bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
British Thyroid Association 2014 classification ultrasound scoring of thyroid nodules in predicting malignancy: Diagnostic performance and inter-observer agreement
Authors: Weller Alexander , Sharif Ban , Qarib Mohammad H , St Leger Dominic , De Silva Hakkini SL , Lingam Ravi K 
Published: August 2019

Objectives To assess the inter-observer agreement amongst five observers of differing levels of expertise in applying the British Thyroid Association (2014) guidelines for ultrasound scoring of thyroid nodules (BTA-U score) in the management of thyroid cancer, and to assess the U-score diagnostic performance in predicting malignancy. Method A total of 73 consecutive patients were included over a two-year period (July 2012 to July 2014), after referral to a tertiary head and neck oncology centre for ultrasound plus fine needle aspiration and cytology. Our five observers retrospectively and independently reviewed static ultrasound images on PACS and scored the thyroid nodules according to BTA-U classification. The observers were blinded to each other’s scoring, cytology and histology results. Either the Kappa-statistic or intra-class correlation was used to assess the level of inter-observer agreement, plus agreement between the radiological and cytological diagnoses. The diagnostic performance of U-scoring for predicting final histological diagnosis was assessed with sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values. Results A Kappa-value of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.68–0.77) confirmed substantial inter-observer agreement amongst the five observers. All 17 histology confirmed malignant nodules were correctly classified as potentially malignant by all observers. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of BTA-U score in detecting and predicting malignancy were 100%, whereas the specificity and positive predictive values were 34% and 32%, respectively. Conclusions There is good inter-observer agreement in using the BTA-U score amongst different observers at differing levels of expertise. Adhering to BTA-U scoring can potentially achieve 100% sensitivity in selecting malignant nodules for sampling.
Autophagy inhibition of cancer stem cells promotes the efficacy of cisplatin against non-small cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Hao Chengcheng , Liu Guiping , Tian Guangliang 
Published: August 2019

Background: Clinical treatment of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) by cisplatin eventually results in drug resistance, which cancer stem cells and autophagy are believed to be involved in. In the present study, we aimed to explore the effect of autophagy-inhibited cancer stem cells in NSCLC. Methods: Cancer stem cells were identified by CD133 expression levels detected by immunochemistry, real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and flow cytometry. Stemness was detected by sphere-forming assays of tumor cells. Autophagy was determined by LC3-II expression at mRNA and protein levels. The effect of chloroquine (CQ) on autophagy was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot and sphere-forming assay in vitro, and tumor growth in male NOD/SCID mice. Results: Cisplatin (CDDP) treatment enhanced CD133+ cell ratios in clinical NSCLC specimens and NSCLC cell line A549. The CD133+ cells enriched by CDDP exhibited higher autophagy levels. Autophagy inhibition by CQ inhibited CD133+ stemness and promoted CDDP efficiency in A549 cells. In addition, the combination of CDDP and CQ treatment significantly inhibited autophagy levels and cancer stem cell proportions in vitro, and dramatically suppressed tumor growth compared with individual agents. Conclusion: Autophagy inhibition of cancer stem cells could promote the efficacy of cisplatin against NSCLC. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.
Partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion: Should we repair? A systematic review of the evidence
Authors: Tennent Duncan , Green Gemma 
Published: August 2019

Introduction Partial articular sided rotator cuff tears are described as being a common cause of shoulder pain and to have a significant impact of patient quality of life. The natural history of partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion lesions is not clearly defined and there is limited evidence to determine optimal management. Aims To perform a systematic review of the literature regarding the evidence for partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion repair and to determine whether there is any difference between operative and non-operatively managed patients. Methods Conventional and grey literature were searched with defined terms to identify studies in human adults concerning management of partial articular sided supraspinatus avulsions. Results Out of 86 papers identified by the search terms, 28 were deemed eligible for review including 1966 shoulders. 4/28 papers were of level I–II evidence but all were comparing techniques. 4/28 papers were biomechanical cadaveric studies, assessing strength of repair and effect on stability. The remaining 20 studies were level IV–V evidence and consisted of case series and technical notes identifying varying techniques of repair and their outcomes. Conclusion Current literature suggests that all techniques used to repair partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion lesions give increased functional scores and reduced pain. However, this represents a heterogeneous group of patients with variable degrees of tear and is not reproducible. There are limited controlled studies to determine whether partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion lesions require repair. Current classification systems represent a single plane and are open to user variation. No evidence exists to determine which tears are stable and which may progress.
Latarjet as a primary and revision procedure for anterior shoulder instability – A comparative study of survivorship, complications and functional outcomes in the medium to long-term
Authors: Yapp Liam Z , Nicholson Jamie A , McCallum Charlotte , Macdonald Deborah J , Robinson C Michael 
Published: August 2019

