bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nephrogenic rests in Wilms tumors treated with preoperative chemotherapy: The UK SIOP Wilms Tumor 2001 Trial experience
Authors: Vujanić Gordan M. , Apps John R. , Moroz Veronica , Ceroni Federica , Williams Richard D. , Sebire Neil J. , Pritchard‐Jones Kathy 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundNephrogenic rests (NRs) are abnormally persistent foci of embryonal cells, thought to be the precursor lesion of Wilms tumors (WTs). To date, their presence has not been systematically examined in WTs treated with preoperative chemotherapy.MethodsA systematic analysis of the data on NRs in WTs treated with preoperative chemotherapy obtained from the UK cohort of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) WT 2001 Trial. The study was based on central pathology review of full sets of slides from pathological specimens, with a median of 28 slides reviewed per case.ResultsNRs were identified in 40% of unilateral WTs, including 25% perilobar nephrogenic rest (PLNR), 9% intralobar nephrogenic rest (ILNR), 5% both PLNR and ILNR, and 1% nephroblastomatosis, and in 93% of cases with bilateral lesions. ILNRs were associated with stromal histology and a younger age at diagnosis and found frequently in patients with congenital anomalies associated with WT1 mutation. PLNRs were found frequently in patients with overgrowth syndromes.ConclusionsThe prevalence of NRs in WTs after preoperative chemotherapy observed in SIOP UK WT 2001 Trial is similar to the previously published data on NRs not treated with preoperative chemotherapy. Their epidemiology supports at least two pathways to Wilms tumorigenesis.
Unleashing the immune response against childhood solid cancers
Authors: Anderson John 
Published: April 2017

AbstractTumor immunotherapy has come to the fore fuelled by impressive clinical responses to checkpoint inhibitor antibodies in a range of adult malignancies and by the success of chimeric antigen receptor T cells targeting adult and pediatric B‐cell malignancies. Clearly, if appropriately fine‐tuned, the immune system has the capability to seek out and destroy cancer. Studies in pediatric solid cancers so far have not shown the therapeutic potential checkpoint inhibitors described in adult cancers and this may reflect fewer tumor‐associated antigens or different immune evasion mechanisms. One potential approach to overcome these limitations will be to combine interventions to undermine immune evasion mechanisms with engineered T‐cell adoptive transfer.
Insights into RNA structure and dynamics from recent NMR and X‐ray studies of the Neurospora Varkud satellite ribozyme
Authors: Dagenais Pierre , Girard Nicolas , Bonneau Eric , Legault Pascale 
Published: April 2017

Despite the large number of noncoding RNAs and their importance in several biological processes, our understanding of RNA structure and dynamics at atomic resolution is still very limited. Like many other RNAs, the Neurospora Varkud satellite (VS) ribozyme performs its functions through dynamic exchange of multiple conformational states. More specifically, the VS ribozyme recognizes and cleaves its stem‐loop substrate via a mechanism that involves several structural transitions within its stem‐loop substrate. The recent publications of high‐resolution structures of the VS ribozyme, obtained by NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography, offer an opportunity to integrate the data and closely examine the structural and dynamic properties of this model RNA system. Notably, these investigations provide a valuable example of the divide‐and‐conquer strategy for structural and dynamic characterization of a large RNA, based on NMR structures of several individual subdomains. The success of this divide‐and‐conquer approach reflects the modularity of RNA architecture and the great care taken in identifying the independently‐folding modules. Together with previous biochemical and biophysical characterizations, the recent NMR and X‐ray studies provide a coherent picture into how the VS ribozyme recognizes its stem‐loop substrate. Such in‐depth characterization of this RNA enzyme will serve as a model for future structural and engineering studies of dynamic RNAs and may be particularly useful in planning divide‐and‐conquer investigations. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1421. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1421This article is categorized under:

RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics, and Chemistry
RNA-Based Catalysis > RNA-Mediated Cleavage
Motivation, Perception, and Treatment Beliefs in the Myocardial Infarction Genes (MI‐GENES) Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Kattel Sharma , Onyekwelu Tochukwu , Brown Sherry‐Ann , Jouni Hayan , Austin Erin , Kullo Iftikhar J. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractLittle is known about individuals’ motivation, perception, and treatment beliefs towards the use of genetic information in risk estimates for coronary heart disease (CHD). In this study, participants at intermediate 10‐year risk of CHD were randomized to receive either their estimated conventional risk score (CRS) alone, or a CRS and a genetic risk score (GRS), by a genetic counselor. Surveys on motivation to participate in and perception of genetic testing for CHD were administered at 3 months and treatment beliefs at 6 months following risk disclosure. Survey responses used Likert scales. Linear and logistic regression were used for analysis. Overall, motivation to participate in genomic clinical trials was favorable and did not differ between the CRS and GRS groups (16.95 ± 0.82 vs. 17.58 ± 0.83, p = 0.091), but participants who initially received their GRS indicated a greater desire to find ways to improve health as a reason for participation (OR: 0.53 (95%CI: 0.29, 0.94), p = 0.028). Perception of genetic testing was also favorable in both groups (15.29 ± 0.39 vs. 15.12 ± 0.40, p = 0.835). Participants who initially received their GRS were more inclined to recommend genetic testing to family and friends (9.95 ± 1.88 vs. 10.52 ± 2.17, p = 0.023). In the MI‐GENES study, motivation to participate in and perception of genetic testing among study participants were overall favorable. Genetic risk disclosure was associated with increased motivation to recommend genetic testing to family and friends.
Exploring patients’ reasons for participation in a medical education home visit program: a qualitative study in Malaysia
Authors: Tan Chai-Eng , Jaffar Aida , Tohit Noorlaili , Hamzah Zuhra , Hashim Syahnaz Mohd 
Published: April 2017

