bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic abnormalities and oxidative stress in lupus
Authors: Lightfoot Yaima L. , Blanco Luz P. , Kaplan Mariana J. 
Published: June 2017

Purpose of reviewUpon antigen exposure, immune cells rely on cell-specific metabolic pathways to mount an efficient immune response. In autoimmunity, failure in critical metabolic checkpoints may lead to immune cell hyperactivation and tissue damage. Oxidative stress in autoimmune patients can also contribute to immune dysregulation and injury to the host. Recent insights into the immune cell metabolism signatures, specifically associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the consequences of heightened oxidative stress in patients, are discussed herein.Recent findingsGlucose metabolism inhibitors, mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway modulators, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma-activating compounds demonstrate therapeutic benefit in experimental models of lupus. Mitochondrial-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) and molecular modifications induced by oxidative stress appear to be detrimental in lupus. Effective therapies tailored toward the reconfiguration of metabolic imbalances in lupus immune cells and the reduction of mitochondrial ROS production/availability are currently being tested.SummaryA paucity of knowledge exists regarding the metabolic needs of a number of immune cells involved in the pathogenesis of SLE, including myeloid cells and B cells. Nonetheless, SLE-specific metabolic signatures have been identified and their specific targeting, along with mitochondrial ROS inhibitors/scavengers, could show therapeutic advantage in lupus patients.
Associations between postmenopausal endogenous sex hormones and C-reactive protein: a clearer picture with regional adiposity adjustment?
Authors: Conroy Shannon M. , Neilson Heather K. , O’Reilly Rachel , Woolcott Christy G. , Stanczyk Frank Z. , Courneya Kerry S. , Friedenreich Christine M. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Objective:
To better understand the pathogenesis of inflammatory-related diseases after menopause, we studied the adiposity-independent association between endogenous sex hormones and C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker of inflammation.

Methods:
We conducted a secondary, cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Alberta Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (2003-2007), including 319 healthy, postmenopausal women not using hormone therapy. Multivariable linear regression models related serum CRP levels to estrogens, androgens, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), all on the natural logarithmic scale. Models were adjusted for age, lipids, medication, and former menopausal hormone therapy use, and also for adiposity (body mass index [BMI], per cent body fat [via whole-body dual x-ray absorptiometry], or intra-abdominal fat area [via computed tomography]).

Results:
Without adiposity adjustment, estrone, total estradiol, and free estradiol were significantly positively associated with CRP, whereas SHBG was significantly inversely associated with CRP. Of all adiposity measures, adjustment for BMI caused the greatest attenuation of CRP-estrogen associations; only free estradiol (β = 0.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06, 0.43) and SHBG (β = −0.37, 95% CI −0.60, −0.13) associations remained significant. Inverse associations between CRP-total testosterone became stronger with BMI adjustment (β = −0.20, 95% CI −0.40, −0.01). Differential associations across categories of BMI, former hormone therapy use, and years since menopause were suggestive, but not statistically significant (P
heterogeneity > 0.05).

Conclusions:
Prospective and systems epidemiological studies are needed to understand whether or not the cross-sectional associations we observed, independent of adiposity, between CRP-SHBG, CRP-total testosterone, and CRP-free estradiol, are causal.
PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF SUBRETINAL HYPERREFLECTIVE MATERIAL IN NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION TREATED WITH BEVACIZUMAB
Authors: Pokroy Russell , Mimouni Michael , Barayev Edward , Segev Fani , Geffen Noa , Nemet Arie Y. , Segal Ori 
Published: June 2017

Purpose:
To study the correlation between subretinal hyperreflective material (SHRM) seen on spectral domain optical coherence tomography at baseline and visual outcomes after intravitreal bevacizumab injection in neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Methods:
Consecutive patient charts with treatment-naive center-involved neovascular age-related macular degeneration treated with 3 monthly intravitreal bevacizumab's, continued as needed, from 2011 to 2014 were reviewed. Baseline spectral domain optical coherence tomography SHRM parameters (height, width, area, reflectivity, border definition, and homogeneity) and established optical coherence tomography biomarkers of neovascular activity (intraretinal fluid, subretinal fluid, retinal volume, central retinal thickness, and pigment epithelial detachment presence) were collected. These baseline parameters were correlated with visual acuity at baseline, 3 and 12 months.

