bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term outcomes of juvenile‐onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis
Authors: Xiao Yang , Zhang Xianxiang , Ma Lijing , Wang Jun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the adult outcomes of children with juvenile‐onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis via long‐term follow‐up.Study DesignRetrospective study.SettingBeijing Tongren Hospital.ParticipantsThe study includes 121 patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.Main outcome and measureWe followed up respiratory papillomatosis patients aged least 14 years and analysed their clinical features based on recurrence‐free time.ResultsIn total, 112 (92.6%) patients underwent three or more operations. The age at initial operation was 4.3 ± 2.9 years; 47.9% (58/121) experienced recurrence and underwent surgical treatment after age 14. At follow‐up, 5% (6/121) had died, 41.3% (50/121) had been recurrence‐free for 5 years or more (cured group), and 53.7% (65/121) had recurrence in the past 5 years (recurrent group). The age at the last operation was 9.2 ± 4.6 years in the cured group. The overall operation frequency was higher in the recurrence group than in the cured group (17.8 ± 11.9 vs 8.7 ± 6.5). Additionally, the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and tracheal dissemination rates were higher in the recurrence group than in the cured group (90.8% [59/65] vs 54.0% [27/50] and 26.2% [17/65] vs 10% [5/50], respectively).ConclusionThe mortality rate for juvenile‐onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is 5%. Approximately 50% of children experience recurrence and require repeated operations in adulthood. No significant difference in sex, age at initial operation or adjuvant therapy between the cured and recurrent groups was observed; however, significant between‐group differences were found in overall operation frequency, aggressive disease, tracheal dissemination of papilloma, and HPV infection.
Screening for intra‐anal squamous intra‐epithelial lesions in women with a history of human papillomavirus‐related vulvar or perianal disease: results of a screening protocol
Authors: Leber K. , van Beurden M. , Zijlmans H. J. , Dewit L. , Richel O. , Vrouenraets S. M. E. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimWomen with a history of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related cervical, vaginal or vulvar high‐grade squamous intra‐epithelial lesions (HSILs) or cancer are at increased risk of developing anal squamous intra‐epithelial lesions (SILs) or a squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA). Screening for intra‐anal SILs with high‐resolution anoscopy (HRA) in high‐risk populations is a subject of debate. In this study we aimed to answer the following question: what is the prevalence of intra‐anal (H)SIL in women with HPV‐related vulvar and/or perianal disease using HRA for screening?MethodA retrospective study was performed to evaluate the prevalence of intra‐anal (H)SIL in women with a history of vulvar and/or perianal HSIL or (superficially invasive) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This study was performed between 2015 and 2018 following implementation of a protocol for intra‐anal screening using HRA.ResultsTwenty‐seven patients, 10 with a history of (superficially invasive) SCC (four vulvar, five perianal, one multizonal) and 17 with HSIL as the worst diagnosis (two perianal, 15 multizonal) were screened for intra‐anal lesions using HRA. No anal cancer was found at screening, 6 (22%) patients were diagnosed with intra‐anal HSIL and 12 (44%) patients with intra‐anal low‐grade SIL.ConclusionsWe found a high prevalence of intra‐anal HSIL in women previously diagnosed with vulvar and perianal HSIL. Given the clear link between HSIL and SCCA, screening for intra‐anal lesions in women with HPV‐related genital pathology seems warranted. Future studies should focus on the effect of HSIL treatment on the prevention of anal cancer.
Toward a constructive eschatology: An appraisal of Veli‐Matti Kärkkäinen's contributions
Authors: Kim Junghyung 
Published: August 2020

AbstractFaced with diverse cultural challenges to hope, a constructive eschatology should do justice to the entire reality and develop a robust future‐oriented hope that helps to transform the present. In this regard Veli‐Matti Kärkkäinen has made a significant contribution, especially in dialogue with natural sciences and other faith traditions, to retrieve the cosmic dimension of Christian hope, as well as to address liberationist and ecofeminist critiques of some distorted hopes. After recommending distinctive features of Kärkkäinen's constructive proposal, I suggest advancing it further by combining the phenomenological insight into the lived body with the concept of temporal holism.