Introduction Direct contact with patients for medical education is essential in healthcare professional training. Patients who were recruited for a medical education home visit program in Malaysia did so on a voluntary basis without remuneration. This paper aims to explore their reasons for participation in this program.
Methods An exploratory qualitative study was conducted on patients who had been visited during the 2012/2013 academic session. Purposive sampling was done to select adult participants from varying ethnicities and ages from the list of patients. In-depth interviews were conducted at the participants’ homes and were audio recorded. The transcripts of these interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results A total of nine in-depth interviews were conducted. Four main themes were identified from thematic analysis: 1) Perceived meaning of the visit; 2) Perceived benefits and risks; 3) Past healthcare experiences; 4) Availability for visits. The home visits meant different things to different participants, including a teaching-learning encounter, a social visit, a charitable deed or a healthcare check-up. The benefits and risks of accepting unknown students to their homes and sharing their health issues with them had been weighed prior to participation. Prior experience with healthcare services such as gratitude to healthcare providers or having a relative in the healthcare profession increased their receptivity for involvement. Lastly, enabling factors such as availability of time would determine their acceptance for home visits.
Psychiatric disorders in a cohort of individuals with Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Shriki-Tal L. , Avrahamy H. , Pollak Y. , Gross-Tsur V. , Genstil L. , Hirsch H.J. , Benarroch F. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackground:Psychiatric manifestations in Prader–Willi Syndrome (PWS) are common and often are the most debilitating problem in these individuals. We present an epidemiological nation-wide survey of psychiatric diagnoses in the PWS population, based on full-range psychiatric interviews.Methods:We studied the distribution of psychiatric diagnoses (as opposed to a symptom-based approach) in the Israel national cohort of adolescents and adults with PWS. There was a total of 53 (32 males) ages 12 years and older. All individuals and their caretakers were interviewed using standardized psychiatric questionnaires. Demographic and clinical variables, Clinical Global Impression (CGI) score, IQ, severity of hyperphagia and quality of life (QOL) were also assessed and correlations with NPD (number of psychiatric diagnoses) calculated.Results:An overwhelming majority (89%) of the study participants had at least one psychiatric diagnosis. The most common were disruptive behavior disorders (DBD) (68%), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) (45%) and skin picking (35%). Individuals with DBD were at increased risk for OCD and skin picking. Psychotic disorders were found in 11%. NPD had a significant negative influence on QOL. There was no correlation between NPD and BMI, IQ, hyperphagia severity, hormonal profile or genetic subtypes.Conclusions:Psychiatric diagnoses are very frequent in PWS and strongly influence QOL. Furthermore, characterizing the profile of psychiatric comorbidity in PWS is crucial for planning effective interventions. Precise behavioral phenotyping in PWS in combination with a well-defined genetic etiology may aid biological research linking biological correlates to behavior.
The Promise of Pharmacogenomics in Reducing Toxicity during Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Maintenance Treatment
Authors: Rudin Shoshana , Marable Marcus , Huang R. Stephanie 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) affects a substantial number of children every year and requires a long and rigorous course of chemotherapy treatments in three stages, with the longest phase, the maintenance phase, lasting 2–3 years. While the primary drugs used in the maintenance phase, 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) and methotrexate (MTX), are necessary for decreasing risk of relapse, they also have potentially serious toxicities, including myelosuppression, which may be life-threatening, and gastrointestinal toxicity. For both drugs, pharmacogenomic factors have been identified that could explain a large amount of the variance in toxicity between patients, and may serve as effective predictors of toxicity during the maintenance phase of ALL treatment. 6-MP toxicity is associated with polymorphisms in the genes encoding thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT), nudix hydrolase 15 (NUDT15), and potentially inosine triphosphatase (ITPA), which vary between ethnic groups. Moreover, MTX toxicity is associated with polymorphisms in genes encoding solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1B1 (SLCO1B1) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). Additional polymorphisms potentially associated with toxicities for MTX have also been identified, including those in the genes encoding solute carrier family 19 member 1 (SLC19A1) and thymidylate synthetase (TYMS), but their contributions have not yet been well quantified. It is clear that pharmacogenomics should be incorporated as a dosage-calibrating tool in pediatric ALL treatment in order to predict and minimize the occurrence of serious toxicities for these patients.
Longitudinal study of diet quality and change in asthma symptoms in adults, according to smoking status
Authors: Li Zhen , Kesse-Guyot Emmanuelle , Dumas Orianne , Garcia-Aymerich Judith , Leynaert Bénédicte , Pison Christophe , Le Moual Nicole , Romieu Isabelle , Siroux Valérie , Camargo Carlos A. , Nadif Rachel , Varraso Raphaëlle 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIt has been hypothesised that increased asthma prevalence in westernised countries is associated with changes in lifestyle factors, including a poorer diet. However, little is known regarding the association between diet quality and asthma. In the diet–asthma association, the role of BMI as a potential mediator needs clarification; moreover, potential effect modification by non-diet sources of oxidants, such as smoking, merits investigation. We investigated the association between diet quality and change in asthma symptoms, as well as assessed effect modification by smoking, while accounting for BMI as a potential mediator. Using data from the French prospective Epidemiological study on the Genetics and Environment of Asthma study, we assessed diet quality using the Alternate Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI-2010) at baseline and change in asthma symptoms (stable (reference), worsening, improved; mean follow-up time: 7 years). Mediation analysis was used to disentangle total and direct effects and the indirect effect mediated by BMI. The analyses included 969 adults (mean age 43 years; 49 % men; 42 % ever asthma). We observed a significant interaction between smoking and AHEI-2010 on change in asthma symptoms (Pfor interaction=0·04). Among never smokers (n 499), we observed a positive total effect (multivariable OR 1·39; 95 % CI 1·07, 1·80) and a positive direct effect (OR 1·41; 95 % CI 1·09, 1·80) of the AHEI-2010 (per ten-point increment) on improved symptoms. No indirect effect mediated through BMI was observed (OR 0·99; 95 % CI 0·91, 1·07). Among former and current smokers, all effects were statistically non-significant. Better diet quality was associated with improved asthma symptoms over time in never smokers, independently of BMI.
A View from Mecca: Notes on Gujarat, the Red Sea, and the Ottomans, 1517–39/923–946 H.
Authors: ALAM MUZAFFAR , SUBRAHMANYAM SANJAY 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis article examines the history of Gujarat-Red Sea relations in the first quarter of a century after the Ottoman conquest of the Hijaz, in the light of Arabic narrative sources that have hitherto been largely neglected. While earlier historians have made use of both Ottoman and Portuguese archives in this context, we return here to the chronicles of Mecca itself, which prove to be an unexpectedly interesting and rich source on the matter. Our main interest is in the figure of Jarullah ibn Fahd and his extensive annalistic work,Nayl al-munā. A good part of our analysis will focus on the events of the 1530s, and the dealings of Sultan Bahadur Shah Gujarati's delegation to the Ottomans, headed by ‘Abd al-‘Aziz Asaf Khan. But we shall also look at the longer history of contacts, and conclude with brief remarks on the relevance of the career of the celebrated Gujarati-Hijazi intellectual, Qutb al-Din Muhammad Nahrawali. We thus hope to add another important, concrete dimension to our understanding of India's location in the early modern Indian Ocean world, as a tribute to the career and contribution of David Washbrook, our friend and colleague.
Caste and its Histories in Colonial India: A reappraisal
Authors: O'HANLON ROSALIND 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDavid Washbrook's influential early work on South India set the terms for much subsequent debate about caste, with its exploration of the key role of the colonial state in shaping caste ideologies and institutions. Over subsequent decades, historians and anthropologists have come increasingly to emphasise the ‘colonial construction’ of caste and its enduring legacies in post-colonial India. Yet there were also significant continuities linking the forms of colonial caste with much earlier regional histories of conflict and debate, whose legacies can be traced into the late colonial period. In particular, the juxtaposition between Brahman and non-Brahman itself was anticipated in a tradition of conservative social commentary that emerged in the Deccan Sultanate state of Ahmadnagar, and came to circulate widely through Banaras and western India during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. This tradition of commentary acquired new salience during the nineteenth century. It entered the colonial archive as an authoritative source of knowledge, and also provoked early ‘non-Brahman’ intellectuals into a fresh engagement with its conservative social vision. In their attempts to rebut this vision, these intellectuals displayed a detailed knowledge of its social history and a deep familiarity with the judicial decisions through which it had been upheld in earlier centuries.
Seed origin variation in Sitka spruce
Authors: Lines Roger 
Published: April 2017

