bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of ankylosing spondylitis and non‐radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in a multi‐ethnic Asian population of Singapore
Authors: Hong Cassandra , Kwan Yu Heng , Leung Ying‐Ying , Lui Nai Lee , Fong Warren 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo compare clinical characteristics, disease activity, patient‐reported outcomes and associated comorbidities between patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and non‐radiographic axial spondyloarthitis (nr‐axSpA) in a multi‐ethnic Asian population of Singapore.MethodsWe used data from the PREcision medicine in SPONdyloarthritis for Better Outcomes and Disease Remission (PRESPOND) registry in Singapore General Hospital. All patients fulfilled 2009 Assessment in AS International Working Group classification criteria for axial SpA (axSpA). Of these, all AS patients fulfilled the 1984 modified New York criteria. Baseline characteristics, medications, disease activity, patient‐reported outcomes and inflammatory markers were recorded using standardized questionnaires.ResultsTwo hundred and sixty‐two axSpA patients (82% Chinese, 79% male) were included. Mean age (SD) at diagnosis was 32.4 (13.1) years, which was similar between AS and nr‐axSpA patients. AS patients were older (mean age 42.7 [13.5] vs 37.4 [13.8] years, P = 0.02), had longer disease duration (mean disease duration 10.9 [8.7] vs 6.4 [4.8] years, P < 0.01), higher Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) (mean BASMI 3.1 [2.3] vs 1.5 [1.5], P < 0.01), more frequently human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B27 positive (82% vs 68%, P = 0.03), associated with uveitis (33% vs 17%, P = 0.03), and hypertensive (17% vs 0%, P < 0.01) compared to nr‐axSpA, respectively. Nr‐axSpA patients had higher Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Global Score (BAS‐G) (mean BAS‐G 46.9 [16.8] vs 38.6 [20.6], P < 0.01), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (mean [SD] 4.2 [1.6] vs 3.5 [1.9], P = 0.02) and AS quality of life (ASQoL) (mean ASQoL 4.9 [4.8] vs 3.5 [4.1], P = 0.04) scores compared to AS patients respectively at baseline. Patient global assessment, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, AS Disease Activity Score – C‐reactive protein (CRP), Health Assessment Questionnaire, Short‐Form 36 physical component summary and mental component summary were similar in both groups at baseline, as were medications used and mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate and CRP.ConclusionsIn our multi‐ethnic Asian cohort, patients with AS are more likely to be HLA‐B27 positive, have uveitis, hypertensive, and have poorer spinal mobility, while nr‐axSpA patients tend to experience poorer well‐being and quality of life.
Phase II APEC trial: The impact of primary tumor side on outcomes of first‐line cetuximab plus FOLFOX or FOLFIRI in patients with RAS wild‐type metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Price Timothy , Shen Lin , Ma Brigette , Esser Regina , Chen Wenfeng , Gibbs Peter , Lim Robert , Cheng Ann‐Lii 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimThe open‐label, nonrandomized, phase II APEC study enrolled 167 patients with RAS wild‐type (wt) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) to investigate the safety and efficacy of first‐line, every‐2‐weeks cetuximab plus investigator's choice of FOLFIRI or FOLFOX in this patient population.MethodsA subgroup analysis of the APEC study population by primary tumor location was performed.ResultsA total of 130 patients (81.8%) had left‐sided and 29 (18.2%) had right‐sided mCRC. Median progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and overall response rate (ORR) were 14.0 months, 30.6 months and 68.5% for patients with left‐sided tumors and 8.9 months, 24.6 months and 51.7% for patients with right‐sided mCRC, concurring with pivotal phase III trial results. In patients with right‐sided tumors, median PFS was 15.4 months vs 8.3 months with cetuximab plus FOLFIRI vs cetuximab plus FOLFOX, respectively; median OS was 32.1 months vs 21.8 months with cetuximab plus FOLFIRI vs cetuximab plus FOLFOX, respectively.ConclusionThe APEC tumor‐location subgroup analysis results were largely consistent with available literature regarding the equivalent efficacy of cetuximab plus FOLFIRI/FOLFOX in patients with left‐sided RAS wt mCRC. A trend toward improved efficacy with cetuximab plus FOLFIRI compared with cetuximab plus FOLFOX was observed in patients with right‐sided tumors; however, a direct comparison between groups cannot be made due to the nonrandomized study design. Nevertheless, the similar ORR observed with either chemotherapy backbone in patients with right‐sided RAS wt mCRC suggests a potential role for both regimens in this patient population when cytoreduction is a treatment goal.
