bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic and genotypic analysis of amelanotic and hypomelanotic melanoma patients
Authors: Rayner J.E. , McMeniman E.K. , Duffy D.L. , De'Ambrosis B. , Smithers B.M. , Jagirdar K. , Lee K.J. , Soyer H.P. , Sturm R.A. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundAmelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma is associated with poorer outcomes due to a more advanced disease stage at diagnosis.ObjectiveTo determine phenotypic risks and genotypic associations with amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma to develop a clinical and genetic profile that could assist in identifying high‐risk individuals.MethodsThe Brisbane Naevus Morphology Study conducted from 2009 to 2016 has recruited a core of 1254 participants. Participants were drawn from a combination of volunteers from dermatology outpatient clinics, private dermatology clinics, the Brisbane Longitudinal Twin Study and QSkin study. Case participants had a personal history of melanoma and control participants no personal history of melanoma. We specifically examined seven known candidate pigmentation and melanoma genes and pigmentary phenotypic characteristics in participants with amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma compared to pigmented melanomas. This assayed single nucleotide polymorphisms in MC1R, TYR, HERC/OCA2, IRF4, MTAP, PLA2G6 and MITF.ResultsForty‐seven participants had at least one amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma, and 389 had pigmented melanomas, with amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma patients significantly older than pigmented melanoma participants (63.3 ± 13.0 vs. 54.6 ± 15.3 years; P < 0.001). Amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma patients were more likely than pigmented melanoma patients to have red hair (34% vs. 15%; P = 0.01), severe hand freckling (13% vs. 5%; P = 0.01) and propensity to sunburn (63% vs. 44%; P = 0.01). MC1R R/R genotype was much more frequent in our amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma population (31.1% vs. 11%; P < 0.001; OR 26.4 vs. 5.9; control 1.0). Amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma was associated with TYR rs1126809*A/A [OR (CI 95%) 2.7 (1.1–6.8) vs. 1.2 (0.8–1.9)] and PLA2G6 rs11570734*A/A [OR (CI 95%) 3.7 (1.0–13.6) vs. 1.3 (0.9–2.0)]. The MTAP melanoma risk SNP genotype, associated with darker pigmentation, (rs4636294*A/A) was less common in amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma patients [OR (CI 95%) 0.8 (0.3–2.1) vs. 2.0 (1.3–3.1)].ConclusionsKnowledge of phenotypic and genotypic associations of amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma can help predict risks and associations of this difficult to diagnose melanoma, which may ultimately assist clinical management and patient skin self‐examination.
Effectiveness of casein phosphopeptide‐amorphous calcium phosphate‐containing products in the prevention and treatment of white spot lesions in orthodontic patients: A systematic review
Authors: Pithon Matheus M. , Baião Felipe S. , Sant'Anna Letícia I. D. , Tanaka Orlando M. , Cople‐Maia Lucianne 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe purpose of the present systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of casein phosphopeptide‐amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP‐ACP)‐containing products in the prevention and treatment of active white spot lesions (WSL) in orthodontic patients. Searched the Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Virtual Health Language, ClinicalTrials, and Open Gray databases without limitations on the year or language of publication. We included controlled clinical trials with patients with fixed orthodontic appliances under the use of CPP‐ACP‐containing products compared to control, placebo, or other interventions in the prevention and treatment of WSL around orthodontic braces. Case reports, editorials, in vitro studies, annals of congress, and reviews were excluded. To assess the risk of bias, the revised version of the Cochrane tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0) and Risk Of Bias In Non‐randomized Studies for non‐randomized trials were used. The biases were graded low, moderate, and high according to the tools used. Of the 599 articles found, 11 met the inclusion criteria. Of these, nine were randomized, controlled clinical trials and two were non‐randomized. Two studies were considered to have moderate bias risk, and the most‐used CPP‐ACP presented form was a cream for topical applications. Although CPP‐ACP‐containing products did not differ from other fluoride products, they were able to reduce WSL and neutralize the pH around the orthodontic braces. Products containing CPP‐ACP are effective in preventing and treating WSL around the braces. However, further studies with the same measurement method and periods of use, and other forms of presentation of CPP‐ACP are needed.
Anchors in Rough Seas: Understanding Category Spanning as a Source of Market Coordination
Authors: Montauti Martina 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPrior research has deemed products that span market categories a source of cognitive and institutional disruption. Portraying spanning products as purely disruptive elements, however, does not consider their large presence in markets and, consequently, the fact that producers and consumers continue to coordinate their activities on established categories despite pervasive spanning. Our paper addresses this gap by focusing on commercial success as an important condition under which spanning products, rather than being a source of disruption, sustain market coordination. From the producer side, an increasing number of commercially successful products spanning a focal category stimulates mimicry. From the consumer side, this mimicry, net of the overall level of spanning observed in the category, improves consensus. We test these arguments by focusing on the styles that map electronic music as the established categories of a market. Empirical analyses lend support to our hypotheses.
Prognostic role of platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in oral cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Yonggang , Zheng Linli , Quan Liuliu , Du Liang 
Published: January 2019

