bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circadian cortisol dynamics across reproductive stages and in relation to breastfeeding in the Philippines
Authors: Thayer Zaneta M. , Agustin Bechayda Sonny , Kuzawa Christopher W. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectiveAn increase in cortisol during human pregnancy helps coordinate the onset of parturition, and can have long‐term effects on offspring biology. Maternal cortisol can also be transferred to offspring via breast milk during lactation. However, little is known about how diurnal cortisol profiles vary by trimester of pregnancy or during the postpartum period. Here, we describe diurnal cortisol profiles among a large cross‐sectional sample of healthy Filipino young adult women varying in reproductive status and, during the postpartum period, in whether or not they are breastfeeding.MethodsSalivary cortisol, anthropometric, and questionnaire data were obtained from participants in a birth cohort in metropolitan Cebu, Philippines (N = 741; age 20.8–22.4 years). Cortisol was assessed at waking, thirty minutes after waking (cortisol awakening response, CAR), and before bed.ResultsCompared with nulliparous women, morning cortisol was roughly 50% higher among women in late gestation, while evening cortisol was roughly 4‐fold higher and the CAR was lower. Postpartum waking and evening cortisol were lower among currently breastfeeding women compared to nulliparous women, but were comparable in the absence of breastfeeding. The CAR was significantly lower among postpartum women compared to nulliparous women irrespective of breastfeeding status.ConclusionsThese findings are consistent with known alterations in hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis function during reproduction, and in particular point to marked and progressive elevation in maternal cortisol during the course of gestation. Cortisol appears to return to nulliparous levels after parturition, with levels suppressed below nulliparous levels during lactation.
Suppression of the Verwey Transition by Charge Trapping
Authors: Schmitz‐Antoniak Carolin , Schmitz Detlef , Warland Anne , Darbandi Masih , Haldar Soumyajyoti , Bhandary Sumanta , Sanyal Biplab , Eriksson Olle , Wende Heiko 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe Verwey transition in Fe3O4 nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 6.3 nm is suppressed after capping the particles with a 3.5 nm thick shell of SiO2. By X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and its associated X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism this suppression can be correlated to localized Fe2+ states and a reduced double exchange visible in different site‐specific magnetization behavior in high magnetic fields. The results are discussed in terms of charge trapping at defects in the Fe3O4/ SiO2 interface and the consequent difficulties in the formation of the common phases of Fe3O4. By comparison to X‐ray absorption spectra of bare Fe3O4 nanoparticles in course of the Verwey transition, particular changes in the spectral shape could be correlated to changes in the number of unoccupied d states for Fe ions at different lattice sites. These findings are supported by density functional theory calculations.
Total Synthesis of Tambromycin by Combining Chemocatalytic and Biocatalytic C−H Functionalization
Authors: Zhang Xiao , King‐Smith Emma , Renata Hans 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA combination of genomic and metabolomic approaches recently resulted in the identification of a nonribosomal tetrapeptide tambromycin, which possesses promising antiproliferative activity and several unusual structural features, including a densely substituted indole, a methyloxazoline ring, and an unusual pyrrolidine‐containing amino acid called tambroline. In this work, we identify a concise synthetic route to access tambromycin, which relies on the strategic use of biocatalytic and chemocatalytic C−H functionalization methods to prepare two key precursors to the natural product in an efficient and scalable manner. The success of our study highlights the benefits of applying the principles of biocatalytic retrosynthesis as well as C−H functionalization logic to the synthesis of complex molecular scaffolds.
Controllable Assembly of Enzymes for Multiplexed Lab‐on‐a‐Chip Bioassays with a Tunable Detection Range
Authors: Xianyu Yunlei , Wu Jing , Chen Yiping , Zheng Wenshu , Xie Mengxia , Jiang Xingyu 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMultiplexed analysis of molecules with different concentrations requires assays with a tunable detection range. A strategy is outlined that uses click chemistry to assemble horseradish peroxidase in a controlled fashion to generate enzyme assemblies as probes for multiplexed bioassays. This controllable assembly of enzymes on detection antibodies allows for lab‐on‐a‐chip immunoassays with a tunable detection range from pg mL−1 to μg mL−1. Simultaneous, multiplexed bioassays of clinically relevant inflammatory biomarkers in serum are demonstrated in one lab‐on‐a‐chip format, with a limit of detection of 0.47 pg mL−1 for interleukin‐6, 2.6 pg mL−1 for procalcitonin, and 40 ng mL−1 for C‐reactive protein. This controlled assembly technique provides a multiplexed platform for simultaneous and quantitative analyses of both low‐abundance and high‐abundance biomarkers with a broad detection range, which holds great promise as a point‐of‐care platform for biomedical diagnostics.
