bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reading deficits correlate with cortical and subcortical volume changes in a genetic migration disorder
Authors: Liu Wenyu , Wu Xintong , Zhou Dong , Gong Qiyong 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Periventricular nodular heterotopia (PNH) is the most common type of epileptogenic neuronal migration disorder, and often presents with epilepsy and reading disability. The functional role of ectopic nodules has been widely studied. However, the associated structural cortical and subcortical volumetric alterations have not been well characterized. Moreover, it is unknown whether a correlation between volumetric changes and behavioral problems exists.
40 subjects with bilateral PNH and 40 matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The total cerebral, gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volumes were compared between the two groups. Furthermore, structural and functional correlations were evaluated between volumetric changes and reading disability.
There were no significant differences detected in total cerebral, gray matter or CSF volumes between the two groups, but there was a significant trend of larger gray-matter volume in PNH. Specifically, smaller white matter volumes were found in the PNH patients. Moreover, the volume of white matter was negatively related to time in the digit rapid naming task and a similar but insignificant trend was seen between the volume of gray matter and backward digit span.
These findings suggest that reading disability exists in our sample of bilateral PNH. Periventricular nodules would have normally migrated to the overlying cortex. However, the total cerebral, gray matter, and CSF volumes were unaffected. Alterations in neuronal migration may have an impact in the white matter associated reading dysfluency, that is, visually normal.
Efficacy and hypoglycemic risk of sitagliptin in obese/overweight patients with type 2 diabetes compared with GLP-1 receptor agonists
Authors: Dai Danping , Mao Yiyang , Jin Haiying , Zhang Wei 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Objective:
The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and hypoglycemic risk of sitagliptin versus that of GLP-1 receptor agonists in the management of obese/overweight patients with T2DM.

Methods:
EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched; randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy of sitagliptin versus that of GLP-1 receptor agonists in obese/overweight patients with T2DM were included. The mean BMI of participants for each study was ≥30 kg/m2. We conducted a meta-analysis according to the methods specified in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. RevMan 5.1 software was used to perform the meta-analysis. The Cochrane Q test and I
2 statistics were used to estimate the heterogeneity among studies. The results are expressed as the mean difference (MD) or risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals.

Results:
A total of 8 eligible studies were included in our meta-analysis. Compared with GLP-1 receptor agonists, sitagliptin was less effective at reducing HbA1c (0.42 [0.27, 0.56]), FPG (0.78 [0.36, 1.19]), PPG (2.61 [1.35, 3.87]), and body weight (1.42 [0.71, 2.14]). Conversely, there were no significant differences in SBP reduction (0.38 [−1.14, 1.89]), DBP reduction (−0.30 [−1.00, 0.39]), and hypoglycemic risk (1.09 [0.50, 2.35]).

Conclusion:
For obese/overweight patients, sitagliptin may exert a less potent effect on HbA1C, FPG, PPG, and weight reduction than GLP-1 receptor agonists, but these drugs had a similar efficacy in reducing blood pressure; furthermore, there was no significant difference in hypoglycemic risk.
Clinical significance of endothelial progenitor cells in patients with liver cirrhosis with or without hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Cho Hyun Chin , Kim Jin Hyun , Cha Ra Ri , Kim Wan Soo , Lee Jae Min , Lee Sang Soo , Kim Hyun Jin , Lee Chang Min , Kim Hong Jun , Ha Chang Yoon , Kim Tae Hyo , Jung Woon Tae , Lee Ok-Jae 
Published: September 2019

Background and objective
The role of endothelial progenitor cells in patients with cirrhosis has seldom been investigated. This study was conducted to assess the clinical significance of circulating endothelial progenitor cells in patients with liver cirrhosis with or without hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods
A blood sample was collected once from patients with cirrhosis alone (n = 34) or cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 46) and healthy controls (n = 27) for assessing levels of endothelial progenitor cells and vascular endothelial growth factor. Blood cells staining positive for CD34/CD133/KDR using flow cytometry were characterized as endothelial progenitor cells. Plasma vascular endothelial growth factor was quantified by ELISA.

