bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical and functional outcomes after total laryngectomy and laryngopharyngectomy: Analysis by tumor subsite, salvage status, and extent of resection
Authors: Perdoni Christopher J. , Santarelli Griffin D. , Koo Elliot Y. , Karakla Daniel W. , Bak Matthew J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundOutcomes following surgical intervention for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal tumors are dependent on several factors. In the present study, we sought to determine whether tumor subsite, salvage status, and extent of resection influenced postoperative outcomes.MethodsRetrospective review of 107 patients at a single institution who underwent total laryngectomy or partial/total laryngopharyngectomy.ResultsHypopharyngeal subsite and total laryngopharyngectomy subgroups had inferior speech and swallow outcomes compared to their respective cohorts (P < .05). Salvage patients had inferior 3‐year overall survival (P < .05) and swallow outcomes (P < .001). Previously radiated patients had increased fistula rates (29.9% vs 10%, P = .02), and the use of tissue coverage in salvage total laryngectomy had a protective effect on fistula formation (10% vs 37%, P = .04).ConclusionsBy stratifying patients across multiple subgroups, we provide a detailed narrative in surgical outcomes that can be incorporated into treatment planning. Further prospective studies are needed to compare surgical outcomes to those of organ preservation therapy.
Unplanned purchasing of tobacco products: Beyond point of sale display
Authors: Wood Lisa , Gazey Angela , Murray Kevin , Kennington Kelly 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIssue addressedTobacco products remain widely available and unplanned purchasing of tobacco has been implicated in cessation relapse. Little is known however about the frequency of consumers’ unplanned tobacco purchases or the type of retail outlets where this is more likely to occur.MethodsQuestions on cigarette purchasing were added to a post‐campaign telephone survey for the Make Smoking History Campaign in Western Australia. Respondents (n=200) were aged 25 to 54 years and were either current smokers or had quit in the last 4‐5 weeks. Two‐thirds of respondents had tried to quit in the past 2 years. Survey responses were analysed to look at place of purchase (the usual and after cessation relapse) and frequency and reasons for unplanned purchases.ResultsSupermarkets were the “usual” purchase location for the majority of respondents overall (78%), but the proportion who reported buying cigarettes from a supermarket after taking up smoking again declined substantially (52%), while purchases from convenience stores and service stations increased. Nearly a third (30%) of respondents indicated that they sometimes bought cigarettes unplanned or on impulse, and for 16%, this was at least once a week.ConclusionsAmong smokers who have tried to quit but not succeeded, unplanned cigarette purchases are common. There is evidence to suggest that when people resume smoking after a cessation attempt, the cigarette purchase is not necessarily made at their “usual” type of retail outlet.So what?The banning of point of sale tobacco display has not eliminated the pervasive availability and retail presence of tobacco, and unplanned purchasing of cigarettes is an impediment to successful smoking cessation. This study adds weight to growing momentum internationally and in Australia to reduce the widespread availability of tobacco products and decrease the barriers to quitting use of a product that kills over half of its consumers.
Measured and modelled above‐ and below‐canopy turbulent fluxes for a snow‐dominated mountain forest using GEOtop
Authors: Fullhart Andrew T. , Kelleners Thijs J. , Speckman Heather N. , Beverly Daniel , Ewers Brent E. , Frank John M. , Massman William J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe prediction of snowmelt in mountainous forests strongly depends on the accurate description of sensible and latent heat turbulent fluxes. Uncertainty about the within‐canopy wind conditions especially poses a challenge, with relatively few studies examining both above‐ and below‐canopy turbulent fluxes. In this study, turbulent flux predictions from a state‐of‐the‐art watershed model GEOtop were verified against eddy covariance data from one above‐canopy tower and two below‐canopy towers in a snow‐dominated coniferous forest in south‐eastern Wyoming. The model was applied in one‐dimensional vertical mode using field‐observed vegetation parameters and laboratory‐measured soil water retention data. The model was calibrated by identifying optimum values for the canopy fraction and the within‐canopy eddy decay coefficient using the brute‐force method. Above‐canopy sensible heat flux at the Glacier Lakes Ecosystem Experiments Site was predicted reasonably well (r2 = .851). The prediction of above‐canopy latent heat flux was weaker (r2 = .426). For latent heat flux, errors in 30‐min values offset each other when fluxes were aggregated over time, resulting in realistic mean diurnal trends. Below‐canopy turbulent flux at two sites in the Libby Creek Experimental Watershed were predicted with variable success with r2 = .031–.146 for sensible heat flux and r2 = .445–.581 for latent heat flux. Modelled below‐canopy sensible heat flux was too low due to the underestimation of daytime ground surface temperature, because of not enough solar radiation reaching the soil surface. This study suggests that future work on GEOtop and related models should include better parameterizations of the ground surface energy balance to more reliably predict snowmelt and streamflow from mountainous forests.
