bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism and the risk of Multiple Sclerosis: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Imani Danyal , Razi Bahman , Motallebnezhad Morteza , rezaei Ramazan 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background The association between the vitamin D receptor ( VDR ) gene polymorphism and the risk of Multiple sclerosis (MS) has been evaluated in several studiese. However, the findings were inconsistent and inconclusive.Methods All relevant studies reporting the association between the FokI (rs2228570) or/and TaqI (rs731236) or/and BsmI (rs1544410) or/and ApaI (rs7975232) polymorphisms of the VDR and susceptibility to multiple sclerosis published up to September 2019 were identified by comprehensive systematic database search in web of science, Scopus, and PubMed.Results A total of 30 case–control studies were included in this meta-analysis. The overall results suggested a significant association between TaqI gene polymorphism and MS risk under heterozygote contrast (OR = 1.27, 95%CI = 1.01–1.59, REM). Moreover, the pooled results of subgroup analysis decline presence of significant association under all defined genotype model. In subgroup analysis, BsmI gene polymorphism was associated with increased risk of MS under the recessive model in Asian population. In other hand, ApaI gene polymorphism was associated with decreased risk of MS under recessive and homozygote contrast (aa vs AA) models in Asian population.Conclusions This meta-analysis suggested a significant association between TaqI gene polymorphism and MS susceptibility. Furthermore, BsmI gene polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of MS in Asian population. In contrast, ApaI gene polymorphism was associated with a decreased risk of MS in Asian population. Future large scale studies on gene–environment and gene– gene interactions are required to estimate related risk factors and assist early diagnosis of patients at high risk for MS.
Expression and Purification of Active Human Kinases Using Pichia pastoris as A General-Purpose Host
Authors: Aziz May H. Abdel , Fan Yao , Liu Lijun , Moasser Mark , Fu Haian , Jura Natalia , Arkin Michelle 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The heterologous expression of human kinases in good purity and monomer, soluble and active form can become a challenging feat. Most of the reported successful attempts are carried out in insect cells as a host. The use of E. coli for expression is limited to a few kinases and usually is facilitated by large solubility tags that can limit biophysical studies and affect protein–protein interactions. In this report, we evaluate the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris as a general-purpose host for expression of human kinases. Methods: Six diverse kinases were chosen due to their therapeutic importance in human cancers. Tested proteins include serine/threonine kinases cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4 and 6) and aurora kinase A (AurKA), receptor tyrosine kinase erbB-2 (HER2), and dual specificity kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 3 (MKK3b). Two challenging targets, CDK6 and HER2, were fused to the highly basic, N-terminal domain of the secreted tyrosine-protein kinase VLK. Standard expression procedure in Pichia pastoris used. Purification was done using affinity chromatography, purity and identity of the proteins were confirmed and compared. Results: Some of the tested kinases expressed with good yield and purity and comparable activity to commercially available versins. Addition of the VLK domain improved expression and decreased aggregation of two of the challenging CDK6 and HER2. This can be attributed to a correlation we observed between the protein pI and its expression level in P. pastoris, where basic proteins are more likely to be expressed and purified. Conclusions: This study introduces P. pastoris as a promising host for expression of soluble and active human kinases.
Factor structure and measurement invariance of the Problematic Mobile Phone Use Questionnaire-Short Version across gender in Chinese adolescents and young adults
Authors: Wang YingYing , Long Jiang , Liu YueHeng , Liu TieQiao , Billieux Joël 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background Problematic mobile phone use (PMPU) has become an international public health issue, particularly in adolescents and young adults. The Problematic Mobile Phone Use Questionnaire-Short Version (PMPUQ-SV) is a validated instrument that measures multiple aspects of PMPU. The current study aimed to test the psychometric characteristics of a Chinese adaption of the PMPUQ-SV and examine its measurement invariance across gender. Methods A total of 2086 participants were recruited form nine schools (six undergraduate colleges and three vocational colleges) through an online platform. Measures included socio-demographic variables, patterns of mobile phone use, the Chinese version of the PMPUQ-SV (C-PMPUQ-SV), the Chinese version of the Smartphone Addiction Proneness Scale, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21. Results Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses conducted in two independent subsamples confirmed that the postulated dimensions fit the data well. Four items, judged as either outdated or not adapted to the Chinese context, performed poorly and were removed, resulting in a shorter 11-item scale. Convergent validity was established through meaningful correlations between emotional symptoms and the C-PMPUQ-SV and addictive smartphone use. Additional measurement invariance analyses showed that the scale performed largely similarly in male and female participants. Conclusions The present study demonstrated that the C-PMPUQ-SV is an adequate instrument to study various types of PMPU in Chinese adolescents and young adults. The updated 11-item scale shortens the evaluation time and is adapted to assess contemporary smartphone use.
