bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A subset analysis of a phase II trial evaluating the use of DFMO as maintenance therapy for high‐risk neuroblastoma
Authors: Lewis Elizabeth C. , Kraveka Jacqueline M. , Ferguson William , Eslin Don , Brown Valerie I. , Bergendahl Genevieve , Roberts William , Wada Randal K. , Oesterheld Javier , Mitchell Deanna , Foley Jessica , Zage Peter , Rawwas Jawhar , Rich Maria , Lorenzi Elizabeth , Broglio Kristine , Berry Donald , Saulnier Sholler Giselle L. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNeuroblastoma is a sympathetic nervous system tumor, primarily presenting in children under 6 years of age. The long‐term prognosis for patients with high‐risk neuroblastoma (HRNB) remains poor despite aggressive multimodal therapy. This report provides an update to a phase II trial evaluating DFMO as maintenance therapy in HRNB. Event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) of 81 subjects with HRNB treated with standard COG induction, consolidation and immunotherapy followed by 2 years of DFMO on the NMTRC003/003b Phase II trial were compared to a historical cohort of 76 HRNB patients treated at Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium (BCC) hospitals who were disease‐free after completion of standard upfront therapy and did not receive DFMO. The 2‐ and 5‐year EFS were 86.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 79.3%‐94.2%] and 85.2% [77.8%‐93.3%] for the NMTRC003/003b subset vs 78.3% [69.5%‐88.3%] and 65.6% [55.5%‐77.5%] for the historical control group. The 2‐ and 5‐year OS were 98.8% [96.4‐100%] and 95.1% [90.5%‐99.9%] vs 94.4% [89.3%‐99.9%] and 81.6% [73.0%‐91.2%], respectively. DFMO maintenance for HRNB after completion of standard of care therapy was associated with improved EFS and OS relative to historical controls treated at the same institutions. These results support additional investigations into the potential role of DFMO in preventing relapse in HRNB.
Effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on female sexual behavior
Authors: Yuksel Bahar , Ozgor Faruk 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on female sexual behavior in women in Turkey.MethodsAn observational study using data from a previous study conducted prior to the pandemic. We compared frequency of sexual intercourse, desire for pregnancy, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score, contraception type, and menstrual abnormalities among women during the pandemic with 6–12 months prior to the pandemic. Participants were contacted by telephone for questioning.ResultsAverage frequency of sexual intercourse was significantly increased during the pandemic compared with 6–12 months prior (2.4 vs 1.9, P=0.001). Before the pandemic 19 (32.7%) participants desired to become pregnant, whereas during the pandemic it had decreased to 3 (5.1%) (P=0.001). Conversely, use of contraception during the pandemic significantly decreased among participants compared with prior (24 vs 10, P=0.004). Menstrual disorders were more common during the pandemic than before (27.6% vs 12.1%, P=0.008). Participants had significantly better FSFI scores before the pandemic compared with scores during the pandemic (20.52 vs 17.56, P=0.001).ConclusionSexual desire and frequency of intercourse significantly increased during the COVID‐19 pandemic, whereas quality of sexual life significantly decreased. The pandemic is associated with decreased desire for pregnancy, decreased female contraception, and increased menstrual disorders.
Vascular changes precede tomographic changes in diabetic eyes without retinopathy and improve artificial intelligence diagnostics
Authors: Govindaswamy Nivedhitha , Ratra Dhanashree , Dalan Daleena , Doralli Subashchandra , Tirumalai Anirudha A. , Nagarajan Rajesh , Mochi Thirumalesh , Shetty Naren , Sinha Roy Abhijit 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate early vascular and tomographic changes in the retina of diabetic patients using artificial intelligence (AI). The study included 74 age‐matched normal eyes, 171 diabetic eyes without retinopathy (DWR) eyes and 69 mild non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) eyes. All patients underwent optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) imaging. Tomographic features (thickness and volume) were derived from the OCTA B‐scans. These features were used in AI models. Both OCT and OCTA features showed significant differences between the groups (P < .05). However, the OCTA features indicated early retinal changes in DWR eyes better than OCT (P < .05). In the AI model using both OCT and OCTA features simultaneously, the best area under the curve of 0.91 ± 0.02 was obtained (P < .05). Thus, the combined use of AI, OCT and OCTA significantly improved the early diagnosis of diabetic changes in the retina.
