bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of 18F-FCH PET/CT in patients with uremic hyperparathyroidism compared with 99mTc-sestaMIBI SPECT/CT and ultrasonography
Authors: Xue Yu , Li Wenbo , Xia Zhu , Lei Chengming , Cao Yiyi , Wang Zhengjie , Pang Hua 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of 18F-fluorocholine (18F-FCH) PET/CT for uremic hyperparathyroidism (uHPT) compared to 99mTc-sestaMIBI SPECT/CT and ultrasonography (US).

Methods
A total of 17 uHPT patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent US, 99mTc-sestaMIBI SPECT/CT, and 18F-FCH within 2 months and received surgical treatment. Visual and quantitative methods were used for image analyses. Intraoperative localization and postoperative histological results of the reference standard as well as the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the three modalities were analyzed using Pearson’s χ2 tests. In addition, the diagnostic efficacy of 18F-FCH PET/CT for uHPT was evaluated. The relationships between PET parameters and laboratory parameters were assessed using the Spearman correlation coefficient.

Results
A total of 63 parathyroid hyperplasia lesions were resected in 17 uHPT patients, and 53 lesions were detected using 18F-FCH PET/CT with no false-positive results. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV were 84.13%, 100%, 86.49%, 100%, and 52.38%, respectively. In comparison, the corresponding values for 99mTc-sestaMIBI SPECT/CT and US were 63.49%, 90.91%, 67.57%, 97.56%, and 30.30% and 61.90%, 81.82%, 64.86%, 95.12%, and 27.27%, respectively. The volume of hyper-functioning parathyroid glands was significantly different between lesions positive in 18F-FCH PET/CT and negative in 18F-FCH PET/CT (mean volume 1.36 ± 0.55 cm3 vs. 0.83 ± 0.26 cm3; P = 0.019). US misidentified intrathyroidal parathyroid hyperplasia as thyroid nodules in three patients, while 18F-FCH PET correctly identified the anatomy. No significant associations were observed between PET parameters and laboratory parameters in uHPT.

