bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic prediction models for pregnancy complications in women with gestational diabetes: a protocol for systematic review, critical appraisal and meta-analysis
Authors: Cooray Shamil D. , Boyle Jacqueline A. , Soldatos Georgia , Wijeyaratne Lihini A. , Teede Helena J. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Gestational diabetes (GDM) is increasingly common and has significant implications during pregnancy and for the long-term health of the mother and offspring. However, it is a heterogeneous condition with inter-related factors including ethnicity, body mass index and gestational weight gain significantly modifying the absolute risk of complications at an individual level. Predicting the risk of pregnancy complications for an individual woman with GDM presents a useful adjunct to therapeutic decision-making and patient education. Diagnostic prediction models for GDM are prevalent. In contrast, prediction models for risk of complications in those with GDM are relatively novel. This study will systematically review published prognostic prediction models for pregnancy complications in women with GDM, describe their characteristics, compare performance and assess methodological quality and applicability.

Methods
Studies will be identified by searching MEDLINE and Embase electronic databases. Title and abstract screening, full-text review and data extraction will be completed independently by two reviewers. The included studies will be systematically assessed for risk of bias and applicability using appropriate tools designed for prediction modelling studies. Extracted data will be tabulated to facilitate qualitative comparison of published prediction models. Quantitative data on predictive performance of these models will be synthesised with meta-analyses if appropriate.

Discussion
This review will identify and summarise all published prognostic prediction models for pregnancy complications in women with GDM. We will compare model performance across different settings and populations with meta-analysis if appropriate. This work will guide subsequent phases in the prognosis research framework: further model development, external validation and model updating, and impact assessment. The ultimate model will estimate the absolute risk of pregnancy complications for women with GDM and will be implemented into routine care as an evidence-based GDM complication risk prediction model. It is anticipated to offer value to women and their clinicians with individualised risk assessment and may assist decision-making. Ultimately, this systematic review is an important step towards a personalised risk-stratified model-of-care for GDM to allow preventative and therapeutic interventions for the maximal benefit to women and their offspring, whilst sparing expense and harm for those at low risk.

Systematic review registration
PROSPERO registration number CRD42019115223
The influence of ergonomic breastfeeding training on some health parameters in infants and mothers: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Afshariani Raha , Kiani Marjan , Zamanian Zahra 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Breastfeeding is considered as a protective factor against non-communicable diseases in infants and mothers. The first aim of this study was to assess the influence of ergonomic breastfeeding training on the infants’ growth. The second aim was to investigate the effectiveness of this training for improving musculoskeletal disorders in mothers.

Methods
In this randomized control trial, 104 participants who were referred to the health centers in Shiraz for breastfeeding care were randomly allocated into the intervention or comparison group using a size-four block sampling method. At birth, 2, 4, and 6 months later childbirth, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment was used to assess musculoskeletal disorders in participants, and the severity of their discomfort was measured with the Visual Analog Scale. During the 6 months of the study (March to September, 2017), the weight and height of the neonates were measured every 2 months.

Results
Significant differences were found between groups in the priority level for corrective action in mothers’ postures determined by Rapid Upper Limb Assessment at 2, 4 and 6 months after childbirth (p < 0.001). Based on the Visual Analog Scale results in mothers at 6 months after childbirth, fewer back pain was reported by the intervention group (p = 0.03). No significant difference were found in the infants’ weights and heights in boys and girls at all growing stages between the two study groups (p > 0.05). However, the mean height for age of the girl infants at age of 6 months was higher among intervention groups compared to the controls (p = 0.01).

Conclusion
This study demonstrated that ergonomic breastfeeding training reduced the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders in mothers but seems not to have any significant and consistent impact on the infants’ growth.

