bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New sonographic morphology score for the differentiation of malignant from benign ovarian tumors
Authors: Shen Zhi Yong , He Ai Qin , Xia Gan Lin , Wu Ming Feng , Li Jun , Ding Yong Sheng 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of a new sonographic morphology score (SMS) to differentiate malignant from benign ovarian tumors.MethodsData on 84 ovarian tumors in patients hospitalized in our hospital between 2013 and 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. We established a new sonographic morphology score for ovarian tumors based on volume and structure scores. The efficacy of the new SMS was compared with that of Ueland's index (the old SMS). Receiver–operator curves (ROC) of the two SMS were constructed, and the areas under the curve were calculated and compared. The ROC of the new SMS was also compared with those for the patients' CA‐125 and CA‐72‐4 levels.ResultsThe area under the ROC of the new SMS for ovarian tumors was 0.836, while for the old SMS for ovarian tumors it was 0.709. By Z‐test (Z = 2.452, P = 0.0384), there was a significant difference between the new SMS and the old SMS in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors. There was no significant difference in the area under the ROC between the new SMS and CA‐125 and CA‐72‐4 in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors. With a cut‐off value of 6, the sensitivity, specificity, positive prognostic value, and negative prognostic value of the new SMS were 0.797, 0.85, 0.944, and 0.567, respectively.ConclusionThe new SMS may be used to differentiate malignant ovarian carcinomas from benign tumors except in the case of ovarian thecoma.
Exogenous cesarean scar pregnancies managed by suction curettage alone or in combination with other therapeutic procedures: A series of 33 cases and analysis of complication profile
Authors: Özdamar Özkan , Doğer Emek , Arlıer Sefa , Çakıroğlu Yiğit , Ergin Rahime Nida , Köpük Şule Yıldırım , Çalışkan Eray 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to review our exogenous cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) cases that were managed through transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS)‐guided suction curettage either alone or with a concomitant additional therapeutic modality. The study was carried out over a 6‐year period and we compared clinical outcomes, success rates and complication profiles between the two therapeutic approaches.MethodsA total of 33 exogenous CSP patients who were managed by suction curettage were extracted from the medical records. The patients were analyzed according to the intervention applied in the two groups as: TAUS‐guided suction curettage alone (Group 1); and additional therapeutic tools, such as systemic or intracavitary administration of methotrexate and intracavitary ethanol instillation, in combination with suction curettage (Group 2). Basic demographic and clinical characteristics of women experiencing hemorrhagic complications and those who did not after the treatment were also compared.ResultsThere were no cases of uterine perforation, hysterectomy or unresponsiveness to treatment in our analyzed CSP cases. Four patients, two in each group, required blood transfusion. Our success rate in the overall patient population was 87.8% (29/33). Fourteen out of 16 patients who were treated with TAUS‐guided suction curettage alone, and 15 out of 17 patients who received other interventional treatment modalities preceding suction curettage revealed successful resolution of the CSP without any complication (P= 0.948). Clinical and demographic characteristics of women who experienced any hemorrhagic complication did not significantly differ from those who did not.ConclusionIn appropriate CSP cases, TAUS‐guided suction curettage appears to be a reliable treatment option with acceptable success rates and similar complication profile to other therapeutic options.
Somatic Hybrids Between Potato and S. berthaultii Show Partial Resistance to Soil‐Borne Fungi and Potato Virus Y
Authors: Nouri‐Ellouz Oumèma , Triki Mohamed Ali , Jbir‐Koubaa Rania , Louhichi Assawer , Charfeddine Safa , Drira Noureddine , Gargouri‐Bouzid Radhia 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThree tetraploid somatic hybrid lines produced by protoplast fusion between a dihaploid potato, Solanum tuberosum, cultivar BF15 and the wild potato species Solanum berthaultii were evaluated here for their response to different soil‐borne pathogens, that is Fusarium solani, Pythium aphanidermatum and Rhizoctonia solani as well as to infection by potato virus Y (PVY). Both hybrid and BF15 plants grown in vitro were inoculated with the tested pathogen strains, that is R. solani, P. aphanidermatum, or F. solani. The growth level and disease severity index of these plants were compared to the susceptible commercial cultivar Spunta. A better growth of inoculated hybrid plants and restricted disease symptoms were observed in comparison with the commercial plants. Under glasshouse conditions and after inoculation with R. solani and P. aphanidermatum, improved resistance of the hybrid plants to these pathogens was confirmed. Indeed, these plants showed no significant damage following inoculation and a better development in R. solani‐infected plants. The susceptibility of the hybrid tubers to R. solani, P. aphanidermatum, and to F. solani infection was also determined. A significant reduction of tissue colonisation was observed in all the hybrid lines compared to the cultivated cultivars. The STBc and STBd hybrids also showed improved resistance to the PVY ordinary strain (PVYo) under glasshouse conditions.
