bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of molecular genetics in the clinical management of sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma: A systematic review
Authors: Fussey Jonathan Mark , Vaidya Bijay , Kim Dae , Clark Jonathan , Ellard Sian , Smith Joel Anthony 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe significant variation in the clinical behaviour of sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma (sMTC) causes uncertainty when planning the management of these patients. Several tumour genetic and epigenetic markers have been described, but their clinical usefulness remains unclear. The aim of this review was to evaluate the evidence for the use of molecular genetic and epigenetic profiles in the risk stratification and management of sMTC.MethodsMEDLINE and Embase databases were searched using the MeSH terms “medullary carcinoma”, “epigenetics”, “molecular genetics”, “microRNAs”; and free text terms “medullary carcinoma”, “sporadic medullary thyroid cancer”, “sMTC”, “RET”, “RAS” and “miR”. Articles containing less than ten subjects, not focussing on sMTC, or not reporting clinical outcomes were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified version of the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale.ResultsTwenty‐three studies met the inclusion criteria, and key findings were summarized in themes according to the genetic and epigenetic markers studied. There is good evidence that somatic RET mutations predict higher rates of lymph node metastasis and persistent disease, and worse survival. There are also several good quality studies demonstrating associations between certain epigenetic markers such as tumour miR‐183 and miR‐375 expression and higher rates of lymph node and distant metastasis, and worse survival.ConclusionsThere is a growing body of evidence that tumour genetic and epigenetic profiles can be used to risk stratify patients with sMTC. Further research should focus on the clinical applicability of these findings by investigating the possibility of tailoring management to an individual's tumour mutation profile.
Clinical prediction score of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS‐HS index)
Authors: Carreau Anne‐Marie , Pyle Laura , Garcia‐Reyes Yesenia , Rahat Haseeb , Vigers Tim , Jensen Thomas , Scherzinger Ann , Nadeau Kristen J. , Cree‐Green Melanie 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common in obese adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but there are no inexpensive ways to accurately identify NAFLD in PCOS. The objective was to develop a simple clinical score to screen for NAFLD risk in obese adolescents with PCOS.DesignThis is a secondary analysis of 3 cross‐sectional studies on metabolic characterization of obese adolescents with PCOS. 108 overweight and obese adolescents with PCOS (BMI > 90th percentile, age 12‐19 years) were enrolled from 2012 to 2018.MethodsMagnetic resonance imaging was used to quantify hepatic fat fraction (HFF). A development cohort of 87 girls were divided by presence of NAFLD (HFF > 5.5%). A logistic regression model with the outcome of NAFLD and candidate predictor variables was fit. A simplified model (PCOS‐HS index) was created using backwards stepdown elimination. Validation was performed using 200 bootstrapped sample and in a second cohort of 21 PCOS participants.Results52% of the development cohort had NAFLD. The PCOS‐HS index that included BMI percentile, waist circumference, ALT and SHBG had an AUCROC of 0.81, sensitivity 82%, specificity 69%, negative predictive value (NPV) 78% and positive predictive value 74%, using a threshold of 0.44 to predict HS. A threshold of 0.15 ruled out NAFLD with a NPV 90%. In the validation cohort, the model showed an accuracy of 81%, sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 70%.ConclusionsWe developed a clinical index to identify NAFLD in girls with PCOS who would need further evaluation and treatment.
Comparison Types in the Semantic Extension of Diidxazá Body Part Terms
Authors: Pérez Báez Gabriela 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBody part terms (BPTs) are used extensively in Mesoamerican languages to name object parts. The process through which BPTs might be extended to refer to a part of an object and further serve as a relator in describing the relation between objects in space has often been attributed to metaphorical processes. This study proposes an alternative analysis following a Structure–Mapping Theory approach (Gentner, 1983, inter alia), based on data from Diidxazá (Isthmus Zapotec, Otomanguean) obtained through elicitation and experimental tasks. The data show that structure mapping does not depend on a 1:1 match of attributes; frequency of use shed light on principles that constrain the semantic extension of most BPTs; a core set of six BPTs are extended by abstraction of the set of intersecting axes of the body. The detailed nature of this study enables an analysis of the mental representations underlying the semantic extension of BPTs. This in turn elucidates on aspects of the relation between spatial language and spatial cognition. In addition, this study allows us to address questions about the categorial status of BPTs in Diidxazá and their lexicographic representation.