SynopsisBecause of the wide latitudinal range of Sitka spruce, trees of different origin show very large differences in growth rate and adaptability when grown on a variety of sites in Britain. The Forestry Commission has forty-eight seed origin trials, planted between 1929 and 1975, which are now beginning to provide a good overall picture of this variation. On the other hand, differences in morphology and colour are relatively minor, so that it is very difficult to identify the seed origin of a stand of trees on visual grounds alone. Southerly origins (below Latitude 47°N) grow fastest, but they suffer more severe frost damage, particularly in the nursery, and tend to have lower density timber than those from 53°N or above.
Nutritional requirements of Sitka spruce
Authors: Miller Hugh G. , Miller John D. 
Published: April 2017

SynopsisExperiments have shown that Sitka spruce on poor soils requires relatively frequent applications of fertiliser, phosphorus being most commonly required, other deficiencies in decreasing frequency being potassium, nitrogen and, very rarely, copper. Recent evidence suggests that growth responses to fertilisers are commonest while stands are young and the green canopy is being established. Spruce has a heavy crown and in consequence nutrient demands are high prior to canopy closure. Thereafter, the annual production of foliage by spruce is no greater than that of other species of comparable growth rate and by this stage the establishment of cycles within the tree and through the litter layer enable efficient re-use of nutrients and hence the demands placed upon the soil fall dramatically.
Sitka spruce mycorrhizas
Authors: Walker Christopher 
Published: April 2017