Conclusion
18F-FCH PET/CT was more sensitive and accurate for uHPT than 99mTc-sestaMIBI SPECT/CT and US, and had better preoperative diagnostic efficacy, particularly for lesions diagnosed as a thyroid nodule by US.
Intelligent data cache based on content popularity and user location for Content Centric Networks
Authors: Wu Hsin-Te , Cho Hsin-Hung , Wang Sheng-Jie , Tseng Fan-Hsun 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Content cache as well as data cache is vital to Content Centric Network (CCN). A sophisticated cache scheme is necessary but unsatisfied currently. Existing content cache scheme wastes router’s cache capacity due to redundant replica data in CCN routers. The paper presents an intelligent data cache scheme, viz content popularity and user location (CPUL) scheme. It tackles the cache problem of CCN routers for pursuing better hit rate and storage utilization. The proposed CPUL scheme not only considers the location where user sends request but also classifies data into popular and normal content with correspond to different cache policies. Simulation results showed that the CPUL scheme yields the highest cache hit rate and the lowest total size of cache data with compared to the original cache scheme in CCN and the Most Popular Content (MPC) scheme. The CPUL scheme is superior to both compared schemes in terms of around 8% to 13% higher hit rate and around 4% to 16% lower cache size. In addition, the CPUL scheme achieves more than 20% and 10% higher cache utilization when the released cache size increases and the categories of requested data increases, respectively.
A tale of lock-free agents: towards Software Transactional Memory in parallel Agent-Based Simulation
Authors: Thaler Jonathan , Siebers Peer-Olaf 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWith the decline of Moore’s law and the ever increasing availability of cheap massively parallel hardware, it becomes more and more important to embrace parallel programming methods to implement Agent-Based Simulations (ABS). This has been acknowledged in the field a while ago and numerous research on distributed parallel ABS exists, focusing primarily on Parallel Discrete Event Simulation as the underlying mechanism. However, these concepts and tools are inherently difficult to master and apply and often an excess in case implementers simply want to parallelise their own, custom agent-based model implementation. However, with the established programming languages in the field, Python, Java and C++, it is not easy to address the complexities of parallel programming due to unrestricted side effects and the intricacies of low-level locking semantics. Therefore, in this paper we propose the use of a lock-free approach to parallel ABS using Software Transactional Memory (STM) in conjunction with the pure functional programming language Haskell, which in combination, removes some of the problems and complexities of parallel implementations in imperative approaches. We present two case studies, in which we compare the performance of lock-based and lock-free STM implementations in two different well known Agent-Based Models, where we investigate both the scaling performance under increasing number of CPU cores and the scaling performance under increasing number of agents. We show that the lock-free STM implementations consistently outperform the lock-based ones and scale much better to increasing number of CPU cores both on local hardware and on Amazon EC. Further, by utilizing the pure functional language Haskell we gain the benefits of immutable data and lack of unrestricted side effects guaranteed at compile-time, making validation easier and leading to increased confidence in the correctness of an implementation, something of fundamental importance and benefit in parallel programming in general and scientific computing like ABS in particular.
Moringa oleifera leaf extract ameliorated high-fat diet-induced obesity, oxidative stress and disrupted metabolic hormones
Authors: Othman Azza I. , Amer Maher A. , Basos Asmaa S. , El-Missiry Mohammed A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundObesity is a health problem in many countries, and maintaining a perfect weight is challenging.Moringa oleiferaleaf extract (ME) is rich in polyphenols with antioxidant and pharmaceutical potential. The present study investigated the potential protective effect ofMoringa oleiferaleaf extract against obesity induced from a high-fat diet (HFD), oxidative stress and disruption of metabolic hormones compared to simvastatin (SIM) or their combination.ResultsRats fed a HFD for 6 weeks exhibited a significant increase in body weight and levels of serum glucose and lipid fractions, verifying an obesity state. There were also higher levels of insulin and leptin and lower gherlin in sera of HFD rats compared to the levels in control rats. Homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) and the atherogenic index were elevated, indicating the development of insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia in these rats. These changes were accompanied with a significant increase in oxidative stress, as indicated by elevated lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation with low levels of antioxidants in liver. The activities of liver function enzymes, including aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyltransferase, were also significantly increased in serum. Concurrent treatment with 300 mg/kg ME for 6 weeks ameliorated the increase in body weight and improved the levels of glucose, lipid fractions and metabolic hormones, indicating the anti-obesity effect and amelioration of tissue insulin resistance potential of ME. ME treatment also normalized oxidative stress and antioxidants in liver and improved liver function enzymes, indicating the antioxidant potential of ME. The effects of ME were similar to SIM, and the combination of these agents was better than each agent alone.ConclusionWe propose that ME extract has anti-obesity and antioxidant potential and may be used as a lipid-lowering drug to control weight, obesity and its pathophysiological consequences.
Neonatal Crohn’s disease with Oral ulcer as the first symptom caused by a compound heterozygote mutation in IL-10RA: a case report
Authors: Lv Hongyan , Qiao Baojun , Fang Liyuan , Yang Lihong , Wang Qiuli , Wu Sujing , Ren Pengshun , Li Lianxiang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Objective
To investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics of neonatal Crohn’s disease (CD), improve recognition of neonatal CD, and reduce the number of patients that are missed or misdiagnosed.

Methods
A 10-day-old Chinese girl with oral ulcers was admitted to the Department of Neonatology. She later developed a rash and perianal disease, but without diarrhea and stool abnormalities. The patient and her parents underwent next-generation sequencing.

Results
The results showed that the patient carries a compound heterozygous mutation in the interleukin-10 receptor A (IL-10RA) (NM_001558.3) gene. One heterozygous mutation was c.301 c > T, P. (Arg 101 Trp) in exon 3 of IL-10RA (a missense mutation), and the other was c. 537G > A, P. (Thr 179 =) in exon 4 of IL 10RA (a synonymous mutation). The patient’s father also carries the c.301 c > T, P. (Arg 101 Trp) heterozygous mutation in exon 3 of IL-10RA, whereas her mother carries the c.537G > A, P. (Thr 179 =) heterozygous mutation in exon 4 of IL-10RA.