An ultraviolet‐curable, core–shell vaccine formed via phase separation
Authors: Lee Jihui , Arun Kumar Shreedevi , Souery Whitney N. , Hinsdale Taylor , Maitland Kristen C. , Bishop Corey J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractOne of the central challenges in the field of vaccine delivery is to develop a delivery method that maintains antigen stability while also enabling control over the system's release kinetics. Addressing these challenges would not only allow for expanded access to vaccines worldwide but would also help significantly reduce mortality rates in developing countries. In this article, we report the development of single‐injection vaccine depots for achieving novel delayed burst release. Synthesized poly(ε‐caprolactone) and poly(ε‐caprolactone) triacrylate were used to form stationary bubbles within an aqueous solution of 10% carboxymethylcellulose. These polymeric bubbles (referred to as “polybubbles”) can then be injected with an aqueous solution of cargo, resulting in the formation of a polymeric shell. The puncture resulting from cargo injection self‐heals prior to ultraviolet (UV) curing. UV curing and lyophilization were shown to enhance the stability of the polybubbles. BSA‐ CF 488 and HIV1 gp120/41 were used as the antigen in the study as a proof‐of‐concept. Further endeavors to automate the production of polybubbles are underway.
Microarray analysis reveals the changes of circular RNA expression and molecular mechanism in acute lung injury mouse model
Authors: Li Xiaoou , Yuan Zhicheng , Chen Jun , Wang Tao , Shen Yongchun , Chen Lei , Wen Fuqiang 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAcute lung injury (ALI) is a severe disease with sudden onset, rapid progression, poor treatment response, and high mortality. An increasing number of studies had found that circular RNAs (circRNAs) has significant functions in various diseases, while the role of circRNAs in ALI is not yet clear. The purpose of this study was to find circRNAs related to ALI and their mechanism of action. Expression profiles of lung circRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were analyzed by microarray in the ALI mice models and healthy controlled mice. Differentially expressed RNAs were identified, function and pathways were analyzed by bioinformatics analysis. Moreover, the results of the microarray were verified by real‐time PCR. We identified 2262 differentially expressed mRNAs and 581 circRNAs between ALI mice and control. Validation of candidate circRNAs by real‐time PCR indicates that the majority of circRNAs identified by microarray are reliable and worthy of further study. ALI induced circRNAs primarily function in the metabolic regulatory process. Moreover, differentially expressed circRNAs were mainly involved in signaling pathways of mitogen‐activated protein kinases, focal adhesion, FoxO, neurotrophin, and Wnt. In addition, a competitive endogenous RNA network was constructed to further interpret the molecular mechanism of ALI. This study observed significantly changed circRNAs profiles in LPS‐induced mouse model and revealed a potential role of circRNAs in ALI.
