bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety and efficacy of fetal surgery techniques to close a spina bifida defect in the fetal lamb model: A systematic review
Authors: Joyeux Luc , De Bie Felix , Danzer Enrico , Van Mieghem Tim , Flake Alan W. , Deprest Jan 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the safety and efficacy of different neurosurgical techniques for closure of spina bifida (SB) in the fetal lamb model.MethodSystematic review of studies reporting on fetal lambs undergoing induction and closure of SB compared with non‐operated normal lambs (negative controls) and/or lambs not undergoing closure of the defect (positive controls). Primary outcomes were (1) survival at birth (safety) and/or (2) presence of Somatosensory Evoked Potentials on hind limbs and/or improvement in quantitative histological spinal cord findings and/or reversal of hindbrain herniation (efficacy).ResultsOut of 1311, 36 full‐text articles were eligible. Nineteen were included for quality assessment. Due to high bias, only 2 adequately powered studies were included in the final analysis. An open approach using a 2‐layer closure (muscle flap or acellular‐dermal‐matrix patch plus skin) was the only safe (patch + skin) and effective (both techniques) technique for prenatal closure in this animal model. No comparable level of evidence was identified for other techniques.ConclusionThe experimental literature on prenatal SB closure underscores the lack of standardization. At present, there is animal experimental evidence that a 2‐layer closure by hysterotomy is safe and effective. This technique is currently clinically used in a subset of patients. As new clinical techniques are introduced, it would seem logic to preclinically validate them against this experimental standard.
Predicting fetoplacental chromosomal mosaicism during non‐invasive prenatal testing
Authors: Brison Nathalie , Neofytou Maria , Dehaspe Luc , Bayindir Baran , Van Den Bogaert Kris , Dardour Leila , Peeters Hilde , Van Esch Hilde , Van Buggenhout Griet , Vogels Annick , de Ravel Thomy , Legius Eric , Devriendt Koen , Vermeesch Joris R. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectiveNon‐invasive prenatal detection of aneuploidies can be achieved with high accuracy through sequencing of cell‐free maternal plasma DNA in the maternal blood plasma. However, false positive and negative non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) results remain. Fetoplacental mosaicism is the main cause for false positive and false negative NIPT. We set out to develop a method to detect placental chromosomal mosaicism via genome‐wide circulating cell‐free maternal plasma DNA screening.MethodAneuploidy detection was combined with fetal fraction determination to enable the detection of placental mosaicism. This pipeline was applied to whole genome sequencing data derived from 19 735 plasma samples. Following an abnormal NIPT, test results were validated by conventional invasive prenatal or postnatal genetic testing.ResultsRespectively 3.2% (5/154), 12.8% (5/39), and 13.3% (2/15) of trisomies 21, 18, and 13 were predicted and confirmed to be mosaic. The incidence of other, rare autosomal trisomies was ~0.3% (58/19,735), 45 of which were predicted to be mosaic. Twin pregnancies with discordant fetal genotypes were predicted and confirmed.ConclusionThis approach permits the non‐invasive detection of fetal autosomal aneuploidies and identifies pregnancies with a high risk of fetoplacental mosaicism. Knowledge about the presence of chromosomal mosaicism in the placenta influences risk estimation, genetic counseling, and improves prenatal management.
