bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accurate non‐invasive diagnosis and staging of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease using the urinary steroid metabolome
Authors: Moolla Ahmad , de Boer Jasper , Pavlov David , Amin Amin , Taylor Angela , Gilligan Lorna , Hughes Beverly , Ryan John , Barnes Eleanor , Hassan‐Smith Zaki , Grove Jane , Aithal Guruprasad P. , Verrijken An , Francque Sven , Van Gaal Luc , Armstrong Matthew J. , Newsome Phillip N. , Cobbold Jeremy F. , Arlt Wiebke , Biehl Michael , Tomlinson Jeremy W. 
Published: April 2020

SummaryBackgroundThe development of accurate, non‐invasive markers to diagnose and stage non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is critical to reduce the need for an invasive liver biopsy and to identify patients who are at the highest risk of hepatic and cardio‐metabolic complications. Disruption of steroid hormone metabolic pathways has been described in patients with NAFLD.Aim(s)To assess the hypothesis that assessment of the urinary steroid metabolome may provide a novel, non‐invasive biomarker strategy to stage NAFLD.MethodsWe analysed the urinary steroid metabolome in 275 subjects (121 with biopsy‐proven NAFLD, 48 with alcohol‐related cirrhosis and 106 controls), using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) coupled with machine learning‐based Generalised Matrix Learning Vector Quantisation (GMLVQ) analysis.ResultsGeneralised Matrix Learning Vector Quantisation analysis achieved excellent separation of early (F0‐F2) from advanced (F3‐F4) fibrosis (AUC receiver operating characteristics [ROC]: 0.92 [0.91‐0.94]). Furthermore, there was near perfect separation of controls from patients with advanced fibrotic NAFLD (AUC ROC = 0.99 [0.98‐0.99]) and from those with NAFLD cirrhosis (AUC ROC = 1.0 [1.0‐1.0]). This approach was also able to distinguish patients with NAFLD cirrhosis from those with alcohol‐related cirrhosis (AUC ROC = 0.83 [0.81‐0.85]).ConclusionsUnbiased GMLVQ analysis of the urinary steroid metabolome offers excellent potential as a non‐invasive biomarker approach to stage NAFLD fibrosis as well as to screen for NAFLD. A highly sensitive and specific urinary biomarker is likely to have clinical utility both in secondary care and in the broader general population within primary care and could significantly decrease the need for liver biopsy.
Pomalidomide‐bortezomib‐dexamethasone in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: Japanese subset analysis of OPTIMISMM
Authors: Sunami Kazutaka , Matsue Kosei , Suzuki Kenshi , Takezako Naoki , Shinagawa Atsushi , Sakurai Sanae , Tamakoshi Hiromi , Biyukov Tsvetan , Peluso Teresa , Richardson Paul 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn the phase 3 OPTIMISMM trial, pomalidomide, bortezomib and dexamethasone (PVd) significantly improved the progression‐free survival (PFS) and the overall response rate (ORR) vs bortezomib and dexamethasone (Vd) in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. All patients were previously treated with lenalidomide (70% refractory to lenalidomide) and had received one to three prior regimens. Here we report the first efficacy and safety analysis of PVd vs Vd in Japanese patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Seventeen patients enrolled in the OPTIMISMM trial in Japan. With a median follow‐up of 14.8 months, the median PFS was 17.6 months with PVd (n = 12) vs 4.4 months with Vd (n = 5), and the ORR was 100% vs 60.0%, respectively. The safety profile was as expected for PVd. Toxicities were managed with dose reductions and interruptions, and no patients discontinued PVd due to treatment‐emergent adverse events. These results are consistent with those in the overall OPTIMISMM patient population and confirm the clinical benefit of PVd in Japanese patients.