EUFOREA consensus on biologics for CRSwNP with or without asthma
Authors: Fokkens Wytske J. , Lund Valerie , Bachert Claus , Mullol Joaquim , Bjermer Leif , Bousquet Jean , Canonica Giorgio W. , Deneyer Lauren , Desrosiers Martin , Diamant Zuzana , Han Joseph , Heffler Enrico , Hopkins Claire , Jankowski Roger , Joos Guy , Knill Andrew , Lee Jivianne , Lee Stella E. , Mariën Gert , Pugin Benoit , Senior Brent , Seys Sven F. , Hellings Peter W. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractNovel therapies such as type 2 targeting biologics are emerging treatment options for patients with chronic inflammatory respiratory diseases, fulfilling the needs of severely uncontrolled patients. The majority of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and over half of patients with asthma show a type 2 inflammatory signature in sinonasal mucosa and/or lungs. Importantly, both chronic respiratory diseases are frequent comorbidities, ensuring alleviation of both upper and lower airway pathology by systemic biological therapy. Type 2‐targeting biologics such as anti‐IgE, anti‐IL4Rα, anti‐IL5, and anti‐IL5Rα have entered the market for selected pheno/endotypes of asthma patients and may soon also become available for CRSwNP patients. Given the high prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases and the high cost associated with biologics, patient selection is crucial in order to implement such therapies into chronic respiratory disease care pathways.The European Forum for Research and Education in Allergy and Airway Diseases (EUFOREA) organized a multidisciplinary Expert Board Meeting to discuss the positioning of biologics into the care pathways for CRSwNP patients with and without comorbid asthma.
Dramatically deteriorated quality of life in men with prostatitis‐like symptoms
Authors: Mändar R. , Korrovits P. , Rahu K. , Rahu M. , Sibul E.‐L. , Mehik A. , Punab M. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundDespite widespread occurrence and poor comprehension, prostatitis has been largely under‐researched.ObjectiveTo compare complaints, general and sexual health, co‐morbidities, risk factors, and lifestyle in men with and without prostatitis‐like symptoms (PLS).Material and methodsThe cross‐sectional study included 20‐ to 59‐year‐old male residents of Estonia. Questionnaire data of 82 men with PLS and of 711 men without PLS were compared.Results and discussionA third of men with PLS considered their health poor, with more frequently diagnosed renal diseases, benign prostate hyperplasia, STDs, chronic nervous system diseases, and depression in them than in controls. They reported more cystitis and gynecological inflammations in their partners, and more prostatitis in their close relatives. This familial predisposition indicates possible genetic and immunologic background of PLS that may be associated also with susceptibility to respiratory tract infections revealed for the first time in our study. By the personality type, the men in the PLS group were less calm but more worrying. Hard drinks, antidepressants, sedative, and sleeping pills were more frequently consumed, and nightshift working and continuous stress were more commonly seen among men with than without PLS. PLS disturbed the sexual life as well as everyday activities.ConclusionsThe men with PLS are characterized by remarkable complex of co‐morbidities, habits, and attitudes. PLS possess substantial negative impact on quality of life. Successful work‐up of these patients needs multidimensional treatment modalities that take into consideration major factors of syndrome. Genetic factors and central nervous system imbalance but also partner's genital tract microbiota as the potential contributing and/or perpetuating factors to PLS need more scientific attention.
Resectable recurrent colorectal liver metastasis: can radiofrequency ablation replace repeated metastasectomy?
