bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Whole‐genome sequencing reveals breed‐differential CNVs between Tongcheng and Large White pigs
Authors: Wu Q. , Zhou Y. , Wang Y. , Zhang Y. , Shen Y. , Su Q. , Gao G. , Xu H. , Zhou X. , Liu B. 
Published: August 2020

SummaryLarge phenotypic differences have been observed between Tongcheng and Large White pigs. However, little is known about their genetic basis. This study performed a genome‐wide comparison of CNVs between Tongcheng and Large White pigs using genome sequencing data. By combining the advantages of three different strategies (read depth, paired‐end mapping and split read), we detected in total 18 687 CNVs that covered approximately 3.5% of the pig genome length for Tongcheng and Large White pigs. We identified 1864 breed‐stratified CNVs (top 10%) by performing VST statistics. Functional enrichment analyses for genes located in breed‐stratified CNVs were found to be involved in pigmentation, behavior, immune system and reproductive processes, which coincide with phenotypic differences between the two breeds. Using a systematic analysis of the genome and transcriptome data, we further identified four novel breed‐differential CNVs on the functional genes (disease‐resistant, DCUN1D2 and SPARCL1; lipid metabolism, PLEKHA2 and SLCO1A2). Subsequent PCR validation confirmed their accurate breakpoint positions in 33 Tongcheng pigs and 33 Large White pigs. This study provides essential information on differential CNVs for further research on the genetic basis of phenotypic differences between Tongcheng and Large White pigs.
RPRD1B is a potentially molecular target for diagnosis and prevention of human papillomavirus E6/E7 infection‐induced cervical cancer: A case‐control study
Authors: Wen Na , Bian Lihua , Gon Jing , Meng Yuanguang 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of the study is to investigate the biomarkers for diagnosis and prevention of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection‐induced cervical cancer.MethodsCervical cancer tissues were collected from patients with cervical cancer, while noncancer tissues were collected from patients diagnosed with cervical lesions or uterine fibroids at the Chinese PLA General Hospital 301 and 309, China from December 2017 to June 2018. The cancer tissues were collected from the site of lesion, while the noncancer tissues were collected from similar anatomical locations. Quantitative real‐time PCR, Western blot (WB), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to detect the mRNA and protein levels of HPV E6/E7, RPRD1B (regulation of nuclear pre‐mRNA domain containing 1B), cyclin D1, and transcription factor 4 (TCF4) between cervical cancer tissues and noncancer tissues. The correlation of HPV E6/E7, RPRD1B, cyclin D1, and TCF4 expressions was analyzed.ResultsTwenty patients with cervical cancer and 27 controls without cervical cancer were included in this study. The mRNA expression of HPV E6/E7and RPRD1B was significantly higher in patients with cervical cancer than controls, while cyclin D1 mRNA expression was significantly lower in patients with cervical carcinoma in situ stage, compared with controls. RPRD1B protein expression was significantly higher in patients compared to controls when analyzed by IHC. TCF4 was significantly lower in clinical stage I and Ib of cervical cancer when analyzed by WB. The mRNA and protein expressions of RPRD1B and cyclin D1 were significantly different between patients younger than 50 years old, compared to patients 50 years and older.ConclusionsHPV E6/E7 expression was associated with RPRD1B level in cervical cancer. The expression of RPRD1B and cyclin D1 in patients with cervical cancer might be affected by age.