A qualitative study exploring the expectations of people living with type 1 diabetes regarding prospective use of a hybrid closed‐loop system
Authors: Quintal A. , Messier V. , Rabasa‐Lhoret R. , Racine E. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimTo identify the expectations of a diversified sample of informed adults with type 1 diabetes on their prospective use of a hybrid closed‐loop system.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 16 adults with type 1 diabetes who shared their expectations on an experimental hybrid closed‐loop system after receiving information on its design, functioning and capability. The sample had equal representation of genders and diabetes management methods and was diversified according to age, education and occupation when possible. Qualitative content analysis of the interview transcripts with MaxQDA was used to identify expected benefits, expected inconveniences and concerns, expected improvements to design and functionalities, and interest and trust in the system.ResultsParticipants expected benefits regarding diabetes management, clinical outcomes, psychosocial aspects of their lives, nutrition and meals, and physical activity. Participants expected inconveniences or shared concerns regarding wearability, costs and technical limitations. According to participants, improvements could be made to the system’s physical appearance, practical convenience, functionalities, and software integration. Overall, 12 participants would use the system. While participants’ trust could be immediate or grow over time, it could ultimately be conditional on the system’s performance.ConclusionProspective users’ general enthusiasm and trust foster the clinical and commercial success of hybrid closed‐loop systems. However, poor user satisfaction caused by unrealistic expectations and plausible inconveniences and concerns may limit this success. Providing prospective users with comprehensive information while validating their understanding could mitigate unrealistic expectations. Improvements to design and coverage policies could favour uptake.
Evaluation of a pelleted diet for larval mass‐rearing of Anastrepha ludens and Anastrepha obliqua
Authors: Aceituno‐Medina Marysol , Rivera‐Ciprian José Pedro , Hernández Emilio 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMost artificial diets used for mass‐rearing of fruit fly larvae involve the purchase and independent weighing of each ingredient of the formulation, followed by mixing and diet preparation process. A ready‐to‐use formulation would avoid this time‐consuming task and simplify the preparation procedure, leading to a more standardized diet. In this work, we compared life‐history traits and survival and developmental parameters of Anastrepha ludens Loew and Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart) (Diptera: Tephritidae) reared on two formulations of an artificial diet. Two experiments were performed; first, a conventional non‐pelleted diet was compared to a newly developed pelleted diet, which was mixed with water before being given to the larvae. The second experiment consisted of a comparison between the pelleted diet which was stirred in a mixer with water and dissolved preservatives and a pelleted diet which was only soaked in water with dissolved preservatives. We found that the pelleted diet allowed the mass‐rearing of A. ludens and A. obliqua. Moreover, feeding larvae with pelleted diet led to increased weight of the larva by 7.4 and 11.8%, and of the pupa by 9.5 and 16.7% for A. ludens and A. obliqua, respectively, compared to conventional diet. For process evaluation, the number of activities, handling time, reception, storage, and larval diet preparation were recorded. The pelleted diet only needed soaking in water containing preservatives, thereby simplifying the mass‐rearing process and saving time, space, and labour. Pelletizing is a versatile technology that can be adjusted for better physicochemical quality and reduced microbiological risk. This diet should be of particular interest for the mass‐rearing process in ‘sterile insect technique’ applications.
Food recognition as reflected in seed handling by Messor arenarius ants
Authors: Warburg Ittai 
Published: April 2020

This research assessed whether food recognition in Messor arenarius ants is impacted by their food handling.
Food choice experiments between whole‐wheat seeds and halves of wheat seeds cut longitudinally were conducted in the same nest on two consecutive days.
In these experiments, it was found that the proportion of touches of these ants using their antennae on both food items within a collection point during first day of the experiment was significantly higher than the same proportion on the second day of the experiment in the same nest.
The proportion of touches by the ants' forelegs was also higher on the first day of the experiment than on the second day in the same nest, but not significantly.
These findings seem to account for a possible effect of learning, that is, food recognition.
