bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Second‐trimester transvaginal ultrasound measurement of cervical length for prediction of preterm birth: a blinded prospective multicentre diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Kuusela P , Jacobsson B , Hagberg H , Fadl H , Lindgren P , Wesström J , Wennerholm U‐B , Valentin L 
Published: September 2020

ObjectiveTo estimate the diagnostic performance of sonographic cervical length for the prediction of preterm birth (PTB).DesignProspective observational multicentre study.SettingSeven Swedish ultrasound centres.SampleA cohort of 11 456 asymptomatic women with a singleton pregnancy.MethodsCervical length was measured with transvaginal ultrasound at 18–20 weeks of gestation (C×1) and at 21–23 weeks of gestation (C×2, optional). Staff and participants were blinded to results.Main outcome measuresArea under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV), positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR−), number of false‐positive results per true‐positive result (FP/TP), number needed to screen to detect one PTB (NNS) and prevalence of ‘short’ cervix.ResultsSpontaneous PTB (sPTB) at <33 weeks of gestation occurred in 56/11 072 (0.5%) women in the C×1 population (89% white) and in 26/6288 (0.4%) in the C×2 population (92% white). The discriminative ability of shortest endocervical length was better the earlier the sPTB occurred and was better at C×2 than at C×1 (AUC to predict sPTB at <33 weeks of gestation 0.76 versus 0.65, difference in AUC 0.11, 95% CI 0.01–0.23). At C×2, the shortest endocervical length of ≤25 mm (prevalence 4.4%) predicted sPTB at <33 weeks of gestation with sensitivity 38.5% (10/26), specificity 95.8% (5998/6262), PPV 3.6% (10/274), NPV 99.7% (5988/6014), LR+ 9.1, LR− 0.64, FP/TP 26 and NNS 629.ConclusionsSecond‐trimester sonographic cervical length can identify women at high risk of sPTB. In a population of mainly white women with a low prevalence of sPTB its diagnostic performance is at best moderate.Tweetable abstractCervical length screening to predict preterm birth in a white low‐risk population has moderate performance.
Ethylene‐removing packaging: Basis for development and latest advances
Authors: Awalgaonkar Gauri , Beaudry Randolph , Almenar Eva 
Published: September 2020

AbstractProduce is rapidly gaining market share worldwide. Ethylene is a gas molecule that causes detrimental changes in produce. Thus, it is crucial to reduce surrounding ethylene besides inhibiting ethylene biosynthesis to extend produce shelf life and reduce food waste. Ethylene‐removing packaging (ERP) can reduce ethylene concentration surrounding produce during transportation and commercialization. The information found in the literature on the topic is minimal and incomplete compared to other types of active packaging. It focuses on compounds with an ethylene‐removing capacity rather than on the packaging technology per se. The goal of this literature review is to compile and discuss information from peer‐reviewed scientific papers and industry websites on the basics on ERP and on recent developments that can be used to build on and to advance this type of active packaging. This review first focuses on factors needed to design effective ERP including produce characteristics, in‐package composition, material properties and their changes after compounding, remover properties, integration techniques, and environment. Next, this review presents a classification for ERP and provides a detailed analysis of various ethylene‐removing compounds including their mechanisms of action, integration techniques, impacts on produce shelf life, advantages and drawbacks including safety, commercial applications, and combinations with other shelf‐life extending technologies. Some ERP designs are more promising to extend produce shelf life than others, but there is still room for further research to advance this packaging strategy. Specific needs include investigation of ethylene removal for fresh‐cut produce and exploring different integration techniques and materials for such integration.
