bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical analysis of the factors that influence disease progression of differentiated thyroid carcinoma in children
Authors: Qu Yuan , Huang Rui , Li Lin 
Published: September 2017

AimTo investigate the factors that influence disease progression of paediatric patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma.MethodsA total of 34 patients under 18 years of age with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (32 papillary and 2 follicular; 9 males and 25 females; 19 cases younger than 15 years old and 15 cases 15–18 years old) treated in our department from June 2009 to August 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. All of the patients underwent a total thyroidectomy or near‐total thyroidectomy, central node dissection and/or lateral neck dissection, radioactive iodine treatment and thyroid‐stimulating hormone suppressive therapy. A univariate analysis was conducted by log‐rank to evaluate the factors that influenced progression‐free survival of differentiated thyroid carcinoma in these patients.ResultsThe median progression‐free survival time of all patients was 23 months, ranging from 4 to 72 months. Progression of pulmonary metastatic disease was observed in two cases, a recurrence in the thyroid bed was found in one case, and thyroglobulin significantly increased in four cases. In the univariate analysis, the factor that influenced progression‐free survival of differentiated thyroid carcinoma was multifocality (P = 0.040), and independently, age, gender, tumour size, pathological type, degree of infiltration, lymph node metastasis and pulmonary metastasis had no significant influence on progression‐free survival (P > 0.05).ConclusionMultifocality was the factor that influenced the progression‐free survival of differentiated thyroid carcinoma patients under 18 years of age.
National study of parental confidence in general practitioners
Authors: Freed Gary L , Spike Neil , O'Hara Jonathan , Hiscock Harriet , Rhodes Anthea L 
Published: September 2017

AimTo assess a national sample of Australian parental confidence in general practitioner (GP) care for illness and injury for their children.MethodsCross‐sectional, internet‐based survey of a national, representative sample of parents of children birth – 17 years in Australia was used. Purposeful recruitment was used to achieve a national, representative sample of 2100 Australian parents, reflective of demographic and geographic distribution based on census data. Parents were asked to indicate their degree of confidence in a GP to handle medical problems as well as their preference for, and use of, paediatric speciality care for their children.ResultsFewer than half of parents (44%) reported that they were completely confident in a GP to provide general care as defined as ‘can handle almost all general health issues for my child’. A slightly greater proportion of parents (56%) were completely confident in a GP to provide care for minor injuries, defined as injuries not requiring an X‐ray. Greater confidence in general care was seen among parents >40 years of age and those whose GP is always bulk billed.ConclusionsParental confidence in GPs is an important issue. Our findings that fewer than half of parents are completely confident in their GP to provide general care to their child may be an influencing factor on current health‐care utilisation trends. The potential implications of low parental confidence in GPs are greater numbers of emergency department presentations for children with lower urgency conditions and increased referrals of children for specialty care.
Infection process of Gaeumannomyces graminis var. graminis on the roots and culms of rice
Authors: Hawerroth Caroline , Araujo Leonardo , Rodrigues Fabrício Ávila 
Published: September 2017

AbstractCrown sheath rot, caused by the ascomycete Gaeumannomyces graminis var. graminis that infects the root and the base of the culm of rice, causes early grains maturation, tiller death and reduced yield. As a paucity of information exists in the literature on the rice‐G. graminis var. graminis interaction at the microscopic level, this study aimed to gain novel insights into the infection process of this pathogen in the root and culm of rice using both light and scanning electron microscopy. In the roots, the fungus initially colonized the epidermal, exodermal and sclerenchyma cells. At 15 days after inoculation (dai), fungal hyphae colonized the cortex and clusters of perithecia were observed in the roots. At 20 dai, the fungus reached the central cylinder, and an intense fungal colonization at the base of the culm was observed that resulted in the formation of a mycelial mat on both adaxial and abaxial surfaces of the leaf sheaths. At 25 dai, fungal growth was noticed in the parenchyma cells, vascular bundles and airspaces. Perithecia emerged through the base of prophyllum and from the first leaf sheath at 30 dai. The results of this study provide new insights into the infection process of G. graminis var. graminis in rice and may help to find better control measures in reducing crown sheath rot development.