Multimodal noninvasive prediction of pulmonary hypertension in IPF
Authors: Sonti Rajiv , Gersten Rebecca Anna , Barnett Scott , Brown A. Whitney , Nathan Steven D. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIntroduction and ObjectivePulmonary hypertension (PH) complicating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is challenging to diagnose given inaccuracy of transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) measurements. However, it has significant prognostic implications and is therefore important to accurately identify.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study of patients with IPF who underwent RHC as part of their evaluation. A variety of commonly available noninvasive variables were evaluated for their ability to predict pulmonary arterial pressure in a linear regression model, including the traditionally used right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) estimated from TTE.ResultsThere were 105 eligible patients identified from January 2006 to July 2016. The average age was 62.7 ± 7.7 years, 35 had RHC proven PH and 43% ultimately underwent lung transplantation. A linear model including three terms: RVSP (ANOVA P < .01), the ratio of FVC/DLCO from PFTs (P = .05) and pulmonary artery to aorta diameter ratio from CT (P < .01) was found to predict the mean pulmonary artery pressure more reliably than RVSP alone (R2 .39 vs .29, P < .05), with a lower rate of incorrect classification of PH status in these individuals (27.6 vs 35.2%, P = .05) and high negative predictive value (87.2%).ConclusionIf used in conjunction with RVSP from TTE, parameters from PFTs and the CT scan more accurately predict the presence or absence of PH than any of the variables in isolation. Using these in concert may allow greater discrimination in deciding which patients to subject to diagnostic right heart catheterization.
Identification of amino acid residues of nerve growth factor important for neurite outgrowth in human dorsal root ganglion neurons
Authors: Dahlström Märta , Nordvall Gunnar , Sundström Erik , Åkesson Elisabet , Tegerstedt Gunilla , Eriksdotter Maria , Forsell Pontus 
Published: July 2019

AbstractNerve growth factor (NGF) is an essential neurotrophic factor for the development and maintenance of the central and the peripheral nervous system. NGF deficiency in the basal forebrain precedes degeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in Alzheimer's disease, contributing to memory decline. NGF mediates neurotrophic support via its high‐affinity receptor, the tropomyosin‐related kinase A (TrkA) receptor, and mediates mitogenic and differentiation signals via the extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the different NGF/TrkA/ERK signalling pathways are far from clear. In this study, we have investigated the role of human NGF and three NGF mutants, R100E, W99A and K95A/Q96A, their ability to activate TrkA or ERK1/2, and their ability to induce proliferation or differentiation in human foetal dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons or in PC12 cells. We show that the R100E mutant was significantly more potent than NGF itself to induce proliferation and differentiation, and significantly more potent in activation of ERK1/2 in DRG neurons. The W99A and K95A/Q96A mutants, on the other hand, were less effective than the wild‐type protein. An unexpected finding was the high efficacy of the K95A/Q96A mutant to activate TrkA and to induce differentiation of DRG neurons at elevated concentrations. These data demonstrate an NGF mutant with improved neurotrophic properties in primary human neuronal cells. The R100E mutant represents an interesting candidate for further drug development in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
The functional role of temperate forest understorey vegetation in a changing world
Authors: Landuyt Dries , De Lombaerde Emiel , Perring Michael P. , Hertzog Lionel R. , Ampoorter Evy , Maes Sybryn L. , De Frenne Pieter , Ma Shiyu , Proesmans Willem , Blondeel Haben , Sercu Bram K. , Wang Bin , Wasof Safaa , Verheyen Kris 
Published: July 2019

AbstractTemperate forests cover 16% of the global forest area. Within these forests, the understorey is an important biodiversity reservoir that can influence ecosystem processes and functions in multiple ways. However, we still lack a thorough understanding of the relative importance of the understorey for temperate forest functioning. As a result, understoreys are often ignored during assessments of forest functioning and changes thereof under global change. We here compiled studies that quantify the relative importance of the understorey for temperate forest functioning, focussing on litter production, nutrient cycling, evapotranspiration, tree regeneration, pollination and pathogen dynamics. We describe the mechanisms driving understorey functioning and develop a conceptual framework synthesizing possible effects of multiple global change drivers on understorey‐mediated forest ecosystem functioning. Our review illustrates that the understorey's contribution to temperate forest functioning is significant but varies depending on the ecosystem function and the environmental context, and more importantly, the characteristics of the overstorey. To predict changes in understorey functioning and its relative importance for temperate forest functioning under global change, we argue that a simultaneous investigation of both overstorey and understorey functional responses to global change will be crucial. Our review shows that such studies are still very scarce, only available for a limited set of ecosystem functions and limited to quantification, providing little data to forecast functional responses to global change.
