bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subicular hypotrophy in fetuses with Down syndrome and in the Ts65Dn model of Down syndrome
Authors: Stagni Fiorenza , Giacomini Andrea , Emili Marco , Uguagliati Beatrice , Bonasoni Maria Paola , Bartesaghi Renata , Guidi Sandra 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIntellectual disability in Down syndrome (DS) has been attributed to neurogenesis impairment during fetal brain development. Consistently with explicit memory alterations observed in children with DS, fetuses with DS exhibit neurogenesis impairment in the hippocampus, a key region involved in memory formation and consolidation. Recent evidence suggests that the subiculum plays a unique role in memory retrieval, a process that is also altered in DS. While much attention has been devoted to the hippocampus, there is a striking lack of information regarding the subiculum of individuals with DS and DS models. In order to fill this gap, in the current study, we examined the subiculum of fetuses with DS and of the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS. We found that in fetuses with DS (gestational week: 17–21), the subiculum had a reduced thickness, a reduced cell density, a reduced density of progenitor cells in the ventricular zone, a reduced percentage of neurons, and an increased percentage of astrocytes and of cells immunopositive for calretinin—a protein expressed by inhibitory interneurons. Similarly to fetuses with DS, the subiculum of neonate Ts65Dn mice was reduced in size, had a reduced number of neurons and a reduced number of proliferating cells. Results suggest that the developmental defects in the subiculum of fetuses with DS may underlie impairment in recall memory and possibly other functions played by the subiculum. The finding that the subiculum of the Ts65Dn mouse exhibits neuroanatomical defects resembling those seen in fetuses with DS further validates the use of this model for preclinical studies.
Diagnostics of pediatric supratentorial RELA ependymomas: integration of information from histopathology, genetics, DNA methylation and imaging
Authors: Pagès Mélanie , Pajtler Kristian W. , Puget Stéphanie , Castel David , Boddaert Nathalie , Tauziède‐Espariat Arnault , Picot Stéphanie , Debily Marie‐Anne , Kool Marcel , Capper David , Sainte‐Rose Christian , Chrétien Fabrice , Pfister Stefan M. , Pietsch Torsten , Grill Jacques , Varlet Pascale , Andreiuolo Felipe 
Published: October 2018

AbstractEpendymoma with RELA fusion has been defined as a novel entity of the revised World Health Organization 2016 classification of tumors of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by fusion transcripts of the RELA gene and consequent pathological activation of the NFkB pathway. These tumors represent the majority of supratentorial ependymomas in children. The validation of diagnostic tools to identify this clinically relevant ependymoma entity is essential. Here, we have used interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) for C11orf95 and RELA, immunohistochemistry (IHC) for p65‐RelA and the recently developed DNA methylation‐based classification besides conventional histopathology, and compared the precision of the methods in 40 supratentorial pediatric brain tumors diagnosed as ependymomas in the past years. Reverse transcription PCR (RT‐PCR) and RNA sequencing were performed to explore discordant cases. Furthermore, we integrated imaging and clinical features as additional layers of information. The concordance between nuclear RelA expression by IHC and RELA FISH was 100%. Concordance between IHC and DNA methylation profiling, and between FISH and DNA methylation profiling was also high (96.4% and 95.2%, respectively). Thirty‐four out of 40 (85%) cases were confirmed by integrated diagnoses as ependymal tumors, including 22 RELA‐fused ependymomas (71% of ependymal tumors), two YAP1‐fused ependymomas (6%), six non‐RELA/non‐YAP1 ependymomas (18%) and four ependymal/subependymal mixed tumors (12%). Ependymal/subependymal mixed tumors had an excellent clinical outcome despite the presence of histopathological signs of malignancy, suggesting that these tumors should not be diagnosed as classic ependymomas. DNA methylation profiling helped in the differential diagnosis of RELA‐fused ependymomas. IHC and FISH, which are available in the majority of pathology laboratories, are valuable tools to identify RELA‐fused ependymomas.