A Quantitative MRI Index for Assessing the Severity of Hippocampal Sclerosis in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Dou Wanchen , Zhao Lei , Su Changbao , Lu Qiang , Liu Qi , Guo Jinzhu , Zhao Yuming , Luo Yishan , Shi Lin , Zhang Yiwei , Wang Renzhi , Feng Feng 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background Hippocampal sclerosis (HS) is associated with post-surgery outcome in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), and an automated method that quantifies HS severity is still lacking. Here, we aim to propose an MRI-based HS index (HSI) that integrates hippocampal volume and FLAIR signal to measure the severity of HS.Methods Forty-two pre-surgery TLE patients were included retrospectively, with T1-weighted (T1W) and FLAIR images acquired from each subject. Two experienced neurosurgeons (W.D. and C.S.) and one neurologist (Q.L.) rated HS severity, where both the hippocampal volume loss and increased FLAIR signal were considered to provide a four-class grading scale (normal, mild, moderate and severe). A consensus of HS severity for each subject was made by voting among the three visual rating results. Regarding the automatic quantification, the hippocampal volume was quantified by AccuBrain on T1W image, and the FLAIR signal of hippocampus was calculated as the mean intensity of hippocampal region on the FLAIR image (normalized by the mean intensity of gray matter). To fit the HSI from visual rating, we applied ordinal regression with the voted visual rating as the dependent variable, and hippocampal volume and FLAIR signal as the independent variables. The HSI was calculated by weighting the predictive probabilities of the four-class grading scales from ordinal regression.Results The intra-class correlation coefficient (single measure) of the three raters was 0.806. The generated HSI was significantly correlated with the visual rating scales (W.D.: 0.823, Q.L.: 0.817, C.S.: 0.717). HSI scores differentiated well between each pair of groups defined by the agreed HS visual rating (normal vs. mild: p<0.001, mild vs. moderate: p<0.001, moderate vs. severe: p=0.001).Conclusions The proposed HSI was consistent with visual rating scales from neurosurgeons and sensitive to HS severity. This MRI-based index may help to evaluate HS severity in clinical practice. Further validations are needed to associate HSI with post-surgery outcomes.
Postoperative collateral formation after indirect bypass for hemorrhagic moyamoya disease
Authors: Ge Peicong , Zhang Qian , Ye Xun , Liu Xingju , Deng Xiaofeng , Wang Jia , Wang Rong , Zhang Yan , Zhang Dong , Zhao Jizong 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: The study on postoperative collateral formation for hemorrhagic moyamoya disease (MMD) evaluated by using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is limited. Our study objective was to investigate the postoperative collateral formation after indirect bypass for hemorrhagic MMD. Methods: All consecutive inpatients with hemorrhagic MMD received indirect bypass at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2010 through December 2018 were screened. Postoperative collateral formation was evaluated on lateral views using Matsushima scale. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine the influence factors for postoperative collateral formation. Results: 64 patients (64 hemispheres) were included in this study. After a median 8.5 months DSA follow-up, 14 (21.9%) hemispheres was graded as A collateral circulation, 13 (20.3%) was graded as B, and 37 (57.8%) was graded as C. Twenty-seven (43.2%) hemispheres had good postoperative collateral formation and 37 (57.8%) had poor postoperative collateral formation. Univariate logistic regression analyses showed that age at operation (OR, 0.954; 95% CI, 0.908–1.003; p=0.066), hemorrhagic site (OR, 4.694; 95% CI, 1.582–13.923; p=0.005), and PCA involvement (OR, 3.474; 95% CI, 0.922–13.086; p=0.066) may effect postoperative collateral formation. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that only anterior hemorrhage (OR, 5.222; 95% CI, 1.605–16.987; p=0.006) was significantly related to good postoperative collateral formation. Conclusion: Anterior hemorrhage was significantly related to good postoperative collateral formation.