Results:
Seventy-three eyes of 73 patients, 47 (64.4%) having central SHRM at baseline, were studied. Mean age was 79.2 ± 8.9 years. Mean best-corrected visual acuity was 0.70 ± 0.57 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (20/100), 0.73 ± 0.55 (20/107), and 0.76 ± 0.63 (20/115) at baseline, 3 and 12 months, respectively. Baseline parameters with a significant predictive value of 12-month visual acuity by univariate analysis were presence of intraretinal fluid, presence of SHRM, highly reflective SHRM, well-defined SHRM borders, and thick SHRM. These parameters, with the exception of high reflectivity, were significant on multivariate regression analysis. The most predictive baseline parameter was well-defined SHRM borders.

Conclusion:
This study supports the use of SHRM as a prognostic biomarker when interpreting optical coherence tomography in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Baseline parameters predicting poorer vision 1 year after intravitreal bevacizumab treatment were as follows: presence of central SHRM, well-defined SHRM borders, intraretinal fluid, and thicker SHRM.
Intussusception-related Hospitalizations Among Infants Before and After Private Market Licensure of Rotavirus Vaccines in Taiwan, 2001–2013
Authors: Yen Catherine , Shih Shu-Man , Tate Jacqueline E. , Wu Fang-Tzy , Huang Yhu-Chering , Parashar Umesh D. , Hsiung Chao A. 
Published: June 2017

Introduction:
Rotavirus is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis among Taiwanese children. Two globally licensed rotavirus vaccines recommended for inclusion in routine immunization programs that have been available for private market use in Taiwan since 2006 have been associated with a low risk of intussusception in postmarketing studies conducted in several countries. Our objective was to examine trends and characteristics of intussusception hospitalizations in Taiwan among children <12 months of age before and after rotavirus vaccine licensure to provide updated baseline and early postlicensure data.

Methods:
We extracted data on intussusception-related hospitalizations among children <12 months of age during 2001–2013 from the National Health Insurance Research Database. We examined patient demographics, clinical outcome and hospitalization trends, focusing on recommended ages for rotavirus vaccination (6–14, 15–24 and 25–34 weeks). We compared mean hospitalization rates for prevaccine licensure years 2001–2005 with those for postvaccine licensure years 2007–2013 using Poisson regression analysis.

Results:
During 2001–2013, 1998 intussusceptions hospitalizations were recorded. The mean age of hospitalization was 33 weeks. Almost all children recovered; 3 deaths occurred. The overall intussusception hospitalization rate was 75.1 per 100,000; seasonality was not evident. Hospitalization rates were greatest in children ≥25 weeks of age and occurred more frequently in boys. Prevaccine and postvaccine licensure trends in annual hospitalization rates did not significantly differ. However, mean hospitalization rates were lower during the postvaccine licensure period for children <12 months of age (rate ratio: 0.84, 95% confidence interval: 0.76–0.92) with the greatest decline among children 25–34 weeks of age (rate ratio: 0.66, 95% confidence interval: 0.55–0.78).

Conclusions:
Infant intussusception in Taiwan occurs at a rate within the range of other Asian countries is rare among children <3 months of age, has a male predominance and does not have a clear seasonality pattern. We did not observe a postlicensure increase in intussusception hospitalization rates in children 6–14 weeks of age.
Risk of embryopathies with use of antithyroidal medications
Authors: Andersen Stine L. 
Published: June 2017

Purpose of review
Hyperthyroidism in pregnant women should be adequately treated to prevent maternal and fetal complications. The treatment of choice in pregnancy is antithyroidal medications (ATDs). The risk of embryopathies associated with the use of Methimazole (MMI) and Propylthiouracil (PTU) in early pregnancy is a matter of clinical attention and concern. This review describes current evidence and how scientific findings are reflected in current clinical guidelines.