What sets the conditions for success in community‐partnered evaluation work? Multiple perspectives on a small‐scale research‐practice partnership evaluation
Authors: Ballard Parissa J. , Rhoades Lynn , Fuller Lori 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe goals of this study are: (a) to share reflections from multiple stakeholders involved in a foundation‐funded community‐partnered evaluation project, (b) to share information that might be useful to researchers, practitioners, and funders considering the merits of researcher/practitioner evaluation projects, and (c) to make specific suggestions for funders and researcher/practitioner teams starting an evaluation project. Three stakeholders in a small‐scale research‐practice partnership (RPP) reflected on the evaluation project by responding to three prompts. A researcher, community organization leader, and funder at a small foundation share specific tips for those considering a small‐scale RPP. Engaging in a small‐scale RPPs can be a very meaningful experience for individual researchers and smaller organizations and funders. The benefits and challenges align and differ in many ways with those encountered in larger projects.
The journey of sensemaking and identity construction in the aftermath of trauma: Peer support as a vehicle for coconstruction
Authors: van de Ven Pien 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSensemaking is rooted in identity construction and it is a particularly interpersonal process. Moreover, traumatic experiences are known to cause people to engage in sensemaking processes and identity construction. However, knowledge of how this works in an interpersonal, community setting, is lacking. The aim of this study is to assess how peer support contributes to the sensemaking processes and identity construction in the aftermath of trauma. Data from an observational study of organised peer support groups for (co)victims of serious crimes and survivors of traumatic loss were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results show how participants of peer support groups move through several phases of sensemaking and identity construction in a fluid, dynamic, way. Identity work is collectively done. Through coconstruction of their identities, participants are able to make sense of a traumatic experience and progress towards a more self‐aware and self‐centred identity.
Evaluation of genetic variants in IL‐1B and its interaction with the predisposition of osteoporosis in the northwestern Chinese Han population
Authors: He Zhiyi , Sun Yao , Wu Jiamin , Xiong Zichao , Zhang Shanshan , Liu Jianfeng , Liu Yuanwei , Li Haiyue , Jin Tianbo , Yang Yonghui , Yang Shuya 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundInterleukin (IL)‐1β stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of osteoclast precursors into mature osteoclasts. IL‐1B polymorphisms may influence the gene and protein expression of IL‐1β. The present study aimed to investigate the association of IL‐1B variants (rs2853550, rs1143643, rs3136558, rs1143630, rs1143627, rs16944 and rs1143623) and their interaction with osteoporosis risk among the northwestern Chinese Han population.MethodsAN Agena MassARRAY system (Agena, San Diego, CA, USA) was employed for genotyping in 594 osteoporosis patients and 599 healthy controls. The possible association between IL‐1B polymorphisms and risks of osteoporosis development was identified with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using logistic regression models. Haplotype analysis and multifactor dimension reduction analysis were used to explore the potential association between combined single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and osteoporosis risk.ResultsThe AA genotype of rs2853550 was a protective factor for osteoporosis occurrence (OR = 0.11, p = 0.038), whereas rs16944 (OR = 1.19, p = 0.037) and rs1143623 (OR = 1.21, p = 0.025) conferred an increased risk of osteoporosis. Moreover, rs1143627, rs16944 and rs1143623 were associated with an elevated susceptibility to osteoporosis, especially in females and individuals aged > 60 years or with a body mass index > 24 kg/m2. Haplotype Grs1143630Ars1143627Grs16944 was a risk factor of osteoporosis occurrence (OR = 1.20, p = 0.032). The best model of SNP–SNP analysis was a four‐locus combination of rs1143643, rs3136558, rs1143630 and rs1143623 (testing accuracy = 0.5623).ConclusionsIL‐1B polymorphisms and haplotype Grs1143630Ars1143627Grs16944 might contribute to susceptibility to osteoporosis. The SNP–SNP interaction of polymorphisms in IL‐1B revealed the accumulated effect on osteoporosis risk.