People Haven't Had Enough of Experts: Technocratic Attitudes among Citizens in Nine European Democracies
Authors: Bertsou Eri , Caramani Daniele 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPolitical representation theory postulates that technocracy and populism mount a twofold challenge to party democracy, while also standing at odds with each other in the vision of representation they advocate. Can these relationships be observed empirically at the level of citizen preferences, and what does this mean for alternative forms of representation? The article investigates technocratic attitudes among citizens following three dimensions—expertise, elitism, and anti‐politics—and, using latent class analysis, identifies citizen groups that follow a technocratic, populist, and party‐democratic profile in nine European democracies. Results show that technocratic attitudes are pervasive and can be meaningfully distinguished from populist attitudes, though important overlaps remain. We investigate differences in demographics and political attitudes among citizen profiles that are relevant to political behavior and conclude by highlighting the role that citizens’ increasing demands for expertise play in driving preferences for alternative types of governance
Paediatric supraventricular tachycardia patients potentially more at risk of developing psychological difficulties compared to healthy peers
Authors: Tester Matthew A. , Riehm Kira E. , Perry Frances , Franciosi Sonia , Escudero Carolina A. , Maghrabi Khadijah , Sneddon Penny , Sanatani Shubhayan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimAssess executive and socio‐emotional/behavioural functioning in paediatric supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) patients.MethodsSVT patients aged 7‐17 who had not undergone catheter ablation were included. Parents completed the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL/6‐18) and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF). Participants age 11‐17 years completed the Youth Self‐Report (YSR/11‐18) and the BRIEF Self‐Report (BRIEF‐SR). One‐sample z test was used to compare questionnaire results to the average t‐score range (M = 50, SD = 10).ResultsThirty (18 female) children/adolescents participated (M = 12.6 years old, SD = 3.2 years) with a mean SVT onset age of 7 years (SD = 4.3 years). BRIEF and BRIEF‐SR results suggested no difference in executive functioning from average. Mean t‐scores of CBCL/6‐18 and YSR/11‐18 subscales Anxious/Depressed, Withdrawn/Depressed, Somatic Complaints, Thought Problems, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) Affective Problems, DSM Anxiety Problems and DSM Somatic Problems were significantly elevated compared to average. YSR/11‐18 subscales Social Problems, Attention Problems, Internalizing Problems, DSM ADHD Problems and DSM Oppositional Defiant Problems had elevated mean t‐scores compared to average. Effect sizes were small to medium (0.2 ≤ d ≤ 0.8).ConclusionPaediatric patients with SVT potentially have a greater risk of developing behaviour, especially internalizing, problems compared to similarly aged children/adolescents without SVT.
Fat depot‐specific effects of body fat distribution and adipocyte size on intramuscular fat accumulation in Wagyu cattle
Authors: Yamada Tomoya , Kamiya Mituru , Higuchi Mikito 
Published: August 2020

AbstractEctopic fats have been recognized as a new risk factor for metabolic syndrome. In obese humans, ectopic fat accumulations are affected by body fat distribution. Intramuscular adipose tissue is categorized as one of the ectopic fats. Japanese black cattle (Wagyu) are characterized by the ability to accumulate high amounts of intramuscular adipose tissue. In Japan, the marbling level is indicated by the beef marbling standard number (BMS No.), which reflects the intramuscular fat content of longissimus muscle. We hypothesized that the intramuscular fat accumulation is affected by the body fat distribution in Wagyu cattle. In this study, we showed that the BMS No. was not correlated with the subcutaneous and visceral adipocyte diameter. In contrast, the BMS No. was positively correlated with intramuscular adipocyte diameter. These results indicate that the intramuscular adipocyte diameter of Wagyu is hypertrophied with an increase in the intramuscular fat accumulation. In addition, we showed that the BMS No. was positively correlated with the subcutaneous fat percentage. In contrast, the BMS No. was negatively correlated with the visceral fat percentage. These results indicate that highly marbled Wagyu cattle have a higher percentage of subcutaneous fat and a lower percentage of visceral fat.
Potential prescribing issues among older HIV‐infected subjects in a Mediterranean cohort: Does the current prevalence give cause for concern?