Recent findings
Embryopathies after the use of ATDs were previously mainly described in case reports and considered rare. Recent large observational studies, including nonexposed control groups, have quantified an increased risk of embryopathies associated with use of ATDs during pregnancy. Findings suggest a risk of embryopathies with the use of both MMI and PTU, but the pattern of embryopathies differs, and embryopathies with the use of PTU appear less severe.

Summary
Current guidelines highlight the need for clinical attention on the use of ATDs in early pregnancy. Patients managed on ATDs for the treatment of hyperthyroidism should be counseled to report a pregnancy as early as possible. PTU is the recommended treatment in early pregnancy, but if the risk of relapse or worsening of hyperthyroidism is considered low, it is suggested that ATD treatment can be withdrawn followed by frequent monitoring of thyroid function.
RAS-positive thyroid nodules
Authors: Angell Trevor E. 
Published: June 2017

Purpose of review
The current review focuses on the uncertainty regarding the management of rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog RAS-positive thyroid nodules. The application of oncogene testing has been heralded for improving risk assessment for indeterminate cytology thyroid nodules and has grown in clinical use. RAS mutations are historically considered oncogenic. However, RAS mutation detection in thyroid nodules has proven problematic, as these mutations are found in benign and malignant lesions.

Recent findings

RAS-positive thyroid nodules frequently have indeterminate cytology and a finding of a positive RAS mutation identifies a significant number of benign lesions as well as thyroid cancers. Long-term follow-up of RAS-positive nodules with benign cytology shows an indolent course not consistent with eventual malignant transformation. Many RAS-positive nodules previously diagnosed as follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma now will be reclassified as noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features, indicating a more indolent nature of these RAS-positive lesions.

Summary
Recent findings have underscored that diagnosis of a RAS-positive thyroid nodule is not synonymous with thyroid malignancy. The ideal clinical and surgical management of these nodules remains challenging.
Is selenium supplementation in autoimmune thyroid diseases justified?
Authors: Winther Kristian H. , Bonnema Steen J. , Hegedüs Laszlo 
Published: June 2017

Purpose of review
This review provides an appraisal of recent evidence for or against selenium supplementation in patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases, and discusses possible effect mechanisms.

Recent findings
Epidemiological data suggest an increased prevalence of autoimmune thyroid diseases under conditions of low dietary selenium intake. Two systematic reviews have evaluated controlled trials among patients with autoimmune thyroiditis and report that selenium supplementation decreases circulating thyroid autoantibodies. The immunomodulatory effects of selenium might involve reducing proinflammatory cytokine release. However, clinically relevant effects of selenium supplementation, including improvement in quality of life, are more elusive. In Graves’ disease, some, but not all, trials indicate that adjuvant selenium supplementation enhances the restoration of biochemical euthyroidism, and might benefit patients with mild Graves’ orbitopathy.

