bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic accuracy of urine cytokeratin 20 for bladder cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Mi Yan , Zhao Yinlong , Shi Fang , Zhang Mengmeng , Wang Chunpeng , Liu Xin 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimUrine cytokeratin 20 (CK20) has been reported as a novel diagnostic biomarker for bladder cancer (BC). This meta‐analysis aims to evaluate the diagnostic value of urine CK20 for BC.MethodsA systematic search for literatures was performed till March 31, 2018. Sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and the area under the summary receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) were analyzed.ResultsTwenty‐seven studies from 22 articles met the eligible criteria. The pooled estimates were as follows: sensitivity, 0.79; specificity, 0.90; PLR, 8.17; NLR, 0.23; DOR, 35.29 and; AUC, 0.90. CK20 was more sensitive for the diagnosis of bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC) than all types of BC (0.83 vs 0.75). For Tis/Ta tumors, the values were inferior to T1 and ≥T2 stage tumors, that is, the sensitivity (0.74 vs 0.81 vs 0.86), PLR (7.95 vs 9.97 vs 10.75) and DOR (27.81 vs 47.09 vs 69.63). For grade 1 tumors, the values were inferior to grade 2 and ≥grade 3 tumors, that is, the sensitivity (0.70 vs 0.82 vs 0.87), PLR (11.86 vs 13.63 vs 14.26) and DOR (36.63 vs 72.00 vs 101.71). RT‐PCR or PCR showed superior sensitivity and specificity (0.80 vs 0.76, 0.91 vs 0.89) than immunostaining in detection of urine CK20 for BC.ConclusionUrine CK20 might be a potential noninvasive biomarker for BC, especially for BUC. The diagnostic accuracy of urine CK20 is improved with the progression of tumor stage and grade. In addition, RT‐PCR or PCR shows better diagnostic performance in detecting urine CK20 than immunostaining.
A history of undescended testes in young men with Klinefelter syndrome does not reduce the chances for successful microsurgical testicular sperm extraction
Authors: Ragab M. W. , Cremers J.‐F. , Zitzmann M. , Nieschlag E. , Kliesch S. , Rohayem J. 
Published: June 2018

SummaryKlinefelter syndrome (KS) and undescended testes (UDT) are known etiologies for non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA), and coexistence of both etiologies is not uncommon. Patients with both KS and a history of UDT are therefore considered to have extremely reduced chances for paternity. We aimed to analyze the impact of previous surgically corrected unilateral or bilateral UDT on sperm retrieval rates (SRRs) by microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) in azoospermic men with KS. Age, testicular volumes, and hypothalamo–pituitary–gonadal axis function were investigated in relation to SRRs in 29 non‐mosaic KS patients (47,XXY) with a history of UDT (group 1) who underwent mTESE between 2008 and 2016 in our center and compared to the data of age‐ and serum testosterone‐matched non‐mosaic KS controls with eutopic testes at birth (group 2), and to those of 51 men with NOA and a normal male karyotype (46,XY), but previous UDT (group 3). SRRs in KS patients with surgically corrected UDT during childhood were comparable to SRRs of KS patients with eutopic testes at birth: 31% (35% in unilateral and 22% in bilateral UDT) vs. 38% (p = 0.581). SRRs and Leydig cell function in group 1 were negatively correlated with age. Significantly higher SRRs (66%) were found in euploid azoospermic men with surgically corrected UDT (p < 0.001). A history of UDT does not preclude chances for future fatherhood in young azoospermic males with KS. In one of three men with previous unilateral UDT and in one of 4–5 in those with previous bilateral UDT, spermatozoa can be harvested by mTESE during late adolescence or young adulthood for immediate or future use in assisted reproduction.
Surgical outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in elderly patients
Authors: Yokota Yuki , Tomimaru Yoshito , Noguchi Kozo , Noda Takehiro , Hatano Hisanori , Nagase Hirotsugu , Hamabe Atsushi , Hirota Masashi , Oshima Kazuteru , Tanida Tsukasa , Morita Shunji , Imamura Hiroshi , Iwazawa Takashi , Akagi Kenzo , Dono Keizo 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe clinical significance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for acute cholecystitis in elderly patients aged 80 years or older has not been determined. This study aimed to investigate surgical outcomes of LC for acute cholecystitis in elderly patients compared to non‐elderly patients.MethodsPatients who underwent urgent LC for acute cholecystitis were enrolled. Older (≥80 years) and younger patients (<80 years) were compared for perioperative factors to assess surgical outcomes of LC.ResultsA total of 351 patients were included; 52 (14.8%) and 299 (85.2%) were categorized as older and younger, respectively. The older group had a significantly higher proportion of patients with concomitant physiological diseases than the younger group and a significantly higher ASA classification. No significant differences between the two groups were found in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, or conversion rate to open surgery. Incidence of postoperative complications and duration of postoperative hospital stay also were not significantly different between the two groups.ConclusionSurgical outcomes of LC for acute cholecystitis in older patients are comparable to those in younger patients, which confirms the feasibility of LC for acute cholecystitis in elderly patients.
