bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Megakaryocyte Potentiating Factor as a Predictive Biomarker for Therapies Against Malignant Mesothelioma
Authors: Cao Liang , Yu Yunkai , Thomas Anish , Zhang Jingli , Onda Masanori , Meltzer Paul , Hassan Raffit , Pastan Ira 
Published: May 2018

Purpose Effective biomarkers for malignant mesothelioma (MM) are needed for clinical management and the development of mesothelin-targeted therapies. We evaluated serum megakaryocyte potentiating factor (MPF) as a biomarker predictive of treatment outcome in patients with MM and for developing mesothelin-targeted therapies. Materials and Methods Serial serum samples from patients with MM in two clinical trials of an antimesothelin immunotoxin were tested with our clinically validated MPF assay. Correlative studies were performed to determine the test effectiveness in treatment monitoring and outcome prediction. MPF was further evaluated for an association with response to an antimesothelin therapy and for disease monitoring. Results There was a significant reduction of serum MPF in patients with elevated baseline and radiologic response, with an average change from −52% to −78% after one to six cycles. Using a −50% change as the cutoff, patients with MM with positive MPF response had significantly improved progression-free survival ( P < .001), with the median extended from 1.9 to 11.3 months. These patients with MPF response further exhibited improved overall survival (P = .004), with the median extended from 8.8 to 22.3 months. In patients with refractory MM, there was an association between elevated pretreatment serum MPF and radiologic response to an antimesothelin therapy (P = .033). Furthermore, in these response patients, serum MPF was monitored between 32.2 and 63.8 months and was found to reflect treatment response and disease progression. Conclusion At a cutoff of −50% change after receiving systemic therapies, a reduction in MPF was associated with improved clinical outcome, both progression-free survival and overall survival. An elevated baseline serum MPF was associated with a response to an antimesothelin therapy in patients with refractory MM; however, this finding needs to be confirmed in another study.
A pathogenic skin fungus and sloughing exacerbate cutaneous water loss in amphibians
Authors: Russo Catherine J. M. , Ohmer Michel E. B. , Cramp Rebecca L. , Franklin Craig E. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBatrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a pathogenic fungus that causes the cutaneous, infectious disease chytridiomycosis and has been implicated in population declines of numerous anuran species worldwide. Proximate cause of death by chytridiomycosis is asystolic cardiac arrest as a consequence of severe disruption to electrolyte balance. Animals heavily infected with Bd also experience a disruption to their skin sloughing regime, indicating that core functions of the skin, such as water retention, may be severely impacted. This study examined how skin sloughing, body size and Bd infection interact to influence water loss rates in five Australian frog species: Litoria caerulea, Limnodynastes peronii, Lechriodus fletcheri, Limnodynastes tasmaniensis and Platyplectrum ornatum. Rates of water loss more than doubled during sloughing in L. caerulea. During active periods across all species, water loss rates were on average 232% higher in Bd infected frogs than in uninfected frogs. This indicates that dehydration stress may be a significant factor contributing to the morbidity of severely Bd infected anurans, a symptom that is then exacerbated by an increased rate of sloughing. When taking size into account, smaller and/or juvenile anurans may be more at risk from dehydration due to Bd infection, as they lose a greater amount of water and slough more frequently than adults. This may in part explain the higher mortality rates typical for small and juvenile frogs infected with Bd. Understanding how Bd affects the core functions of the skin, including rates of water loss, can improve our predictions of disease outcome in amphibians.