Opportunities and challenges for antisense oligonucleotide therapies
Authors: Kuijper Elsa C. , Bergsma Atze J. , Pijnappel W.W.M. Pim , Aartsma‐Rus Annemieke 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAntisense oligonucleotide (AON) therapies involve short strands of modified nucleotides that target RNA in a sequence‐specific manner, inducing targeted protein knockdown or restoration. Currently, 10 AON therapies have been approved in the United States and Europe. Nucleotides are chemically modified to protect AONs from degradation, enhance bioavailability and increase RNA affinity. Whereas single stranded AONs can efficiently be delivered systemically, delivery of double stranded AONs requires capsulation in lipid nanoparticles or binding to a conjugate as the uptake enhancing backbone is hidden in this conformation. With improved chemistry, delivery vehicles and conjugates, doses can be lowered, thereby reducing the risk and occurrence of side effects. AONs can be used to knockdown or restore levels of protein. Knockdown can be achieved by single stranded or double stranded AONs binding the RNA transcript and activating RNaseH‐mediated and RISC‐mediated degradation respectively. Transcript binding by AONs can also prevent translation, hence reducing protein levels. For protein restoration, single stranded AONs are used to modulate pre‐mRNA splicing and either include or skip an exon to restore protein production. Intervening at a genetic level, AONs provide therapeutic options for inherited metabolic diseases as well. This review provides an overview of the different AON approaches, with a focus on AONs developed for inborn errors of metabolism.
SMOFlipid vs Intralipid 20%: Effect of Mixed‐Oil vs Soybean‐Oil Emulsion on Parenteral Nutrition–Associated Cholestasis in the Neonatal Population
Authors: Jackson Rachel Leigh , White Phillip Zachary , Zalla Jennifer 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundParenteral nutrition (PN) is critical for the growth and development of premature neonates who are unable to reach nutrition goals enterally. Using soybean‐oil emulsions in PN is a risk factor for cholestasis, leading to alternative dosing strategies including a reduction in total lipid prescribed. Recently, SMOFlipid has been utilized with the goal of avoiding cholestasis while maintaining energy intake. The aim of our study was to compare the incidence of PN‐associated cholestasis (PNAC) in patients admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) who received either Intralipid 20% or SMOFlipid.MethodsThis single‐center, retrospective study evaluated all NICU patients who received PN for ≥14 days. Patients who received SMOFlipid were compared with those who received Intralipid. The primary end point was incidence of PNAC. Secondary end points included (1) prevalence of elevated liver function tests; (2) effect on select laboratory parameters; (3) development of PNAC by age; and (4) incidence of retinopathy of prematurity.ResultsA total of 136 neonates were included. Nine of 55 patients (16.4%) in the Intralipid group and 2 of 81 patients (2.5%) in the SMOFlipid group developed cholestasis, defined as direct bilirubin > 2 mg/dL or direct bilirubin > 20% of total bilirubin, when total bilirubin is >5 mg/dL, on or before 30 days post initiation of PN (P = .007).ConclusionUse of SMOFlipid as the lipid emulsion component of PN may be beneficial in prevention of PNAC in NICU patients that are receiving PN for ≥2 weeks.
Does the exotic equal pollution? Landscape methods for solving the dilemma of using native versus non‐native plant species in drylands
Authors: Kotzen Benz , Branquinho Cristina , Prasse Ruediger 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThere is a need to resolve methods to determine the merits of native versus non‐native plant use in drylands and indeed in more temperate areas around the world. This is because whilst plant introductions may have positive objectives, they can have significant negative landscape and environmental impacts. A key discussion on this issue focuses on whether the use of non‐native plant species can be considered to be pollution and pollutive based on the concept that pollution can be regarded as ‘matter out of place’. The consequences of putting the wrong plant species in the wrong place can be extremely detrimental to the landscape character, quality and value of the land, let alone the effects on ecosystem structure and functioning as well as on biodiversity. These effects can also affect human communities who may rely on the landscape, for example, for tourism. It is thus necessary that the discussion on how decisions are made in determining plant choice evolves so that the right decisions are made when planting is necessary, for the land, for nature and for the people. This discussion has been initiated through COST Action ES1104, which focused on the restoration of degraded dry and arid lands. This article discusses a number of landscape methods based on sustainability principles to determine when and where native and non‐native plants could and should be used.
