bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oral lichen planus has a very low malignant transformation rate: A systematic review and meta‐analysis using strict diagnostic and inclusion criteria
Authors: Idrees Majdy , Kujan Omar , Shearston Kate , Farah Camile S. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe malignant transformation (MT) potential of oral lichen planus (OLP) has sparked heated debates for almost a century, despite the fact that global figures of OLP prevalence and oral cancer incidence do not support an association mathematically. In this study, we performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis, using strict inclusion criteria, to more precisely assess the malignant potential rate of OLP and the influence of associated risk factors.MethodsAll reports that documented MT of OLP and published in the English language until January 2020 were included if they met the following strict criteria: (a) the presence of a properly verified OLP diagnosis, (b) a clear description of the cancerous lesion developing at the same site as the verified OLP lesion; and (c) a follow‐up period of a minimum of 6 months prior to carcinoma development.ResultsThirty‐three studies were included in this analysis with a total of 12 838 OLP patients. Of these, 151 cases were initially considered to have progressed to carcinoma (1.2%). However, after applying strict criteria, only 56 cases were considered to have undergone MT from OLP (0.44%). The risk of MT was significantly higher among OLP patients who smoked (OR = 4.62), consumed alcohol (OR = 3.22), were seropositive for HCV (OR = 3.77) and/or displayed a red OLP subtype (OR = 0.37).ConclusionsOur results suggest that the reported OLP malignant transformation rates are exaggerated, and these do not reflect the actual clinical course of the disease according to strict clinical and histopathological criteria.
Predicted prevalence of oral human papillomavirus (HPV) by periodontitis status and HPV vaccination status
Authors: McDaniel Justin T. , Davis Joan M. , McDermott Robert J. , Maxfield Izaak , Kapatamoyo Kombe 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of the present study was to examine differences in oral human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence among adults based on HPV vaccination status and periodontitis status.MethodsData from 2011 to 2012 and 2013 to2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (n = 822) were retrieved in order to predict the prevalence of oral HPV in 24 separate demographic groups (age by sex by race) based on the following characteristics: HPV vaccination status and periodontitis status. A multiple logistic regression model, controlling for gender, age, race, smoking behavior, alcohol consumption, and sexual partners, was calculated in order to generate prevalence estimates.ResultsMedian predicted oral HPV prevalence rates per 1,000 in 2011–2012 were highest among nonvaccinated individuals with periodontitis [median () = 31.62, interquartile range (IQR) = 102.97], followed by nonvaccinated individuals without periodontitis ( = 24.63, IQR = 81.84), vaccinated individuals with periodontitis ( = 18.40, IQR = 62.27), and vaccinated individuals without periodontitis ( = 14.29, IQR = 48.96). Median predicted oral HPV prevalence rates per 1,000 in 2013–2014 were highest among nonvaccinated individuals with periodontitis ( = 9.50, IQR = 33.02), followed by nonvaccinated individuals without periodontitis ( = 7.37, IQR = 25.76), vaccinated individuals with periodontitis ( = 5.48, IQR = 19.27), and vaccinated individuals without periodontitis ( = 4.25, IQR = 14.98).ConclusionsInterventions that integrate primary care and dental care are needed, given increased risk for oral HPV among unvaccinated individuals with periodontitis.
Anti-inflammatory potential of invasive sun corals (Scleractinia: Tubastraea spp.) from Brazil: alternative use for management?
Authors: Carpes Raphael de Mello , Corrêa Fernandes Daniele , Coelho Marsen Garcia Pinto , Creed Joel Christopher , Fleury Beatriz Grosso , Garden Simon John , Felzenszwalb Israel 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Objectives
The objective was to analyse the anti-inflammatory potential of the invasive coral species Tubastraea coccinea and Tubastraea tagusensis.

Methods
Methanolic extracts, fractions and synthesized compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory ability, and their composition was elucidated through chemical analysis.