Enterovirus D68 in Viet Nam (2009-2015)
Authors: Ny Nguyen Thi Han , Anh Nguyen To , Hang Vu Thi Ty , Nguyet Lam Anh , Thanh Tran Tan , Ha Do Quang , Minh Ngo Ngoc Quang , Ha Do Lien Anh , McBride Angela , Tuan Ha Manh , Baker Stephen , Tam Pham Thi Thanh , Phuc Tran My , Huong Dang Thao , Loi Tran Quoc , Vu Nguyen Tran Anh , Hung Nguyen Van , Minh Tran Thi Thuy , Xang Nguyen Van , Dong Nguyen , Nghia Ho Dang Trung , Chau Nguyen Van Vinh , Thwaites Guy , van Doorn H. Rogier , Anscombe Catherine , Le Van Tan ,   VIZIONS Consortium
Published: May 2018

Background: Since 1962, enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) has been implicated in multiple outbreaks and sporadic cases of respiratory infection worldwide, especially in the USA and Europe with an increasing frequency between 2010 and 2014. We describe the detection, associated clinical features and molecular characterization of EV-D68 in central and southern Viet Nam between 2009 and 2015. Methods: Enterovirus/rhinovirus PCR positive respiratory or CSF samples taken from children and adults with respiratory/central nervous system infections in Viet Nam were tested by an EV-D68 specific PCR. The included samples were derived from 3 different observational studies conducted at referral hospitals across central and southern Viet Nam 2009 2015. Whole-genome sequencing was carried out using a MiSeq based approach. Phylogenetic reconstruction and estimation of evolutionary rate and recombination were carried out in BEAST and Recombination Detection Program, respectively. Results: EV-D68 was detected in 21/625 (3.4%) enterovirus/rhinovirus PCR positive respiratory samples but in none of the 15 CSF. All the EV-D68 patients were young children (age range: 11.8 – 24.5 months) and had moderate respiratory infections. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the Vietnamese sequences clustered with those from Asian countries, of which 9 fell in the B1 clade, and the remaining sequence was identified within the A2 clade. One intra sub-clade recombination event was detected, representing the second reported recombination within EV-D68. The evolutionary rate of EV-D68 was estimated to be 5.12E -3 substitutions/site/year. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the virus was imported into Viet Nam in 2008. Conclusions: We have demonstrated for the first time EV-D68 has been circulating at low levels in Viet Nam since 2008, associated with moderate acute respiratory infection in children. EV-D68 in Viet Nam is most closely related to Asian viruses, and clusters separately from recent US and European viruses that were suggested to be associated with acute flaccid paralysis.
“What Does It Mean to Be Undocuqueer?” Exploring (il)Legibility within the Intersection of Gender, Sexuality, and Immigration Status
Authors: Cisneros Jesus , Gutierrez Julia 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The experiences and needs of undocuqueer immigrants are actively negotiated and muted and have been little researched or addressed in relation to the broader immigrant and LGBT rights discourses. This study explores the ways undocuqueer immigrants from Latin America experience the intersection of their gender, sexuality, and immigration status and how these experiences shape their sociopolitical identities and status in the United States. Using intersectionality and queer of color criticism as an analytic framework, this study demonstrates how queer and trans undocumented immigrants experience structural (il)legibility, embodied (il)legibility, and (il)legible survival as they resist the dominant paradigms of conventional citizenship and cisgender heterosexual normativity.
LEACHED SOILS IN SLOVENIA: PEDOLOGICAL PROPERTIES, SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION AND CLASSIFICATION
Authors: TURNIŠKI Rok , GRČMAN Helena 
Published: May 2018

Eluvial-illuvial processes plays key role in pedogenesis, especially in the development of leached soils. As reported in Slovenian soil map 1 : 25.000 leached soils cover 2,3 % of Slovenian territory. They occur on different parent materials, mostly on flat relief preserved from erosion and colluvial processes. The aim of our study is the evaluation of their morpohological, physical and chemical properties, spatial distribution and dependency on soil forming factors, especially on parent material. Pedological properties are demonstrated according to analytical and descriptive data of 49 leached soils from the pedological base of Soil Information System of Slovenia. Obvious leaching processes are clearly recognized in almost all profiles of leached soils. Eluvial horizon in comparison to illuvial horizon has lower pH value, which is in average 4,4 and 4,6 for E and Bt horizon respectively, brighter color, lower base saturation (in average for 16,6 %) and lower CEC (in average for 5,5 mmolc 100 g -1 soil). On average ratio of clay content between illuvial and eluvial horizon is 1,63. In the 75 % of all studied leached soils this ratio is above 1,38. After evaluation, according to WRB classification, an argic horizon is identified only in 40 soil profiles, while other 9 profiles do not match criteria of sufficient textural differentiation or there is not enough data to classify them. Detailed overview of the WRB criteria for argic horizons (cation exchange capacity of clay fraction and base saturation in argic horizons) reveals that Luvisols and Alisols are the most widespread groups in Slovenia among leached soil. Against expectations based on different references, we do not determined Acrisols within Soil Map Database.
