bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eltrombopag dose predictors in thrombocytopenic subjects with hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Saleh Mohammad I , Obeidat Abdullah R , Anter Hanan A , Khanfar Anas A 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThis study aims to identify patient characteristics that predict effective eltrombopag dosage for the treatment of Hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related thrombocytopenia. Demographic, clinical and genetic data collected from thrombocytopenic patients (n = 1463, age ≥ 18 years) with chronic HCV infection who were able to achieve a target platelet count of > 90 × 109/L following eltrombopag treatment. Patients were categorized into four groups (25, 50, 75, and 100 mg) based on the eltrombopag dose needed to achieve the target platelet count. Eltrombopag dose predictors were identified using a two stage approach. First, bivariate analysis, using anova for continuous variables and Chi‐square test for categorical variables, was performed to identify possible predictors of eltrombopag dose (P < 0.05). Second, ordinal logistic regression with stepwise addition followed by backward deletion was then performed using predictors identified in bivariate analysis step to produce final model containing independent predictors at P < 0.05. Ordinal logistic model identified several predictors of eltrombopag dose. Predictors of higher eltrombopag dose include: having a HCV genotype 2 or 3, being Central/South Asian, being White (Caucasian or European heritage), increased weight, and increased spleen length. Predictors of lower eltrombopag dose include: female gender, increased age, having a higher ALP plasma concentration, increased creatinine clearance, increased baseline lymphocytes count, and increased baseline platelet count. In conclusion, this study identified patient characteristics that predict effective eltrombopag dose for the treatment of HCV‐related thrombocytopenia. Early selection of the optimal eltrombopag dose expedites the initiation of antiviral therapy. This is expected to improve the antiviral therapy outcome before the patient progress into liver decompensation.
Diet induced obesity in rats reduces NHE3 and Na+/K+‐ATPase expression in the kidney
Authors: Briffa JF , Grinfeld E , Jenkin KA , Mathai ML , Poronnik P , McAinch AJ , Hryciw DH 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThe consumption of a high fat diet (HFD) is associated with proteinuria and altered sodium handling and excretion, which can lead to kidney disease. In the proximal tubule, the Na+/H+ Exchanger 3 (NHE3) is responsible for normal protein reabsorption and the reabsorption of approximately 70% of the renal sodium load. It is the Na+/K+‐ATPase that provides the driving force for the reabsorption of sodium and its exit across the basolateral membrane. This study investigates the effects that consumption of a HFD for 12 weeks has on NHE3 and Na+/K+‐ATPase expression in the kidney. Western blot analysis identified a significant reduction in NHE3 and its modulator, phosphorylated protein kinase B, in renal lysate from obese rats. In the obese rats, a reduction in NHE3 expression in the proximal tubule may impact on the acidification of endosomes which are responsible for albumin uptake, suggesting a key role for the exchanger in protein endocytosis in obesity. Western blot analysis identified a reduction in Na+/K+‐ATPase which could also potentially impact on albumin uptake and sodium reabsorption. This study demonstrates that consumption of a HFD for 12 weeks reduces renal NHE3 and Na+/K+‐ATPase expression, an effect that may contribute to the albuminuria associated with obesity. Furthermore the reduction in these transporters is not likely to contribute to the reduced sodium excretion in obesity. These data highlight a potential link between NHE3 and Na+/K+‐ATPase in the pathophysiological changes in renal protein handling observed in obesity.
Network succession reveals the importance of competition in response to emulsified vegetable oil amendment for uranium bioremediation
Authors: Deng Ye , Zhang Ping , Qin Yujia , Tu Qichao , Yang Yunfeng , He Zhili , Schadt Christopher Warren , Zhou Jizhong 
Published: July 2015

SummaryDiscerning network interactions among different species/populations in microbial communities has evoked substantial interests in recent years, but little information is available about temporal dynamics of microbial network interactions in response to environmental perturbations. Here, we modified the random matrix theory‐based network approach to discern network succession in groundwater microbial communities in response to emulsified vegetable oil (EVO) amendment for uranium bioremediation. Groundwater microbial communities from one control and seven monitor wells were analysed with a functional gene array (GeoChip 3.0), and functional molecular ecological networks (fMENs) at different time points were reconstructed. Our results showed that the network interactions were dramatically altered by EVO amendment. Dynamic and resilient succession was evident: fairly simple at the initial stage (Day 0), increasingly complex at the middle period (Days 4, 17, 31), most complex at Day 80, and then decreasingly complex at a later stage (140–269 days). Unlike previous studies in other habitats, negative interactions predominated in a time‐series fMEN, suggesting strong competition among different microbial species in the groundwater systems after EVO injection. Particularly, several keystone sulfate‐reducing bacteria showed strong negative interactions with their network neighbours. These results provide mechanistic understanding of the decreased phylogenetic diversity during environmental perturbations.
