bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Copy number variants of Ras/MAPK pathway genes in patients with isolated cryptorchidism
Authors: Rodríguez F. , Vallejos C. , Giraudo F. , Unanue N. , Hernández M. I. , Godoy P. , Célis S. , Martín‐Arenas R. , Palomares‐Bralo M. , Heath K. E. , López M. T. , Cassorla F. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryCryptorchidism is the most common congenital disorder in boys, but the cause for most cases remains unknown. Patients with Noonan Syndrome are characterized by a typical face, growth retardation, congenital heart defects, learning disabilities and cryptorchidism. Copy number variations of Ras/MAPK pathway genes are unusual in patients with several clinical features of Noonan Syndrome; however, they have not been studied in patients with only one feature of this condition, such as cryptorchidism. Our aim was to determine whether patients with isolated cryptorchidism exhibit Ras/MAPK pathway gene copy number variations (CNVs). Fifty‐nine patients with isolated cryptorchidism and negative for mutations in genes associated with Noonan Syndrome were recruited. Determination of Ras/MAPK pathway gene CNVs was performed by Comparative Genome Hybridization array. A CNV was identified in two individuals, a ~175 kb microduplication at 3p25.2, partially including RAF1. A similar RAF1 microduplication has been observed in a patient with testicular aplasia. This suggests that some patients with isolated cryptorchidism may harbor Ras/MAPK pathway gene CNVs.
Fitness plus American Society of Anesthesiologists grade improve outcome prediction after endovascular aneurysm repair
Authors: Boult Margaret , Cowled Prue , Barnes Mary , Fitridge Robert A. 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundAlthough the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade was established for statistical purposes, it is often used prognostically. However, older patients undergoing elective surgery are typically ASA III, which limits patient stratification. We look at the prognostic effect on early complications and survival of using ASA and self‐reported physical fitness to stratify patients undergoing endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms.MethodsData were extracted from a trial database. All patients were assigned a fitness level (A (fit) or B (unfit)) based on their self‐reported ability to walk briskly for 1 km or climb two flights of stairs. Fitness was used to stratify ASA III patients, with fitter patients assigned ASA IIIA and less fit patients ASA IIIB. Outcomes assessed included survival, reinterventions, endoleak, all early and late complications and early operative complications.ResultsA combined ASA/fitness scale (II, IIIA, IIIB and IV) correlated with 1‐ and 3‐year survival (1‐year P = 0.001, 3‐year P = 0.001) and early and late complications (P = 0.001 and P = 0.05). On its own, ASA predicted early complications (P = 0.0004) and survival (1‐year P = 0.01, 3‐year P = 0.01). Fitness alone was predictive for survival (1‐year P = 0.001, 3‐year P = 0.001) and late complications (P = 0.009).ConclusionThis study shows that even a superficial assessment of fitness is reflected in surgical outcomes, with fitter ASA III patients showing survival patterns similar to ASA II patients. Physicians should be alert to differences in fitness between patients in the ASA III group, despite similarities based on preexisting severe systemic disease.
A Flow Cytometry‐based Method for the Screening of Nanomaterial‐induced Reactive Oxygen Species Production in Leukocytes Subpopulations in Whole Blood
Authors: Kermanizadeh Ali , Jantzen Kim , Brown David M. , Møller Peter , Loft Steffen 
Published: July 2017

AbstractTo date, the use and translation of nanomedicine from the laboratory to the clinic has been relatively slow. Among other issues, one of the reasons for this tardiness is the lack of the availability of quick and reliable toxicity tools for the screening of nanomaterials (NMs). In this investigation, we apply a flow cytometry‐based method for the detection of nanomaterial‐induced oxidative stress by measurement of reactive oxygen species production in specific leukocyte subpopulations in human whole blood. The screening of a panel of relevant nanomedical‐associated materials (liposomes, silica, iron oxide and functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes) demonstrated that only the carbon nanotubes induced oxidative stress in human circulating leukocytes. In summary, we apply and corroborate a flow cytometry‐based method for the simple and effective measurement of NM‐induced oxidative stress in human blood subpopulations after realistic and relevant exposure scenarios which is extremely useful in future toxicological applications.