Rice phytochelatin synthases OsPCS1 and OsPCS2 make different contributions to cadmium and arsenic tolerance
Authors: Yamazaki Shinichi , Ueda Yosuke , Mukai Aya , Ochiai Kumiko , Matoh Toru 
Published: February 2018

AbstractCadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) pollution in paddy soil and their accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa) pose serious threats to human health. Rice internally detoxifies these toxic metal and metalloid to some extent, resulting in their accumulation within the edible parts. However, the mechanisms of Cd and As detoxification in rice have been poorly elucidated. Plants synthesize thiol‐rich metal‐chelating peptides, termed phytochelatins (PCs). We characterized rice PC synthase (PCS) and investigated its contribution to Cd and As tolerance in rice. We identified two PCS homolog genes, OsPCS1 and OsPCS2, in the rice genome. The expression of OsPCS1 was upregulated by As(III) stress in the roots but that of OsPCS2 was not significantly affected. The expression level of OsPCS2 was higher than that of OsPCS1 in the shoots and roots. Recombinant OsPCS1 and OsPCS2 proteins differed in their metal activation. OsPCS1 was more strongly activated by As(III) than by Cd; however, OsPCS2 was more strongly activated by Cd than by As(III). Genetically engineered plants having their OsPCS2 expression silenced via RNA interference (OsPCS2 RNAi) contained less PCs and more glutathione (GSH), a substrate of PC synthesis, than wild‐type plants, although there was no significant difference in OsPCS1 RNAi plants. OsPCS2 RNAi plants were sensitive to As(III) stress, but Cd tolerance was little affected. On the other hand, treatment with buthionine sulfoximine, an inhibitor of GSH biosynthesis, significantly decreased Cd and As tolerance of rice seedlings. These findings indicate that OsPCS2 is a major isozyme controlling PC synthesis, and that PCs are important for As tolerance in rice. However, PC synthesis may make a smaller contribution to Cd tolerance in rice, and GSH plays crucial roles, not only as a substrate of PC synthesis.
A randomized dose‐response trial of aerobic exercise and health‐related quality of life in colon cancer survivors
Authors: Brown Justin C. , Damjanov Nevena , Courneya Kerry S. , Troxel Andrea B. , Zemel Babette S. , Rickels Michael R. , Ky Bonnie , Rhim Andrew D. , Rustgi Anil K. , Schmitz Kathryn H. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the dose‐response effects of aerobic exercise on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) among colon cancer survivors.MethodsThirty‐nine stage I to III colon cancer survivors were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: usual‐care control, 150 min·wk−1 of aerobic exercise (low‐dose) and 300 min·wk−1 of aerobic exercise (high‐dose) for 6 months. HRQoL outcomes included the Short Form (SF)‐36 physical and mental component summary, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Colorectal, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory, Fatigue Symptom Inventory, and North Central Cancer Treatment Group bowel function questionnaire, assessed at baseline and post intervention. The primary hypothesis was that exercise would improve HRQoL outcomes in a dose‐response fashion, such that high‐dose aerobic exercise would yield the largest improvements in HRQoL outcomes.ResultsOver 6 months, the low‐dose group completed 141 ± 10 min·wk−1 of aerobic exercise, and the high‐dose group completed 247 ± 11 min·wk−1 of aerobic exercise. Over 6 months, exercise improved the physical component summary score of the SF‐36 (Ptrend = 0.002), the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Colorectal (Ptrend = 0.025), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (Ptrend = 0.049), and the Fatigue Symptom Inventory (Ptrend = 0.045) in a dose‐response fashion. Between‐group standardized mean difference effects sizes for the above‐described findings were small to moderate in magnitude (0.35–0.75). No dose‐response effects were observed for the mental component summary score of the SF‐36, the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory, or bowel function.ConclusionHigher doses of aerobic exercise, up to 300 min·wk−1, improve multiple HRQoL outcomes among stage I to III colon cancer survivors. These findings provide evidence that aerobic exercise may provide multiple health benefits for colon cancer survivors.
