bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolution of congenital melanocytic nevi toward benignity: A case series
Authors: Cotton Colleen H. , Goldberg Gerald N. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe report on four children born with medium to large congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) with color heterogeneity and irregular surface rugosity. As these patients aged, their nevi evolved to become more homogeneous and lighter in color, and developed a smoother, more even texture. We propose that given this evolution toward benignity, conservative monitoring and management may be appropriate even in the context of atypical‐appearing features at birth. Such knowledge regarding the evolution of these CMN can more accurately guide parents and clinicians in determining whether to biopsy or remove an atypical‐looking lesion early in life for medical or cosmetic reasons.
Novel metrics to classify fire blight resistance of 94 apple cultivars
Authors: Kostick S. A. , Norelli J. L. , Evans K. M. 
Published: March 2019

Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora), a potentially devastating disease in apple, can cause floral, fruit and structural damage and even tree death. Most commercial apple cultivars are susceptible and the resistance/susceptibility of many modern cultivars has not been evaluated. Fire blight resistance/susceptibility is difficult to phenotype due to quantitative resistance, impacts of tree vigour and environment on susceptibility, and the erratic nature of the disease. Resistance/susceptibility levels were determined for 94 apple cultivars and important breeding parents. In 2016 and 2017, multiple actively growing shoots per tree (about three trees per cultivar) were challenged withE. amylovoraEa153n via a cut‐leaf inoculation method. Proportion of current season's shoot length blighted (SLB) was calculated for each shoot. To classify cultivar responses, estimated marginalSLBmeans were compared to four controls, representing highly susceptible (HS) to highly resistant (HR), via Dunnett's tests. Cultivar responses ranged fromHStoHRwith estimated marginalSLBmeans of 0.001–0.995 in 2016 and 0.000–0.885 in 2017. Most cultivars demonstrated similar resistance/susceptibility levels in both years (ρ = 0.657,P < 0.0001). K‐means clustering was used to classify cultivars into three resistance/susceptibility groups based on incidence, average severity (SLB), and maximum severity values (maximumSLBand age of wood infected). Sixteen cultivars were consistently moderately resistant (MR) toHRwhile the remainder ranged fromHStoMR. An updated comparison of susceptibility of important cultivars is provided. Resistance/susceptibility information gained could be used to identify genetic loci associated with resistance/susceptibility and/or inform parental selection in apple scion breeding programmes.
Comparative analysis of thylakoid protein complexes in the mesophyll and bundle sheath cells from C3, C4 and C3–C4 Paniceae grasses
Authors: Hernández‐Prieto Miguel A. , Foster Christie , Watson‐Lazowski Alexander , Ghannoum Oula , Chen Min 
Published: March 2019

To better understand the coordination between dark and light reactions during the transition from C3 to C4 photosynthesis, we optimized a method for separating thylakoids from mesophyll (MC) and bundle sheath cells (BSCs) across different plant species. We grew six Paniceae grasses including representatives from the C3, C3–C4 and C4 photosynthetic types and all three C4 biochemical subtypes [nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate‐dependent malic enzyme (NADP‐ME), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide‐dependent malic enzyme (NAD‐ME) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK)] in addition to Zea mays under control conditions (1000 μmol quanta m−2 s−1 and 400 ppm of CO2). Proteomics analysis of thylakoids under native conditions, using blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS), demonstrated the presence of subunits of all light‐reaction‐related complexes in all species and cell types. C4 NADP‐ME species showed a higher photosystems I/II ratio and a clear accumulation of the NADH dehydrogenase‐like complexes in BSCs, while Cytb6f was more abundant in BSCs of C4 NAD‐ME species. The C4 PEPCK species showed no clear differences between cell types. Our study presents, for the first time, a good separation between BSC and MC for a C3–C4 intermediate grass which did not show noticeable differences in the distribution of the thylakoid complexes. For the NADP‐ME species Panicum antidotale, growth at glacial CO2 (180 ppm of CO2) had no effect on the distribution of the light‐reaction complexes, while growth at low light (200 μmol quanta m−2 s−1) promoted the accumulation of light‐harvesting proteins in both cell types. These results add to our understanding of thylakoid distribution across photosynthetic types and subtypes, and introduce thylakoid distribution between the MC and BSC of a C3–C4 intermediate species.
Effects of different exercise training programs on body composition: A randomized control trial
Authors: Amaro‐Gahete Francisco J. , De‐la‐O Alejandro , Jurado‐Fasoli Lucas , Ruiz Jonatan R. , Castillo Manuel J. , Gutiérrez Ángel 
Published: March 2019

