bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The tumor-suppressive function of miR-1296-5p by targeting EGFR and CDK6 in gastric cancer
Authors: Jia Yan , Zhao Lian-Mei , Bai Han-Yu , Zhang Cong , Dai Su-Li , Lv Hui-lai , Shan Bao-En 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
We aimed to confirm the role of miR-1296-5p in gastric cancer and to identify its target genes. The expression of miR-1296-5p was measured in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. The function of miR-1296-5p was examined by the overexpression and inhibition of its expression in typical gastric cell lines as well as SGC-7901 and MGC-803 cells. The targets of miR-1296-5p were identified by a luciferase activity assay. We found that miR-1296-5p was down-regulated in gastric cancer tissue and cell lines, and low expression levels of miR-1296-5p were associated with advanced clinical stage. Moreover, miR-1296-5p inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in SGC-7901 and MGC-803 cells. Then, we identified CDK6 and EGFR as novel targets of miR-1296-5p by a luciferase activity assay. Furthermore, the overexpression of miR-1296-5p suppressed the expression of CDK6 and EGFR. Our results indicated a tumor-suppressive role of miR-1296-5p through the translational repression of oncogenic CDK6 and EGFR in gastric cancer.
Evaluation of a Protocol for Integrated Speech Audiometry
Authors: Punch Jerry , Rakerd Brad 
Published: December 2018

PurposeThis project was aimed at evaluating the reliability, validity, and clinical utility of a protocol for integrated measurements of the most comfortable level (MCL) and uncomfortable level (UCL) for speech, in combination with the speech recognition threshold (SRT). We also evaluated the validity of using spondee words when measuring speech MCL and UCL.MethodIn a randomized block design, equal numbers of women and men with normal hearing, aged 18–29 years, were assigned to each of 3 experimental stimulus conditions: spondee singlets, spondee triplets, or connected discourse (n= 12 per group). Following measurement of the SRT, a modified method of limits was employed to establish, on a 7-point loudness rating scale, an ascending MCL, a descending MCL, and an ascending UCL. A single instructional set covered all loudness measurements. Test times were tracked electronically to assess clinical efficiency. All test conditions were repeated during each of 2 separate test sessions.ResultsMean SRTs, MCLs, and UCLs across the 3 different experimental groups were found not to differ statistically or clinically (mean differences < 5 dB). Intrasession and intersession reliability for the various measures were excellent, and testing of all listeners was completed in a timely manner. In a follow-up experiment with adults with normal hearing who were only a decade older than participants in our main experiment, the older group was found to have significantly higher MCLs and UCLs.ConclusionsSpondee words can be used routinely to obtain reliable, valid, and clinically efficient measures of MCLs and UCLs for speech, in a protocol combined with the SRT. Spondees, presented singly, yielded the greatest level of efficiency overall. Results support a recommendation to obtain an ascending measurement of MCL prior to a descending measurement and to establish the MCL by averaging the 2 values.
Measuring precise radial velocities and cross-correlation function line-profile variations using a Skew Normal density
Authors: Simola U. , Dumusque X. , Cisewski-Kehe J. 
Published: December 2018