Positive genetic associations among fitness traits support evolvability of a reef‐building coral under multiple stressors
Authors: Wright Rachel M. , Mera Hanaka , Kenkel Carly D. , Nayfa Maria , Bay Line K. , Matz Mikhail V. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractClimate change threatens organisms in a variety of interactive ways that requires simultaneous adaptation of multiple traits. Predicting evolutionary responses requires an understanding of the potential for interactions among stressors and the genetic variance and covariance among fitness‐related traits that may reinforce or constrain an adaptive response. Here we investigate the capacity of Acropora millepora, a reef‐building coral, to adapt to multiple environmental stressors: rising sea surface temperature, ocean acidification, and increased prevalence of infectious diseases. We measured growth rates (weight gain), coral color (a proxy for Symbiodiniaceae density), and survival, in addition to nine physiological indicators of coral and algal health in 40 coral genets exposed to each of these three stressors singly and combined. Individual stressors resulted in predicted responses (e.g., corals developed lesions after bacterial challenge and bleached under thermal stress). However, corals did not suffer substantially more when all three stressors were combined. Nor were trade‐offs observed between tolerances to different stressors; instead, individuals performing well under one stressor also tended to perform well under every other stressor. An analysis of genetic correlations between traits revealed positive covariances, suggesting that selection to multiple stressors will reinforce rather than constrain the simultaneous evolution of traits related to holobiont health (e.g., weight gain and algal density). These findings support the potential for rapid coral adaptation under climate change and emphasize the importance of accounting for corals’ adaptive capacity when predicting the future of coral reefs.
Radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma: Clinical value of ultrasound–ultrasound overlay fusion for optimal ablation and local controllability
Authors: Minami Yasunori , Minami Tomohiro , Takita Masahiro , Hagiwara Satoru , Ida Hiroshi , Ueshima Kazuomi , Nishida Naoshi , Kudo Masatoshi 
Published: July 2019

AimTo retrospectively investigate the potential benefit of ultrasound–ultrasound (US‐US) overlay fusion guidance for local controllability of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsPatients (n = 101) with 121 HCCs (mean ± SD, 1.8 ± 0.7 cm) who underwent RFA guided by US‐US overlay fusion were included in the retrospective study. By overlaying pre/postoperative US, the tumor image could be projected onto the ablative hyperechoic zone. The ablative margin could thereby be evaluated three‐dimensionally during the RFA procedure. As a control group, all 325 patients with 453 HCCs who underwent conventional RFA during the same study period were selected.ResultsThe total number of RF needle insertions per tumor for ablation was significantly more in the US overlay fusion group (mean 1.9 vs. 1.2; P < 0.01). The technical success rates of ablation after a single session were 100% (101/101) and 96.6% (314/325) for the US overlay fusion group and the control group, respectively. For early assessment of RFA response, 5‐mm safety margins were achieved in 89.3% (108/121) and 47.0% (213/453) of nodules in the US overlay fusion group and the control group, respectively (P < 0.01). During the follow‐up period (median 19 months), the 2‐year local tumor progression rates were 0.8% (1/121) and 6.0% (27/453) in the US overlay fusion group and the control group, respectively (P = 0.022, log–rank test).ConclusionsUS‐US overlay fusion guidance can be highly effective for safety margin achievement in RFA for HCC, providing a lower risk of local tumor progression.