Food Sensory Properties and the Older Adult
Authors: Field Katherine , Duizer Lisa M. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractOlder adults represent a large and growing portion of the global population. Given the high risk of malnutrition in this population, it is important to understand factors influencing food intake; sensory perception is one of these factors. Aging is associated with a number of physiological changes that alter the way food sensory properties are perceived. Because of these changes, it is often assumed that older adults experience a decrease in food liking. Although there is little evidence to support this assumption, many studies have evaluated flavor enhancement strategies aiming to increase food liking in older adults. As older adults exhibit a high degree of heterogeneity in their liking response, more tailored approaches may be required to increase food liking in older adult populations. Current attempts to classify subgroups of older adults have had little success. Furthermore, consideration should be given to food texture in future studies, as it plays a dominant and increasingly vital role in food perception by older adults.Practical ApplicationsSensory perception plays an important role in food choice and intake, thus it is important to understand how foods are perceived by older adults. This is essential to the health and well‐being of older adults, as the reduction in food intake often observed with ageing is a key contributor to malnutrition in this population. The success of studies aiming to improve food liking in older adults have had very limited success to date, with some strategies actually leadings to a reduction in food consumption. To improve the success of future strategies, food perception by older adults, and the increasingly vital role of food texture must be understood.
Polyploid unisexual salamanders have higher tissue regeneration rates than diploid sexual relatives
Authors: Saccucci M. J. , Denton R. D. , Holding M. L. , Gibbs H. L. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractDifferences in genome composition are known to influence cell division and tissue growth, yet few studies have compared tissue growth between closely related taxa that vary in ploidy and genome composition. Whether cellular mechanisms scale to a functional trait such as tissue regeneration is important for understanding the ecological interactions between polyploids and closely related diploid taxa. We studied regeneration in unisexual Ambystoma salamanders, an ancient unisexual (all‐female) lineage in which most individuals are triploids consisting of combinations of two or more distinct genomes from their sexual relatives. We discuss the aspects of haploid genome size and polyploidy that may contribute to variation in tissue regeneration and hypothesize that higher ploidy or variations in genome composition in unisexual Ambystoma would result in increased tissue regeneration compared to diploid sexual relatives, as polyploidy is generally associated with faster limb regeneration. We tested this hypothesis by comparing tail regeneration rates over 4 months between polyploid unisexual salamanders and sympatric diploid sexual salamanders under standardized laboratory conditions. Consistent with our prediction, unisexual Ambystoma regenerated tail tissue at approximately twice the rate of the sexual species. This result provides a physiological difference between unisexual and sexual salamanders that could influence their coexistence.
Prediction of HCV vertical transmission: what factors should be optimized using data mining computational analysis
Authors: Elrazek Abd , Amer Mohamed , El‐Hawary Bahaa , Salah Altaher , Bhagavathula Akshaya S. , Alboraie M. , Saab Samy 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackground & AimsNeonates born to hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐positive mothers are usually not screened for HCV. Unscreened children may act as active sources for social HCV transmission, and factors contributing for vertical HCV transmitting still remained controversial and needed optimization. We aimed to investigate the factors contributing for vertical HCV transmission in Egypt; the highest HCV prevalence worldwide.MethodsWe prospectively followed the neonates born to HCV‐positive mother in the child‐bearing period, to identify mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT) factors from January 2015 to March 2016. Data mining computational analysis was used to quantify the findings.ResultsAmong 3000 randomized pregnant women, prevalence of HCV was 46/3000 (1.53%). HCV vertical transmission was identified in eight neonates (17.39%). Only high viral load identified at 975.000 IU was the predictor risk for MTCT.ConclusionsHepatitis C virus in pregnancy has substantial risk for vertical HCV transmission: High viral load in HCV‐positive women increases the risk of HCV transmission to neonates. Screening pregnant women during early stage of pregnancy and optimizing the HCV viral load in HCV‐positive women might prevent vertical HCV transmission to neonates.