Background and objectivePlatelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) has been suggested to be associated with the progression of oral cancer with inconclusive results. The objective of the current study was to assess the prognostic role of oral cancer by meta‐analysis.MethodPubMed, EMbase(Ovid), CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP, and CBM databases were searched up to August 24, 2018. Studies investigating the association between PLR and progression of oral cancer were included. Meta‐analysis was performed by using Revman 5.3 software. The protocol of the study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42018106836).ResultsA total of five studies were included in the meta‐analysis. The results of the meta‐analysis showed that higher PLR was associated with the poor progress of oral cancer (overall survival: OR = 2.06, 95 CI: 1.49‐2.86, P < 0.0001; disease‐specific survival: OR = 2.12, 95 CI: 1.59‐2.82, P < 0.00001).ConclusionThe current meta‐analysis showed that higher PLR is a poor progression factor for oral cancer. However, larger sample, multi‐center studies should be carried out in the future to validate the above conclusion.
Microtubule nucleation for the assembly of acentrosomal microtubule arrays in plant cells
Authors: Lee Yuh‐Ru Julie , Liu Bo 
Published: January 2019

Contents

Summary

I.
Introduction

II.
MT arrays in plant cells

III.
γ‐Tubulin and MT nucleation

IV.
MT nucleation sites or flexible MTOCs in plant cells

V.
MT‐dependent MT nucleation

VI.
Generating new MTs for spindle assembly

VII.
Generation of MTs for phragmoplast expansion during cytokinesis

VIII.
MT generation for the cortical MT array

IX.
MT nucleation: looking forward

Acknowledgements

References

SummaryCytoskeletal microtubules (MTs) have a multitude of functions including intracellular distribution of molecules and organelles, cell morphogenesis, as well as segregation of the genetic material and separation of the cytoplasm during cell division among eukaryotic organisms. In response to internal and external cues, eukaryotic cells remodel their MT network in a regulated manner in order to assemble physiologically important arrays for cell growth, cell proliferation, or for cells to cope with biotic or abiotic stresses. Nucleation of new MTs is a critical step for MT remodeling. Although many key factors contributing to MT nucleation and organization are well conserved in different kingdoms, the centrosome, representing the most prominent microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs), disappeared during plant evolution as angiosperms lack the structure. Instead, flexible MTOCs may emerge on the plasma membrane, the nuclear envelope, and even organelles depending on types of cells and organisms and/or physiological conditions. MT‐dependent MT nucleation is particularly noticeable in plant cells because it accounts for the primary source of MT generation for assembling spindle, phragmoplast, and cortical arrays when the γ‐tubulin ring complex is anchored and activated by the augmin complex. It is intriguing what proteins are associated with plant‐specific MTOCs and how plant cells activate or inactivate MT nucleation activities in spatiotemporally regulated manners.
Molecular breath analysis supports altered amino acid metabolism in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Gaugg Martin Thomas , Engler Anna , Bregy Lukas , Nussbaumer‐Ochsner Yvonne , Eiffert Lara , Bruderer Tobias , Zenobi Renato , Sinues Pablo , Kohler Malcolm 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveDiagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is complex and its pathogenesis is poorly understood. Recent findings indicate elevated levels of proline and other amino acids in lung tissue of IPF patients which may also be of diagnostic value. Following these findings, we hypothesized that such altered metabolic profiles would be mirrored in exhaled breath and could therefore be captured non‐invasively in real time.MethodsWe aimed to validate these results using real‐time exhaled breath analysis by secondary electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry, which can provide a non‐invasive, painless and fast insight into the metabolism. Breath analysis was performed in a matched 1:1 case–control study involving 21 patients with IPF and 21 control subjects.ResultsWe found significantly (P < 0.05) elevated levels of proline, 4‐hydroxyproline, alanine, valine, leucine/isoleucine and allysine in breath of IPF patients, whereas pyroglutamic acid and phenylalanine did not show significant differences. This coincides with the amino acid's abundance in pulmonary tissue indicating that our observations reflect progressing fibrosis. In addition, amino acid levels correlated across subjects, further supporting a common underlying pathway. We were able to obtain a cross‐validated area under the curve of 0.86, suggesting that these increased amino acid levels in exhaled breath have the potential to be used as biomarkers for IPF.ConclusionWe could validate previous findings of elevated lung tissue amino acid levels in IPF and show that online breath analysis might be a practical tool for a rapid screening for IPF.
Daily Mobility, Livelihoods and Transport Policies in Kampala, Uganda: A Hägerstrandian Analysis
