bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk of death due to disease for thyroid fine‐needle aspirations of well‐differentiated thyroid carcinomas
Authors: Renshaw Andrew A. , Gould Edwin W. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe risk of malignancy for some diagnoses in thyroid fine‐needle aspirations is higher than the actual risk of clinical progression. Other measures of prognosis may be helpful in managing patients with indeterminate thyroid fine‐needle aspiration diagnoses. We estimated the risk of death due to disease (RDDD) for well‐differentiated thyroid carcinoma using a series of over 15 000 aspirates with over 2000 excisions and data from the SEER database. RDDD was low (1.3% or less for all categories). The RDDD of some indeterminate thyroid aspirates was higher than for malignant aspirates. The RDDD may provide additional information for patients and clinicians seeking to manage patients with indeterminate thyroid fine‐needle aspirates.
Microbial communities across a hillslope‐riparian transect shaped by proximity to the stream, groundwater table, and weathered bedrock
Authors: Lavy Adi , McGrath David Geller , Matheus Carnevali Paula B. , Wan Jiamin , Dong Wenming , Tokunaga Tetsu K. , Thomas Brian C. , Williams Kenneth H. , Hubbard Susan S. , Banfield Jillian F. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWatersheds are important suppliers of freshwater for human societies. Within mountainous watersheds, microbial communities impact water chemistry and element fluxes as water from precipitation events discharge through soils and underlying weathered rock, yet there is limited information regarding the structure and function of these communities. Within the East River, CO watershed, we conducted a depth‐resolved, hillslope to riparian zone transect study to identify factors that control how microorganisms are distributed and their functions. Metagenomic and geochemical analyses indicate that distance from the East River and proximity to groundwater and underlying weathered shale strongly impact microbial community structure and metabolic potential. Riparian zone microbial communities are compositionally distinct, from the phylum down to the species level, from all hillslope communities. Bacteria from phyla lacking isolated representatives consistently increase in abundance with increasing depth, but only in the riparian zone saturated sediments we found Candidate Phyla Radiation bacteria. Riparian zone microbial communities are functionally differentiated from hillslope communities based on their capacities for carbon and nitrogen fixation and sulfate reduction. Selenium reduction is prominent at depth in weathered shale and saturated riparian zone sediments and could impact water quality. We anticipate that the drivers of community composition and metabolic potential identified throughout the studied transect will predict patterns across the larger watershed hillslope system.
Phylogeography of Pulsatilla cernua (Ranunculaceae), a grassland species, in Japan
Authors: Takaishi Asuka , Kozhevnikov Andrey E. , Kozhevnikova Zoya V. , Ikeda Hajime , Fujii Noriyuki , Soejima Akiko 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe genetic diversity and structure of Pulsatilla cernua, a continental‐grassland relict, were investigated using variations in chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) and microsatellites of nuclear DNA. In the analyses of three cpDNA regions, 17 haplotypes were found in 24 populations of P. cernua from Japan, Korea, and Russia. Although the route and time of migration between the continent of Asia and Japan could not be well resolved, the cpDNA haplotype network suggests the existence of several ancient lineages in Japan and a recent secondary migration from Japan to the continent. Microsatellite analyses did not indicate genetic structure among the Japanese populations, indicating the existence of gene flow across the distribution area until recently. These results indicate that the present fragmentation of P. cernua in Japan may reflect a rapid, recent reduction from a previously large, continuous distribution.
Synthesis and characterization of a new phosphorus‐containing furan‐based epoxy curing agent as a flame retardant
Authors: Toan Mai , Park Ji‐Won , Kim Hyung‐Jun , Shin Seunghan 
Published: June 2019

SummaryIn this study, 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furfural (HMF) was used as a renewable resource for preparing an epoxy curing agent (furan‐based flame retardant, FBF), and a phosphorus‐containing functional group was also incorporated to enhance the flame retardancy of FBF. FBF was easily synthesized, and the total yield was 83%. 2‐Methyl imidazole was chosen as an accelerant to reduce the activation energy for the reaction of FBF with diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA). The DGEBA cured with FBF showed a low glass transition temperature and cross‐linking density compared with those of DGEBA cured with isophorondiamine (IPDA) and 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane (DDM). However, the FBF‐cured DGEBA exhibited a comparable tensile strength with that of the DGEBA‐IPDA and DGEBA‐DDM systems (81.96 MPa) and a significantly higher tensile modulus (1721 MPa) owing to the H‐bonding via oxygens of the phosphorus group of FBF in the network structure. The DGEBA cured with FBF showed a high char yield and a high limitation of oxygen index value (29.7%) compared with those of the IPDA‐ and DDM‐cured ones. The cone calorimeter measurement also showed that the DGEBA‐FBF system had a low heat release rate, total heat release, and smoke production rate, indicating the improved flame retardancy mediated by FBF.