Authors: Mao Rui , Zhao Jian‐Jun , Bi Xin‐Yu , Zhang Ye‐Fan , Han Yue , Li Zhi‐Yu , Zhao Hong , Cai Jian‐Qiang 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundPercutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is used as a first‐line treatment for colorectal liver metastases that recur after first liver resection in our institution. We aim to evaluate its therapeutic efficacy compared to repeated surgical resection.MethodsA retrospective review was performed in 104 patients treated with curative intent for resectable recurrent colorectal liver metastases.ResultsSixty‐one patients underwent RFA and 43 patients underwent surgery. The overall recurrence rates were 82% in the RFA group and 65.1% in the resection group (P = 0.05). The local recurrence rate on a lesion‐basis was markedly higher after RFA than that after resection (16.7% versus 7.3%, P = 0.04). The difference remained significant in patients with a maximum lesion diameter >3 cm (24.5% versus 7.6%, P = 0.01). RFA treatment was independently associated with recurrence on multivariate analyses (P = 0.01). 69.7% of RFA patients and 42.6% of surgery patients with intrahepatic recurrence were amenable to repeated local treatment (P = 0.05), leading to the equivalent actuarial 3‐year progression free survival rates (RFA: 29.1% versus Resection: 33.1%, P = 0.48) and 5‐year overall survival rates in the two treatment groups (RFA: 33% versus Resection: 28.4%, P = 0.36).ConclusionsSurgery remains the treatment of choice for resectable recurrence. RFA may offer similar benefit in selected patients.
Selective laser trabeculoplasty in exfoliative glaucoma eyes with prior argon laser trabeculoplasty
Authors: Ilveskoski Lotta , Taipale Claudia , Tuuminen Raimo 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPurposeTo explore the efficacy of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) within eyes with exfoliative glaucoma and history of prior argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT).MethodsA single‐centre trial consisting of 47 patients (47 eyes) with uncontrolled exfoliative glaucoma. The main outcome measure was intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction 3 and 9 months afterSLT. Treatment success was defined as reduction from the preoperativeIOPby 20% and 2 mmHg (<12 mmHg), 3 mmHg (12‐16 mmHg) or 4 mmHg (>16 mmHg) depending on the baselineIOP.ResultsPatient age was 79.3 ± 7.6 years (mean ± SD) and gender distribution 15 males and 32 females. The mean pre‐SLT IOPwas 15.6 ± 5.1 (range 9–28) mmHg, and mean number of glaucoma drugs 2.0 ± 1.2. The mean interval between priorALTandSLTwas 44.0 ± 36.9 (range 11–137) months. AfterSLT, the meanIOPchange was −2.7 ± 4.2 mmHg (−14.8 ± 23.5%) at 3 months, and −2.8 ± 3.5 mmHg (−16.3 ± 19.4%) at 9 months. Pre‐SLT IOPcorrelated with theIOPreduction at 3 months (r = 0.530, p < 0.001) and at 9 months (r = 0.432, p = 0.007). The overall success rate was 50% at 3 months, and 42% at 9 months. At both 3 and at 9 months, the cut‐off level for treatment success was achieved when preoperativeIOPwas 18 mmHg and above.IOPlowering effect ofSLTdid not correlate with the number of glaucoma drugs, age, gender or use of prostaglandin inhibitors. Neither postoperative iritis nor other adverse effects were documented during the follow‐up.ConclusionsSelective laser trabeculoplasty is a safe and noteworthy treatment option to reduceIOPin exfoliative glaucoma eyes, especially with pre‐SLT IOPover 18 mmHg.
Effective Annotations Over 3D Models
Authors: Ponchio F. , Callieri M. , Dellepiane M. , Scopigno R. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAnnotation support in interactive systems is often considered a simple task by the CG community, since it entails the apparently easy selection of a region and its connection with some information. The reality appears more complex. The scope of this paper is two‐fold: first, to review the status of this domain, discussing and characterizing several approaches proposed in literature to manage annotations over geometric models; second, to present in detail an innovative solution proposed and assessed in the framework of Cultural Heritage (CH) applications, called ClippingVolumes. At the annotation definition stage ClippingVolumes uses 3D data to characterize the annotation region; subsequently, annotations are visualized by adopting a two‐pass rendering solution which uses stencil buffers, thus without introducing new geometric elements, changing the topology or duplicating geometry elements. It solves most of the issues that afflict the current state of the art, such as fragmentation, annotation transfer to multiple representations and multi‐resolution data encoding. The latter is a mandatory requirement to produce efficient web‐based systems. We implemented and we fully tested this approach in the framework of a complex system that supports the documentation of CH restoration projects.