Amino acids are sensitive glucagon receptor‐specific biomarkers for glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor/glucagon receptor dual agonists
Authors: Li Wenyu , Kirchner Thomas , Ho George , Bonilla Fany , D'Aquino Katharine , Littrell James , Zhang Rui , Jian Wenying , Qiu Xi , Zheng Songmao , Gao Bin , Wong Peggy , Leonard James N. , Camacho Raul C. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to evaluate amino acids as glucagon receptor (GCGR)‐specific biomarkers in rodents and cynomolgus monkeys in the presence of agonism of both glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor (GLP1R) and GCGR with a variety of dual agonist compounds.Materials and methodsPrimary hepatocytes, rodents (normal, diet‐induced obese and GLP1R knockout) and cynomolgus monkeys were treated with insulin (hepatocytes only), glucagon (hepatocytes and cynomolgus monkeys), the GLP1R agonist, dulaglutide, or a variety of dual agonists with varying GCGR potencies.ResultsA long‐acting dual agonist, Compound 2, significantly decreased amino acids in both wild‐type and GLP1R knockout mice in the absence of changes in food intake, body weight, glucose or insulin, and increased expression of hepatic amino acid transporters. Dulaglutide, or a variant of Compound 2 lacking GCGR agonism, had no effect on amino acids. A third variant with ~31‐fold less GCGR potency than Compound 2 significantly decreased amino acids, albeit to a significantly lesser extent than Compound 2. Dulaglutide (with saline infusion) had no effect on amino acids, but an infusion of glucagon dose‐dependently decreased amino acids on the background of GLP1R engagement (dulaglutide) in cynomolgus monkeys, as did Compound 2.ConclusionsThese results show that amino acids are sensitive and translatable GCGR‐specific biomarkers.
Presence and abundance of Diaphorina citri in Murraya paniculata in urban areas free of huanglongbing in Brazil
Authors: Laranjeira Francisco F. , Santos Tâmara A. , Moreira Alécio S. , Sanches Ícaro B. , Nascimento Antônio S. , Silva Suely X. , Andrade Eduardo C. , Almeida Décio O. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAsian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is the vector of the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter sp., a quarantine pathogen in citrus production areas such as Australia, Europe, and northeast Brazil, associated with huanglongbing (HLB). The psyllids’ preferred host is Murraya paniculata (L.) Jacq. (Rutaceae), an ornamental plant native to Asia and Oceania, and commonly found in urban areas next to citrus groves around the world. As there are insecticide application restrictions for urban areas, monitoring and use of biological control to suppress ACP are essential for an area‐wide HLB management strategy, especially for production areas predominantly composed of small citrus farms. For this, it is necessary to understand the occurrence cycles of ACP and vegetative flush of the ornamental host. This study characterized the occurrence cycles of M. paniculata flush shoot and accumulated rainfall, and the association with ACP presence (proportion of monitored trees) and abundance (per tree) in a Brazilian urban area free of HLB. A 3‐year time series was constructed using spectral and co‐spectral analysis. Spectral analysis showed the occurrence of at least seven flush shoot cycles of M. paniculata, nearly 10 ACP presence and abundance cycles, and monthly cycles of accumulated rainfall. Cycles of ACP presence were associated with ACP abundance, with ACP presence cycles occurring around 7 days before ACP abundance cycles and the correlation and co‐spectral analyses indicated an almost simultaneous occurrence of the main cycles of M. paniculata flush shoots and ACP occurrence. These findings will facilitate the development of an ACP biological control program based on parasitoid releases in urban areas in HLB‐free citrus groves.