Results
The levels of CD34/KDR-positive endothelial progenitor cells, CD133/KDR-positive endothelial progenitor cells, and vascular endothelial growth factor were higher in patients with cirrhosis ± hepatocellular carcinoma than in healthy controls (P = 0.017, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). The levels of endothelial progenitor cells and vascular endothelial growth factor did not show statistical difference according to Child-Turcotte-Pugh class. There was a moderately significant correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor levels and hepatocellular carcinoma stage (ρ = 0.464, P = 0.001). Smoking, ascites, and portal vein thrombosis were independently related to lower levels of circulating CD34/KDR-positive endothelial progenitor cells, higher levels of CD133/KDR-positive endothelial progenitor cells, and higher levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, respectively (P = 0.041, P = 0.023, and P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion
Circulating endothelial progenitor cells and plasma vascular endothelial growth factor levels were higher in patients with liver cirrhosis ± hepatocellular carcinoma compared to healthy controls. The increase in endothelial progenitor cells and vascular endothelial growth factor may have a possible role in the development of complications, especially ascites and portal vein thrombosis, or in progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Fibrosis-4, aspartate transaminase-to-platelet ratio index, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-to-platelet ratio for risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B patients: comparison with liver biopsy
Authors: Kim Mi Na , Lee Ju Ho , Chon Young Eun , Ha Yeonjung , Hwang Seong Gyu 
Published: September 2019

Background and aims:
It is well known that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops as a consequence of hepatic fibrosis progression. Thus, early identification of advanced liver fibrosis is very important. This study evaluated the prognostic value of FIB-4, the aspartate transaminase to-platelet ratio index (APRI), and the gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-toplatelet ratio (GPR) for predicting HCC development using histological fibrosis stage as a reference in Asian chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.

Methods:
A total of 444 CHB patients who underwent liver biopsy and serological tests for determining noninvasive serum fibrosis markers were enrolled. All patients were followed to monitor HCC development.

Results:
The histological fibrosis stage showed best performance in predicting HCC development at 5 (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC] = 0.783) and 7 years (AUROC = 0.766), followed by FIB-4 (AUROC = 0.753 at 5 years, 0.698 at 7 years), APRI (AUROC = 0.658 at 5 years, 0.572 at 7 years), and GPR (AUROC = 0.638 at 5 years, 0.603 at 7 years). When we classified risk groups according to the histological fibrosis stage (F4 vs. F0-3) and FIB-4 (FIB-4 ≥ 3.25 vs. FIB-4 < 3.25), patients in the high-risk group were found to have a significantly higher probability of developing HCC than those in the low-risk group (P=0.005 and 0.022, respectively, log-rank test).

Conclusion:
Our study demonstrated that FIB-4 is useful for the noninvasive prediction of HCC development, while APRI and GPR were less useful.
Patterns of splenic arterial enhancement on computed tomography scan are related to portal venous hypertension
Authors: McCormick Peter Aiden , Docherty James R. 
Published: September 2019

Objectives:
We have previously shown that patterns of splenic arterial enhancement on computed tomography scan change following liver transplantation. We suggested that this is related to changes in portal venous pressure. The aim of this study was to see if similar patterns occur in patients with and without portal hypertension and in patients before and after portal systemic shunts (transjugular portosystemic shunts).

Methods:
We evaluated contrast enhanced computed tomography scans in patients being evaluated for liver disease and compared those from patients with and without portal hypertension. In addition we evaluated patients who had computed tomography scans before and after transjugular portosystemic shunts shunts. Splenic arterial enhancement was evaluated using Hounsfield units (pixel counts).