Simvastatin exerts antiproliferative and differentiating effects on MG63 osteoblast‐like cells: Morphological and immunocytochemical study
Authors: Magan‐Fernandez A. , Fernández‐Barbero J. E. , O’ Valle F. , Ortiz R. , Galindo‐Moreno P. , Mesa F. 
Published: September 2017

Background and ObjectiveCurrent evidence suggests that statins exert an anabolic effect on bone and may therefore impact on osteogenic differentiation and proliferation. These effects can be useful for their use in guided bone regeneration. The objective of this study was to determine the in vitro effects of simvastatin on the differentiation and proliferation of MG63 human osteoblast tumor cells.Material and MethodsMG63 human osteosarcoma cells were cultured in the presence of simvastatin or solvent alone for 72 hours, and their proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. Cells from the culture were prepared for light, transmission and scanning electron microscopy studies. immunocytochemical was used to analyze the differentiation and proliferation markers Musashi‐1, Ki‐67, CD56 and CD44.ResultsCultured MG63 control cells showed spheroid morphology with numerous secretion vesicles accumulated on the surface, observing no cytoplasmic projections with intercellular connections. However, cells cultured with simvastatin had a polygonal and spindle‐shaped morphology, with cytoplasmic projections that interconnected cells. There were numerous microvilli‐like filamentous projections on the surface with no defined pattern. At 72 hours of culture, CD56, Ki‐67 and Musashi‐1 expression was significantly reduced (P < .001) in simvastatin‐treated cells. CD44 expression was intense in both groups and was not affected by simvastatin treatment.ConclusionMG63 cells cultured with simvastatin for 72 hours undergo morphological and surface changes. Simvastatin treatment exerts antiproliferative and differentiating effects on these cells as well as promoting recovery of cellular homeostasis.
Weather and Intertemporal Labor Supply: Results from German Time‐Use Data
Authors: Krüger Jens J. , Neugart Michael 
Published: September 2017

AbstractDynamic models of intertemporal labor supply suggest that workers substitute labor for leisure as a response to transitory wage changes. Empirical estimates of intertemporal substitution are difficult to interpret as wage changes are rarely transitory and workers may not have flexible working times. We address both issues by estimating an intertemporal labor supply model with German time‐use data as well as information on weather and the flexibility of working time arrangements. Our results provide some evidence on an interday labor supply substitution effect for women but not for men.
Cosmic‐ray exposure ages of six chondritic Almahata Sitta fragments
Authors: Riebe M. E. I. , Welten K. C. , Meier M. M. M. , Wieler R. , Barth M. I. F. , Ward D. , Laubenstein M. , Bischoff A. , Caffee M. W. , Nishiizumi K. , Busemann H. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe Almahata Sitta strewn field is dominated by ureilites, but contains a large fraction of chondritic fragments of various types. We analyzed stable isotopes of He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe, and the cosmogenic radionuclides10Be,26Al, and36Cl in six chondritic Almahata Sitta fragments (EL6 breccia,EL6,EL3‐5,CB,LL4/5, R‐like). The cosmic‐ray exposure (CRE) ages of five of the six samples have an average of 19.2 ± 3.3 Ma, close to the average of 19.5 ± 2.5 Ma for four ureilites. The cosmogenic radionuclide concentrations in the chondrites indicate a preatmospheric size consistent with Almahata Sitta. This corroborates that Almahata Sitta chondrite samples were part of the same asteroid as the ureilites. However,MS‐179 has a lowerCREage of 11.0 ± 1.4 Ma. Further analysis of short‐lived radionuclides in fragmentMS‐179 showed that it fell around the same time, and from an object of similar size as Almahata Sitta, making it almost certain thatMS‐179 is an Almahata Sitta fragment. Instead, its lowCREage could be due to gas loss, chemical heterogeneity that may have led to an erroneous21Ne production‐rate, or, perhaps most likely,MS‐179 could represent the true 4π exposure age of Almahata Sitta (or an upper limit thereof), while all other samples analyzed so far experienced exposure on the parent body of similar lengths. Finally,MS‐179 had an extraordinarily high activity of neutron‐capture36Cl, ~600 dpm kg−1, the highest activity observed in any meteorite to date, related to a high abundance of the Cl‐bearing mineral lawrencite.