Being fully digital: perspective of a Dutch academic pathology laboratory
Authors: Stathonikos Nikolas , Nguyen Tri Q , Spoto Clothaire P , Verdaasdonk Marina A M , van Diest Paul J 
Published: July 2019

The introduction of fast and robust whole slide scanners has facilitated the implementation of ‘digital pathology’ with various uses, the final challenge being full digital diagnostics. In this article, we describe the implementation process of a fully digital workflow for primary diagnostics in 2015 at the University Medical Centre in Utrecht, The Netherlands, as one of the first laboratories going fully digital with a future‐proof complete digital archive. Furthermore, we evaluated the experience of the first 2 years of working with the system by pathologists and residents. The system was successfully implemented in 6 months, including a European tender procedure. Most pathologists and residents had high confidence in working fully digitally, the expertise areas lagging behind being paediatrics, haematopathology, and neuropathology. Reported limitations concerned recognition of microorganisms and mitoses. Neither the age of respondents nor the number of years of pathology experience was correlated with the confidence level regarding digital diagnostics. The ergonomics of digital diagnostics were better than those of traditional microscopy. In this article, we describe our experiences in implementing our fully digital primary diagnostics workflow, describing in depth the implementation steps undertaken, the interlocking components that are required for a fully functional digital pathology system (laboratory management, hospital information systems, data storage, and whole slide scanners), and the changes required in workflow and slide production.
European Society of Endodontology position statement: Use of cone beam computed tomography in Endodontics
Authors: Patel S. , Brown J. , Semper M. , Abella F. , Mannocci F. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis Position Statement represents a consensus of an expert committee convened by the European Society of Endodontology (ESE) on the use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in Endodontics. This paper is an update of the ESE CBCT position statement which was published in 2014 (European Society of Endodontology 2014, https://doi.org/10.1111/iej.12267). Recent review articles provide more detailed background information and the basis for this position statement. It is intended that this position statement will be updated at least every 4‐5 years to keep abreast of relevant research. The aim of this paper is to provide clinicians with evidence‐based guidance on the application of CBCT in Endodontics. Since 2014, there has been an increase in the number of clinical studies confirming the positive impact of CBCT on treatment planning, decision‐making when reviewing cases and reduced practitioner stress levels.
Expressional analysis of the silkworm storage protein 1 and identification of its interacting proteins
Authors: Li Ruilin , Hu Congwu , Geng Tao , Lv Dingding , Gao Kun , Guo Xijie , Hou Chengxiang 
Published: July 2019

AbstractStorage proteins are haemolymph‐specific proteins in insects, mainly synthesized in the fat body, released into the haemolymph, and then selectively reabsorbed by the fat body before pupation. These storage proteins play an important role in insect metamorphosis and egg development. Some of these storage proteins are responsive to pathogen infection and can even suppress pathogen multiplication. However, the mechanisms of the physiological, biochemical and immune‐responsive functions of storage proteins remain unclear. In this study, the expression patterns of Bombyx mori storage protein 1 (BmSP1) during the larval stage were analysed. Then, BmSP1 protein fused with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was successfully expressed in a B. mori baculovirus vector expression system. Quantitative real‐time PCR showed that the expression level of BmSP1 increased with the advance of instars and reached the highest level in the fifth instar, especially in the fat body. Recombinant BmSP1 expressed in silkworm larvae inhibited haemolymph melanization. Then, proteins that interact with BmSP1 were identified with EGFP used as an antigenic determinant by co‐immunoprecipitation. A 30 kDa low molecular weight lipoprotein PBMHP‐6 precursor (BmLP6) was shown to interact with BmSP1. Yeast two‐hybrid experiments confirmed the interaction between BmSP1 and BmLP6. The results obtained in this study will be helpful for further study of the functions of BmSP1 and BmLP6 in the regulatory network of silkworm development and innate immunity.