Conclusions
The results show that a compound heterozygous mutation in IL-10RA is associated with neonatal CD. Oral ulcers with a rash and perianal disease may be an early symptom of neonatal CD; therefore, such patients should undergo genetic identification as soon as possible.
Impact of conventional insecticides on two bollworms and their indirect effects on the ectoparasitoid, Bracon brevicornis (Wesmael) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
Authors: Kandil Mervat A. , Moustafa Hemat Z. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Cotton bollworms such as Pectinophora gossypiella and Earias insulana are serious pests which destroy the cotton plant, and Bracon brevicornis is a parasitoid which attacked the larvae of bollworms.

Results
In this study, experiments were performed to investigate and evaluate the toxicity of etofenprox and chlorpyrifos insecticides against newly hatched larvae of Pectinophora gossypiella and Earias insulana. Some biological aspects of compound effects on larval and pupal duration, percentage of mortality, and percentage of adult emergence which resulted from treated newly hatched larvae were studied. The results revealed that LC50 was 0.7 and 0.87 ppm when P. gossypiella was treated with etofenprox and chlorpyrifos, respectively, while LC50 was 0.09 and 0.73 ppm when E. insulana was treated with etofenprox and chlorpyrifos, respectively. The obtained results showed that the percentage of mean larval mortality was 65.0 and 63.0% for treated P. gossypiella, while it was 71.0 and 66.0% for treated E. insulana. The corresponding figure for pupal percentage mortality was 8.0 and 10.0% for treated P. gossypiella, but it was 5.0 and 2.0% for treated E. insulana, with etofenprox and chlorpyrifos, and a prolongation effect in larval and pupal development (total immature stage) resulted from treated both bollworms as follows: 35.5 and 32.4 days for treated P. gossypiella compared with 21.9 days in control and 34.7 and 23.2 days for treated E. insulana compared with 23.1 days in control. The indirect effect of etofenprox and chlorpyrifos on the total immature stage of Bracon brevicornis was 18.2 and 19.5 days compared with 14.3 days in control when B. brevicornis parasitized on P. gossypiella larvae while it was 19.8 and 20.6 days compared with 15.2 days when B. brevicornis parasitized on E. insulana larvae.

Conclusion
The life cycle of B. brevicornis after parasitism on P. gossypiella and E. insulana larvae treated with etofenprox and chlorpyrifos were increased than the control larvae.
The usefulness of diffusion-weighted MRI in the differentiation between focal uterine endometrial soft tissue lesions
Authors: Mansour Tarek Mohamed M. , Ahmed Yasser Abd Al-aal , Ahmed Ghada Abd El-Razik 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Several endometrial conditions may be challenging for radiologists due to the overlap of imaging features and variable endometrial pathologies. MRI with DWI is the most commonly used imaging technique for the diagnosis and characterization of endometrial focal lesions.

Results
The 50 studied lesions were classified according to their histopathological results into the benign group (28 lesions, 56%) and the malignant group (22 lesions, 44%). Conventional MRI could correctly diagnose 39 of the 50 lesions (22/28 benign and 17/22 malignant lesions), achieving a sensitivity of 77.27%, specificity of 78.56%, accuracy of 78%, predictive positive value (PPV) of 73.91%, and negative positive value (NPV) of 81.48%. By combining DWI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value mapping at a high b value (b = 1000) in MRI, we could correctly diagnose 47 of the 50 lesions (26/28 benign and 21/22 malignant lesions), with increased sensitivity (95.45%), specificity (92.86%), accuracy (94%), PPV (91.3%), and NPV (96%).

Conclusion
Combining DWI with ADC mapping at a high b value in pelvic MRI examination is valuable in differentiating endometrial focal lesions with increased diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.

Aim of the work
This study aimed to evaluate the role of DWI in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of benign and malignant focal endometrial masses.
Is ultrasound elastography adding value in diagnosis of focal hepatic lesions? Our experience in a single-center study
Authors: Emara Doaa M. , El Shafei Mohamed M. , El-Gendi Ahmed , Yousif Amany A. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study was to assess the use of ultrasound elastography in differentiating hepatic lesions in order to increase the sensitivity and specificity of grey-scale ultrasound.