Authors: Janusz Katarzyna , Kesteloot Christian , Vermeiren Karolien , Van Rompaey Anton 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn order to construct a suitable transport policy, based on the needs of the inhabitants and city users, planners have to be aware of the needs of urban residents. In this research, Hägerstrand’s space‐time geography is used to understand constraints that individuals from contrasting livelihoods experience regarding their daily mobility in Kampala. To carry out economic activities, both poor and non‐poor face the need to travel, but moving in the city is hampered by congestion and poor walking infrastructure. While non‐poor have the financial and economical flexibility to adjust the time and transport mode of their movements, the poor are constrained by affordability. Space‐time prisms of the movements show that paradoxically the further the distance from the centre, the less movement is undertaken by the non‐poor and more movement by the poor. The policy responses, driven by foreign investments, mainly from China, show that policy circulation plans prevail over tailor‐made solutions.
American tegumentary leishmaniasis in Brazil: a critical review of the current therapeutic approach with systemic meglumine antimoniate and short‐term possibilities for an alternative treatment
Authors: Carvalho Sílvia H. , Frézard Frédéric , Pereira Neila P. , Moura Alexandre S. , Ramos Lucinéia M. Q. C. , Carvalho Gabriel B. , Rocha Manoel O. C. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectivesMeglumine antimoniate (MA; Glucantime®), the 80‐year‐old first‐line systemic treatment for all forms of American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) caused by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensis and Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis, is highly toxic, presents adverse side‐effects and may not attain clinical and parasitological cure. This critical review examines the necessity for intramuscular/intravenous administration of MA, the alternatives to this approach, and the possibilities of developing affordable, accessible and non‐toxic drugs or new delivery methods.MethodPubMed searches were performed using the terms ‘cutaneous leishmaniasis’ or ‘American tegumentary leishmaniasis’ in combination with ‘meglumine antimoniate’ or ‘N–methyl glucamine’ or ‘drug repositioning’ or ‘nanotechnology’. Searches covered a period of 20 years of peer reviewed journals and technical bulletins. We explored the mode of action, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and efficacy of MA, evaluated the progress of ATL therapy in Brazil, and examined the potential of drug repositioning and nanotechnology in accelerating the introduction and/or optimisation of an alternative treatment.ResultsThe evidence suggests that ATL therapy will continue to rely on systemic MA in the foreseeable future even though an intralesional subcutaneous route has evolved over the last 10 years. The chances of developing a novel drug for ATL or a new mode of delivery of MA are low. While MA nanocarriers afford a promising approach, this technology is still in its infancy. A more immediate solution would be the production of a bioequivalent of miltefosine, an efficacious oral agent no longer protected by patent.ConclusionDevelopment of a contemporary treatment requires governmental commitment in bringing together private and public sectors.
Syndromic survey and molecular analysis of influenza viruses at the human–swine interface in two West African cosmopolitan cities suggest the possibility of bidirectional interspecies transmission
Authors: Adeola Oluwagbenga A. , Olugasa Babasola O. , Emikpe Benjamin O. , Folitse Raphael D. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractInfluenza viruses are frequently transmitted between pigs and their handlers, and among pig handlers. However, reports on socio‐environmental variables as potential risk factors associated with transmission of influenza in West African swine production facilities are very scarce. Syndromic survey for influenza was therefore conducted in Ibadan, Nigeria, and Kumasi, Ghana, in order to identify and elucidate selected socio‐environmental variables that may contribute to the occurrence and distribution of influenza‐like illness (ILI) among swine industry workers. In addition, molecular analyses were conducted to elucidate the nature of influenza viruses circulating at the human–swine interface in these cities and better understand the dynamics of their transmission. Influenza viruses were detected by type‐specific and subtype‐specific RT–PCR. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were carried out. Socio‐environmental variables were tested by both univariable and multivariable regression methods for significance at p < 0.05. Three risk factors for ILI were identified in each city. These included “frequency of visit of pig handler to pig pen or lairage” (Ibadan: risk ratio [RR] = 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.36–1.79, p = 0.02; Kumasi: RR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.11–1.71, p = 0.01) and “pig handler's awareness about biosecurity measures” (Ibadan: RR = 7.09, 95% CI = 2.36–21.32, p < 0.001; Kumasi: RR = 4.84, 95% CI = 1.98–11.80, p < 0.001). Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses, with M genes closely related to those which circulated among pigs in the two cities during the same period, were detected among Nigerian and Ghanaian pig industry workers. These findings suggest the possibility of bidirectional transmission of influenza at the human–swine interface in these cities and underscore the need for more extensive molecular studies. Risk factors identified may assist in the control of human‐to‐human and human‐to‐swine transmission of influenza in the West African swine industry.
The Anatomage table: Differences in student ratings between initial implementation and established use
Authors: Fyfe Sue , Fyfe Georgina , Dye Danielle , Radley-Crabb Hannah 
Published: January 2019