An optimized spectrophotometric assay reveals increased activity of enzymes involved in 2‐arachidonoyl glycerol turnover in the cerebral cortex of a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Rodrigues Matilde S. , Ferreira Cláudia , Dias Cândida , Pliássova Anna , Souza Lisiane , Ledo Ana , Laranjinha João , Cunha Rodrigo A. , Köfalvi Attila 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe endocannabinoid system is implicated in a plethora of neuropsychiatric disorders. However, it is technically challenging to assess the turnover of 2‐arachidonoyl glycerol (2‐AG), the principal endocannabinoid molecule in the brain. Two recent studies showed that diacylglycerol lipase α (DAGLα), an enzyme chiefly responsible for the cerebral production of 2‐AG, also accepts the surrogate chromogenic substrate 4‐nitrophenyl butyrate (4‐NPB). Here, we aimed to optimize this spectrophotometric assay for ex vivo brain tissue, in particular, rat cerebrocortical homogenates, to measure the activity of the major enzymes responsible for the production and degradation of 2‐AG. The initial velocity of 4‐NPB hydrolysis was dependent on protein, substrate, and Ca2+ concentrations, and was sensitive to the non‐selective serine hydrolase inhibitor, methoxy arachidonyl fluorophosphonate, the DAGLα inhibitors, OMDM188, tetrahydrolipstatin, and RHC80267, as well as the monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitor, JZL184, respectively. Next, we tested the usefulness of this assay in ex vivo brain tissue of rat models of human health conditions known to affect cerebrocortical 2‐AG production, i.e. pathological stress and sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD). In rats submitted to chronic restraint stress, cortical CB1R density was significantly decreased, as assessed with radioligand binding. Nevertheless, 4‐NPB hydrolysis remained at control levels. However, in rats 4 weeks after intracerebroventricular injection with streptozotocin – an established model of sporadic AD –, both CB1R levels and 4‐NPB hydrolysis and its DAGL‐ and MAGL‐dependent fractions were significantly increased. Altogether, we optimized a simple complementary ex vivo technique for the quantification of DAGL and MAGL activity in brain samples.
Biodiversity loss underlies the dilution effect of biodiversity
Authors: Halliday Fletcher W. , Rohr Jason R. , Laine Anna‐Liisa 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe dilution effect predicts increasing biodiversity to reduce the risk of infection, but the generality of this effect remains unresolved. Because biodiversity loss generates predictable changes in host community competence, we hypothesised that biodiversity loss might drive the dilution effect. We tested this hypothesis by reanalysing four previously published meta‐analyses that came to contradictory conclusions regarding generality of the dilution effect. In the context of biodiversity loss, our analyses revealed a unifying pattern: dilution effects were inconsistently observed for natural biodiversity gradients, but were commonly observed for biodiversity gradients generated by disturbances causing losses of biodiversity. Incorporating biodiversity loss into tests of generality of the dilution effect further indicated that scale‐dependency may strengthen the dilution effect only when biodiversity gradients are driven by biodiversity loss. Together, these results help to resolve one of the most contentious issues in disease ecology: the generality of the dilution effect.
Assessing upper limb function in multiple sclerosis using an engineered glove
Authors: Carmisciano L. , Signori A. , Pardini M. , Novi G. , Lapucci C. , Nesi L. , Gallo E. , Laroni A. , Cellerino M. , Meli R. , Sbragia E. , Filippi L. , Uccelli A. , Inglese M. , Sormani M. P. 
Published: August 2020

Background and purposeThe importance of upper limb function in multiple sclerosis (MS) is increasingly recognized, especially for the evaluation of patients with progressive MS with reduced mobility. Two sensor‐engineered gloves, able to measure quantitatively the timing of finger opposition movements, were previously used to assess upper limb disability in MS. The aims of the present study were: (1) to confirm the association between glove‐derived variables and standard measures of MS disability in a larger cohort; (2) to assess the correlation with quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and quality of life (QoL) measures; and (3) to determine if the glove‐derived variables offer advantages over the standard measure for assessing upper limb function in MS, namely, the Nine‐Hole Peg Test (9HPT).MethodsSixty‐five patients with MS, stable on disease‐modifying treatment, were evaluated at baseline using the glove, and through clinical examination (Expanded Disability Status Scale, Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Timed 25‐Foot Walk Test and 9HPT), MRI evaluation and QoL questionnaires. Correlations between the glove‐derived variables and clinical, MRI and QoL variables were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analysis.ResultsGlove‐derived variables significantly differed between patients with relapsing‐remitting and those with progressive MS, with similar or slightly higher correlations of the 9HPT with clinical variables. We found greater correlations of the QoL physical component with glove‐derived variables than with the 9HPT, and a significant correlation of its mental component with the glove‐derived variables but not with the 9HPT.ConclusionThe study results, confirming previous findings and showing advantages over the 9HPT, encourage the investigation of sensitivity to change in glove‐derived variables in a longitudinal setting.