We aimed to investigate the effects of different exercise training programs on body composition parameters in sedentary middle‐aged adults. A total of 89 middle‐aged adults (53.5 ± 4.9 years old; ~53% women) participated in the FIT‐AGEING study. A 12‐week randomized controlled trial was performed with a parallel group design. The participants were randomly assigned to (a) a concurrent training based on physical activity recommendation from the World Health Organization group (PAR group), (b) a high‐intensity interval training group (HIIT group), and (c) a high‐intensity interval training group adding whole‐body electromyostimulation group (WB‐EMS group). A significant decrease of fat body mass, fat body mass index, and visceral adipose tissue was observed in all training modalities compared to the control group (all P ≤ 0.001). There was a significant increase in lean body mass in the HIIT group as well as in the WB‐EMS group compared to the control group and the PAR group (all P ≤ 0.044), whereas an increment of lean body mass index was only observed in the WB‐EMS group compared to the control group and the PAR group (all P ≤ 0.042). A significant increase of bone mineral content was observed in the WB‐EMS group compared to the control group (P = 0.015), while no changes were found in the PAR group and in the HIIT group compared to the control group (all P ≥ 0.2). Our findings suggest that PAR, HIIT, and WB‐EMS can be used as a strategy to improve body composition parameters, obtaining slightly better results with the application of WB‐EMS.
Controlling floodwater mosquitoes by river regulation
Authors: Dargahi Bijan 
Published: March 2019