Application of Membrane Reactor and PEMFC‐based Micro‐CHP System in Off‐grid Applications
Authors: Foresti S. , Manzolini G. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe performance of an innovative m‐CHP, rated at 5 kWel, is assessed at full and partial load. The system is powered by a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), and hydrogen is produced via ethanol reforming in a membrane reactor. The membrane reactor selectivity may decrease with time and the separated hydrogen may contain other gases with penalties on cell voltage and system efficiency. To account for this aspect, the system is simulated at steady‐state conditions by 1D phenomenological models of the membrane reactor and the fuel cells stack, for different hydrogen purities and load fraction. The fuel cell efficiency is affected by the presence, at anode side, of CO and inert gases coming from the membrane reactor and from the cathode side by membrane electrode assembly (MEA) cross‐over, as well as by voltage decay over time.Then the innovative micro‐combined heat and power (m‐CHP) system, coupled with a heat pump, and heat and electricity storage systems, is applied to two off‐grid houses, located in different climatic regions: it allows about 20% of fuel saving per year compared to a conventional m‐CHP based on an internal combustion engine. The fuel saving reduces to 15% in case of low‐purity hydrogen, and 10% in worst conditions with low‐purity hydrogen and degraded cells.
A spatio‐temporal cluster analysis of technical efficiency in the production of outpatient maternal health services and its structural correlates in México
Authors: Serván‐Mori Edson , Mendoza Miguel Ángel , Chivardi Carlos , Pineda‐Antúnez Carlos , Rodríguez‐Franco Roxana , Nigenda Gustavo 
Published: June 2019

SummaryObjectiveTo analyze the formation of spatial clusters of technical efficiency (TE) in the production of outpatient maternal health services in México for the period 2008 to 2015.MethodsWe performed a longitudinal analysis of administrative and structural data related to the 243 Mexican health jurisdictions. We use window data envelopment analysis and spatial and econometric techniques. Structural correlates of each TE cluster obtained were identified estimating a pooled multinomial logit model.ResultsWe observed an increase in the overall TE, accompanied by a reduction in its standard deviation. Furthermore, we identified positive TE spatial dependence both globally and locally. Multiple regression analysis showed that the maximum‐performance TE cluster was composed of health jurisdictions located in the North of México and characterized by social marginalization, a reduced indigenous population, and a low demand for maternal health services.ConclusionsThe identification of TE clusters can provide elements to induce decision makers to innovative in ways of allocating resources and manage their utilization. In México as other low‐ and middle‐income countries, it is key to develop targeting strategies to implement specific health services innovations putting to the population to be served at the front of the strategy. This implies testing new modalities to strengthen primary health services, the empowerment of community participation, the training and allocation of health personnel that could respond adequately to population's demand, and the active involvement of competent state and local authorities in the assessment of the results of these innovations.