Reversal of dopamine‐mediated firing inhibition through activation of the dopamine transporter in substantia nigra pars compacta neurons
Authors: Aversa Daniela , Martini Alessandro , Guatteo Ezia , Pisani Antonio , Mercuri Nicola Biagio , Berretta Nicola 
Published: June 2018

Background and PurposeOne of the hallmarks of ventral midbrain dopamine‐releasing neurons is membrane hyperpolarization in response to stimulation of somato‐dendritic D2 receptors. At early postnatal age, under sustained dopamine, this inhibitory response is followed by a slow recovery, resulting in dopamine inhibition reversal (DIR). In the present investigation, we aimed to get a better insight into the cellular mechanisms underlying DIR.Experimental ApproachWe performed single‐unit extracellular recordings with a multi‐electrode array device and conventional patch‐clamp recordings on midbrain mouse slices.Key ResultsWhile continuous dopamine (100 μM) perfusion gave rise to firing inhibition that recovered in 10 to 15 min, the same effect was not obtained with the D2 receptor agonist quinpirole (100 nM). Moreover, firing inhibition caused by the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen (300 nM) was reversed by dopamine (100 μM), albeit D2 receptors had been blocked by sulpiride (10 μM). Conversely, the block of the dopamine transporter (DAT) with cocaine (30 μM) prevented firing recovery by dopamine under GABAB receptor stimulation. Accordingly, in whole‐cell recordings from single cells, the baclofen‐induced outward current was counteracted by dopamine (100 μM) in the presence of sulpiride (10 μM), and this effect was prevented by the DAT antagonists cocaine (30 μM) and GBR12909 (2 μM).Conclusions and ImplicationsOur results indicate that the DAT plays a major role in DIR, mediating it under conditions of sustained dopamine exposure, and point to DAT as an important target for pharmacological therapies leading to prolonged enhancement of the dopaminergic signal.
Modulation of sonic hedgehog‐induced mouse embryonic stem cell behaviours through E‐cadherin expression and integrin β1‐dependent F‐actin formation
Authors: Oh Ji Young , Suh Han Na , Choi Gee Euhn , Lee Hyun Jik , Jung Young Hyun , Ko So Hee , Kim Jun Sung , Chae Chang Woo , Lee Chang‐Kyu , Han Ho Jae 
Published: June 2018

Background and PurposeThe sonic hedgehog pathway (Shh) plays a central role in maintaining stem cell function and behaviour in various processes related to self‐renewal and tissue regeneration. However, the therapeutic effect of Shh on mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) has not yet been clearly elucidated. Thus, we investigated the effect of Shh on the regulation of mESC behaviour as well as the effect of Shh‐pretreated mESCs in skin wound healing.Experimental ApproachThe underlying mechanisms of Shh signalling pathway in growth and motility of mESCs were investigated using Western blot analysis, a cell proliferation assay and cell migration assay. In addition, the effect of Shh‐pretreated mESCs in skin wound healing was determined using a mouse excisional wound splinting model.Key ResultsShh disrupted the adherens junction through proteolysis by activating MMPs. In addition, the release of β‐catenin from adherens junctions mediated by Shh led to cell cycle‐dependent mESC proliferation. Shh‐mediated Gli1 expression led to integrin β1 up‐regulation, followed by FAK and Src phosphorylation. Furthermore, among the Rho‐GTPases, Rac1 and Cdc42 were activated in a Shh‐dependent manner while F‐actin expression was suppressed by Rac1 and Cdc42 siRNA transfection. Consistent with the in vitro results, the skin wound healing assay revealed that Shh‐treated mESCs increased angiogenesis and skin wound repair compared to that in Shh‐treated mESCs transfected with integrin β1 siRNA in vivo.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur results imply that Shh induces adherens junction disruption and integrin β1‐dependent F‐actin formation by a mechanism involving FAK/Src and Rac1/Cdc42 signalling pathways in mESCs.