The effects of short‐chain fatty acids on the transcription and secretion of apolipoprotein A‐I in human hepatocytes in vitro
Authors: Tayyeb Jehad Z. , Popeijus Herman E. , Mensink Ronald P. , Konings Maurice C. J. M. , Mulders Kim H. R. , Plat Jogchum 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundApolipoprotein‐I (ApoA‐I), the major component of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) particles, mediates cholesterol efflux by which it facilitates the removal of excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues. Therefore, elevating ApoA‐I production leading to the production of new pre‐β‐HDL particles is thought to be beneficial in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Recently, we observed that amoxicillin treatment led to decreased HDL concentrations in healthy human volunteers. We questioned whether this antibiotic effect was directly or indirectly, via changed short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentrations through an altered gut microflora. Therefore, we here evaluated the effects of amoxicillin and various SCFA on hepatic ApoA‐I expression, secretion, and the putative underlying pathways.Methods and ResultsHuman hepatocytes (HepG2) were exposed to increasing dose of amoxicillin or SCFA for 48  hours. ApoA‐I messenger RNA (mRNA) transcription and secreted protein were analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. To study underlying mechanisms, changes in mRNA expression of KEAP1, CPT1, and PPARα, as well as a PPARα transactivation assay, were analyzed. Amoxicillin dose‐dependently decreased ApoA‐I mRNA transcription as well as ApoA‐I protein secretion. SCFA treatment resulted in a dose‐dependent stimulation of ApoA‐I mRNA transcription, however, the ApoA‐I protein secretion was decreased. Furthermore, SCFA treatment increased PPARα transactivation, PPARα and CPT1 mRNA transcription, whereas KEAP1 mRNA transcription was decreased.ConclusionDirect treatment of HepG2 cells with amoxicillin has either direct effects on lowering ApoA‐I transcription and secretion or indirect effects via modified SCFA concentrations because SCFA were found to stimulate hepatic ApoA‐I expression. Furthermore, BET inhibition and PPARα activation were identified as possible mechanisms behind the observed effects on ApoA‐I transcription.
Early changes in gene expression of the entire pathological process in Cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Li Yang , Wang Xin , Li Yonggang , Ma Rui , Zhao Zilong , Ren Jing , Men Jianlong 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn this study, we aimed to explore the time‐course relating to the pathological progression of Cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) and to identify the early changes in gene expression. The raw microarray data of CTCL was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and a weighted gene coexpression network analysis was performed. A total of 2183 genes that positively correlated with the time course of CTCL development were identified in as part of the turquoise module as well as 1096 genes negatively correlated with the time course of CTCL development, which was identified in the blue module. To better understand the effects of these genes on prognosis, we further performed the Spearman correlation analysis, univariate Cox regression analysis, and Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis. We identified 10 differentially expressed genes whose expression was significantly associated with prognosis in patients with CTCL. Our findings can help our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of CTCL as well as the development of novel drugs.
The Effect of Selenomethionine on Thyroid Autoimmunity in Euthyroid Men With Hashimoto Thyroiditis and Testosterone Deficiency
Authors: Krysiak Robert , Kowalcze Karolina , Okopień Bogusław 
Published: May 2019

AbstractHashimoto (autoimmune) thyroiditis develops much less frequently in men than in women, suggesting that androgens have a protective effect against thyroid autoimmunity. The current study was aimed at investigating whether the effect of selenomethionine on thyroid antibody titers and thyroid function tests in euthyroid men with autoimmune thyroid disease depends on testosterone levels. The study population consisted of 2 age‐matched, weight‐matched, and thyroid antibody titer–matched groups of euthyroid men with Hashimoto thyroiditis and testosterone deficiency: 18 patients receiving intramuscular testosterone enanthate (100 mg once weekly) and 19 testosterone‐naive men. All subjects were than treated with selenomethionine (200 µg daily) for 6 months. Serum titers of thyroid antibodies, thyrotropin, free thyroid hormones, and testosterone as well as calculated parameters of thyroid homeostasis were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study. At baseline, except for testosterone, there were no differences between the 2 treatment arms in thyroid antibody titers, serum hormone levels, or values of all calculated indices. Although selenomethionine reduced thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibody titers in both treatment arms, these effects were stronger in testosterone‐treated than in testosterone‐untreated men. Only in men receiving testosterone, selenomethionine altered the free thyroxine/free triiodothyronine ratio, testosterone levels, and structure parameter interference approach‐GT and structure parameter interference approach‐GD. Selenomethionine‐induced changes in thyroid antibody titers correlated with the effect of treatment on structure parameter interference approach‐GT and testosterone. The obtained results suggest that testosterone determines the strength of selenomethionine action in euthyroid men with autoimmune thyroiditis.