Methods
This study included 104 patients who were referred to the radiology department at Alexandria Main University Hospital for focal hepatic lesions detected by grey-scale ultrasound and were recommended to undergo further evaluation by ultrasound elastography. All studied patients were subjected to the following: (1) grey-scale ultrasound and ultrasound elastography using semiquantitative technique and (2) triphasic MDCT of the liver. MRI was done in 11 patients with malignant lesions; further confirmation with histopathological assessment was conducted.

Results
Benign lesions showed a low strain ratio, while malignant lesions showed a high strain ratio. The mean ratio in the benign lesions was 1.08 ± 0.40, while the mean ratio in the malignant lesions was 4.14 ± 1.25. The cut-off value used to diagnose the malignant lesions and differentiate these lesions from the benign lesions was 1.7, which had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 93.10%, PPV of 97.40% and NPV of 100%.

Conclusion
Ultrasound elastography is a promising non-invasive, non-contrast technique that can be added to routine grey-scale sonographic examinations of the liver to characterize hepatic lesions.
Exercise Training Adaptations in Metabolic Syndrome Individuals on Chronic Statin Treatment
Authors: Morales-Palomo Felix , Ramirez-Jimenez Miguel , Ortega Juan F , Moreno-Cabañas Alfonso , Mora-Rodriguez Ricardo 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
Statins reduce atherogenic dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in metabolic syndrome (MetS) individuals. Exercise training could also contribute to reduce CVD by improving cardiorespiratory fitness and fat oxidation. However, statin use could interfere with training adaptations.

Methods
A total of 106 MetS individuals were divided into statin users (statin group, n = 46) and statin-naïve (control group, n = 60). Groups were matched by age, weight, and MetS components. Subjects completed 16 weeks of high intensity interval training (HIIT). Before and after HIIT, muscle biopsies were collected to assess mitochondrial content (citrate synthase [CS] activity) and the activity of the rate limiting β-oxidation enzyme (3-hydroxyacyl-CoA-dehydrogenase [HAD]). Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, TG, HDL-c, and LDL-c concentrations were measured. Exercise maximal fat oxidation (FOMAX) and oxygen uptake (VO2PEAK) were determined.

Results
Training improved MetS similarly in both groups (MetS z-score -0.26 ± 0.38 vs. -0.22 ± 0.31; P &lt; 0.001 for time and P = 0.60 for time x group). Before training, the statin group had reduced muscle HAD activity and whole body FOMAX compared to the control group. However, 16 weeks of HIIT increased HAD and FOMAX in both groups (P &lt; 0.03, time-effect). The statin group did not prevent the increases in CS with HIIT observed in the control group (38% vs 64%, respectively; P &lt; 0.001, time-effect). Conversely, with training VO2PEAK improved less in the statin than in the control group (12% vs. 19%, respectively; P = 0.013, time × group effect).

Conclusion
Chronic statin use in MetS does not interfere with exercise training improvements in MetS components, FOMAX, or mitochondrial muscle enzymes (ie, CS and HAD). However, the statin group attenuated the improvements in VO2PEAK with training.

