bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation of quantitative pancreatic T1 value and HbA1c value in subjects with normal and impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Noda Yoshifumi , Goshima Satoshi , Tsuji Yusuke , Kajita Kimihiro , Kawada Hiroshi , Kawai Nobuyuki , Tanahashi Yukichi , Matsuo Masayuki 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundSignal intensity on T1‐weighted images (T1WI) is associated with pancreatic fibrosis and HbA1c levels.PurposeTo evaluate the feasibility of the pancreatic T1 value for assessment of subjects with normal and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).Study TypeA prospective single‐institution study.PopulationIn all, 95 consecutive patients with a known or suspected pancreatic disease.Field Strength/Sequences3T/fast pancreatic T1 mapping using a modified Look–Locker sequence.AssessmentFollowing the American Diabetes Association criteria, patients were classified into three groups, as follows: no‐diabetes subject, HbA1c < 5.7%; prediabetes, 5.7% ≤ HbA1c < 6.5%; and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), HbA1c ≥ 6.5%. Pancreatic T1 value and signal intensity ratio (SIR = SIpancreas/SImuscle) using T1WI were compared with the HbA1c values.Statistical TestsQuantitative data were assessed with one‐way analysis of variance, Fisher's and Mann–Whitney U tests, and receiver‐operating characteristic analysis.ResultsThe pancreatic T1 value was significantly longer in T2DM than in no‐diabetes and prediabetes subjects (P < 0.05) and was significantly longer in prediabetes than in no‐diabetes subjects (P < 0.05). The mean pancreatic T1 value was significantly lower in the low‐value group (HbA1c < 5.7%) (906.3 msec) compared with the high‐value group (HbA1c ≥ 6.5%) (993.8 msec) (P < 0.0001). SIR on T1WI was significantly higher in the low‐value group compared with the high‐value group (P = 0.029). The sensitivities, specificities, and area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUCs) for differentiating the low‐ and high‐value groups were 74.1%, 83.8%, and 0.82 in the pancreatic T1 values and 77.8%, 54.4%, and 0.63 in SIR on T1WI, respectively. The specificity (P < 0.0001) and AUC (P = 0.0020) were significantly higher in the pancreatic T1 values than in SIR on T1WI.Data ConclusionPancreatic T1 value has the potential of being an imaging biomarker for the assessment of IGT.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:711–718.
Brain abnormalities in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: Evaluation by diffusional kurtosis imaging and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging
Authors: Kimura Yukio , Sato Noriko , Ota Miho , Shigemoto Yoko , Morimoto Emiko , Enokizono Mikako , Matsuda Hiroshi , Shin Isu , Amano Keiko , Ono Hirohiko , Sato Wakiro , Yamamura Takashi 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundDiffusional kurtosis imaging (DKI) and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) metrics provide more specific information regarding pathological changes than diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).PurposeTo detect microstructural abnormalities in myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) / chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients by using DKI and NODDI metrics.Study TypeProspective.PopulationTwenty ME/CFS patients and 23 healthy controls were recruited.Field Strength/SequenceThree‐b value DWI (b‐values = 0, 1000, and 2000 sec/mm2) and 3D T1‐weighted images were at 3.0T.AssessmentMean kurtosis (MK), neurite density index (NDI), orientation dispersion index (ODI), fractional anisotropy (FA), and mean diffusivity (MD) were calculated.Statistical TestingThe two‐sample t‐test analysis in SPM12 software was used to compare the differences between ME/CFS and control groups.ResultsIn the ME/CFS patients, we observed significant FA decreases in the genu of the corpus callosum and the anterior limb of the right internal capsule (P < 0.05), but no significant difference in MD (P = 0.164); there were also significant MK decreases in the right frontal area, anterior cingulate gyrus, superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), and left parietal area (P < 0.05). Significant NDI decreases were observed in the right posterior cingulate gyrus, SLF, and left frontal area of the ME/CFS patients (P < 0.05). Significant ODI decreases were seen in the bilateral occipital areas, right superior temporal gyrus, the anterior limb of internal capsule, and the posterior cingulate gyrus (P < 0.05), and significant ODI increases were revealed in the bilateral occipital and right temporal areas (P < 0.05).Data ConclusionRight SLF abnormalities may be a diagnostic marker for ME/CFS.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:818–824.