Allergic sensitization among Danish infants at 13 months of age
Authors: Thøstesen Lisbeth M. , Kofoed Poul‐Erik 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundSensitization means elevated number of specific immunoglobulin E, either measured by skin prick test or in blood samples. Sensitization is associated with, but not synonymous with, allergic disease.MethodsThe Danish Calmette Study was conducted from 2012 to 2015 at three Danish hospitals, with the aim of exploring nonspecific effects of neonatal Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin vaccination. Participants at Kolding Hospital were invited to have a blood sample analyzed for allergic sensitization at 13 months of age. Telephone interviews gave information about allergic symptoms, and the children were examined for signs of atopic dermatitis at 3 and 13 months.ResultsOf the 1241 children included in the Danish Calmette Study in Kolding 1066 (86%) had a blood sample drawn, representing 36% of the invited families. The blood sample cohort had a relatively high percentage of atopic predisposition (66.6%) and most mothers had a medium or long education. We found 90 infants (8.4%) to be sensitized, with sensitization against food items (milk, egg, peanut, and hazelnut) being the most common. Atopic dermatitis was found in 19% of the children, and it was significantly associated with sensitization against egg, peanut, wheat, cat, and dog.ConclusionIn a partly selected Danish cohort, sensitization was present in 8% at 13 months of age, especially sensitization against food items. Children with atopic dermatitis were significantly more sensitized (16.6%). However, most sensitized children did not have any allergic symptoms at this age.
Use of Denosumab in Children With Osteoclast Bone Dysplasias: Report of Three Cases
Authors: Upfill‐Brown Alexander , Bukata Susan , Bernthal Nicholas M , Felsenfeld Alan L , Nelson Scott D , Singh Arun , Wesseling‐Perry Katherine , Eilber Fritz C , Federman Noah C 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACTDenosumab has been used successfully to treat disease‐associated osteoclast overactivity, including giant cell tumor of bone. Given its mechanism of action, denosumab is a potent potential treatment of other osteoclast bone dysplasias including central giant cell granuloma (CGCG), aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC), and cherubism. Relatively little is known about the safety and efficacy of denosumab in patients with these conditions, especially in children. We report on 3 pediatric patients treated with denosumab over a 3‐year period at UCLA Medical Center (Los Angeles and Santa Monica, CA, USA): a 12‐year‐old with recurrent ABC of the pelvis, a 14‐year‐old with CGCG of the mandible, and a 12‐year‐old with cherubism. All were started on a 1‐year course of 15 doses 120 mg s.c., given monthly with two loading doses on day 8 and 15. All patients demonstrated rapid and pronounced clinical improvement while on denosumab, including a significant reduction in pain and sclerosis of lytic lesions on radiographs. Within 1 month of initiating therapy, 2 patients experienced hypocalcemia (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events [CTCAE] grade 2) and hypophosphatemia, with 1 patient experiencing symptoms. One patient went on to experience symptomatic rebound hypercalcemia (CTCAE grade 4) 5 months after completing therapy, requiring bisphosphonates and calcitonin. For the second patient, we developed a schedule to wean denosumab involving the progressive lengthening of time between doses from 1 to 4 months in 1‐month increments before cessation. We found that denosumab therapy results in significant clinical and radiographic improvement for pediatric patients with nonresectable ABC, CGCG, and cherubism. Problems with serum calcium may be more common in younger patients, with symptomatic and protracted rebound hypercalcemia after cessation of therapy the most significant. We present a potential solution to this problem with progressive spacing of doses. Potential serious adverse events from alterations in calcium homeostasis should be explored in prospective clinical trials. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Interactive functions of microRNAs in the miR‐23a‐27a‐24‐2 cluster and the potential for targeted therapy in cancer
Authors: Cui Mengying , Yao Xiaoxiao , Lin Yang ,  Zhang Dan , Cui Ranji , Zhang Xuewen 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs about 19–22 nucleotides in length. Growing evidence has reported the significant role of miRNAs in various cancer‐associated biological processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, metabolism, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. However, most studies focus on the targets of some individual miRNAs; the interactive and global functions of diverse miRNAs are still unclear and the phenomenon of the gathering of miRNAs in clusters has always been ignored. On the other hand, the fact that a single miRNA may regulate many genes and that numerous mRNAs are regulated by the same miRNA also makes it imperative to further study the cooperating characteristics of miRNAs in cancer. MiR‐23a‐27a‐24‐2 is located in the human chromosome 9q22, forming three mature miRNAs: miR‐23a, miR27a, and miR‐24, which are expressed abnormally in many malignant tumors. This review aims to summarize the interactive functions of miRNAs in miR‐23a‐27a‐24‐2 clusters in cancer from the perspectives of the regulation network, tumor microenvironment, and targeted therapy.