Walls or Bridges: “No Gobbledygook”: The International Psycho‐Oncology Society 2017 Sutherland Award Lecture
Authors: Loscalzo Matthew J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIllness, health, and wellness happen in social contexts. The present political environment is highly divisive and plays to the most primitive fears of people. Never have the stakes been so high. History is replete with putative leaders who create walls that separate people in ways that inevitably leads to dehumanization, suffering, and eventually violence. Timely and openly shared psychosocial insights by experts in mental health into the evil consequences of “wall builders” are essential to the physical, mental, and spiritual health of individuals and nations. For health care professionals (in particular) to ignore the dangers posed by the ill equipped self‐serving leaders who now dominate the news and exploit the dark psyche of the world stage would be at the very least unethical and at worst collusion in repeating the sins of the past. This article first recognizes the impact of leaders who, at great personal costs, have built bridges (with relentless compassion and courage) where only chasms existed before. Although international politics may seem like a universe away, in which people may (erroneously) feel powerless to influence change, our home health care settings can be dramatically improved and humanized by the application of universally accepted humanistic values. Health care, as it is practiced today, is an anachronism at multiple levels. Supportive care in general and psychosocial values specifically offer a more inclusive and realistic alternative. Based on an inclusive staff leadership model, a strategic, hands‐on, practical, and compassionate approach to creating and implementing supportive care programs of excellence is described. Finally, potentially fruitful areas in which supportive care and psychosocial values can provide leadership as bridges to more accessible, affordable, and humanistic care are provided for contemplation.
Protein Self‐Assembly Driven by De Novo Coiled Coils and Constructing Ag Nanoparticle‐Protein Assembly Composite with High Catalytic Activity
Authors: Qiao Shanpeng , Wang Ruidi , Yan Tengfei , Li Xiumei , Zhao Linlu , Zhang Xin , Fan Xiaotong , Wang Tingting , Liu Yao , Hou Chunxi , Luo Quan , Xu Jiayu , Liu Junqiu 
Published: February 2018

AbstractConstruction of protein self‐assembly has drawn more and more attention for understanding the natural wisdom and producing functional biomaterial. Current efforts focus on the novel driving force, dynamic control, and functionalization. In this study, protein assembly driven by de novo coiled coils is reported. By precisely designing coiled coil sequence, dimeric antiparallel coiled coils are successfully constructed and used as a linker to drive helical protein nanostructures. Furthermore, Ag nanoparticles (NPs) are subsequently biomineralized, endowing the protein assembly ability of p‐nitrophenol hydrogenation. It is noteworthy that the Ag NPs‐protein assembly composite presents a 4.19 times higher activity than traditional hydrothermal synthesized Ag NPs because of the higher affinity with substrates. The composite also demonstrates good water stability and recyclability. This article provides a manipulative strategy to drive protein assembling and reveals the Ag‐protein assembly composite a potential biomaterial in the future.
Protein–protein interactions controlling interfacial aggregation of rhIL‐1ra are not described by simple colloid models
Authors: Sorret Lea L. , DeWinter Madison A. , Schwartz Daniel K. , Randolph Theodore W. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe investigated the effects of protein–protein interaction strength on interfacial viscoelastic properties and aggregation of recombinant human interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (rhIL‐1ra) at silicone oil–water interfaces. Osmotic second virial coefficients determined by static light scattering were used to quantify protein–protein interactions in bulk solution. Attractive protein–protein interactions dominated at low ionic strengths and their magnitude decreased with increasing ionic strength, in contrast to repulsive interactions that would be expected based on uniformly charged sphere models. Interfacial shear rheometry was used to characterize rhIL‐1ra interfacial layers. More attractive protein–protein interactions in bulk solution correlated with stronger interfacial gels. Thioflavin‐T fluorescence measurements indicated that the intermolecular β‐sheet content of rhIL‐1ra incubated in the presence of silicone oil–water interfaces correlated with gel strength. Siliconized syringes were used to probe the effects of mechanical perturbation of the interfacial gel layers. When rhIL‐1ra solutions in siliconized glass syringes were subjected to end‐over‐end rotation, monomeric rhIL‐1ra was lost from solution, and particles containing aggregated protein were released into the bulk aqueous phase. The loss of monomeric rhIL‐1ra in response to mechanical perturbation was highest under the conditions where the strongest gels were observed. Aggregation of rhIL‐1ra was strictly interface‐induced and growth of aggregates in the bulk solution was not observed, even in the presence of particles released from silicone oil–water interfaces.