Physically Based Real‐Time Rendering of Teeth and Partial Restorations
Authors: Reischl M. , Derzapf E. , Guthe M. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractVisually accurate real‐time rendering of teeth has many applications ranging from computer games to dental computer aided design (CAD). Similar to skin, the realistic and physically correct appearance of teeth cannot be achieved by simply using opaque diffuse textures, mainly because of the subsurface scattering behaviours of both. While both have a layered structure in common, the scattering characteristics of the teeth layers are drastically different from those of the skin, making rendering much more complicated. We present an approach which uses the Henyey–Greenstein scattering to achieve a near realistic real‐time rendering of human teeth. To simulate the multi‐layered geometry of teeth, we use standardized teeth models with dentin cores and fit them to real scanned teeth or dental restorations. By using a proxy geometry to compute the scattering, we can also render partial restorations as they would look like when attached to the remaining teeth. Finally, we compare our results to the VITA shade systems and human teeth to evaluate the visual fidelity of our approach.
A global biodiversity fund to implement distributive justice for genetic resources
Authors: Deplazes‐Zemp Anna 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis article examines the question of who has a right to control and benefit from genetic resources globally. To this end it draws on different accounts in the resource rights literature with a focus on the specific features that distinguish genetic resources from other types of natural resources. It will be argued that due to the intangible and non‐territorial nature of genetic resources, territorial rights over these resources are difficult to maintain. Moreover, the vulnerability of genetic resources implies that much cost and effort is required to protect them. I will argue that not only benefits resulting from the use of genetic resources but also these costs associated with their protection should be an object of distributive justice. To accommodate these two points I will introduce the model of a global biodiversity fund that could replace the bilateral access and benefit sharing negotiations suggested by the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Spatiotemporal analysis of pine wilt disease: Relationship between pinewood nematode distribution and defence response in Pinus thunbergii seedlings
Authors: Yamaguchi Rimi , Matsunaga Koji , Hirao Tomonori , Tamura Miho , Watanabe Atsushi 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPine wilt disease is of major concern as it has destroyed pine forests in East Asia and Europe. Several studies have suggested that invasion by the pinewood nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, which causes this disease, evokes an excessive defence response in pine trees, resulting in tree death. However, few studies have quantitatively evaluated the correlation between PWN distribution and tree defence responses. Therefore, the present study aimed to quantify the number of PWNs and expression levels of putative pathogenesis‐related (PR) genes in different positions of Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii) seedlings over time. To quantify the number of PWNs in the seedlings, we used TaqMan quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) assay. During the early phase of infection, most PWNs were distributed around the inoculated sites, with only a small number being detected at distant sites, but the expression levels of PR genes were highly upregulated throughout the seedlings. Both the number of PWNs and expression levels of PR genes then increased drastically throughout the seedlings, all of which exhibited external symptoms. Thus, it appears that the rapid migration of PWNs induces a defence response throughout the seedling; however, this may not be effective in controlling these parasites, thereby ultimately leading to plant death.
Pathogens manipulate the preference of vectors, slowing disease spread in a multi‐host system
Authors: Shoemaker Lauren G. , Hayhurst Evelyn , Weiss‐Lehman Christopher P. , Strauss Alexander T. , Porath‐Krause Anita , Borer Elizabeth T. , Seabloom Eric W. , Shaw Allison K. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe spread of vector‐borne pathogens depends on a complex set of interactions among pathogen, vector, and host. In single‐host systems, pathogens can induce changes in vector preferences for infected vs. healthy hosts. Yet it is unclear if pathogens also induce changes in vector preference among host species, and how changes in vector behaviour alter the ecological dynamics of disease spread. Here, we couple multi‐host preference experiments with a novel model of vector preference general to both single and multi‐host communities. We show that viruliferous aphids exhibit strong preferences for healthy and long‐lived hosts. Coupling experimental results with modelling to account for preference leads to a strong decrease in overall pathogen spread through multi‐host communities due to non‐random sorting of viruliferous vectors between preferred and non‐preferred host species. Our results demonstrate the importance of the interplay between vector behaviour and host diversity as a key mechanism in the spread of vectored‐diseases.