Key findings
The genus Tubastraea (Order Scleractinia, Family Dendrophylliidae) (known as sun corals) presents compounds with pharmacological value. The introduction of these azooxanthellate hard corals into Brazil, initially in Rio de Janeiro state, occurred through their fouling of oil and gas platforms from the Campos oil Basin. The two invasive species have successfully expanded along the Brazilian coast and threaten endemic species and biodiversity. The HPLC-MS and GC-MS data suggest the presence of aplysinopsin analogues (alkaloids). Anti-inflammatory activity was observed in all samples tested in in-vivo assays, especially in T. coccinea. The ethyl acetate fraction from this sample was more effective in in-vitro assays for anti-inflammatory activity. Depending on the concentration, this fraction showed cytotoxic responses.

Conclusions
These species have potential pharmacological use, and considering their invasive nature, this study presents a potential alternative use, which may enhance the management of this biological invasion.
Folic acid supplementation regulates milk production variables, metabolic associated genes and pathways in perinatal Holsteins
Authors: Khan Muhammad Zahoor , Liu Lei , Zhang Zhichao , Khan Adnan , Wang Di , Mi Siyuan , Usman Tahir , Liu Gang , Guo Gang , Li Xizhi , Wang Yachun , Yu Ying 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPerinatal period is the critical time in dairy cattle due to negative energy balance and high milk production stress. Being a key role in biosynthesis and methylation cycle, folic acid is considered essential for lactational and metabolic performance in dairy cattle. Thus, the current study was designed to evaluate the effect of folic acid supplementation on milk production phenotypic traits in periparturient cows. Transcriptomic screening was performed for milk production and metabolism‐associated differentially expressed genes. The 123 cows having similar parity, weight and expected date of calving were randomly selected and divided into three groups; A (n = 41, folic acid 240 mg/500 kg cow/day), B (n = 40, FA 120 mg/500 kg cow/day) and C (Control, n = 42). Folic acid was supplemented for 21 days (14 days pre‐ and seven days post‐calving), and three samples of blood lymphocytes were taken on day seven post‐calving from each folic acid‐treated and control group. In addition, the milk samples for each folic acid‐treated group have been collected at 2nd, 3rd and 4th month of lactation. The increase in average milk yield noticed in group B were significantly (p‐value < .05) higher than C and A. However, the data showed no noteworthy differences for milk fat and milk protein among the three groups. The transcriptomic analysis revealed that folic acid treatment regulated many key metabolic‐related genes (DGAT2, ALOX5, LAP3, GPAT3, GGH, ALDOA, TKT) and pathways (glycolysis, folate biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, etc.) in periparturient dairy cattle. It was concluded from the above findings that 120 mg/500 kg of folic acid quantity could be considered as a standard during the periparturient period to enhance the milk production performance of dairy cows. The transcriptomic profile revealed several metabolic and milk production‐associated genes which could be a useful addition to the marker selection for the enhancement of metabolism and milk production of periparturient dairy cows.
Liberal Churches and Social Justice Movements: Analyzing the Limits of Inclusivity
Authors: Krull Laura M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractConservative Protestants have been successful in communicating their religious voice in the public sphere, while liberal Protestants have struggled to articulate a distinctly liberal, religious voice. In this article, I show that a major component of liberal Protestant identity—inclusivity—itself constitutes a fundamental barrier to developing that voice. Drawing on 26 interviews and a year of participant observation at a liberal Protestant congregation in the southeast, I first show that congregants construct their identity of inclusivity in response to cultural associations of Christianity with conservatism and exclusivism. I then analyze three discursive strategies that congregants use to make sense of individuals’ involvement in Moral Mondays, a left‐leaning local social movement. By connecting Moral Mondays to social justice, to religious beliefs, and to individual commitments, congregants depoliticize involvement in Moral Mondays and maintain their commitment to inclusivity. I argue that inclusivity does not limit their participation, but rather limits their ability to connect that participation to their liberal religious voice. This research has important implications for understanding barriers to liberal Protestants’ articulation of a distinctly liberal and religious voice in the public sphere.
Plateletcrit as a potential index for predicting liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Wang Jian , Xia Juan , Yan Xiaomin , Yang Yue , Wei Jie , Xiong Yali , Wu Weihua , Liu Yong , Chen Yuxin , Jia Bei , Chen Zhong , Zhang Zhaoping , Ding Weimao , Huang Rui , Wu Chao 
Published: January 2020