Clinical Trial Information
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier no. NCT03019796, January 13, 2017.
Ovarian Androgens Maintain High GnRH Neuron Firing Rate in Adult Prenatally-Androgenized Female Mice
Authors: Dulka Eden A , Burger Laura L , Moenter Suzanne M 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Changes in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release frequency from the brain help drive reproductive cycles. In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), persistent high GnRH/luteinizing hormone (LH) frequency disrupts cycles and exacerbates hyperandrogenemia. Adult prenatally-androgenized (PNA) mice exhibit increased GnRH neuron firing rate, elevated ovarian androgens, and disrupted cycles, but before puberty, GnRH neuron activity is reduced in PNA mice compared with controls. We hypothesized that ovarian feedback mediates the age-dependent change in GnRH neuron firing rate in PNA vs control mice. Extracellular recordings of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-identified GnRH neurons were made 5 to 7 days after sham-surgery, ovariectomy (OVX), or, in adults, after OVX plus replacement of sub-male androgen levels with dihydrotestosterone implants (OVX + DHT). In 3-week-old mice, OVX did not affect GnRH neuron firing rate in either group. In adult controls, OVX increased GnRH neuron firing rate, which was further enhanced by DHT. In adult PNA mice, however, OVX decreased GnRH neuron firing rate, and DHT restored firing rate to sham-operated levels. In contrast to the differential effects of ovarian feedback on GnRH neuron firing rate, serum LH increased after OVX in both control and PNA mice and was not altered by DHT. Pituitary gene expression largely reflected changes expected with OVX, although in PNA but not control mice, DHT treatment increased Lhb expression. These results suggest prenatal androgen exposure programs marked changes in GnRH neuron regulation by homeostatic steroid feedback. PNA lowers GnRH neuron activity in low-steroid states (before puberty, OVX), and renders activity in adulthood dependent upon ongoing exposure to elevated ovarian androgens.
MicroRNA miR-7 Regulates Secretion of Insulin-Like Peptides
Authors: Agbu Pamela , Cassidy Justin J , Braverman Jonathan , Jacobson Alec , Carthew Richard W 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) pathway is essential for linking nutritional status to growth and metabolism. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short RNAs that are players in the regulation of this process. The miRNA miR-7 shows highly conserved expression in insulin-producing cells across the animal kingdom. However, its conserved functions in regulation of insulin-like peptides (ILPs) remain unknown. Using Drosophila as a model, we demonstrate that miR-7 limits ILP availability by inhibiting its production and secretion. Increasing miR-7 alters body growth and metabolism in an ILP-dependent manner, elevating circulating sugars and total body triglycerides, while decreasing animal growth. These effects are not due to direct targeting of ILP mRNA, but instead arise through alternate targets that affect the function of ILP-producing cells. The Drosophila F-actin capping protein alpha (CPA) is a direct target of miR-7, and knockdown of CPA in insulin-producing cells phenocopies the effects of miR-7 on ILP secretion. This regulation of CPA is conserved in mammals, with the mouse ortholog Capza1 also targeted by miR-7 in β-islet cells. Taken together, these results support a role for miR-7 regulation of an actin capping protein in insulin regulation, and highlight a conserved mechanism of action for an evolutionarily ancient microRNA.
Effects of Long-Term Exercise on Liver Cyst in Polycystic Liver Disease Model Rats
Authors: SATO YOICHI , QIU JIAHE , MIURA TAKAHIRO , KOHZUKI MASAHIRO , ITO OSAMU 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT

Background
Polycystic liver disease (PLD) is a hereditary liver disease with progressive enlargement of fluid-filled liver cysts, which causes abdominal discomfort and worsens quality of life. Long-term exercise has beneficial effects in various organs, but the effects of long-term exercise on PLD are unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether long-term exercise inhibits liver cyst formation and fibrosis.

Methods
Polycystic kidney (PCK) rats, a model of PLD, were randomly divided into a sedentary group and a long-term exercise group, which underwent treadmill running for 12 wk (28 m·min−1, 60 min·d−1, 5 d·wk−1). Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were set as a control group. After 12 wk, exercise capacity, histology, and signaling cascades of PLD were examined.

Results
Compared with control SD rats, PCK rats showed a low exercise capacity before exercise protocol. After 12 wk, the exercise improved the exercise capacity and ameliorated liver cyst formation and fibrosis. The exercise significantly decreased the number of Ki-67-positive cells; the expression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, aquaporin 1, transforming growth factor β, and type 1 collagen; and the phosphorylation of extracellular signal–regulated kinase, mammalian target of rapamycin and S6. It also increased the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase in the liver of PCK rats.

Conclusions
The present results indicated that long-term moderate-intensity exercise ameliorates liver cyst formation and fibrosis with the inhibition of signaling cascades responsible for cellular proliferation and fibrosis in PCK rats.