bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Use of Aerated Steam as a Heat Treatment for Managing Angular Leaf Spot in Strawberry Nursery Production and Its Effect on Plant Yield
Authors: Turechek William W. , Myhrene Ole , Slovin Janet , Peres Natalia A. 
Published: December 2020

Xanthomonas fragariae, the bacterium causing angular leaf spot (ALS) of strawberry, is found routinely on strawberry nursery stock. Although ALS can be a serious disease in production fields, it can be particularly problematic in the sale and trade of commercial nursery stock because of international trade regulations. Heat treatment has been shown to be an effective treatment for managing ALS on nursery stock in small-scale experimental trials. The objective of this research was to design, build, and trial precision thermotherapy units for managing ALS for both research and commercial applications and to test a new thermotherapeutic protocol on strawberry nursery stock that combines a conditioning thermal treatment with an eradicative thermal treatment. Small-plot trials were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of precision thermotherapy on control of ALS using known sources of infected nursery stock. Additionally, trials were conducted in cooperation with commercial nurseries to determine the impact of thermotherapy on plant health and yield and on the natural development of ALS. In the small-plot trials, ALS incidence was significantly lower in plots treated with precision thermotherapy. In the commercial trials, precision thermotherapy had a variable, but negligible, effect on plant growth and yield. ALS, when it occurred, was always lower in thermotherapy-treated plots. Heat is a near-universal biocide. Thus, in addition to managing ALS, the commercial application of precision thermal therapy to strawberry nursery stock may be effective for managing a wide range of pest and disease threats to strawberry while simultaneously reducing pesticide usage. [Formula: see text] The author(s) have dedicated the work to the public domain under the Creative Commons CC0 “No Rights Reserved” license by waiving all of his or her rights to the work worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law. 2021
The Cyclical and Evolving Nature of Methamphetamine Use: An Evaluation of Near Real-time Urine Drug Test Results
Authors: LaRue Leah , Guevara Maria G. , Whitley Penn , Dawson Eric , Twillman Robert K. , Huskey Angela 
Published: December 2020

Objective:
To determine methamphetamine positivity and copositivity with other drugs in urine drug test (UDT) results geographically through time.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study of UDT results from January 1, 2014, through December 31, 2019, included patient specimens submitted by health care professionals across the United States. The analysis used LC-MS/MS to detect cocaine, heroin, alcohol, marijuana and nonprescribed methamphetamine, fentanyl, methadone, buprenorphine, benzodiazepines, and other opioids. Logistic regression was used to evaluate association of demographic features and model yearly methamphetamine detection patterns across US census divisions. Odds ratios (OR) from logistic modeling were used to evaluate the impact of methamphetamine positivity on the spatio-temporal detection patterns of additional nonprescribed or illicit drugs.

Results:
The probability of being positive for methamphetamine increased nationally from 0.010 [0.010–0.011] in 2014 to 0.044 [0.042–0.046] in 2019, a 340% increase after correction for demographic covariates. The highest predicted positivity rate was in male patients, 25- to 34-years-old, from the West North Central division and from substance use disorder treatment centers. Nationally, copositivity ORs for fentanyl, heroin, and other opioids with methamphetamine were highest in 2019. Increases in ORs from 2014 through 2019 were statistically significant for heroin (P = 0.024) and fentanyl (P = 0.0085). Copositivity ORs for methamphetamine and other substances varied by census division.

Conclusions:
The probability of being positive for methamphetamine in UDT increased nationwide between 2014 and 2019. Not all census divisions are increasing at the same rate. Copositivity with additional substances is increasing in some census divisions, which further increases the risk of overdose and poor treatment outcomes.
A 5-year Longitudinal Study of Low Back Pain in Survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Yabe Yutaka , Hagiwara Yoshihiro , Sekiguchi Takuya , Sugawara Yumi , Tsuchiya Masahiro , Yoshida Shinichirou , Sogi Yasuhito , Onoki Takahiro , Suzuki Kazuaki , Takahashi Tadahisa , Iwatsu Jun , Tsuji Ichiro , Itoi Eiji 
Published: December 2020

Study Design.
A longitudinal panel study.

Objective.
The aim of this study was to examine the occurrence of low back pain (LBP), especially the association of previous LBP with further episodes of LBP, in survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) during the course of 5 years.

