bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dysplastic features relevant to malignant transformation in atrophic epithelium of oral submucous fibrosis: A preliminary study
Authors: Sarode Sachin C. , Chaudhary Minal , Gadbail Amol , Tekade Satyajit , Patil Shankargouda , Sarode Gargi S. 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundThe grading of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) is not applicable to oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) cases due to the presence of atrophic epithelium. The mucosal margins associated with resected OSCC specimens are often closely related to transformed cells. In this study, we compared the histomorphological alterations (dysplastic features) in the atrophic epithelium of OSMF patients with the mucosal margins of OSCC associated with OSMF (OSCC‐OSMF).MethodsWe evaluated 17 dysplastic features in 37 patients with OSMF (biopsy site: buccal mucosa) and 37 patients with OSCC‐OSMF (mucosal margins involving buccal mucosa) using histopathological staining.ResultsDysplastic features, such as keratin pearls within rete ridges, nuclear pleomorphism, and atypical mitotic figures, were not observed in the epithelium of the OSMF or OSCC‐OSMF groups. Basal cell hyperplasia (P = .016), abnormal superficial mitosis (P = .010), increased nuclear‐cytoplasmic ratio (P = .034), and hyperchromasia (P = .031) were predominantly seen in the OSCC‐OSMF group. We found no statistically significant differences in the following parameters: irregular epithelial stratification (P = 1.00), loss of basal cell polarity (P = .237), presence of drop‐shaped rete ridges (P = .077), increased number of mitotic figures (P = .154), premature keratinization in single cells (P = .499), anisonucleosis (P = .289), anisocytosis (P = .079), cellular pleomorphism (P = .317), and increased number and size of nucleoli (P = .129).ConclusionIncreased basal cell layer hyperplasia, abnormal superficial mitosis, increased nuclear‐cytoplasmic ratio, and hyperchromasia are high‐risk features for OSMF, and affected patients should be followed on a priority basis for the early detection of OSCC.
Children and adults' sensory and hedonic perception of added sugar reduction in grape nectar
Authors: Lima Mayara , Ares Gastón , Deliza Rosires 
Published: February 2018

Reducing the added sugar content of sugar‐sweetened beverages is one of the most cost‐effective strategies to achieve short‐term changes in added sugar intake. The present study aimed at evaluating children and adults' sensory and hedonic perception of added sugar reduction in grape nectar. For this purpose, two studies were carried out. In the first study, five sequential difference thresholds for added sugar in grape nectar were determined with school‐aged children and adults using paired comparisons. In the second study 105 children (6–12 years old) and 100 adults evaluated six samples with different added sugar content. They were asked to rate their overall liking and to answer a check‐all‐that‐apply question. Results confirmed the feasibility of reducing the added sugar concentration of grape nectar without affecting the sensory and hedonic perception of both children and adults. Children were less able to detect changes in the sensory characteristics of the added sugar reduced nectar samples than adults but showed higher hedonic sensitivity to added sugar reduction. Large heterogeneity in hedonic reaction toward added sugar‐reduced nectar samples was found in both age groups.Practical applicationsResults from the present work are expected to provide insights for the development of gradual added sugar reduction programs in fruit nectar for both children and adults. According to the estimated difference thresholds, gradual added sugar reduction could be implemented considering sequential reductions lower than 6.21% to assure that consumers do not perceive changes in the sensory characteristics of the product. Considering that such small reductions would not affect consumer liking, the time elapsed between sequential added sugar reduction steps would not require long waiting times.