Palyno‐morphological investigations of subtropical endangered flora of Capparidaceae through light and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Mir Sehrosh , Ahmad Mushtaq , Khan Mir Ajab , Zafar Muhammad , Jahan Sarwat , Sultana Shazia , Jabeen Munazza , Majeed Salman 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe research was performed to investigate pollen morphology of endangered species of Capparidaceae in subtropical regions of Pakistan. The distinguishing characters were investigated by using light microscope and scanning electron microscope. Palynological study is comprised of pollen shape, pollen type, exine sculpturing, polar and equatorial diameter, length and width of colpi, mesocolpium, and exine thickness. In polar view, Cleome viscosa exhibited the highest pollen size 26.4 (32.7–24.5 μm) ±0.776 whereas Capparis spinosa appeared to be the lowest 12.6 (14.5−10.7 μm) ±0.400. In equatorial view, Cleome viscosa had the largest pollen size 17.1 (20.0–15.0 μm) ±0.606 and Capparis spinosa had the smallest pollen size 9.7 (12.50–8.00 μm) ±0.394. The maximum fertility percentage has been observed in Capparis spinosa, that is, 98.96% and minimum in Cleome viscosa, that is, 82.93%. Diagnostic key has been constructed to state the essential diagnostic features by means of which the taxa can be identified. Remarkable variations have been observed in pollen size, shape, and exine sculpturing. All the selected species were tricolporate. Prolate to subprolate pollen were observed. There is a great variation existed in exine sculpturing such as in Capparis decidua and C. sp. nova sculpturing is reticulate, in Capparis himalayensis sculpturing is Scabrate granulate, in Capparis spinosa sculpturing is Psilate, in Cleome viscosa sculpturing is regulate‐reticulate, in Dipterygium glaucum sculpturing is regulate and in Gynandropsis gynandra sculpturing is striate‐regulate. On the basis of overall characteristics of pollen it seems that palynology of this family is helpful at the generic and specific level.
The Mini Mental State Examination does not accurately screen for objective cognitive impairment in Fabry Disease
Authors: Körver Simon , van de Schraaf Sara A. J. , Geurtsen Gert J. , Hollak Carla E. M. , van Schaik Ivo N. , Langeveld Mirjam 
Published: May 2019

AbstractFabry disease (FD) patients may suffer from objective cognitive impairment (OCI). This study assessed the accuracy of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) to screen for OCI in FD patients. Presence or absence of OCI was established using a neuropsychological test battery. For different MMSE cutoffs sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and clinical utility index (CUI) to identify OCI were calculated. Eighty‐one patients were included (mean age 44.5 ± 14.3, 35% men, 74% classical phenotype) of which 13 patients (16%) had OCI. The median MMSE score was 29 (range: 25‐30). MMSE cutoffs ≤28 and ≤29 had the highest sensitivity and specificity, with higher specificity reached at cutoff ≤28 (sensitivity: .46, specificity: .73) and higher sensitivity at cutoff ≤29 (sensitivity: .92, specificity: .40). PPV was low for both cutoffs (PPV ≤28: .25, PPV ≤29: .23) resulting in a low positive CUI (case finding ability). The results of our study indicate that the MMSE does not accurately screen for OCI in FD, with poor sensitivity‐specificity trade‐off at all cutoffs. The low PPV shows that the majority of FD patients that score below the cutoffs do not suffer from OCI. Administering the MMSE as a screening test will lead to unnecessary referrals for neuropsychological testing, which is time consuming and burdensome. Screening tools designed to accurately detect mild (executive) impairment might prove more appropriate to screen for OCI in FD.