Neurological improvement predicts clinical outcome after acute basilar artery stroke thrombectomy
Authors: Guenego A. , Bourcier R. , Guillen M. , Weisenburger‐Lile D. , Lapergue B. , Gory B. , Richard S. , Ducroux C. , Piotin M. , Blanc R. , Labreuche J. , Lucas L. , Detraz L. , Aubertin M. , Dargazanli C. , Benali A. , Vannier S. , Eugene F. , Lun R. , Walker G. , Consoli A. , Fahed R. ,   for the ETIS investigators
Published: August 2020

Background and purposeMechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the standard of care for patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. Early neurological improvement (ENI), defined as a reduction of ≥ 8 on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) compared with baseline score, or an NIHSS score of 0 or 1 at 24 h after MT, is a strong predictor of 3‐month favorable outcome in such patients. The impact of ENI after MT in stroke patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO) on 3‐month outcome is not clear. We aimed to study the effects of ENI in patients with BAO.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of a multicenter prospective cohort of all consecutive stroke patients with BAO who underwent MT. We compared clinical outcomes between BAO patient groups according to ENI status. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine the impact of ENI on favorable 90‐day outcome (modified Rankin scale score 0–3) and to report factors contributing to ENI.ResultsA total of 237 patients were included. ENI was observed in 70 patients (30%). Outcomes were significantly better in ENI‐positive patients, with 84% achieving favorable outcome (mRS score 0–3) at 3 months versus 30% for ENI‐negative patients (P < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, ENI was an independent predictive factor associated with higher rates of favorable outcome {odds ratio (OR) 18.12 [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.95–83.10]; P = 0.0001}. Higher number of passes [OR 0.62 (95% CI 0.43–0.89); P = 0.010] and need for stenting [OR 0.27 (95% CI 0.07–0.95); P = 0.041] were negatively associated with ENI.ConclusionEarly neurological improvement on day 1 following MT for BAO is a strong independent predictor of a favorable 3‐month clinical outcome.
Cardiovascular safety of fenfluramine in the treatment of Dravet syndrome: Analysis of an ongoing long‐term open‐label safety extension study
Authors: Lai Wyman W. , Galer Bradley S. , Wong Pierre C. , Farfel Gail , Pringsheim Milka , Keane Martin G. , Agarwal Anupam 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveFenfluramine, which was previously approved as a weight loss drug, was withdrawn in 1997 when reports of cardiac valvulopathy emerged. The present study was conducted in part to characterize the cardiovascular safety profile of low‐dose fenfluramine when used in a pediatric population to reduce seizure frequency in patients with Dravet syndrome.MethodsPatients 2‐ to 18‐years‐old with Dravet syndrome who had completed any of three randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trials of fenfluramine were offered enrollment in this open‐label extension (OLE) study. All patients were treated with fenfluramine starting at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg/day (oral solution dosed twice per day), which was titrated to maximal effect with a dose limit of 0.7 mg/kg/day (maximum 26 mg/day) or 0.4 mg/kg/day (maximum 17 mg/day) in patients receiving concomitant stiripentol. Standardized echocardiographic examinations were conducted at Week 4 or 6 and then every 3 months during the OLE study to monitor cardiac valve function and structure and pulmonary artery pressure. The primary end point for the echocardiography analysis was the number of patients who developed valvular heart disease or pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) during treatment.ResultsA total of 232 patients were enrolled in the study. The average age of patients was 9.1 ± 4.7 years, and 55.2% were male. The median duration of treatment with fenfluramine was 256 days (range = 58‐634 days), and the mean dose of fenfluramine was 0.41 mg/kg/day. No cases of valvular heart disease or PAH were observed.SignificanceLongitudinal echocardiography over a median 8.4 months of treatment with fenfluramine suggests a low risk of developing cardiac valvulopathy and PAH when used to treat pediatric patients with Dravet syndrome.