Whole genome SNP genotyping in a family segregating developmental dysplasia of the hip detected runs of homozygosity on chromosomes 15q13.3 and 19p13.2
Authors: Basit Sulman , Alharby Essa , Albalawi Alia M. , Khoshhal Khalid I. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractDevelopmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is one of the most prevalent developmental orthopedic diseases worldwide. DDH is a spectrum of anatomical abnormalities of the hip joint and is characterized by premature arthritis in later life. Sporadic cases have been reported more frequently; however, some studies have reported families segregating DDH. Studies have suggested that the genetic factors play a significant role in the development of DDH. In order to detect genetic defect underlying DDH, we performed Sanger sequencing of all DDH associated genes, whole genome SNP genotyping and exome sequencing in a Saudi family with four individuals having DDH. Sanger sequencing of all known genes did not identify any pathogenic variant. Genotype data analysis using HomozygosityMapper identified shared homozygous regions on chromosome 15q13.3 and chromosome 19p13.2 flanked by rs17228178‐rs1534200 and rs466123‐rs2112461, respectively. These data were also analyzed by cnvpartition software for identification of DDH associated copy number variations (CNV). A shared copy number gain of approximately 15 kb on chr6p21.32 (chr6:33 053 906–33 069 893) was discovered in all affected individuals. Partial gain of this region has also been found in unaffected sibling of this family. Exome data did not reveal any candidate sequence variant. Whole genome sequencing is required to identify deep intronic variants in the shared homozygous regions. Identification of genetic variants involved in pathogenesis of DDH may open up interesting perspectives into the function of the gene(s) in hip joint development.
Effect of vigabatrin on seizure control and safety profile in different subgroups of children with epilepsy
Authors: Jackson Michele C. , Jafarpour Saba , Klehm Jacquelyn , Thome‐Souza Sigride , Coughlin Francesca , Kapur Kush , Loddenkemper Tobias 
Published: July 2017

SummaryObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of vigabatrin in pediatric epilepsy.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients with epilepsy treated with vigabatrin over a 2‐year period at a pediatric tertiary center. We assessed the relationship between seizure frequency, etiology, vigabatrin dose, adverse events, medication discontinuation reasons, and electroencephalography (EEG) characteristics.ResultsOne hundred three patients followed at Boston Children's Hospital were treated with vigabatrin and had complete medical records. Within the follow‐up interval, 69 (67%) of 103 patients had discontinued vigabatrin therapy. Two patients (1.9%) died during therapy for unknown reasons. Median age at vigabatrin initiation was 8 months (interquartile range [IQR] 5–15). Median starting dose was 48.1 mg/kg per day (IQR 29.8–52.3) with a median target of 100 mg/kg (IQR 81.9–107.9). Median treatment duration was 12.1 months (n = 89, IQR 5.0–22.9) overall, and 13.3 months (IQR 5.2–23.2) for patients who discontinued vigabatrin. The most common reasons for discontinuation were controlled seizures in 31 (43.7%) of 71 and unsatisfactory therapeutic effect in 23 (32.4%) of 71. Median percent seizure reduction from baseline to first follow‐up was 83.3% (IQR 27.4–99.8) and 96.7% (IQR 43.3–100) to last follow‐up. Twenty‐four (38.7%) of 62 patients with a follow‐up posttreatment remained seizure‐free. Four patients who had initially achieved seizure freedom relapsed. Patients with structural/metabolic etiology had greater median percent seizure reduction at first follow‐up than patients with genetic etiology (98.7% vs. 61.4%, respectively, p = 0.001). Hypsarrhythmia resolved after therapy in 18 of 20 (90%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 70–97) patients with pretreatment hypsarrhythmia, and 2 patients presented with hypsarrhythmia posttreatment. Risk of having hypsarrhythmia was reduced by 32% (95% CI 14.9–49.1) posttreatment.SignificanceVigabatrin is efficacious in all seizure types and resolved hypsarrhythmia in most patients. In this series with a median treatment duration of 12.1 months, vigabatrin had a good safety profile with a low rate of discontinuation due to nonophthalmologic and ophthalmologic adverse effects.
