bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An estrogen receptor (ER)‐related signature in predicting prognosis of ER‐positive breast cancer following endocrine treatment
Authors: Tang Jianing , Cui Qiuxia , Zhang Dan , Liao Xing , Zhu Jian , Wu Gaosong 
Published: May 2019

AbstractQuite a few estrogen receptor (ER)‐positive breast cancer patients receiving endocrine therapy are at risk of disease recurrence and death. ER‐related genes are involved in the progression and chemoresistance of breast cancer. In this study, we identified an ER‐related gene signature that can predict the prognosis of ER‐positive breast cancer patient receiving endocrine therapy. We collected RNA expression profiling from Gene Expression Omnibus database. An ER‐related signature was developed to separate patients into high‐risk and low‐risk groups. Patients in the low‐risk group had significantly better survival than those in the high‐risk group. ROC analysis indicated that this signature exhibited good diagnostic efficiency for the 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year disease‐relapse events. Moreover, multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the ER‐related signature was an independent risk factor when adjusting for several clinical signatures. The prognostic value of this signature was validated in the validation sets. In addition, a nomogram was built and the calibration plots analysis indicated the good performance of this nomogram. In conclusion, combining with ER status, our results demonstrated that the ER‐related prognostic signature is a promising method for predicting the prognosis of ER‐positive breast cancer patients receiving endocrine therapy.
KLF8 is associated with poor prognosis and regulates glycolysis by targeting GLUT4 in gastric cancer
Authors: Mao Anwei , Zhou Xiang , Liu Yanxia , Ding Junbin , Miao Aiyu , Pan Gaofeng 
Published: May 2019