Next‐generation sequencing improves treatment efficacy and reduces hospitalization in children with drug‐resistant epilepsy
Authors: Peng Jing , Pang Nan , Wang Ying , Wang Xiao‐Le , Chen Jian , Xiong Juan , Peng Pan , Zhu Can‐Hui , Kessi Miriam Barakael , He Fang , Yin Fei 
Published: June 2018

SummaryBackgroundThe purposes of this study were three‐fold: (i) to determine the contribution of known genes to the causation of a broad‐spectrum of pediatric drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE), (ii) to compare the diagnostic yield and cost among different next‐generation sequencing (NGS) approaches, and especially (iii) to assess how NGS approaches can benefit patients by improving diagnosis and treatment efficiency.MethodsThis study enrolled 273 pediatric DRE patients with no obvious acquired etiology. Seventy‐four patients underwent whole‐exome sequencing (WES), 141 patients had epilepsy‐related gene panel testing, and another 58 patients had clinical WES gene panel testing. We obtained these patients’ seizure and hospitalization frequency by periodic follow‐up phone calls and outpatient visits.ResultsGenetic diagnosis was achieved in 86 patients (31.5%) and involved 93 likely disease‐causing mutations in 33 genes. In this study, the detection rates of the epilepsy‐related gene panel, the clinical WES gene panel, and WES were 32.6% (46/141), 44.8% (26/58), and 17.3% (13/74), respectively. Moreover, 34 patients accepted corrective therapy according to their mutant genes, after which 52.9% (18/34) became seizure‐free and 38.2% (13/34) achieved seizure reduction. In the end, patients with either positive or negative genetic results had significantly fewer hospitalization incidents (times/half year) than before (positive genetic results group 0.58 ± 1.14 vs 0.10 ± 0.26; negative genetic results group 0.72 ± 1.65 vs 0.12 ± 0.33).ConclusionsThese results offer further proof that NGS approaches represent powerful tools for establishing a definitive diagnosis. Moreover, this study indicated how NGS can improve treatment efficacy and reduce hospitalization in children with DRE.
Generic names and mislabeling conceal high species diversity in global fisheries markets
Authors: Cawthorn Donna‐Mareè , Baillie Charles , Mariani Stefano 
Published: June 2018

AbstractConsumers have the power to influence conservation of marine fishes by selectively purchasing sustainably harvested species. Yet, this power is hindered by vague labeling and seafood fraud, which may mask market biodiversity and lead to inadvertent consumption of threatened species. Here, we investigate the repercussions of such labeling inaccuracies for one of the world's most highly prized families of fishes‐–the snappers (Family: Lutjanidae). By DNA barcoding 300 “snapper” samples collected from six countries, we show that the lax application of this umbrella term and widespread mislabeling (40%) conceal the identities of at least 67 species from 16 families in global marketplaces, effectively lumping taxa for sale that derive from an array of disparately managed fisheries and have markedly different conservation concerns. Bringing this trade into the open should compel a revision of international labeling and traceability policies, as well as enforcement measures, which currently allow such extensive biodiversity to be consumed unknowingly.
Improving outcomes in gestational diabetes: does gestational weight gain matter?
Authors: Aiken C. E. M. , Hone L. , Murphy H. R. , Meek C. L. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimExcessive gestational weight gain increases risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) but it remains unclear whether weight control after GDM diagnosis improves outcomes. We assessed whether: (1) total gestational weight gain during pregnancy (0–36 weeks); (2) early gestational weight gain (0–28 weeks, before GDM diagnosis); or (3) late gestational weight gain (28–36 weeks, after diagnosis) are associated with maternal–fetal outcomes.MethodsSome 546 women with GDM who delivered viable singleton infants at a single UK obstetric centre (October 2014 to March 2017) were included in this retrospective observational study.ResultsHigher total gestational weight gain was associated with Caesarean section [n = 376; odds ratio (OR) 1.05; confidence intervals (CI) 1.02–1.08, P < 0.001] and large for gestational age (OR 1.08; CI 1.03–1.12, P < 0.001). Higher late gestational weight gain (28–36 weeks; n = 144) was associated with large for gestational age (OR 1.17; CI 1.01–1.37, P < 0.05), instrumental deliveries (OR 1.26; CI 1.03–1.55, P < 0.01), higher total daily insulin doses (36 weeks; beta coefficient 4.37; CI 1.92–6.82, P < 0.001), and higher post‐partum 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test concentrations (beta coefficient 0.12; CI 0.01–0.22, P < 0.05). Women who avoided substantial weight gain after GDM diagnosis had 0.7 mmol/l lower postnatal 2‐h glucose and needed half the amount of insulin/day at 36 weeks compared with women with substantial weight gain after diagnosis. There were no significant associations between early gestational weight gain (0–28 weeks) and pregnancy outcomes.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that controlling gestational weight gain should be a priority following GDM diagnosis to optimize pregnancy outcomes and improve maternal postnatal glucose homeostasis. The period after diagnosis of GDM (often 28 weeks gestation) is not too late to offer lifestyle advice or intervention to improve weight management and pregnancy outcomes.