Plant‐like bacterial expansins play contrasting roles in two tomato vascular pathogens
Authors: Tancos Matthew A. , Lowe‐Power Tiffany M. , Peritore‐Galve F. Christopher , Tran Tuan M. , Allen Caitilyn , Smart Christine D. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryExpansin proteins, which loosen plant cell walls, play critical roles in normal plant growth and development. The horizontal acquisition of functional plant‐like expansin genes in numerous xylem‐colonizing phytopathogenic bacteria suggests that bacterial expansins may also contribute to virulence. To investigate the role of bacterial expansins in plant diseases, we mutated the non‐chimeric expansin genes (CmEXLX2 and RsEXLX) of two xylem‐inhabiting bacterial pathogens, the Actinobacterium Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. michiganensis (Cmm) and the β‐proteobacterium Ralstonia solanacearum (Rs), respectively. The Cmm ΔCmEXLX2 mutant caused increased symptom development on tomato, which was characterized by more rapid wilting, greater vascular necrosis and abundant atypical lesions on distant petioles. This increased disease severity correlated with larger in planta populations of the ΔCmEXLX2 mutant, even though the strains grew as well as the wild‐type in vitro. Similarly, when inoculated onto tomato fruit, ΔCmEXLX2 caused significantly larger lesions with larger necrotic centres. In contrast, the Rs ΔRsEXLX mutant showed reduced virulence on tomato following root inoculation, but not following direct petiole inoculation, suggesting that the RsEXLX expansin contributes to early virulence at the root infection stage. Consistent with this finding, ΔRsEXLX attached to tomato seedling roots better than the wild‐type Rs, which may prevent mutants from invading the plant's vasculature. These contrasting results demonstrate the diverse roles of non‐chimeric bacterial expansins and highlight their importance in plant–bacterial interactions.
Would St. Thomas Aquinas baptize an Extraterrestrial?
Authors: Lazzari Edmund Michael 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis paper will attempt an investigation of hypothetical intelligent extraterrestrial life from the perspective of the philosophy and theology of St. Thomas Aquinas. Section I will feature an overview of St. Thomas's relevant philosophy of human nature and the differences between human and extraterrestrial natures (even though both have material bodies and immortal souls). Section II will, with special attention to St. Thomas's De malo, treat some possibilities regarding the need for salvation (or lack thereof) in our hypothetical species. Section III will outline relevant aspects of Thomistic soteriology, especially the reasons behind the Incarnation and the role of human nature in Redemption. Section IV will feature a critique of representatives from the two major schools of scholarly thought on this issue, showing that they either disregard the necessity of a human nature for incorporation into the Mystical Body of Christ or deny the magnitude and singular importance of the Incarnation. Section V will sketch some possibilities for the soteriology of extraterrestrial life using the theology of St. Thomas Aquinas as a framework.
Series test of cluster and network analysis for lupus nephritis, before and after IFN‐K‐immunosuppressive therapy
Authors: Luan Sen , Li Ping , Yi Tingting 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTAimThe purpose was to screen potential targets of IFN‐K‐immunosuppressive therapy, which was used to offer effective information and resources for molecular targeted therapy.MethodsThe gene expression profile of GSE72747 was used to screen out significant differently expressed genes (DEGs). Series Test of Cluster (STC) analysis for DEGs was performed. For all DEGs, the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery was performed for Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis. Pathway enrichment analysis of DEGs was performed based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. Pathway was constructed based on the interactions in the KEGG database. The coexpression network and gene signal expression networks were constructed and analyzed.ResultsA total of 2193 DEGs were screened and eight significant profiles were identified. Significant GO terms included small molecule metabolic process, translation and apoptotic process. Metabolic pathways and Alzheimer’s disease were significant KEGG pathways. Pathway relationship network of DEGs was constructed. MAPK signalling pathway, apoptosis and pathways in cancer were hub nodes. Gene co‐expression network analysis was performed. VCP‐interacting membrane protein and NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) 1, alpha/beta subcomplex, 1, 8 kDa were the hub nodes. Gene signal network was constructed with 162 nodes and 254 edges. Hub nodes were phospholipase C, beta 2.ConclusionScreened DEGs including VIMP, NDUFAB1, SEC61G, PSMC2 might be potential targets for lupus nephritis treatment by involving in different functions and pathways, such as metabolic process and immune process.