Results:
Twenty-four patients with clinically significant portal hypertension were compared to 91 without. Mean splenic pixel count was significantly lower in patients with clinically significant portal hypertension (88.2 ± 17.7 vs. 115.2 ± 21.0; m ± SD, P < 0.01). Computed tomography scans were available in 18 patients pre- and post-transjugular portosystemic shunts. Pixel counts were significantly higher in the post-transjugular portosystemic shunts scans (99.7 ± 20.9 vs. 88.9 ± 26.3; P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
This study supports the hypothesis that changes in portal venous pressure are related to changes in splenic arterial enhancement. We suggest that this reflects changes in the splenic micro-circulation. This mechanism may be part of the innate immune response and may also be important in the pathogenesis of hypersplenism.
Radiation-Induced Sarcoma on 18F-FDG PET/CT After Treatment of Gorham-Stout Disease of the Maxilla
Authors: Rodriguez-Vazquez Jose R. , Chandra Srinivasa R. , Albertson Megan E. , Hansen Neil J. , Johnson Craig M. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Gorham-Stout disease is a rare disorder characterized by proliferation of lymphatic and vascular channels within bone resulting in osteolysis. A 53-year-old man with Gorham-Stout disease involving the left maxilla underwent previous treatment including radiation therapy and intralesional chemotherapeutic injections. He later presented with anemia, facial pain, weight loss, and nasal cavity hemorrhage. CT imaging demonstrated a mass centered within the right maxillary sinus with locoregional involvement. PET/CT showed prominent FDG activity involving the mass centered in the right maxillary sinus with low-grade avidity involving the contralateral maxilla in regions of treated Gorham-Stout disease. Biopsy of the mass confirmed radiation-induced sarcoma.
Early Reconstruction of Gunshot Mandible Fracture: A Modified Approach
Authors: Cetira Filho Edson Luiz , Oliveira Neto Jair Queiroz , Vasconcelos Raquel Bastos , Carvalho Abrahão Cavalcante Gomes de Souza 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The management of victims of gunshot fractures is a challenge for surgeons, mainly due to the complexity of the injury itself and degree of bone comminution. The titanium functionally dynamic bridging plate has often been used in reconstructive surgery after mandibular fractures. The classic indication for bridge plate use is comminuted fractures with or without associated substance losses. The aim of this article is report the case of gunshot victim and to discuss the bridge plate technique utilized for treatment. A 21 years-old, melanoderma, male patient was victim of a firearm-related assault, with comminutive fracture of the mandibular body. The protocol for the bridging plate technique was performed. The patient is in postoperative follow-up of eight months, not present aesthetic or functional complaints, stable occlusion, satisfactory mouth opening and no clinical signs of infection.
Craniofacial Morphometric Features Associated With Pericondylar Fractures of the Mandible
Authors: Shilo Dekel , Elias Yekaterina Bereznyak , Capucha Tal , Blanc Ori , Emodi Omri , Rachmiel Adi 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The research aimed at investigating potential correlations between craniofacial morphological measurements and mandibular pericondylar fractures, based on a retrospective study of 380 mandible fractures treated in our department, during 2010 to 2017. Predictors included morphological measurements and features. Primary outcome was presence of pericondylar fracture; 133 pericondylar fractures were found, including subcondylar, condylar neck, and condylar head fractures. Condylar neck fractures showed negative correlations with condylar neck width (5.7 mm versus 6.7 mm sagittaly, and 6.1 mm versus 6.8 mm coronally, respectively). Gonial angle (117.3 degrees versus 128.7), and mandibular length 106.2 mm versus 110.4 mm, respectively) showed negative correlation with all pericondylar fractures. Ramus height correlated positively with pericondylar fractures (53.6 mm versus 51.2 mm, respectively). Thus, our results showed condylar neck width was a predictor for condylar neck fractures. In addition, individuals suffering from pericondylar fractures had significantly smaller gonial angles, longer ramus height, and shorter mandibular length. These morphologic features are characteristic of individuals with decreased anterior facial height. Our results corroborated a previous study we had conducted, which suggested that increased anterior vertical growth correlates with angle fractures.
Morphology, Incidence of Bridging, Dimensions of Sella Turcica, and Cephalometric Standards in Three Different Racial Groups
Authors: Muhammed Fenik Kaml , Abdullah Adil Othman , Liu Yi 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