Role of Lgals9 Deficiency in Attenuating Nephritis and Arthritis in BALB/c Mice in a Pristane‐Induced Lupus Model
Authors: Zeggar Sonia , Watanabe Katsue S. , Teshigawara Sanae , Hiramatsu Sumie , Katsuyama Takayuki , Katsuyama Eri , Watanabe Haruki , Matsumoto Yoshinori , Kawabata Tomoko , Sada Ken‐ei , Niki Toshiro , Hirashima Mitsuomi , Wada Jun 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveIn systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease associated with multiple organ involvement, the development of lupus nephritis determines prognosis, and arthritis impairs quality of life. Galectin 9 (Gal‐9, Lgals9) is a β‐galactoside–binding lectin that has been used for clinical application in autoimmune diseases, since recombinant Gal‐9, as a ligand for T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain–containing protein 3 (TIM‐3), induces apoptosis of activated CD4+TIM‐3+ Th1 cells. This study was undertaken to investigate whether deficiency of Lgals9 has beneficial or deleterious effects on lupus in a murine model.MethodsGal‐9+/+ and Gal‐9−/− female BALB/c mice were injected with pristane, and the severity of arthritis, proteinuria, and levels of autoantibody production were assessed at several time points immediately following injection. At 7 months after pristane injection, renal pathologic features, the severity of joint inflammation, and formation of lipogranulomas were evaluated. Subsets of inflammatory cells in the spleen and peritoneal lavage were characterized, and expression levels of cytokines from peritoneal macrophages were analyzed.ResultsLgals9 deficiency protected against the development of immune complex glomerulonephritis, arthritis, and peritoneal lipogranuloma formation in BALB/c mice in this murine model of pristane‐induced lupus. The populations of T cell subsets and B cells in the spleen and peritoneum were not altered by Lgals9 deficiency in pristane‐injected BALB/c mice. Furthermore, Lgals9 deficiency protected against pristane‐induced lupus without altering the Toll‐like receptor 7–type I interferon pathway.ConclusionGal‐9 is required for the induction and development of lupus nephritis and arthritis in this murine model of SLE. The results of the current investigation provide a potential new strategy in which antagonism of Gal‐9 may be beneficial for the treatment of nephritis and arthritis in patients with SLE through targeting of activated macrophages.
Meta-analysis of risk of developing malignancy in congenital choledochal malformation
Authors: ten Hove A , de Meijer V E , Hulscher J B F , de Kleine R H J 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Background
Choledochal malformations comprise various congenital cystic dilatations of the extrahepatic and/or intrahepatic biliary tree. Choledochal malformation is generally considered a premalignant condition, but reliable data on the risk of malignancy and optimal surgical treatment are lacking. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the prevalence of malignancy in patients with choledochal malformation and to differentiate between subtypes. In addition, the risk of malignancy following cystic drainage versus complete cyst excision was assessed.

Methods
A systematic review of PubMed and Embase databases was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement. A meta-analysis of the risk of malignancy following cystic drainage versus complete cyst excision was undertaken in line with MOOSE guidelines. Prevalence of malignancy was defined as the rate of biliary cancer before resection, and malignant transformation as new-onset biliary cancer after surgery.

Results
Eighteen observational studies were included, reporting a total of 2904 patients with a median age of 36 years. Of these, 312 in total developed a malignancy (10·7 per cent); the prevalence of malignancy was 7·3 per cent and the rate of malignant transformation was 3·4 per cent. Patients with types I and IV choledochal malformation had an increased risk of malignancy (P = 0·016). Patients who underwent cystic drainage had an increased risk of developing biliary malignancy compared with those who had complete cyst excision, with an odds ratio of 3·97 (95 per cent c.i. 2·40 to 6·55).