The detection of oesophageal varices using a novel, disposable, probe‐based transnasal endoscope: a prospective diagnostic pilot study
Authors: Sami Sarmed S. , Ragunath Krish , Wilkes Emilie A. , James Martin , Mansilla‐Vivar Rodrigo , Ortiz‐Fernández‐Sordo Jacobo , White Jonathan , Khanna Amardeep , Coletta Marina , Samuel Sunil , Aithal Guruprasad P. , Guha Indra Neil 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackground & AimsScreening for oesophageal varices (OV) using conventional oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (C‐OGD) is invasive and requires costly monitoring, recovery, and decontamination facilities. We aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility, acceptability and accuracy of a novel, portable and disposable office‐based transnasal endoscope (EG Scan™) compared to C‐OGD as the reference standard.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study. Consecutive adult patients with cirrhosis were invited to participate. All subjects underwent the two procedures on the same day performed by two endoscopists in a blinded design. Patients completed preference and validated tolerability (10‐point visual analogue scale (VAS)) questionnaires on day 0 and day 14 post procedures.ResultsForty‐five of 50 patients (90%) completed both interventions. Mean age was 59 years and OV prevalence was 49%.Patients reported higher preference (percentage) and better experience (mean VAS) with EG Scan compared to C‐OGD on day 0 (76.5% vs. 23.5%, P < 0.001; 7.8 vs. 6.8, P = 0.058, respectively) and day 14 (77.8% vs. 22.2%, P < 0.001; 7.0 vs. 5.5, P = 0.0013 respectively). Sensitivity and specificity of the EG Scan for the diagnosis of any size OV were 0.82 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60–0.95), and 0.78 (95% CI 0.56–0.93) respectively. Corresponding values for the diagnosis of clinically significant (medium/large) OV were 0.92 (95% CI 0.62–1.0), 0.97 (95% CI 0.84–1.0) respectively. No serious adverse events occurred.ConclusionsEG Scan accuracy was higher for the diagnosis of medium/large OV compared to any size OV. Patients' preference and overall experience of the EG Scan was favourable compared to C‐OGD 14 days after procedures.
Transcriptomic plasticity in brown adipose tissue contributes to an enhanced capacity for nonshivering thermogenesis in deer mice
Authors: Velotta Jonathan P. , Jones Jennifer , Wolf Cole J. , Cheviron Zachary A. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractFor small mammals living at high altitude, aerobic heat generation (thermogenesis) is essential for survival during prolonged periods of cold, but is severely impaired under conditions of hypobaric hypoxia. Recent studies in deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) reveal adaptive enhancement of thermogenesis in high‐ compared to low‐altitude populations under hypoxic cold stress, an enhancement that is attributable to modifications in the aerobic metabolism of muscles used in shivering. However, because small mammals rely heavily on nonshivering mechanisms for cold acclimatization, we tested for evidence of adaptive divergence in nonshivering thermogenesis (NST) under hypoxia. To do so, we measured NST and characterized transcriptional profiles of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in high‐ and low‐altitude deer mice that were (i) wild‐caught and acclimatized to their native altitude, and (ii) born and reared under common garden conditions at low elevation. We found that NST performance under hypoxia is enhanced in wild‐caught, high‐altitude deer mice, a difference that is associated with increased expression of coregulated genes that influence several physiological traits. These traits include vascularization and O2 supply to BAT, brown adipocyte proliferation and the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation from ATP synthesis in the generation of heat. Our results suggest that acclimatization to hypoxic cold stress is facilitated by enhancement of nonshivering heat production, which is driven by regulatory plasticity in a suite of genes that influence intersecting physiological pathways.