Authors: Loste Cora , Moltó José , Pérez‐Álvarez Núria , Puig Jordi , Echeverría Patricia , Bonjoch Anna , Fumaz Carmina R. , Lemos Begoña , Estany Carla , Clotet Bonaventura , Negredo Eugenia 
Published: August 2020

AimsTo determine the prevalence of potential prescribing issues (PPI) in HIV‐infected subjects aged ≥65 years according to the Beers and STOPP/START criteria and antiretroviral drug–drug interactions (Liverpool website). Secondary objectives were to assess the concordance between Beers and STOPP/START criteria in our population, and to identify the drugs most frequently involved in PPI.MethodsCross‐sectional cohort study based on a systematic review of the electronic drug prescriptions confirmed by an interview of 91 HIV‐infected patients aged ≥65 years. Discrepancies between prescription criteria were assessed using crosstabs and compared using the χ2 test or Fisher exact test.ResultsThe mean age was 72.1 (5.6) years, 75.8% had ≥3 comorbidities and 59.3% polypharmacy. PPI were identified in 87.9%: 71.4% by STOPP/START and 45.1% by Beers. Comparing both criteria, 56.9% of PPI by STOPP/START were detected by Beers, while 92.5% of those detected by the Beers criteria were detected by STOPP/START (P < .001). Amber/red flag interactions between antiretrovirals and comedications were found in 45.1%: 3 severe (red) in 2 patients (2.2%). The most frequent drugs involved in PPI were benzodiazepines (>30%). Cobicistat was the drug most frequently involved in potential interactions (42.2%).ConclusionThe prevalence of PPI among older HIV‐infected persons gives cause for concern, as it is almost 90%. Optimization strategies, including a critical review of the treatment plan, should be implemented in clinical routine by a multidisciplinary team, in particular in patients with multiple comorbidities and polypharmacy. The STOPP/START criteria seem to detect more PPI, mainly for European populations.
A random covariance model for bi‐level graphical modeling with application to resting‐state fMRI data
Authors: Zhang Lin , DiLernia Andrew , Quevedo Karina , Camchong Jazmin , Lim Kelvin , Pan Wei 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWe consider a novel problem, bi‐level graphical modeling, in which multiple individual graphical models can be considered as variants of a common group‐level graphical model and inference of both the group‐ and individual‐level graphical models is of interest. Such a problem arises from many applications, including multi‐subject neuro‐imaging and genomics data analysis. We propose a novel and efficient statistical method, the random covariance model, to learn the group‐ and individual‐level graphical models simultaneously. The proposed method can be nicely interpreted as a random covariance model that mimics the random effects model for mean structures in linear regression. It accounts for similarity between individual graphical models, identifies group‐level connections that are shared by individuals, and simultaneously infers multiple individual‐level networks. Compared to existing multiple graphical modeling methods that only focus on individual‐level graphical modeling, our model learns the group‐level structure underlying the multiple individual graphical models and enjoys computational efficiency that is particularly attractive for practical use. We further define a measure of degrees‐of‐freedom for the complexity of the model useful for model selection. We demonstrate the asymptotic properties of our method and show its finite‐sample performance through simulation studies. Finally, we apply the method to our motivating clinical data, a multi‐subject resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging dataset collected from participants diagnosed with schizophrenia, identifying both individual‐ and group‐level graphical models of functional connectivity.
Receiver operating characteristic curves and confidence bands for support vector machines
Authors: Luckett Daniel J. , Laber Eric B. , El‐Kamary Samer S. , Fan Cheng , Jhaveri Ravi , Perou Charles M. , Shebl Fatma M. , Kosorok Michael R. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMany problems that appear in biomedical decision‐making, such as diagnosing disease and predicting response to treatment, can be expressed as binary classification problems. The support vector machine (SVM) is a popular classification technique that is robust to model misspecification and effectively handles high‐dimensional data. The relative costs of false positives and false negatives can vary across application domains. The receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curve provides a visual representation of the trade‐off between these two types of errors. Because the SVM does not produce a predicted probability, an ROC curve cannot be constructed in the traditional way of thresholding a predicted probability. However, a sequence of weighted SVMs can be used to construct an ROC curve. Although ROC curves constructed using weighted SVMs have great potential for allowing ROC curves analyses that cannot be done by thresholding predicted probabilities, their theoretical properties have heretofore been underdeveloped. We propose a method for constructing confidence bands for the SVM ROC curve and provide the theoretical justification for the SVM ROC curve by showing that the risk function of the estimated decision rule is uniformly consistent across the weight parameter. We demonstrate the proposed confidence band method using simulation studies. We present a predictive model for treatment response in breast cancer as an illustrative example.