AbstractNoninvasive tests (NITs) for liver fibrosis are highly needed for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. We aimed to investigate whether plateletcrit (PCT) could be used as a NIT in predicting liver fibrosis for CHB patients. Five hundred and sixty‐seven treatment‐naïve CHB patients with available liver biopsies were included. Patients were randomly divided into a derivation cohort (n = 378) and a validation cohort (n = 189). The diagnostic accuracy of PCT was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. In the derivation cohort, PCT in CHB patients with S2‐S4 (0.14%), S3‐S4 (0.13%) and S4 (0.12%) was lower than patients with S0‐S1 (0.17%, P < .001), S0‐S2 (0.17%, P < .001) and S0‐S3 (0.16%, P < .001), respectively. PCT was an independent predictor of significant fibrosis (≥S2), advanced fibrosis (≥S3) and cirrhosis (S4). The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of PCT in predicting significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis was 0.645, 0.709 and 0.714, respectively. The AUROC of PCT was higher than the aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI) in identifying advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis, while this was comparable with APRI in identifying significant fibrosis. The diagnostic value of PCT was comparable with fibrosis‐4 score (FIB‐4) in predicting significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. In the validation cohort, PCT could also identify significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis with similar diagnostic accuracy as in the derivation cohort. PCT represents a simple and inexpensive indictor for liver fibrosis in CHB patients. PCT is just as good or better than other more complex tools for staging liver fibrosis in CHB patients.
Platelet aggregometry testing during aspirin or clopidogrel treatment and measurement of clopidogrel metabolite concentrations in dogs with protein‐losing nephropathy
Authors: Shropshire Sarah , Johnson Tyler , Olver Christine 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundDogs with protein‐losing nephropathy (PLN) are treated with antiplatelet drugs for thromboprophylaxis but no standardized method exists to measure drug response. It is also unknown if clopidogrel metabolite concentrations [CM] differ between healthy and PLN dogs.ObjectivesAssess response to aspirin or clopidogrel in PLN dogs using platelet aggregometry (PA) and compare [CM] between healthy and PLN dogs.AnimalsSix healthy and 14 PLN dogs.MethodsPlatelet aggregometry using adenosine diphosphate (ADP), arachidonic acid (AA), and saline was performed in healthy dogs at baseline and 1‐week postclopidogrel administration to identify responders or nonresponders. A decrease of ≥60% for ADP or ≥30% for AA at 1 or 3 hours postpill was used to define a responder. At 1 and 3 hours postclopidogrel, [CM] and PA were measured in healthy and PLN dogs. Platelet aggregometry was performed in PLN dogs at baseline, 1, 6, and 12 weeks after clopidogrel or aspirin administration.ResultsIn PLN dogs receiving clopidogrel, PA differed from baseline at all time points for ADP but not for AA at any time point. Most dogs responded at 1 or both time points except for 1 dog that showed no response. For PLN dogs receiving aspirin, no differences from baseline were observed at any time point for either ADP or AA. No differences in [CM] were found at either time point between healthy and PLN dogs.Conclusions and Clinical ImportancePlatelet aggregometry may represent an objective method to evaluate response to clopidogrel or aspirin treatment and PLN dogs appear to metabolize clopidogrel similarly to healthy dogs.
A spatial genomic approach identifies time lags and historical barriers to gene flow in a rapidly fragmenting Appalachian landscape
Authors: Maigret Thomas A. , Cox John J. , Weisrock David W. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe resolution offered by genomic data sets coupled with recently developed spatially informed analyses are allowing researchers to quantify population structure at increasingly fine temporal and spatial scales. However, both empirical research and conservation measures have been limited by questions regarding the impacts of data set size, data quality thresholds and the timescale at which barriers to gene flow become detectable. Here, we used restriction site associated DNA sequencing to generate a 2,140 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data set for the copperhead snake (Agkistrodon contortrix) and address the population genomic impacts of recent and widespread landscape modification across an ~1,000‐km2 region of eastern Kentucky, USA. Nonspatial population‐based assignment and clustering methods supported little to no population structure. However, using individual‐based spatial autocorrelation approaches we found evidence for genetic structuring which closely follows the path of a historically important highway which experienced high traffic volumes from c. 1920 to 1970 before losing most traffic to a newly constructed alternative route. We found no similar spatial genomic signatures associated with more recently constructed highways or surface mining activity, although a time lag effect may be responsible for the lack of any emergent spatial genetic patterns. Subsampling of our SNP data set suggested that similar results could be obtained with as few as 250 SNPs, and a range of thresholds for missing data exhibited limited impacts on the spatial patterns we detected. While we were not able to estimate relative effects of land uses or precise time lags, our findings highlight the importance of temporal factors in landscape genetics approaches, and suggest the potential advantages of genomic data sets and fine‐scale, spatially informed approaches for quantifying subtle genetic patterns in temporally complex landscapes.
Pavement defect detection with fully convolutional network and an uncertainty framework
Authors: Tong Zheng , Yuan Dongdong , Gao Jie , Wang Zhenjun 
Published: January 2020