Monitoring Matang's Mangroves in Peninsular Malaysia through Earth observations: A globally relevant approach
Authors: Lucas Richard , Otero Viviana , Van De Kerchove Ruben , Lagomasino David , Satyanarayana Behara , Fatoyinbo Temilola , Dahdouh‐Guebas Farid 
Published: May 2020

AbstractExpansion of rotational timber harvesting of mangroves is set to increase, particularly given greater recognition of the economic, societal and environmental benefits. Generic and standardized procedures for monitoring mangroves are, therefore, needed to ensure their long‐term sustainable utilisation. Focusing on the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve (MMFR), Perak State, Peninsular Malaysia, thematic and continuous environmental descriptors with defined codes or units, including lifeform, forest age (years), canopy cover (%), above‐ground biomass (Mg ha−1) and relative amounts of woody debris (%), were retrieved from time‐series data from spaceborne optical and single/dual polarimetric and interferometric RADAR. These were then combined for multiple points in time to generate land cover and evidence‐based change maps according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Land Cover Classification System (LCCS) and using the framework of the Earth Observation Data for Ecosystem Monitoring (EODESM). Change maps were based on a pre‐defined taxonomy, with focus on clear cutting and regrowth. Uncertainties surrounding the land cover and change maps were based on those determined for the environmental descriptors used for their generation and through comparison with independent retrieval from other EO data sources. For the MMFR and also for other mangroves worldwide where harvesting is occurring or being considered, a new approach and opportunity for supporting management of mangroves is presented, which has application for future planning of mangrove resources.
Flexible and Highly Sensitive Pressure Sensors with Surface Discrete Microdomes Made from Self‐Assembled Polymer Microspheres Array
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Han Fei , Hu Yougen , Xiong Yaoxu , Gu Han , Zhang Guoqi , Zhu Pengli , Sun Rong , Wong Ching‐Ping 
Published: May 2020

AbstractFlexible pressure sensors with high performances are of great interest for smart wearable devices, health monitoring and artificial electronic skins. However, assembling pressure sensors with low cost, simple structure and high sensitivity are still difficult to achieve. Herein, a fast, novel and facile approach is presented to fabricate piezoresistive flexible pressure sensors with surface uniform dome‐like microstructures which are easily replicated from discrete polystyrene (PS) microspheres array by plasma etching the monolayer array of self‐assembly close‐packed PS microspheres. The flexible pressure sensor with dome‐like array (4.2 µm of diameter, 2.1 µm of height and 1.4 µm of spacing) exhibits a high sensitivity of ‐6.61 kPa−1 in the pressure range below 110 Pa, an ultralow detection limit of 1 Pa, a fast response time of 100 ms, and high stability over 3750 cycles of pressure loading/unloading. The sensor is also successfully demonstrated in monitoring human action and beating a drum. Moreover, a 5 × 5 array of the flexible pressure sensor is fabricated to detect spatial pressure distribution. This work provides a simple and effective protocol to build surface microstructures and improve whole performance of flexible pressure sensors, and shows great prospect in the applications of wearable electronics and human‐machine interaction.
High Molecular‐Weight Cyclic Polyesters from Solvent‐Free Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Lactones with a Pyridyl‐Urea/MTBD
Authors: Feng Rui , Jie Suyun , Braunstein Pierre , Li Bo‐Geng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract(Thio)urea/base systems have been widely used in the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of lactones based on their superior performance in activity and selectivity. Herein, a pyridyl‐urea (6C‐PU)/7‐methyl‐1,5,7‐triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec‐5‐ene catalytic system is used to prepare the polyesters with cyclic topology via the ROP of lactones in the absence of initiator under solvent‐free conditions. The catalytic system shows high activity in the ROP of δ‐valerolactone (δ‐VL) and cyclic polyvalerolactones (PVLs) with high molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distribution are obtained despite the existence of some linear products generated during the precipitation process. The structure of the resulting polymers is determined by proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry, and intrinsic viscosity studies. A possible mechanism is proposed on the basis of NMR analysis and characteristics of polymerization. Thermal and mechanical properties of cyclic PVLs are investigated through differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and tensile test.