Commemorating the Reformation in 2017
Authors: Kässmann Margot 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis article argues that the commemoration of the Reformation is not just a time to look back historically, but an occasion to reflect where reform and reformation is needed today in church and society. It is clear that in 2017 we cannot but celebrate in an ecumenical dimension, with a concern for religious dialogue, and in a global context.
Reformation and Mutual Accountability: A Common Agenda for the Reformation and the Ecumenical Movement Today?
Authors: Tveit Olav Fykse 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis article argues that commemorating the Reformation properly means doing so in a spirit of mutual accountability to others in God's world from whom we learn, through affirming the gifts we have received and shared, and through constructive critique. Mutual accountability involves dialogue about how we deal with the differences and divisions that have developed, and how we are stewards of this legacy.
Putting the Protest Back into Protestant
Authors: Helmer Christine 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWhen Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church on 31 October 1517, he did so in protest at abuses in Catholic theology and practice. Contemporary times, too, call for protest. The first “protest” concerns the revitalization of education and an increased commitment to intellectual excellence. The second “protest” concerns a recovery of Luther as a figure of protest. While scholars have tamed Luther's dangerous doctrines, the popular imagination still perceives him as an urban legend who spoke truth to power. An expansive notion of scholarship on Luther is required in order to approach a Luther who continues to inspire people around the world. The third “protest” is a critical protest of Luther's religious intolerance, specifically his anti‐Judaism. Christian theologians must acknowledge Luther's anti‐Judaism as central to his theology and radically revise this legacy to promote justice in inter‐religious relations.
Reformation Revisited: Women's Voices in the Reformation
Authors: Stjerna Kirsi 
Published: July 2017

AbstractConsidering the 16th‐century Reformation from the perspective of women is ecumenically promising. Following the tracks of women who embraced the Protestant faith, and learning from their theological orientations, leads to a major rewriting of the Reformation histories; it also provides valuable sources for the reassessment of the Protestant theological traditions. Even if women's place was seen as being at home, in relishing the holy calling of motherhood, women were impassioned to expand their vocations through their own experiences and aspirations. Some of them participated in theological discourse via letters. First‐hand knowledge of the scriptures and observations on injustice empowered women to use a public voice. Compassion emerges as a common theme in the theologies the women themselves considered “Christian.” The 16th‐century reforming women assist us in naming the sins of sexism and misogyny, and direct our attention to the matter of gender.
The Encounter between Eastern Orthodoxy and Lutheranism: A Historical and Theological Assessment
Authors: Asproulis Nikolaos 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAfter the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453 and the following centuries of Ottoman occupation, especially in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, a series of unpredictable and difficult factors prevented Eastern Orthodoxy from engaging in a creative dialogue with the emerging Reformation of Martin Luther (1517), an event that decisively changed the course of Western history by triggering a chain of events at all levels of life. In spite of this, Luther and other Lutheran leaders initiated a continuing relationship and frank dialogue with various Orthodox churches, especially the Ecumenical Patriarchate. This encounter culminated in an official bilateral dialogue during the second half of the 20th century. In addition to the intensive formal efforts made by both traditions to find their way toward Christian unity, the long process of direct and indirect dialogue between theologians of both traditions points to a fundamental common doctrinal background shared by both church families.
The Reformation of Jan Hus as Inspiration for Transformative Ecumenism
Authors: Chang Yoon‐Jae 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWhile 2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation, this article argues that reflection on the Reformation should begin by remembering that the Lutheran Reformation was only one of several reformations. Noting both the achievements and the limits of Luther's Reformation, the article proposes commemorating Jan Hus and the Czech Reformation, which took place a hundred years before Luther. Unlike Luther's Reformation, which focused on the doctrinal issue of “justification by faith,” the Czech Reformation focused on the issue of the Lord's supper and practised a “social Holy Communion” beyond the boundaries of the church. The article concludes that the Czech Reformation provides a fresh vision and inspiration for the contemporary ecumenical movement in Korea and around the world, transcending a perspective that sees ecumenism as being focused on a fellowship of churches.