Conclusion
The risk of developing malignancy among patients with choledochal malformation was almost 11 per cent. The malignancy risk following cystic drainage surgery was four times higher than that after complete cyst excision. Complete surgical resection is recommended in patients with choledochal malformation.
The patient's perspective on breast radiotherapy: Initial fears and expectations versus reality
Authors: Shaverdian Narek , Wang Xiaoyan , Hegde John V. , Aledia Criselda , Weidhaas Joanne B. , Steinberg Michael L. , McCloskey Susan A. 
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUNDAlthough the efficacy and toxicity of breast radiotherapy (RT) has been studied extensively, to the authors' knowledge little is known regarding the patient's perspective on the modern breast RT experience. To better inform future patients and providers, the authors explored patient perceptions of their RT experience.METHODSConsecutive patients who were free of disease recurrence and who had been treated between 2012 and 2016 were surveyed regarding their original fears, how short‐term and long‐term toxicities compared with initial expectations, and how pretreatment beliefs concerning RT compared with the actual experience.RESULTSA total of 502 patients were surveyed, with a response rate of 65% (327 patients). The median patient age and posttreatment follow‐up was 59 years and 31 months, respectively. Approximately 83% of patients (269 patients) underwent breast conservation therapy. Although approximately 68% of patients (221 patients) endorsed that they initially had little to no knowledge regarding RT, approximately 47% (152 patients) reported that they had heard frightening stories. Approximately 2% of patients (6 patients) agreed that the negative stories they previously heard about RT were actually true. Approximately 92% of patients treated with breast conservation (247 patients) and 81% of patients who underwent mastectomy (47 patients) agreed with the statement “If future patients knew the real truth about RT, they would be less scared about treatment.” Approximately 83% (272 patients) and 84% (274 patients), respectively, of all patients reported the overall severity of short‐term and long‐term side effects to be better than or as expected.CONCLUSIONSBreast RT is associated with misconceptions and fears. Patients' experiences with modern breast RT appear to be superior to expectations, and the majority of patients in the current study agreed that their initial negative impressions were unfounded. Cancer 2018;124:1673‐81. © 2018 American Cancer Society
Neoadjuvant hyperfractionated chemoradiation and liver transplantation for unresectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma in Canada
Authors: Loveday Benjamin P.T. , Knox Jennifer J. , Dawson Laura A. , Metser Ur , Brade Anthony , Horgan Anne M. , Gallinger Steven , Greig Paul D. , Moulton Carol‐anne 
Published: February 2018

Background and ObjectivesNeoadjuvant chemoradiation and liver transplantation may be offered for unresectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA). This study aimed to determine the dropout rate and survival of patients who entered a national tri‐modality protocol.MethodPatients enrolled Jan 2009‐Aug 2015 were included. Enrolment criteria: ≤65 years, brush biopsy‐proven unresectable pCCA <3.5 cm diameter. Conformal radiotherapy was given concurrently with Capecitabine. Following surgical staging, patients received maintenance Cisplatin and Gemcitabine until transplant or progression. Time to event analyses were performed from start of neoadjuvant therapy.ResultsOf 43 patients screened, 18 started treatment; median age 53.9 (26.7‐62.8) years, tumour diameter 2.7 (2.0‐3.4) cm. 11/18 dropped out due to metastatic disease identified during chemoradiation (n = 2), surgical staging (n = 6), or maintenance chemotherapy (n = 3). Six patients underwent transplantation. Median follow up was 17.6 (4.9‐57.7) months and overall survival 16.4 months. One and two year survival was 70.6% and 35.3%, respectively. One and 2 year post transplant survival was 83.3% and 55.6%. Median progression free survival was 11.5 months.ConclusionNeoadjuvant chemoradiation and liver transplantation for unresectable early stage pCCA is feasible, although with high rates of dropout and disease progression. Further research is required to determine factors to help select patients for treatment.