Summary
The use of selenium supplementation as adjuvant therapy to standard thyroid medication may be widespread, but a growing body of evidence yields equivocal results. The available evidence from trials does not support routine selenium supplementation in the standard treatment of patients with autoimmune thyroiditis or Graves’ disease. However, correction of moderate to severe selenium deficiency may offer benefits in preventing, as well as treating, these disorders. Molecular mechanisms have been proposed, but further studies are needed.
Persistent homology demarcates a leaf morphospace
Authors: Li Mao , An Hong , Angelovici Ruthie , Bagaza Clement , Batushansky Albert , Clark Lynn , Coneva Viktoriya , Donoghue Michael , Edwards Erika , Fajardo Diego , Fang Hui , Frank Margaret , Gallaher Timothy , Gebken Sarah , Hill Theresa , Jansky Shelley , Kaur Baljinder , Klahs Philip , Klein Laura , Kuraparthy Vasu , Londo Jason , Migicovsky Zoë , Miller Allison , Mohn Rebekah , Myles Sean , Otoni Wagner , Pires J. Chris , Riffer Edmond , Schmerler Sam , Spriggs Elizabeth , Topp Christopher , Van Deynze Allen , Zhang Kuang , Zhu Linglong , Zink Braden M. , Chitwood Daniel H. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractCurrent morphometric methods that comprehensively measure shape cannot compare the disparate leaf shapes found in seed plants and are sensitive to processing artifacts. We explore the use of persistent homology, a topological method applied across the scales of a function, to overcome these limitations. The described method isolates subsets of shape features and measures the spatial relationship of neighboring pixel densities in a shape. We apply the method to the analysis of 182,707 leaves, both published and unpublished, representing 141 plant families collected from 75 sites throughout the world. By measuring leaves from throughout the seed plants using persistent homology, a defined morphospace comparing all leaves is demarcated. Clear differences in shape between major phylogenetic groups are detected and estimates of leaf shape diversity within plant families are made. This approach does not only predict plant family, but also the collection site, confirming phylogenetically invariant morphological features that characterize leaves from specific locations. The application of a persistent homology method to measure leaf shape allows for a unified morphometric framework to measure plant form, including shape and branching architectures.
Honey Bee(Apis mellifera)Exposomes and Biological Pathways Associated withNosema ceranaeInfection
Authors: Broadrup Robert L. , Mayack Christopher , Schick Sassicaia J. , Eppley Elizabeth J. , White Helen K. , Macherone Anthony 
Published: June 2017