This study aims to assess the morphological appearance, incidence of bridging, linear dimensions of sella turcica and establish cephalometric standards in Bosnian, Chinese and Nepalese subjects. This retrospective study examined digital standardized lateral cephalograms of 540 subjects, which consisted of 116 females and 64 males with an age range of 8 to 28 years. The sella morphology, bridging, and size were analyzed on the lateral cephalograms. Steiner's and Rickett's analyses were performed on 270 subjects. Sella turcica presented a normal morphology in most Bosnian (86.7%), and Nepalese (90%) subjects whereas flat-shaped morphology was highly prevalent among Chinese subjects (36.7%). The frequency of full bridging was 7.2%, 2.8%, and 11.7% for Bosnian, Chinese, and Nepalese subjects, respectively. A significant correlation was detected between the length of sella turcica and gender of Bosnian subjects, whereas the size of sella turcica and gender of Chinese and Nepalese subjects were not affected. A direct correlation existed between age and size of sella turcica of Bosnian subjects. A significant correlation was detected between length and diameter of sella turcica and age in Chinese and Nepalese subjects. A statistically significant difference was found in length (P < 0.001), depth (P < 0.01) and diameter (P < 0.001) of sella turcica with race. The diameter of sella turcica was the only parameter significantly associated with race, gender and age. Significant differences were found between cephalometric norms in different racial groups. These findings assist orthodontists, neurosurgeons, and forensic medical investigatiors during orthodontic treatment planning, diagnosis of pathology of the pituitary gland, and age determination.
Venous-to-Arterial Carbon Dioxide Partial Pressure Difference: Predictor of Septic Patient Prognosis Depending on Central Venous Oxygen Saturation
Authors: Ronflé Romain , Lefebvre Laurent , Duclos Gary , Rambaud Romain , Baumstarck Karine , Boucekine Mohamed , Daviet Florence , Baldesi Olivier , Papazian Laurent , Leone Marc 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACT
This study aimed to assess the viability of using the venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure difference (P(v–a)CO2) to predict clinical worsening of septic shock, depending on central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2). The prospective, observational, multicentric study conducted in three intensive care units (ICUs) included all patients with a septic shock episode during the first 6 h, with 122 patients assessed. Clinical worsening was defined as an increase of sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores ≥1 (ΔSOFA ≥1) within 2 days. To assess the ability of P(v–a)CO2 to predict clinical worsening, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed according to ΔSOFA. A receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to confirm model predictions. Associations between P(v–a)CO2 and mortality were explored using correlations. Using multivariate analyses, two independent factors associated with ΔSOFA at least 1 were identified: an averaged 6-h value of lactate concentration (Lac [1–6]) (odds ratios [ORs], 2.43 [95% confidence interval, CI, 1.20–4.89]; P = 0.013) and an averaged 6-h value of P(v–a)CO2 (P(v–a)CO2 [1–6]) (OR, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.04–2.15]; P = 0.029). ROC analysis confirmed that Lac [1–6] and P(v–a)CO2 [1–6] were significantly associated with ΔSOFA at least 1, whereas ScvO2 [1–6] was not. Finally, ΔSOFA at least 1 was associated with higher 28-day (76% vs. 10%, P = 0.001) and ICU (83% vs. 12%, P = 0.001) mortality rates, which were higher in patients with P(v–a)CO2 [1–6] more than 5.8 mmHg (57% vs. 33%; P = 0.012). In conclusion, P(v–a)CO2 may help predict outcomes for septic shock patients regardless of ScvO2 values.
Critical Role of Mortalin/GRP75 in Endothelial Cell Dysfunction Associated with Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Leonard Antony , Su Pei Yi , Yule David I. , Rahman Arshad , Fazal Fabeha 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACT
Mortalin/GRP75 (glucose regulated protein 75), a member of heat shock protein 70 family of chaperones, is involved in several cellular processes including proliferation and signaling, and plays a pivotal role in cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we sought to determine the role of mortalin/GRP75 in mediating vascular inflammation and permeability linked to the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI). In an aerosolized bacterial lipopolysaccharide inhalation mouse model of ALI, we found that administration of mortalin/GRP75 inhibitor mean kinetic temperature-077, both prophylactically and therapeutically, protected against polymorphonuclear leukocytes influx into alveolar airspaces, microvascular leakage, and expression of pro-inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-1β, E-selectin, and tumor necrosis factor TNFα. Consistent with this, thrombin-induced inflammation in cultured human endothelial cells (EC) was also protected upon before and after treatment with mean kinetic temperature-077. Similar to pharmacological inhibition of mortalin/GRP75, siRNA-mediated depletion of mortalin/GRP75 also blocked thrombin-induced expression of proinflammatory mediators such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular adhesion molecule-1. Mechanistic analysis in EC revealed that inactivation of mortalin/GRP75 interfered with the binding of the liberated NF-κB to the DNA, thereby leading to inhibition of downstream expression of adhesion molecules, cytokines, and chemokines. Importantly, thrombin-induced Ca2+ signaling and EC permeability were also prevented upon mortalin/GRP75 inactivation/depletion. Thus, this study provides evidence for a novel role of mortalin/GRP75 in mediating EC inflammation and permeability associated with ALI.
MLDSP-GUI: An alignment-free standalone tool with an interactive graphical user interface for DNA sequence comparison and analysis
Authors: Randhawa Gurjit S. , Hill Kathleen A. , Kari Lila 
Published: September 2019