Microscopical discrimination of human head hairs sharing a mitochondrial haplogroup
Authors: Koch Sandra L. , Liebowitz Corey , Shriver Mark D. , Jablonski Nina G. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn forensic analyses, determining the level of consensus among examiners for hair comparison conclusions and ancestry identifications is important for assessing the scientific validity of microscopical hair examinations. Here, we present data from an interlaboratory study on the accuracy of microscopical hair comparisons among a subset of experienced hair examiners currently analyzing hair in forensic laboratories across the United States. We examined how well microscopical analysis of hair can reliably be used to differentiate hair samples, many of which were macroscopically similar. Using cut hair samples, many sharing similar macroscopic and microscopic features, collected from individuals who share the same mitochondrial haplogroup as an indication of genetic relatedness, we tested multiple aspects that could impact hair comparisons. This research tested the extent to which morphological features related to ancestry and hair length influence conclusions. Microscopical hair examinations yielded accurate assessments of inclusion/exclusion relative to the reference samples among 85% of the pairwise comparisons. We found shorter hairs had reduced levels of accuracy and hairs from populations examiners were not familiar with may have impacted their ability to resolve features. The reliability of ancestry determinations is not yet clear, but we found indications that the existing categories are only somewhat related to current ethnic and genetic variation. Our results provide support for the continued utility of microscopical comparison of hairs within forensic laboratories and to advocate for a combined analytical approach using both microscopical analysis and mtDNA data on all forensic analyses of hair.
A novel chitosan/tripolyphosphate/L‐lysine conjugates for latent fingerprints detection and enhancement
Authors: Vučković Nemanja , Glođović Nikola , Radovanović Željko , Janaćković Đorđe , Milašinović Nikola 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMost chemical and physical methods employed in visualizing latent marks have shown detrimental effects on human health and, therefore, some research groups have directed their attention to the utilization of various (bio)polymers with the aforementioned purpose. Although chitosan is widely used in medicine, pharmacy, food, and drug delivery systems, there are very few studies that address this biopolymer utilization in forensic applications, such as the detection of latent fingerprints. We used chitosan crosslinked with sodium tripolyphosphate and conjugated with L‐lysine to enhance the visualization of latent fingerprints, due to its ability to interact with fingerprint sweat residues. These conjugates were prepared using different (w/w) amounts of chitosan and tripolyphosphate (6/1; 4/1; 1/1; 1/4; and 1/6), and those with the most promising results (i.e., 6/1 formulation) were investigated in detail. Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy confirmed interactions between components of the systems. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis showed that prepared powder formulations were uniform in size and confirmed that chitosan/tripolyphosphate/lysine conjugates bind easily to the sweat and lipid residues present in the latent fingerprints. The testing of prepared conjugates demonstrated the potential of these systems as bio‐based powder substitution for commercially available powders.
Quantitative structure‐activity relationships (QSAR) of aroma compounds in different aged Huangjiu
Authors: Feng Tao , Hu Zhongshan , Chen Ling , Chen Da , Wang Xu , Yao Lingyun , Sun Min , Song Shiqing , Wang Huatian 
Published: September 2020

AbstractHuangjiu is a traditional wine in China with special taste and flavor. However, changes of aroma compounds during storage of Huangjiu remain unclear. In this study, aroma compounds in Jinse Nianhua Huangjiu of three different storage ages were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed via headspace solid phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) combined with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Based on odor activity value (OAV), the most important aroma compounds were found to be esters, aldehydes, alcohols, acids, ketones, phenols, and lactones. Even though the types of the aroma compounds were similar in different‐aged Huangjiu, the concentrations of some compounds varied. Some aroma compounds’ thresholds and OAV in Huangjiu were obtained by AC'Scent Intl. Olfactometer. It showed the key aroma compounds in Huangjiu had a positive correlation with their OAV instead of concentration. Quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) models were developed to predict the flavor thresholds for alcohols, acids, and esters in Huangjiu, with higher accuracy for alcohols (R2 = 0.978) and acids (R2 = 0.987). This study will provide valuable information to unveil the regulation of Huangjiu flavor from molecular basis.Practical ApplicationThe built mathematical model enables to predict changes of aroma compounds in Huangjiu during storage, based on the relationship between the quantum structure parameters of those aroma compounds and the odor activity value of flavor chemicals. This research will contribute to simplifying the wine flavor analysis for wine industry and also help to identify the age of the Huangjiu for customers.