Mechanisms of weight loss and improved metabolism following bariatric surgery
Authors: Mulla Christopher M. , Middelbeek Roeland J.W. , Patti Mary‐Elizabeth 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBariatric surgery is increasingly recognized as one of the most effective interventions to help patients achieve significant and sustained weight loss, as well as improved metabolic and overall health. Unfortunately, the cellular and physiological mechanisms by which bariatric surgery achieves weight loss have not been fully elucidated, yet are critical to understanding the central role of the intestinal tract in whole‐body metabolism and to developing novel strategies for the treatment of obesity. In this review, we provide an overview of potential mechanisms contributing to weight loss, including effects on regulation of energy balance and both central and peripheral nervous system regulation of appetite and metabolism. Moreover, we highlight the importance of the gastrointestinal tract, including alterations in bile acid physiology, secretion of intestinally derived hormones, and the microbiome, as a potent mediator of improved metabolism in postbariatric patients.
Site‐specific distribution of claudin‐based paracellular channels with roles in biological fluid flow and metabolism
Authors: Tanaka Hiroo , Tamura Atsushi , Suzuki Koya , Tsukita Sachiko 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe claudins are a family of membrane proteins with at least 27 members in humans and mice. The extracellular regions of claudin proteins play essential roles in cell–cell adhesion and the paracellular barrier functions of tight junctions (TJs) in epithelial cell sheets. Furthermore, the extracellular regions of some claudins function as paracellular channels in the paracellular barrier that allow the selective passage of water, ions, and/or small organic solutes across the TJ in the extracellular space. Structural analyses have revealed a common framework of transmembrane, cytoplasmic, and extracellular regions among the claudin‐based paracellular barriers and paracellular channels; however, differences in the claudins’ extracellular regions, such as their charges and conformations, determine their properties. Among the biological systems that involve fluid flow and metabolism, it is noted that hepatic bile flow, renal Na+ reabsorption, and intestinal nutrient absorption are dynamically regulated via site‐specific distributions of paracellular channel–forming claudins in tissue. Here, we focus on how site‐specific distributions of claudin‐2– and claudin‐15–based paracellular channels drive their organ‐specific functions in the liver, kidney, and intestine.
The microbiology of oral lichen planus: Is microbial infection the cause of oral lichen planus?
Authors: Baek K. , Choi Y. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryOral lichen planus (OLP) is a variant of lichen planus (LP), a common chronic mucocutaneous inflammatory disease. Cutaneous lesions of LP are self‐limiting, but OLP lesions are non‐remissive, alternating periods of exacerbation and quiescence, and only symptomatic treatments exist for OLP. The precise etiology and pathogenesis of OLP are hardly understood, which is a major obstacle to the development of new therapeutics for this disease. OLP is considered a T‐cell‐mediated inflammatory disease. Although various antigens have been considered, what actually triggers the inflammatory response of T cells is unknown. Suggested predisposing factors include genetic factors, stress, trauma, and infection. The aim of this review was to determine whether microbial infection can cause OLP. We first reviewed the association between OLP and microbial factors, including viral, fungal, and bacterial infections. In addition, each microbial factor associated with OLP was assessed by modified guidelines of Fredricks and Relman to determine whether it establishes a causal relationship. In conclusion, no microbial factor yet fulfills the guidelines to establish the causality of OLP. By focusing on the unclarified issues, however, the potential roles of microbial factors in the pathogenesis of OLP will be soon elucidated.
Working memory network alterations in high‐functioning adolescents with an autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Barendse Evelien M. , Schreuder Lisanne J. , Thoonen Geert , Hendriks Marc P. H. , Kessels Roy P. C. , Backes Walter H. , Aldenkamp Albert P. , Jansen Jacobus F. A. 