Cognitive reserve maps the core loci of neurodegeneration in corticobasal degeneration
Authors: Isella V. , Grisanti S. G. , Ferri F. , Morzenti S. , Crivellaro C. , Musarra M. , Ferrarese C. 
Published: June 2018

Background and purposeCognitively stimulating life experiences and activities are deemed to moderate the clinical impact of brain damage progressively building a neural and cognitive reserve (CR). CR has been studied extensively in various neurodegenerative disorders, but not in corticobasal degeneration (CBD).MethodsUsing Statistical Parametric Mapping 8, years of education, as a determinant of CR, was correlated with tracer uptake on positron emission tomography with 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose, as a marker of neurodegeneration, in 35 patients with various phenotypes of CBD, including a cognitive–motor composite score or symptoms duration as covariates for controlling disease stage.ResultsA cluster of relative hypometabolism was found associated with higher education in the left inferior regions of pre‐ and post‐rolandic gyri and insula, which represent typical loci of neurodegeneration in CBD regardless of clinical presentation.ConclusionsThe present findings extend to CBD the evidence gathered in other neurodegenerative disorders that a higher CR has a protective effect against the clinical manifestations of brain degeneration.
Measurement of the biomechanical function and structure of ex vivo drying skin using raman spectral analysis and its modulation with emollient mixtures
Authors: Biniek Krysta , Tfayli Ali , Vyumvuhore Raoul , Quatela Alessia , Galliano Marie‐Florence , Delalleau Alexandre , Baillet‐Guffroy Arlette , Dauskardt Reinhold H. , Duplan Helene 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAn important aspect of the biomechanical behaviour of the stratum corneum (SC) is the drying stresses that develop with water loss. These stresses act as a driving force for damage in the form of chapping and cracking. Betasitosterol is a plant sterol with a structure similar to cholesterol, a key component in the intercellular lipids of the outermost layer of human skin, the SC. Cholesterol plays an important role in stabilizing the SC lipid structure, and altered levels of cholesterol have been linked with SC barrier abnormalities. Betasitosterol is currently applied topically to skin for treatment of wounds and burns. However, it is unknown what effect betasitosterol has on the biomechanical barrier function of skin. Here, by analysing the drying stress profile of SC generated during a kinetics of dehydration, we show that betasitosterol, in combination with two emollient molecules, isocetyl stearoyl stearate (ISS) and glyceryl tri‐2‐ethylhexanoate (GTEH), causes a significant modulation of the drying stress behaviour of the SC by reducing both the maximal peak stress height and average plateau of the drying stress profile. Raman spectra analyses demonstrate that the combination of betasitosterol with the two emollients, ISS and GTEH, allows a high water retention capacity within the SC, while the lipid conformational order by increasing the amount of trans conformers. Our study highlights the advantage of combining a biomechanical approach together with Raman spectroscopy in engineering a suitable combination of molecules for alleviating dryness and dry skin damage.
A Cu2+ complex induces the aggregation of human papillomavirus oncoprotein E6 and stabilizes p53
Authors: Kumar Amit , Kuhn Lars T. , Balbach Jochen 
Published: June 2018

Papillomavirus oncoprotein E6 is a critical factor in the modulation of cervical cancer in humans. At the molecular level, formation of the E6–E6AP‐p53 ternary complex, which directs p53's degradation, is the key instigator of cancer transforming properties. Herein, a Cu2+ anthracenyl‐terpyridine complex is described which specifically induces the aggregation of E6 in vitro and in cultured cells. For a hijacking mechanism, both E6 and E6AP are required for p53 ubiquitination and degradation. The Cu2+ complex interacts with E6 at the E6AP and p53 binding sites. We show that E6 function is suppressed by aggregation, rendering it incapable of hijacking p53 and thus increasing its cellular level. Therapeutic treatments of cervical cancer are currently unavailable to infected individuals. We anticipate that this Cu2+ complex might open up a new therapeutic avenue for the design and development of new chemical entities for the diagnosis and treatment of HPV‐induced cancers.