SynopsisRelatively little research has been done on mycorrhizas of Sitka spruce, although greenhouse studies have confirmed that its growth can be improved by the introduction of mycorrhizal fungi. Work in nurseries is difficult under British conditions and it probably will be necessary to disinfest soil in seedbeds before mycorrhizal treatment can be applied. Results from forest trials show that inoculation with selected mycorrhizal fungi can give significant early growth effects, though how long these will persist is unknown. In such work, careful attention must be given to selection of controls. Features covered in this review include a discussion of fungi mycorrhizal with Sitka spruce, identification of mycorrhizas, nutrient uptake, and growth enhancement of seedlings and transplants.
Man's use of Sitka spruce
Authors: Brazier J. D. 
Published: April 2017

SynopsisMan's use of the timber of Sitka spruce grown in North America and in the United Kingdom is reviewed. The contrast in character and properties of the timber from the two sources is considered and an explanation for the differences given in terms of the growth. The importance of Sitka spruce to the British forest and timber industries is examined and consideration given to how Sitka spruce should be managed to ensure the production of timber which will meet the requirements of the British timber user.
Macrofungi associated with British willows
Authors: Watling Roy 
Published: April 2017

SynopsisThe larger fungi associated with British willows are separated into several groups depending on their resource relationship, trophic state and whether associated with dwarf or arborescent species. Over 150 potentially mycorrhizal taxa have been recorded with willows in Britain, with nearly one-third restricted to arborescent communities. The fungi associated with creeping willow form a distinct category probably reflecting former ecological conditions. While some of the necrotrophic and mycorrhizal fungi are restricted to willows, the saprotrophs are often more widespread and exhibit less specificity.
Willows in the service of man
Authors: Stott K. G. 
Published: April 2017

SynopsisSome main uses of the versatile genus Salix are described. The basket willow industry, once nationwide but now concentrated in Somerset, is covered in some detail, noting the site requirements and attributes of the three main basket willow species, Salix triandra L., S. viminalis L. and S. purpurea L. The management of the crops and methods of processing to give the ‘white’ or ‘buff’ coloured rods preferred by basket makers are described, as are the ability and versatility of basketry to produce containers uniquely suited to meet specific needs.Other uses of the shrub willows (sub-genus Vetrix) are outlined, including the stabilisation of slopes and other aspects of bioengineering, amelioration of difficult environments and large-scale amenity urban and motorway plantings.Attention is drawn to opportunities to develop the tree willows (sub-genus Salix) to meet projected timber shortages, to the use of willows for windbreaks and shelter, and to the culture and use of that very British tree – the Cricket Bat Willow (S. alba var. caerulea (Sm.) Sm.).
Meat quality of entire and castrated male Boer goats raised under Australian conditions and slaughtered at different weights: physical characteristics, shear force values and eating quality profiles
Authors: Werdi Pratiwi N. M. , Murray P. J. , Taylor D. G. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCastrated and entire Boer bucks (no. = 60) in groups of between three and five animals were slaughtered at 5,15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 and 105 kg live weight (5- and 15-kg animals were not castrated). Ultimate pH, muscle colour (subjective and objective measurement), subcutaneous fat colour, total pigment concentration, shear force values and eating quality were investigated. The ultimate pH o/longissimus muscle increased from 5-7 to 6-2 (P < 0-05) as animals were slaughtered at heavier weights. Slaughter weight had an influence on chromameter muscle colour (L*, a*, b* values) and subjective muscle colour scores recorded using a nine-point colour scale (P < 0-05) for both entire and castrated bucks. Muscle redness (a* values) and subjective muscle colour scores increased gradually in older animals while muscle lightness and yellowness (L* and b* values) decreased. Subcutaneous fat colour became more yellow at heavier slaughter weights (P < 0-05). Shear force values were affected (P < 0-05) by slaughter weight but not by castration of bucks. All eating quality scores were influenced by slaughter weight but not by castration, and flavour, as predicted by eating quality scores, was the most important attribute that contributed to overall acceptability of the goat meat.