Introduction: Increased student numbers and limited cadaver/prosected materials in health courses at Curtin University have required reviewing the way in which we teach our students in laboratory classes. The Anatomage table, an interactive tablet for viewing life-size anatomical images, was introduced into first-year human biology classes in 2013 to replace cadaver materials. Methods: Two student cohorts were surveyed in 2013 and 2014 on their perception of the usefulness of the Anatomage table and other anatomy resources to their learning. On a scale of 0–100, students were asked to rate a range of anatomy learning tools, including the Anatomage table. Results: Respondents (2013, n = 333; 2014, n = 329) rated video/animations most useful for learning (77.8/100), followed by models (63.9/100), plastinates (58.4/100) and the Anatomage table (42.4/100), a pattern consistent across gender, use of digital devices and cohort year. In 2014, respondents rated the Anatomage table more favourably (42.4/100) than in 2013 (36.9/100) (p = 0.022). The Anatomage table was rated most helpful for understanding relative sizes of organs but least helpful for using correct anatomical terminology. Qualitative data showed that in 2013, students were frustrated by screen-freezing problems and low-quality graphics, issues that were mostly addressed by 2014. Across both years, student comments were positive regarding the 3D aspect, seeing organ sizes and relationships, the slice tool for cross-sections and avoiding the need for cadaver specimens. Students also liked the Anatomage structured activities and pre-set images but wanted more time to explore and less than eight students around the table at any one time. Students felt unprepared for using the Anatomage table, and the single touch capacity was limiting when working in groups. Conclusions: These findings indicate that touch-screen technology needs careful curriculum design and training for both students and staff to optimise its usefulness for learning.
Predicting Antibiotic Resistance in Gram-Negative Bacilli from Resistance Genes
Authors: Walker G. Terrance , Quan Julia , Higgins Stephen G. , Toraskar Nikhil , Chang Weizhong , Saeed Alexander , Sapiro Vadim , Pitzer Kelsey , Whitfield Natalie , Lopansri Bert K. , Motyl Mary , Sahm Daniel 
Published: January 2019