Inherently Safer Automation
Authors: Summers Angela 
Published: February 2018

Inherently safer design and functionally safe design go hand‐in‐hand in ensuring safe operation. As processes go from conceptual to existing installations, the opportunities to apply the inherently safer strategies to the process design become constrained by cost and practicality. A wider perspective shows that the inherently safer strategies can be used to create instrumented systems that have less potential for dangerous failure, whether the failure occurs due to safeguard design, to a support system disruption or to human error. One might argue that the application of these strategies to automation can only make a process safer, rather than inherently safer. However, when such strategies are applied systematically across the site, the resulting design and management practices become part of “the way things are done” and result in an inherently safer process operation.This article discusses the cost and sustainability of different instrumented safeguard options to provide a broader perspective on why a design team might choose one layer over another when the risk reduction seems similar. Initial choice is often driven by considerations of capital and operating cost, since these factors weigh heavily in determining whether a project is funded.System complexity must also be considered because long‐term sustainability and reliability is dependent on humans not introducing errors into the system. Finally, inherently safer terminology is defined from an automation perspective and numerous examples are given on how each strategy can be applied to automation. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Process Saf Prog 37:31–36, 2018
Isosamidin, an extract of Peucedanum japonicum, inhibits phenylephrine‐mediated contractions of the human prostate in vitro
Authors: Suzuki Takahisa , Otsuka Atsushi , Ito Yoshihiko , Yamada Shizuo , Miyake Hideaki , Ozono Seiichiro 
Published: February 2018

Isosamidin is a pharmacologically active compound extracted from Peucedanum japonicum which is used as a health food in East Asia. Our preliminary animal data suggested that isosamidin may have sufficient potency to treat patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia or overactive bladder. However, the efficacy of isosamidin in humans is unknown. Here, we examined whether isosamidin inhibits agonist‐stimulated contractions in isolated human bladder and prostate tissue strips in vitro. Human bladder and prostate strips obtained from 9 to 10 male patients, respectively, were suspended in organ baths. After administration of isosamidin (10, 30, and 100 μM), concentration–response curves to agonists (acetylcholine or phenylephrine) were constructed by cumulatively increasing agonist concentration. Isosamidin inhibited phenylephrine‐stimulated contractions of isolated human prostate tissue strips in a concentration‐dependent manner, with significant differences observed between control and 100 μM isosamidin. In contrast, isosamidin had no effect on acetylcholine‐stimulated contractions of isolated human bladder tissue strips. Isosamidin may have pharmacological potency in the treatment of male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Clinical studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of isosamidin in humans.
Otolith chemistry as a fisheries management tool after flooding: The case of Missouri River gizzard shad
Authors: Radigan W.J. , Carlson A.K. , Fincel M.J. , Graeb B.D.S. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractReduced river–floodplain connectivity can decrease fisheries production and cause ecological and socioeconomic consequences. In 2011, the largest flood on record in the Missouri River since 1898 nearly eliminated connectivity between an embayment (Hipple Lake) and Lake Sharpe, impeding movement of walleye (Sander vitreus) and a forage fish, gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum). Thus, we used otolith chemistry to quantify Hipple Lake's natal contribution to Lake Sharpe's gizzard shad population and forecast effects of connectivity loss on the reservoir's socioeconomically important walleye fishery. Fish were classified to natal habitats with 79–89% accuracy, with most gizzard shad (64%) hatching in floodplain habitats (i.e., embayments, tributaries, canals, and stilling basins). Hipple Lake contributed 12% of gizzard shad to Lake Sharpe, more than a tributary (4%) and embayment (0%) but less than a canal (27%) and stilling basin (21%). Hipple Lake (178 acres) covers 0.31% of Lake Sharpe (56,884 acres), so its natal contribution is 38 times what would be expected if contribution was linearly related to area. Sediment and water management to maintain connectivity between Lake Sharpe and Hipple Lake and other floodplain habitats is important for continued gizzard shad production and prey supply for the walleye fishery. Otolith chemistry facilitates assessment of gizzard shad natal contributions in different habitats, serving as a fisheries management tool to inform floodplain habitat protection and rehabilitation after floods.