Rab GTPases are essential for membrane trafficking‐dependent growth and pathogenicity in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Zheng Huawei , Zheng Wenhui , Wu Congxian , Yang Jie , Xi Yang , Xie Qiurong , Zhao Xu , Deng Xiaolong , Lu Guodong , Li Guangpu , Ebbole Daniel , Zhou Jie , Wang Zonghua 
Published: July 2015

SummaryRab GTPases represent the largest subfamily of Ras‐related small GTPases and regulate membrane trafficking. Vesicular transport is a general mechanism that governs intracellular membrane trafficking along the endocytic and exocytic pathways in all eukaryotic cells. Fusarium graminearum is a filamentous fungus and causes the devastating and economically important head blight of wheat and related species. The mechanism of vesicular transport is not well understood, and little is known about Rab GTPases in F. graminearum. In this study, we systematically characterized all eleven FgRabs by live cell imaging and genetic analysis. We find that FgRab51 and FgRab52 are important for the endocytosis, FgRab7 localizes to the vacuolar membrane and regulates the fusion of vacuoles and autophagosomes, and FgRab8 and FgRab11 are important for polarized growth and/or exocytosis. Furthermore, both endocytic and exocytic FgRabs are required for vegetative growth, conidiogenesis, sexual reproduction, as well as pathogenesis and deoxynivalenol metabolism in F. graminearum. Thus, we conclude that Rab GTPases are essential for membrane trafficking‐dependent growth and pathogenicity in F. graminearum.
Scrutinizing impacts of conspiracy theories on readers' political views: a rational choice perspective on anti‐semitic rhetoric inTurkey
Authors: Nefes Turkay Salim 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAlthough conspiracy theories have been politically significant throughout history, only a few empirical studies have been about their influence on readers' views. Combining a rational choice approach with a content analysis of an anti‐Semitic best‐selling conspiracy theory book series inTurkey – theEfendiseries – and semi‐structured interviews with its readers, this paper reveals the effects of the conspiracy theories on readers' political perspectives. The findings suggest that whereas the rightists are reactive to the Jewish origins of theDönmes, the leftists oppose theDönmes as dominant bourgeois figures. This paper concludes that left‐ and right‐wing adherents use the conspiratorial accounts in line with their political views and ontological insecurities. It expands the existing academic literature, which conceptualizes conspiracy theories either as paranoid delusions or as neutral, rational narratives, by showing that they can be both.
The Stability of Prostate‐Specific Antigen in Semen Under Various Temperatures
Authors: Srettabunjong Supawon , Betset Parimol , Limawongpranee Suvit , Ekpo Pattama 
Published: July 2015

AbstractProstate‐specific antigen (PSA) is most commonly used for identifying semen, especially in the absence of sperm. However,PSAconcentration varies according to storage temperature and duration, and little is known about its stability in semen. This study was therefore aimed to determine the stability under five different temperatures: −80, −20, 4, 25, and 37°C; and nine different durations: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 14, 30, 90, and 180 days. All samples were stored at −80°C after being secreted from the volunteers' body until analyzed. Results showed that thePSAconcentration declined significantly over time under all temperatures studied except −80°C. At −20 and 4°C,PSAwas still detectable on Day 180 with 50% and 70% decrease from its original concentration, respectively. At 25 and 37°C,PSAwas detected up to Day 7 and 3, respectively. This information might assist forensic scientists understand more aboutPSAnature and integrate it into their works.
