bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced levels of actin gamma 1 predict poor prognosis in ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Chen Shiyan , Wang Xiaoxia , Yuan Jin , Deng Cui , Xie Xueman , Kang Jiali 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimTo investigate the expression and function of actin gamma 1 (ACTG1) in ovarian cancer.MethodsWe performed immunohistochemical staining of 176 ovarian cancer tissue samples in a human tissue microarray to detect expression of ACTG1. Staining intensity was examined in relation to clinicopathological parameters. To investigate the prognostic value of ACTG1, ACTG1 mRNA data from 300 ovarian cancer patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas database were examined.ResultsThe immunohistochemical results demonstrated that levels of ACTG1 were reduced in the samples of human ovarian cancer tissue that were examined, and the levels negatively correlated with various clinicopathological parameters. Levels of ACTG1 mRNA also negatively correlated with clinical stage. In Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, higher levels of ACTG1 mRNA were associated with improved overall survival. In multivariate analysis by Cox regression, ACTG1 expression was identified as an independent prognostic marker of favorable overall survival.ConclusionACTG1 may represent a valuable marker for the prognosis of ovarian cancer, and further studies of ACTG1 are warranted.
In women with chronic or subclinical endometritis is hysteroscopy suitable for setting the diagnosis? A systematic review
Authors: Gkrozou Fani , Tsonis Orestis , Dimitriou Evangelos , Paschopoulos Minas 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe role of hysteroscopy in cases of chronic or subclinical endometritis remains uncertain. Reevaluating the clinical relevance of diagnostic hysteroscopic in these cases will improve the level of case in women's health worldwide. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the suitability of hysteroscopy in detecting and diagnosing female patients with chronic or subclinical endometritis, as a first‐line diagnostic tool. For this systematic review, five major search engines PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, as well as ResearchGate were searched using MeSH (medical subject headings) without language or year restrictions up to November 2019. All types of scientific papers were taken into consideration, with a priority to randomized control trials enrolling women with chronic or subclinical endometritis and compared with standard diagnostic tools such as histology or immunohistochemistry, in order to ensure the efficacy of the method. Risk of bias was assessed using the recommended Cochrane Collaboration criteria. In order to gather more information and data, we have decided to include all the scientific evidence regardless of study design. Data collection and analysis were performed according to PRISMA protocol. Hysteroscopy is an important diagnostic tool in cases of endometritis when accompanied by endometrial samples assessment techniques. In cases of high suspicion endometritis facilitates greater diagnostic accuracy. Hysteroscopy facilitates also the assessment of antibiotic administration efficacy in cases of confirmed endometritis. Micropolyposis, stromal edema or congestion, diffuse or focal hyperemia are the dominant hysteroscopic features that are considered by most studies as suggestive of chronic or subclinical endometritis. The heterogeneity of the included studies presents a high risk of bias as assessed according to Cochrane Collaboration criteria. Hysteroscopy is not suitable as a first‐line diagnostic tool in cases of chronic or subclinical endometritis. Further randomized controlled trials need to be conducted in order to define the role of hysteroscopy as a first‐line diagnostic tool in cases of chronic or subclinical endometritis.
A Modern Day Caesar? Donald Trump and American Caesarism
Authors: Heino Brett 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis article argues that the American political system under Donald Trump is an example of what Antonio Gramsci dubbed “Caesarism,” a situation where a taut balance of warring class forces allows for the emergence of a third force to freeze the antagonism and challenge/usurp established political institutions. To concretise Gramsci's rather abstract formulation and to better illuminate the nature of American Caesarism, this article employs a reading of the Roman poet Lucan's magisterialCivil War.Through a close reading of this text, we can explore the origins of Caesarism and study the efficacy of different means of struggle against it. Lucan thus helps us reinvigorate the concept of Caesarism and apply it in the contemporary American context. In particular, it will be demonstrated that whereas Lucan depicts a progressive form of Caesarism with a qualitatively new state form, the Trump administration embodies a regressive form of Caesarism within an old state form.