Published: September 2017

AimPeople with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) typically have deficits in the working memory (WM) system. WM is found to be an essential chain in successfully navigating in the social world. We hypothesize that brain networks for WM have an altered network integrity in ASD compared to controls.MethodsThirteen adolescents (one female) with autistic disorder (n = 1), Asperger's disorder (n = 7), or pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (n = 5), and 13 typically developing healthy control adolescents (one female) participated in this study. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed using an n‐back task and in resting state.ResultsThe analysis of the behavioral data revealed deficits in WM performance in ASD, but only when tested to the limit. Adolescents with ASD showed lower binary global efficiency in the WM network than the healthy control group with n‐back and resting‐state data. This correlated with diagnostic scores for total problems, reciprocity, and language.ConclusionAdolescents with higher‐functioning autism have difficulty with the WM system, which is typically compensated. Functional MRI markers of brain network organization in ASD are related to characteristics of autism as represented in diagnostic scores. Therefore, functional MRI provides neuronal correlates for memory difficulties in adolescents with ASD.
Mycophenolate mofetil‐related leukopenia in children and young adults following kidney transplantation: Influence of genes and drugs
Authors: Varnell Charles D. , Fukuda Tsuyoshi , Kirby Cassie L. , Martin Lisa J. , Warshaw Barry L. , Patel Hiren P. , Chand Deepa H. , Barletta Gina‐Marie , Van Why Scott K. , VanDeVoorde Rene G. , Weaver Donald J. , Wilson Amy , Verghese Priya S. , Vinks Alexander A. , Greenbaum Larry A. , Goebel Jens , Hooper David K. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMMF is commonly prescribed following kidney transplantation, yet its use is complicated by leukopenia. Understanding the genetics mediating this risk will help clinicians administer MMF safely. We evaluated 284 patients under 21 years of age for incidence and time course of MMF‐related leukopenia and performed a candidate gene association study comparing the frequency of 26 SNPs between cases with MMF‐related leukopenia and controls. We matched cases by induction, steroid duration, race, center, and age. We also evaluated the impact of induction and SNPs on time to leukopenia in all cases. Sixty‐eight (24%) patients had MMF‐related leukopenia, of which 59 consented for genotyping and 38 were matched with controls. Among matched pairs, no SNPs were associated with leukopenia. With non‐depleting induction, UGT2B7‐900A>G (rs7438135) was associated with increased risk of MMF‐related leukopenia (P = .038). Time to leukopenia did not differ between patients by induction agent, but 2 SNPs (rs2228075, rs2278294) in IMPDH1 were associated with increased time to leukopenia. MMF‐related leukopenia is common after transplantation. UGT2B7 may influence leukopenia risk especially in patients without lymphocyte‐depleting induction. IMPDH1 may influence time course of leukopenia after transplant.
Effects of embryonic responses to clutch mates on egg hatching patterns ofPentatomidae (Heteroptera)
Authors: Endo Jun , Numata Hideharu 
Published: September 2017

AbstractStink bugs and shield bugs of the familyPentatomidae (Heteroptera) generally produce a clutch of densely deposited eggs. In a few species of this family, embryos hatch in response to some form of cues associated with the preceding hatching to synchronize egg hatching with clutch mates. The aim of the present study is to obtain a family‐wide understanding of the extent to which the hatching response to clutch mates accelerates hatching within egg clutches. Accordingly, the hatching patterns in intact egg clutches and eggs individually detached from egg clutches are compared in eight species among different genera. InHalyomorpha halys, hatching is significantly and highly synchronized by the effect of the hatching response: when eggs are not attached to each other, the hatching rate is only 3.8% at 15 min and exceeds 95% at 200 min. By contrast, when eggs are attached to each other, the hatching rate reaches more than 95% at 15 min. Hatching is also significantly synchronized by the hatching response inNezara viridula(which shows relatively high hatching synchronization) and inPiezodorus hybneriandPlautia stali(both of which show milder hatching synchronization). Synchronization of hatching is not found to be promoted by a hatching response inAelia fieberi,Dolycoris baccarum,Eurydema rugosumorPalomena angulosa. These findings reveal that the hatching response varies depending on the species inPentatomidae, with a wide spectrum of effects on the hatching patterns of the egg clutches.