Impacts of post‐radiotherapy lymphocyte count on progression‐free and overall survival in patients with stage III lung cancer
Authors: Matiello Juliana , Dal Pra Alan , Zardo Laise , Silva Ricardo , Berton Danilo C 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundWe evaluated the impact of thoracic radiation in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), considering the depletion of total lymphocytes, use or not of chemotherapy, and radiation doses in healthy lung tissue.MethodsPatients with stage III NSCLC, ECOG 0 to 2, receiving radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy were prospectively evaluated. All patients should be treated with three‐dimensional radiotherapy and received biologically effective doses (BED10α/β 10) of 48 to 80 Gy. Peripheral blood lymphocyte total counts were measured at the start of radiotherapy and at 2, 6 and 12 months after radiotherapy. Along with lymphocytes, PTV and doses of 5 Gy and 20 Gy in healthy lung tissue were also evaluated as potential factors influencing overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS).ResultsA total of 46 patients were prospectively evaluated from April 2016 to August 2019, with a median follow‐up of 13 months (interquartile range, 1–39 months). The median of OS of all cohort was 22,8 months (IC 95% 17,6–28,1) and the median PFS was 19,5 months (IC 95%: 14,7–24,2). Most patients received concurrent or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (43; 93.4%). No patient received adjuvant immunotherapy. The lower the lymphocyte loss at 6 months after radiotherapy (every 100 lymphocytes/mcL), the greater the chance of PFS (HR, 0.44; 95%CI, 0.25–0.77; P = 0.004) and OS (HR, 0.83; 95%CI, 0.70–0.98; P = 0.025; P = 0.025). BED was a protective factor for both PFS (HR, 0.52; 95%CI 0.33–0.83; P = 0.0006) and OS (HR, 0.73; 95%CI 0.54–0.97; P = 0.029).ConclusionsOur results suggest that lymphocyte depletion after radiotherapy reduces tumor control and survival in patients with stage III lung cancer. Radiation doses equal or higher than 60 Gy (BED1072 Gy) improve PFS and OS, but they negatively affect lymphocyte counts for months, which reduces survival and the potential of immunotherapy.Key pointsSignificant findings of the studyThoracic irradiation for locally advanced lung cancer depletes T lymphocytes for months. Patients whose lymphocyte loss is lower have better overall survival and progression‐free survival.What this study addsIt is necessary to protect the lymphocyte population, as well as other organs at risk. New forms of irradiation for large fields are needed. Furthermore, could immunotherapy before chemo‐radiotherapy, with a greater number of lymphocytes, bring an even better result?
M2 macrophages reduce the effect of gefitinib by activating AKT/mTOR in gefitinib‐resistant cell lines HCC827/GR
Authors: Xiao Fengqi , Liu Ni , Ma Xinchun , Qin Jing , Liu Yanguo , Wang Xiuwen 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundThe biological behavior of cells change after they develop drug resistance, and the degree of resistance will be affected by the tumor microenvironment. Here, we aimed to explore the changes in the biological behavior of tumors and to observe the differences in the release of cytokines and chemokines which can influence the tumor microenvironment. We also aimed to study how TKIs‐resistant cell lines recruit macrophages to reduce the sensitivity of the cells following gefitinib administration.MethodsWe generated and maintained gefitinib‐resistant cell lines to study the differences between gefitinib‐sensitive cell lines according to clone formation, cell growth curve analysis, whole‐exome sequencing, and qPCR ARRAY technology. We used the WNT/β‐catenin inhibitor, WNT/β‐catenin activator and overexpression β‐catenin lentivirus to observe the changes in CCL2. M2 macrophages and gefitinib‐resistant cell lines HCC827/GR were cocultured to detect the viability gefitinib for inducing cell death.ResultsThe proliferation and migratory activities were much more pronounced in HCC827/GR cells. CCL2 expression was also enhanced and regulated by β‐catenin in HCC827/GR. CCL2 promoted the chemotactic ability of M2 macrophages. M2 macrophages reduced the antitumor effect of gefitinib treatment by activating AKT/mTOR.ConclusionsGefitinib‐resistant cell lines have stronger proliferation and migration capabilities, and attract macrophages by releasing more CCL2 to reduce the sensitivity of cells to gefitinib.
The Competitive Intelligence Unit at Deloitte
Authors: Dunn Paul 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTThe goal of competitive intelligence is to acquire information that can be used to make strategic decisions that further the objectives of the firm. Using publicly available information, this case describes the Competitive Intelligence Unit at the Big 4 accounting firm Deloitte and the techniques that the unit used to obtain strategic information about the plight of the consulting firm BearingPoint, a firm that Deloitte subsequently purchased in March 2009. This case can be used in an advanced undergraduate accounting theory, assurance, or capstone accounting course. It raises several interesting questions: What are acceptable and unacceptable competitive intelligence gathering techniques? Does competitive intelligence gathering by accounting firms serve the public interest?
