bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative effectiveness of antiepileptic drugs in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
Authors: Silvennoinen Katri , de Lange Nikola , Zagaglia Sara , Balestrini Simona , Androsova Ganna , Wassenaar Merel , Auce Pauls , Avbersek Andreja , Becker Felicitas , Berghuis Bianca , Campbell Ellen , Coppola Antonietta , Francis Ben , Wolking Stefan , Cavalleri Gianpiero L. , Craig John , Delanty Norman , Johnson Michael R. , Koeleman Bobby P. C. , Kunz Wolfram S. , Lerche Holger , Marson Anthony G. , O’Brien Terence J. , Sander Josemir W. , Sills Graeme J. , Striano Pasquale , Zara Federico , van der Palen Job , Krause Roland , Depondt Chantal , Sisodiya Sanjay M. ,   the EpiPGX Consortium
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo study the effectiveness and tolerability of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) commonly used in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME).MethodsPeople with JME were identified from a large database of individuals with epilepsy, which includes detailed retrospective information on AED use. We assessed secular changes in AED use and calculated rates of response (12‐month seizure freedom) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) for the five most common AEDs. Retention was modeled with a Cox proportional hazards model. We compared valproate use between males and females.ResultsWe included 305 people with 688 AED trials of valproate, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, carbamazepine, and topiramate. Valproate and carbamazepine were most often prescribed as the first AED. The response rate to valproate was highest among the five AEDs (42.7%), and significantly higher than response rates for lamotrigine, carbamazepine, and topiramate; the difference to the response rate to levetiracetam (37.1%) was not significant. The rates of ADRs were highest for topiramate (45.5%) and valproate (37.5%). Commonest ADRs included weight change, lethargy, and tremor. In the Cox proportional hazards model, later start year (1.10 [1.08‐1.13],P < 0.001) and female sex (1.41 [1.07‐1.85],P = 0.02) were associated with shorter trial duration. Valproate was associated with the longest treatment duration; trials with carbamazepine and topiramate were significantly shorter (HR [CI]: 3.29 [2.15‐5.02],P < 0.001 and 1.93 [1.31‐2.86],P < 0.001). The relative frequency of valproate trials shows a decreasing trend since 2003 while there is an increasing trend for levetiracetam. Fewer females than males received valproate (76.2% vs 92.6%,P = 0.001).SignificanceIn people with JME, valproate is an effective AED; levetiracetam emerged as an alternative. Valproate is now contraindicated in women of childbearing potential without special precautions. With appropriate selection and safeguards in place, valproate should remain available as a therapy, including as an alternative for women of childbearing potential whose seizures are resistant to other treatments.
Copper Deficiency in Liver Diseases: A Case Series and Pathophysiological Considerations
Authors: Yu Lei , Liou Iris W. , Biggins Scott W. , Yeh Matthew , Jalikis Florencia , Chan Lingtak‐Neander , Burkhead Jason 
Published: June 2019

Copper is an indispensable trace element. It serves as a cofactor for enzymes involved in cellular energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, iron transport, and fibrogenesis. Although these processes are central in the pathogenesis of liver disorders, few studies have attributed them to copper deficiency. We herein describe in detail a case series of liver disease patients (n = 12) who presented with signs of copper deficiency based on serum and liver copper measurements. Median age of the group at the time of presentation was 39 (range 18‐64 years). Six patients were female. The median serum copper was 46 μg/dL (normal range: 80‐155 μg/dL for women and 70‐140 μg/dL for men). Seven of the 12 patients had hepatic copper concentration less than 10 μg/g dry weight (normal range: 10‐35 μg/g). Most cases presented with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (n = 4) and decompensated cirrhosis (n = 5). Only 3 patients had a condition known to be associated with copper deficiency (ileocolonic Crohn’s disease following resection n = 1, Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass n = 2) before presenting with hepatic dysfunction. Notable clinical features included steatohepatitis, iron overload, malnutrition, and recurrent infections. In 2 of the 3 patients who received copper supplementation, there was an improvement in serum copper, ceruloplasmin, and liver function parameters. Conclusion: Copper deficiency in the serum or liver occurs in a wide range of liver diseases. Given the biological essentiality of copper, the mechanism and clinical significance of this association require systematic study.