AbstractFloodwater mosquitoes cause serious problems especially the spread of mosquito‐borne diseases. The main challenge is to implement acceptable general mitigation methods. In recent years, encouraging steps have been taken in favour of developing more sustainable measures such as modern biological methods. The novelty of the present study is in suggesting an alternative green method that can eliminate the use of any secondary biological or chemical agents. The method is based on establishing an alternative river regulation scheme that limits flooding of high‐risk lowland areas. A combined hydrodynamic modelling and optimization method gave effective river regulation schemes. The main idea is to maintain the total power production for a modified inflow hydrograph. The approach was applied to a 30‐km reach of the Österdalälven River located in central Sweden. It was found that with the specific constraints of the site a reduction of about 8% of lowland flood areas is possible if the inflow hydrograph is moderately modified by 20%. Higher reductions are possible by further modification of the hydrograph. The proposed method has a general character controlled by the specific site requirements of a critical flow or a water surface elevation. Based on the foregoing information, the method can be applied to similar sites.
Exogenous CLASP2 protein treatment enhances wound healing in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Kim MiJung , Lee You‐Sun , Yoo Yun‐Mi , Choi Jong‐Jin , Kim Ha‐Na , Kang Changhee , Yu Ji‐Min , Moon Sung‐Hwan , Kim Aeri , Kim Chan‐Wha 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTProliferative and migratory abilities of fibroblasts are essential for wound healing at the skin surface. Cytoplasmic linker‐associated protein‐2 (CLASP2) was originally found to interact with cytoplasmic linker protein (CLIP)‐170. CLASP2 plays an important role in microtubule stabilization and the microtubule‐stabilizing activity of CLASP2 depends on its interactions with end binding (EB)‐1 and CLIP‐170. Although the microtubule‐stabilizing role of CLASP2 is well established, the effects of CLASP2 on the migration and proliferation of fibroblasts remain unclear in the context of wound healing. Therefore, we tested the utilization of CLASP2 as a directly applied protein drug to improve wound healing by promoting the migration of effector cells, including skin fibroblasts, to the site of repair or injury using an in vivo excisional wound mouse model and in vitro Hs27 skin fibroblast model. Epidermal growth factor, which is a recognized contributor to cell proliferation and migration, was used as positive control. In vitro and in vivo, CLASP2 treatment significantly enhanced cell migration and accelerated wound closure. Furthermore, in vivo, the CLASP2‐treated animal group displayed enhanced epidermal repair and collagen deposition. Next, we studied the mechanism of CLASP2 for wound healing. Increasing the abundance of intracellular free CLASP2 in skin fibroblasts by supplying exogenous CLASP2 seemed to stabilize microtubules through an interaction between CLASP2 and CLIP‐170, as well as EB1. Exogenous CLASP2 also showed direct binding with IQGAP1, increasing both cyclic adenosine monophosphate activity and phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β, which in turn reinstated the binding between free CLASP2 and IQGAP1. In summary, exogenous CLASP2 increased Hs27 skin fibroblast migration by interacting with IQGAP1 and other cytoskeletal linker proteins, such as CLIP‐170 and EB1. Our results strongly suggest that CLASP2 can be developed in wound healing drugs for skin repair and/or regenerating cosmetic products.
Increased caveolin‐1 expression enhances the receptor‐operated Ca2+ entry in the aorta of two‐kidney, one‐clip hypertensive rats
Authors: Yan Fu‐Rong , Zhu Zhuang‐Li , Mu Yun‐Ping , Zhuang Xiao‐Ling , Lin Da‐Cen , Wu Zhi‐Juan , Gui Long‐Xin , Lin Mo‐Jun 
Published: March 2019

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
The aim was to examine and compare the contributions of caveolin‐1 to the contractile responses mediated by L‐type voltage‐dependent calcium channels, store‐operated Ca2+ channels and receptor‐operated Ca2+ channels in two different types of arteries from two‐kidney, one‐clip hypertensive rats.

What is the main finding and its importance?
We demonstrated that the density of caveolae and caveolin‐1 expression were significantly upregulated in the aorta of two‐kidney, one‐clip hypertensive rats, but not in the third‐order branches of mesenteric arteries. We highlight that caveolin‐1 plays an important role in aortic constriction by enhancing receptor‐operated Ca2+ entry in the hypertensive rat model.

AbstractCalcium and its multiple regulatory mechanisms are crucial for the development of hypertension. Among these regulatory mechanisms, store‐operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) and receptor‐operated Ca2+ entry (ROCE) mediate agonist‐induced calcium influx, contributing to vascular contraction. The SOCE and ROCE are regulated by a variety of mechanisms involving caveolin‐1 (Cav1), which has been found to be strongly associated with hypertension in gene polymorphism. In the present study, we investigated the role of Cav1 during the enhanced activity of calcium channels in hypertensive arteries. We demonstrated that the expression level of Cav1 was significantly increased in the aorta of two‐kidney, one‐clip (2K1C) hypertensive rats. The disruption of caveolae by methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin did not cause a marked difference in agonist‐induced vasoconstriction in the third‐order branches of the mesenteric arteries but strongly suppressed the aortic contractile response to endothelin‐1 in the 2K1C group, which was not found in the control group. The increase in Cav1 by introduction of Cav1 scaffolding domain enhancing peptide promoted the 1‐oleoyl‐2‐acetyl‐glycerol‐induced ROCE in hypertensive aortic smooth muscle cells but did not enhance the cyclopiazonic acid‐induced SOCE. In the resistance arteries, similar changes were not observed, and no statistical changes of Cav1 expression were evident in the third‐order branches of the mesenteric arteries. Our results indicate that increased Cav1 expression might promote the altered [Ca2+]i‐induced aortic vasoreactivity by enhancing ROCE and be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension.
Proteomic analysis of the aqueous humour in eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome
Authors: Botling Taube Amelie , Konzer Anne , Alm Albert , Bergquist Jonas 
Published: March 2019