AbstractKrüppel‐like transcription factor (KLF) family is involved in tumorigenesis in different types of cancer. However, the importance of KLF family in gastric cancer is unclear. Here, we examined KLF gene expression in five paired liver metastases and primary gastric cancer tissues by RT‐PCR, and immunohistochemistry was used to study KLF8 expression in 206 gastric cancer samples. The impact of KLF8 expression on glycolysis, an altered energy metabolism that characterizes cancer cells, was evaluated. KLF8 showed the highest up‐regulation in liver metastases compared with primary tumours among all KLF members. Higher KLF8 expression associated with larger tumour size (P < 0.001), advanced T stage (P = 0.003) and N stage (P < 0.001). High KLF8 expression implied shorter survival outcome in both TCGA and validation cohort (P < 0.05). Silencing KLF8 expression impaired the glycolysis rate of gastric cancer cells in vitro. Moreover, high KLF8 expression positively associated with SUVmax in patient samples. KLF8 activated the GLUT4 promoter activity in a dose‐dependent manner (P < 0.05). Importantly, KLF8 and GLUT4 showed consistent expression patterns in gastric cancer tissues. These findings suggest that KLF8 modulates glycolysis by targeting GLUT4 and could serve as a novel biomarker for survival and potential therapeutic target in gastric cancer.
Periodontitis is associated with elevated serum levels of cardiac biomarkers—Soluble ST2 and C‐reactive protein
Authors: Torrungruang Kitti , Katudat Dissayawadee , Mahanonda Rangsini , Sritara Piyamitr , Udomsak Artit 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimThis cross‐sectional study examined the associations between periodontitis and the serum cardiac biomarkers—soluble ST2 (sST2) and C‐reactive protein (CRP)—in systemically healthy adults.Materials and MethodsPeriodontitis severity was determined using mean probing depth (PD) or clinical attachment level (CAL) and a categorical variable (no/mild, moderate, or severe). Oral hygiene was evaluated using plaque scores. Regression analyses assessed the associations between periodontal variables and sST2 or CRP levels, adjusting for age, sex, smoking, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and high‐density or low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol.ResultsThe study population comprised 799 individuals, aged 50–73 years. After multivariable adjustment, greater mean PD/CAL, severe periodontitis, and poor oral hygiene were associated with elevated sST2 and CRP levels (p < 0.05). Greater mean PD or CAL was associated with increased odds of having sST2 in the top quintile (>22.7 μg/L) (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.7 [1.1–2.4] and 1.3 [1.1–1.7], respectively) and CRP > 3 mg/L (OR: 1.5 [1.1–2.1] and 1.3 [1.0–1.5], respectively). Individuals with poor oral hygiene were more likely to have sST2 > 22.7 μg/L (OR: 2.0 [1.0–4.0]) and CRP > 3 mg/L (OR: 2.0 [1.1–3.5]), compared to those with good oral hygiene.ConclusionsPeriodontitis and poor oral hygiene were associated with elevated serum sST2 and CRP levels.
The prevalent dermoscopic criterion to distinguish between benign and suspicious pink tumours
Authors: Russo T. , Pampena R. , Piccolo V. , Alfano R. , Papageorgiou C. , Apalla Z. , Longo C. , Lallas A. , Argenziano G. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundPink skin tumours are difficult to differentiate, clinically and dermoscopically. In previous studies, mainly focused on pigmented lesions, pattern analysis provided the best sensitivity and specificity values, as compared to other algorithms. These findings suggest that the global dermoscopic appearance, based on the evaluation of prevalent features, could represent a valuable and practical approach even when dealing with pink lesions.ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a new dermoscopic approach for pink tumours based on the prevalent criterion, as compared to a standard diagnostic method (Menzies algorithm).MethodsThe databases of two referral centres were retrospectively evaluated to retrieve dermoscopic images of amelanotic/hypomelanotic skin lesions. Two experts in dermoscopy, blinded for the final diagnosis and for clinical and demographic information, evaluated separately dermoscopic pictures of 1000 lesions according to the Menzies score and to the prevalent criterion method.ResultsAccording to the high sensitivity model of the Menzies score, 129 (12.9%) lesions were considered as non‐suspicious (of which 16 were false negative) and 871 (87.1%) as suspicious (of which 212 were false positive), with 97.6% sensitivity and 34.8% specificity. According to the high specificity model, 370 (37%) lesions were evaluated as non‐suspicious (of which 105 were false negative) and 630 (63%) as suspicious (of which 60 were false positive), with 84.4% sensitivity and 81.5% specificity. Concerning the prevalent criterion method, 316 (31.6%) lesions were evaluated as non‐suspicious (of which 46 were false negative) and 684 (68.4) as suspicious (of which 55 were false positive), with 93.2% sensitivity and 83.1% specificity.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that focusing on the prevalent dermoscopic features could allow to detect malignant pink tumours with similar sensitivity but higher specificity than using the conventional Menzies scoring system.
Alopecia in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta): Association with pregnancy and chronic stress
Authors: Lutz Corrine K. , Menard Mark T. , Rosenberg Kendra , Meyer Jerrold S. , Novak Melinda A. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundAlopecia in captive non‐human primates is often presented as a welfare issue. However, it is a complex condition with a number of possible causes. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of pregnancy and hair cortisol concentrations on alopecia in rhesus macaques.MethodsSubjects were 113 socially housed adult female rhesus macaques (27 pregnant, 35 nursing infants, 51 controls). During routine physicals, photographs were taken for alopecia assessment and hair samples were collected for cortisol assay.ResultsAlopecia was more prevalent in pregnant than in control females, but there was no association between alopecia and hair cortisol. However, there was a significant effect of pregnancy on hair cortisol. Nursing females had higher hair cortisol levels than pregnant females, which had higher levels than control females.ConclusionsAlthough alopecia does not appear to be associated with hair cortisol, both alopecia and hair cortisol were associated with pregnancy.
Development, physico-chemical characterization and in-vitro studies of hydrogels containing rosmarinic acid-loaded nanoemulsion for topical application
Authors: Marafon Paula , Fachel Flávia Nathiely Silveira , Dal Prá Morgana , Bassani Valquíria Linck , Koester Letícia Scherer , Henriques Amélia Teresinha , Braganhol Elizandra , Teixeira Helder Ferreira 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Objectives
Natural sources with antioxidant activity, such as rosmarinic acid (RA), have been considered as an interesting approach for the development of new anti-ageing skin products. In this context, this study aimed to develop hydrogels containing RA-loaded nanoemulsions and evaluate the effect of the addition of Tween® 80 (a nonionic cosurfactant) in formulations intended to be used for topical application.