Diagnostic accuracy of the McGill thyroid nodule score in paediatric patients
Authors: Creo Ana , Alahdab Fares , Al Nofal Alaa , Thomas Kristen , Kolbe Amy , Pittock Siobhan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIntroductionThyroid cancer is the most common paediatric endocrine cancer; accurate diagnosis and prompt management of paediatric thyroid nodules is critical. The McGill Thyroid Nodule Score (MTNS), based upon clinical, ultrasound (US) and cytology criteria, has recently been modified and studied in a pilot paediatric group with good results. We aim to describe the diagnostic accuracy of the paediatric modified MTNS (PMTNS) in a large paediatric cohort.MethodsWe utilized an established retrospective cohort between 1996 and 2015 of 99 patients ≤21 years old with 131 thyroid nodules. Two experienced paediatric radiologists, blinded to pathology and radiology reports, reviewed US features. We abstracted cytology, histology and laboratory results, assigning each nodule a PMTNS. PMTNS performance was compared to FNA and histology.ResultsApproximately 33% of nodules were malignant. The cohort was predominantly adolescent (mean age 15.4 ± 3.8 years). The average PMTNS for malignant and benign nodules, based on final histology, was 12.7 ± 4.3 and 1.7 ± 2.9, respectively. A PMTNS ≥8 resulted in a 93.2% sensitivity and 93.1% specificity for detecting malignancy, while a PMTNS ≥9 resulted in a 90.9% sensitivity and 96.6% specificity. However, Bethesda cytology category ≥4 independently had a 97.7% sensitivity and 94.0% specificity for detecting malignancy. The PMTNS had diminishing diagnostic accuracy in younger children compared with older children.ConclusionPaediatric modified McGill Thyroid Nodule Score predicts malignancy, perhaps due to the score's emphasis on cytology results; however, the score is less accurate in younger patients. While cytology results remain reliable, further work is needed to develop a non‐invasive scoring system to predict malignancy in children.
Parents’ early book reading to children: Relation to children's later language and literacy outcomes controlling for other parent language input
Authors: Ece Demir‐Lira Ö. , Applebaum Lauren R. , Goldin‐Meadow Susan , Levine Susan C. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIt is widely believed that reading to preschool children promotes their language and literacy skills. Yet, whether early parent–child book reading is an index of generally rich linguistic input or a unique predictor of later outcomes remains unclear. To address this question, we asked whether naturally occurring parent–child book reading interactions between 1 and 2.5 years‐of‐age predict elementary school language and literacy outcomes, controlling for the quantity of other talk parents provide their children, family socioeconomic status, and children's own early language skill. We find that the quantity of parent–child book reading interactions predicts children's later receptive vocabulary, reading comprehension, and internal motivation to read (but not decoding, external motivation to read, or math skill), controlling for these other factors. Importantly, we also find that parent language that occurs during book reading interactions is more sophisticated than parent language outside book reading interactions in terms of vocabulary diversity and syntactic complexity.
Evaluating a Prototype of a Recommender‐Driven Online Learning System
Authors: Peiris K. Dharini Amitha , Gallupe R. Brent 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTRecommender‐driven online learning systems (ROLS) are at the forefront of new computer‐based learning. They incorporate machine learning to allow learning‐by‐doing, generating personalized recommendations in the process. This article describes the evaluations of a new type of online learning systems, ROLS. This evaluation was carried out in three phases using a design science research approach. In Phase I, building the ROLS prototype validated the conceptual framework used. In Phase II, building an instantiation of ROLS to teach Structured Query Language (SQL), SQL‐with‐Ease, validated the ROLS prototype. In Phase III, a laboratory experiment evaluated learning outcomes from using SQL‐with‐Ease compared with two other traditional forms of learning. A set of qualitative interviews carried out with learners soon after using the system confirmed that the system was effective. They indicated that more work on fine‐tuning recommendations generated by the system could further improve learner satisfaction. The key implication for practitioners is that ROLS have the potential to improve learning outcomes significantly. Implications for researchers are that evaluations of ROLS, which include formative and summative evaluations, are essential to improve their performance and that developing innovative approaches to evaluation can advance these learning technologies.
Reduction of child poverty in Serbia: Benefit or employment strategy?