Hepatitis B virus genotype G and liver fibrosis progression in chronic hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus coinfection
Authors: Malagnino Vincenzo , Bottero Julie , Miailhes Patrick , Lascoux‐Combe Caroline , Girard Pierre‐Marie , Zoulim Fabien , Lacombe Karine , Boyd Anders 
Published: November 2018

IntroductionInfection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype G has been associated with increased liver fibrosis levels compared with other genotypes in cross‐sectional studies, yet its role in fibrosis evolution remains to be established.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, 158 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐HBV coinfected patients had available HBV genotyping at baseline. Liver fibrosis was assessed at baseline and every 6 to 12 months by the FibroTest (BioPredictive, Paris, France). Risk factors for fibrosis regression (F3‐F4 to F0‐F1‐F2) and progression (F0‐F1‐F2 to F3‐F4) between baseline and end of follow‐up were evaluated.ResultsMost patients were male (88.6%) with a median age of 39 years. HBV genotype A was more prevalent compared with other HBV genotypes (62.7% vs D = 10.8%, E = 10.8%, and G = 15.8%). Patients were followed up for a median of 83 months (IQR = 37‐97). In the 43 (27.2%) patients with F3‐F4 baseline liver fibrosis, 7 (16.2%) regressed to F0‐F1‐F2 fibrosis at the last follow‐up visit. In the 115 (72.8%) with F0‐F1‐F2 fibrosis at baseline, 19 (16.5%) progressed to F3‐F4 fibrosis at last visit. In multivariable analysis, fibrosis progression was independently associated with older age (P <0.005), baseline CD4+ cell count less than 350/mm
3 (
P <0.01), longer antiretroviral therapy duration (
P <0.03), and HBV genotype G infection (vs non‐G,
P <0.01). When examining averages over time, the rate of FibroTest increase was faster in genotype G vs non‐G–infected patients with baseline F0‐F1‐F2 fibrosis (
P for interaction = 0.002).ConclusionIn HIV‐HBV coinfected patients, HBV genotype G is an independent risk factor for liver fibrosis progression as determined by noninvasive markers. HBV genotype G–infected patients with low initial liver fibrosis levels may require more careful monitoring.
Traumatic Stress Among Sexual and Gender Minority Refugees From the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia Who Fled to the European Union
Authors: Alessi Edward J. , Kahn Sarilee , Woolner Leah , Van Der Horn Rebecca 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn 2015, more than 600,000 individuals from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan fled to Europe in search of protection. Among the most understudied of this population are individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ). These individuals have not only fled war but also violence due to their sexual and/or gender identities. At the same time, LGBTQ individuals from other parts of the Middle East, Central and South Asia, and North Africa have also fled to Europe to escape persecution. The purpose of this multimethod study was to understand how traumatic stress shaped the experiences of 38 LGBTQ individuals who fled to Austria (n = 19) and the Netherlands (n = 19) from these regions. We assessed participants for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and conducted qualitative interviews to understand their migration experiences. Of the 37 participants assessed for PTSD, 33 (89.2%) reported that their most distressing event occurred prior to migration. For the 24 (64.9%) participants who met criteria for a provisional diagnosis of PTSD, 15 reported that the precipitating event was related to their sexual and/or gender identities and 9 reported that it was related to another type of event (e.g., war). Grounded theory was used to analyze qualitative data. Themes demonstrated that participants encountered targeted violence and abuse throughout migration and upon their arrival in Austria and the Netherlands. Findings indicate that LGBTQ refugees may be vulnerable to ongoing trauma from other refugees and immigration officials. Recommendations for protecting and supporting LGBTQ refugees during humanitarian emergencies are provided.
Quantum chemical and master equation study of OH + CH2O → H2O + CHO reaction rates in supercritical CO2 environment
Authors: Wait Elizabeth E. , Masunov Artëm E. , Vasu Subith S. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWe investigated the reaction rates of OH + CH2O → H2O + CHO at CO2 pressures of up to 1000 atm with and without CO2 molecule included in a reactive complex. Both mechanisms begin with formation of the hydrogen‐bonded prereactive complexes. Our ab initio calculations indicate a possibility of catalytic effect, predicting an activation barrier that one order of magnitude lower when the CO2 molecule is involved. To verify this effect, we use the Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus theory and solve unimolecular master equations in the steady‐state approximation. We assume the equilibrium between prereactive complexes and reactants and compare the bimolecular reaction rates for the two mechanisms. The catalyzed reaction mechanism is found to be faster at higher CO2 pressures and lower temperatures, when prereactive complexes have nonnegligible concentration. Therefore, this catalytic effect may be important for this reactive process in room temperature supercritical CO2 solvent, but is unlikely to play a role during oxy‐combustion.