Underlying features of epigenetic aging clocks in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Liu Zuyun , Leung Diana , Thrush Kyra , Zhao Wei , Ratliff Scott , Tanaka Toshiko , Schmitz Lauren L. , Smith Jennifer A. , Ferrucci Luigi , Levine Morgan E. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractEpigenetic clocks, developed using DNA methylation data, have been widely used to quantify biological aging in multiple tissues/cells. However, many existing epigenetic clocks are weakly correlated with each other, suggesting they may capture different biological processes. We utilize multi‐omics data from diverse human tissue/cells to identify shared features across eleven existing epigenetic clocks. Despite the striking lack of overlap in CpGs, multi‐omics analysis suggested five clocks (Horvath1, Horvath2, Levine, Hannum, and Lin) share transcriptional associations conserved across purified CD14+ monocytes and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The pathways enriched in the shared transcriptional association suggested links between epigenetic aging and metabolism, immunity, and autophagy. Results from in vitro experiments showed that two clocks (Levine and Lin) were accelerated in accordance with two hallmarks of aging—cellular senescence and mitochondrial dysfunction. Finally, using multi‐tissue data to deconstruct the epigenetic clock signals, we developed a meta‐clock that demonstrated improved prediction for mortality and robustly related to hallmarks of aging in vitro than single clocks.
Multiomic features associated with mucosal healing and inflammation in paediatric Crohn’s disease
Authors: Taylor Henry , Serrano‐Contreras Jose Ivan , McDonald Julie A. K. , Epstein Jenny , Fell JM , Seoane Rocio C. , Li Jia V. , Marchesi Julian R. , Hart Ailsa L. 
Published: September 2020

SummaryBackgroundThe gastrointestinal microbiota has an important role in mucosal immune homoeostasis and may contribute to maintaining mucosal healing in Crohn's disease (CD).AimTo identify changes in the microbiota, metabolome and protease activity associated with mucosal healing in established paediatric CDMethodsTwenty‐five participants aged 3‐18 years with CD, disease duration of over 6 months, and maintenance treatment with biological therapy were recruited. They were divided into a low calprotectin group (faecal calprotectin <100 μg/g, “mucosal healing,” n = 11), and a high calprotectin group (faecal calprotectin >100 μg/g, “mucosal inflammation,” n = 11). 16S gene‐based metataxonomics, 1H‐NMR spectroscopy‐based metabolic profiling and protease activity assays were performed on stool samples.ResultsRelative abundance of Dialister species was six‐times greater in the low calprotectin group (q = 0.00999). Alpha and beta diversity, total protease activity and inferred metagenomic profiles did not differ between groups. Pentanoate (valerate) and lysine were principal discriminators in a machine‐learning model which differentiated high and low calprotectin samples using NMR spectra (R2 0.87, Q2 0.41). Mean relative concentration of pentanoate was 1.35‐times greater in the low calprotectin group (95% CI 1.03‐1.68, P = 0.036) and was positively correlated with Dialister. Mean relative concentration of lysine was 1.54‐times greater in the high calprotectin group (95% CI 1.05‐2.03, P = 0.028).ConclusionsThis multiomic study identified an increase in Dialister species and pentanoate, and a decrease in lysine, in patients with “mucosal healing.” It supports further investigation of these as potential novel therapeutic targets in CD.