Context.Stellar activity is one of the primary limitations to the detection of low-mass exoplanets using the radial-velocity (RV) technique. Stellar activity can be probed by measuring time-dependent variations in the shape of the cross-correlation function (CCF). It is therefore critical to measure with high-precision these shape variations to decorrelate the signal of an exoplanet from spurious RV signals caused by stellar activity.Aims.We propose to estimate the variations in shape of the CCF by fitting a Skew Normal (SN) density which, unlike the commonly employed Normal density, includes a Skewness parameter to capture the asymmetry of the CCF induced by stellar activity and the convective blueshift.Methods.We compared the performances of the proposed method to the commonly employed Normal density using both simulations and real observations with different levels of activity and signal-to-noise ratios.Results.When considering real observations, the correlation between the RV and the asymmetry of the CCF and between the RV and the width of the CCF are stronger when using the parameters estimated with the SN density rather than those obtained with the commonly employed Normal density. In particular, the strongest correlations have been obtained when using the mean of the SN as an estimate for the RV. This suggests that the CCF parameters estimated using a SN density are more sensitive to stellar activity, which can be helpful when estimating stellar rotational periods and when characterizing stellar activity signals. Using the proposed SN approach, the uncertainties estimated on the RV defined as the median of the SN are on average 10% smaller than the uncertainties calculated on the mean of the Normal. The uncertainties estimated on the asymmetry parameter of the SN are on average 15% smaller than the uncertainties measured on the Bisector Inverse Slope Span (BIS SPAN), which is the commonly used parameter to evaluate the asymmetry of the CCF. We also propose a new model to account for stellar activity when fitting a planetary signal to RV data. Based on simple simulations, we were able to demonstrate that this new model improves the planetary detection limits by 12% compared to the model commonly used to account for stellar activity.Conclusions.The SN density is a better model than the Normal density for characterizing the CCF since the correlations used to probe stellar activity are stronger and the uncertainties of the RV estimate and the asymmetry of the CCF are both smaller.
Approaching the adiabatic timescale with machine learning
Authors: Henson Bryce M. , Shin Dong K. , Thomas Kieran F. , Ross Jacob A. , Hush Michael R. , Hodgman Sean S. , Truscott Andrew G. 
Published: December 2018

Significance
Engineering the fast evolution of a quantum system between states is a key problem to be solved in the development of quantum technologies, such as quantum computing. We experimentally demonstrate a general approach using a machine-learning algorithm that develops a model of the system, based on previous performance, to create further educated guesses on how to improve. Applied to a system similar to moving a cup of liquid between two locations (while blindfolded), the algorithm reaches a speed faster than that of previous approaches, dealing well with the complex dynamics and experimental imperfections present with its empirical approach. The resulting fast dynamics open the door to understanding how quantum mechanical systems reach equilibrium while the method provides a tool for taming complex quantum systems.
Major Motivators and Sociodemographic Features of Women Undergoing Labiaplasty
Authors: Dogan Ozan , Yassa Murat 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Background
Influencing factors involved in the decision to undergo labiaplasty are evolving and show diversity among different settings and countries. Updated underlying motivators may assist in clinical decision-making and assessing outcomes from the patients’ perspective.

Objectives
Herein, the main motivators of women undergoing labiaplasty and sociodemographic features are discussed.

Methods
Seventy-one patients who were scheduled for labiaplasty were assessed via an open-ended, well-detailed questionnaire to determine the main motivational factors from the patients’ perspective. Validated questionnaires to measure genital self-image, self-esteem, body appreciation, attitude toward having cosmetic surgery, sexual dysfunction, and body-dysmorphic disorder were performed.

Results
Half of the patients reported that they had an idea about the appearance of other women’s genitalia (50.7%) and were influenced through the media (47.9%). The majority of those (71.8%) stated that they did not have normal genitalia and considered labiaplasty more than 6 months ago (88.7%). The pornography consumption rate in the last month was 19.7% and was significantly related with lower genital self-image and self-esteem. The main motivation was improvement in appearance (43.7%) and a better sexual life (26.8%). Patients reported aesthetic (52.1%), sexual (46.5%), and psychological (39.4%) reasons leading to their decision. Patient-reported 8-items of 11-item motivators for having labiaplasty were statistically consistent with validated questionnaires. The self-esteem and body appreciation of the patients were comparable to the literature. Genital self-image and sexual function were found to be impaired.

Conclusions
The women’s main motivator for labiaplasty was improvement in genital appearance integrated with their aesthetic and sexual demands. Eleven-item motivators derived from the statements of women seeking labiaplasty were determined in this study. Sociodemographic features and main motivators can conveniently be used as normative data for this population.