Distinct changes in all major components of the neurovascular unit across different neuropathological stages of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Kirabali Tunahan , Rust Ruslan , Rigotti Serena , Siccoli Alessandro , Nitsch Roger M. , Kulic Luka 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn the brain capillaries, endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes and microglia form a structural and functional complex called neurovascular unit (NVU) which is critically involved in maintaining neuronal homeostasis. In the present study, we applied a comprehensive immunohistochemical approach to investigate the structural alterations in the NVU across different Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathological stages. Post‐mortem human cortical and hippocampal samples derived from AD patients and non‐demented elderly control individuals were immunostained using a panel of markers representing specific components of the NVU including Collagen IV (basement membrane), PDGFR‐β (pericytes), GFAP (astrocytes), Iba1 (microglia), MRC1 (perivascular macrophages) and lectin as an endothelial cell label. Astrocytes (GFAP) and microglia (Iba1) were quantified both in the whole visual‐field and specifically within the NVU, and the sample set was additionally analyzed using anti‐tau (AT8) and three different anti‐Aβ (clones G2‐10, G2‐11, 4G8) antibodies. Analyses of lectin labeled sections showed an altered vascular distribution in AD patients as revealed by a reduced nearest distance between capillaries. Within the NVU, a Braak‐stage dependent reduction in pericyte coverage was identified as the earliest structural alteration during AD progression. In comparison to non‐demented elderly controls, AD patients showed a significantly higher astrocyte coverage within the NVU, which was paralleled by a reduced microglial coverage around capillaries. Assessment of perivascular macrophages moreover demonstrated a relocation of these cells from leptomeningeal arteries to penetrating parenchymal vessels in AD patients. Collectively, the results of our study represent a comprehensive first in‐depth analysis of AD‐related structural changes in the NVU and suggest distinct alterations in all components of the NVU during AD progression.
Thymine DNA glycosylase‐regulated TAZ promotes radioresistance by targeting nonhomologous end joining and tumor progression in esophageal cancer
Authors: Zhou Wei , Zhang Lin , Chen Pengxiang , Li Song , Cheng Yufeng 
Published: August 2020

AbstractRadiation resistance is a major cause of esophageal cancer relapse or metastasis. Transcriptional coactivator with PDZ binding domain (TAZ) is a final effector of the Hippo signaling pathway and plays critical roles in several types of cancer, but how it participates in the progression and radiation resistance of esophageal cancer remains unclear. Here, we revealed that TAZ was the strongest prognostic factor among Hippo pathway members. Overexpression of TAZ predicted poor outcome and adverse pathological features. In cell and animal models, TAZ facilitated cell proliferation, motility, and radiation resistance. Additionally, TAZ promoted expression of nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ)‐related genes, which are the main contributors to repair irradiation‐induced DNA breaks and result in radiation resistance. Amplification of the TAZ gene occurred in 2.5%‐3.2% of esophageal cancers. In addition, the CpG islands of the TAZ gene were demethylated in esophageal cancer under thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG) regulation. Knockdown of TDG inhibited cell growth, motility, and radiation resistance, which were overridden by TAZ overexpression. Collectively, these findings suggest that the TDG/TAZ/NHEJ axis is a critical player in esophageal cancer progression and radiation resistance, as well as a potential target for radiotherapy.
Early Emotion Knowledge and Later Academic Achievement Among Children of Color in Historically Disinvested Neighborhoods
Authors: Ursache Alexandra , Kiely Gouley Kathleen , Dawson‐McClure Spring , Barajas‐Gonzalez R. Gabriela , Calzada Esther J. , Goldfeld Keith S. , Brotman Laurie M. 