Evaluation of the Stiffness of Tissues Surrounding Thyroid Nodules with Shear Wave Elastography
Authors: Hu Lei , He Nianan , Ye Lei , Zhou Hangcheng , Zhong Wen , Zhang Xinshu 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesThis study evaluated the stiffness of tissue surrounding thyroid nodules using shear wave elastography (SWE).MethodsA total of 128 thyroid nodules in 108 patients were examined with conventional ultrasound imaging and SWE. The maximum Young modulus value was measured to evaluate the stiffness of the thyroid nodules (E) and the 2‐mm perinodular region (Eshell). The number of thyroid fibrocytes was evaluated by Masson trichrome staining and image‐processing software. The arrangement of the fibrous structure was also classified.ResultsThe mean age ± SD of the 108 patients was 33.12 ± 13.34 years (range, 18–80 years). Thirty‐nine thyroid nodules were classified as benign and 89 as malignant. Eshell was significantly higher for malignant nodules (95.0 ± 21.9 kPa) compared with benign nodules (48.1 ± 17.0 kPa; P < .001). Eshell yielded an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve value of 0.951, which was used for the diagnosis of nodules. There was a high positive correlation between E and Eshell in the malignant group (R = 0.722; P < .001) and a moderate positive correlation in the benign group (R = 0.601; P < .001). Percentages of fibrocytes correlated highly with Eshell in all samples as well as in malignant samples (R = 0.867 and R = 0.729, respectively; P < .001). The degree of disorder of the tissue surrounding thyroid nodules was positively correlated with Eshell (R = 0.833).ConclusionsPerinodular stiffness has potential to improve diagnosis of thyroid nodules.
Intra‐ and Inter‐rater Reliability of Navigated Ultrasound in the Assessment of Pelvic Tilt in Symptom‐Free Young Adults
Authors: Marques Carlos J. , Martin Tobias , Fiedler Franziska , Weber Mathias , Breul Viktor , Lampe Frank , Kozak Josef 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesPelvic tilt is the angle between the anterior pelvic plane and the coronal plane. It affects cup positioning in total hip arthroplasty. The primary objective of this study was to test the intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability of a navigated smart device–based ultrasound system for pelvic tilt assessment. The secondary objective was to test the inter‐rater variability of the measurements on a hip phantom.MethodsA repeated‐measures design was used. Two raters measured the pelvic tilt of 12 symptom‐free young adults in upright and supine positions. Additionally, pelvic tilt was measured on a hip phantom. Each rater performed 3 measurements in each body position on the participants and 12 measurements on the hip phantom. Intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability were calculated with the use of intraclass correlation coefficients. The variability in measurements on the hip phantom was assessed by a Bland‐Altman analysis of agreement.ResultsIntraclass correlation coefficient 95% confidence intervals for intra‐rater reliability ranged from good to excellent and moderate to excellent for the supine and upright positions respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficient 95% confidence intervals for inter‐rater reliability ranged from poor to excellent for both positions. Hip phantom measurements showed no significant average bias (P > .05) and no significant proportional bias (P > .05). The 95% inter‐rater limits of agreement were ±1.3° and ±1.7° for the supine and upright positions, respectively.ConclusionsThe intra‐rater reliability values achieved were suitable. Intraclass correlation coefficient values for inter‐rater reliability remained below an acceptable level. Possible reasons and overcoming strategies were presented. The 95% limits of agreement were good, at less than ±2°.