Molecular phylogeny and species delimitation of Stachyuraceae: Advocating a herbarium specimen‐based phylogenomic approach in resolving species boundaries
Authors: Su Jun‐Xia , Dong Cong‐Cong , Niu Yan‐Ting , Lu Li‐Min , Xu Chao , Liu Bing , Zhou Shi‐Liang , Lu An‐Ming , Zhu Yu‐Ping , Wen Jun , Chen Zhi‐Duan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSpecies concept and delimitation are fundamental to taxonomic and evolutionary studies. Both inadequate informative sites in the molecular data and limited taxon sampling have often led to poor phylogenetic resolution and incorrect species delineation. Recently, the whole chloroplast genome sequences from extensive herbarium specimen samples have been shown to be effective to amend the problem. Stachyuraceae are a small family consisting of only one genus Stachyurus of six to 16 species. However, species delimitation in Stachyurus has been highly controversial because of few and generally unstable morphological characters used for classification. In this study, we sampled 69 individuals of seven species (each with at least three individuals) covering the entire taxonomic diversity, geographic range, and morphological variation of Stachyurus from herbarium specimens for genome‐wide plastid gene sequencing to address species delineation in the genus. We obtained high‐quality DNAs from specimens using a recently developed DNA reconstruction technique. We first assembled four whole chloroplast genome sequences. Based on the chloroplast genome and one nuclear ribosomal DNA sequence of Stachyurus, we designed primers for multiplex polymerase chain reaction and high throughput sequencing of 44 plastid loci for species of Stachyurus. Data of these chloroplast DNA and nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer sequences were used for phylogenetic analyses. The phylogenetic results showed that the Japanese species Stachyurus praecox Siebold & Zucc. was sister to the rest in mainland China, which indicated a typical Sino‐Japanese distribution pattern. Based on diagnostic morphological characters, distinct distributional range, and monophyly of each clade, we redefined seven species for Stachyurus following an integrative species concept, and revised the taxonomy of the family based on previous reports and specimens, in particular the type specimens. Furthermore, our divergence time estimation results suggested that Stachyuraceae split from its sister group Crossosomataceae from the New World at ca. 54.29 Mya, but extant species of Stachyuraceae started their diversification only recently at ca. 6.85 Mya. Diversification time of Stachyurus in mainland China was estimated to be ca. 4.45 Mya. This research has provided an example of using the herbarium specimen‐based phylogenomic approach in resolving species boundaries in a taxonomically difficult genus.
Virology analysis of chronic hepatitis B virus–infected patients treated for 28 days with JNJ‐56136379 monotherapy
Authors: Verbinnen Thierry , Hodari Moana , Talloen Willem , Berke Jan Martin , Blue David , Yogaratnam Jeysen , Vandenbossche Joris , Shukla Umesh , De Meyer Sandra , Lenz Oliver 
Published: June 2020

AbstractFour weeks of once‐daily oral JNJ‐56136379 (JNJ‐6379; 25, 75, 150 or 250 mg), a class‐N capsid assembly modulator (CAM‐N), was well tolerated with potent antiviral activity in treatment‐naïve, chronic hepatitis B e antigen–positive and hepatitis B e antigen–negative patients (NCT02662712). Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome sequence analysis, using HBV DNA next‐generation sequence technology, was performed, and impact of substitutions on efficacy was assessed. Analyses focused on HBV core protein amino acid positions associated with JNJ‐6379 and/or other CAMs in vitro resistance, and those within the CAM‐binding pocket. 31/57 patients had ≥ 1 polymorphism at any of the core amino acid positions of interest, most frequently at positions 38 (32%), 105 (23%) and 109 (14%). None of these polymorphisms are known to reduce JNJ‐6379 in vitro activity (fold change [FC] in 50% effective concentration <3.0). Two JNJ‐6379‐treated patients carried a Y118F baseline core polymorphism known to reduce JNJ‐6379 activity in vitro (FC = 6.6) and had HBV DNA declines of 2.77 (75 mg) and 2.19 log10 IU/mL (150 mg) at the end of treatment. One 75 mg JNJ‐6379‐treated patient had an emerging T109S substitution (FC = 1.8; HBV DNA decline 3.18 log10 IU/mL). A 25 mg JNJ‐6379‐treated patient had on‐treatment enrichment of Y118F variant (HBV DNA decline 2.13 log10 IU/mL). In conclusion, baseline polymorphisms and enrichment of substitutions reducing JNJ‐6379 in vitro activity were rare, with no consistent impact on virological response during a 4‐week phase 1b study. Emergence of resistance to longer treatments of JNJ‐6379 will be evaluated in phase 2 studies.