Base J represses genes at the end of polycistronic gene clusters in Leishmania major by promoting RNAP II termination
Authors: Reynolds David L. , Hofmeister Brigitte T. , Cliffe Laura , Siegel T. Nicolai , Anderson Britta A. , Beverley Stephen M. , Schmitz Robert J. , Sabatini Robert 
Published: April 2016

SummaryThe genomes of kinetoplastids are organized into polycistronic gene clusters that are flanked by the modified DNA base J. Previous work has established a role of base J in promoting RNA polymerase II termination in Leishmania spp. where the loss of J leads to termination defects and transcription into adjacent gene clusters. It remains unclear whether these termination defects affect gene expression and whether read through transcription is detrimental to cell growth, thus explaining the essential nature of J. We now demonstrate that reduction of base J at specific sites within polycistronic gene clusters in L. major leads to read through transcription and increased expression of downstream genes in the cluster. Interestingly, subsequent transcription into the opposing polycistronic gene cluster does not lead to downregulation of sense mRNAs. These findings indicate a conserved role for J regulating transcription termination and expression of genes within polycistronic gene clusters in trypanosomatids. In contrast to the expectations often attributed to opposing transcription, the essential nature of J in Leishmania spp. is related to its role in gene repression rather than preventing transcriptional interference resulting from read through and dual strand transcription.
Arabidopsis thalianaG2‐LIKE FLAVONOID REGULATOR and BRASSINOSTEROID ENHANCED EXPRESSION1 are low‐temperature regulators of flavonoid accumulation
Authors: Petridis Antonios , Döll Stefanie , Nichelmann Lars , Bilger Wolfgang , Mock Hans‐Peter 
Published: April 2016

SummaryFlavonoid synthesis is predominantly regulated at the transcriptional level through the MYB−basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH)−WD40 (MBW) (MYB: transcription factor of the myeloblastosis protein family, WD40: tanscription factor with a short structural motif of 40 amino acids which terminates in an aspartic acid–tryptophan dipeptide) complex, and responds to both environmental and developmental stimuli. Although the developmental regulation of flavonoid accumulation inArabidopsis thalianahas been examined in great detail, the response of the flavonoid synthesis pathway to abiotic stress (particularly low temperature) remains unclear.A screen of a Dissociation element (Ds) transposon‐induced mutation collection identified two lines which exhibited an altered profile of phenylpropanoid accumulation following exposure to low‐temperature stress. One of the mutated genes (BRASSINOSTEROID ENHANCED EXPRESSION1(BEE1)) encoded a brassinosteroid enhanced expression transcription factor, while the other (G2‐LIKE FLAVONOID REGULATOR(GFR)) encoded a G2‐like flavonoid regulator. Phenylpropanoid‐targeted analysis was performed using high‐performance LC‐MS, and gene expression analysis using quantitative reverse transcription−PCR.In both mutants, the accumulation of quercetins and scopolin was reduced under low‐temperature growing conditions, whereas that of anthocyanin was increased.BEE1andGFRwere both shown to negatively regulate anthocyanin accumulation by inhibiting anthocyanin synthesis genes via the suppression of the bHLH (TRANSPARENT TESTA8(TT8) andGLABROUS3(GL3)) and/or the MYB (PRODUCTION OF ANTHOCYANIN PIGMENTS2(PAP2)) components of the MBW complex.Our results provide new insight into the regulatory control of phenylpropanoid metabolism at low temperatures, and reveal thatBEE1andGFRact as important components of the signal transduction chain.
Quasi‐Experimental Evidence on the Effects of Health Information on Preventive Behaviour in Europe
Authors: Carrieri Vincenzo , Wuebker Ansgar 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe investigate the effect of information on preventive decisions in a quasi‐experimental setting arising from the implementation of local breast cancer screening programmes in Europe. To identify the causal effect of invitation on preventive uptake, we link administrative public data on regional screening policies to individual data from the Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) and exploit regional variation in the availability of screening policies and in age eligibility criteria. We find home invitation increases mammography uptakes by around 24%. Significant effects are found when at least 50% of the population is reached by the invitation letter. The stock of health information and the ability to process the information received seem to play a significant role, as the effects of invitation are higher among low educated and lower among cognitively impaired women.