Level of Evidence: 4
Generation of 34S-substituted protein-bound [4Fe-4S] clusters using 34S-L-cysteine
Authors: Crack Jason C , Stewart Melissa Y Y , Le Brun Nick E 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe ability to specifically label the sulphide ions of protein-bound iron–sulphur (FeS) clusters with 34S isotope greatly facilitates structure–function studies. In particular, it provides insight when using either spectroscopic techniques that probe cluster-associated vibrations, or non-denaturing mass spectrometry, where the ∼+2 Da average increase per sulphide enables unambiguous assignment of the FeS cluster and, where relevant, its conversion/degradation products. Here, we employ a thermostable homologue of the O-acetyl-l-serine sulfhydrylase CysK to generate 34S-substituted l-cysteine and subsequently use it as a substrate for the l-cysteine desulfurase NifS to gradually supply 34S2− for in vitro FeS cluster assembly in an otherwise standard cluster reconstitution protocol.
The Serogroup B Meningococcal Vaccine Bexsero Elicits Antibodies to Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Semchenko Evgeny A , Tan Aimee , Borrow Ray , Seib Kate L 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Background
Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis are closely-related bacteria that cause a significant global burden of disease. Control of gonorrhoea is becoming increasingly difficult, due to widespread antibiotic resistance. While vaccines are routinely used for N. meningitidis, no vaccine is available for N. gonorrhoeae. Recently, the outer membrane vesicle (OMV) meningococcal B vaccine, MeNZB, was reported to be associated with reduced rates of gonorrhoea following a mass vaccination campaign in New Zealand. To probe the basis for this protection, we assessed the cross-reactivity to N. gonorrhoeae of serum raised to the meningococcal vaccine Bexsero, which contains the MeNZB OMV component plus 3 recombinant antigens (Neisseria adhesin A, factor H binding protein [fHbp]-GNA2091, and Neisserial heparin binding antigen [NHBA]-GNA1030).

Methods
A bioinformatic analysis was performed to assess the similarity of MeNZB OMV and Bexsero antigens to gonococcal proteins. Rabbits were immunized with the OMV component or the 3 recombinant antigens of Bexsero, and Western blots and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to assess the generation of antibodies recognizing N. gonorrhoeae. Serum from humans immunized with Bexsero was investigated to assess the nature of the anti-gonococcal response.

Results
There is a high level of sequence identity between MeNZB OMV and Bexsero OMV antigens, and between the antigens and gonococcal proteins. NHBA is the only Bexsero recombinant antigen that is conserved and surfaced exposed in N. gonorrhoeae. Bexsero induces antibodies in humans that recognize gonococcal proteins.

Conclusions
The anti-gonococcal antibodies induced by MeNZB-like OMV proteins could explain the previously-seen decrease in gonorrhoea following MeNZB vaccination. The high level of human anti-gonococcal NHBA antibodies generated by Bexsero vaccination may provide additional cross-protection against gonorrhoea.
Association Between Sphingolipids and Cardiopulmonary Fitness in Coronary Artery Disease Patients Undertaking Cardiac Rehabilitation
Authors: Saleem Mahwesh , Herrmann Nathan , Dinoff Adam , Marzolini Susan , Mielke Michelle M , Andreazza Ana , Oh Paul I , Vattem Venkata Swarajya Lakshmi , Haughey Norman J , Lanctôt Krista L 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
The long-term benefits conferred by cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in those with coronary artery disease (CAD) are strongly linked with an improvement in cardiopulmonary fitness. This study aimed to determine the association between peripheral sphingolipids and cardiopulmonary fitness in CAD subjects undertaking CR. Patients with CAD (n = 100, mean age = 64 ± 6 years, 85% male, mean years of education = 17 ± 3 years) underwent 6 months of CR with blood collected at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Cardiopulmonary fitness was assessed by measuring peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) at all time points. High performance liquid chromatography coupled electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify plasma sphingolipid concentrations. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between sphingolipids and VO2peak were assessed using linear regressions and mixed models, respectively. Higher concentrations of sphingomyelin C18:1 (β = −0.26, p = .01), ceramides C16:0 (β = −0.24, p = .02), C18:0 (β = −0.29, p = .002), C20:0 (β = −0.24, p = .02) and C24:1 (β = −0.24, p = .01) and monohexylceramide C18:0 (β = −0.23, p = .02) were associated with poorer VO2peak at baseline. An improvement in VO2peak was associated with a decrease in sphingomyelin C18:1 (b = −10.09, p = .006), ceramides C16:0 (b = −9.25, p = .0003), C18:0 (b = −5.44, p = .0003) and C24:1 (b = −2.46, p = .006) and monohexylceramide C18:0 (b = −5.37, p = .005). Specific long chain sphingolipids may be useful markers of fitness and response to exercise in CAD.
The Influence of Number and Timing of Pregnancies on Breast Cancer Risk for Women With BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutations
Authors: Terry Mary Beth , Liao Yuyan , Kast Karin , Antoniou Antonis C , McDonald Jasmine A , Mooij Thea M , Engel Christoph , Nogues Catherine , Buecher Bruno , Mari Véronique , Moretta-Serra Jessica , Gladieff Laurence , Luporsi Elisabeth , Barrowdale Daniel , Frost Debra , Henderson Alex , Brewer Carole , Evans D Gareth , Eccles Diana , Cook Jackie , Ong Kai-ren , Izatt Louise , Ahmed Munaza , Morrison Patrick J , Dommering Charlotte J , Oosterwijk Jan C , Ausems Margreet G E M , Kriege Mieke , Buys Saundra S , Andrulis Irene L , John Esther M , Daly Mary , Friedlander Michael , McLachlan Sue Anne , Osorio Ana , Caldes Trinidad , Jakubowska Anna , Simard Jacques , Singer Christian F , Tan Yen , Olah Edith , Navratilova Marie , Foretova Lenka , Gerdes Anne-Marie , Roos-Blom Marie-José , Arver Brita , Olsson Håkan , Schmutzler Rita K , Hopper John L , van Leeuwen Flora E , Goldgar David , Milne Roger L , Easton Douglas F , Rookus Matti A , Andrieu Nadine ,   EMBRACE, GENEPSO, BCFR, HEBON, kConFab and IBCCS
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Background
Full-term pregnancy (FTP) is associated with a reduced breast cancer (BC) risk over time, but women are at increased BC risk in the immediate years following an FTP. No large prospective studies, however, have examined whether the number and timing of pregnancies are associated with BC risk for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers.

