bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomarkers and clinical characteristics of autoimmune chronic spontaneous urticaria: Results of the PURIST Study
Authors: Schoepke Nicole , Asero Riccardo , Ellrich André , Ferrer Marta , Gimenez‐Arnau Ana , E. H. Grattan Clive , Jakob Thilo , Konstantinou George N. , Raap Ulrike , Skov Per Stahl , Staubach Petra , Kromminga Arno , Zhang Ke , Bindslev‐Jensen Carsten , Daschner Alvaro , Kinaciyan Tamar , Knol Edward F. , Makris Michael , Marrouche Nadine , Schmid‐Grendelmeier Peter , Sussman Gordon , Toubi Elias , Church Martin K. , Maurer Marcus 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundAutoimmune chronic spontaneous urticaria (aiCSU) is an important subtype of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in which functional IgG autoantibodies to IgE or its high‐affinity receptor (FcεRI) induces mast cell degranulation and subsequent symptom development. However, it has not been tightly characterized. This study aimed to better define the clinical and immunological features and to explore potential biomarkers of aiCSU.MethodsThis was a multinational, multicenter study of 182 CSU patients. The clinical features studied included: urticaria activity and impact (UAS7 and quality of life); autologous serum skin test (ASST); IgG anti‐FcεRI and IgG anti‐IgE; IgG‐anti‐thyroperoxidase (IgG anti‐TPO); total serum IgE; and basophil reactivity (BASO) using the basophil activation test (BAT) and basophil histamine release assay (BHRA).ResultsOf the 182 patients, 107 (59%) were ASST+, 46 (25%) were BASO+, and 105 (58%) were IgG anti‐FcεRI+/IgE+. Fifteen patients (8%) fulfilled all three criteria of aiCSU. aiCSU patients appeared more severe (UAS7 21 vs 9 P < 0.016) but showed no other clinical or demographic differences from non‐aiCSU patients. aiCSU patients also had markedly lower total IgE levels (P < 0.0001) and higher IgG anti‐TPO levels (P < 0.001). Of biomarkers, positive BAT and BHRA tests were 69% and 88% predictive of aiCSU, respectively.ConclusionsaiCSU is a relatively small but immunologically distinct subtype of CSU that cannot be identified by routine clinical parameters. Inclusion of BHRA or BAT in the diagnostic workup of CSU patients may aid identification of aiCSU patients, who may have a different prognosis and benefit from specific management.
Noncoding RNA transcription at enhancers and genome folding in cancer
Authors: Isoda Takeshi , Morio Tomohiro , Takagi Masatoshi 
Published: June 2019

AbstractChanges of nuclear localization of lineage‐specific genes from a transcriptionally inert to permissive environment are a crucial step in establishing the identity of a cell. Noncoding RNA transcription‐mediated genome folding and activation of target gene expression have been found in a variety of cell types. Noncoding RNA ThymoD (thymocyte differentiation factor) transcription at superenhancers is essential for mouse T‐cell lineage commitment. The cessation of ThymoD transcription abolishes transcription‐mediated demethylation, recruiting looping factors such as the cohesin complex, CCCTC‐binding factor (CTCF), ultimately leading to the phenotype of severe combined immunodeficiency and T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma. In this review, we describe the functional role of RNA polymerase II‐mediated transcription at enhancers and in genome folding. We also highlight the involvement of faulty activation or suppression of enhancer transcription and enhancer‐promoter interaction in cancer development.
Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on children with low‐function autism
Authors: Kang Jian‐Nan , Song Jia‐Jia , Casanova Manuel F. , Sokhadze Estate M. , Li Xiao‐Li 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a very complex neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by social difficulties and stereotypical or repetitive behavior. Some previous studies using low‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) have proven of benefit in ASD children.MethodsIn this study, 32 children (26 males and six females) with low‐function autism were enrolled, 16 children (three females and 13 males; mean ± SD age: 7.8 ± 2.1 years) received rTMS treatment twice every week, while the remaining 16 children (three females and 13 males; mean ± SD age: 7.2 ± 1.6 years) served as waitlist group. This study investigated the effects of rTMS on brain activity and behavioral response in the autistic children.ResultsPeak alpha frequency (PAF) is an electroencephalographic measure of cognitive preparedness and might be a neural marker of cognitive function for the autism. Coherence is one way to assess the brain functional connectivity of ASD children, which has proven abnormal in previous studies. The results showed significant increases in the PAF at the frontal region, the left temporal region, the right temporal region and the occipital region and a significant increase of alpha coherence between the central region and the right temporal region. Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) scores were also compared before and after receiving rTMS with positive effects shown on behavior.ConclusionThese findings supported our hypothesis by demonstration of positive effects of combined rTMS neurotherapy in active treatment group as compared to the waitlist group, as the rTMS group showed significant improvements in behavioral and functional outcomes as compared to the waitlist group.
The time course of ineffective sham‐blinding during low‐intensity (1 mA) transcranial direct current stimulation
Authors: Greinacher Robert , Buhôt Larissa , Möller Lisa , Learmonth Gemma 
Published: June 2019

AbstractStudies using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) typically compare an active protocol relative to a shorter sham (placebo) protocol. Both protocols are presumed to be perceptually identical on the scalp, and thus represent an effective method of delivering double‐blinded experimental designs. However, participants often show above‐chance accuracy when asked which condition involved active/sham retrospectively. We assessed the time course of sham‐blinding during active and sham tDCS. We predicted that participants would be aware that the current is switched on for longer in the active versus sham protocol. Thirty‐two adults were tested in a preregistered, double‐blinded, within‐subjects design. A forced‐choice reaction time task was undertaken before, during and after active (10 min 1 mA) and sham (20 s 1 mA) tDCS. The anode was placed over the left primary motor cortex (C3) to target the right hand, and the cathode on the right forehead. Two probe questions were asked every 30 s: “Is the stimulation on?” and “How sure are you?”. Distinct periods of non‐overlapping confidence intervals were identified between conditions, totalling 5 min (57.1% of the total difference in stimulation time). These began immediately after sham ramp‐down and lasted until the active protocol had ended. We therefore show a failure of placebo control during 1 mA tDCS. These results highlight the need to develop more effective methods of sham‐blinding during transcranial electrical stimulation protocols, even when delivered at low‐intensity current strengths.
A new DTAR (diversity–time–area relationship) model demonstrated with the indoor microbiome
Authors: Ma Zhanshan (Sam) 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimThe spatio‐temporal distribution of biodiversity is a core field of biogeography, and the so‐termed species–time–area relationship (STAR), together with its siblings, that is the SAR (species–area relationship) and STR (species–time relationship), has achieved the rare status of classic laws in ecology and biogeography. Traditionally, the STAR or its recent generalization DTAR (diversity–time–area relationship) has been described with the bivariate power law (BPL) model or more recently with Whittaker, Triantis, and Ladle (2008, Journal of Biography; 35: 18) general dynamic model (GDM). We propose to extend the classic BPL into a more flexible DTAR model, which offers new quantitative methods for estimating maximal global diversity and charactering the relationship between local and regional diversity.LocationIndoor microbiome.TaxonMicrobes.MethodWe revise the BPL model by introducing two taper‐off (cut‐off) parameters or BPLEC (bivariate power law with exponential cutoffs) model, which eventually overwhelms the unsaturated increase of diversity over time and/or space and consequently can offer more realistic modelling of the joint spatio‐temporal distribution of biodiversity. Based on the BPLEC model, we further define three new concepts for DTAR: maximal accrual diversity (MAD) profile, local‐to‐regional diversity (LRD) ratio profile and local‐to‐global diversity (LGD) ratio profile.ResultsWe introduce and demonstrate the new BPLEC model with the indoor microbiome datasets (Lax et al., 2014, Science; 345: 1048–1052). The new model fitted to the microbiome datasets equally well or slightly better than existing BPL and GDM models, but it possesses two advantages stated below.Main conclusionFirst, the new BPLEC model overcomes the unlimited diversity accrual in temporal and/or spatial dimensions and hence offers more realistic modelling to the DTAR. Second, the MAD and LRD/LGD offer useful methods for estimating the “dark” or “potential” diversity, which accounts for the species locally absent but present in a habitat‐specific regional species pool.