Trial registration
fa.irct.ir IRCT2014042317398N1.
Advances and perspectives of PARP inhibitors
Authors: Yi Ming , Dong Bing , Qin Shuang , Chu Qian , Wu Kongming , Luo Suxia 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
DNA damage repair deficiency leads to the increased risk of genome instability and oncogenic transformation. In the meanwhile, this deficiency could be exploited for cancer treatment by inducing excessive genome instability and catastrophic DNA damage. Continuous DNA replication in cancer cells leads to higher demand of DNA repair components. Due to the oncogenic loss of some DNA repair effectors (e.g. BRCA) and incomplete DNA repair repertoire, some cancer cells are addicted to certain DNA repair pathways such as Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-related single-strand break repair pathway. The interaction between BRCA and PARP is a form of synthetic lethal effect which means the simultaneously functional loss of two genes lead to cell death, while defect in any single gene has a slight effect on cell viability. Based on synthetic lethal theory, Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor (PARPi) was developed aiming to selectively target cancer cells harboring BRCA1/2 mutations. Recently, a growing body of evidence indicated that a broader population of patients could benefit from PARPi therapy far beyond those with germline BRCA1/2 mutated tumors. Numerous biomarkers including homologous recombination deficiency and high level of replication pressure also herald high sensitivity to PARPi treatment. Besides, a series of studies indicated that PARPi-involved combination therapy such as PARPi with additional chemotherapy therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitor, as well as targeted agent had a great advantage in overcoming PARPi resistance and enhancing PARPi efficacy. In this review, we summarized the advances of PARPi in clinical application. Besides, we highlighted multiple promising PARPi-based combination strategies in preclinical and clinical studies.
A review of the seismotectonics of the Makran Subduction Zone as a baseline for Tsunami Hazard Assessments
Authors: Mokhtari Mohammad , Ala Amjadi Ahmad , Mahshadnia Leila , Rafizadeh Mandana 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe Makran Accretionary Wedge (900 km across) is a consequence of northward subduction of the oceanic part of the Arabian Plate beneath the Lut and Afghan blocks in the northwestern Indian Ocean. It has a complicated tectonic setting as it is located at a triple junction with the Indian Plate. Thick sedimentary layers, a shallow angle of the subducting slab and a large width of the subduction zone, ca. 500–600 km from volcanic arc to active wedge front, are some of the foremost and distinctive characteristics of the Makran Subduction Zone (MSZ). The MSZ is likely divided into at least two segments: the west and the east possibly separated by a sinistral fault known as the Sonne Fault. A division is also inferred from seismicity as it is higher in the east when compared to the west. With the exception of a notable trench, all other characteristics of an accretionary prism observed in well-studied subduction zone can be identified or inferred in the Makran. Three long seismic profiles of the western Makran (200 km long each, with shot points interval of 20 km and receivers interval of 700 m) have recently been acquired. Using these datasets, improved structural/velocity models for the western Makran were developed. This review aims to contribute to achieving a better understanding of the seismotectonic setting and dynamics of the Makran Subduction Zone as it feeds to a refined understanding of the tsunami hazard in the region.
Augmented reality-based navigation system applied to tibial bone resection in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Tsukada Sachiyuki , Ogawa Hiroyuki , Nishino Masahiro , Kurosaka Kenji , Hirasawa Naoyuki 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
This pilot study was performed to examine the accuracy of the AR-KNEE system, an imageless navigation system using augmented reality (AR) technology for total knee arthroplasty. The AR-KNEE system enables the surgeon to view information from the navigation superimposed on the surgical field on a smartphone screen in real time.

Methods
Using the AR-KNEE system, one surgeon resected 10 tibial sawbones with viewing the tibial axis and aiming varus/valgus, posterior slope, internal/external rotation angles, and resection level superimposed on the surgical field. We performed computed tomography of the resected sawbones and measured the varus/valgus, posterior slope, and internal/external rotation angles using a designated computer software. The thickness of the resected bone was measured using digital calipers.

Results
The absolute differences between the values displayed on the smartphone screen and the measurement values for varus/valgus, posterior slope, internal/external rotation angles, and thickness of the resected bone were 0.5° ± 0.2°, 0.8° ± 0.9°, 1.8° ± 1.5°, and 0.6 mm ± 0.7 mm, respectively.

Conclusions
This pilot study using sawbones suggested that the AR-KNEE system may provide reliable accuracy for coronal, sagittal, and rotational alignment in tibial bone resection during total knee arthroplasty.
Drivers of nest survival rate in a southern Tunisian population of Laughing Doves (Spilopelia senegalensis)
Authors: Boukhriss Jihen , Selmi Slaheddine 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Investigating the ecological factors and processes shaping nest survival is of great importance for assessing the breeding success of bird populations and understanding their spatio-temporal dynamics. Here, this question is addressed for the Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis), an expanding Afro-tropical bird in the Tunisian oasis habitat.

Methods
This study took place in Kettana oasis, in south-eastern Tunisia. Natural Laughing Dove nests were searched for and monitored by means of regular visits, from the discovery date until the end of the breeding attempt (i.e. fledging or failure). Data were then used to investigate the relevance of laying date, nest age (days after clutch initiation), nest height and vegetation structure in the close nest tree environment as predictors of daily nest survival rate, using logistic-exposure models that accounted for heterogeneity in monitoring period among the studied nests. Models including different combinations of covariates were ranked according to their AICc scores, and the model-averaging technique was used for the assessment of the effects of covariates on daily nest survival rate.