Optimizing performance of BreastScreen Norway using value of information in graphical models
Authors: Lilleborge Marie , Hofvind Solveig , Sebuødegård Sofie , Hauge Ragnar 
Published: February 2018

This study proposes a method to optimize the performance of BreastScreen Norway through a stratified recommendation of tests including independent double or single reading of the screening mammograms and additional imaging with or without core needle biopsy. This is carefully evaluated by a value of information analysis. An estimated graphical probabilistic model describing the relationship between a set of risk factors and the corresponding risk of breast cancer is used for this analysis, together with a Bayesian network modeling screening test results conditional on the true (but unknown) breast cancer status of a woman.This study contributes towards evaluating a possibility of improving the efficiency of the screening program, where all women aged 50 to 69 are invited every second year, regardless of individual risk factors. Our stratified recommendation of tests is dependent on the probability that an asymptomatic woman has developed breast cancer at the time she is invited to a screening.
Evaluation of users' privacy concerns by checking of their WhatsApp status
Authors: Malekhosseini Razieh , Hosseinzadeh Mehdi , Navi Keyvan 
Published: February 2018

SummaryWhatsApp Messenger is a popular instant messenger among Iranian users. The WhatsApp status feature provides the possibility of posting desired content without restrictions in terms of type with the capability of being managed by users. Status can be considered as a potential place to express users' feelings, opinions, and thoughts. However, special attention should be paid to the privacy of users and the information published in this manner because access to the content of a user's status by unauthorized friends and interpretations of the user's status content may violate his/her privacy. This study investigates the privacy issues associated with information shared through status. The data of this study were gathered via access to the status content of 4000 Iranian users and via telephone interviews conducted with 350 of them. In this study, a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods has been used to analyze the data. This study focuses on the extraction of patterns in users' status content, determination of their polarity, and examination of the factors affecting users' privacy concerns. During the research, 10 general themes were extracted from users' content. The results showed that user privacy concerns influenced the type of theme selected. In addition, the theme selected under different circumstances may include a type of feeling that, in this study, is called polarity. Polarity is affected by the users' privacy concerns. Moreover, the demographic characteristics of users (age and gender) have a significant relationship with the type of theme used and their privacy concerns.
Impact of 3D Printing Technology on Comprehension of Surgical Anatomy of Retroperitoneal Tumor
Authors: Yang Tianyou , Lin Shuwen , Tan Tianbao , Yang Jiliang , Pan Jing , Hu Chao , Li Jiahao , Zou Yan 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the impact of 3D printed model on understanding of surgical anatomy of retroperitoneal tumor.Materials and methodsThree‐dimensional model was printed, based on multi‐detectors computed tomography (MDCT) of a retroperitoneal tumor. Participants (10 students, 10 residents and 10 surgeons) were asked to identify vasculatures which were important in resection of the tumor, after viewing MDCT images, 3D visualization model and 3D printed model, respectively. Regarding this tumor, left renal vein (LRV), right renal pedicles (RRP) and inferior vena cava (IVC) were chosen as indicators to assess participants’ performances. Identification of vasculatures was evaluated and a score was given (1 point = success; 0 point = failure). The total number and percentage of correct identification were used to measure how these three types of anatomic presentation were able to transfer in terms of anatomical recognition. Recorded data were analyzed both pooling together data from three groups of participants and separately for each group.ResultsIn analysis of overall comparison among 3D printing, 3D visualization and MDCT, recognition of all three vasculatures simultaneously was 83.33, 73.33 and 46.67%, respectively (P = 0.007); recognition of LRV was 90, 80 and 63.33% (P = 0.043), respectively; recognition of RRP was 96.67, 83.33 and 73.33% (P = 0.035), respectively; recognition of IVC was 93.33, 90 and 80% (P = 0.366), respectively. In subgroup analysis of performances of three groups of participants, no significant differences regarding anatomic recognition were observed among MDCT, 3D visualization and 3D printed model for each group of participants.ConclusionThree‐dimensional printed model improved the understanding of surgical anatomy of retroperitoneal tumor.