Outcomes of visual tooth shade selection performed by operators with different experience
Authors: Yılmaz Begüm , Irmak Özgür , Yaman Batu Can 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of professional experience and lighting conditions on visual shade selection on natural teeth and comparing the visual‐shade‐selection results with those of instrumental methods.Materials and MethodsShade selection was performed on five maxillary central incisors. The 25 observers were divided into five groups according to their professional experience. Observers performed visual‐shade‐selection using shade guide (Vita 3D Master, Vita Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany) under two lighting conditions (4000 and 6500 K) from the cervical, middle and incisal thirds of the teeth. Same teeth were measured using an intraoral scanner (Trios 3Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark) and spectrophotometer (Vita Easyshade Compact, Vita Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany), under the same two lighting conditions.ResultsVisual‐shade‐selection outcomes were not affected by professional experience under both lighting conditions (P < .05). Outcomes of visual‐shade‐selection and intraoral scanner were not significantly different than that of spectrophotometer (P > .05). Lighting conditions had no effect on the shade measurement outcomes of visual shade selection, Vita Easyshade Compact, and Trios 3Shape (P > .05).ConclusionsShade measurement outcomes were not affected by the lighting conditions (4000 and 6500 K). The shade measurement feature of the T‐3S could be an alternative to V‐ES and VSS.Clinical significanceThis study suggests professional experience and lighting conditions has no effect on visual shade selection. Trios 3Shape could be used for shade determination as an alternative to a Vita Easyshade Compact spectrophotometer.
Sex‐related differences in symptoms of temporomandibular disorders and structural changes in the lateral pterygoid muscle after whiplash injury
Authors: Lee Yeon‐Hee , Lee Kyung Mi , Auh Q‐Schick , Hong Jyung‐Pyo 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWhiplash injury is an initiating or aggravating factor of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Although there are sex‐related differences in the mechanism of pain perception and pain control, there is a lack of research on differences in TMD after whiplash injury. We aimed to evaluate sex‐related differences in the clinical symptoms and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of patients with TMD attributed to whiplash injury. This retrospective, cross‐sectional study included 100 patients (50 women; 50 men; mean age, 37.60 years) who visited our oro‐facial pain clinic with symptoms of TMD after whiplash injury. All patients underwent detailed evaluations for history of trauma, and their clinical and MRI findings were comprehensively assessed. Women with TMD after whiplash injury perceived more pain and presented more tenderness upon palpation than did men with TMD. In addition, women showed higher volume (58% vs 26%) and signal changes (54% vs 20%) in the lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM) and more anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDWoR) (40% vs 20%) than did men. The presence of ADDWoR (odds ratio, 10.58; P = 0.007) and condylar degeneration (odds ratio, 9.30; P = 0.015) predicted LPM volume; stressful conditions (beta = 1.34; P = 0.011) correlated with increased visual analogue scale scores, and sleep problem was associated with an increased palpation index (PI) (beta = 0.42; P < 0.001) and neck PI (beta = 0.49; P < 0.001) scores only in women. Our results showed sex‐specific differences in pain intensity, distribution of clinical and abnormal MRI findings, and their relationships, and these differences should be considered when treating patients with TMD.
What evidence‐based strategies have been shown to improve breastfeeding rates in preterm infants?
Authors: Hilditch Cathie , Howes Alexander , Dempster Natalie , Keir Amy 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBreast milk is the preferred form of nutrition for all infants and has been shown to reduce morbidity and improve health outcomes in preterm infants. However, mothers of preterm infants face many challenges initiating and sustaining breastfeeding within the neonatal unit. This scoping review examines evidence‐based practices which aim to improve breastfeeding rates in preterm infants at the time of hospital discharge. A literature review identified 17 articles which are included in this review. Supporting evidence was found for the implementation of kangaroo mother care and/or skin‐to‐skin care, peer counsellors, provision of oropharyngeal colostrum in early infancy and use of donor human milk banks. However, overall it is apparent that high quality research including systematic review and data synthesis in the form of meta‐analysis is required in this area to reach sound conclusions regarding recommendations of different interventions. This scoping review provides an important foundation for further research into this area.
