as well as increases in bone turnover markers. Administration of trigonelline did not affect the investigated parameters in nonovariectomized rats, but it worsened the mineralization and mechanical properties of cancellous bone in ovariectomized rats.ConclusionUnfavorable effects of trigonelline on the skeletal system depended on the estrogen status. They were observed only in cancellous bone of estrogen‐deficient rats.
Hepatic lipogenesis and a marker of hepatic lipid oxidation, predict postprandial responses of triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins
Authors: Matikainen Niina , Adiels Martin , Söderlund Sanni , Stennabb Sanna , Ahola Tytti , Hakkarainen Antti , Borén Jan , Taskinen Marja‐Riitta 
Published: May 2014

ObjectivePostprandial hypertriglyceridemia is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The mechanisms are still unclear. Here it was tested if hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) and lipid oxidation influence the postprandial responses of triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins (TRL) in humans.MethodsThe contribution of hepatic DNL to hepatic TRL production was analyzed in 67 men and women with a moderate range of BMI after a fat‐rich meal. Also, lipase activities, liver fat, and 3‐OH‐butyrate were quantitated as an indicator of β‐oxidation. Lipoproteins and metabolic markers were measured in fasting and postprandial blood samples.ResultsPostprandial DNL correlates with postprandial TG and apolipoprotein (apo) C‐III responses in plasma and with TG, apoB48 and apoB100 responses in TRLs and their larger remnant particles. Fasting and 8‐h postprandial DNL was inversely related to 3‐OH‐butyrate but not to liver fat content. Fasting apoC‐III and 3‐OH‐butyrate, but not liver fat, independently predicted fasting DNL.ConclusionsThe fasting and 8‐h postprandial rate of DNL was inversely associated with the hepatic lipid oxidation in humans. DNL contributes significantly to the TG content in TRLs but not to the amount of liver fat, suggesting that an imbalance between DNL and fat oxidation contributes to postprandial atherogenic dyslipidemia.
The impact of change in pregnancy body mass index on macrosomia
Authors: Swank Morgan L. , Caughey Aaron B. , Farinelli Christine K. , Main Elliott K. , Melsop Kathryn A. , Gilbert William M. , Chung Judith H. 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveTo examine the impact of change in body mass index (BMI) during pregnancy on the incidence of macrosomia.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study using 2007 linked birth certificate and discharge diagnosis data from the state of California. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for the outcome of macrosomia, as a function of a categorical change in pregnancy BMI: BMI loss (<−0.5), no change (−0.5 to 0.5), minimal (0.6 to 5), moderate (5.1 to 10), and excessive (>10). The impact of pregnancy change in BMI was determined for the entire cohort and then stratified by prepregnancy BMI category. Minimal BMI change served as the reference group.ResultsThe study population consisted of 436,414 women. Overall, women with moderate and excessive BMI changes had aORs of 1.66 and 3.21, respectively, for macrosomia, when compared with women with minimal BMI change. When stratified by prepregnancy BMI, normal (aOR 3.85) and overweight women (aOR 2.96) with antenatal BMI change greater than 10 had the highest odds of macrosomia.ConclusionsExcessive change in pregnancy BMI results in an increased odds of macrosomia. This finding was most pronounced in the normal and overweight women.
Regional biases in mutation screening due to intratumoural heterogeneity of prostate cancer
Authors: Kim Tae‐Min , Jung Seung‐Hyun , Baek In‐Pyo , Lee Sung‐Hak , Choi Youn‐Jin , Lee Ji‐Youl , Chung Yeun‐Jun , Lee Sug‐Hyung 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIntratumoural heterogeneity (ITH) leads to regional biases of the mutational landscape in a single tumour and may influence the single biopsy‐based clinical diagnosis and treatment decision. To evaluate the extent of ITH in unifocal prostate cancers (PCAs), we analysed multiple regional biopsies from three PCAs, using whole‐exome sequencing, DNA copy number and gene expression profiling analyses. A substantial level of ITH was identified, in that 0–61% and 18–71% of somatic variants were common or private, respectively, within a given cancer. The enhanced mutation detection rate in the combined sequencing dataset across intratumoural biopsies was demonstrated with respect to the total number of mutations identified in a given tumour. Allele frequencies of the mutations were positively correlated with the levels of intratumoural recurrence (private < shared < common), but some common mutations showed low allele frequency, suggesting that not all were clonally fixed. Regional biases in the presentation of a well‐known TMPRSS2–ERG fusion was noted in one PCA and the somatic mutation‐ and copy number‐based phylogenetic relationships between intratumoural biopsies were largely concordant. Genes showing intratumoural expression variability were commonly enriched in the molecular function of eicosanoid metabolism and PCA‐relevant clinical markers. Taken together, our analyses identified a substantial level of genetic ITH in unifocal PCAs at the mutation, copy number and expression levels, which should be taken into account for the identification of biomarkers in the clinical setting. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Breast cancer metastasis: demonstration that FOXP3 regulates CXCR4 expression and the response to CXCL12