AbstractImage segmentation has been implemented for pavement defect detection, from which types, locations, and geometric information can be obtained. In this study, an integration of a fully convolutional network with a Gaussian‐conditional random field (G‐CRF), an uncertainty framework, and probability‐based rejection is proposed for detecting pavement defects. First, a fully convolutional network is designed to generate preliminary segmentation results, and a G‐CRF is used to refine the segmentation. Second, epistemic and aleatory uncertainties in the model and database are considered to overcome the disadvantages of traditional deep‐learning methods. Last, probability‐based rejection is conducted to remove unreasonable segmentations. The proposed method is evaluated on a data set of images that were obtained from 16 highways. The proposed integration segments pavement distresses from digital images with desirable performance. It also provides a satisfactory means to improve the accuracy and generalization performance of pavement defect detection without introducing a delay into the segmentation process.
Aspects of Fluency Across Assessed Levels of Speaking Proficiency
Authors: TAVAKOLI PARVANEH , NAKATSUHARA FUMIYO , HUNTER ANN–MARIE 
Published: January 2020

AbstractRecent research in second language acquisition suggests that a number of speed, breakdown, repair, and composite measures reliably assess fluency and predict proficiency. However, there is little research evidence to indicate which measures best characterize fluency at each assessed level of proficiency and which can consistently distinguish one level from the next. This study investigated fluency in 32 speakers’ performing 4 tasks of the British Council's Aptis Speaking Test, which were awarded 4 different levels of proficiency (Common European Framework of Reference for Language levels A2–C1). Using PRAAT, the performances were analyzed for various aspects of utterance fluency across different levels of proficiency. The results suggest that speed and composite measures consistently distinguish fluency from the lowest to upper‐intermediate levels (A2–B2), and many breakdown measures differentiate between the lowest level (A2) and the rest of the proficiency groups, with a few differentiating between lower (A2, B1) and higher levels (B2, C1). The varied use of repair measures at different levels suggests that a more complex process is at play. The findings imply that a detailed micro‐analysis of fluency offers a more reliable understanding of the construct and its relationship with assessment of proficiency.
Positive Aspergillus PCR as a marker of azole resistance or sub‐therapeutic antifungal therapy in patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Moazam Samihah , Eades Christopher Philip , Muldoon Eavan Gabrielle , Moore Caroline B. , Richardson Malcolm D. , Rautemaa‐Richardson Riina 
Published: January 2020

SummaryBackgroundChronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a progressive respiratory disease, caused most commonly by A fumigatus, with significant morbidity and mortality. Azole resistance in A fumigatus is a growing concern worldwide, with resistance to itraconazole reported in up to 50% of patients.AimThe aim of this study was to determine whether a positive Aspergillus PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is a marker of resistance in CPA patients on azole therapy.MethodsPatients were selected via a consecutive database search for the first 50 CPA patients with a positive Aspergillus PCR from January to September 2016. Data were collected regarding concurrent and subsequent culture results, current therapy and serum antifungal levels. PCR‐positive patients not on therapy were included as the control group.ResultsTwenty‐three patients were on therapy (15 itraconazole, 4 voriconazole and 4 posaconazole). Cycle threshold (Ct) values ranged from 20.8 to 37.9; no significant difference was found between each treatment and the control group (P = .47). In treated patients, concurrent azole‐resistant A fumigatus was found in 75% of A fumigatus‐positive cultures (6/8). All of the resistant isolates in the itraconazole group showed therapy resistance. Twenty per cent of all itraconazole levels were sub‐therapeutic. No significant difference was found in serum itraconazole levels for patients on itraconazole with a positive PCR versus negative PCR (P = .44).ConclusionPositive sputum, Aspergillus‐specific PCR can be associated with azole resistance in CPA patients on therapy.
SMALL LEAF AND BUSHY1 controls organ size and lateral branching by modulating the stability of BIG SEEDS1 in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Yin Pengcheng , Ma Qingxia , Wang Hui , Feng Dan , Wang Xianbing , Pei Yanxi , Wen Jiangqi , Tadege Million , Niu Lifang , Lin Hao 
Published: January 2020

Summary

Organ size is a major agronomic trait that determines grain yield and biomass production in crops. However, the molecular mechanisms controlling organ size, especially in legumes, are poorly understood.
Using forward genetic approaches in a Tnt1 insertion mutant population of the model legume Medicago truncatula, we identified SMALL LEAF AND BUSHY1 (SLB1), which is required for the control of organ size and lateral branching.
Loss of function of SLB1 led to reduced leaf and flower size but increased lateral branch formation in M. truncatula. SLB1 encodes an F‐box protein, an orthologue of Arabidopsis thaliana STERILE APETALA (SAP), that forms part of an SKP1/Cullin/F‐box E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. Biochemical and genetic analyses revealed that SLB1 controls M. truncatula organ growth and lateral branching by modulating the stability of BIG SEEDS1 (BS1). Moreover, the overexpression of SLB1 increased seed and leaf size in both M. truncatula and soybean (Glycine max), indicating functional conservation.
Our findings revealed a novel mechanism by which SLB1 targets BS1 for degradation to regulate M. truncatula organ size and shoot branching, providing a new genetic tool for increasing seed yield and biomass production in crop and forage legumes.
Palatal volume estimation in operated unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate subjects using digital study models
Authors: Monga Nitika , Kharbanda Om Prakash , Balachandran Rajiv , Neelapu Bala Chakravarthy 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo quantify and compare palatal volume of operated unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) subjects.Setting and sample populationThis cross‐sectional study was conducted on 85 study models comprising of 40 operated UCLP subjects (UG; mean age 10.33 ± 1.76 years), 25 operated BCLP subjects (BG; mean age 10.44 ± 1.92 years) and 20 non‐cleft controls (C; mean age 12.90 ± 1.68 years).Materials and methodThe study models were scanned using 3D scanner and palatal volume assessment done using 3‐matic software. Kruskal‐Wallis test for palatal volume and one‐way ANOVA for intercanine (IC), interpremolar (IPM) and intermolar (IM) width comparison were used. Pearson correlation was done between IM, IPM, and IC width, and palatal volume for three groups. The control group sample was evaluated by two observers to evaluate the interobserver reliability.ResultsThe median palatal volume of C, UG and BG groups was 5814.31 mm3, 2452.34 mm3 and 1688.39 mm3, respectively. Significantly smaller palatal volume was found in UG and BG compared to control. Significant difference was seen in IC width between three groups. The IM, IPM and IC width with palatal volume in UG and IM width with palatal volume in BG group showed significant correlation. The ICC showed excellent agreement (>0.9) between observers.ConclusionPalatal volume of UG and BG groups was smaller by 57.82% and 71.1%, respectively, compared to controls. Improving IPM width in UG and IM width in BG seems to have more impact in correction of palatal volume.