Improvements in the South African HIV care cascade: findings on 90‐90‐90 targets from successive population‐representative surveys in North West Province
Authors: Lippman Sheri A , El Ayadi Alison M , Grignon Jessica S , Puren Adrian , Liegler Teri , Venter W D Francois , Ratlhagana Mary J , Morris Jessica L , Naidoo Evasen , Agnew Emily , Barnhart Scott , Shade Starley B 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIntroductionTo achieve epidemic control of HIV by 2030, countries aim to meet 90‐90‐90 targets to increase knowledge of HIV‐positive status, initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and viral suppression by 2020. We assessed the progress towards these targets from 2014 to 2016 in South Africa as expanded treatment policies were introduced using population‐representative surveys.MethodsData were collected in January to March 2014 and August to November 2016 in Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, North West Province. Each multi‐stage cluster sample included 46 enumeration areas (EA), a target of 36 dwelling units (DU) per EA, and a single resident aged 18 to 49 per DU. Data collection included behavioural surveys, rapid HIV antibody testing and dried blood spot collection. We used weighted general linear regression to evaluate differences in the HIV care continuum over time.ResultsOverall, 1044 and 971 participants enrolled in 2014 and 2016 respectively with approximately 77% undergoing HIV testing. Despite increases in reported testing, known status among people living with HIV (PLHIV) remained similar at 68.7% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 60.9–75.6) in 2014 and 72.8% (95% CI = 63.6–80.4) in 2016. Men were consistently less likely than women to know their status. Among those with known status, PLHIV on ART increased significantly from 80.9% (95% CI = 71.9–87.4) to 91.5% (95% CI = 84.4–95.5). Viral suppression (<5000 copies/mL using DBS) among those on ART increased significantly from 55.0% (95% CI = 39.6–70.4) in 2014 to 81.4% (95% CI = 72.0–90.8) in 2016. Among all PLHIV an estimated 72.0% (95% CI = 63.8–80.1) of women and 45.8% (95% CI = 27.0–64.7) of men achieved viral suppression by 2016.ConclusionsOver a period during which fixed‐dose combination was introduced, ART eligibility expanded, and efforts to streamline treatment were implemented, major improvements in the second and third 90‐90‐90 targets were achieved. Achieving the first 90 target will require targeted and improved testing models for men.
PrEP interest and HIV‐1 incidence among MSM and transgender women in coastal Kenya
Authors: Kimani Makobu , van der Elst Elise M , Chiro Oscar , Oduor Clifford , Wahome Elizabeth , Kazungu Winston , Shally Mahmud , Rinke de Wit Tobias F , Graham Susan M , Operario Don , Sanders Eduard J 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIntroductionThere is emerging data on HIV‐1 incidence among MSM in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), but no known estimate of HIV‐1 incidence among transgender women (TGW) in the region has yet been reported. We assessed HIV‐1 incidence and pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) interest in men who have sex with men exclusively (MSME), men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) and TGW in coastal Kenya.MethodsHIV‐1‐seronegative individuals who had participated in an HIV testing study in 2016 were traced and retested in 2017 according to Kenyan guidelines. All participants were assigned male sex at birth and had male sex partners; additional data on gender identity and sexual orientation were obtained. We assessed the factors associated with HIV‐1 acquisition using Poisson regression and calculated HIV‐1 incidence in MSME, MSMW and TGW. PrEP interest was assessed through focus group discussions to characterize subcategories’ perceived PrEP needs.ResultsOf the 168 cohort participants, 42 were classified as MSME, 112 as MSMW and 14 as TGW. Overall, HIV‐1 incidence was 5.1 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.6 to 9.8) per 100 person‐years (PY): 4.5 (95% CI: 1.1 to 17.8] per 100 PY among MSME, 3.4 (95% CI: 1.3 to 9.1) per 100 PY among MSMW and 20.6 (95% CI: 6.6 to 63.8] per 100 PY among TGW. HIV‐1 acquisition was associated with exclusive receptive anal intercourse (aIRR 13.0, 95% CI 1.9 to 88.6), history of an STI in preceding six months (aIRR 10.3, 95% CI 2.2 to 49.4) and separated/divorced marital status (aIRR 8.2 (95%: 1.1 to 62.2). Almost all (98.8%) participants were interested in initiating PrEP. MSME and TGW felt that PrEP would lead to increases in condomless anal or group sex.ConclusionsTGW had a very high HIV‐1 incidence compared with MSME and MSMW. Subcategories of MSM anticipated different PrEP needs and post‐PrEP risk behaviour. Further studies should assess if TGW may have been wrongly categorized as MSM in other HIV‐1 incidence studies in the region.