Prognostic factors for pregnancy after intrauterine insemination
Authors: Ejzenberg Dani , Gomes Tiago J.O. , Monteleone Pedro A.A. , Serafini Paulo C. , Soares‐Jr José M. , Baracat Edmund C. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate prognostic factors for pregnancy after intrauterine insemination (IUI).MethodsA retrospective study was conducted among couples who underwent IUI at Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil, between January 31, 2008, and April 30, 2016. The main outcome was a positive β human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) test result after IUI. Univariate analyses were used to determine predictors of pregnancy. Selected numerical variables were categorized to maximize the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Logistic regression was performed using the backward method. The quality of the model was evaluated using the R2 (Nagelkerke) and Hosmer‐Lemeshow tests.ResultsOf 355 insemination cycles, 56 (15.8%) resulted in a positive β‐hCG test result. The predictors and cutoff values that maximized the area under the ROC curve were as follows: follicle‐stimulating hormone (<7.7 mIU/mL; P<0.001); duration of infertility (<62 menses; P<0.001); number of follicles greater than or equal to 14 mm (>1 follicle; P<0.001); baseline spermatozoa concentration (>52.0 million/mL; P=0.007); total ejaculate (>123.7 million; P=0.003); and grade B motility (>35%; P=0.013). These factors were able to predict 50.4% of the positive test results (R2).ConclusionPrognostic factors for pregnancy identified approximately half of all successful outcomes after IUI.
Decomposing the effects of monetary policy using an external instruments SVAR
Authors: Lakdawala Aeimit 
Published: June 2019

SummaryWe study the effects of monetary policy on economic activity separately identifying the effects of a conventional change in the fed funds rate from the policy of forward guidance. We use a structural VAR identified using external instruments from futures market data. The response of output to a fed funds rate shock is found to be consistent with typical monetary VAR analyses. However, the effect of a forward guidance shock that increases long‐term interest rates has an expansionary effect on output. This counterintuitive response is shown to be tied to the asymmetric information between the Federal Reserve and the public.
Circular RNA circPIP5K1A promotes non‐small cell lung cancer proliferation and metastasis through miR‐600/HIF‐1α regulation
Authors: Chi Yongbing , Luo Qiancheng , Song Yuting , Yang Fangsong , Wang Ying , Jin Mingming , Zhang Denghai 
Published: June 2019

AbstractCircular RNAs (circRNAs) have an important function in human diseases, especially in cancer. circRNA hsa_circ_0014130 (circPIP5K1A), a particularly abundant circRNA, participates in the tumorigenesis of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), although the underlying regulatory mechanism remains unclear. Here, we investigated the circPIP5K1A role in NSCLC. Expression of circPIP5K1A in NSCLC cell lines was explored with quantitative real‐time PCR. The effect of circPIP5K1A on NSCLC was evaluated with circPIP5K1A silencing, miR‐600 mimic transfection, and hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α overexpression, followed by assessment of cell proliferation, metastasis, and tumorigenesis in nude mice. The subcellular localization of circPIP5K1A was evaluated via fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and correlation between circPIP5K1A, miR‐600, and HIF‐1α was assessed by luciferase assay. The data demonstrated that circPIP5K1A expression was increased in NSCLC cells. FISH showed that circPIP5K1A localized to the cytoplasm. The circPIP5K1A knockdown suppressed NSCLC cell metastasis and proliferation by promoting expression of miR‐600. Overexpression of miR‐600 inhibited HIF‐1α‐mediated metastasis and proliferation of NSCLC cell by downregulating the endothelial mesenchymal transition‐related proteins, Snail and vimentin, and upregulating E‐cadherin. In vivo experiments illustrated that circPIP5K1A silence suppressed tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis. The circPIP5K1A may function as an miR‐600 sponge to facilitate NSCLC proliferation and metastasis by promoting HIF‐1α. A bifluorescein reporter experiment confirmed that miR‐600 was the circPIP5K1A target, and miR‐600 interacted with the 3′ untranslated region of HIF‐1α. These results show that circPIP5K1A acted as a tumor promoter through a novel circPIP5K1A/miR‐600/HIF‐1α axis, which provides candidate markers and therapeutic targets for NSCLC.