AbstractSummaryMLDSP-GUI (Machine Learning with Digital Signal Processing) is an open-source, alignment-free, ultrafast, computationally lightweight, standalone software tool with an interactive Graphical User Interface (GUI) for comparison and analysis of DNA sequences. MLDSP-GUI is a general-purpose tool that can be used for a variety of applications such as taxonomic classification, disease classification, virus subtype classification, evolutionary analyses, among others.AvailabilityMLDSP-GUI is open-source, cross-platform compatible, and is available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). The executable and dataset files are available at https://sourceforge.net/projects/mldsp-gui/.Contactgrandha8@uwo.caSupplementary informationSupplementary data are available online.
NIHBA: A Network Interdiction Approach with Hybrid Benders Algorithm for Strain Design
Authors: Jiang Shouyong , Wang Yong , Kaiser Marcus , Krasnogor Natalio 
Published: September 2019

AbstractFlux balance analysis (FBA) based bilevel optimisation has been a great success in redesigning metabolic networks for biochemical overproduction. To date, many computational approaches have been developed to solve the resulting bilevel optimisation problems. However, most of them are of limited use due to biased optimality principle, poor scalability with the size of metabolic networks, potential numeric issues, or low quantity of design solutions in a single run. In this work, we have employed a network interdiction model free of growth optimality assumptions, a special case of bilevel optimisation, for computational strain design and have developed a hybrid Benders algorithm (HBA) that deals with complicating binary variables in the model, thereby achieving high efficiency without numeric issues in search of best design strategies. More importantly, HBA can list solutions that meet users’ production requirements during the search, making it possible to obtain numerous design strategies at a small runtime overhead (typically ∼1 hour).
Membrane composition influences the conformation and function of the dopamine transporter in vivo
Authors: Fong Wendy M. , Erreger Kevin , Choi Se Joon , Reddy India , Johnson Christopher W. , Mosharov Eugene V. , Javitch Jonathan A. , Yamamoto Ai 
Published: September 2019

SummaryThe biophysical and biochemical properties of membrane lipids can alter the conformation and function of membrane-spanning proteins, yet the specific, physiological consequence in vivo of changing the membrane milieu for a specific protein has been rarely investigated. Using various genetic approaches to eliminate expression of the membrane-associated protein Flotillin-1, we have found that the lipid environment of the dopamine transporter (DAT) is necessary for mice to respond to amphetamine but not cocaine, because the localization of DAT to cholesterol-rich membranes is required for a DAT conformation that is essential for reverse transport of dopamine. Furthermore, a conditional rather than constitutive loss-of-function approach was necessary to reveal this phenotype, indicating a broader role for membrane-protein interactions that are modulated by Flotillin-1. Taken together, these findings demonstrate how interaction of a transmembrane protein with its membrane environment can regulate distinct events in the vertebrate brain that give rise to specific behavioral outcomes.