Background/aimsPseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is characterised by the production and accumulation of extracellular fibrillar material in the anterior segment of the eye. The pathogenesis of PEX is multifactorial with genetic factors and ageing as contributing factors. Previously, an increased concentration of beta-crystalline B2 (CRYBB2) was observed in the aqueous humour (AH) in eyes with PEX in a pooled material. Here, the protein content was examined on individual basis.MethodsDuring cataract surgery, AH was sampled from patients with and without PEX, 10 eyes in each group. The proteins were digested and labelled with isotopomeric dimethyl labels, separated with high-pressure liquid chromatography and analysed in an Orbitrap mass analyzer.ResultsThe concentration of complement factor 3, kininogen-1, antithrombin III and vitamin D-binding protein was increased in all eyes with PEX. Retinol-binding protein 3, glutathione peroxidase, calsyntenin-1 and carboxypeptidase E were decreased in eyes with PEX. Beta-crystalline B1 and CRYBB2 and gamma-crystalline D were up to eightfold upregulated in 4 of 10 in eyes with PEX.Conclusion The results indicate that oxidative stress and inflammation are contributing factors in the formation of PEX. Knowledge about the proteome in PEX is relevant for understanding this condition.
The exploding worldwide cancer burden
Authors: Wilson C. M. , Tobin S. , Young R. C. 
Published: March 2019

Although age-adjusted cancer death rates have started to decline in the United States and other developed nations – thanks in large part to widespread screening programs that detect cancers at early, treatable stages – cancer in developing countries is on the rise. Ironically, rising life expectancy in those nations along with the adoption of ‘Western’ lifestyles will leave many more people vulnerable to cancer. Unfortunately, the early detection tools and treatment technology that have helped control cancer in wealthier lands are often not readily available in many other countries.Much of this increased cancer burden will take the form of cancers that affect women – not only breast, cervical, and other gynecologic cancers but colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and other malignancies related to tobacco. Physicians specializing in cancer care for women need to be alert to every opportunity to improve cancer screening and prevention among the growing, aging populations of less-developed countries.Less precise but less costly and more widely available screening techniques may save thousands more lives than the most sophisticated technology because low-cost programs can be applied widely instead of being reserved for a fortunate few. In addition, education and prevention efforts directed toward tobacco use need to be put in place to help stem an epidemic of tobacco-related cancers that has largely peaked in developed countries but looms ominously in the future of developing nations.
Sulfatides in ovarian tumors: clinicopathological correlates
Authors: Makhlouf A. M. , Fathalla M. M. , Zakhary M. A. , Makarem M. H. 
Published: March 2019

ObjectivesTo investigate the expression of sulfatides in the tissue homogenates of malignant ovarian tumors, benign ovarian tumors, and control tissues and to study the relation between this marker and other clinico-pathological criteria such as the tumor type, grade of differentiation, surgical stage and ovulatory years.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Biochemistry, Assuit university hospital.SubjectsForty-six patients had malignant ovarian tumors. Sixteen patients had benign ovarian neoplasm. Thirty patients, with normal ovaries, represented the control group.MethodsA sample of the tumor or from the normal ovary (the control group) was sent for histopathological and biochemical examination. Sulfatides were measured by a rapid and sensitive spectrophotometric method.ResultsThere was a significant rise in benign tumors [median and range 43 (38–53)], than in the control group, 21 (18–31),P-value = 0.000. In malignant tumors, the median value of sulfatides was significantly higher than in benign tumors [127 (71–193),P-value = 0.000]. Sulfatides were significantly higher in patients with more ovulatory years and tumors of advanced stages (stage III/IV) and poor differentiation.ConclusionsSulfatides may play a role in the pathogenesis of benign and malignant ovarian tumors. It may also predict advanced stages in patients who are apparently early stage. It is also a candidate to study of their association with response to chemotherapy.
HIV testing behaviour and HIV prevalence among female sex workers in Ukraine: findings from an Integrated Bio-Behavioural Survey, 2013–2014
Authors: Tokar Anna , Sazonova Iana , Mishra Sharmistha , Smyrnov Pavlo , Saliuk Tetiana , Lazarus Jeffrey V , Broerse Jacqueline E W , Roura Maria , Blanchard James , Becker Marissa L 
Published: March 2019

