bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perceived weight status and weight change among a U.S. adult sample
Authors: Wang Monica L. , Haughton Christina F. , Frisard Christine , Pbert Lori , Geer Christine , Lemon Stephenie C. 
Published: November 2016

ObjectiveExamine bidirectional associations between weight perception and weight change over time among adults.MethodsData are from adult employees (N = 623) across 12 U.S. public high schools participating in a cluster‐randomized multilevel weight gain prevention intervention. Data were collected at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months. Perceived weight status (very/somewhat underweight, just right, somewhat overweight, very overweight) were obtained via self‐administered surveys. Weight (kg) was measured by trained staff. Change in weight was calculated as the difference between baseline weight and weight at each follow‐up time point. Structural equation models were used to assess bidirectional associations of perceived weight status and change in weight over time. Models were adjusted for study condition, gender, age, race/ethnicity, education level, and previous time point.ResultsThe sample was 65% female with a mean age of 44.6 (SD = 11.3). Nearly two thirds of the sample consisted of people with overweight (38.8%) or obesity (27.3%). Structural equation models indicated that baseline weight predicted subsequent perceived weight status (β = 0.26; P < 0.001), whereas baseline perceived weight status did not predict subsequent change in weight, adjusting for previous time point and covariates.ConclusionsResults do not support bidirectional causality between weight perception and weight change in an adult sample.
Urinary Measurement of Epigenetic DNA Modifications: A Non‐Invasive Assessment of the Whole‐Body Epigenetic Status in Healthy Subjects and Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Rozalski Rafal , Gackowski Daniel , Siomek‐Gorecka Agnieszka , Banaszkiewicz Zbigniew , Olinski Ryszard 
Published: November 2016

AbstractActive mechanism of DNA demethylation can be responsible for the activation of previously silenced genes. Products of 5‐methylcytosine oxidation are released into the bloodstream and eventually excreted with urine. Therefore, whole‐body epigenetic status can be assessed non‐invasively on the basis of the urinary excretion of a broad spectrum of epigenetic modifications: 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine (5‐hmCyt), 5‐formylcytosine (5‐fCyt), 5‐carboxycytosine (5‐caCyt), and 5‐hydroxymethyluracil (5‐hmUra). We have developed a specific and sensitive, isotope‐dilution, automated, online, two‐dimensional ultra‐performance liquid chromatography system with tandem mass spectrometry (2D UPLC–MS/MS) to measure 5‐hmCyt, 5‐fCyt, 5‐caCyt, and their deoxynucleosides in the same urine sample. Human urine contains all of the modifications except from 5‐formyl‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐fdC) and 5‐carboxy‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐cadC). A highly significant difference in the urinary excretion of 5‐(hydroxymethyl)‐2’‐deoxycytidine (5‐hmdC) was found between healthy subjects and colorectal cancer patients (3.5 vs. 7.8 nmol mmol−1 creatinine, respectively), as well as strong correlations between the majority of analyzed compounds.
Validation of risk stratification for children with febrile neutropenia in a pediatric oncology unit in India
Authors: Das Anirban , Trehan Amita , Oberoi Sapna , Bansal Deepak 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPurposeThe study aims to validate a score predicting risk of complications in pediatric patients with chemotherapy‐related febrile neutropenia (FN) and evaluate the performance of previously published models for risk stratification.Patients and MethodsChildren diagnosed with cancer and presenting with FN were evaluated in a prospective single‐center study. A score predicting the risk of complications, previously derived in the unit, was validated on a prospective cohort. Performance of six predictive models published from geographically distinct settings was assessed on the same cohort.ResultsComplications were observed in 109 (26.3%) of 414 episodes of FN over 15 months. A risk score based on undernutrition (two points), time from last chemotherapy (<7 days = two points), presence of a nonupper respiratory focus of infection (two points), C‐reactive protein (>60 mg/l = five points), and absolute neutrophil count (<100 per μl = two points) was used to stratify patients into “low risk” (score <7, n = 208) and assessed using the following parameters: overall performance (Nagelkerke R2 = 34.4%), calibration (calibration slope = 0.39; P = 0.25 in Hosmer–Lemeshow test), discrimination (c‐statistic = 0.81), overall sensitivity (86%), negative predictive value (93%), and clinical net benefit (0.43). Six previously published rules demonstrated inferior performance in this cohort.ConclusionAn indigenous decision rule using five simple predefined variables was successful in identifying children at risk for complications. Prediction models derived in developed nations may not be appropriate for low‐middle‐income settings and need to be validated before use.