Subdural Hemorrhage, a Retrospective Review with Emphasis on a Cohort of Alcoholics
Authors: deRoux Stephen J. , Sgarlato Anthony 
Published: July 2015

AbstractSubdural hemorrhage (SDH) is a common cause of death. As external evidence of injury may be absent, an autopsy is frequently needed to detect it. We conducted a 3‐year review of SDH from the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, with emphasis on a cohort of alcoholics. Our study population of 1942 included 1588 alcoholics. Of the alcoholics, c. 8% had SDH (26% of the total number of SDH). Of the alcoholics with SDH, 57% had associated brain injuries. As alcohol intoxication is frequently associated with aggressive and violent behavior, we are concerned that 6% of alcoholics in our review had no autopsy or imaging studies. It is possible that a portion of these may have had a SDH due to an unrecognized inflicted injury. We recommend that autopsies be performed on all alcoholics without a clear cause or mechanism of death.
Gene expression analysis in the larval silk gland of the eri silkworm Samia ricini
Authors: Tsubota Takuya , Yamamoto Kimiko , Mita Kazuei , Sezutsu Hideki 
Published: July 2015

AbstractInsects produce silk for a range of purposes. In the Lepidoptera, silk is utilized as a material for cocoon production and serves to protect larvae from adverse environmental conditions or predators. Species in the Saturniidae family produce an especially wide variety of cocoons, for example, large, golden colored cocoons and those with many small holes. Although gene expression in the silk gland of the domestic silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) has been extensively studied, considerably fewer investigations have focused on members of the saturniid family. Here, we established expression sequence tags from the silk gland of the eri silkworm (Samia ricini), a saturniid species, and used these to analyze gene expression. Although we identified the fibroin heavy chain gene in the established library, genes for other major silk proteins, such as fibroin light chain and fibrohexamerin, were absent. This finding is consistent with previous reports that these latter proteins are lacking in saturniid silk. Recently, a series of fibrohexamerin‐like genes were identified in the Bombyx genome. We used this information to conduct a detailed analysis of the library established here. This analysis identified putative homologues of these genes. We also found several genes encoding small silk protein molecules that are also present in the silk of other Lepidoptera. Gene expression patterns were compared between eri and domestic silkworm, and both conserved and nonconserved expression patterns were identified for the tested genes. Such differential gene expression might be one of the major causes of the differences in silk properties between these species. We believe that our study can be of value as a basic catalogue for silk gland gene expression, which will yield to the further understanding of silk evolution.
Effect of the postfeeding interval on olfactory responses of thrips to herbivore‐induced cotton plants
Authors: Silva Rehan , Walter Gimme H. , Wilson Lewis J. , Furlong Michael J. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWe investigated the responses of 3 thrips species, Frankliniella schultzei Trybom, F. occidentalis Pergrande, and Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) to herbivore‐damaged and undamaged cotton seedlings (Gossypium hirsutum L. [Malvales: Malvaceae]) at a range of time intervals following damage by adult Tetranychus urticae (Koch), adult T. ludeni (Zacher) (Acari: Tetranychidae) or Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae in olfactometer assays. The intensity/frequency of the response of thrips to herbivore‐induced plants decreased with time and ultimately disappeared in all cases; however, the rate at which the response declined was related to the herbivore species that inflicted the damage. All 3 species of thrips were attracted to plants damaged by T. urticae for longer than they were to plants damaged by T. ludeni. The duration for which damaged plants remained attractive was also affected by the degree of damage inflicted on cotton seedlings. For example, F. schultzei was attracted to plants damaged by a higher density of two‐spotted spider mites (100/plant) for much longer than to plants damaged by a lower density of these mites (50/plant). The results reinforce previous studies that demonstrate that arrangement of variables influences the responses of thrips to their herbivore‐induced cotton host plants. Results also show that these responses are variable in time following herbivore damage to cotton plants, which further demonstrates how difficult it is to generalize about the functional significance of these interactions.