Icariin‐induced inhibition of SIRT6/NF‐κB triggers redox mediated apoptosis and enhances anti‐tumor immunity in triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Song Linjiang , Chen Xian , Mi Ling , Liu Chi , Zhu Shaomi , Yang Tianlin , Luo Xiaohong , Zhang Qinxiu , Lu Hua , Liang Xin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAbnormal activation of the nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling pathway is closely implicated in triple‐negative breast cancer growth, metastasis, and tumor immune escape. In this study, the anti‐cancer effects of icariin, a natural flavonol glycoside, toward breast cancer cells and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. This investigation showed that icariin selectively inhibited proliferation and triggered apoptosis in breast cancer cells in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner, but exhibited little cytotoxicity in normal breast cells. Moreover, icariin induced cell apoptosis via a mitochondria‐mediated pathway, as indicated by the upregulated ratio of Bax/Bcl‐2 and reactive oxygen species induction. Importantly, icariin impaired the activation of the NF‐κB/EMT pathway, as evidenced by upregulation of SIRT6, resulting in inhibition of migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. Additionally, oss‐128167, an inhibitor of SIRT6, dramatically attenuated anti‐migration and anti‐invasion effects of icariin. Transcriptomic analysis verified that impairment of NF‐κB led to the selective function of icariin in breast cancer cells. Notably, icariin exhibited a significant tumor growth inhibition and anti‐pulmonary metastasis effect in a tumor mouse model of MDA‐MB‐231 and 4T1 cells by regulating the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. Together, these results showed that icariin could effectively trigger apoptosis and inhibit the migration of breast cancer cells via the SIRT6/NF‐κB signaling pathway, suggesting that icariin might serve as a potential candidate drug for the treatment of breast cancer.
Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibition and ocular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Chao , Zhou Zien , Neuen Brendon L. , Yu Jie , Huang Yuli , Young Tamara , Li Jingwei , Li Lin , Perkovic Vlado , Jardine Meg J. , Keay Lisa , Markoulli Maria , Rosenthal Norm , Capuano George , Yavin Yshai , Neal Bruce , Arnott Clare 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are effective for the treatment of macrovascular complications and nephropathy in type 2 diabetes, but effects on microvascular eye outcomes are unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized placebo‐controlled trials to evaluate the effect of SGLT2 inhibition on total ocular events and retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes. We searched MEDLINE and Embase for the period from database inception date to October 11, 2019. Two reviewers working independently extracted relevant data. Random‐effects models with inverse variance weighting were selected to estimate summary risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We included nine studies, involving 39 982 patients with a mean follow‐up of 2.8 years. There were 1414 total ocular events, of which 624 were retinopathy events. SGLT2 inhibition was not associated with a change in the risk of total ocular events (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.85, 1.11) or retinopathy (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.84, 1.16), with consistent effects across studies (P for heterogeneity = 0.35 and 0.45, respectively). The effects of SGLT2 inhibition on eye disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes are probably null, although the available data cannot exclude small to moderate benefits or harms.
Construction of a 3D brain extracellular matrix model to study the interaction between microglia and T cells in co‐culture
Authors: Frühauf Marie , Zeitschel Ulrike , Höfling Corinna , Ullm Franziska , Rabiger Friederike V. , Alber Gottfried , Pompe Tilo , Müller Uwe , Roßner Steffen 
Published: September 2020

AbstractNeurodegenerative disorders are characterised by the activation of brain‐resident microglia cells and by the infiltration of peripheral T cells. However, their interplay in disease has not been clarified yet. It is difficult to investigate complex cellular dynamics in living animals, and simple two‐dimensional (2D) cell culture models do not resemble the soft 3D structure of brain tissue. Therefore, we developed a biomimetic 3D in vitro culture system for co‐cultivation of microglia and T cells. As the activation and/or migration of immune cells in the brain might be affected by components of the extracellular matrix, defined 3D fibrillar collagen I‐based matrices were constructed and modified with hyaluronan and/or chondroitin sulphate, resembling aspects of brain extracellular matrix. Murine microglia and spleen‐derived T cells were cultured alone or in co‐culture on the constructed matrices. Microglia exhibited in vivo‐like morphology and T cells showed enhanced survival when co‐cultured with microglia or to a minor degree in the presence of glia‐conditioned medium. The open and porous fibrillar structure of the matrix allowed for cell invasion and direct cell‐cell interaction, with stronger invasion of T cells. Both cell types showed no dependence on the matrix modifications. Microglia could be activated on the matrices by lipopolysaccharide resulting in interleukin‐6 and tumour necrosis factor‐α secretion. The findings herein indicate that biomimetic 3D matrices allow for co‐cultivation and activation of primary microglia and T cells and provide useful tools to study their interaction in vitro.