Results
Vegetation structure in the close nest tree environment and nest age provided important predictors of daily nest survival rate, whereas neither nest height nor laying date showed significant effects. Daily nest survival rate was negatively associated with the presence of date palm trees in the close nest tree environment, but it was positively related to nest age. Daily nest survival rate was higher during the post-hatching stage than during the pre-hatching stage.

Conclusions
Nests placed on fruit trees close to clumps of palm trees suffered higher predation risks compared to those placed on fruit trees situated far from palm trees. This is probably because palm tree clumps provided refuges for nest predators, notably the Black Rat (Rattus rattus) which has been reported to be the main nest predator in the oasis habitat. The predatory activity of this rodent seemed more directed against eggs than nestlings, which may explain the observed increase in daily survival rate with nest age.
Down regulation of cotton GbTRP1 leads to accumulation of anthranilates and confers resistance to Verticillium dahliae
Authors: MIAO Yuhuan , ZHU Longfu , ZHANG Xianlong 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Verticillium wilt, caused by Verticillium dahliae, is called a “cancer” disease of cotton. The discovery and identification of defense-related genes is essential for the breeding of Verticillium wilt-resistant varieties. In previous research we identified some possible broad-spectrum resistance genes. Here, we report a tryptophan synthesis-related gene GbTRP1 and its functional analysis in relation to the resistance of cotton to V. dahliae.

Results
Expression analysis shows that GbTRP1 is suppressed at 1 h and 6 h post V. dahliae infection, but activated at 12 h and 24 h, and the expression of GbTRP1 is highly induced by treatment with salicylic acid and jasmonic acid. Sub-cellular localization studies show that GbTRP1 is localized in the chloroplast. Suppression of GbTRP1 expression leads to lesion-mimic phenotypes and activates the immune response in cotton by showing enhanced resistance to V. dahliae and B. cinerea. Metabolomic analysis shows that anthranilic compounds significantly accumulated in GbTRP1-silenced plants, and these metabolites can inhibit the growth of V. dahliae and B. cinerea in vitro.

Conclusions
Our results show that suppression of GbTRP1 expression dramatically activates the immune response and increases resistance of cotton to V. dahliae and B. cinerea, possibly due to the accumulation of anthranilate compounds. This study not only provides genetic resources for disease resistance breeding, but also may provide a basis for new chemical control methods for combatting of fungal disease in cotton.
Genotypes and phenotypes of patients with Lafora disease living in Germany
Authors: Brenner David , Baumgartner Tobias , von Spiczak Sarah , Lewerenz Jan , Weis Roger , Grimmer Anja , Gaspirova Petra , Wurster Claudia D. , Kunz Wolfram S. , Wagner Jan , Minassian Berge A. , Elger Christian E. , Ludolph Albert C. , Biskup Saskia , Döcker Dennis 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundLafora progressive myoclonus epilepsy (Lafora disease) is a rare, usually childhood-onset, fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by biallelic mutations inEPM2A(Laforin) orEPM2B(NHLRC1; Malin).The epidemiology of Lafora disease in Germany is largely unknown. The objective of this retrospective case series is to characterize the genotypes and phenotypes of patients with Lafora disease living in Germany.MethodsThe patients described in this case series initially had the suspected clinical diagnosis of Lafora disease, or unclassified progressive myoclonus epilepsy. Molecular genetic diagnostics including next generation sequencing-based diagnostic panel analysis or whole exome sequencing was performed.ResultsThe parents of four out of the 11 patients are nonconsanguineous and of German origin while the other patients had consanguineous parents. Various variants were found inEPM2A(six patients) and inEPM2B(five patients). Eight variants have not been reported in the literature so far. The patients bearing novel variants had typical disease onset during adolescence and show classical disease courses.ConclusionsThis is the first larger case series of Lafora patients in Germany. Our data enable an approximation of the prevalence of manifest Lafora disease in Germany to 1,69 per 10 million people. Broader application of gene panel or whole-exome diagnostics helps clarifying unclassified progressive myoclonus epilepsy and establish an early diagnosis, which will be even more important as causal therapy approaches have been developed and are soon to be tested in a phase I study.
Impact of vitamin D supplementation on cardio-metabolic status and androgen profile in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Rashad Nearmeen M. , Abd El-Fatah Azza H. , Lashin Mohamed El-Bakry , Abomandour Hala G. , Allam Reem M. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder of reproductive, endocrine, and metabolic functions. Vitamin D has an influence on metabolic and reproductive functions. This study was designed to explore the levels of free 25 hydroxycholecalciferol [25(OH)-D] in PCOS patients. We also aimed to clarify the impact of vitamin D supplementation on cardio-metabolic status, androgen profile, and clinical features of PCOS.