dlf1 promotes floral transition by directly activating ZmMADS4 and ZmMADS67 in the maize shoot apex
Authors: Sun Huayue , Wang Chenglong , Chen Xiaoyang , Liu Hongbing , Huang Yumin , Li Suxing , Dong Zhaobin , Zhao Xiaoming , Tian Feng , Jin Weiwei 
Published: June 2020

Summary

The floral transition of the maize (Zea mays ssp. mays) shoot apical meristem determines leaf number and flowering time, which are key traits influencing local adaptation and yield potential. dlf1 (delayed flowering1) encodes a basic leucine zipper protein that interacts with the florigen ZCN8 to mediate floral induction in the shoot apex. However, the mechanism of how dlf1 promotes floral transition remains largely unknown.

We demonstrate that dlf1 underlies qLB7‐1, a quantitative trait locus controlling leaf number and flowering time that was identified in a BC2S3 population derived from a cross between maize and its wild ancestor, teosinte (Zea mays ssp. parviglumis). Transcriptome sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing demonstrated that DLF1 binds the core promoter of two AP1/FUL subfamily MADS‐box genes, ZmMADS4 and ZmMADS67, to activate their expression.

Knocking out ZmMADS4 and ZmMADS67 both increased leaf number and delayed flowering, indicating that they promote the floral transition. Nucleotide diversity analysis revealed that dlf1 and ZmMADS67 were targeted by selection, suggesting that they may have played important roles in maize flowering time adaptation.

We show that dlf1 promotes maize floral transition by directly activating ZmMADS4 and ZmMADS67 in the shoot apex, providing novel insights into the mechanism of maize floral transition.
Moral philosophy's moral risk
Authors: Brennan Jason , Freiman Christopher 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCommonsense moral thinking holds that people have doxastic, contemplative, and expressive duties, that is, duties to or not to believe, seriously consider, and express certain ideas. This paper argues that moral and political philosophers face a high risk of violating any such duties, both because of the sensitivity and difficult of the subject matter, and because of various pernicious biases and influences philosophers face. We argue this leads to a dilemma, which we will not try to solve. Either philosophers should reduce their risk by avoiding sensitive issues where they are likely to violate such duties or, for one reason or another, philosophers are to some degree exempt from such duties when doing their work. Either horn of the dilemma, we argue, has unpalatable implications.
Optionality of Movement
Authors: Titov Elena 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis article looks at constructions involving optional movement of contrastive foci and argues that this type of reordering cannot be accounted for by assuming that it is driven by a syntactic feature. I maintain that an interface‐based approach that rests on the principles of economy fares better at capturing the data, as it accounts not only for optionality of contrastive‐focus movement, which is found in a wide variety of languages, but also for multiple landing sites for contrastive‐focus movement, which are found in scrambling languages, such as Russian.
Outpatient learning perspectives at a UK hospital
Authors: Horner Philippa , Hunukumbure Dilshani , Fox Jonathan , Leedham‐Green Kathleen 
Published: June 2020

SUMMARYBackgroundUndergraduate students spend much of their training in the clinical workplace, increasingly in hospital outpatient settings; however, they report that this does not always yield the educational value that they expect. This study investigates ways in which outpatient learning can be enhanced from the perspectives of students and teachers, exploring which approaches may be most appropriate in different circumstances.MethodsWe conducted 14 semi‐structured interviews with medical students from one UK medical school and consultants (specialists) at a single teaching hospital. We explored their experiences and perceptions of clinical teaching and learning in this outpatient setting. Transcripts were analysed through a consensual qualitative research approach. An evaluation of established frameworks for outpatient teaching was conducted and strategies were matched to stakeholder needs.FindingsA total of 24 core ideas were identified, which were categorised into: individual factors (student, doctor and patient), interpersonal factors, team factors and organisational factors. Teaching strategies that address stakeholder needs included: student‐led clinics, case‐based discussions, one‐minute preceptor, the SNAPPS tool (summarize, narrow differential, analyse, probe preceptor, plan and select issues for self‐learning), advanced organisers and supplementing.DiscussionThere is a complex interplay between personal, interpersonal, team and organisational factors that contribute to the effectiveness of the outpatient setting as a learning environment. Strategies at the personal and interpersonal levels are unlikely to be successful or sustained without organisational resourcing and support. Further research is needed to implement and evaluate these suggested strategies.