Pathways linking clinician demographics to mental health diagnostic accuracy: An international perspective
Authors: Brechbiel Julia K. , Keeley Jared W. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectiveThis study examined the impact of clinicians’ demographics and response time on diagnostic accuracy.MethodWe conducted mediation analyses on data from a WHO field study of the ICD­11 that required clinicians (N = 1,822, 44.3% female, 44.92 years old) to diagnose two case vignettes.ResultsContradictory to decision‐making theories, clinicians with more years of experience and slower response times had higher rates of diagnostic accuracy. In comparison to North American clinicians, clinicians in Asia who responded faster had lower accuracy rates, and clinicians in South America who responded slower had higher accuracy rates. Medical professionals with quicker response times had lower accuracy rates compared with psychologists and other clinical professionals.ConclusionFindings indicate that clinicians should consider how their clinical setting, level of experience, and response time influence the diagnostic process. Future research on diagnostic accuracy should consider additional mediating factors, such as cultural differences in response time.
Differential structural features in soleus and gastrocnemius of carnitine‐treated cancer cachectic rats
Authors: Busquets Sílvia , Pérez‐Peiró Maria , Salazar‐Degracia Anna , Argilés Josep M. , Serpe Roberto , Rojano‐Toimil Alba , López‐Soriano Francisco J. , Barreiro Esther 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMuscle wasting is associated with chronic diseases and cancer. Elucidation of the biological mechanism involved in the process of muscle mass loss and cachexia may help identify therapeutic targets. We hypothesized that l‐carnitine treatment may differentially revert muscle fiber atrophy and other structural alterations in slow‐ and fast‐twitch limb muscles of rats bearing the Yoshida ascites hepatoma. In soleus and gastrocnemius of tumor‐bearing rats (108 AH‐130 Yoshida ascites hepatoma cells inoculated intraperitoneally) with and without treatment with l‐carnitine (1 g/kg body weight for 7 days, intragastric), food intake, body and muscle weights, fiber typing and morphometry, morphological features, redox balance, autophagy and proteolytic, and signaling markers were explored. Levels of carnitine palmitoyl transferase were also measured in all the study muscles. l‐Carnitine treatment ameliorated the atrophy of both slow‐ and fast‐twitch fibers (gastrocnemius particularly), muscle structural alterations (both muscles), and attenuated oxidative stress, proteolytic and signaling markers (gastrocnemius). Despite that carnitine palmitoyl transferase‐1 levels increased in both muscle types in a similar fashion, l‐carnitine ameliorated muscle atrophy and proteolysis in a muscle‐specific manner in cancer‐induced cachexia. These data reveal the need to study muscles of different fiber type composition and function to better understand whereby l‐carnitine exerts its beneficial effects on the myofibers in muscle wasting processes. These findings also have potential clinical implications, since combinations of various exercise and muscle training modalities with l‐carnitine should be specifically targeted for the muscle groups to be trained.
Adipocytes utilize sucrose as an energy source—Effect of different carbohydrates on adipocyte differentiation
Authors: Krishna Mahesh S. , Revathy V. M. , Jaleel Abdul 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAdipose tissue is a complex and heterogenic tissue exhibiting high variability and appears to have multiple functions, especially in metabolic regulation. Change in carbohydrate source is reported to have a profound effect in the regular functioning of adipocytes. Here, we analyzed the role of two monosaccharides namely, glucose (5.2 and 25 nM), galactose (25 mM), and two disaccharides namely, lactose and sucrose (both at 25 mM) in the adipocyte differentiation process and its utilization by adipocytes as an energy source. The change in cell morphology, adipocyte‐specific gene expression, and protein levels were analyzed at three different time points: 2, 6, and 48 hr. Oil Red O staining at Day 8 of differentiation showed that no other carbohydrates were able to increase lipid content as better as 25 mM glucose. Gene expression pattern was altered by the change in glucose concentration and sucrose was able to mimic the effect of glucose even though, the lipid synthesis was solely promoted by high glucose levels. Galactose and lactose did not show any effect in promoting adipocyte differentiation. The expression of PPAR γ was high in the presence of sucrose and galactose, possibly of adipogenic cocktail in enhancing the expression rather than the effect of carbohydrate. Acarbose, a potent glucosidase inhibitor was able to inhibit the lipid content in adipocytes grown with sucrose as a carbohydrate source and shows the possibility of its direct utilization. Lactate production by cells upon differentiation also proved the possible uptake of glucose after sucrose cleavage.