Tricyclic antidepressant use and the risk of fibrosis progression in hepatitis C‐infected persons: Results from ERCHIVES
Authors: Chen J. Y. , Ren Y. , Yan P. , Belina M. E. , Chung R. T. , Butt A. A. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryRecent preclinical studies have suggested an antifibrotic role for tricyclic antidepressants (TCA). Using the Electronically Retrieved Cohort of hepatitis C virus (HCV) Infected Veterans, we aimed to evaluate the impact of TCA use on fibrosis progression and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among HCV‐infected persons. Subjects were categorized according to use of TCAs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) or no antidepressants. TCAs or selective serotonin uptake inhibitors use was defined according to cumulative defined daily dose (cDDD), and categories were mutually exclusive. Subjects with HIV coinfection, hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) positivity, cirrhosis or HCC at baseline were excluded. Outcomes were liver fibrosis progression measured by APRI scores and incident HCC. We utilized Cox proportional hazards regression to determine predictors of cirrhosis, defined as APRI > 2, and incident hepatocellular carcinoma (iHCC). Among 128 201 eligible HCV+ persons, 4% received TCAs, 43% received selective serotonin uptake inhibitors, and 53% received no antidepressants. Fewer TCAs users had drug abuse (34% and 43%) and alcohol abuse (32% vs 42%) compared to selective serotonin uptake inhibitor users. After adjusting for age, baseline APRI score, diabetes, hypertension, alcohol use, drug abuse and HCV RNA levels, TCAs use was associated with decreased risk of cirrhosis (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.60, 0.99) and delayed time to development of cirrhosis, but not with decreased iHCC. In conclusion among a large cohort of HCV‐positive Veterans, TCAs use was associated with decreased fibrosis progression and lower risk of developing cirrhosis. These data provide supportive evidence for the beneficial effects of TCAs on progression of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic HCV infection.
Impact of electronic reminder systems on hepatitis C screening in primary care
Authors: MacLean C. D. , Berger C. , Cangiano M. L. , Ziegelman D. , Lidofsky S. D. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryScreening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) was recommended in 2012 by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for the population born between 1946 and 1965. Reminder systems are effective at promoting HCV screening, but the yield of positive tests among various population subgroups and the linkage to specialty HCV treatment is not well understood. We sought to determine: (i) the effect of the CDC recommendation alone, and the effect of an electronic medical record (EMR) reminder on the proportion of the population screened; (ii) the yield of positive HCV tests as screening strategies have evolved, and according to a patient's history of serum aminotransferase testing; (iii) the proportion of positive cases followed up for HCV treatment. This retrospective cohort study included 60 000 primary care patients at a northeast US academic medical centre serving an urban and rural population in which an EMR reminder was instituted in 2014. Results demonstrated an increase in proportion tested for HCV from 12% prior to the CDC recommendation to 37% after the reminder system. The yield of positive HCV antibody (HCV Ab) tests decreased from 7% in the “case‐finding” era to 1.6% after the EMR reminder prompted screening of a lower risk population (P < .001). Patients with a history of abnormal aminotransferase tests had a fivefold higher rate of positive HCV Ab testing (6.7% vs 1.5%, P < .001). Ninety per cent of patients with confirmed HCV infection were seen in specialty care.
Disintegration of lunar samples over time: A test
Authors: Taylor L. A. , Hogancamp J. V. , Watts L. A. , Wentworth S. J. , Archer P. D. , Zeigler R. A. , Basu A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractLunar samples provide ground‐truth for all planetary exploration. Lunar soils, especially their <1 mm fraction, constitute the only primary standards for remotely sensing the composition of small airless planetary bodies. Therefore, maintaining the integrity, especially of the <1 mm fraction, takes on a much larger, big picture responsibility. A possibility has been suggested that lunar soils may disintegrate (to smaller grain sizes) if exposed to the Earth's moist atmosphere, thus losing some of their intrinsic value to science. We have tested that possibility by multiple, independent reanalyses with three techniques (wet‐sieving in water and in alcohol, and laser diffractometry) using a fresh allocation of Apollo 17 “orange soil,” 74220. Our results are very similar to each other despite repeated soaking–drying in water, and also to those originally determined in the 1970s. We have also used a laser diffractometry technique to reanalyze the grain sizes of ~50 mg splits of eight soils that were initially analyzed three to four decades ago. The results are randomly different from previous measurements, which we attribute to nonrepresentative subsampling of very small amounts from previous allocations; ~50 mg is too small for obtaining representative aliquots. The results of grain‐size analyses presented and discussed in this study indicate that the integrity of the lunar soil 74220, and indeed, all lunar soils, has not been physically compromised in the last four decades.