Methods
Physico-chemical characterization, in-vitro release and skin retention/permeation from hydrogels of RA-loaded nanoemulsions (containing or not Tween® 80) were evaluated. The RA-loaded nanoemulsion safety profiles were also investigated in keratinocytes (HaCaT cells).

Key findings
It was observed that all formulations presented adequate physico-chemical characterization for topical application. Furthermore, the results also demonstrated that the presence of Tween® 80 decreased the droplet size and polydispersity index of nanoemulsions and hydrogels. An extended RA release was noted for the hydrogels. However, when comparing the hydrogels, a positive effect of the presence of Tween® 80 on RA retention/permeation in total skin was seen. The RA-loaded nanoemulsion safety profiles demonstrated a good tolerability (3.125–100 μm) in HaCaT cells.

Conclusions
The overall results demonstrated that the formulations developed in this study can be considered as a suitable carrier for RA in a topical application targeting new anti-ageing skin care products.
Vancomycin-loaded niosomes integrated within pH-sensitive in-situ forming gel for treatment of ocular infections while minimizing drug irritation
Authors: Allam Ayat , El-Mokhtar Mohamed A , Elsabahy Mahmoud 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of the current study was to minimize ocular irritation and prolong the pharmacological action of vancomycin via formulation into nanosized spherical niosomes loaded into pH-sensitive in-situ forming gel.

Methods
Stability and rheological behaviour of the various gelling systems were evaluated. The ability of the selected system to eradicate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections was examined in vitro and in vivo. Draize technique was also used to assess ocular irritation in rabbits.

Key findings
Nanosized spherical niosomes loaded with vancomycin at high entrapment efficiency were prepared and integrated into polymeric solution that forms gel in situ upon instillation into the eye, to allow for a further increase in the ocular residence time. In MRSA-infected rabbits, there were 180- and 2.5-fold increases in the antibacterial efficacy after treatment with the vancomycin niosomal gels in comparison with the untreated animals and the animals treated with the vancomycin free drug solution, respectively.

Conclusions
The developed formulations demonstrated promising in-vivo biocompatibility and antibacterial efficacy, signifying their potential application as ophthalmic preparation to overcome ocular infections induced by resistant bacterial strains while minimizing drug irritation and improving patient compliance.
Forecasting Limited Access to Urology in Rural Communities: Analysis of the American Urological Association Census
Authors: Cohen Andrew J. , Ndoye Medina , Fergus Kirkpatrick B. , Lindsey John , Butler Christi , Patino German , Anger Jennifer T. , Breyer Benjamin N. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo assess an aging subspecialty workforce and growing population that portends challenges in meeting patient care needs. We hypothesized that rural physicians are retiring at higher rates than their urban counterparts in the United States and that this represents a bellwether for workforce challenges at large.MethodsWe analyzed data from the 2014‐2016 American Urological Association Census, a sample‐weighted representative survey of urologists, as a case study for subspecialists. We compared urologists who work in rural regions to nonrural regions on available characteristics.ResultsIn 2016, rural urologists accounted for 2.4% of 12,186 practicing urologists in the United States. General urology remained the focus of 90% of rural urologists, compared to 59% of nonrural urologists (P = .03). Alarmingly, 48% of rural physicians were >65 years old in 2016 compared to 29% in 2014, and 33% of rural urologists were solo practitioners compared to 9% of nonrural urologists (P < .01). The planned retirement age for rural physicians increased from 68 in 2014 to 73 in 2016 (P trend = .02). The percentage of rural practice urologists has remained stable since 2014.ConclusionsRural urologists are older and provide more general urological care than their nonrural counterparts. Rural urologists are postponing retirement. Although this might be due to personal desires and financial goals, it may also be due to a relative absence of potential junior partners. Given that almost 50% of rural urologists were older than 65 in 2016, this is not a sustainable solution to an impending shortage of physicians. Greater innovation in telemedicine or alternative care models will soon be needed.
Factors associated with dietary diversity and length‐for‐age z‐score in rural Ethiopian children aged 6–23 months: A novel approach to the analysis of baseline data from the Sustainable Undernutrition Reduction in Ethiopia evaluation
Authors: Kuche Desalegn , Moss Cami , Eshetu Solomon , Ayana Girmay , Salasibew Mihretab , Dangour Alan D. , Allen Elizabeth 
Published: May 2019