Results
Our results revealed significant lower levels of serum 25(OH)-D in PCOS women compared with healthy controls. Even more importantly, our results reported that 25(OH)-D levels were negatively correlated with cardio-metabolic risk factors, androgenic profile, and clinical features of PCOS. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed that carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), fasting serum insulin (FSI), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were the main predictors of 25(OH)-D levels among other clinical and laboratory biomarkers. Considering the impact of VD supplementation in the PCOS group, there were significant improvements of cardio-metabolic risks, PCOS phenotype, and androgenic profile. Even more important, these results are associated with increasing 25(OH)-D serum levels after VD supplementations. Logistic regression analysis observed that androstenedione, FSI, and hirsutism score were independent predictors of response to VD supplementation.

Conclusion
The supplementation of VD for 12 weeks improved the cardio-metabolic and androgenic profiles of PCOS. Furthermore, VD supplementation could be a promising treatment of PCOS and its associated morbidity in PCOS-deficient women.

Trial registration
NCT04117750
Energy-Representation Theory of Solutions: Its Formulation and Application to Soft, Molecular Aggregates
Authors: Matubayasi Nobuyuki 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The energy-representation theory of solutions is developed to address the dissolution of a molecule in homogeneous fluid as well as the partitioning into such nanoscale structures as micelle and lipid membrane and the physisorption onto gas-liquid and solid-liquid interfaces in a unified manner as solvation in an extended sense. The present review describes the formulation of the solution theory with illustrative applications to the peptide configuration in lipid membrane, the water dissolution into polymer, and the physisorption on urea crystal in contact with liquid water. The solution theory in the energy representation is a density-functional scheme formulated by adopting the solute-solvent pair interaction energy as a one-dimensional coordinate for distribution functions and provides an approximate functional for the solvation free energy in terms of energy distribution functions in the reference-solvent and solution systems of interest. Each of the solute and solvent molecules is treated as a single unit as a whole, and due to this feature, a species with intramolecular flexibility and a solvent system with nano-scale inhomogeneity or interface can be analyzed in a common framework. The role of water is pointed out in determining the configuration of a peptide in lipid membrane, and the dissolution of water into polymer medium is described at chemical accuracy. Some directions of future developments are also discussed.
Putative autoantibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid of Alzheimer’s disease patients
Authors: Lim Bryant , Tsolaki Magda , Batruch Ihor , Anastasiou Anna , Frontistis Antonis , Prassas Ioannis , Diamandis Eleftherios P. 
Published: November 2019

Background: Recent efforts have described an immunogenic component to the pathobiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, current methods of studying fluid autoantibodies, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and immunohistochemistry, are hypothesis-driven and not optimal for discovering new autoantibody biomarkers by proteome-wide screening. Recently, we developed a general mass spectrometry-based approach to identify tissue-specific autoantibodies in serum, at a proteome-wide level. In this study, we adapted the method to explore novel autoantibody biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of AD and PD patients. Methods: CSF samples were obtained from 10 headache control individuals, 10 AD patients and 10 PD patients. Antibodies present in the CSF were isolated by immobilization to protein-G magnetic beads. These antibodies were incubated with a brain tissue extract, prepared from frontal cortex, pons, cerebellum and brain stem. Protein antigens captured by the protein-G magnetic bead-bound antibodies were digested with trypsin and analyzed using mass spectrometry. Autoantibody candidates were selected by 1) detection in one or less individuals of the control group and 2) identification in at least half of the patient groups. Results: There were 16 putative autoantibody biomarkers selected from the AD group. Glia-derived nexin autoantibody was detected in eight of ten AD patients and was absent in the control group. Other AD pathology-related targets were also identified, such as actin-interaction protein, quinone oxidoreductase, sushi repeat-containing protein, metalloproteinase inhibitor 2, IP3 receptor 1 and sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2. An additional eleven autoantibody targets were also identified in the present experiment, although their link to AD is not clear. No autoantibodies in the PD group satisfied our selection criteria. Conclusion: Our unbiased mass spectrometry method was able to detect new putative CSF autoantibody biomarkers of AD. Further investigation into the involvement of humoral autoimmunity in AD and PD pathobiology may be warranted.