AbstractA pilot study was conducted to determine if exposome profiles of honey bees(Apis mellifera)are associated withNosema ceranaeinfection and whether xenobiotic exposures effect changes in known biological pathways of bees. Thirty stationary hives were selected from seven apiaries representing urban and suburban geographies. Foraging bees were harvested during the summer of 2015 and analyzed forNosema ceranaeinfection via semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (sq-PCR) and discovery-based exposome analysis via gas chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF). The resulting datasets were divided into case and control groups based on the prevalence ofN. ceranaeinfection. Xenobiotic burden was determined to be associated withN. ceranaeinfection, and co-variate analysis determined differentially expressed biological chemicals and naturally occurring chemicals in the bee exposomes. Biological pathways analyses putatively identified 10 dysregulated pathways as well as the presence of the P450 oxidative metabolism of naphthalene for detoxification. Based on these results, it is evident that the integration of genetic disease screening with discovery-based exposomics provides a promising multi-omic platform to identify adverse biological effects to bees occurring from exposures to chemicals and parasites. In addition, this approach will generate new hypotheses for targeted follow-up studies to examine bee health.
Born to be asocial: newly-hatched tortoises spontaneously avoid unfamiliar individuals
Authors: Versace Elisabetta , Damini Silvia , Caffini Matteo , Stancher Gionata 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTIndividual recognition is important for modulating social interactions but it is not clear to what extent this ability depends on experience gained through repeated interactions with different individuals. In wild tortoises, evidence of social interactions is limited to behaviours performed years after hatching, in the context of mating. To investigate the presence of abilities of individual recognition at the onset of life in tortoises, we used hatchlings of two species (Testudo marginata,Testudo graeca) reared with a single conspecific as unique social experience. When located in a novel environment together with the familiar conspecific, tortoises reached the average distance expected by random trajectories. On the contrary, tortoises tested with an unfamiliar conspecific first explored the mate, then actively kept a distance significantly larger than expected by chance. These results show spontaneous abilities of individual recognition in a non-social species at the onset of life, and active avoidance of unfamiliar conspecifics. We suggest that this predisposed behaviour might be adaptive for young tortoises’ dispersal.
A ‘phenotypic hangover’ – the predictive adaptive response and multigenerational effects of altered nutrition on the transcriptome ofDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Osborne Amy J. , Dearden Peter K. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis predicts that early-life environmental exposures can be detrimental to later-life health, and that mismatch between the pre- and postnatal environment may contribute to the growing non-communicable disease (NCD) epidemic. Within this is an increasingly recognised role for epigenetic mechanisms; epigenetic modifications can be influenced by, e.g., nutrition, and can alter gene expression in mothers and offspring. Currently, there are no whole-genome transcriptional studies of response to nutritional alteration. Thus, we sought to explore how nutrition affects the expression of genes involved in epigenetic processes inDrosophila melanogaster.We manipulatedDrosophilafood macronutrient composition at the F0 generation, mismatched F1 offspring back to a standard diet, and analysed the transcriptome of the F0 – F3 generations by RNA-sequencing. At F0, the altered (high protein, low carbohydrate, HPLC) diet increased expression of genes involved in epigenetic processes, with coordinated downregulation of genes involved in immunity, neurotransmission and neurodevelopment, oxidative stress and metabolism. Upon reversion to standard nutrition, mismatched F1 and F2 generations displayed multigenerational inheritance of altered gene expression. By the F3 generation, gene expression had reverted to F0 (matched) levels. These nutritionally-induced gene expression changes demonstrate that dietary alteration can upregulate epigenetic genes, which may influence the expression of genes with broad biological functions. Further, the multigenerational inheritance of the gene expression changes in F1 and F2 mismatched generations suggests a predictive adaptive response (PAR) to maternal nutrition. Our findings may help to understand the interaction between maternal diet and future offspring health, and have direct implications for the current NCD epidemic.
Fine scale mapping of genomic introgressions within theDrosophila yakubaclade
Authors: Turissini David A. , Matute Daniel R. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTThe process of speciation involves populations diverging over time until they are genetically and reproductively isolated. Hybridization between nascent species was long thought to directly oppose speciation. However, the amount of interspecific genetic exchange (introgression) mediated by hybridization remains largely unknown, although recent progress in genome sequencing has made measuring introgression more tractable. A natural place to look for individuals with admixed ancestry (indicative of introgression) is in regions where species co-occur. In west Africa,D. santomeaandD. yakubahybridize on the island of São Tomé, whileD. yakubaandD. teissierihybridize on the nearby island of Bioko. In this report, we quantify the genomic extent of introgression between the three species of theDrosophila yakubaclade (D.yakuba, D. santomea),D. teissieri). We sequenced the genomes of 86 individuals from all three species. We also developed and applied a new statistical framework, using a hidden Markov approach, to identify introgression. We found that introgression has occurred between both species pairs but most introgressed segments are small (on the order of a few kilobases). After ruling out the retention of ancestral polymorphism as an explanation for these similar regions, we find that the sizes of introgressed haplotypes indicate that genetic exchange is not recent (>1,000 generations ago). We additionally show that in both cases, introgression was rarer onXchromosomes than on autosomes which is consistent with sex chromosomes playing a large role in reproductive isolation. Even though the two species pairs have stable contemporary hybrid zones, providing the opportunity for ongoing gene flow, our results indicate that genetic exchange between these species is currently rare.AUTHOR SUMMARYEven though hybridization is thought to be pervasive among animal species, the frequency of introgression, the transfer of genetic material between species, remains largely unknown. In this report we quantify the magnitude and genomic distribution of introgression among three species ofDrosophilathat encompass the two known stable hybrid zones in this genetic model genus. We obtained whole genome sequences for individuals of the three species across their geographic range (including their hybrid zones) and developed a hidden Markov model-based method to identify patterns of genomic introgression between species. We found that nuclear introgression is rare between both species pairs, suggesting hybrids in nature rarely successfully backcross with parental species. Nevertheless, someD. santomeaalleles introgressed intoD. yakubahave spread from São Tomé to other islands in the Gulf of Guinea whereD. santomeais not found. Our results indicate that in spite of contemporary hybridization between species that produces fertile hybrids, the rates of gene exchange between species are low.