Psychogenic pseudosyncope: Not always a diagnosis of exclusion
Authors: Walsh Kathleen E. , Baneck Trisha , Page Richard L. , Brignole Michele , Hamdan Mohamed H. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundPsychogenic pseudosyncope (PPS) frequently mimics syncope. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and clinical features of PPS and its relationship to vasovagal syncope (VVS).MethodsWe examined retrospectively the medical records of 1,401 consecutive patients referred to a syncope unit. We identified patients who had the final diagnosis of PPS. In these patients, we retrieved the initial diagnosis made during their first visit and the subsequent tests performed leading to the final diagnosis.ResultsFourteen (1.0%) patients (mean age 35 ± 14; 11 females) were diagnosed as having PPS: seven had a diagnosis of PPS alone and seven had both VVS and PPS. High frequency of attacks (53 ± 35 attacks during the previous year), prolonged loss of consciousness (minutes to > 1 hour), and a history of psychiatric disorders characterized PPS patients. Tilt test reproduced a PPS attack in the presence of normal blood pressure and heart rate in seven patients (50%), and induced VVS in another three patients who had the final diagnosis of both PPS and VVS. In two patients, one or more events occurred during the clinic visits and were directly witnessed by the clinic personnel.ConclusionsWe have shown that 1% of referrals to a syncope unit have the final diagnosis of PPS and that up to 50% of cases presented with a different initial diagnosis, namely VVS. Our findings suggest that causality between syncope and psychiatric disorders is likely bidirectional. The presence of a multidisciplinary team is important to address this often unrecognized relationship.
Immediate implant placement and provisionalization of maxillary anterior single implants
Authors: Kan Joseph Yun Kwong , Rungcharassaeng Kitchai , Deflorian Matteo , Weinstein Tommaso , Wang Hom‐Lay , Testori Tiziano 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAn inevitable loss of soft and hard tissue after tooth extraction often results in a compromised site for anterior implant esthetics in both vertical and horizontal dimensions. Immediate implant placement and provisionalization has been a viable option for replacing failing maxillary anterior teeth as it preserves the vertical existing osseous and gingival architecture. With the simultaneous addition of soft‐ and hard‐tissue grafts, the peri‐implant horizontal tissue topography can also be maintained. The esthetic success of immediate implant placement and provisionalization procedures is influenced by a number of factors that can be identified as patient‐dependent or clinician‐dependent. This article describes in detail the process of patient selection, indications, contraindications, diagnosis, treatment planning and treatment execution required to achieve functional and esthetic success with immediate implant placement and provisionalization.
Digital game‐based learning for K–12 mathematics education: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Byun JaeHwan , Joung Eunmi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDigital games (e.g., video games or computer games) have been reported as an effective educational method that can improve students' motivation and performance in mathematics education. This meta‐analysis study (a) investigates the current trend of digital game‐based learning (DGBL) by reviewing the research studies on the use of DGBL for mathematics learning, (b) examines the overall effect size of DGBL on K‐12 students' achievement in mathematics learning, and (c) discusses future directions for DGBL research in the context of mathematics learning. In total, 296 studies were collected for the review, but of those studies, only 33 research studies were identified as empirical studies and systematically analyzed to investigate the current research trends. In addition, due to insufficient statistical data, only 17 out of the 33 studies were analyzed to calculate the overall effect size of digital games on mathematics education. This study will contribute to the research community by analyzing recent trends in significant DGBL research, especially for those who are interested in using DGBL for mathematics education.
Acute Effect of Intermittent Exercise and Action-Based Video Game Breaks on Math Performance in Preadolescent Children
Authors: Block Shannon S. , Tooley Trevor R. , Nagy Matthew R. , O’Sullivan Molly P. , Robinson Leah E. , Colabianchi Natalie , Hasson Rebecca E. 