Assessment of combined fractional CO2 and tranexamic acid in melasma treatment
Authors: Tawfic Shereen O. , Abdel Halim Dalia M. , Albarbary Ameera , Abdelhady Mohamed 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundMelasma continues to be a disease that is difficult to treat with no fully satisfactory results. The role of a fractional CO2 laser in its treatment is controversial. The addition of tranexamic acid (TXA) might be helpful.ObjectivesTo assess the efficacy of a low‐power fractional CO2 laser alone versus its combination with tranexamic acid used either topically or intradermally for melasma treatment.MethodsA randomized comparative split‐face study included a total of thirty female patients with bilateral, symmetrical melasma. The whole face was subjected to treatment via a low‐power (12 Watts) fractional ablative CO2 laser. One side was randomly assigned to topical application of tranexamic acid solution after the session immediately or intradermal microinjection of tranexamic acid prior to the laser session. Sessions were conducted every 4–6 weeks for five consecutive sessions. Assessments were done using the melasma area severity index MASI score, melanin index (MI), and erythema index (EI) before sessions and 2 weeks after the final session.ResultsAfter treatment, there was significant reduction in the MASI score on both sides of the face; the side treated with the fractional CO2 laser alone and the side treated with fractional CO2 laser combined with TXA (topically or intradermal injection) (P‐values 0.007, <0.001, and 0.016, respectively). MI was significantly lower on the side receiving fractional CO2 laser alone and the side receiving fractional CO2 laser combined with intradermal injection of TXA (P‐values <0.001 and 0.003, respectively), while the EI showed significant improvement only on the side receiving fractional CO2 laser alone (P‐value = 0.023). Although patients reported no differences in improvement on either treated side, the degree of improvement regarding the MASI score was better on the side receiving fractional CO2 laser alone. Regarding MI, the degree of improvement was higher on the side receiving fractional CO2 laser combined with intradermal injection of TXA than on the side receiving fractional CO2 laser alone; however, this improvement did not reach statistical significance. Minimal complications occurred in the form of mild pain.ConclusionA low‐power fractional CO2 laser is an effective, safe treatment for melasma. However, the addition of tranexamic acid (either topically or intradermally) to a fractional CO2 laser should be further studied. Lasers Surg. Med. 51:27–33, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Two‐Photon Polymerization as a Tool for Studying 3D Printed Topography‐Induced Stem Cell Fate
Authors: Worthington Kristan S. , Do Anh‐Vu , Smith Rasheid , Tucker Budd A. , Salem Aliasger K. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractGeometric topographies are known to influence cellular differentiation toward specific phenotypes, but to date the range of features and type of substrates that can be easily fabricated to study these interactions is somewhat limited. In this study, an emerging technology, two‐photon polymerization, is used to print topological patterns with varying feature‐size and thereby study their effect on cellular differentiation. This technique offers rapid manufacturing of topographical surfaces with good feature resolution for shapes smaller than 3 µm. Human‐induced pluripotent stem cells, when attached to these substrates or a non‐patterned control for 1 week, express an array of genetic markers that suggest their differentiation toward a heterogeneous population of multipotent progenitors from all three germ layers. Compared to the topographically smooth control, small features (1.6 µm) encourage differentiation toward ectoderm while large features (8 µm) inhibit self‐renewal. This study demonstrates the potential of using two‐photon polymerization to study and control stem cell fate as a function of substrate interactions. The ability to tailor and strategically design biomaterials in this way can enable more precise and efficient generation or maintenance of desired phenotypes in vitro and in vivo.