AbstractInfants and young children need diets high in nutrient density and diversity to meet the requirements of rapid growth and development. Our aim was to evaluate sociodemographic, agricultural diversity, and women's empowerment factors associated with child dietary diversity and length‐for‐age z‐score (LAZ) in children 6–23 months using data collected as part of the Sustainable Undernutrition Reduction in Ethiopia (SURE) evaluation study baseline survey in May–June 2016. We here present a novel analysis using directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) to represent our assumptions about the causal influences between the factors of interest and the outcomes. The causal diagrams enabled the identification of variables to be included in multivariable analysis to estimate the total effects of factors of interest using ordinal logistic/linear regression models. We found that child dietary diversity was positively associated with LAZ with children consuming 4 or more food groups having on average an LAZ score 0.42 (95% CI [0.08, 0.77]) higher than those consuming no complementary foods. Household production of fruits and vegetables was associated with both increased child dietary diversity (adjusted OR 1.16; 95% CI [1.09, 1.24]) and LAZ (adjusted mean difference 0.05; 95% CI [0.005, 0.10]). Other factors positively associated with child dietary diversity included age in months, socio‐economic status, maternal education, women's empowerment and dietary diversity, paternal childcare support, household food security, fruit and vegetable cultivation, and land ownership. LAZ was positively associated with age, socio‐economic status, maternal education, fruit and vegetable production, and land ownership.
Strigolactones enhance root‐knot nematode (Meloidogyne graminicola) infection in rice by antagonizing the jasmonate pathway
Authors: Lahari Zobaida , Ullah Chhana , Kyndt Tina , Gershenzon Jonathan , Gheysen Godelieve 
Published: May 2019

Summary

Strigolactones (SLs) are carotenoid‐derived plant hormones that also act in the rhizosphere to stimulate germination of root‐parasitic plants and enhance plant symbiosis with beneficial microbes. Here, the role of SLs was investigated in the interaction of rice (Oryza sativa) roots with the root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne graminicola.

Genetic approaches and chemical sprays were used to manipulate SL signaling in rice before infection with M. graminicola. Then, nematode performance was evaluated and plant defense hormones were quantified.

Meloidogyne graminicola infection induced SL biosynthesis and signaling and suppressed jasmonic acid (JA)‐based defense in rice roots, suggesting a potential role of SLs during nematode infection. Whereas the application of a low dose of the SL analogue GR24 increased nematode infection and decreased jasmonate accumulation, the SL biosynthesis and signaling d mutants were less susceptible to M. graminicola, and constitutively accumulated JA and JA‐isoleucine compared with wild‐type plants. Spraying with 0.1 μM GR24 restored nematode susceptibility in SL‐biosynthesis mutants but not in the signaling mutant. Furthermore, foliar application of the SL biosynthesis inhibitor TIS108 impeded nematode infection and increased jasmonate levels in rice roots.

In conclusion, SL signaling in rice suppresses jasmonate accumulation and promotes root‐knot nematode infection.
Shrub facilitation of tree establishment varies with ontogenetic stage across environmental gradients
Authors: Urza Alexandra K. , Weisberg Peter J. , Chambers Jeanne C. , Sullivan Benjamin W. 
Published: May 2019

Summary

Plant–plant interactions are important drivers of ecosystem structure and function, yet predicting interaction outcomes across environmental gradients remains challenging. Understanding how interactions are affected by ontogenetic shifts in plant characteristics can provide insight into the drivers of interactions and improve our ability to anticipate ecosystem responses to environmental change.

We developed a conceptual framework of nurse shrub facilitation of tree establishment. We used a combination of field experiments and environmental measurements to test the framework with a shrub (Artemisia tridentata) and a tree (Pinus monophylla), two foundation species in a semiarid environment.

Shrub microsites allowed trees to overcome an early population bottleneck and successfully establish in areas without tree cover. Shrubs facilitated trees at multiple ontogenetic stages, but the net outcome of the interaction shifted from strongly positive to neutral after the transition of P. monophylla from juvenile to adult foliage. Microhabitat conditions varied across a broad elevational gradient, but interaction outcomes were not strongly related to elevation.