Authors: Clavet Nicholas‐James , Tiberti Luca , Vladisavljević Marko , Rakić Jelena Žarković , Anić Aleksandra , Krstić Gorana , Ranđelović Saša 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBased on the Serbian Survey of Income and Living Conditions (SILC) and tax benefits and structural microsimulation models, we evaluate the labour supply and distributive effects of several reform strategies concerning two major social transfers in Serbia: child allowance and social monetary assistance. Our results show that, in a context of a low labour participation rate, and high unemployment and informality rates, a benefit strategy is by far the more cost‐effective option for reducing child poverty than an employment strategy that aims to raise the work incentives for parents. Both proposed reforms are found to be progressive.
Coffee, tea, and caffeine intake and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mortality in a pooled analysis of eight prospective cohort studies
Authors: Petimar J. , O'Reilly É. , Adami H.‐O. , van den Brandt P. A. , Buring J. , English D. R. , Freedman D. M. , Giles G. G. , Håkansson N. , Kurth T. , Larsson S. C. , Robien K. , Schouten L. J. , Weiderpass E. , Wolk A. , Smith‐Warner S. A. 
Published: October 2018

Background and purposeCaffeine is associated with a lower risk of some neurological diseases, but few prospective studies have investigated caffeine intake and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mortality. We therefore determined associations between coffee, tea and caffeine intake, and risk of ALS mortality.MethodsWe conducted pooled analyses of eight international, prospective cohort studies, including 351 565 individuals (120 688 men and 230 877 women). We assessed coffee, tea and caffeine intake using validated food‐frequency questionnaires administered at baseline. We used Cox regression to estimate study‐ and sex‐specific risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for ALS mortality, which were then pooled using a random‐effects model. We conducted analyses using cohort‐specific tertiles, absolute common cut‐points and continuous measures of all exposures.ResultsDuring follow‐up, 545 ALS deaths were documented. We did not observe statistically significant associations between coffee, tea or caffeine intake and risk of ALS mortality. The pooled multivariable risk ratio (MVRR) for ≥3 cups per day vs. >0 to <1 cup per day was 1.04 (95% CI, 0.74–1.47) for coffee and 1.17 (95% CI, 0.77–1.79) for tea. The pooled MVRR comparing the highest with the lowest tertile of caffeine intake (mg/day) was 0.99 (95% CI, 0.80–1.23). No statistically significant results were observed when exposures were modeled as tertiles or continuously.ConclusionsOur results do not support associations between coffee, tea or total caffeine intake and risk of ALS mortality.
High nutrient availability leads to weaker top‐down control of stream periphyton: Compensatory feeding in Ancylus fluviatilis
Authors: Iannino Alessandra , Vosshage Alexander T. L. , Weitere Markus , Fink Patrick 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Benthic algal biomass and distribution in freshwater ecosystems are determined by both nutrient availability (bottom‐up control) and grazing activity by herbivores (top‐down control). Fluctuations in algal nutrient ratios may cause grazers to optimise their food intake through behavioural strategies in order to maintain a constant soft body stoichiometry. Such linkages between nutrient availability and grazing control of algal biomass are as yet poorly understood.

In this study, we tested whether the stream‐dwelling freshwater gastropod Ancylus fluviatilis would increase its food consumption rate with decreasing periphyton nutrient content, a behaviour known as compensatory feeding. We performed a fully factorial microcosm experiment in which two levels of periphyton phosphorus content (low versus high) were crossed with grazer presence/absence in 12 circular flumes. After 1 week of grazing, food consumption rates were measured by determining the periphyton difference between grazed and ungrazed flumes, and the periphyton biomass variability in every flume was described with a coefficient of variation.

The food consumption rate of A. fluviatilis was significantly higher in the low phosphorus compared to the high phosphorus treatment, supporting the compensatory feeding hypothesis. As a result, in the presence of grazers, periphyton biomass was significantly lower under low phosphorus availability, while biomass was not affected by nutrient enrichment in the grazer‐free flumes.

Despite the strong difference in periphyton phosphorus content, A. fluviatilis soft body stoichiometry did not differ between the two nutrient treatments, suggesting strong stoichiometric homeostasis. Furthermore, the distribution of algal biomass was significantly more heterogeneous in the grazed phosphorus‐poor than in the phosphorus‐rich periphyton.

Our findings suggest that nutrient enrichment may lead to a weaker top‐down control of algal biomass in stream ecosystems and to reduced spatial heterogeneity of periphyton abundance.