A systematic review evaluating the efficacy and safety of a combination of ablative treatment and self administered treatment versus ablative treatment alone for external anogenital warts
Authors: Feng Cheng , Li Wei , Wang Xiaojun , Zhang Hailin , Si Loubin , Chen Zhixiong , Bai Ming 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundExternal anogenital warts are proliferative lesions. Till now, there is no consensus on the standard treatment of external anogenital warts. The combination of ablative therapy and self‐administered treatment has been reported to achieve sustained complete clearance than ablative therapy. The aim of this review was to compare the efficacy on achieving complete clearance of warts between the combination of ablative therapy with self‐administered therapy and ablative therapy alone.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of ablative therapy and self‐administered treatment for external anogenital warts. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, Embase and Science Citation Index Expanded, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang were searched.ResultsOf 1138 initially identified publications, 37 studies in English and Chinese were included. The combination of ablative therapy and self‐administered treatment therapy showed significantly high complete clearance rates at 4, 8, 12, or 24 weeks after treatment compared to ablative therapy alone. In a subgroup analysis based on the treatment duration of imiquimod cream therapy, 4 and 8 weeks of imiquimod 5% cream plus CO2 laser produced similar efficacy on clearance. The combination therapy is tolerable for patients.ConclusionsIn conclusion, this review provided evidence to support the use of the combination of ablative therapy and self‐administered treatment for external anogenital warts to maintain sustained clearance.
Development of a genomic DNA reference material panel for thalassemia genetic testing
Authors: Yin Zhenzhen , Qu Shoufang , Huang Chuanfeng , Chen Fang , Li Jianbiao , Chen Shiping , Ye Jingyu , Yang Ying , Zheng Yu , Zhang Xi , Yang Xuexi , Xie Longxu , Wei Jitao , Wei Fengxiang , Guo Jian , Huang Jie 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntroductionThalassemia is one of the most common autosomal recessive inherited diseases worldwide, and it is also highly prevalent and variable in southern China. Various types of genetic testing technologies have been developed for diagnosis and screening of thalassemia. Characterized genomic DNA reference materials (RMs) are necessary for assay development, validation, proficiency testing, and quality assurance. However, there are no publicly available RMs for thalassemia genetic testing as yet.MethodsTo address the need for the publicly available DNA RMs for thalassemia genetic testing, the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control and the China National GeneBank established 32 new cell lines with three wild‐type genotypes and 29 distinct genotypes of thalassemia which account for approximately 90% thalassemia carriers in China. The genomic DNA of 32 cell lines was characterized by four clinical genetic testing laboratories using different genetic testing methods and technology platforms.ResultsThe genotyping results are concordant among four laboratories. In addition, the results of stability test demonstrated that the genotypes of these DNA samples are not influenced by preanalytical conditions such as long‐term exposure to high‐temperature (37°C) environment and repeated freeze‐thawing.ConclusionWe developed the first national panel of 32 genomic DNA RMs which are renewable and publicly available for the quality assurance of various genetic testing methods and will facilitate research and development in thalassemia genetic testing.