Summary of Background Data.
LBP is common among survivors of natural disasters, but its long-term course is not clear.

Methods.
A 5-year longitudinal study was conducted among survivors of the GEJE (n = 1821). The presence of LBP was assessed using a self-reported questionnaire at 2, 4, and 7 years after the disaster (termed the first, second, and third time points, respectively). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to assess a potential association between LBP at the first and second time points with LBP at the third time point, and the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

Results.
The prevalence of LBP was 25.3%, 27.3%, and 27.2% at the first, second, and third time points, respectively. The occurrence of LBP at the first time point was significantly associated with LBP at the third time point, and the adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 5.47 (4.28–6.98). Furthermore, LBP at the first and second time points was significantly associated with LBP at the third time point. Compared to no LBP at the first and second time points, the adjusted OR (95% CIs) for LBP at the third time point was 4.12 (3.14–5.41) in the case of LBP at either of the first or second time points and 10.73 (7.80–14.76) for LBP at both time points (P for trend < 0.001).

Conclusion.
Previous LBP was associated with LBP 5 years later among survivors of the GEJE. Furthermore, the effect on subsequent LBP was stronger with a higher frequency of previous LBP episodes.

Level of Evidence: 3
GSDME maintains hematopoietic stem cells by balancing pyroptosis and apoptosis
Authors: Yang Xiuxiu , Cong Tingting , He Hanqing , Wang Jianwei 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
GSDME contains a pore-forming domain at its N-terminal region to execute pyroptosis. Our previous study has reported that forced expression of Gsdme impairs the reconstitution capacity of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). While, how GSDME-mediated pyroptosis regulates HSCs remains unknown. Here, we show that hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells are capable to undergo pyroptosis in response to cisplatin treatment and GSDME is one of the genes mediating such process. Gsdme

−/−
mice revealed no difference in the steady state of blood system while Gsdme

−/−
HSCs exhibited compromised reconstitution capacity due to increased apoptosis. Briefly, this study reveals that GSDME modulates HSC function by coordinating pyroptosis and apoptosis.
Vulvar Elastosis: A Novel Diagnostic Entity
Authors: See Sharlene Helene C. , Tan Timothy L. , Kurtzer Traci A. , Gerami Pedram , Guitart Joan , Yazdan Pedram 
Published: December 2020

Abstract:
In vulvar biopsies, we have observed histopathologic abnormalities of elastic fibers identical to solar elastosis, with thick, curled, and irregular pale grey fibers in the dermis. In severe cases, changes resemble nodular solar elastosis. We retrospectively evaluated 238 vulvar biopsies with the goal of defining and characterizing changes of vulvar elastosis. Of 238 vulvar biopsies reviewed, 107 (45%) exhibited vulvar elastosis. Patients with vulvar elastosis were older (mean = 65 years old) compared to those without (mean = 44 years old). Sixty-six (62%) were graded as mild, 27 (25%) moderate, and 14 (13%) severe. Vulvar elastosis was significantly more common in women ≥45 years old (P-value < 0.001). There was moderate correlation between age and severity (correlation coefficient = 0.55, P-value < 0.001). Vulvar elastosis was observed in a variety of inflammatory and non-inflammatory pathologies. In 5 cases, the sole pathology was vulvar elastosis presenting clinically as either a pruritic or painful white to white-yellow papule or plaque, or vulvar pain or burning without a clinical lesion. Vulvar elastosis is a novel diagnostic entity occurring in a sun-protected site and its pathogenesis may be a degenerative phenomenon possibly related to advancing age and/or hormonal changes.
Heat Shock Protein 70 Is Associated With Cardioversion Outcome and Recurrence of Symptomatic Recent Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Rigopoulos Angelos G. , Kalogeropoulos Andreas S. , Tsoporis James N. , Sakadakis Eleftherios A. , Triantafyllis Andreas S. , Noutsias Michel , Gupta Sahil , Parker Thomas G. , Rizos Ioannis 
Published: December 2020