The (Holy and Great) Council of the Orthodox Churches: An Ecumenical Perspective
Authors: Heller Dagmar 
Published: July 2017

AbstractFrom 19 to 26 June 2016, the first Pan‐Orthodox Council for more than a thousand years took place in Crete, although the Orthodox churches of Russia, Georgia, Bulgaria, and Antioch, for various reasons, did not participate. This article offers an assessment, from an ecumenical perspective, of the preparation and results of the council, and especially the document agreed in Crete concerning the “Relations of the Orthodox Church with the Rest of the Christian World.”
Water availability affects seasonal CO2‐induced photosynthetic enhancement in herbaceous species in a periodically dry woodland
Authors: Pathare Varsha S. , Crous Kristine Y. , Cooke Julia , Creek Danielle , Ghannoum Oula , Ellsworth David S. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractElevated atmospheric CO2 (eCO2) is expected to reduce the impacts of drought and increase photosynthetic rates via two key mechanisms: first, through decreased stomatal conductance (gs) and increased soil water content (VSWC) and second, through increased leaf internal CO2 (Ci) and decreased stomatal limitations (Slim). It is unclear if such findings from temperate grassland studies similarly pertain to warmer ecosystems with periodic water deficits. We tested these mechanisms in three important C3 herbaceous species in a periodically dry Eucalyptus woodland and investigated how eCO2‐induced photosynthetic enhancement varied with seasonal water availability, over a 3 year period. Leaf photosynthesis increased by 10%–50% with a 150 μmol mol−1 increase in atmospheric CO2 across seasons. This eCO2‐induced increase in photosynthesis was a function of seasonal water availability, given by recent precipitation and mean daily VSWC. The highest photosynthetic enhancement by eCO2 (>30%) was observed during the most water‐limited period, for example, with VSWC <0.07 in this sandy surface soil. Under eCO2 there was neither a significant decrease in gs in the three herbaceous species, nor increases in VSWC, indicating no “water‐savings effect” of eCO2. Periods of low VSWC showed lower gs (less than ≈ 0.12 mol m−2 s−1), higher relative Slim (>30%) and decreased Ci under the ambient CO2 concentration (aCO2), with leaf photosynthesis strongly carboxylation‐limited. The alleviation of Slim by eCO2 was facilitated by increasing Ci, thus yielding a larger photosynthetic enhancement during dry periods. We demonstrated that water availability, but not eCO2, controls gs and hence the magnitude of photosynthetic enhancement in the understory herbaceous plants. Thus, eCO2 has the potential to alter vegetation functioning in a periodically dry woodland understory through changes in stomatal limitation to photosynthesis, not by the “water‐savings effect” usually invoked in grasslands.
Can a Time Fractional‐Derivative Model Capture Scale‐Dependent Dispersion in Saturated Soils?
Authors: Garrard Rhiannon M. , Zhang Yong , Wei Song , Sun HongGuang , Qian Jiazhong 
Published: July 2017

AbstractTime nonlocal transport models such as the time fractional advection‐dispersion equation (t‐fADE) were proposed to capture well‐documented non‐Fickian dynamics for conservative solutes transport in heterogeneous media, with the underlying assumption that the time nonlocality (which means that the current concentration change is affected by previous concentration load) embedded in the physical models can release the effective dispersion coefficient from scale dependency. This assumption, however, has never been systematically examined using real data. This study fills this historical knowledge gap by capturing non‐Fickian transport (likely due to solute retention) documented in the literature (Huang et al. 1995) and observed in our laboratory from small to intermediate spatial scale using the promising, tempered t‐fADE model. Fitting exercises show that the effective dispersion coefficient in the t‐fADE, although differing subtly from the dispersion coefficient in the standard advection‐dispersion equation, increases nonlinearly with the travel distance (varying from 0.5 to 12 m) for both heterogeneous and macroscopically homogeneous sand columns. Further analysis reveals that, while solute retention in relatively immobile zones can be efficiently captured by the time nonlocal parameters in the t‐fADE, the motion‐independent solute movement in the mobile zone is affected by the spatial evolution of local velocities in the host medium, resulting in a scale‐dependent dispersion coefficient. The same result may be found for the other standard time nonlocal transport models that separate solute retention and jumps (i.e., displacement). Therefore, the t‐fADE with a constant dispersion coefficient cannot capture scale‐dependent dispersion in saturated porous media, challenging the application for stochastic hydrogeology methods in quantifying real‐world, preasymptotic transport. Hence improvements on time nonlocal models using, for example, the novel subordination approach are necessary to incorporate the spatial evolution of local velocities without adding cumbersome parameters.