Authors: Douglass Stephen , Meeson Annette P , Overbeck‐Zubrzycka Dorota , Brain John G , Bennett Miriam R , Lamb Christopher A , Lennard Thomas WJ , Browell David , Ali Simi , Kirby John A 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe X‐linked transcription factor FOXP3 is expressed by epithelial cells of organs including the breast, where it is considered a tumour suppressor. The chemokine receptor CXCR4 also regulates the development of breast cancer by stimulating cell migration towards CXCL12‐expressing sites of metastatic spread. During activation, human T cells show reciprocal regulation of FOXP3 and CXCR4. This study was designed to examine the role FOXP3 plays in metastatic breast cancer, with a particular focus on its potential to regulate CXCR4. Human breast cancer samples showed significantly decreased FOXP3 protein expression but an increased number of CXCR4 transcripts. In comparison with normal primary breast epithelial cells, FOXP3 was down‐regulated at both transcript and protein levels in the breast cancer cell lines MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231. In the invasive MDA‐MB‐231 cells, the remaining FOXP3 was located predominately within the cytoplasm. Following stable FOXP3 overexpression in MDA‐MB‐231 cells, significant decreases were observed in the expression of ErbB2/HER2, SKP2, c‐MYC, and CXCR4. In contrast, an increase in p21 expression led to inhibition of cell proliferation, with a greater proportion in the G1 phase of the cell cycle suggesting the induction of senescence. Specific knockdown of FOXP3 in normal human breast epithelial cells with siRNA significantly increased ErbB2/HER2, SKP2, c‐MYC, and CXCR4, and decreased p21 expression. These cells also showed a significantly increased chemotactic response towards CXCL12, consistent with a role for FOXP3 in the regulation of cell migration. Results from this study are consistent with FOXP3 functioning as an important tumour suppressor in breast cancer. Indeed, the potential functions of FOXP3 in breast epithelium can now be extended to include regulation of CXCR4 expression and response to the pro‐metastatic chemokine CXCL12. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of an active surveillance system by the FDA to observe patterns of quinine sulfate use and adverse hematologic outcomes in CMS Medicare data
Authors: Houstoun Monika , Reichman Marsha E. , Graham David J. , Nambiar Sumathi , Shamsuddin Hala , Jones S. Christopher , Cao Kelly , Wernecke Michael , Lam Chelsea , Worrall Chris M. , MaCurdy Thomas E. , Kelman Jeffrey A. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTPurposeIn 2005, the Food and Drug Administration approved Qualaquin (quinine) for treatment of malaria and later ordered unapproved quinine formulations off the market. In 2009, labeling for Qualaquin added a warning for use for leg cramps, as serious hematologic reactions could occur. We examined quinine use trends among Medicare beneficiaries focusing on indications for use and associations with adverse hematologic outcomes.MethodsMedicare beneficiaries, aged 65 years and older, in 2006–2012, were included in incident quinine or comparator, diltiazem, cohorts if 183 days prior to dispensing, they were enrolled in Medicare, had no dispensing of quinine, diltiazem, ticlodipine, clopidogrel, and sulfonamide drugs, and had no diagnoses of thrombocytopenia, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), or hemolytic‐uremic syndrome (HUS). Diagnoses of malaria or leg cramps were observed during 183 days prior to index dispensing. Outcomes of ITP, TMA, or HUS in inpatient or emergency room settings were then observed during drug use.ResultsPrevalent use of quinine decreased by 99%, from 419 675 to 6036 users during 2006–2012. Of 88 066 quinine users, 9 had diagnoses of malaria and 36 218 had leg cramps. Incidence rates (per 1000 person‐years) for ITP were quinine 1.67 and diltiazem 0.40 [incidence rate ratio 4.2 (95% confidence interval 2.5, 6.5)], for TMA were quinine 0.23 and diltiazem 0.03 [incidence rate ratio 6.9 (95% confidence interval 1.3, 24.0)], and for HUS were quinine 0 and diltiazem 0.01.ConclusionsUse of quinine decreased substantially, although diagnoses of leg cramps persist. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of an association for quinine and ITP and TMA in claims data. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd..
Observation stays in administrative claims databases: underestimation of hospitalized cases
Authors: Overman Robert A. , Freburger Janet K. , Assimon Magdalene M. , Li Xiaojuan , Brookhart M. Alan 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTPurposeRecent policy changes in the USA have led to an increasing number of patients being placed into observation units rather than admitted directly to the hospital. Studies of administrative data that use inpatient diagnosis codes to identify cohorts, outcomes, or covariates may be affected by this change in practice. To understand the potential impact of observation stays on research using administrative healthcare data, we examine the trends of observation stays, short (≤2 days) inpatient admissions, and all inpatient admissions.MethodsWe examined a large administrative claims database of commercially insured individuals in the USA between 2002 and 2011. Observation stays were defined on the basis of the procedure codes reimbursable by Medicare or commercial insurers. We report monthly rates of observation stays and short inpatient admissions overall and by patient demographics.ResultsWe identified 5 355 752 observation stays from 2002 to 2011. Over the course of study, the rate of observation stays increased, whereas the rate of short inpatient stays declined. The most common reason for observation stays was nonspecific chest pain, also the third most common reason for short inpatient stays. The increasing trend of observation stays related to circulatory diseases mirrors the decreasing trend of short inpatient stays.ConclusionsThe use of observation stays has increased in patients with commercial insurance. Failure to account for observation stays may lead to an under‐ascertainment of hospitalizations in contemporary administrative healthcare data from the USA. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.