Absolute eosinophil count correlates with temperature and CD4 count independently of HIV infection among tuberculosis patients
Authors: Baluku Joseph Baruch , Anguzu Godwin Tukumbo , Bongomin Felix , Byonanebye Dathan Mirembe 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo determine clinical correlates of the peripheral absolute eosinophil count (AEC) among bacteriologically confirmed TB patients in Uganda.Materials and MethodsWe evaluated data of bacteriologically confirmed adult TB patients who had a peripheral blood AEC measurement at the National TB Treatment Center in Uganda during a cross‐sectional study. We performed linear regression analysis for correlates of log‐transformed AEC.ResultsWe included 235 patients in this analysis with a median (interquartile range, IQR) age of 31 (24–39) years. 60.4% were male, and 33.6% had TB/HIV co‐infection. In a multivariable linear regression model that controlled for age, residence type, HIV status, weight loss, anorexia, body mass index, CD8+ T‐cell count, haemoglobin level and TB bacillary load, males had a 47.0% higher AEC than females (adjusted coefficient (R2) = 0.385, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.012–0.759 P = 0.043). Also, a 1 °C raise in temperature resulted in an 11.5% decrease in the AEC (R2 = −0.122 95% CI (−0.233 to −0.011) P = 0.031) while a 1 cell/mm3 increase in the CD4+ T‐cell count resulted in a 0.10% increase in the AEC (R2 = 0.001 95% CI (0.000–0.001) P = 0.032).ConclusionThe AEC was higher among males than females, consistent with the normal population distribution of AEC among Ugandans. The AEC was weakly but positively correlated with the CD4 count and negatively correlated with temperature.
Morphological and metabolic profiling of a tropical‐adapted potato association panel subjected to water recovery treatment reveals new insights into plant vigor
Authors: Toubiana David , Cabrera Rodrigo , Salas Elisa , Maccera Chiara , Franco dos Santos Gabriel , Cevallos Danny , Lindqvist‐Kreuze Hannele , Lopez Juan M. , Maruenda Helena 
Published: June 2020

SUMMARYPotato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the world's most important crops, but it is facing major challenges due to climatic changes. To investigate the effects of intermittent drought on the natural variability of plant morphology and tuber metabolism in a novel potato association panel comprising 258 varieties we performed an augmented block design field study under normal irrigation and under water‐deficit and recovery conditions in Ica, Peru. All potato genotypes were profiled for 45 morphological traits and 42 central metabolites via nuclear magnetic resonance. Statistical tests and norm of reaction analysis revealed that the observed variations were trait specific, that is, genotypic versus environmental. Principal component analysis showed a separation of samples as a result of conditional changes. To explore the relational ties between morphological traits and metabolites, correlation‐based network analysis was employed, constructing one network for normal irrigation and one network for water‐recovery samples. Community detection and difference network analysis highlighted the differences between the two networks, revealing a significant correlational link between fumarate and plant vigor. A genome‐wide association study was performed for each metabolic trait. Eleven single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were associated with fumarate. Gene Ontology analysis of quantitative trait loci regions associated with fumarate revealed an enrichment of genes regulating metabolic processes. Three of the 11 SNPs were located within genes, coding for a protein of unknown function, a RING domain protein and a zinc finger protein ZAT2. Our findings have important implications for future potato breeding regimes, especially in countries suffering from climate change.