LITTER DECOMPOSITION IN SOILS OF OVERGROWN GRASSLANDS IN DEPENDANCE OF TEMPERATURE
Authors: SUHADOLC Marjetka , ČREPINŠEK Zalika 
Published: May 2018

The aim of the study was to examine whether the effect of projected temperature rises due to the global climate change could accelerate plant litter decomposition in soils of overgrown grasslands. The experiment was carried out under natural conditions at the locations of Bohinj-Polje and Uskovnica with similar environmental conditions (precipitation, parent material and soil development, plant communities) and the difference in air temperatures. The average difference in monthly air temperatures during our study were higher in Bohinj for 4.4 °C (± 1.5 °C) than in Uskovnica. Nylon mesh bags with mixed plant litter from both locations were placed into the Of horizon of the soil profiles at both locations in autumn 2007. The litter bags were sampled successively at 4 sampling times until May 2009 in 5 replicates. The litter degradation, expressed as mass loss, was throughout our study 57.1 ± 1.2 % (0 - 526 days) in Bohinj, 57.3 ± 2.6 % (0 - 555 days) at Uskovnica. No statistically significant differences in litter decomposition rate and seasonal pattern of mass loss was found between the sites. The dynamics of the total content of cellulose and lignin, Corg and N and their soluble forms (DOC and DON) were similar between the sites as well. The lignin content in the plant material did not statistically significantly change during the experiment. The results of our experiment did not confirm the effect of the difference in average air temperature on decomposition rate decreases. The results did not confirm any effect from the difference in the average monthly air temperature between the sites on the plant litter decomposition in our study.
Trueness, precision and stability of the LIAISON 1-84 parathyroid hormone (PTH) third-generation assay: comparison to existing intact PTH assays
Authors: Valcour Andre , Zierold Claudia , Blocki Frank A. , Hawkins Douglas M. , Martin Kevin J. , Rao Sudhaker D. , Bonelli Fabrizio 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Background:
Over the past few decades, parathyroid hormone (PTH) immunoassays have progressed through successive generations resulting in increased specificity and accuracy for detecting circulating PTH. With the introduction of third-generation assays, in which the biologically active PTH(1-84) is specifically targeted, the PTH(7-84) and other fragments are not detected. The specific recognition of only PTH(1-84) whole molecule allows for more reliable standardization and calibration than with the existing assays.

Methods:
Samples from patients on hemodialysis or with primary hyperparathyroidism and apparently healthy subjects were examined in different collection matrices (EDTA plasma, unspun EDTA plasma and SST) stored for 0, 24 or 72 h at room temperature to reflect the prevailing sample collection methods, shipping and processing conditions of centralized labs in the United States. Samples were analyzed by the LIAISON 1-84 PTH and N-TACT assays, and by three additional commercially available intact PTH assays.

Results:
Defined samples, prepared using two different standards (WHO 95/646 international standard and the synthetic Bachem PTH(1-84)), show little bias with the LIAISON 1-84 PTH assay, but not with the other intact PTH assays. Furthermore, PTH is stable for up to 72 h in plasma, but less stable in serum beyond 24 h.

Conclusions:
The FDA-approved LIAISON 1-84 PTH assay is accurate and reliably measures the biologically active PTH molecule in plasma or serum stored at room temperature for up 72 and 24 h, respectively.