Late outcomes of adult survivors of childhood non‐Hodgkin lymphoma: A report from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study
Authors: Ehrhardt Matthew J. , Sandlund John T. , Zhang Nan , Liu Wei , Ness Kirsten K. , Bhakta Nickhill , Chemaitilly Wassim , Krull Kevin R. , Brinkman Tara M. , Crom Deborah B. , Kun Larry , Kaste Sue C. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Green Daniel M. , Srivastava Kumar , Robison Leslie L. , Hudson Melissa M. , Mulrooney Daniel A. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundSurvivors of childhood non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) are at increased risk for chronic health conditions. The objective of this study was to characterize health conditions, neurocognitive function, and physical performance among a clinically evaluated cohort of 200 childhood NHL survivors.MethodChronic health and neurocognitive conditions were graded as per a modified version of the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) and impaired physical function defined as performance < 10th percentile of normative data. Multivariable regression was used to investigate associations between sociodemographic characteristics, therapeutic exposures, and outcomes.ResultsSurvivors were a median age of 10 years (range 1–19) at diagnosis and 34 years (range 20–58) at evaluation. Eighty‐eight (44%) received radiation, 46 (23%) cranial radiation, and 69 (35%) high‐dose methotrexate. Most prevalent CTCAE Grades 3–4 (severe life‐threatening) conditions were obesity (35%), hypertension (9%), and impairment of executive function (13%), attention (9%), and memory (4%). Many had impaired strength (48%), flexibility (39%), muscular endurance (36%), and mobility (36%). Demographic and treatment‐related factors were associated with the development of individual chronic diseases and functional deficits.ConclusionsClinical evaluation identified a high prevalence of chronic health conditions, neurocognitive deficits, and performance limitations in childhood NHL survivors.
Lupus anticoagulant hypoprothrombinemia syndrome associated with severe thrombocytopenia in a child
Authors: Foord Aimee , Baca Nicole , Buchbinder David , Mahajerin Arash 
Published: November 2016

AbstractLupus anticoagulant hypoprothrombinemia syndrome (LAHPS) comprises lupus anticoagulant, acquired hypoprothrombinemia, and often mild thrombocytopenia or normal platelets. It is usually associated with autoimmunity or postviral illness. We describe a case of a 10‐year‐old boy with oral bleeding and severe thrombocytopenia initially suggestive of immune thrombocytopenia. Secondary to bleeding, evaluation demonstrated prolonged coagulation tests and subsequently revealed the presence of lupus anticoagulant and hypoprothrombinemia, along with marked autoimmunity, suggestive of LAHPS. He was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and hydroxychloroquine. This case report and discussion highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with LAHPS and coincident severe thrombocytopenia.