ObjectivesUkraine has one of the largest HIV epidemics in Europe, with high prevalence among female sex workers (FSWs). We aimed to identify factors associated with HIV testing and receipt of the test result in the last 12 months, HIV prevalence and self-reported positive status among FSWs in Ukraine.MethodsWe used data from an Integrated Bio-Behavioural Survey among FSWs conducted in 2013–2014. The survey methodology combined three sampling strategies: time and location sampling, respondent-driven sampling and key informant recruitment. We used multivariable regression to identify factors associated with self-reported HIV testing in the last 12 months, HIV prevalence and self-reported positive status among FSWs living with HIV. Explored factors included: age, age at first sex, age at entry into sex work, education, marital status, employment status beside sex work, condom use with last paying or non-paying sexual partner, drug or alcohol consumption and sex work venue.ResultsRecent HIV testing was low overall with only 63.2% of FSWs reported having tested and received their test result in the last 12 months prior to the survey. HIV prevalence was 7.1% overall, but only 45.0% of FSWs living with HIV were aware of their HIV status. Testing in the last 12 months with receipt of test result was less common among FSWs who used drugs ever in life (adjusted OR (AOR) 0.7, 95% CI 0.6 to 0.9), women soliciting clients indoors (AOR 0.8, 95% CI 0.7 to 0.9) and those not using a condom with last paying sexual partner (AOR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.5). HIV positivity was associated with history of ever using drugs (AOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4 to 3.6) and soliciting clients outdoors (AOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.0). Women working indoors were less aware of their positive status (AOR 0.1, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.9).ConclusionHIV prevalence is high among FSWs in Ukraine, and testing and knowledge of one’s status remain insufficient. HIV testing programmes need to expand with strategies to reach specific subgroups of FSWs.
Disparities in Systemic Treatment Use in Advanced-stage Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer by Source of Health Insurance
Authors: Maguire Frances B. , Morris Cyllene R. , Parikh-Patel Arti , Cress Rosemary D. , Keegan Theresa H.M. , Li Chin-Shang , Lin Patrick S. , Kizer Kenneth W. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackground:Management of advanced-stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has changed significantly over the past two decades with the development of numerous systemic treatments, including targeted therapies. However, a high proportion of advanced-stage patients are untreated. The role that health insurance plays in receipt of systemic treatments is unclear.Methods:Using California Cancer Registry data (2012–2014), we developed multivariable Poisson regression models to assess the independent effect of health insurance type on systemic treatment utilization among patients with stage IV NSCLC. Systemic treatment information was manually abstracted from treatment text fields.Results:A total of 17,310 patients were evaluated. Patients with Medicaid/other public insurance were significantly less likely to receive any systemic treatments [risk ratio (RR), 0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.75–0.82], bevacizumab combinations (RR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.45–0.71), or tyrosine kinase inhibitors (RR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.60–0.82) compared with the privately insured. Patients with Medicare or dual Medicare–Medicaid insurance were not significantly different from the privately insured in their likelihood of receiving systemic treatments.Conclusions:Substantial disparities in the use of systemic treatments for stage IV NSCLC exist by source of health insurance in California. Patients with Medicaid/other public insurance were significantly less likely to receive systemic treatments compared with their privately insured counterparts.Impact:Source of health insurance influences care received. Further research is warranted to better understand barriers to treatment that patients with Medicaid face.