Heterogeneity of disease‐causing variants in the Swedish galactosemia population: Identification of 16 novel GALT variants
Authors: Ohlsson Annika , Hunt Mary , Wedell Anna , von Döbeln Ulrika 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe aim was to determine disease‐causing variants in the GALT gene which codes for the enzyme galactose‐1‐phosphate uridylyltransferase. Loss of activity of this enzyme causes classical galactosemia—a life threatening, treatable disorder, included in the Swedish newborn screening program since 1967. A total of 66 patients with the disease are known in Sweden and 56 index patients were investigated. An additional two patients with Duarte galactosemia were included. The disease‐causing variants were identified in all patients. As reported from other countries only a few variants frequently recur in severe disease. The two variants p.(Gln188Arg) (c.563A>G) and p.(Met142Lys) (c.425T>A) are present in several index patients whereas the remaining are found in one to three patients each. The most common variant, p.(Gln188Arg), has an allele frequency of 51% in the cohort. A total of 16 novel variants were found among the 33 different variants in the cohort. Two of these are synonymous variants affecting splicing, demonstrating the importance of the evaluation of synonymous variants at the cDNA level. Concise sentence: Galactosemia is a rare disease in Sweden and the disease‐causing variants are heterogenous including two synonymous variants.
Energy Balance and Nutrition Status: A Prospective Assessment of Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation
Authors: Ribeiro Helem Sena , Coury Nayhara Castro , de Vasconcelos Generoso Simone , Lima Agnaldo Soares , Correia Maria Isabel Toulson Davisson 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundEnergy balance (EB) and its relation to nutrition status throughout the perioperative period of liver transplantation (LTx) patients has been poorly reported in the literature, and this is the primary objective of the current study.MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted with patients undergoing LTx, who were assessed before and after the operation. Resting energy expenditure, total energy expenditure (TEE), dietary intake, and EB were evaluated, as well as anthropometry, handgrip strength, and standard phase angle (SPA). The presence of complications after the operation, length of intensive care unit and hospital stay, and death were registered. A P‐value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe average age was 54.1 ± 11.5 years; 79.3% of the patients were male, and the mean model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score was 16.7 ± 4.6. Negative EB was seen in 71.4% and 77.8% of patients before and after LTx, respectively. Food intake further decreased after the operation, leading to a significantly more negative EB. The prevalence of malnutrition ranged from 17.2% to 57.7% pretransplantation and 30.8% to 86.4% postoperatively, according to the different methods used. Increased preoperative TEE (0.040) and age (0.039) were predictive factors for complications, and low SPA was a predictive factor of death (0.038).ConclusionNegative EB was prevalent, and this was associated with high rates of malnutrition. These data reinforce the importance of individual nutrition assessment, including dietary intake, to tailor early nutrition interventions.
Recycling of End‐of‐Life Poly(bisphenol A carbonate) via Alkali Metal Halide‐Catalyzed Phenolysis
Authors: Alberti Christoph , Scheliga Felix , Enthaler Stephan 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe chemical recycling of end‐of‐life plastic waste streams can contribute to a resource‐conserving and sustainable society. This matter of recycling is composed of a sequence of depolymerization and subsequent polymerization reactions. In this regard, we have studied the chemical recycling of end‐of‐life poly(bisphenol A carbonate) applying phenol as depolymerization reagent. In the presence of catalytic amounts of alkali metal halides as products bisphenol A and diphenyl carbonate were obtained in excellent turnover frequencies of up to 1392 h−1 and short reaction times. These depolymerization products offer the straightforward possibility to close the cycle by producing new poly(bisphenol A carbonate) and as second product phenol, which can be reused for further depolymerizations.