Shear Wave and Strain Elastographic Features of the Brachial Plexus in Healthy Adults: Reliability of the Findings—a Pilot Study
Authors: Aslan Ahmet , Aktan Ahmet , Aslan Mine , Gülseren Yıldız , Kabaalioğlu Adnan 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesTo determine the sonoelastographic findings for the normal brachial plexus via shear wave elastography (SWE) and strain elastography (SE) and the reliability of the measurements.MethodsThirty‐nine healthy adult volunteers were included in the study. The brachial plexus was evaluated with SWE and SE at the interscalene region by 2 observers separately, and the observers were unaware of each other's outcomes. The elastic modulus (kilopascals), shear wave velocity (SWV, meters per second), and strain ratio were obtained. Elasticity patterns on SE were assessed as hard, intermediate, and soft. An intraclass correlation coefficient analysis was performed for determining the reliability of sonoelastographic findings. The correlation of sonoelastographic features with age and sex was investigated.ResultsThe volunteers included 13 men and 26 women. The mean age of the participants ± SD was 36.2 ± 7.8 (range, 25–56) years. The mean elasticity modulus values of the brachial plexus for observers 1 and 2 were 17.03 (95% confidence interval [CI], 15.03, 19.03) and 13.83 (95% CI, 12.23, 15.43) kPa, respectively; the SWVs were 2.24 (95% CI, 2.12, 2.36) and 2.04 (95% CI, 1.93, 2.15) m/s; and the strain ratios were 1.20 (95% CI, 1.18, 1.25) 1.38 (95% CI, 1.22, 1.54). The elasticity pattern was mostly intermediate stiffness for both observers (n = 72 [92.3%]; n = 75 [96.1%]). The intraclass correlation coefficient was poor to moderate and statistically significant for the elastic modulus, SWV, and elasticity pattern (P < .05 for all parameters). The sonoelastographic characteristics of the brachial plexus had no correlation with age or sex.ConclusionsThe reliability and reproducibility of sonoelastography of the brachial plexus are low, and the appropriateness of this technique in this manner is controversial.
Distribution and occupancy of wolverines on tundra, northwestern Alaska
Authors: Poley Lucy G. , Magoun Audrey J. , Robards Martin D. , Klimstra Ryan L. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTUnderstanding wildlife distribution and habitat use is needed for effectively balancing resource development, wildlife conservation, and Alaska Native subsistence on the North Slope of Alaska, USA. This region includes the National Petroleum Reserve‐Alaska (NPR‐A), a 96,000‐km2remote area of largely undeveloped lands that is important for wildlife, including caribou (Rangifer tarandus), wolves (Canis lupus), and wolverines (Gulo gulo). We focused our study on spring distribution and occupancy of wolverines in the NPR‐A because a baseline distribution estimate is required to understand current distribution and track changes over time. We conducted aerial surveys of wolverine tracks in snow during March and April of 2014 and 2015, surveying over 84,400 km2using 100‐km2hexagonal sampling units. We used hierarchical Bayesian occupancy modeling to determine wolverine distribution and estimate probability of occupancy within each hexagon, relative to measured covariates with potential to affect either detection or occupancy. Probability of wolverine occupancy increased as well‐drained soils increased, suggesting that wolverines prefer drier areas or habitat features associated with well‐drained soils. In addition, as standard deviation of elevation increased, wolverine occupancy also increased, indicating that wolverines may prefer areas with more rugged and variable terrain. Mean elevation was not retained as a covariate in the best‐fitting model, supporting the importance of terrain ruggedness rather than elevation on wolverine distribution within the NPR‐A. Spatially, areas of highest wolverine occupancy occurred within the southern and northeastern portions of the study area, with lowest occupancy in the northern portion of the study area west of Teshekpuk Lake. Based on the spatial pattern of wolverine probability of occupancy, we proposed 4 potential wolverine management zones with varying priorities for monitoring and managing wolverine populations. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Erythrocyte‐Derived Nanoparticles as a Theranostic Agent for Near‐Infrared Fluorescence Imaging and Thrombolysis of Blood Clots
Authors: Vankayala Raviraj , Corber Samantha R. , Mac Jenny T. , Rao Masaru P. , Shafie Mohammad , Anvari Bahman 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIschemic stroke occurs when a blood clot obstructs or narrows the arteries that supply blood to the brain. Currently, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a thrombolytic agent, is the only United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved pharmacologic treatment for ischemic stroke. Despite its effective usage, the major limitation of tPA that stems from its short half‐life in plasma (≈5 min) is the potential for increased risk of hemorrhagic complications. To circumvent these limitations, herein, the first proof‐of‐principle demonstration of a theranostic nanoconstruct system derived from erythrocytes doped with the FDA‐approved near‐infrared (NIR) imaging agent, indocyanine green, and surface‐functionalized with tPA is reported. Using a clot model, the dual functionality of these nanoconstructs in NIR fluorescence imaging and clot lysis is demonstrated. These biomimetic theranostic nanoconstructs may ultimately be effective in imaging and treatment of blood clots involved in ischemic stroke.