Whole‐genome resequencing reveals diversity, global and local ancestry proportions in Yunling cattle
Authors: Chen Qiuming , Zhan Jingxi , Shen Jiafei , Qu Kaixing , Hanif Quratulain , Liu Jianyong , Zhang Jicai , Chen Ningbo , Chen Hong , Huang Bizhi , Lei Chuzhao 
Published: April 2020

AbstractYunling cattle, a three‐breed cross consisting of 1/2 Brahman cattle, 1/4 Murray Grey cattle and 1/4 Yunnan Yellow cattle, has advantage of rapid growth, good meat quality, enhanced tolerance towards a hot and humid climate, tick resistance and crude feed forbearance. Here, we investigated the genetic diversity, global and local ancestry proportions by sequencing the genomes of 131 Yungling cattle and 31 Brahman cattle (for control). Furthermore, we used 35 published genomes of ancestry breeds (including Angus cattle [ancestry of Murray Grey], Wannan cattle [ancestry of Yunnan Yellow cattle: Wenshan and Dianzhong], Wenshan and Dianzhong cattle) to characterize the formation process of Yunling cattle. The highest nucleotide diversity was found in the Wannan cattle, followed by Wenshan, Dianzhong, Brahman, Yunling and Angus cattle. The results of LD decay in each breed was largely consistent with the results of nucleotide diversity, except for the faster decay in Angus cattle out of a smaller effective population size and a strong bottleneck during the breed formation. The population‐structure analysis revealed that the cross‐breed Yunling cattle harboured the ancestry with Angus (0.44), Brahman (0.48) and Wannan cattle (0.08). Subsequently, we used RFmix to infer local ancestry in Yunling cattle and then performed chi‐squared test to obtain the segments whose proportions of a certain ancestry were excessive compared with the whole‐genome level, leading to 391 Angus, 49 Brahman and 2,312 Wannan segments. Gene annotation and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the excessive Angus, Brahman and Wannan segments might contribute to the rapid growth, immune resistance and indigenous adaptation, respectively, in Yunling cattle. Our results help understand ancestry components and formation process in Yunling cattle and will provide an opportunity for selective breeding by molecular approaches in future.
Progression to hypertension in youth and young adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes: The SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study
Authors: Koebnick Corinna , Imperatore Giuseppina , Jensen Elizabeth T. , Stafford Jeanette M. , Shah Amy S. , Mottl Amy K. , Bell Ronny A. , Dabelea Dana , Liese Angela D. , Marcovina Santica M. , D’Agostino Ralph B. , Urbina Elaine M. , Lawrence Jean M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCentral obesity may contribute to the development of hypertension in youths with diabetes. The SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study followed 1518 youths with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and 177 with type 2 diabetes (T2D) diagnosed when <20 years of age for incident hypertension. Incident hypertension was defined as blood pressure ≥95th percentile (or ≥130/80 mm Hg) or reporting antihypertensive therapy among those without hypertension at baseline. Poisson regression models were stratified by diabetes type and included demographic and clinical factors, clinical site, and waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR). Youths with T2D were more likely to develop hypertension than those with T1D (35.6% vs 14.8%, P < .0001). For each 0.01 unit of annual increase in WHtR, adjusted relative risk for hypertension was 1.53 (95% CI 1.36‐1.73) and 1.20 (95% CI 1.00‐1.43) for youths with T1D and T2D, respectively. Effective strategies targeted toward reducing central obesity may reduce hypertension among youths with diabetes.
Low birthweight is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Japanese adults: The Toon Health Study
Authors: Yokoyama Maki , Saito Isao , Ueno Megumi , Kato Hiroaki , Yoshida Ayaka , Kawamura Ryoichi , Maruyama Koutatsu , Takata Yasunori , Osawa Haruhiko , Tanigawa Takeshi , Sugiyama Takashi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAims/IntroductionLow birthweight is reportedly associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus; however, this association has not been confirmed in the Japanese population, and whether high birthweight is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus is controversial. We aimed to investigate the association between birthweight and type 2 diabetes mellitus among a general Japanese population.Materials and MethodsOverall 1,135 middle‐ to old‐aged Japanese men and women were enrolled in the Toon Health Study. A 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test was used to diagnose type 2 diabetes mellitus, and a questionnaire survey about birthweight was administered. The association between birthweight and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in later life of the participants was examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Stratified analysis by current body mass index was also carried out.ResultsThe mean age was 56.5 ± 12.2 years. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was observed in 9.3% of the participants in this study. Compared with the reference group (2,500–3,999 g), the adjusted odds ratio of the low‐birthweight group (<2,500 g) for type 2 diabetes mellitus was 2.46 (95% confidence interval 1.48–4.10). The association between the high‐birthweight group (≥4000 g) and type 2 diabetes mellitus was not significant after including family history of diabetes in the multivariable model. The odds ratio of the low‐birthweight group for type 2 diabetes mellitus was higher in the overweight/obese group than in the non‐overweight group.ConclusionsLow birthweight was associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Japanese population, especially in overweight/obese individuals.