A National Assessment of the Potential Linkage between Soil, and Surface and Groundwater Concentrations of Phosphorus
Authors: McDowell R.W. , Cox N. , Daughney C.J. , Wheeler D. , Moreau M. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractA meta‐analysis of three national databases determined the potential linkage between soil and surface and groundwater enrichment with phosphorus (P). Soil P was enriched especially under dairying commensurate with an increase in cow numbers and the tonnage of P‐fertilizers sold. Median P concentrations were enriched in surface waters receiving runoff from industrial and dairy land uses, and in groundwater beneath dairying especially in those aquifers with gravel or sand lithology, irrespective of groundwater redox status. After geographically pairing surface and groundwater sites to maximize the chance of connectivity, a subset of sites dominated by aquifers with gravel and sand lithology showed increasing P concentrations with as little as 10 years data. These data raise the possibility that groundwater could contribute much P to surface water if: there is good connectivity between surface and groundwater, intensive land use occurs on soils prone to leaching, and leached‐P is not attenuated through aquifers. While strategies are available to mitigate P loss from intensive farming systems in the short‐term, factors such as enriched soils and slow groundwater may mean that despite their use, there will be a long‐term input (viz. legacy), that may sustain surface water P enrichment. To avoid poor surface water quality, management and planning may need to consider the connectivity and characteristics of P in soil‐groundwater‐surface water systems.
Two‐Stage Ditch Floodplains Enhance N‐Removal Capacity and Reduce Turbidity and Dissolved P in Agricultural Streams
Authors: Mahl Ursula H. , Tank Jennifer L. , Roley Sarah S. , Davis Robert T. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractTwo‐stage ditches represent an emerging management strategy in artificially drained agricultural landscapes that mimics natural floodplains and has the potential to improve water quality. We assessed the potential for the two‐stage ditch to reduce sediment and nutrient export by measuring water column turbidity, nitrate (NO3−), ammonium (NH4+), and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) concentrations, and denitrification rates. During 2009‐2010, we compared reaches with two‐stage floodplains to upstream reaches with conventional trapezoid design in six agricultural streams. At base flow, these short two‐stage reaches (<600 m) reducedSRPconcentrations by 3‐53%, but did not significantly reduceNO3−concentrations due to very highNO3−loads. The two‐stage also decreased turbidity by 15‐82%, suggesting reduced suspended sediment export during floodplain inundation. Reach‐scale N‐removal increased 3‐24 fold during inundation due to increased bioreactive surface area with high floodplain denitrification rates. Inundation frequency varied with bench height, with lower benches being flooded more frequently, resulting in higher annual N‐removal. We also found both soil organic matter and denitrification rates were higher on older floodplains. Finally, influence of the two‐stage varied among streams and years due to variation in stream discharge, nutrient loads, and denitrification rates, which should be considered during implementation to optimize potential water quality benefits.
Implementing Innovative Drainage Management Practices in the Mississippi River Basin to Enhance Nutrient Reductions
Authors: Kröger R. , Prince Czarnecki J.M. , Tank J.L. , Christopher S.F. , Witter J.D. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn the Mississippi River Basin (MRB), practices that enhance drainage (e.g., channelization, tile drainage) are necessary management tools in order to maintain optimal agricultural production in modern farming systems. However, these practices facilitate, and may speed the delivery of excess nutrients and sediments to downstream water bodies via agricultural streams and ditches. These nonpoint sources contribute to elevated nutrient loading in the Gulf of Mexico, which has been linked to widespread hypoxia and associated ecological and economic problems. Research suggests agricultural drainage ditches are important links between farm fields and downstream ecosystems, and application of new management practices may play an important role in the mitigation of water quality impairments from agricultural watersheds. In this article, we describe how researchers and producers in the MRB are implementing and validating novel best management practices (BMPs) that if used in tandem could provide producers with continued cropping success combined with improved environmental protection. We discuss three BMPs — low‐grade weirs, slotted inlet pipes, and the two‐stage ditch. While these new BMPs have improved the quality of water leaving agricultural landscapes, they have been validated solely in isolation, at opposite ends of the MRB. These BMPs have similar function and would greatly benefit from stacked incorporation across the MRB to the benefit of the basin as a whole.