Published: August 2020

This study examined longitudinal relations between emotion knowledge (EK) in pre‐kindergarten (pre‐K; Mage = 4.8 years) and math and reading achievement 1 and 3 years later in a sample of 1,050 primarily Black children (over half from immigrant families) living in historically disinvested neighborhoods. Participants were part of a follow‐up study of a cluster randomized controlled trial. Controlling for pre‐academic skills, other social–emotional skills, sociodemographic characteristics, and school intervention status, higher EK at the end of pre‐K predicted higher math and reading achievement test scores in kindergarten and second grade. Moderation analyses suggest that relations were attenuated among children from immigrant families. Findings suggest the importance of enriching pre‐K programs for children of color with EK‐promotive interventions and strategies.
Peanut allergy impact on productivity and quality of life (PAPRIQUA): Caregiver‐reported psychosocial impact of peanut allergy on children
Authors: Acaster Sarah , Gallop Katy , de Vries Jane , Ryan Robert , Vereda Andrea , Knibb Rebecca C. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundLimited research has examined the impact of peanut allergy (PA) on children using validated instruments to assess psychosocial burden and the factors influencing burden.ObjectiveThe PAPRIQUA study aimed to assess the caregiver‐reported impact of living with PA on children's health‐related quality of life (HRQL), correlations between PA severity and child's sex, and associations of caregivers’ sex and anxiety with the proxy report of their child's HRQL and to identify significant predictors of a child's HRQL.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey of caregivers of children with mild, moderate and severe PA, based on caregiver perception, was conducted in the United Kingdom. Participants were recruited through a survey recruitment panel; a maximum quota of 20% who rated their child's PA as mild was set to ensure population diversity; however, the quota was not required as few participants considered their child's PA mild. The survey, funded by Aimmune Therapeutics, included sociodemographic and clinical questions, the EQ‐5D‐Y, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Parent Form (FAQLQ‐PF) and Food Allergy Independent Measure (FAIM).ResultsOne hundred caregivers of children with PA (aged 4‐15 years) completed the survey. Child's sex was not associated with proxy‐reported burden. For younger children (aged 4‐10 years), there was no effect of PA severity; parents of older children (aged 11‐15 years) reported low to higher burden for their child on the EQ‐5D‐Y and FAQLQ‐PF dependent upon PA severity. For all measures of child burden except the EQ‐5D‐Y, two or more reactions in the past 12 months and parental anxiety significantly predicted higher levels of burden for the child (P < .05–P < .001). Experiencing a life‐threatening event in the past 12 months significantly predicted EQ‐5D‐Y proxy utility (P < .01).Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceCaregivers report that children with PA experience high levels of psychosocial burden, particularly those with more severe PA and a reaction history. Interventions to decrease caregiver anxiety and reaction frequency may help reduce the child's burden. Self‐report studies in children with PA would help confirm these findings.
Statins: Epidrugs with effects on endothelial health?
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Nooshin , Montecucco Fabrizio , Carbone Federico , Xu Suowen , Al‐Rasadi Khalid , Sahebkar Amirhossein 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundEpigenetic events involving the methylation of CpG cites in DNA, histone modifications and noncoding RNAs correlated with many essential processes in human cells and diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)—the LDL cholesterol‐lowering drugs—are broadly used in cardio‐ and cerebro‐vascular diseases. It is well established that statins exert pleiotropic functions, but how they exert effects on epigenetic modifications independently of HMG‐CoA reductase inhibition is not yet clear. Thereby, understanding these mechanisms may pave the way for further clinical application of statin therapy.DesignFollowing and electronic database search, studies reporting substantial effects of statins on epigenetic reprogramming in both cultured cells and in vivo models were retrieved and reviewed.ResultsEpigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in cellular development and function, and data collected in the past few years have revealed that many of the pleiotropic properties of statins are mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. Furthermore, those ‘nonclassical’ effects are not limited to CV field but they would extend to other conditions such as malignancies.ConclusionThis review suggests that the epigenetic effects of statins mediate, at least in part, the pleiotropic actions of these drugs but further validation of such effects in clinical studies is yet to be provided.