Favorable microsites provided by A. tridentata cover are crucial for P. monophylla recovery after stand‐replacing disturbance. Models of vegetation response to rapid global environmental change should incorporate the critically important role of nurse shrub interactions for ameliorating population bottlenecks in tree establishment.
STBUR: Sleep trouble breathing and unrefreshed questionnaire: Evaluation of screening tool for postanesthesia care and disposition
Authors: Galvez Jorge A. , Yaport Miguel , Maeder‐Chieffo Susan , Simpao Allan F. , Tan Jonathan M. , Wasey Jack O. , Lingappan Arul M. , Jablonka Denis H. , Subramanyam Rajeev , Ahumada Luis M. , Song Bo , Wu Lezhou , Dubow Scott , Rehman Mohamed A. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe Snoring, Trouble Breathing, and Un‐Refreshed (STBUR) questionnaire is a five‐question screening tool for pediatric sleep‐disordered breathing and risk for perioperative respiratory adverse events in children. The utility of this questionnaire as a preoperative risk‐stratification tool has not been investigated. In view of limited availability of screening tools for preoperative pediatric sleep‐disordered breathing, we evaluated the questionnaire's performance for postanesthesia adverse events that can impact postanesthesia care and disposition.MethodsThe retrospective study protocol was approved by the institutional research board. The data were analyzed using two different definitions for a positive screening based on a five‐point scale: low threshold (scores 1 to 5) and high threshold (score of 5). The primary outcome was based on the following criteria: (a) supplemental oxygen therapy following postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stay until hospital discharge, (b) greater than two hours during phase 1 recovery, (c) anesthesia emergency activation in the PACU, and (d) unplanned hospital admission.ResultsAbout 6025 patients completed the questionnaire during the preoperative evaluation. And 1522 patients had a low threshold score and 270 had a high‐threshold score. We found statistically significant associations in three outcomes based on the low threshold score: supplemental oxygen therapy (negative‐predictive value [NPV] 0.97, 95% CI 0.97‐98), PACU recovery time (NPV 0.99, 95% CI 0.99‐0.99) and escalation of care (NPV 0.98, 95% CI 0.97‐0.98). Positive‐predictive values were statistically significant for all outcomes except anesthesia emergency in the PACU.ConclusionThe Snoring, Trouble Breathing, and Un‐Refreshed questionnaire identified patients at higher risk for prolonged phase 1 recovery, oxygen therapy requirement, and escalation of care. The questionnaire's high‐negative predictive value and specificity may make it useful as a screening tool to identify patients at low risk for prolonged stay in PACU.
Hybrid breeding of rice via genomic selection
Authors: Cui Yanru , Li Ruidong , Li Guangwei , Zhang Fan , Zhu Tiantian , Zhang Qifa , Ali Jauhar , Li Zhikang , Xu Shizhong 
Published: May 2019

SummaryHybrid breeding is the main strategy for improving productivity in many crops, especially in rice and maize. Genomic hybrid breeding is a technology that uses whole‐genome markers to predict future hybrids. Predicted superior hybrids are then field evaluated and released as new hybrid cultivars after their superior performances are confirmed. This will increase the opportunity of selecting true superior hybrids with minimum costs. Here, we used genomic best linear unbiased prediction to perform hybrid performance prediction using an existing rice population of 1495 hybrids. Replicated 10‐fold cross‐validations showed that the prediction abilities on ten agronomic traits ranged from 0.35 to 0.92. Using the 1495 rice hybrids as a training sample, we predicted six agronomic traits of 100 hybrids derived from half diallel crosses involving 21 parents that are different from the parents of the hybrids in the training sample. The prediction abilities were relatively high, varying from 0.54 (yield) to 0.92 (grain length). We concluded that the current population of 1495 hybrids can be used to predict hybrids from seemingly unrelated parents. Eventually, we used this training population to predict all potential hybrids of cytoplasm male sterile lines from 3000 rice varieties from the 3K Rice Genome Project. Using a breeding index combining 10 traits, we identified the top and bottom 200 predicted hybrids. SNP genotypes of the training population and parameters estimated from this training population are available for general uses and further validation in genomic hybrid prediction of all potential hybrids generated from all varieties of rice.