Vertical differentiation, product innovation, and dynamic competition
Authors: Baron David P. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis paper presents an infinite horizon dynamic model in which two firms compete in a market vertically differentiated by the qualities of their products and consumers have heterogeneous preferences for quality. Given the product qualities offered, the firms engage in price competition that segments the market. In each period each firm can spend on product innovation that if successful increases the quality of its product. Three types of Markov perfect equilibria are identified. A running–coasting equilibrium exhibits increasing quality dominance with one firm undertaking innovation and the other coasting to free ride on the innovation by the first firm. The firm that coasts can have the larger dynamic payoff, so quality dominance does not imply payoff dominance. A second is a leap‐frog equilibrium in which the trailing firm undertakes innovation to leap into the lead. The trailing firm never innovates solely to narrow the gap with the leader, so catch up strategies are never used. In the third both firms undertake innovation, but if both have innovation successes, product differentiation remains the same and profits are reduced by the cost of innovation. The rivalry between Intel and AMD in microprocessors for personal computers provides a motivating example.
Brood parasitism of an open‐water spawning cichlid by the cuckoo catfish
Authors: Takahashi Tetsumi , Koblmüller Stephan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe cuckoo catfishSynodontis multipunctatusandS. grandiopsare endemic to Lake Tanganyika and the only known nonavian vertebrates that exhibit obligate interspecific brood parasitism. Seven maternal mouth‐brooding cichlid fish species are reported to be natural hosts of the parasitic catfish and share a common reproductive behaviour that the catfish exploits: cichlid females spawn eggs on the bottom, allowing the catfish female to place her eggs near the cichlid eggs, and the cichlid females collect the catfish eggs by mouth together with their own eggs. However, so far it has not been reported that the cuckoo catfish exploit different spawning behaviours. The genusCyprichromisconsists of five maternal mouth‐brooding species endemic to Lake Tanganyika, most of which spawn and collect eggs in open water. This study reports that the cuckoo catfish also parasitizes the open‐water spawningCyprichromis coloratus, although it may not be a regular host.
Living with diabetes and disadvantage: A qualitative, geographical case study
Authors: Power Tamara , Kelly Ray , Usher Kim , East Leah , Travaglia Jo , Robertson Hamish , Wong Ann , Jackson Debra 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAims and objectivesTo elucidate the experiences of people living with diabetes, residing in an urban diabetogenic area.BackgroundCommunity‐level social and environmental factors have a role to play in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Socio‐economic deprivation; high obesity rates; high access to fast foods; and multiculturalism contribute to higher rates of diabetes in some geographical areas. However, there is a lack of research examining people's experiences of living with diabetes in diabetogenic areas. The word diabetogenic implies that the phenomenon of interest contributes to the development of diabetes.DesignQualitative, geographical case study approach.MethodsA convenience sample of 17 people living with diabetes in a diabetogenic, low‐socio‐economic urban area participated in face‐to‐face, semi‐structured interviews. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. This paper adheres to the COREQ guidelines.FindingsFour main themes were identified: 1. Diabetes fatalism: Inevitability and inertia; 2. Living with Inequity: Literacy and intersectionality; 3. Impersonal services: Intimidating and overwhelming; and, 4. Education in the community: Access and anecdotes.ConclusionsThis study has highlighted the need to develop local solutions for local problems. In this geographical area, solutions need to address generally lower health literacy, how the community would prefer to receive diabetes education and the issue of diabetes fatalism.Relevance to clinical practiceFindings from this study have highlighted a need to re‐examine how diabetes education is delivered in communities that are already experiencing multiple disadvantages. There are research and practice connotations for how fatalism is positioned for people at high risk of developing diabetes.