Detailed dynamic mechanical analysis of thermomechanically stable melt‐processed PEK–MWCNT nanocomposites
Authors: Chauhan Sampat Singh , Singh Bhanu P. , Malik Rajender Singh , Verma Pawan , Choudhary Veena 
Published: November 2016

This article reports the detailed study of dynamic mechanical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes/poly(ether ketone) nanocomposites prepared by melt blending. The dynamic mechanical characterisitic parameters such as storage modulus (E′), loss modulus (E″) and damping factor (tan δ) were explored in detail to investigate the adhesion factor (A), strength factor (B), efficiency factor (C), and entanglement density (N). Adhesion factor, which is inversely related to the degree of interaction between nanotubes and matrix, decreased with increase in MWCNT loading. Strength factor (B) which is a direct measure of interaction between MWCNTs and PEK increased with increase in MWCNT loading. The effect of nanotubes on moduli of composites is calculated in terms of coefficient of reinforcement (C factor). Lower is the value of coefficient (C) higher will be the effectiveness of reinforcement on moduli of composites. It decreased from value of 1 at 1 wt% MWCNTs loading in PEK to 0.67 at 5 wt% MWCNTs loading which point towards increased effectiveness of MWCNTs at 5 wt% loading for excellent properties. To compliment these findings, entanglement density (N) was also calculated. Furthermore, Cole–Cole analysis was carried out to demonstrate the compatibility of both the components in composite system. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2587–2596, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Characterization of wood plastic composite based on HDPE and cashew nutshells processed in a thermokinetic mixer
Authors: Gomes Victor N.C. , Carvalho Amanda G. , Furukava Marciano , Medeiros Eliton S. , Colombo Ciliana R. , Melo Tomás J.A. , Araújo Edcleide M. , Morais Dayanne D.S. , Ueki Marcelo M. , Paskocimas Carlos A. , Santos Amélia S.F. 
Published: November 2016

Wood plastic composites (WPC), which are used in high‐value markets, contribute to solve some of the problems associated with municipal solid waste accumulation. In this study, the effect of cashew nutshell powder (CNSP) content on properties of formulations with recycled high‐density polyethylene, 5 wt% of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene and 5 wt% of struktol TPW 113, a blend of complex, modified fatty acid ester, was evaluated. Mixtures containing from 20 to 60 wt% CNSP were melt‐processed, using a thermokinetic mixer. WPC's were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and melt flow index (MFI) measurements. Composite morphology and mechanical properties were also accessed, respectively, by scanning electron microscopy and tensile tests. Results show that the tensile strength of composites decreased as the content of CNSP increased due to poor reinforcement–matrix interface and voids formed during residual cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) vaporization. On the other hand, elastic modulus decreased and elongation at break increased, both indicating a plasticizing effect of the residual CNSL, confirmed by crystallinity and MFI data. Differences in the thermal stability of composites were restricted to thermal behavior of main components. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2662–2673, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Views of American OB/GYNs on the ethics of prenatal whole‐genome sequencing
Authors: Bayefsky Michelle J. , White Amina , Wakim Paul , Hull Sara Chandros , Wasserman David , Chen Stephanie , Berkman Benjamin E. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectiveGiven public demand for genetic information, the potential to perform prenatal whole‐genome sequencing (PWGS) non‐invasively in the future, and decreasing costs of whole‐genome sequencing, it is likely that OB/GYN practice will include PWGS. The goal of this project was to explore OB/GYNs' views on the ethical issues surrounding PWGS and their preparedness for counseling patients on its use.MethodsA national survey was administered to 2500 members of American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.ResultsA total of 1114 respondents completed the survey (response rate = 45%). OB/GYNs are most concerned with ordering non‐medical fetal genetic information, are worried about increasing parental anxiety, and feel it is appropriate to be directive when counseling parents about PWGS. Furthermore, most OB/GYNs have limited knowledge of genetics, rely heavily on genetic counselors and would like more guidance regarding the clinical adoption of PWGS.ConclusionOB/GYNs do not completely accept or reject PWGS, but a substantial number have significant ethical and practical concerns. They are most concerned with issues that will directly affect their practices and interactions with patients, such as increasing parental anxiety and costs of care. Professional guidance would be instrumental in directing the adoption of PWGS and alleviating the ethical burden posed by PWGS on individual OB/GYNs. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Intra‐ and inter‐observer reproducibility and generalizability of first trimester uterine artery pulsatility index by transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound
Authors: Marchi Laura , Zwertbroek Eva , Snelder Judith , Kloosterman Maaike , Bilardo Caterina Maddalena 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectivesThe primary aim of the study was to assess intra‐observer and inter‐observer reproducibility and generalizability (general reliability) of first trimester Doppler measurements of uterine arteries (UtA) performed both transabdominally (TA) and transvaginally (TV). Secondary aims were to investigate whether maternal BMI and acquisition modality (transabdominal or transvaginal) affect feasibility and reliability of UtA Doppler evaluation.MethodsSingleton pregnancies between 11+0 and 13+6 weeks underwent TA and TV Doppler measurements of UtA prospectively, blindly and independently by Fetal Medicine Foundation‐accredited operators. The more experienced operator performed all the scans to assess intra‐observer reproducibility. Inter‐observer reproducibility and generalizability was evaluated among different operators and different ultrasound equipment. Intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability was assessed by Concordance Correlation Coefficient and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient; agreement was estimated with Limits of Agreement and reported graphically with Bland–Altman plots. Correlation between BMI and feasibility and accuracy of UtA measurements were studied with Spearman's correlation coefficient. Differences between TA and TV measurements were evaluated by Wilcoxon test.ResultsA total of 101 women were enrolled. The intra‐observer reproducibility for TA and TV measurements ranged from 0.87 to 0.94, respectively. The inter‐observer reproducibility varied from 0.57 (for TA measurements by the less experienced operator) to 0.95 (for TV measurements by the more experienced operator), and it was independent of the ultrasound equipment used. Spearman's correlation coefficient failed to demonstrate a correlation between BMI and time to get the first set of TA–TV measurements, or between BMI and TA–TV reproducibility. In four patients, the operators could not obtain the TA measurements due to high BMI. In our population the UtA pulsatility index (PI) values did not differ significantly between the TA or TV approach.ConclusionsUtA PI measurements obtained by experienced operators show a moderate intra‐ and inter‐observer reproducibility. The TV approach might be used when TA measurements fail in obese women, especially since specific reference ranges for TV measurements may not be necessary. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokine associations with major depression in cancer patients
Authors: Li Madeline , Kouzmina Ekaterina , McCusker Megan , Rodin Danielle , Boutros Paul C. , Paige Christopher J. , Rodin Gary 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectiveCytokines may be linked to depression, although it has been challenging to demonstrate this association in cancer because of the overlap between depressive symptoms and other sickness behaviors. This study investigates the relationship between cytokines and depression in cancer patients, accounting for confounding clinical and methodological factors.MethodsThe GRID Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and Neurotoxicity Rating Scale (NRS) for cytokine‐induced sickness behaviors were administered to 61 cancer patients and 38 healthy controls. The cancer group was of mixed type and largely of late stage, with a recruitment rate of 35% and completion rate of 47%. Major depression was diagnosed in 19 of 61 (31%) cancer patients. Multiplexed cytokine assays for inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines were conducted in plasma samples using electrochemiluminescence.ResultsAll cancer patients had high NRS scores and elevated levels of most cytokines. Cancer patients with major depression had higher NRS scores than those without major depression. IL‐1rα was positively associated with the GRID scores of depressive symptoms (regression coefficient, 3.52 ± 1.18; P = .004), but not with major depression. Major depression was negatively associated with the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐4 (regression coefficient, −0.65 ± 0.26; P = .013), but not with IL‐1rα.ConclusionsDepressive symptoms in cancer patients may represent sickness behaviors, which may have distinct cytokine associations from major depression. Sickness behaviors may be associated with an increase in inflammatory cytokines, whereas major depression may be induced by a failure to adequately resolve inflammation. Our findings suggest that cytokine‐mediated interventions may be of value to treat depression in this population.