BDNF provides many routes toward STN DBS‐mediated disease modification
Authors: Fischer D. Luke , Sortwell Caryl E. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe concept that subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) may be disease modifying in Parkinson's disease (PD) is controversial. Several clinical trials that enrolled subjects with late‐stage PD have come to disparate conclusions on this matter. In contrast, some clinical studies in early‐ to midstage subjects have suggested a disease‐modifying effect. Dopaminergic innervation of the putamen is essentially absent in PD subjects within 4 years after diagnosis, indicating that any neuroprotective therapy, including STN DBS, will require intervention within the immediate postdiagnosis interval. Preclinical prevention and early intervention paradigms support a neuroprotective effect of STN DBS on the nigrostriatal system via increased brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). STN DBS‐induced increases in BDNF provide a multitude of mechanisms capable of ameliorating dysfunction and degeneration in the parkinsonian brain. A biomarker for measuring brain‐derived neurotrophic factor‐trkB signaling, though, is not available for clinical research. If a prospective clinical trial were to examine whether STN DBS is disease modifying, we contend the strongest rationale is not dependent on a preclinical neuroprotective effect per se, but on the myriad potential mechanisms whereby STN DBS‐elicited brain‐derived neurotrophic factor‐trkB signaling could provide disease modification. © 2018 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Products of Early and Advanced Glycation in the Soy Milk Proteome
Authors: Milkovska‐Stamenova Sanja , Krieg Laura , Hoffmann Ralf 
Published: November 2018

ScopeThermal processing of soy milk kills pathogens and denatures anti‐nutrition factors warranting microbiological safety, better digestibility, and longer storage. Additionally, Maillard reactions are triggered, yielding glycated proteins (Amadori/Heyns products) and a heterogeneous group of advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs). These modifications alter the nutritional value, antigenicity, and digestibility of proteins. They also raise concerns about potentially toxic effects. This study aims at characterizing these modifications in proteins from different soy milk products.Methods and resultsHere, glycation and AGE‐modification sites in the proteome of ultrahigh‐temperature‐treated natural soy milk, soy milk sweetened with hexose (fructose)‐containing sweeteners (SSM), and sucrose as well as soy‐based infant formulas (SIFs) from different manufacturers are reported for the first time. A bottom‐up proteomic approach based on nano reversed‐phase high‐perfomance liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry (nanoRP‐HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS) (collision‐induced dissociation (CID) and electron transfer dissociation modes) identified 229 glycated peptides and 128 AGE‐modified peptides resembling 53 proteins. The glycation sites are mainly derived from hexoses, whereas Nδ‐carboxyethylarginine and methylglyoxal‐derived hydroimidazolone are the main AGEs in soy milk.ConclusionThe qualitative and quantitative data obtained here indicate that early glycation increases with harsher processing conditions (SIFs) and the addition of hexose‐containing sweeteners (SSMs), whereas the latter sweeteners (but not the harsher processing) triggered more AGE modifications.
Serbia: Interest groups in an unconsolidated pluralist democracy
Authors: Orlović Slaviša 
Published: November 2018

Like Serbian politics in general, informal ways of conducting political business also characterize the country's contemporary interest group system. This is largely due to decades of authoritarian rule and less than 30 years' experience with pluralist democracy. Added to this, the period following the end of socialist Yugoslavia, particularly the authoritarian rule of Slobodan Milošević and Serbia's involvement in war, undermined the development of a pluralist group system. Despite these setbacks, and in the face of continuing constraints, several elements of a modern group system have begun to emerge. This development has contributed to the advancement of Serbia's brand of majoritarian democracy.