Macrophytes moderate the taxonomic and functional composition of phytoplankton assemblages during a nutrient loading experiment
Authors: Barrow Jennifer L. , Beisner Beatrix E. , Giles Rachel , Giani Alessandra , Domaizon Isabelle , Gregory‐Eaves Irene 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Ponds and shallow lakes are sensitive to eutrophication, which often increases turbidity and produces toxic algal blooms. Previous research has found that the presence of macrophytes in shallow water bodies can mitigate the effects of nutrient loading by promoting water clarity and inhibiting phytoplankton growth. However, there is still little known about how macrophyte abundance modifies the response of phytoplankton taxonomic assemblages, particularly their functional composition, to nutrient loading.

We investigated how macrophyte abundance altered phytoplankton assemblages using experimental ponds that were treated with a nutrient press. Natural communities of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fish were seeded in ponds with one of three levels of macrophyte abundance that received weekly nutrient additions. A total of nine ponds (each treatment in triplicate) were monitored for 76 days.

Analyses of Shannon's diversity and functional dispersion revealed significant variation in phytoplankton assemblage composition among macrophyte treatments and through time. Phytoplankton biovolume, community metrics, and the dominant traits were generally more stable in the high macrophyte treatment ponds.

Although nutrient loading did not induce a regime change to a turbid, phytoplankton‐dominated state, phytoplankton assemblages did shift to a dominance of larger, inedible taxa and metaphyton became more abundant in ponds with macrophytes and zooplankton assemblages shifted to smaller species.

Our study demonstrates how functional traits and functional diversity metrics can provide richer insights into the dynamics and causes of shifts in shallow freshwater ecosystems. Macrophyte densities clearly played a significant role in shaping phytoplankton assemblages. Based on the functional traits of phytoplankton distinguished among treatments, we inferred that competition for light, grazing, and, probably, allelochemicals were mechanisms through which macrophytes mediated changes in phytoplankton assemblages.
Co‐expression of TLR‐9 and MMP‐13 is associated with the degree of tumour differentiation in prostate cancer
Authors: Kalantari Elham , Abolhasani Maryam , Roudi Raheleh , Farajollahi Mohammad M. , Farhad Seif , Madjd Zahra , Askarian‐Amiri Shaghayegh , Mohsenzadegan Monireh 
Published: May 2019

SummaryIn vitro experiments demonstrated that stimulation of Toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR‐9) by synthetic TLR‐9 ligands induces the invasion of TLR‐9‐expressing prostate cancer cells through matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP‐13). However, the clinical value of TLR‐9 and MMP‐13 co‐expression in the pathophysiology of the prostate is unknown. In the study, we evaluated the expression levels and clinical significance of the TLR‐9 and MMP‐13 in a series of prostate tissues. One hundred and eighty prostate tissues including prostate cancer (PCa) (n = 137), high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HPIN) (n = 18) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (n = 25) were immunostained for the TLR‐9 and MMP‐13 markers. Subsequently, the correlation between the TLR‐9 and MMP‐13 staining scores and clinicopathological parameters was obtained. Higher expressions of TLR‐9 and MMP‐13 were found in PCa and high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia compared to benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues. Among PCa samples, a positive relationship was revealed between the MMP‐13 expression and Gleason score (P < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between TLR‐9 expression and regional lymph node involvement (P = 0.04). The expression patterns of TLR‐9 and MMP‐13 markers demonstrated a reciprocal significant correlation between the two markers in the same series of prostate samples (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the Gleason score of TLR‐9high/MMP‐13high and TLR‐9low/MMP‐13low phenotypes showed a significant difference (P = 0.002). Higher expressions of TLR‐9 and MMP‐13 can confer aggressive behaviour to PCa. Therefore, these markers may be used as a valuable target for tailored therapy of PCa.