We developed a rapid high-throughput PCR test and evaluated highly antibiotic-resistant clinical isolates of
Escherichia coli
(
n
= 2,919),
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(
n
= 1,974),
Proteus mirabilis
(
n
= 1,150), and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(
n
= 1,484) for several antibiotic resistance genes for comparison with phenotypic resistance across penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, aminoglycosides, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, fluoroquinolones, and macrolides. The isolates originated from hospitals in North America (34%), Europe (23%), Asia (13%), South America (12%), Africa (7%), or Oceania (1%) or were of unknown origin (9%).
Food-to-Humans Bacterial Transmission
Authors: Antunes Patrícia , Novais Carla , Peixe Luísa 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT
Microorganisms vehiculated by food might benefit health, cause minimal change within the equilibrium of the host microbial community or be associated with foodborne diseases. In this chapter we will focus on human pathogenic bacteria for which food is conclusively demonstrated as their transmission mode to human. We will describe the impact of foodborne diseases in public health, the reservoirs of foodborne pathogens (the environment, human and animals), the main bacterial pathogens and food vehicles causing human diseases, and the drivers for the transmission of foodborne diseases related to the food-chain, host or bacteria features. The implication of food-chain (foodborne pathogens and commensals) in the transmission of resistance to antibiotics relevant to the treatment of human infections is also evidenced. The multiplicity and interplay of drivers related to intensification, diversification and globalization of food production, consumer health status, preferences, lifestyles or behaviors, and bacteria adaptation to different challenges (stress tolerance and antimicrobial resistance) from farm to human, make the prevention of bacteria-food-human transmission a modern and continuous challenge. A global One Health approach is mandatory to better understand and minimize the transmission pathways of human pathogens, including multidrug-resistant pathogens and commensals, through food-chain.
Outer Membrane Vesicle-Host Cell Interactions
Authors: Cecil Jessica D. , Sirisaengtaksin Natalie , O’Brien-Simpson Neil M. , Krachler Anne Marie 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT
Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are nanosized proteoliposomes derived from the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. They are ubiquitously produced both in culture and during infection and are now recognized to play crucial roles during host-microbe interactions. OMVs can transport a broad range of chemically diverse cargoes, including lipids and lipopolysaccharides, membrane-embedded and associated proteins and small molecules, peptidoglycan, and nucleic acids. Particularly, virulence factors such as adhesins and toxins are often enriched in OMVs. Here we discuss a variety of ways in which OMVs facilitate host-microbe interactions, including their contributions to biofilm formation, nutrient scavenging, and modulation of host cell function. We particularly examine recent findings regarding OMV-host cell interactions in the oral cavity and the gastrointestinal tract.
The Remarkable Biomechanical Properties of the Type 1 Chaperone-Usher Pilus: A Structural and Molecular Perspective
Authors: Hospenthal Manuela K. , Waksman Gabriel 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT

Chaperone-usher (CU) pili are long, supramolecular protein fibers tethered to the surface of numerous bacterial pathogens. These virulence factors function primarily in bacterial adhesion to host tissues, but they also mediate biofilm formation. Type 1 and P pili of uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(UPEC) are the two best-studied CU pilus examples, and here we primarily focus on the former. UPEC can be transmitted to the urinary tract by fecal shedding. It can then ascend up the urinary tract and cause disease by invading and colonizing host tissues of the bladder, causing cystitis, and the kidneys, causing pyelonephritis. FimH is the subunit displayed at the tip of type 1 pili and mediates adhesion to mannosylated host cells via a unique catch-bond mechanism. In response to shear forces caused by urine flow, FimH can transition from a low-affinity to high-affinity binding mode. This clever allosteric mechanism allows UPEC cells to remain tightly attached during periods of urine flow, while loosening their grip to allow dissemination through the urinary tract during urine stasis. Moreover, the bulk of a CU pilus is made up of the rod, which can reversibly uncoil in response to urine flow to evenly spread the tensile forces over the entire pilus length. We here explore the novel structural and mechanistic findings relating to the type 1 pilus FimH catch-bond and rod uncoiling and explain how they function together to enable successful attachment, spread, and persistence in the hostile urinary tract.