Published: February 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effects of video game breaks and intermittent exercise breaks, performed at varying intensities, on math performance in preadolescent children. Methods: A total of 39 children (18 males and 21 females; aged 7–11 y) completed 4 experimental conditions in random order: 8 hours of sitting interrupted with 20 two-minute low-, moderate-, or high-intensity exercise breaks or 20 two-minute sedentary computer game breaks. The intensity of exercise breaks for the low-, moderate-, and high-intensity conditions corresponded with 25%, 50%, and 75% of heart rate reserve, respectively. Math performance was assessed 3 times throughout each condition day using a 90-second math test consisting of 40 single-digit addition and subtraction questions. Results: There were no significant differences in percent change in math scores (correct answers out of attempted) by condition [low: −1.3 (0.8), moderate: 0.1 (1.3), high: −1.8 (0.7), and computer: −2.5 (0.8); P > .05]. There were significant differences in percent change in math scores over the course of the condition days with lower math scores reported at end-of-day test compared with midday test [−2.4 (0.5) vs −0.4 (0.3); P = .01]. There were no significant condition × time, time × age, condition × age, or condition × time × age interactions (all Ps > .05). Conclusion: Action-based video game and exercise breaks elicit the same level of math performance in children; however, time of day may impact this relationship. These findings may have important implications for instructional time in elementary classrooms.
Micafungin Enhances the Human Macrophage Response to Candida albicans through β-Glucan Exposure
Authors: Guirao-Abad José Pedro , Sánchez-Fresneda Ruth , Machado Francisco , Argüelles Juan Carlos , Martínez-Esparza María 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

Micafungin belongs to the antifungal family of echinocandins, which act as noncompetitive inhibitors of the fungal cell wall β-1,3-
d
-glucan synthase. Since
Candida albicans
is the most prevalent pathogenic fungus in humans, we study the involvement of micafungin in the modulation of the inflammatory response developed by human tissue macrophages against
C. albicans
. The MIC for micafungin was 0.016 μg/ml on the
C. albicans
SC5314 standard strain. Micafungin induced a drastic reduction in the number of exponential SC5314 viable cells, with the fungicidal effect being dependent on the cellular metabolic activity. Notably, micafungin also caused a structural remodelling of the cell wall, leading to exposure of the β-glucan and chitin content on the external surface. At the higher doses used (0.05 μg/ml), the antifungal also induced the blowing up of budding yeasts. In addition, preincubation with micafungin before exposure to human tissue macrophages enhanced the secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-17A (IL-17A), and IL-10 cytokines. Our results strongly suggest that in
C. albicans
treatment with micafungin, in addition to having the expected toxic antifungal effect, it potentiates the immune response, improving the interaction and activation of human macrophages, probably through the unmasking of β-glucans on the cell wall surface.
Discovery and Biosynthesis of the Antibiotic Bicyclomycin in Distantly Related Bacterial Classes
Authors: Vior Natalia M. , Lacret Rodney , Chandra Govind , Dorai-Raj Siobhán , Trick Martin , Truman Andrew W. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

Bicyclomycin (BCM) is a clinically promising antibiotic that is biosynthesized by
Streptomyces cinnamoneus
DSM 41675. BCM is structurally characterized by a core cyclo(
l
-Ile-
l
-Leu) 2,5-diketopiperazine (DKP) that is extensively oxidized. Here, we identify the BCM biosynthetic gene cluster, which shows that the core of BCM is biosynthesized by a cyclodipeptide synthase, and the oxidative modifications are introduced by five 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases and one cytochrome P450 monooxygenase. The discovery of the gene cluster enabled the identification of BCM pathways encoded by the genomes of hundreds of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates distributed globally, and heterologous expression of the pathway from
P. aeruginosa
SCV20265 demonstrated that the product is chemically identical to BCM produced by
S. cinnamoneus
. Overall, putative BCM gene clusters have been found in at least seven genera spanning
Actinobacteria
and
Proteobacteria
(
Alphaproteobacteria
,
Betaproteobacteria
, and
Gammaproteobacteria
). This represents a rare example of horizontal gene transfer of an intact biosynthetic gene cluster across such distantly related bacteria, and we show that these gene clusters are almost always associated with mobile genetic elements.