Linc00210 enhances the malignancy of thyroid cancer cells by modulating miR‐195‐5p/IGF1R/Akt axis
Authors: Du Peijie , Liu Fei , Liu Yanling , Shao Mingwei , Li Xialian , Qin Guijun 
Published: June 2019

AbstractEmerging evidence has indicated that long noncoding RNA (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating thyroid cancer (TC) development. Linc00210 is a newly identified lncRNA which plays an oncogenic role in hepatocellular carcinoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, but whether Linc00210 can modulate the development of TC remains elusive. Here, we found that Linc00210 expression was upregulated in TC tissues compared to the matched noncancerous tissues. Overexpression of Linc00210 augmented the proliferation, migration, and invasion of TC cells. Mechanistically, Linc00210 served as a sponge for miR‐195‐5p, thereby counteracting its ability in downregulating the expression of IGF1R and the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling. Moreover, inhibition of Linc00210 suppressed the growth of TC cells in nude mice. Our findings for the first time uncovered the oncogenic property of Linc00210 in TC.
Experimental study and parametric analysis of SO2 capture in limestone fixed bed reactor
Authors: Bontzolis Christos D , Petraki Maria K , Spartinos Dimitrios N 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe use of absorbents, based on calcium, for the reduction of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from power plants has been studied for the last 90 years. The present work is part of a research project, which aims at the development of a fixed and a moving bed limestone filter. A filter is placed after the burning, in order to capture SO2 from the flue gases of pulverized lignite combustors. An experimental study and a parametric analysis in a limestone and lignite fixed bed reactor for SO2 capture were conducted in previous works.RESULTSThis work studies experimentally the SO2 capture by analyzing the following parameters: inlet mole fraction of SO2, inlet mole fraction of O2, volumetric flow rate, average temperature in bed, type of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and length of the solid bed. Under specific circumstances, conversion of SO2 values were found to be greater than 0.99 in the gas outlet for more than 110 min.CONCLUSIONUseful conclusions are drawn regarding the behavior of a fixed bed reactor in different conditions. The results highlight the importance of technological interest in the dry process for SO2 capture. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index and fibrosis 4 scores for hepatic fibrosis assessment compared with transient elastography in chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Sripongpun Pimsiri , Tangkijvanich Pisit , Chotiyaputta Watcharasak , Charatcharoenwitthaya Phunchai , Chaiteerakij Roongruedee , Treeprasertsuk Sombat , Bunchorntavakul Chalermrat , Sobhonslidsuk Abhasnee , Leerapun Apinya , Khemnark Suparat , Poovorawan Kittiyod , Siramolpiwat Sith , Chirapongsathorn Sakkarin , Pan‐Ngum Wirichada , Soonthornworasiri Ngamphol , Sukeepaisarnjaroen Wattana ,   the THASL study group
Published: June 2019

Background and AimFibrotic stage (FS) assessment is essential in chronic hepatitis C treatment cascade. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) using transient elastography (TE) is reliable and correlated with liver biopsy. However, TE may not be widely available. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performances of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis 4 (FIB‐4) scores compared with TE.MethodsWe conducted a multicenter, cross‐sectional study, including all chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) monoinfection patients with successful and reliable LSM, at 10 centers in Thailand from 2012 to 2017. Characteristics and laboratory data within 3 months of TE were retrospectively reviewed. Using TE as a reference standard, the diagnostic performances of APRI and FIB‐4 were evaluated. TE cut‐off levels of 7.1 and 12.5 kPa represented significant fibrosis (SF) and cirrhosis, respectively.ResultsThe distribution of FS by TE in 2000 eligible patients was as follows: no SF 28.3%, SF 31.4%, and cirrhosis 40.3%. APRI ≥ 1 provided 70.1% sensitivity and 80.6% specificity, with an area under the receiver operator characteristics curve (AUROC) of 0.834 for cirrhosis. The specificity increased to 96.3% when using a cut‐off level of APRI ≥ 2. FIB‐4 ≥ 1.45 provided a sensitivity, specificity, and AUROC of 52.4%, 91.0%, and 0.829 for cirrhosis, respectively. For SF, APRI performed better than FIB‐4, with an AUROC of 0.84 versus 0.80 (P < 0.001). APRI score < 0.5 and FIB‐4 score > 1.45 yielded sensitivities of 82.3% and 74.4% and specificities of 65.4% and 69.8%, respectively.ConclusionsAPRI and FIB‐4 scores had good diagnostic performances for FS assessment compared with TE, especially for cirrhosis. APRI may be used as the noninvasive assessment in resource‐limited settings for HCV patients’ management.