Cross‐national disparities contribute to heterogeneity in patient outcomes following invasive monitoring: A hierarchical mixed‐effects analysis
Authors: Remick Madison , Ibrahim George M. , Mansouri Alireza , Abel Taylor J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThere is substantial variability in outcomes following invasive monitoring and surgical treatment of drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE). Patients with DRE are uniquely vulnerable to cross‐national health care disparities, as their epilepsy is difficult to treat and requires extensive resources. In a large cross‐national database of patients undergoing invasive monitoring for epilepsy surgery, we sought to evaluate the association between social, economic, and educational indicators of the country of treatment and patient outcomes following invasive monitoring. We performed a mixed‐effects analysis of an individual patient database of 595 subjects enrolled in 33 studies encompassing 25 neurosurgical centers in 10 countries of invasive monitoring for epilepsy from 1996 to 2019. Upon preliminary univariate analysis, significant nation‐level predictors of seizure outcome following either stereoelectroencephalography or subdural electrodes were hospital beds per 100,000 population, physician density, gross domestic product (GDP) growth, male and female educational attainment, and unemployment rate. On multivariate mixed‐effects logistic regression, physician density (β = −0.5112, P<.00697) and GDP growth (β = 0.53822, P<.00404) were the only nation‐level covariates of significance associated with seizure outcome. A higher physician density was associated with lesser seizure freedom rates, whereas higher GDP growth was associated with greater seizure freedom rates. Although patient‐specific variables were the primary determinant of seizure outcomes, cross‐national disparities also contribute to heterogeneities. Our findings highlight the importance of a systems‐level dialogue to improve surgical outcomes for DRE patients.
Plasma gonadotropin levels in metformin‐treated men with prediabetes: a non‐randomized, uncontrolled pilot study
Authors: Krysiak Robert , Szkróbka Witold , Bednarska‐Czerwińska Anna , Okopień Bogusław 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMetformin was found to reduce elevated, but not normal, thyrotropin and prolactin levels. This non‐randomized, uncontrolled pilot study investigated hypothalamic–pituitary–testicular axis activity in men with primary hypogonadism receiving metformin. The study population included 29 men with prediabetes, 10 of whom had been diagnosed with primary hypogonadism. Throughout the study, the participants were treated with metformin (2.55–3 g daily). Glucose homeostasis markers (fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and HOMA1‐IR), as well as circulating levels of follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, thyrotropin, prolactin, estradiol, and creatinine, were assessed at the beginning of the study and 16 weeks later. Both groups differed in baseline gonadotropin and testosterone levels. Fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and HOMA1‐IR were lower after than before metformin treatment. The changes in fasting glucose and HOMA1‐IR were more pronounced in hypogonadal men than in subjects with testosterone levels within the reference range. Only in hypogonadal men, plasma concentrations of FSH and LH were lower at the end than at the beginning of the study. Levels of the remaining hormones remained unchanged throughout the study period. The reduction in FSH and LH levels correlated with their baseline levels and with the changes in HOMA1‐IR. The results of our study suggest that metformin may decrease FSH and LH levels in men with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism.
Experimental investigation of overload effects on fatigue crack growth behaviour of 7050‐T7451 aluminium alloy
Authors: Wang Hongxun , Zhang Jingyu , Li Yi , Wang Zongren , Wu Jifeng 
Published: August 2020

AbstractFatigue damage and fracture of metals are the major failure modes of mechanical structures. Studying the fatigue crack growth (FCG) behaviour under overload effects can better explain the loading interactions and develop more accurate FCG prediction models. This research innovatively designed and established the experimental system that is suitable for FCG test under variable amplitude loading (VAL). Systematically, FCG experiments were carried out by introducing single tensile overload, single compressive overload and tensile/compressive sequential overload in constant amplitude loading (CAL). The effects of overload ratio, stress intensity factor (SIF) range ∆K and tensile/compressive overload sequence on the FCG behaviour of 7050‐T7451 aluminium alloy were comparatively analysed. The retardation or acceleration effects on the macro FCG and the micro crack deflection, crack bifurcation and particle falling effects of different overloads as well as their interactions were revealed.