Methods
Using weighted and time-varying Cox proportional hazards models, we investigated whether reproductive events are associated with BC risk for mutation carriers using a retrospective cohort (5707 BRCA1 and 3525 BRCA2 mutation carriers) and a prospective cohort (2276 BRCA1 and 1610 BRCA2 mutation carriers), separately for each cohort and the combined prospective and retrospective cohort.

Results
For BRCA1 mutation carriers, there was no overall association with parity compared with nulliparity (combined hazard ratio [HRc] = 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.83 to 1.18). Relative to being uniparous, an increased number of FTPs was associated with decreased BC risk (HRc = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.69 to 0.91; HRc = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.59 to 0.82; HRc = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.40 to 0.63, for 2, 3, and ≥4 FTPs, respectively, Ptrend < .0001) and increasing duration of breastfeeding was associated with decreased BC risk (combined cohort Ptrend = .0003). Relative to being nulliparous, uniparous BRCA1 mutation carriers were at increased BC risk in the prospective analysis (prospective hazard ration [HRp] = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.09 to 2.62). For BRCA2 mutation carriers, being parous was associated with a 30% increase in BC risk (HRc = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.69), and there was no apparent decrease in risk associated with multiparity except for having at least 4 FTPs vs. 1 FTP (HRc = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.54 to 0.98).

Conclusions
These findings suggest differential associations with parity between BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers with higher risk for uniparous BRCA1 carriers and parous BRCA2 carriers.
Dalbavancin for the Treatment of Osteomyelitis in Adult Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial of Efficacy and Safety
Authors: Rappo Urania , Puttagunta Sailaja , Shevchenko Vadym , Shevchenko Alena , Jandourek Alena , Gonzalez Pedro L , Suen Amy , Mas Casullo Veronica , Melnick David , Miceli Rosa , Kovacevic Milan , De Bock Gertjan , Dunne Michael W 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Background
Osteomyelitis is a challenging infection that can involve 4–6 weeks of intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Dalbavancin, approved for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections, has potent activity against gram-positive pathogens. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of dalbavancin as a 2-dose regimen for osteomyelitis.