Prevalence of microhematuria in renal colic and urolithiasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Minotti Bruno , Treglia Giorgio , Pascale Maria Rosa , Ceruti Samuele , Cantini Laura , Anselmi Luciano , Saporito Andrea 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate the prevalence of microhematuria in patients presenting with suspected acute renal colic and/or confirmed urolithiasis at the emergency department. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted to find relevant data on prevalence of microhematuria in patients with suspected acute renal colic and/or confirmed urolithiasis. Data from each study regarding study design, patient characteristics and prevalence of microhematuria were retrieved. A random effect-model was used for the pooled analyses. Results Forty-nine articles including 15’860 patients were selected through the literature search. The pooled microhematuria prevalence was 77% (95%CI: 73-80%) and 84% (95%CI: 80-87%) for suspected acute renal colic and confirmed urolithiasis, respectively. This proportion was much higher when the dipstick was used as diagnostic test (80% and 90% for acute renal colic and urolithiasis, respectively) compared to the microscopic urinalysis (74% and 78% for acute renal colic and urolithiasis, respectively). Conclusions This meta-analysis revealed a high prevalence of microhematuria in patients with acute renal colic (77%), including those with confirmed urolithiasis (84%). Intending this prevalence as sensitivity, we reached moderate values, which make microhematuria alone a poor diagnostic test for acute renal colic or urolithiasis. Microhematuria could possibly still important to assess the risk in patients with renal colic.
Improving Obesity Management Training in Family Medicine: Multi-methods evaluation of the 5AsT-MD Pilot Course
Authors: Luig Thea , Wicklum Sonja , Heatherington Melanie , Vu Albert , Cameron Erin , Klein Doug , Sharma Arya M , Campbell-Scherer Denise 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background : Quality, evidence-based obesity management training for family medicine residents is needed to better support patients. To address this gap, we developed a comprehensive course based on the 5As of Obesity Management™ (ASK, ASSESS, ADVISE, AGREE, ASSIST), a framework and suite of resources to improve residents’ knowledge and confidence in obesity counselling. This study assessed the course’s impact on residents’ attitudes, beliefs, and confidence with obesity counselling. Methods : The course combines lectures with a bariatric suit experience, standardized and in-clinic patient practice, and narrative reflections. Using a multi-methods design we measured changes in 42 residents’ attitudes, beliefs, and self-confidence and thematically analyzed the narrative reflections to understand residents’ experience with the course content and pedagogy. Results : Following the course, residents reported improved attitudes towards people living with obesity and improved confidence for obesity counselling. Pre/post improvement in BAOP scores (n=32) were significant (p<.001)., ATOP scores did not change significantly. Residents showed improvement in assessing root causes of weight gain (p<.01), advising patients on treatment options (p<.05), agreeing with patients on health outcomes (p<.05), assisting patients in addressing their barriers (p<.05), counseling patients on weight gain during pregnancy, (p<.05), counseling patients on depression and anxiety (p<.01), counseling patients on iatrogenic causes of weight gain (p<.01), counseling patients who have children with obesity (p<.05), and referring patients to interdisciplinary provider for care (p<.05). Qualitative analysis of narrative reflections illustrates that experiential learning was crucial in increasing residents’ ability to empathically engage with patients and to critically reflect on implications for their practice. Conclusion: The 5AsT-MD course has the potential to increase residents’ confidence and competency in obesity prevention and management. Findings reflect the utility of the 5As to improve residents’ confidence and competency in obesity management counselling.