Unavailable names in the Myotis nattereri species complex
Authors: Ruedi Manuel , Puechmaille Sébastien J. , Ibáñez Carlos , Juste Javier 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe discovery of new species of mammals in Europe is a rare event, but owing to recent progress in genetic methods used to survey current biodiversity, such discoveries have been accumulating during the last decades. The naming of these new taxa has important bearings in conservation, as this is the first step needed for them to be recognised by the scientific community but also legally. The naming of new animal species, however, needs to follow the strict rules of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature in order to be available and to provide a stable basis for further taxonomic research. We report here a case where new names have been improperly proposed to designate distinctive lineages in the Natterer's bat species complex. As these new names do not follow several mandatory rules imposed by the Code, they are declared unavailable and are not to be used for further taxonomy studies.
The Science of Salt: A global review on changes in sodium levels in foods
Authors: Santos Joseph Alvin , Sparks Emalie , Thout Sudhir Raj , McKenzie Briar , Trieu Kathy , Hoek Annet , Johnson Claire , McLean Rachael , Arcand JoAnne , Campbell Norman R. C. , Webster Jacqui 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis review aims to summarize and synthesize studies reporting on changes in sodium levels in packaged food products, restaurant foods, and hospital or school meals, as a result of salt reduction interventions. Studies were extracted from those published in the Science of Salt Weekly between June 2013 and February 2018. Twenty‐four studies were identified: 17 assessed the changes in packaged foods, four in restaurant foods, two in hospital or school meals, and one in both packaged and restaurant foods. Three types of interventions were evaluated as part of the studies: voluntary reductions (including targets), labeling, and interventions in institutional settings. Decreases in sodium were observed in all studies (n = 8) that included the same packaged foods matched at two time points, and in the studies carried out in hospitals and schools. However, there was little to no change in mean sodium levels in restaurant foods. The pooled analysis of change in sodium levels in packaged foods showed a decrease in sodium in unmatched food products (−36 mg/100 g, 95% CI −51 to −20 mg/100 g) and in five food categories—breakfast cereals, breads, processed meats, crisps and snacks, and soups. Twenty‐two of the 24 studies were from high‐income countries, limiting the applicability of the findings to lower resource settings.
Magnitude of slowing gastric emptying by glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists determines the amelioration of postprandial glucose excursion in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Suganuma Yumi , Shimizu Tatsunori , Sato Takehiro , Morii Tsukasa , Fujita Hiroki , Harada Sassa Mariko , Yamada Yuichiro 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAims/IntroductionPharmacological levels of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) can decelerate gastric emptying (GE) and reduce postprandial glucose levels. Most previous studies have used liquid meals to evaluate GE. We evaluated the effects of GLP‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RAs) on GE and postprandial glucose excursion in Japanese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients using a combination of solid and liquid meals.Materials and MethodsIn this single‐center, prospective, open‐label study, nine healthy individuals and 17 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus consumed a 460‐kcal combination of a solid and liquid meal labeled with 13C‐acetic acid. GE was measured from t = 0 to 150 min in a continuous 13C breath test. Eight participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus were administered GLP‐1 RAs, and we examined the relationship between GE and blood glucose excursion.ResultsThere were no differences in the average GE coefficient (GEC) and lag time between the healthy and type 2 diabetes mellitus groups. However, the type 2 diabetes mellitus group showed larger GEC variations (P < 0.05). The coefficient of variation of R‐R intervals was a significant predictor of GEC in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (P < 0.01). The short‐acting GLP‐1 RA reduced the GEC at 1 month (P = 0.012), whereas the long‐acting GLP‐1 RA did not significantly change the GEC after treatment. A positive relationship was observed between postprandial glucose excursion from T0 min to T60 min and the GEC (r2 = 0.75; P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe reduction in GE rate by the administration of GLP‐1 RAs can predict the improvement in postprandial glucose excursion in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.