Controlled synthesis of Bi2O3/BiOBr/Zn2GeO4 heterojunction photocatalysts with enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Pang Kuan , Xu Yan 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBiOBr/Zn2GeO4 heterojunctions decorated by Bi2O3 quantum dots (QDs; named as Bi2O3/BiOBr/Zn2GeO4 hereafter) with intriguing micro/nanostructures have been constructed via a two‐step hydrothermal route. The compositions, phases, and morphologies of Bi2O3/BiOBr/Zn2GeO4 were investigated in detail. The light absorption ability, photocurrent responses, and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) experiments were performed to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the micro/nanoheterostructured Bi2O3/BiOBr/Zn2GeO4, which present a degradation efficiency of 88% after 240 minutes under light irradiation (λ = 300‐600 nm) over 100 mg Bi2O3/BiOBr/Zn2GeO4 in a 100 mL, 4 mg/L MB solution. The photocatalytic performance could be retained for at least four runs, indicating its excellent reusability for the degradation of MB in aqueous solution. It is found that the photodegradation of MB over Bi2O3/BiOBr/Zn2GeO4 is mainly ascribed to a hole oxidation mechanism in combination with a superoxide oxidation process. The high photocatalytic performance of Bi2O3/BiOBr/Zn2GeO4 upon UV light irradiation can be attributed to the effective charge separation and smoothly transferring of the photogenerated charge carriers throughout the heterojunction. The feasible strategy of preparing Bi2O3/BiOBr/Zn2GeO4 ternary composites is also of benefit to fabricate other efficient heterojunction catalysts with specific morphologies and properties.
Oxygen stoichiometry, chemical expansion or contraction, and electrical properties of rutile, TiO2±δ ceramics
Authors: Dang Yun , West Anthony R. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractRutile, TiO2 is increasingly oxygen‐deficient on heating in air above ~700°C. The weight loss is generally too small for accurate measurement, but the electrical properties of quenched samples provide a sensitive qualitative indicator of oxygen content since their conductivity can vary by many orders of magnitude. The oxygen lost at high temperature is fully recovered if samples are cooled slowly. With rapid quenching, by dropping samples into liquid N2, the oxygen stoichiometry at high temperature is preserved to ambient and the resulting materials are kinetically stable but thermodynamically metastable. The lattice parameters of quenched samples showed an unusual dependence on quench temperature and, by implication, on oxygen stoichiometry. Lattice parameters increased with a small oxygen loss, δ; chemical expansion of the lattice occurred and is attributed to reduction in average Ti oxidation state and increase in Ti–O bond lengths. At higher δ, lattice parameters started to decrease giving a chemical contraction effect attributed to partial collapse of columns of edge‐sharing TiO6 octahedra in the rutile structure and elimination of oxygen vacancies by crystallographic shear plane formation. Oxygen‐deficient samples quenched from above 700°C were n‐type, as were samples annealed and measured at 650 and 700°C. Samples measured at 450‐500°C were p‐type and believed to be slightly oxygen‐rich; it is suggested that holes located on oxide ions at or near the sample surface arose from redox electron transfer between underbonded surface oxide ions and adsorbed O2 molecules. Samples annealed between 550 and 600°C showed cross‐over between n‐ and p‐type behavior.
Transition from school to adult services for young people with severe or profound intellectual disability: A systematic review utilizing framework synthesis
Authors: Jacobs Paula , MacMahon Kenneth , Quayle Ethel 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundThe transition to adulthood has been described as a difficult time in the lives of young people with intellectual disability. There has been little emphasis on young people with severe or profound intellectual disability specifically, even though their pathways may differ, due to greater support needs across the life course.MethodsA systematic review was conducted utilising Bronfenbrenner's ecological model to inform framework analysis to synthesise qualitative findings.ResultsTaking an ecological perspective proved valuable. The transition process was described as stressful and barriers were identified across the ecological levels. Parents accounted for the majority of participants in studies, and the needs of young people and their parents emerged as highly interdependent.ConclusionThemes reflect the complex nature of the question what adulthood should look like for individuals with severe or profound intellectual disability. There is a lack of involvement of multiple stakeholders and young people themselves within studies.