Measuring the Effect of Parents’ Socio-economic Status and Early Literacy Experience on Moroccan Students’ Reading Comprehension Development: An Illustration from PIRLS 2016
Authors: Nadori Neirouz 
Published: November 2019

<p><em>Because students’ reading development is a subject to many influences, home-based factors constitute important components in this process. Parents socio-economic status (parents’ occupation and educational level) as well as early literacy experience before school are strongly linked to students’ reading comprehension achievement. However, less is known about home-based effects on Moroccan students’ reading comprehension development. This research is concerned with investigating the relations between early literacy experience before school, parents’ occupation and educational level and reading comprehension development. This study is framed within developmental systems framework. This perspective states that influences on reading achievement do not exist in isolation and that we must direct attention towards examining the interactions between the different layers of the systems (psychological and contextual factors) and the learners’ developmental outcomes (reading comprehension achievement). The reading comprehension is measured based on two reading purposes; a) reading for literary experience, b) reading to acquire and use information. Data of 7805 grade 4 students participating in PIRLS 2016 (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study) is investigated. A multilevel linear regression analysis is used to model the relationship between parents’ SES, early literacy experience and reading comprehension achievement. These home-based factors explain 15% of variance in reading achievement. Early literacy activities before school and parents’ educational level, particularly fathers’ education have a substantial impact on reading comprehension achievement. These findings have important practical implications for encouraging early literacy experience before school and enhancing parents’ educational involvement</em></p>
Study of the phytotoxic potential of olive mill wastewaters on a leguminous plant ‘Vicia faba L.’
Authors: Sdiri Ghidaoui Jawaher , Bargougui Lobna , Chaieb Mohamed , Mekki Ali 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
We investigated the study of the phytotoxic potential of olive mill wastewaters (OMW) on the germination and growth responses of the faba bean ‘Vicia faba L.’ leguminous plant cultivated under an arid Mediterranean climate. The results showed that the raw OMW blocked the germination of the seeds tested, while OMW treated soil extracts stimulate the seeds' germination rate. The monitoring of the faba bean growth parameters in the different OMW treated soils showed that the optimal growth of the faba bean plants has been recorded for the soil amended with 25 m3 ha−1 of OMW. Although the 50 m3 ha−1 dose is the most suitable for the soil studied, our results showed that the 25 m3 ha−1 dose is the most suitable for the vegetative development, as well as for the productivity of the plant tested ‘Vicia faba L.’.
Removal of toxic metals using ferrate(VI): a review
Authors: Dong Shuyu , Mu Yao , Sun Xuhui 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Heavy metal contamination of water resources is a critical issue which adversely affects humans. Ferrate(VI) (FeVIO42−, Fe(VI)), as a new type of green multifunctional water treatment agent, has shown promising potential for environmental decontamination. A complete understanding of the interactions between ferrate(VI) and toxic metals can be conducive to the further development of ferrate(VI) technology for application to wastewater treatment. This review first introduces the purification of ferrate(VI) technology for toxic metals including free heavy metals and metal complexes briefly. The effective parameters are then analyzed and discussed in detail. Subsequently, the reactivity and mechanisms of ferrate(VI) with toxic metals are emphatically described. Finally, possible research challenges and directions for ferrate(VI) technology applied to wastewater treatment in the future are summarized.
Nitrous oxide emissions from aerobic granular sludge
Authors: Jahn Lydia , Svardal Karl , Krampe Jörg 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The emissions of climate-relevant nitrous oxides from wastewater treatment with aerobic granular sludge (AGS) are of special interest due to considerable structural as well as microbiological differences compared with flocculent sludge. Due to the compact and large structures, AGS is characterised by the formation of zones with different dissolved oxygen (DO) and substrate gradients, which allows simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND). N2O emissions from AGS were investigated using laboratory-scale SBR fed with municipal wastewater. Special attention was paid to the effects of different organic loading rates (OLR) and aeration strategies. Emission factors (EF) were in a range of 0.54% to 4.8% (gN2O/gNH4-Nox.) under constant aerobic conditions during the aerated phase and different OLR. Higher OLR and SND were found to increase the N2O emissions. A comparative measurement of two similarly operated SBR with AGS showed that the reactor operated under constant aerobic conditions (DO of 2 mg L−1) emitted more N2O than the SBR with an alternating aeration strategy. Total nitrogen (TN) removal was significantly higher with the alternating aeration since non-aerated periods lead to increased anoxic zones inside the granules. The constant aerobic operation was found to promote the accumulation of NO2-N, which could explain the differences in the N2O levels.