Computed tomography overexposure as a consequence of extended scan length
Authors: Badawy Mohamed Khaldoun , Galea Michael , Mong Kam Shan , U Paul 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIntroductionThis study aimed to raise awareness around the increased effective dose as scan length chosen is increased from standard protocolMethodsThe Monte Carlo‐based software CT‐Expo (G. Stamm (Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany) and H.D. Nagel (SASCRAD, Buchholz, Germany)) was used to simulate the effective dose increase as the scanned region of the standard protocol increased.ResultsThe results of this study show that for scans with a high computed tomography dose index (CTDI)vol the patient could be exposed to an extra 1 mSv within 6 cm of overscan. Protocols that investigated large scan areas may not see a significant relative dose reduction because of the use of a lower CTDIvol; however, radiation exposure should be kept as low as reasonably achievable.ConclusionThere is significant dose optimisation potential when strictly adhering to appropriate scan lengths within each imaging protocol wherever possible.
Comparison of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and non‐radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr‐axSpA) from a single rheumatology clinic in New Delhi
Authors: Malaviya Anand N. , Kalyani Alok , Rawat Roopa , Gogia Shashi Bhushan 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimComparison of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with non‐radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr‐axSpA) classified with the recent ASsessment of spondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) criteria.Patients & MethodsThis study included 288 patients clinically diagnosed as having spondyloarthritis (SpA) where a satisfactory radiograph of sacroiliac (S‐I) joints was available. The AS and the nr‐axSpA groups were compared for the various SpA‐related variables.ResultsOf 288 axSpA patients, there were 187 with AS. Of the remaining 101 patients without radiographic sacroiliitis, S‐I joint magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was available in 72; 54 of them showed active sacroiliitis thus classified as nr‐axSpA according to the ASAS criteria. The remaining 18 patients with normal MRI and the other 29 patients without MRI of the S‐I joints (total 47 patients), were classified as nr‐axSpA using the ‘clinical arm’ of the ASAS criteria. On comparing the 187 AS with 101 patients in the nr‐axSpA group, the AS group showed significantly more males, longer disease duration, more axial symptoms at disease onset, higher Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index and more syndesmophytes. Biologicals were offered significantly more often to the AS group but methotrexate as monotherapy or in combination with other disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs was offered more often in nr‐axSpA group. There was no statistically significant difference between AS and nr‐axSpA in other SpA parameters.ConclusionThe differences brought out between AS and nr‐axSpA groups show that they may not be the same disease. A prospective long‐term follow‐up of large cohorts may help in clarifying if nr‐axSpA is simply an early stage in the spectrum of SpA evolving into AS over time or is there inherent difference between them.
Glomerulomegaly in lupus nephritis: a prognostic marker for renal outcomes
Authors: Hanaoka Hironari , Kuwana Masataka , Takeuchi Tsutomu 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimGlomerulomegaly refers to the abnormal enlargement of glomeruli and is associated with an increased risk of progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, it has rarely been investigated in lupus nephritis (LN). We therefore assessed glomerulomegaly as a prognostic factor for renal pathology.MethodPatients with class III or IV LN were retrospectively recruited and divided into two groups according to complete renal response (CR) at 3 years after the initiation of induction therapy. Baseline clinical and renal pathological findings were compared to identify prognostic factors, and patients were followed for up to 10 years to assess long‐term renal outcomes.ResultsNineteen patients with and 19 without CR on 3‐year follow‐up were analyzed. Long‐term disease duration and high levels of proteinuria were frequently observed in patients without CR (P = 0.03 and P = 0.01, respectively) at baseline compared to those with CR. On renal pathological analysis, a significantly higher proportion of patients without CR had enlarged glomeruli than those with CR (P = 0.03) in analysis of segmentally or minimally affected glomeruli. On 10‐year follow‐up, a higher proportion of patients without enlarged glomeruli maintained CR compared to those with enlarged glomeruli (P = 0.004). Further, glomerular area and disease duration were significantly correlated (P = 0.04).ConclusionsEnlarged segmentally or minimally affected glomeruli at diagnosis of LN might predict a worse renal prognosis at 3 years after induction therapy. Mechanical glomerular injury might influence clinical outcomes.