The Phenotypic and Genetic Spectrum of Paroxysmal Kinesigenic Dyskinesia in China
Authors: Huang Xiao‐Jun , Wang Shi‐Ge , Guo Xia‐Nan , Tian Wo‐Tu , Zhan Fei‐Xia , Zhu Ze‐Yu , Yin Xiao‐Meng , Liu Qing , Yin Kai‐Li , Liu Xiao‐Rong , Zhang Yu , Liu Zhen‐Guo , Liu Xiao‐Li , Zheng Lan , Wang Tian , Wu Li , Rong Tian‐Yi , Wang Yan , Zhang Mei , Bi Guang‐Hui , Tang Wei‐Guo , Zhang Chao , Zhong Ping , Wang Chun‐Yu , Tang Jian‐Guang , Lu Wei , Zhang Ru‐Xu , Zhao Guo‐Hua , Li Xun‐Hua , Li Hua , Chen Tao , Li Hai‐Yan , Luo Xiao‐Guang , Song Yan‐Yan , Tang Hui‐Dong , Luan Xing‐Hua , Zhou Hai‐Yan , Tang Bei‐Sha , Chen Sheng‐Di , Cao Li 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundParoxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia is a spectrum of involuntary dyskinetic disorders with high clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Mutations in proline‐rich transmembrane protein 2 have been identified as the major pathogenic factor.ObjectivesWe analyzed 600 paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia patients nationwide who were identified by the China Paroxysmal Dyskinesia Collaborative Group to summarize the clinical phenotypes and genetic features of paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia in China and to provide new thoughts on diagnosis and therapy.MethodsThe China Paroxysmal Dyskinesia Collaborative Group was composed of departments of neurology from 22 hospitals. Clinical manifestations and proline‐rich transmembrane protein 2 screening results were recorded using unified paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia registration forms. Genotype‐phenotype correlation analyses were conducted in patients with and without proline‐rich transmembrane protein 2 mutations. High‐knee exercises were applied in partial patients as a new diagnostic test to induce attacks.ResultsKinesigenic triggers, male predilection, dystonic attacks, aura, complicated forms of paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia, clustering in patients with family history, and dramatic responses to antiepileptic treatment were the prominent features in this multicenter study. Clinical analysis showed that proline‐rich transmembrane protein 2 mutation carriers were prone to present at a younger age and have longer attack duration, bilateral limb involvement, choreic attacks, a complicated form of paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia, family history, and more forms of dyskinesia. The new high‐knee‐exercise test efficiently induced attacks and could assist in diagnosis.ConclusionsWe propose recommendations regarding diagnostic criteria for paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia based on this large clinical study of paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia. The findings offered some new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia and might help in building standardized paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia clinical evaluations and therapies. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Targeting telomerase for its advent in cancer therapeutics
Authors: Bajaj Shalini , Kumar Maushmi S , Peters GJ , Mayur YC 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTelomerase has emerged as an important primary target in anticancer therapy. It is a distinctive reverse transcriptase enzyme, which extends the length of telomere at the 3′ chromosomal end, and uses telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and telomerase RNA template‐containing domains. Telomerase has a vital role and is a contributing factor in human health, mainly affecting cell aging and cell proliferation. Due to its unique feature, it ensures unrestricted cell proliferation in malignancy and plays a major role in cancer disease. The development of telomerase inhibitors with increased specificity and better pharmacokinetics is being considered to design and develop newer potent anticancer agents. Use of natural and synthetic compounds for the inhibition of telomerase activity can lead to an opening of new vistas in cancer treatment. This review details about the telomerase biochemistry, use of natural and synthetic compounds; vaccines and oncolytic virus in therapy that suppress the telomerase activity. We have discussed structure‐activity relationships of various natural and synthetic telomerase inhibitors to help medicinal chemists and chemical biology researchers with a ready reference and updated status of their clinical trials. Suppression of human TERT (hTERT) activity through inhibition of hTERT promoter is an important approach for telomerase inhibition.