CHID1 positively regulates RLR antiviral signaling by targeting the RIG‐I/VISA signalosome
Authors: Li Sheng‐Na , Ling Ting , Yang Ya‐Xian , Huang Jing‐Ping , Xu Liang‐Guo 
Published: May 2019

AbstractRetinoic acid‐inducible gene‐I (RIG‐I) belongs to the RIGI‐like receptors (RLRs), a class of primary pattern recognition receptors. It senses viral double‐strand RNA in the cytoplasm and delivers the activated signal to its adaptor virus‐induced signaling adapter (VISA), which then recruits the downstream TNF receptor‐associated factors and kinases, triggering a downstream signal cascade that leads to the production of proinflammatory cytokines and antiviral interferons (IFNs). However, the mechanism of RIG‐I‐mediated antiviral signaling is not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that chitinase domain‐containing 1 (CHID1), a member of the chitinase family, positively regulates the RLR antiviral signaling pathway by targeting the RIG‐I/VISA signalosome. CHID1 overexpression enhances the activation of nuclear factor κB (NF‐кB) and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) triggered by Sendai virus (SeV) by promoting the polyubiquitination of RIG‐I and VISA, thereby potentiating IFN‐β production. CHID1 knockdown in human 239T cells inhibits SeV‐induced activation of IRF3 and NF‐κB and the induction of IFN‐β. These results indicate that CHID1 positively regulates RLR antiviral signal, revealing the novel mechanism of the RIG‐I antiviral signaling pathway.
Use of El Niño–Southern Oscillation related seasonal precipitation predictability in developing regions for potential societal benefit
Authors: Landman Willem A. , Barnston Anthony G. , Vogel Coleen , Savy Janique 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSome of the biggest emerging market economies include countries in South America, Asia and Africa. Broad‐scale political and developmental similarities (e.g., societally impactful developmental challenges related to climate variability) offer opportunities for comparative research resulting in potentially improved understanding of the complexities of various climate adaptation interventions including disaster risk reduction. Countries or geographical regions of the world significantly affected by climate extremes may consider collaboration on issues such as understanding and modelling of the climate system, especially when there is a common, dominant and somewhat plausible climate mode such as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) affecting the regions' climate variability. Better ENSO and subsequent climate predictions alone, however, are not enough to reduce the risks associated with such events. The socio‐economic and political context in which climate finds expression and in which climate forecasts have potential value also need to be understood. Here we present seasonal precipitation forecast skill over 20 geographical regions including emerging or developing regions, but also a few developed regions, in order to rank their ENSO‐related seasonal rainfall predictability in an attempt to cluster regions of similar ENSO climate predictability. We then also provide some of the broad contours to investigate the level of human “development” within these clusters in order to begin to understand some of the socio‐economic factors that configure vulnerabilities. Such profiles begin to show some areas of macro‐level vulnerability that may then provide further possible inter‐area collaborations, albeit at very gross level scales.
Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide activates platelet Cdc42 and promotes platelet spreading and thrombosis
Authors: Senini Vincent , Amara Umme , Paul Manoj , Kim Hugh 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundPeriodontitis confers an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, including thrombosis. However, the molecular mechanisms that potentially link periodontitis with thrombosis are undefined. Here we test the hypothesis that Gram‐negative periodontal infection promotes pathological platelet activation and amplifies shape change. We focus specifically on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) signaling to platelets.MethodsPlatelets were isolated from blood samples and allowed to spread on coverslips in the presence or absence of LPS purified from the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. Platelets were fixed and stained with Alexa‐488‐phalloidin to label the actin cytoskeleton. The degree of platelet spreading and shape change was quantified by confocal microscopy. In a translational pilot study, blood samples were obtained from human subjects exhibiting generalized severe periodontitis (SP) or healthy periodontium (HP). Rotational thromboelastometry was used to quantify the rate of clot formation via the intrinsic coagulation pathway.ResultsLPS‐treated platelets exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) greater spreading and higher numbers of actin‐rich filopodia (cell extensions) than controls. We also found that LPS stimulation of platelets promoted the activation of Cdc42, the small GTPase responsible for filopodia formation. Exposure of whole blood samples to LPS significantly (P < 0.05) reduced clotting times. Blood from SP patients clotted significantly (P < 0.05) more rapidly and exhibited shorter partial thromboplastin times compared with HP controls.ConclusionsThis is the first study to suggest a mechanism by which LPS stimulation drives Cdc42 activation and platelet spreading. These data are consistent with the notion that periodontitis promotes accelerated clot formation and an increased risk of thrombosis.