The meteoric rise and dramatic fall of Theranos: lessons learned for the diagnostic industry
Authors: Fiala Clare , Diamandis Eleftherios P. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
In this piece we discuss and reflect on the conclusion of the Theranos saga in the light of its fraud conviction. Theranos (founded in 2003 by Elizabeth Holmes) was supposed to disrupt the diagnostic testing industry by developing technology which could perform dozens of tests using a tiny amount of blood from a finger-prick. As a result, Ms. Holmes rose to fame, becoming the world’s youngest female self-made billionaire and was plastered across magazine covers. However, in 2014, Theranos began to fall apart following increasingly damaging revelations regarding its lack of expertise, technology, framework, extreme secrecy and inaccurate test results. This led to the closure of two of its laboratories, investor and patient lawsuits and the devaluation of Ms. Holmes’s wealth to nothing. In March 2018, the United States Security Exchange Commission ordered Ms. Holmes to pay $500,000 to settle the charge of massive fraud and barred her from being a director of a publicly owned company for 10 years, likely concluding Theranos’s endeavors. We conclude our series of articles on this topic by reflecting on the lessons the laboratory medicine community can learn from Theranos.
Analysis of a Delayed Predator–Prey System with Harvesting
Authors: Liu Wei , Jiang Yaolin 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
This article is concerned with a Leslie–Gower predator–prey system with the predator being harvested and the prey having a delay due to the gestation of prey species. By regarding the gestation delay as a bifurcation parameter, we first derive some sufficient conditions on the stability of positive equilibrium point and the existence of Hopf bifurcations basing on the local parametrization method for differential-algebra system. In succession, we also investigate the direction of Hopf bifurcations and the stability of bifurcating periodic solutions on the center manifold by employing the center manifold reduction for functional differential equations. Finally, to verify our theoretical predictions, several numerical simulations are given.
Intermittent Pringle maneuver may be beneficial for radiofrequency ablations in situations with tumor-vessel proximity
Authors: Poch Franz G.M. , Neizert Christina A. , Gemeinhardt Ole , Geyer Beatrice , Eminger Katharina , Rieder Christian , Niehues Stefan M. , Vahldiek Janis , Thieme Stefan F. , Lehmann Kai S. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundRadiofrequency ablation (RFA) represents a treatment option for non-resectable liver malignancies. Larger ablations can be achieved with a temporary hepatic inflow occlusion (Pringle maneuver – PM). However, a PM can induce dehydration and carbonization of the target tissue. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an intermittent PM on the ablation size.MethodsTwenty-five multipolar RFAs were performed in porcine liversex vivo. A perfused glass tube was used to simulate a natural vessel. The following five test series (each n=5) were conducted: (1) continuous PM, (2–4) intermittent PM, and (5) no PM. Ablations were cut into half. Ablation area, minimal radius, and maximal radius were compared.ResultsNo change in complete ablation size could be measured between the test series (p>0.05). A small rim of native liver tissue was observed around the glass tube in the test series without PM. A significant increase of ablation area could be measured on the margin of the ablations with an intermittent PM, starting without hepatic inflow occlusion (p<0.05).ConclusionAn intermittent PM did not lead to smaller ablations compared to a continuous or no PMex vivo. Furthermore, an intermittent PM can increase the ablation area when initial hepatic inflow is succeeded by a PM.
Involutory biquandles and singular knots and links
Authors: Bataineh Khaled , Ghaith Hadeel 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
We define a new algebraic structure for singular knots and links. It extends the notion of a bikei (or involutory biquandle) from regular knots and links to singular knots and links. We call this structure a singbikei. This structure results from the generalized Reidemeister moves representing singular isotopy. We give several examples on singbikei and we use singbikei to distinguish several singular knots and links.
When your face describes your memories: facial expressions during retrieval of autobiographical memories
Authors: El Haj Mohamad , Daoudi Mohamed , Gallouj Karim , Moustafa Ahmed A. , Nandrino Jean-Louis 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Thanks to the current advances in the software analysis of facial expressions, there is a burgeoning interest in understanding emotional facial expressions observed during the retrieval of autobiographical memories. This review describes the research on facial expressions during autobiographical retrieval showing distinct emotional facial expressions according to the characteristics of retrieved memoires. More specifically, this research demonstrates that the retrieval of emotional memories can trigger corresponding emotional facial expressions (e.g. positive memories may trigger positive facial expressions). Also, this study demonstrates the variations of facial expressions according to specificity, self-relevance, or past versus future direction of memory construction. Besides linking research on facial expressions during autobiographical retrieval to cognitive and affective characteristics of autobiographical memory in general, this review positions this research within the broader context research on the physiologic characteristics of autobiographical retrieval. We also provide several perspectives for clinical studies to investigate facial expressions in populations with deficits in autobiographical memory (e.g. whether autobiographical overgenerality in neurologic and psychiatric populations may trigger few emotional facial expressions). In sum, this review paper demonstrates how the evaluation of facial expressions during autobiographical retrieval may help understand the functioning and dysfunctioning of autobiographical memory.