The toxicity in vitro of titanium dioxide nanoparticles modified with noble metals on mammalian cells
Authors: Rosłon Magdalena , Jastrzębska Agnieszka , Sitarz Karolina , Książek Iza , Koronkiewicz Mirosława , Anuszewska Elżbieta , Jaworska Małgorzata , Dudkiewicz‐Wilczyńska Jadwiga , Ziemkowska Wanda , Basiak Dariusz , Rozmys?owska‐Wojciechowska Anita , Olszyna Andrzej 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe aim of the presented work was to evaluate the effect of modification of titanium dioxide nanoparticles with noble metals and their oxides on selected mammalian cells. The in vitro cytotoxicity studies of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles modified with Au, Ag, Pd, Ag2O, and PdO with reference to the unmodified TiO2 nanoparticles were presented. The evaluation of cytotoxic activity of the tested nanocomposite particles was carried out using three cell lines: Caco‐2 colorectal epithelial adenocarcinoma cells, BJ normal human skin fibroblasts, and L929 mouse fibroblasts. The in vitro studies included determination of cell viability after 24 and 48 hours of exposure to the nanocomposite particles, using the MTT assay, as well as flow cytometry with Annexin V‐FITC staining. Our results indicate that irrespectively of the kind of cell line and assay used, nanoparticles of unmodified titanium dioxide as well as those with addition of gold and palladium have a slight impact on cell viability at the investigated concentration range (10‐200 μg/mL). Nanoparticles with addition of silver (Ag and Ag2O), were found to have significantly higher toxic effect, the level of which varied depending on the cell line and assay used.
Key factors determining variations in RNA interference efficacy mediated by different double‐stranded RNA lengths in Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Wang K. , Peng Y. , Fu W. , Shen Z. , Han Z. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDouble‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) length may affect RNA interference (RNAi) efficacy. Herein, variation in RNAi efficacy associated with dsRNA molecular length was confirmed via comparison of knockdown results following dsRNA injection into Tribolium castaneum. Through in vitro experiments with T. castaneum midgut, dsRNA accumulation in the midgut, degradation by midgut homogenates and persistence in haemolymph after injection were tested to determine the causes of RNAi efficacy variation. The comparative efficacies of dsRNAs were 480 bp ≈ 240 bp > 120 bp > 60 bp >> 21 bp. The combined midgut dsRNA accumulation and midgut homogenate‐induced degradation analyses suggested cellular uptake to be the key barrier for 21 bp dsRNA functioning, but was likely not the main determinant of the variation in longer dsRNAs’ (≥60 bp) bioactivity. In vitro RNAi experiment with T. castaneum midgut showed that long dsRNAs all significantly depleted the expression of corresponding genes, suggesting little variation in intracellular RNAi machinery’s affinity for different dsRNA lengths. In vivo haemolymph content dynamics of different dsRNAs following injection indicated higher persistence of longer dsRNAs. In addition, comparison of the in vivo and in vitro RNAi efficacy also indicated the importance of haemolymph degradation. Thus, the varied efficacy of long dsRNAs resulted from their degradation by nucleases, which varied with dsRNA length.
Comparison of Wells and YEARS clinical decision rules with D‐dimer for low‐risk pulmonary embolus patients
Authors: McLenachan Christopher J. , Chua Olivia , Chan Betty S. H. , Vecellio Elia , Chiew Angela L. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundAssessment of pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a diagnostic and investigative burden to emergency departments. The decision of which D‐dimer cut‐off to use in low‐risk patients remains controversial.AimsTo compare the sensitivity and specificity of varying D‐dimer cut‐offs in the diagnosis of PE for Wells low‐risk patients.MethodsRetrospective review of patients presenting to a tertiary emergency department over 42 months who had a D‐dimer performed for PE risk stratification. Wells scores were calculated for each patient, those with Wells score of ≤4 (‘PE unlikely’) were analysed. Four D‐dimer thresholds were compared, including traditional threshold (≥0.5 μg/mL), age‐adjusted (≥age in years × 0.01 μg/mL), doubled‐traditional threshold and YEARS criteria.ResultsDuring the study period, 2291 D‐dimers were ordered for suspected PE, of which 2125 were low risk for PE. Of these low‐risk patients 46 (2.2%) were found to have a PE. The sensitivity and specificity for each D‐dimer threshold were traditional threshold (95.6% and 65.6%), age‐adjusted (93.5% and 71.7%), doubled traditional (69.6% and 85.5%) and YEARS criteria (80.4% and 84.0%). Utilising an age‐adjusted threshold, YEARS criteria or doubled‐traditional threshold would have resulted in 70, 217 and 245 fewer imaging investigations.ConclusionsThe prevalence of PE in this low‐risk cohort was very low. Utilising an age‐adjusted D‐dimer would have reduced imaging tests performed while maintaining good sensitivity. Although The YEARS criteria and doubled‐traditional threshold would have reduced scanning considerably both had sensitivities of less than 90%.