Blood utilization and characteristics of patients treated with chronic transfusion therapy in a large cohort of Brazilian patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Kelly Shannon , Belisário André Rolim , Werneck Rodrigues Daniela O. , Carneiro‐Proietti Anna B.F. , Gonçalez Thelma T. , Loureiro Paula , Flor‐Park Miriam V. , Maximo Claudia , Mota Rosimere Afonso , Dinardo Carla , Brambilla Don , Preiss Liliana , Sabino Ester , Custer Brian ,   for the NHLBI Recipient Epidemiology Donor Evaluation Study (REDS‐III) International Component–Brazil
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUNDRed blood cell (RBC) transfusions are used in sickle cell disease (SCD) to treat acute complications or as chronic transfusion therapy (CTT) to prevent severe manifestations. The objectives of this study were to describe blood utilization and adverse events (AEs) associated with RBCs in the Brazilian SCD population and compare characteristics of patients treated or not with CTT.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSA SCD cohort was established at six Brazilian centers. Medical and blood bank records were abstracted for clinical and transfusion history. Two controls not treated with CTT matched on center, SCD genotype, sex, and age were selected for each CTT case within the cohort to compare characteristics between the two groups.RESULTSMost of the 2794‐member cohort had received a transfusion (75.0% of children and 89.2% of adults) with 29.2% of patients receiving transfusion in the prior year. There were 170 (10.6%) children and 115 (9.2%) adults treated with CTT. Children not treated with CTT were more likely to have pain and acute chest hospitalizations in the prior year (25.3% vs. 11.9%, p = 0.0003; and 22.0% vs. 10.7%, p = 0.002, respectively). Both iron overload and alloimmunization were more common in CTT cases compared to controls (65.6% vs. 17.0% and 36.2% vs. 15.9%, respectively). A higher proportion of adults treated with CTT demonstrated oxygen saturation of greater than 95% compared to controls not treated (51.1% vs. 39.2%), while there was no difference in oxygenation between children treated or not. Of 4501 transfusion episodes, 28 (0.62%) AEs were reported. There was no difference in AEs associated with transfusions for acute indications versus CTT.CONCLUSIONRed blood cell transfusion was common in Brazilian SCD patients, with utilization driven by CTT. Transfusion reactions were not common; however, alloimmunization and iron overload were frequent among those on CTT, highlighting the need for novel clinical strategies to mitigate these risks.
Focused cardiac ultrasound and point‐of‐care NT‐proBNP assay in the emergency room for differentiation of cardiac and noncardiac causes of respiratory distress in cats
Authors: Janson Cassandra Ostroski , Hezzell Melanie J. , Oyama Mark A. , Harries Benjamin , Drobatz Kenneth J. , Reineke Erica L. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the accuracy of focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS) and point‐of‐care N‐terminal proBNP assay in the emergency setting for differentiation of cardiac from noncardiac causes of respiratory distress in cats.DesignProspective diagnostic accuracy study between 2014 and 2016.SettingEmergency room at an urban university teaching hospital.AnimalsForty‐one client‐owned cats presenting for evaluation of respiratory distress.InterventionsEmergency clinicians made an initial diagnosis of noncardiac or cardiac cause of respiratory distress based on physical examination (PE) findings and history. The diagnoses were updated after performing FOCUS and point‐of‐care N‐terminal B‐type natriuretic peptide (POC‐BNP). Reference standard diagnosis was determined by agreement of a board‐certified cardiologist and critical care specialist with access to subsequent radiographs and echocardiograms.Measurements and Main ResultsForty‐one cats were enrolled. Three cats with incomplete data and 1 cat with an uncertain reference standard diagnosis were excluded. The remaining 37 cats were used for analysis: 21 cardiac and 16 noncardiac cases. The ratio of left atrial to aortic root diameter (LA:Ao) measured by FOCUS was significantly correlated with LA:Ao measured by echocardiography (R = 0.646, P < 0.0001). Emergency clinicians correctly diagnosed 27 of 37 (73.0%), yielding a PE positive percent agreement = 76.2% (95% CI, 52.8–91.8%) and negative percent agreement = 68.8% (95% CI, 41.3–89.0%). Five noncardiac and 5 cardiac cats were misdiagnosed. Post FOCUS, overall percent agreement improved to 34 of 37 (91.9%), with positive percent agreement = 95.2% (95% CI, 76.2–99.9%) and negative percent agreement = 87.5% (95% CI, 61.7–98.5%). The POC‐BNP yielded an overall percent agreement = 32/34 (94.1%), positive percent agreement = 100% (95% CI, 82.4–100.0%), and negative percent agreement = 86.7% (95% CI, 59.5–98.3%) in differentiating cardiac versus noncardiac cases.ConclusionsFOCUS evaluation of basic cardiac structure and LA:Ao by trained emergency clinicians improved accuracy of diagnosis compared to PE in cats with respiratory distress. FOCUS and POC‐BNP are useful diagnostics in the emergent setting.