Cutaneous Larva Migrans – Report of 2 new Cases Locally Acquired in Serbia
Authors: Perić Jelena , Lekić Branislav , Reljić Vesna , Ćirković Lana , Škiljević Dušan 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a parasitic skin disease caused by the accidental percutaneous penetration and subsequent intraepidermal migration of larvae of various nematode parasites of the hookworm family. The hookworms responsible for CLM are spread worldwide, but the infection occurs mostly in tropical and subtropical climates. Nowadays, because of ever increasing foreign travel, the disease is no longer confined to these areas. Moreover, a significant increase of autochthonous cases in southern Europe has been observed in recent years. We report two new patients from Serbia who acquired CLM, none of them having traveled abroad. As the recommendations for the treatment of CLM are not uniform, two different treatment modalities were applied in these patients, both with an excellent response.
Fish Tank Granuloma – a Case Report
Authors: Boljević Tijana , Mijušković Željko , Kandolf Sekulović Lidija , Vukomanović-Đurđević Biserka 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Swimming-pool granuloma and fish tank granuloma refer to the infections caused by Mycobacterium marinum. After having been discovered in salt water fish in Philadelphia Aquarium and described in 1926, this skin infection was first reported in humans in 1951. It developed in people who had swum in contaminated swimming pools. M. marinum is a non-tuberculous, atypical mycobacterium, which is found on plants, soil and fish in freshwater and salt water worldwide. Humans become infected usually after trauma and contact with an aquatic environment. Infection is limited to the skin and usually occurs in healthy individuals, but in immunocompromised patients the infection may disseminate or spread to the subcutis and bone. The lesions usually appear as solitary nodules or plaques that may lead to suppurative ulcers after 2-3 weeks of incubation. Occasionally, there may be sporotrichoid spread along lymphatics. Its diagnosis is frequently delayed, probably because the infection is very rare and a history of aquatic exposure, which is present in the majority of cases, is often overlooked. Common misdiagnoses include fungal and parasitic infection, cellulitis, verrucous tuberculosis of the skin, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, a foreign body and a skin tumour. We present a case of a 39-year-old Caucasian male with a 12-month history of a single erythematous tender nodule on the right dorsal aspect of the right hand. Histopathological examination revealed longstanding suppurated granulomatous inflammation. The infection was not responsive to several courses of antibiotics until we introduced doxycycline capsules as monotherapy which led to complete remission after 5 months.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising from Linear Porokeratosis - a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Radoš Snežana , Milovanović Milena , Rajović Milica , Kostić Kristina , Tufegdžić Ivana , Kandolf Sekulović Lidija 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Porokeratosis belongs to a group of disorders of keratinization that are characterized by the histopathological feature of the cornoid lamella, a column of tightly fitted parakeratotic cells. The etiology of porokeratosis is still unclear. Different variants of porokeratosis (PK) have been subsequently recognized, each with its own specific properties in terms of morphology, distribution and clinical course. Linear porokeratosis is one of the variants of porokeratosis, a rare disorder of keratinization that may develop into several epidermal malignancies, squamous cell carcinoma being the most frequent among all of them. Thus, a clinical surveillance for malignancy is an imperative. We present a case of a 54-year-old man with non-healing ulcer of the lower leg caused by squamous cell carcinoma arising on long-standing linear porokeratosis. The treatment included wide excision of tumor with the reconstruction of the area. Acitretin was prescribed for linear porokeratosis treatment. The follow-up of our patient so far has shown that he does not have new malignant lesions after surgical excision.