Background This retrospective study aims to compare the outcome of the Latarjet procedure when used as a primary or revision procedure for recurrent anterior gleno-humeral instability. Methods One hundred and ninety-seven patients underwent 205 open Latarjet procedures during the period 2006–2015 (mean follow-up 5.6 years). Sixty shoulders had failure of a previous stabilisation requiring revision to the Latarjet procedure. Outcomes were measured using the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score. Survival analyses were performed using Kaplan–Meier curves, and multiple linear regression modelling was utilised to identify predictors of functional outcome (p < 0.05). Results Two shoulders had recurrent dislocations in the cohort of 205 (1.0%). Six shoulders underwent further surgery for non-instability complications (2.9%). There were no significant differences in the clinical or functional outcome between patients undergoing a primary Latarjet procedure and those who required revision of a failed soft-tissue stabilisation. Ninety-two per cent of patients were satisfied with their shoulder following surgery. Patient-reported instability and satisfaction was significantly associated with poorer functional scores. Discussion The Latarjet procedure successfully prevents recurrent anterior instability and is associated with high levels of satisfaction. Patient-reported outcome measures suggest no difference between primary and revision procedures.
Efficacy of dimethyl fumarate in Japanese multiple sclerosis patients: interim analysis of randomized, double-blind APEX study and its open-label extension
Authors: Kondo T , Kawachi I , Onizuka Y , Hiramatsu K , Hase M , Yun J , Matta A , Torii S 
Published: August 2019

Background Current data for the use of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) in Japanese patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is limited. Objectives To assess the efficacy of DMF in Japanese patients with RRMS. Methods The phase 3, multinational APEX study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01838668) consisted of two parts: a 24-week double-blind part where subjects were randomized to receive DMF 240 mg or placebo twice daily in East Asian and Eastern European countries, and an open-label extension part where all subjects received DMF. The primary endpoint was the total number of new gadolinium-enhancing lesions in Weeks 12–24. In this interim analysis, we report efficacy data in the Japanese subgroup (DMF n = 56; placebo n = 58) over 72 weeks, including an extension phase. Results DMF reduced the total number of new gadolinium-enhancing lesions in Weeks 12–24 by 85% versus placebo ( p < 0.0001). At Week 24, the annualized relapse rate was also reduced by 48% with DMF, versus placebo. DMF reduced the probability of relapse from Week 8 and was sustained. The number of gadolinium-enhancing lesions was maintained through 72 weeks. Conclusions DMF demonstrated sustained efficacy in this Japanese subgroup. The results were consistent with those observed in studies of DMF enrolling primarily Caucasian patients.
Effect of extensive tenosynovectomy on diffuse flexor hallucis longus tenosynovitis combined with effusion
Authors: Qu Wenqing , Liu Tong , Chen Wentao , Sun Zhenzhong , Dong Shengjie , Chen Mingxia 
Published: August 2019

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes of extensive tenosynovectomy on patients with diffuse flexor hallucis longus tenosynovitis combined with effusion (DFHLT-E). Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing extensive tenosynovectomy for DFHLT-E in the same foot and ankle center from January 2013 to December 2016 were selected; a total of 14 patients were included in the final analysis. Patients with a minimum 1-year follow-up were evaluated with physical examination, MRI, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) clinical midfoot scale, and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores. Results: The 14 patients were followed up for an average of 15.0 ± 2.3 months (12–18 months). There were no recurrences in all clinical examinations at the final follow-up. The AOFAS score was improved from 61.57 ± 10.70 before surgery to 90.28 ± 9.41 at the final follow-up. The difference was statistically significant ( p = 0.001). The VAS score was improved from 4.00 ± 0.82 before surgery to 0.43 ± 0.53 at the final follow-up ( p < 0.001). MRI examination revealed two patients with small residual and limited effusion with no clinical symptoms. Superficial pin infection was observed in one patient, and two patients had transient neurostimulation. Conclusions: Extensive tenosynovectomy is an effective alternative for the treatment of DFHLT-E with less complications or recurrence.
Obtaining Patient Priorities in a Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center: Beyond Patient-Reported Outcomes
Authors: Miller Deborah M , Moss Brandon , Rose Susannah , Li Hong , Schindler David , Weber Malory , Planchon Sarah M , Alberts Jay , Boissy Adrienne , Bermel Robert 
Published: August 2019