Effect of glycerol on the physicochemical properties of films based on legume protein concentrates: A comparative study
Authors: Hopkins Erin J. , Stone Andrea K. , Wang Jiapei , Korber Darren R. , Nickerson Michael T. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe overall goal of this research was to examine the mechanical, water vapor barrier properties and opacity of films prepared using legume protein concentrates (faba bean, pea, lupin, lentil, and soy) as a function of glycerol concentration (50, 75, or 100% [wt/wt]—relative to the protein weight). Overall, tensile strength (TS) decreased with increasing glycerol concentration, whereas tensile elongation (TE) and water vapor permeability (WVP) increased with increasing glycerol concentration. Film opacity was independent of glycerol concentration. The effect of protein‐type varied considerably depending on the functional property of the film being measured; TS was greatest with faba bean and lowest with lupin, whereas TE was highest for pea, and lowest for soy. Lentil protein films had considerably higher WVP, at the 100% glycerol concentration, as compared to the other protein concentrates. Findings from this study indicate that legume protein concentrates are capable of forming biodegradable, edible films. Overall, pea protein concentrate films showed the most promise for application in terms of strength, elongation, and moisture barrier properties.
Family history of liver cancer may modify the association between HBV infection and liver cancer in a Chinese population
Authors: Liu Xing , Baecker Aileen , Wu Ming , Zhou Jin‐Yi , Yang Jie , Han Ren‐Qiang , Wang Pei‐Hua , Jin Zi‐Yi , Liu Ai‐Min , Gu Xiaoping , Zhang Xiao‐Feng , Wang Xu‐Shan , Su Ming , Hu Xu , Sun Zheng , Li Gang , Fu Alan , Jung Su Yon , Mu Lina , He Na , Li Liming , Zhao Jin‐Kou , Zhang Zuo‐Feng 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackground & AimsThe potential interaction between family history of liver cancer and HBV infection on liver cancer has not been fully examined.MethodsWe conducted a population‐based case‐control study composed of 2011 liver cancer cases and 7933 controls in Jiangsu province, China from 2003 to 2010. Data on major risk or protective factors were collected and HBV/HCV sero‐markers were assayed using blood samples. Semi‐Bayes (SB) adjustments were applied to provide posterior estimates.ResultsBoth family history of liver cancer (adjusted odds ratios [OR]: 4.32, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 3.25‐5.73) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity (adjusted OR: 9.94, 95% CI: 8.33‐11.87) were strongly associated with liver cancer development. For individuals with different combinations of serological markers, the adjusted ORs were 8.45 (95% CI: 5.16‐13.82) for HBsAg‐ and HBcAb‐positive; 7.57 (95% CI: 4.87‐11.77) for HBsAg‐, HBeAg‐ and HBcAb‐positive; and 3.62 (95% CI: 2.47‐5.31) for HBsAg‐, HBeAb‐ and HBcAb‐positive, compared to all negatives in HBV serological markers. One log increase in HBV DNA level was associated with 17% increased risk (adjusted OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.03‐1.32). The SB‐adjusted OR of HBV‐positive individuals with family history of liver cancer was 41.34 (95% posterior interval [PI]: 23.69‐72.12) compared with those HBV‐negative without family history. Relative excess risk due to additive interaction, the attributable proportion and synergy index were 73.13, 0.87 and 8.04 respectively. Adjusted ratio of OR for multiplicative interaction was 2.84 (95% CI: 1.41‐5.75).ConclusionsSuper‐additive and super‐multiplicative interactions may exist between family history of liver cancer and HBV infection on the development of liver cancer.