Is there a relationship between obesity and tooth loss and edentulism? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Nascimento G. G. , Leite F. R. M. , Conceição D. A. , Ferrúa C. P. , Singh A. , Demarco F. F. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryThis study conducted a systematic review to assess the bi‐directional association between tooth loss/edentulism and obesity. Electronic searches were performed in four different databases. Observational studies that tested associations between tooth loss/edentulism and obesity as either exposures or outcomes were included. Additionally, meta‐analyses, funnel plots and sensitivity analyses were conducted to synthesize the evidence. A total of 549 articles were identified in the electronic database search. Out of which, 16 studies were included within the meta‐analyses: 75% considered tooth loss/edentulism as exposure and obesity as outcome, whereas 25% alternatively considered obesity as exposure and tooth loss/edentulism as outcome. Pooled estimates showed that obese individuals had 1.49 (95%CI 1.20–1.86) and 1.25 (95%CI 1.10–1.42) times higher odds of having any tooth loss and edentulism, respectively. Alternatively, when tooth loss or edentulism were considered as exposures, individuals with any tooth loss had 1.41 (95%CI 1.11–1.79) times higher odds for obesity, while edentates had even higher odds (OR 1.60; 95%CI 1.29–2.00). The results indicate a bi‐directional association between tooth loss and obesity. Considering that all selected studies were of cross‐sectional study design limiting inferences on temporality, longitudinal prospective studies are required to test the causal relationship between tooth loss/edentulism and obesity or vice a versa. © 2016 World Obesity
The incretin system ABCs in obesity and diabetes – novel therapeutic strategies for weight loss and beyond
Authors: João A. L. , Reis F. , Fernandes R. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryIncretins are gastrointestinal‐derived hormones released in response to a meal playing a key role in the regulation of postprandial secretion of insulin (incretin effect) and glucagon by the pancreas. Both incretins, glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), have several other actions by peripheral and central mechanisms. GLP‐1 regulates body weight by inhibiting appetite and delaying gastric, emptying actions that are dependent on central nervous system GLP‐1 receptor activation. Several other hormones and gut peptides, including leptin and ghrelin, interact with GLP‐1 to modulate appetite. GLP‐1 is rapidly degraded by the multifunctional enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4). DPP‐4 is involved in adipose tissue inflammation, which is associated with insulin resistance and diabetes progression, being a common pathophysiological mechanism in obesity‐related complications. Furthermore, the incretin system appears to provide the basis for understanding the high weight loss efficacy of bariatric surgery, a widely used treatment for obesity, often in association with diabetes. The present review brings together new insights into obesity pathogenesis, integrating GLP‐1 and DPP‐4 in the complex interplay between obesity and inflammation, namely, in diabetic patients. This in turn will provide the basis for novel incretin‐based therapeutic strategies for obesity and diabetes with promising benefits in addition to weight loss. © 2016 World Obesity
Resistance to anthracnose and turcicum leaf blight in sorghum under dual infection
Authors: Beshir Mayada M. , Okori Patrick , Ahmed Nafisa E. , Rubaihayo Patrick , Ali Abdelbagi Mukhtar , Karim Serunkuuma 
Published: April 2016

AbstractA half diallel mating design was used to study the inheritance of anthracnose and turcicum leaf blight (TLB) in six sorghum cultivars. Applying pathogens inoculum separately and applying both pathogens simultaneously differently affected the reaction of each genotype. GA06/18 was resistant to both pathogens. GA06/106 x Epuripuri and MUC007/009 x Epuripuri showed high heterosis for resistance to both diseases indicating that they were good materials for sorghum breeding. Additive and non‐additive (dominance) variance components were almost equally reflected by equal contribution of both variances towards the anthracnose resistance suggesting that both additive and dominance gene effects were involved in anthracnose resistance. Contribution of additive gene effects towards TLB resistance was greater than non‐additive gene effects suggesting that additive gene effects were more important in controlling TLB resistance. This study highlighted that deployment of resistant varieties is the most cost effective way to manage both diseases especially when integrated with appropriate agronomy practices.