Indigenous strategies used by selected farming communities in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, to manage soil, water, and climate extremes and to make weather predictions
Authors: Vilakazi Bonginkosi S. , Zengeni Rebecca , Mafongoya Paramu 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMost of rural South Africa is semi arid, experiencing a variable climate with extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. Communal farmers experience problems of getting reliable weather information. Datasets used to describe climate change and variability rely on spatially interpolated gridded data from a few weather stations. The ability of gridded climate data to describe climate variability at the local level has been widely questioned. Communal farmers have developed indigenous strategies to cope with these extremes in order to sustain agricultural production. The objective of this study was to document indigenous strategies that smallholder farmers in Bergville and Msinga, in KwaZulu Natal Province, use to predict weather, conserve soil and water, and manage climate extremes events. Data were gathered through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and questionnaire. Results showed that more farmers in Msinga than Bergville observed reduced rainfalls and increased temperatures as an indicator of climate variability (p<.05). Bergville and Msinga communal farmers use indigenous indicators such as wind and cloud patterns, animal and bird behaviour, moon shape, and position of the sun to predict weather. Communal farmers using manure were 0.17 times more likely to conserve soil and water when compared with those using artificial fertilizer (p<.05). Thus, indigenous knowledge system (IKS) can be used to conserve soil and water and manage climate extremes and variability. Communal farmers also resist adopting unfamiliar strategies that are forced on them without proper engagement. Communal farmers have managed to survive extreme weather events using IKS.
Subtle gait and balance impairments occur in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder
Authors: Ehgoetz Martens Kaylena A. , Matar Elie , Hall Julie M. , Phillips Joseph , Szeto Jennifer Y. Y. , Gouelle Arnaud , Grunstein Ronald R. , Halliday Glenda M. , Lewis Simon J. G. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundAlthough motor abnormalities have been flagged as potentially the most sensitive and specific clinical features for predicting the future progression to Parkinson's disease, little work has been done to characterize gait and balance impairments in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD).ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to quantitatively determine any static balance as well as gait impairments across the 5 independent domains of gait in polysomnography‐confirmed iRBD patients using normal, fast‐paced, and dual‐task walking conditions.MethodsA total of 38 participants (24 iRBD, 14 healthy controls) completed the following 5 different walking trials across a pressure sensor carpet: (1) normal pace, (2) fast pace, (3) while counting backward from 100 by 1s, (4) while naming as many animals as possible, (5) while subtracting 7s from 100.ResultsAlthough no gait differences were found between the groups during normal walking, there were significant differences between groups under the fast‐paced and dual‐task gait conditions. Specifically, in response to the dual tasking, healthy controls widened their step width without changing step width variability, whereas iRBD patients did not widen their step width but, rather, significantly increased their step width variability. Similarly, changes between the groups were observed during fast‐paced walking wherein the iRBD patients demonstrated greater step length asymmetry when compared with controls.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that iRBD patients have subtle gait impairments, which likely reflect early progressive degeneration in brainstem regions that regulate both REM sleep and gait coordination. Such gait assessments may be useful as a diagnostic preclinical screening tool for future fulminant gait abnormalities for trials of disease‐preventive agents. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society