An automated method to evaluate the enzyme kinetics of β‐glucosidases
Authors: Klimeš Pavel , Mazura Pavel , Turek Dušan , Brzobohatý Břetislav 
Published: November 2016

AbstractEnzyme kinetic measurements are important for the characterization and engineering of biocatalysts, with applications in a wide range of research fields. The measurement of initial reaction velocity is usually slow and laborious, which motivated us to explore the possibilities for automating this process. Our model enzyme is the maize β‐glucosidase Zm‐p60.1. Zm‐p60.1 plays a significant role in plant growth and development by regulating levels of the active plant hormone cytokinin. Zm‐p60.1 belongs to a wide group of hydrolytic enzymes. Members of this group hydrolyze several different types of glucosides, releasing glucose as a secondary product. Enzyme kinetic measurements using artificial substrates are well established, but burdensome and time‐consuming. Thus, they are a suitable target for process automation. Simple optical methods for enzyme kinetic measurements using natural substrates are often impossible given the optical properties of the enzymatic reaction products. However, we have developed an automated method based on glucose detection, as glucose is released from all substrates of glucosidase reactions. The presented method can obtain 24 data points from up to 15 substrate concentrations to precisely describe the enzyme kinetics. The combination of an automated liquid handling process with assays that have been optimized for measuring the initial hydrolysis velocity of β‐glucosidases yields two distinct methods that are faster, cheaper, and more accurate than the established protocols.
The NMR solution structure and function of RPA3313: a putative ribosomal transport protein from Rhodopseudomonas palustris
Authors: Catazaro Jonathan , Lowe Austin J. , Cerny Ronald L. , Powers Robert 
Published: November 2016

AbstractProtein function elucidation often relies heavily on amino acid sequence analysis and other bioinformatics approaches. The reliance is extended to structure homology modeling for ligand docking and protein–protein interaction mapping. However, sequence analysis of RPA3313 exposes a large, unannotated class of hypothetical proteins mostly from the Rhizobiales order. In the absence of sequence and structure information, further functional elucidation of this class of proteins has been significantly hindered. A high quality NMR structure of RPA3313 reveals that the protein forms a novel split ββαβ fold with a conserved ligand binding pocket between the first β‐strand and the N‐terminus of the α‐helix. Conserved residue analysis and protein–protein interaction prediction analyses reveal multiple protein binding sites and conserved functional residues. Results of a mass spectrometry proteomic analysis strongly point toward interaction with the ribosome and its subunits. The combined structural and proteomic analyses suggest that RPA3313 by itself or in a larger complex may assist in the transportation of substrates to or from the ribosome for further processing. Proteins 2016; 85:93–102. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predicting protein conformational changes for unbound and homology docking: learning from intrinsic and induced flexibility
Authors: Chen Haoran , Sun Yuanfei , Shen Yang 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTPredicting protein conformational changes from unbound structures or even homology models to bound structures remains a critical challenge for protein docking. Here we present a study directly addressing the challenge by reducing the dimensionality and narrowing the range of the corresponding conformational space. The study builds on cNMA—our new framework of partner‐ and contact‐specific normal mode analysis that exploits encounter complexes and considers both intrinsic and induced flexibility. First, we established over a CAPRI (Critical Assessment of PRedicted Interactions) target set that the direction of conformational changes from unbound structures and homology models can be reproduced to a great extent by a small set of cNMA modes. In particular, homology‐to‐bound interface root‐mean‐square deviation (iRMSD) can be reduced by 40% on average with the slowest 30 modes. Second, we developed novel and interpretable features from cNMA and used various machine learning approaches to predict the extent of conformational changes. The models learned from a set of unbound‐to‐bound conformational changes could predict the actual extent of iRMSD with errors around 0.6 Å for unbound proteins in a held‐out benchmark subset, around 0.8 Å for unbound proteins in the CAPRI set, and around 1 Å even for homology models in the CAPRI set. Our results shed new insights into origins of conformational differences between homology models and bound structures and provide new support for the low‐dimensionality of conformational adjustment during protein associations. The results also provide new tools for ensemble generation and conformational sampling in unbound and homology docking. Proteins 2017; 85:544–556. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.