Cardiac dysfunction in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is often not detected by electrocardiogram and chest radiographs
Authors: Shafuddin Eskandarain , Chang Catherina L. , Cooray Manisha , McAnulty Kim A. , Karalus Noel C. , Lee Marcus H. S. , Hancox Robert J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundCardiac dysfunction is common in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), even in patients without clinically suspected cardiac disorders.AimTo investigate associations between electrocardiogram (ECG) and chest radiograph abnormalities and biochemical evidence of cardiac dysfunction (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide and troponin T) in patients hospitalised with exacerbations of COPD at Waikato Hospital.MethodsIndependent examiners, blinded to NT‐proBNP and troponin T levels, assessed ECG for tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, ventricular hypertrophy and ischaemic changes in 389 patients and chest radiographs for signs of heart failure in 350 patients. Associations between electrocardiographic and radiographic abnormalities with at least moderate interrater agreement and cardiac biomarkers were analysed.ResultsHigh NT‐proBNP values (>220 pmol/L) were associated with atrial fibrillation (22 vs 6%), right ventricular hypertrophy (24 vs 15%), left ventricular hypertrophy (15 vs 4%), ischaemia (59 vs 33%) and cardiomegaly (42 vs 20%). High troponin T values (>0.03ug/L or high‐sensitivity >50 ng/L) were associated with tachycardia (65 vs 41%), right ventricular hypertrophy (26 vs 15%) and ischaemia (60 vs 36%). None of the electrocardiographic or radiographic abnormalities was sensitive or specific for cardiac biomarker abnormalities. Ischaemia on ECG was the best indicator for raised NT‐proBNP (sensitivity 59%, specificity 67%). Tachycardia and ischaemia were the best indicators of raised troponin T (sensitivity 65 and 60%, specificity 59 and 64% respectively).ConclusionsECG and chest radiograph abnormalities have poor sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing acute cardiac dysfunction in exacerbations of COPD. Cardiac biomarkers provide additional diagnostic information about acute cardiac dysfunction in exacerbations of COPD.
Thermodynamics of reaction between gas‐turbine ceramic coatings and ingested CMAS corrodents
Authors: Costa Gustavo , Harder Bryan J. , Wiesner Valerie L. , Zhu Dongming , Bansal Narottam , Lee Kang N. , Jacobson Nathan S. , Kapush Denys , Ushakov Sergey V. , Navrotsky Alexandra 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe thermodynamic stability of ceramic coatings with respect to their reaction products is crucial to develop more durable coating materials for gas‐turbine engines. Here, we report direct measurements using high‐temperature solution calorimetry of the enthalpies of reaction between some relevant ceramic coatings and a corrosive molten silicate. We also report the enthalpy of mixing between the coatings and molten silicate after combining the results measured by high‐temperature solution calorimetry with enthalpies of fusion measured by drop‐and‐catch calorimetry and differential thermal analysis. The enthalpies of solution of selected silicate and zirconia‐based coatings and apatite reaction products are moderately positive except for 7YSZ, yttria‐stabilized zirconia. Apatite formation is only favorable over coating dissolution in terms of enthalpy for 7YSZ. The enthalpies of mixing between the coatings and the molten silicate are less exothermic for Yb2Si2O7 and CaYb4Si3O13 than for 7YSZ, indicating lower energetic stability of the latter against molten silicate corrosion. The thermochemical results explain and support the very corrosive nature of CMAS melts in contact with ceramic coatings.