Background: In order to provide patient center care, our multiple sclerosis (MS) clinic assesses patient concerns before clinical encounters, first by asking the optional qualitative question “What is the most important thing you what your health-care provider to know today” (most important concern of the patient [MIPC]) and then completing quantitative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QoL). Both sets of questions are designed to facilitate encounters that address patients’ values and preferences. Objective: Determine whether the qualitative MIPC responses provided unique information not included in PROMs or clinical assessments. Methods: We randomly selected 400 first-time MIPC responders and 400 first-time MIPC nonresponders from 2788 participants in our database. We categorized MIPC responses by content and number of unique concerns and appended them to the Neuro-QoL framework. Nonresponders were compared to those who provided 1 and 2 or more responses. Results: Several MIPCs MS symptoms categories were added to the Neuro-QoL Physical domain. Most important concern of the patients work and cost-of-care categories were added to the Social Domain. Domains regarding treatment satisfaction and disease management were added. Two hundred thirty (58%) MIPC respondents reported 1 concern, 140 (35%) expressed 2 to 6 concerns, and 30 (7%) reported MS-unrelated concerns and not analyzed. Physical symptoms were the most common MIPC (69.9%). Respondents with more concerns were more likely African American, lacked private insurance, and worse disability. Conclusions: Importantly, MIPC responders described idiosyncratic symptoms, disease management, and social concerns not included in the PROMS, suggesting the MIPC question offered patients a unique opportunity to share specific concerns with their providers.
Facile immobilization of lipase based on Pickering emulsion via a synergistic stabilization by palygorskite–enzyme
Authors: Li Dong , Shen Min , Sun Guofan , Jin Huiran , Cai Peng , Wang Zhihui , Jin Yeling , Chen Jing , Ding Shijie 
Published: August 2019

AbstractA Pickering emulsion was prepared via synergistic stabilization of a lipase and palygorskite particles. The optimum conditions for the stabilization of the Pickering emulsion, such as the concentrations of the palygorskite particles and lipase, were explored. The morphology of emulsion droplets was examined using digital optical microscopy and polarizing optical microscopy. The palygorskite–lipase co-stabilized Pickering emulsions were investigated by determination of the adsorption rate, pH and zeta potential of the aqueous dispersion, as well as by determining the contact angle values of the lipase solution on a palygorskite disc that was immersed in toluene. The catalytic performance of the immobilized lipase in the Pickering emulsion was studied via the investigation of its thermal stability, storage stability and reusability. The immobilized lipase showed greater stability than the free lipase. The lipase immobilized by Pickering emulsion retained a high level of activity even after seven periods of recycling.
CIoT-Net: a scalable cognitive IoT based smart city network architecture
Authors: Park Jin-ho , Salim Mikail Mohammed , Jo Jeong Hoon , Sicato Jose Costa Sapalo , Rathore Shailendra , Park Jong Hyuk 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
In the recent era, artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to support numerous solutions for human beings, such as healthcare, autonomous transportation, and so on. Cognitive computing is represented as a next-generation application AI-based solutions which provide human–machine interaction with personalized interactions and services that imitate human behavior. On the other hand, a large volume of data is generated from smart city applications such as healthcare, smart transportation, retail industry, and firefighting. There is always a concern on how to efficiently manage the large volume of generated data. Recently many existing researches discussed the analysis of the large quantity of data using cognitive computing; however, these researches are failed to handle the certain problems, namely scalability, and flexibility of data gathered in a smart city environment. Data captured from millions of sensors can be cross implemented across various cognitive computing applications to ensure real-time responses. In this paper, we study the cognitive internet of things (CIoT) and propose a CIoT-based smart city network (CIoT-Net) architecture which describes how data gathered from smart city applications can be analyzed using cognitive computing and handle the scalability and flexibility problems. We discuss various technologies such as AI and big data analysis to implement the proposed architecture. Finally, we describe the possible research challenges and opportunities while implementing the proposed architecture.
Twentieth century Iranian carpets: investigation of red dye molecules and study of traditional madder dyeing techniques
Authors: Chahardoli Zohreh , Vanden Berghe Ina , Mazzeo Rocco 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Red is undoubtedly one of the principal colors in Iranian carpets. During the twentieth century, a golden era for Iranian carpet production and export industry, madder was still one of the primary constituents of the red dyestuff, used according to various dyeing methods which is specific for Iran. Compared to the earlier periods, the said period witnessed a clear increase in the hues of the color red and in the alternation of physical and visual properties. We, therefore, aim to get a better insight into the chemical and physical properties of the component which made it all possible—dyes. To this effect, eighteen red wool samples with various hues were collected from seven Iranian carpets belonging to the aforementioned period (from Ali Mirzaei’s private collection) and analyzed using three techniques: reversed-phase-high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC-DAD), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX) and colorimetry. We also studied traditional dying recipes to underpin the scientific process involved. We focused on recipes based on madder, which are mordanted with organic additives such as qarehqurut (a kind of Iranian dairy product; also known as Gharehghorut). These substances, additionally, helped control the acidity of the dyebath; a common technique from the period. The effect of these substances on the hue, the associated red dye chemistry, various visual and physical properties, including color fastness, are reported. Our study revealed, among other facts, that the additive qarehqurut is highly efficient at improving color absorption and at increasing lightfastness. Another salient finding was that, besides madder, various synthetic dye sources were used by the twentieth century “traditional” Iranian red dyeing industry.
Dehydroepiandrosterone: a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment and rehabilitation of the traumatically injured patient
Authors: Bentley Conor , Hazeldine Jon , Greig Carolyn , Lord Janet , Foster Mark 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Severe injuries are the major cause of death in those aged under 40, mainly due to road traffic collisions. Endocrine, metabolic and immune pathways respond to limit the tissue damage sustained and initiate wound healing, repair and regeneration mechanisms. However, depending on age and sex, the response to injury and patient prognosis differ significantly. Glucocorticoids are catabolic and immunosuppressive and are produced as part of the stress response to injury leading to an intra-adrenal shift in steroid biosynthesis at the expense of the anabolic and immune enhancing steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphated metabolite dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS). The balance of these steroids after injury appears to influence outcomes in injured humans, with high cortisol: DHEAS ratio associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Animal models of trauma, sepsis, wound healing, neuroprotection and burns have all shown a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines, improved survival and increased resistance to pathological challenges with DHEA supplementation. Human supplementation studies, which have focused on post-menopausal females, older adults, or adrenal insufficiency have shown that restoring the cortisol: DHEAS ratio improves wound healing, mood, bone remodelling and psychological well-being. Currently, there are no DHEA or DHEAS supplementation studies in trauma patients, but we review here the evidence for this potential therapeutic agent in the treatment and rehabilitation of the severely injured patient.
Medications Affecting the Biochemical Conversion to Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Domecq Juan Pablo , Prutsky Gabriela , Elraiyah Tarig , Wang Zhen , Mauck Karen F , Brito Juan Pablo , Undavalli Chaitanya , Sundaresh Vishnu , Prokop Larry J , Montori Victor M , Murad M Hassan 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Context
The extent to which some pharmacological interventions reduce or increase the risk of biochemical conversion to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in at-risk individuals is unclear.