Effects of Annurca Apple (Malus pumila cv Annurca) Polyphenols on Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: D'Angelo Stefania , Martino Elisa , Cacciapuoti Giovanna 
Published: November 2019

Background:
Dietary micronutrients have been proposed as effective inhibitory agents for
cancer initiation, progression, and incidence. Among them, polyphenols, present in different foods
and beverages, have retained attention in recent years. Apples are among the most consumed fruits
worldwide, and several studies suggest that apple polyphenols could play a role in the prevention of
degenerative diseases.

Aims and Objectives:
The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of Annurca flesh polyphenols
extract (AFPE) effects of proliferation on MCF-7 cells.

Methods:
The data indicated that apple polyphenolic compounds had a significant antiproliferative
action on MCF-7 cells and 500μM EqC AFPE induced a cell cycle arrest at G2/M. AFPE was also
capable of inducing morphological changes as evidenced by nuclear condensation.

Results:
The cellular, morphological, and molecular data unequivocally suggested that induction of
cellular apoptosis was mainly responsible for the previously observed antiproliferation-induced
AFPE on MCF-7 cells.

Conclusion:
Taken together, AFPE that acts at a low micromolar range against breast cancer cells
may be considered as a promising candidate for anticancer therapy.
Benign Intracranial Lesions - Radiotherapy: An Overview of Treatment Options, Indications and Therapeutic Results
Authors: Tzikoulis Vasileios , Gkantaifi Areti , Alongi Filippo , Tsoukalas Nikolaos , Saraireh Haytham Hamed , Charalampakis Nikolaos , Tzikoulis Georgios , Andreou Emmanouil , Tsapakidis Konstantinos , Kardamakis Dimitrios , Tsanadis Konstantinos , Kyrgias George , Tolia Maria 
Published: November 2019

Background:Radiation Therapy (RT) is an established treatment option for benign intracranial lesions. The aim of this study is to display an update on the role of RT concerning the most frequent benign brain lesions and tumors.Methods:Published articles about RT and meningiomas, Vestibular Schwannomas (VSs), Pituitary Adenomas (PAs), Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) and craniopharyngiomas were reviewed and extracted data were used.Results:In meningiomas RT is applied as an adjuvant therapy, in case of patientrefusing surgery or in unresectable tumors. The available techniques are External Beam RT (EBRT) and stereotactic ones such as Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), Fractionated Stereotactic RT (FSRT), Intensity Modulated RT (IMRT) and proton-beam therapy. The same indications are considered in PAs, in which SRS and FSRT achieve excellent tumor control rate (92-100%), acceptable hormone remission rates (>50%) and decreased Adverse Radiation Effects (AREs). Upon tumor growth or neurological deterioration, RT emerges as alone or adjuvant treatment against VSs, with SRS, FSRT, EBRT or protonbeam therapy presenting excellent tumor control growth (>90%), facial nerve (84-100%), trigeminal nerve (74-99%) and hearing (>50%) preservation. SRS poses an effective treatment modality of certain AVMs, demonstrating a 3-year obliteration rate of 80%. Lastly, a combination of microsurgery and RT presents equal local control and 5-year survival rate (>90%) but improved toxicity profile compared to total resection in case of craniopharyngiomas.Conclusion:RT comprises an effective treatment modality of benign brain and intracranial lesions. By minimizing its AREs with optimal use, RT projects as a potent tool against such diseases.