IMPORTANCE
Bicyclomycin is the only natural product antibiotic that selectively inhibits the transcription termination factor Rho. This mechanism of action, combined with its proven biological safety and its activity against clinically relevant Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, makes it a very promising antibiotic candidate. Here, we report the identification of the bicyclomycin biosynthetic gene cluster in the known bicyclomycin-producing organism
Streptomyces cinnamoneus
, which will enable the engineered production of new bicyclomycin derivatives. The identification of this gene cluster also led to the discovery of hundreds of bicyclomycin pathways encoded in highly diverse bacteria, including in the opportunistic pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. This wide distribution of a complex biosynthetic pathway is very unusual and provides an insight into how a pathway for an antibiotic can be transferred between diverse bacteria.
Variables associated with HbA1c and weight reductions when adding liraglutide to multiple daily insulin injections in persons with type 2 diabetes (MDI Liraglutide trial 3)
Authors: Dahlqvist Sofia , Ahlén Elsa , Filipsson Karin , Gustafsson Thomas , Hirsch Irl B , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Imberg Henrik , Ahrén Bo , Attvall Stig , Lind Marcus 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo evaluate variables associated with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and weight reduction when adding liraglutide to persons with type 2 diabetes treated with multiple daily insulin injections (MDI).Research design and methodsThis was a reanalysis of a previous trial where 124 patients were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter randomized trial carried out over 24 weeks. Predictors for effect on change in HbA1c and weight were analyzed within the treatment group and with concurrent interaction analyses. Correlation analyses for change in HbA1c and weight from baseline to week 24 were made.ResultsThe mean age at baseline was 63.7 years, 64.8% were men, the mean number of insulin injections was 4.4 per day, the mean daily insulin dose was 105 units and the mean HbA1c was 74.5 mmol/mol (9.0%). The mean HbA1c and weight reductions were 12.3 mmol/mol (1.13%; P<0.001) and 3.8 kg (P<0.001) greater in liraglutide than placebo-treated persons. There was no significant predictor for greater effect on HbA1c that existed in all analyses (univariate, multivariate and interaction analyses against controls). For a greater weight reduction when adding liraglutide, a lower HbA1c level at baseline was a predictor (liraglutide group P=0.002, P=0.020 for liraglutide group vs placebo). During follow-up in the liraglutide group, no significant correlation was found between change in weight and change in HbA1c (r=0.09, P=0.46), whereas a correlation existed between weight and insulin dose reduction (r=0.44, P<0.001).ConclusionWeight reduction becomes greater when adding liraglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with MDI who had a lower HbA1c level compared with those with a higher HbA1c level. There was no correlation between reductions in HbA1c and weight when liraglutide was added, that is, different patient groups responded with HbA1c and weight reductions.Trial registration numberEudraCT nr: 2012-001941-42.
Serum creatinine levels and risk of incident type 2 diabetes mellitus or dysglycemia in middle-aged Japanese men: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Takeuchi Mamoru , Imano Hironori , Muraki Isao , Shimizu Yuji , Hayama-Terada Mina , Kitamura Akihiko , Okada Takeo , Kiyama Masahiko , Iso Hiroyasu 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo assess the association between low serum creatinine levels and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and dysglycemia.Research design and methodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of 3313 Japanese male workers aged 30–55 years, who underwent annual health check-ups during 2001–2008 and showed no type 2 diabetes mellitus, and underwent follow-up examinations until March 2013. Dysglycemia was defined as a fasting plasma glucose concentration of≥110 mg/dL (6.1 mmol/L), or a non-fasting plasma glucose concentration of≥140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L). A Cox proportional model was used to calculate HRs and 95% CIs for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus or dysglycemia.ResultsDuring the median 6.7-year follow-up, there were 207 cases of incident type 2 diabetes mellitus and 596 cases of incident dysglycemia, including 115 cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus among the subjects with normal glucose concentrations at baseline. After adjustment for age, body mass index and known diabetes risk factors, the multivariable HR of type 2 diabetes mellitus for the lowest category of serum creatinine (<0.7 mg/dL) vs the highest category (0.9–1.1 mg/dL) was 1.9 (95% CI 1.2 to 2.9; P for trend 0.03). The multivariable HRs of dysglycemia for the lowest category of serum creatinine versus the highest category was 1.5 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.9; P for trend 0.01).ConclusionsLow serum creatinine levels were associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and dysglycemia.