Single‐cell sequencing defines genetic heterogeneity in pancreatic cancer precursor lesions
Authors: Kuboki Yuko , Fischer Catherine G , Beleva Guthrie Violeta , Huang Wenjie , Yu Jun , Chianchiano Peter , Hosoda Waki , Zhang Hao , Zheng Lily , Shao Xiaoshan , Thompson Elizabeth D , Waters Kevin , Poling Justin , He Jin , Weiss Matthew J , Wolfgang Christopher L , Goggins Michael G , Hruban Ralph H , Roberts Nicholas J , Karchin Rachel , Wood Laura D 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIntraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are precursors to pancreatic cancer; however, little is known about genetic heterogeneity in these lesions. The objective of this study was to characterize genetic heterogeneity in IPMNs at the single‐cell level. We isolated single cells from fresh tissue from ten IPMNs, followed by whole genome amplification and targeted next‐generation sequencing of pancreatic driver genes. We then determined single‐cell genotypes using a novel multi‐sample mutation calling algorithm. Our analyses revealed that different mutations in the same driver gene frequently occur in the same IPMN. Two IPMNs had multiple mutations in the initiating driver gene KRAS that occurred in unique tumor clones, suggesting the possibility of polyclonal origin or an unidentified initiating event preceding this critical mutation. Multiple mutations in later‐occurring driver genes were also common and were frequently localized to unique tumor clones, raising the possibility of convergent evolution of these genetic events in pancreatic tumorigenesis. Single‐cell sequencing of IPMNs demonstrated genetic heterogeneity with respect to early and late occurring driver gene mutations, suggesting a more complex pattern of tumor evolution than previously appreciated in these lesions. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha inhibitors during pregnancy among women who delivered live born infants
Authors: Eworuke Efe , Panucci Genna , Goulding Margie , Neuner Rosemarie , Toh Sengwee 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPurposeTo describe the use of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha inhibitors (TNFis) among pregnancies ending in a live birth and with a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), Crohn's disease (CD), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), psoriasis (PsO), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or ulcerative colitis (UC).MethodsWe identified pregnancies among women aged 15 to 54 years between 01/01/2004 and 09/30/2015 from 16 health plans participating in Sentinel. We inferred indication using ICD‐9‐CM codes in the 183‐day period before conception. We assessed proportion of infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, and golimumab by calendar year, indication, and maternal age, and compared them to proportions in an age‐matched, indication‐matched, and date‐matched non‐pregnant cohort.ResultsAmong 19 681 pregnancies with at least one chronic inflammatory condition, 2990 (15.2%) received a TNFi. In both pregnancies and matched non‐pregnant cohort, TNFi use was highest (34.4%; 55.8%) for PsA patients and lowest (6.2%; 13.4%) for PsO patients. Etanercept was most frequently used among AS/JIA/PsA/PsO/RA patients, while infliximab was the preferred TNFi for CD/UC patients. Except for infliximab and certolizumab, TNFi use during pregnancy decreased after the first trimester. Pregnancies among older pregnant women (45‐54 years) were more likely to be treated compared with the matched non‐pregnant cohort.ConclusionThere was a preference for etanercept among pregnancies with AS/JIA/PsA/PsO/RA, despite the availability of other TNFis. Decline in TNFi use after the first trimester may be related to the desire to reduce TNFis transplacental transfer and to minimize infection risk to the fetus or baby associated with live vaccine immunizations after birth.
Elevation‐dependent thermal regime and dynamics of frozen ground in the Bayan Har Mountains, northeastern Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, southwest China
Authors: Luo Dongliang , Jin Huijun , Jin Xiaoying , He Ruixia , Li Xiaoying , Muskett Reginald R. , Marchenko Sergey S. , Romanovsky Vladimir E. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTo investigate and monitor permafrost in the Bayan Har Mountains (BHM), north‐eastern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, southwest China, 19 boreholes ranging from 20 to 100 m in depth were drilled along an elevational transect (4,221–4,833 m a.s.l.) from July to September 2010. Measurements from these boreholes demonstrate that ground temperatures at the depth of zero annual amplitude (TZAA) are generally higher than −2.0°C. The lapse rates of TZAA are 4 and 6 °C km−1, and the lower limits of permafrost with TZAA < −1°C are approximately 4,650 and 4,750 m a.s.l. on the northern (near Yeniugou) and southern (near Qingshui'he) slopes, respectively. TZAA changes abruptly within short distances from −0.2 to +1.2°C near the northern lower limits of permafrost and from about +0.5 to +1.5°C near the southern lower limits of permafrost. Thawing and freezing on the ground surface at Qingshui'he (4,413 m a. s. l.) are 13.3 d earlier and 26 d later than that at Chalaping (4,724 m a. s. l.), respectively. The temperature gradient at Qingshui'he is clearly larger than that at Chalaping. The changes of permafrost TZAA ranged from 0.03°C to 0.2°C from 2010 to 2017. A 3.5‐m‐thick permafrost near Qingshui'he was observed to disappear in summer 2013. There is no significant correlation between elevation and permafrost temperature changes in the study area, whereas the changes of very warm (close to 0°C) permafrost seem to be slow in the intermontane basins.