Methods
This study was a randomized, open-label, comparator-controlled trial in adults with a first episode of osteomyelitis defined by clinical symptoms, radiologic findings, and elevated C-reactive protein. Patients were randomized 7:1 to dalbavancin (1500 mg IV on days 1 and 8) or standard of care (SOC) for osteomyelitis (oral or IV) per investigator judgment for 4–6 weeks. The primary endpoint was clinical response at day 42, defined as recovery without need for additional antibiotics in the clinically evaluable (CE) population. Clinical response was also assessed at day 21, 6 months, and 1 year.

Results
Eighty patients were randomized to dalbavancin (n = 70) or SOC (n = 10). All had baseline debridement; Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen (60% of patients). Clinical cure at day 42 was seen in 65/67 (97%) and 7/8 (88%) patients in the dalbavancin group and SOC group in the CE population, respectively. Clinical response was similar in the dalbavancin group at day 21 (94%), 6 months, and 1 year (96%). Treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 10 patients in the dalbavancin group; no patient discontinued treatment due to an adverse event.

Conclusions
A 2-dose regimen of weekly dalbavancin is effective and well tolerated for the treatment of osteomyelitis in adults.

Clinical Trials Registration
NCT02685033.
Virological Failure in HIV to Triple Therapy With Dolutegravir-Based Firstline Treatment: Rare but Possible
Authors: Pena M J , Chueca N , D’Avolio A , Zarzalejos J M , Garcia F 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
We describe a case of virological failure during initial treatment with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine/dolutegravir twice daily, with concomitant rifampin treatment of staphylococcal infection, selection of R263K + E157Q, and low plasma dolutegravir levels. Using rifampin together with dolutegravir may require closer follow-up, and, if possible, plasma dolutegravir levels should be monitored.
The ANTRACK Technique: Employing a Compliant Balloon or Stent Retriever to Advance a Large-Bore Catheter to an Occlusion During Thrombectomy Procedures in Acute Stroke Patients
Authors: Lin Chuan-Min , Wu Yi-Ming , Chang Chien-Hung , Chen Ching-Chang , Wang Alvin Yi-Chou 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Stent retrievers and thrombosuction catheters have become the cornerstones of acute stroke therapy. A large-lumen catheter facilitates the passage of different instruments and the application of greater suction force to clots. However, positioning a flexible thrombosuction or intermediate catheter within a tortuous artery is difficult and time-consuming.

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the ANchor TRACKing (ANTRACK) technique in achieving distal positioning of a large-lumen catheter in a tortuous cranial artery. We summarize our experience using either a compliant balloon catheter or a stent retriever as an anchor in the distal vessels to facilitate the navigation of a large-lumen catheter into the distal circulation.

METHODS
Consecutive patients who underwent thrombectomy using the ANTRACK technique were identified. Patient characteristics, procedure details, and outcomes were reviewed from our database. The efficacy and safety of advancing thrombosuction or intermediate catheters to the site of an occlusion were the primary outcome measures. Secondary outcomes included the recanalization result.

RESULTS
Thirty-nine patients who underwent thrombectomy using the ANTRACK technique were identified; a compliant balloon was used in 32 patients and a stent-retriever was used in 7 patients. The primary outcomes were achieved in all patients. No adverse event was observed. The secondary outcome of recanalization of an occluded artery was achieved in 34 patients (87.2%).

CONCLUSION
The ANTRACK technique using either a compliant balloon catheter or a stent-retriever is an effective and safe way of passing a large-bore catheter through a tortuous carotid siphon, particularly in cases with atheromatous plaque or ulceration.
How mythical markets mislead analysis: an institutionalist critique of market universalism
Authors: Hodgson Geoffrey M 
Published: December 2018

AbstractMarket universalism refers to the non-metaphorical tendency to use the term market to describe a wide variety of arrangements or processes in the real world. Using institutional criteria, this paper establishes some minimal necessary features of a market, to show that some particular arrangements are not markets. For example, while mechanisms of competition and interaction are ubiquitous, ordinary conversation is not literally a ‘market for ideas’ and much of politics is not literally a ‘political market’. Markets are not and cannot be universal. Yet market universalism overlooks missing markets, the theory of which implies that we are in a world of second-best solutions and that markets are not necessarily the answer to every economic problem. Also, by reducing politics to a form of ‘market’ economics, market universalism downplays the distinctive, non-market nature of the political and legal spheres and corrodes the conceptual separation of civil society from the state.