Neuromelanin‐sensitive MRI in the differential diagnosis of elderly white matter lesion from Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Aiba Yosuke , Sakakibara Ryuji , Tsuyusaki Yohei , Oki Takeshi , Ogata Tsuyoshi , Tateno Fuyuki , Terada Hitoshi 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe clinical features of white matter lesion (WML) may mimic those of Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). However, no data have been available regarding neuromelanin‐sensitive MRI (NM‐MRI) in WML. We present our data of NM‐MRI in WML and PD/DLB.MethodsWe performed NM‐MRI in 24 patients with WML (12 male, 12 female; mean age 75.2 years), together with 60 PD patients, 39 DLB patients and 69 age‐matched controls.ResultsThe difference in the fast spin‐echo T1 values between the substantia nigra pars compacta and tegmentum (SNc − tegmentum) was higher in WML than in patients with PD/DLB (P < 0.05). There was no difference in this value between WML patients and controls. The overall sensitivity and specificity of this value (SNc − tegmentum) in differentiating WML and PD/DLB were 79.2% and 70.7%, respectively.ConclusionThe results of the present study showed that neuromelanin‐sensitive MRI had good sensitivity and specificity in differentiating WML from PD/DLB.
The Effect of Paravertebral Ozone Injection in the Treatment of Low Back Pain
Authors: Özcan Çağri , Polat Ömer , Çelik Haluk , Uçar Bekir Yavuz 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimParavertebral ozone injection is a new treatment method described in the literature for low back pain. The aim of this study was to compare the pre‐ and post‐treatment pain scores of patients undergoing paravertebral ozone/oxygen (O3/O2) injections for low back pain.MethodsFrom September 2018 to December 2018, 122 patients who underwent paravertebral ozone injections due to low back pain were examined retrospectively; 62 patients who met the study criteria were included. The patients were injected with 15 µg/mL (50 mL) O3/O2 gas in the paravertebral space. The subjects were treated every 7 days for 6 total session. The VAS and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were assessed before treatment and after treatment (first and third months). The patients’ body mass indexes (BMIs) were measured before the injections.ResultsThere were 12 male patients and 50 female patients. The mean age was 51.9 (range 25 to 71) years. The mean duration of pain was 9.1 (3 to 24) months. Significant improvements were observed in the statistical comparison of VAS and ODI scores between the pre‐injection and first month controls (P < 0.000). There was no significant difference in the statistical comparison of VAS and ODI scores between the first and third months (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between BMI and pain scores (P > 0.213).ConclusionParavertebral O3/O2 gas is a reliable and effective treatment for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation, radicular pain, and mechanical back pain due to low back pain.
Successful management of catastrophic peripheral vascular hemorrhage using massive autotransfusion and damage control surgery in a dog
Authors: Ghosal Rita D.K. , Bos Alexandra 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo describe a case of massive transfusion using unwashed, non‐anticoagulated, nonsterile autologous blood in a dog with catastrophic hemorrhage from a peripheral vessel during orthopedic surgery. A damage control surgical strategy was also employed.Case SummaryA 6‐year‐old, 48 kg neutered male Labrador Retriever experienced massive hemorrhage after transection of a large blood vessel while undergoing femoral head and neck osteotomy. Blood was collected from clean, but not sterile, suction canisters and clots were skimmed off. The blood was then transfused back to the dog using a standard in‐line blood filter. Approximately 58% of the dog's blood volume was autotransfused in less than 2 hours, thereby meeting the criteria for massive transfusion. Surgery was aborted after hemostasis was achieved by ligation of the vessel and packing of the surgical site. Two units of fresh frozen plasma were administered postoperatively due to the development of a coagulopathy. Hemoglobinuria developed but resolved within 18 hours. Three days later, completion of the surgical procedure was performed without incident. The dog was discharged 4 days after the initial surgery. Marked swelling of the affected limb developed, but resolved after the sixth day. No other significant complications developed.New or Unique Information ProvidedIn this case report, the authors describe the successful management of catastrophic hemorrhage with autotransfusion performed in the absence of sterile collection, cell washing, or anticoagulation. Although not ideal, autotransfusion under these conditions can be lifesaving in situations of massive hemorrhage. This case also highlighted the employment of a damage control surgical strategy.