Methods
We searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus through 24 August 2017 for randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of drugs suspected to modify the risk of biochemical conversion to T2DM.

Results
We included 43 trials with 192,156 subjects (mean age, 60 years; 56% men; mean body mass index, 30.4 kg/m2). α-Glucosidase inhibitors, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, metformin, orlistat, phentermine/topiramate, and pioglitazone significantly reduced the risk of biochemical conversion to T2DM, whereas statins and nateglinide increased the risk. There was insufficient direct evidence regarding the effects of sulfonylureas, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors. Most trials were brief and evaluated this outcome during treatment without a withdrawal or washout period.

Conclusions
Several drugs modify the risk of biochemical conversation to T2DM, although whether this effect is persistent and clinically relevant is unclear. Future studies need to focus on cardiovascular disease prevention, mortality, and patient-important outcomes instead of biochemical conversion to T2DM.
Dynamic MAPK signaling activity underlies a transition from growth arrest to proliferation in Drosophila scribble mutant tumors
Authors: Ji Tiantian , Zhang Lina , Deng Mingxi , Huang Shengshuo , Wang Ying , Pham Tri Thanh , Smith Andrew Alan , Sridhar Varun , Cabernard Clemens , Wang Jiguang , Yan Yan 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACT
Human tumors exhibit plasticity and evolving capacity over time. It is difficult to study the mechanisms of how tumors change over time in human patients, in particular during the early stages when a few oncogenic cells are barely detectable. Here, we used a Drosophila tumor model caused by loss of scribble (scrib), a highly conserved apicobasal cell polarity gene, to investigate the spatial-temporal dynamics of early tumorigenesis events. The fly scrib mutant tumors have been successfully used to model many aspects of tumorigenesis processes. However, it is still unknown whether Drosophila scrib mutant tumors exhibit plasticity and evolvability along the temporal axis. We found that scrib mutant tumors displayed different growth rates and cell cycle profiles over time, indicative of a growth arrest-to-proliferation transition as the scrib mutant tumors progress. Longitudinal bulk and single-cell transcriptomic analysis of scrib mutant tumors revealed that the MAPK pathway, including JNK and ERK signaling activities, showed quantitative changes over time. We found that high JNK signaling activity caused G2/M cell cycle arrest in early scrib mutant tumors. In addition, JNK signaling activity displayed a radial polarity with the JNKhigh cells located at the periphery of scrib mutant tumors, providing an inherent mechanism that leads to an overall decrease in JNK signaling activity over time. We also found that ERK signaling activity, in contrast to JNK activity, increased over time and promoted growth in late-stage scrib mutant tumors. Furthermore, high JNK signaling activity repressed ERK signaling activity in early scrib mutant tumors. Together, these data demonstrate that dynamic MAPK signaling activity, fueled by intratumor heterogeneity derived from tissue topological differences, drives a growth arrest-to-proliferation transition in scrib mutant tumors.
This article has an associated First Person interview with the joint first authors of the paper.