Clinical and prognostic significance of a reverse dipping pattern on ambulatory monitoring: An updated review
Authors: Cuspidi Cesare , Sala Carla , Tadic Marijana , Gherbesi Elisa , De Giorgi Antonio , Grassi Guido , Mancia Giuseppe 
Published: July 2017

AbstractReverse or inverted dipping (ie, the phenomenon characterized by higher nighttime compared with daytime blood pressure values) is an alteration of circadian blood pressure rhythm frequently documented in hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and sleep apnea syndrome, and generally regarded as a harmful condition. Available literature on the clinical and prognostic implications of reverse dipping is scanty. The present article will review a number of relevant issues concerning reverse dipping, in particular: (1) its possible mechanisms; (2) prevalence and clinical correlates, (3) concomitant cardiac and extracardiac subclinical organ damage; (4) association with acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases; (5) prognostic value in predicting cardiovascular events and mortality; and (6) therapeutic interventions aimed at reverting this abnormal circadian blood pressure rhythm.
Inhibitory effects of cinnamon, clove and celak extracts on growth of Aspergillus flavus and its aflatoxins after spraying on pistachio nuts before cold storage
Authors: Khorasani Sepideh , Azizi Mohammad Hossein , Barzegar Mohsen , Hamidi‐Esfahani Zohreh , Kalbasi‐Ashtari Ahmad 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe essential oils of clove, cinnamon and celak extracted, diluted (at 3, 5, 7 and 9%), and UV‐sterilized. HPLC analysis showed that the clove, cinnamon and celak extracts had respectively eugenol (12.15 mg/g), cinamaldehyde (25.74 mg/g), and combination of thymol (14.49 mg/g) and carvacrol (1.17 mg/g). The Ohadi, Akbari, Ahmad‐Aghaei (AA) and Kalleh‐Ghouchi (CG) pistachio mixed with each dilution and extract (5% ratio) separately, sprayed with 1 ml of Aspergillus flavus (Af) spores (108 CFU/mL), and cold‐stored (1°C and 75% RH) 9 months. The aflatoxins of KG pistachio without herbal extract exceeded 1000 ppb after 3 months. However, the phenols of each extract with 9% concentration could inhibit 100% Af in each contaminated pistachio variety and destruct its aflatoxins efficiently even after 14 days of cold‐storage. The contaminated and extract‐sprayed Ohadi pistachio nuts had smallest size and weight among pistachios and its total aflatoxin < 35 ng/g (global standard) after 9 months of cold‐storage.Practical applicationsWhile pistachio with pleasant taste has a high international demand, it is a susceptible nut to Aspergillus flavus. This fungus contaminates high volume of even low moisture (∼5%) pistachio packages in less than 3 months during storage or transportation at high relative humidity. A. flavus produces different kinds of carcinogenic aflatoxins (as secondary metabolites) which threaten human health even at global and maximum acceptable level of 15 ng/g of pistachio. Since applying of the chemical disinfectants (even permissible ones) on pistachio kernels may leave residue with undesirable side‐effects on human health and natural environment, medicinal plants have been considered for their powerful antimicrobial activities. This study showed that separate spraying of three herbal plant extracts including cinnamon, clove and celak on pistachio kernels could inhibit entirely (100%) the growth of toxigenic fungi and destruct the produced aflatoxin when the nuts should be stored for more than 1 month.