Abstract:
Accumulating evidence indicates that heat shock proteins (HSPs) may represent a suitable biomarker to predict atrial fibrillation (AF). We investigated the relation of circulating serum HSP70 (sHSP70) with inflammatory cytokines and recurrence of symptomatic recent onset AF (ROAF). We enrolled 90 patients with ROAF (the duration from onset of symptoms ≤24 hours) and 30 controls. Patients received amiodarone for cardioversion and rhythm control. The association of serum HSP70, serum interleukin-2 (sIL-2), and serum interleukin-4 (sIL-4) with the presence of cardioversion and AF recurrence within a year was investigated. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling dependence for IL-2 and IL-4 induction in response to stimulation with HSP70 was tested in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cell cultures. Patients had higher sHSP70 and sIL-2 and lower sIL-4 compared with controls. Serum HSP70 was independently associated with ROAF (P = 0.005) and correlated with sIL-2 (r = 0.494, P < 0.001) and sIL-4 (r = −0.550, P < 0.001). By 48 hours, 71 of the 90 patients were cardioverted, with noncardioverted patients having higher sHSP70 and sIL-2 and lower sIL-4, which were the only independent factors associated with cardioversion. AF recurred in 38 of the 71 cardioverted patients in 1 year. A cutoff value of sHSP70 ≥0.65 ng/mL and sIL-2 ≥0.21 pg/mL was the only independent factor associated with AF recurrence (hazard ratio: 3.311, 95% confidence interval: 1.503–7.293, P = 0.003 and hazard ratio: 3.144, 95% confidence interval: 1.341–7.374, P = 0.008, respectively). The exposure of smooth muscle cell to HSP70 in vitro increased the expression of IL-2 (5×) and IL-4 (1.5×) through TLR4-dependent and receptor-independent mechanisms. In conclusion, sHSP70 and sIL-2 might constitute a prognostic tool for determining the cardioversion and recurrence likelihood in ROAF.
Circular RNA Circ-BANP Regulates Oxidized Low-density Lipoprotein-induced Endothelial Cell Injury Through Targeting the miR-370/Thioredoxin-interacting Protein Axis
Authors: Chen Guang , Li Yongjun , Zhang Ailing , Gao Lijun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract:
Dysfunction of endothelial cells is now recognized as an important contributor to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been demonstrated to be involved in AS pathogenesis. The purpose of this study was to explore the biological action of circRNA BTG3–associated nuclear protein (circ-BANP, hsa_circ_0040824) on the dysfunction of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). The levels of circ-BANP, miR-370, and thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) were gauged by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or Western blot. The subcellular fractionation assay was used to determine the localization of circ-BANP, and the ribonuclease R assay was performed to evaluate the stability of circ-BANP. Cell viability, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and tube formation abilities were assessed by the Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry, transwell, and tube formation assays. The levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Targeted relationships among circ-BANP, miR-370, and TXNIP were confirmed by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Our data showed that circ-BANP expression was upregulated in AS blood and ox-LDL-induced HUVECs. The inhibition of circ-BANP promoted cell viability, migration, invasion, tube formation, and repressed cell inflammation and apoptosis in ox-LDL-induced HUVECs, demonstrating that circ-BANP silencing alleviated ox-LDL-induced HUVEC injury. Mechanistically, circ-BANP directly targeted miR-370. Moreover, miR-370 mediated the regulation of circ-BANP in ox-LDL-induced cell injury in HUVECs. TXNIP was a target of miR-370, and miR-370 overexpression relieved ox-LDL-induced HUVEC injury by downregulating TXNIP. Furthermore, circ-BANP modulated TXNIP expression by targeting miR-370. Our findings demonstrated that circ-BANP regulated ox-LDL-induced cell injury in HUVECs at least in part through targeting the miR-370/TXNIP axis, illuminating circ-BANP as a potential target for AS detection and treatment.
Evaluation of Sacubitril/Valsartan Initiation in Outpatient Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Rerick Lindsey , Elston Colleen , Kester Jordan , Montepara Courtney , Gengler Brooke 
Published: December 2020

Abstract:
Despite sacubitril/valsartan being on the market since 2015, clinicians are still determining the best way to initiate therapy to optimize outcomes and minimize potential for side effects. The purpose of this study is to investigate real-world outpatient experience of prescribing sacubitril/valsartan therapy based on appropriate patient selection, dosing conversion, and tolerability. This retrospective cohort study evaluated patients' prescribed sacubitril/valsartan therapy in cardiology clinics associated with an academic institution between February 1, 2016, and August 30, 2018. Patients were excluded if they were less than 18 years of age, enrolled in a clinical trial involving sacubitril/valsartan, or had insufficient data. The primary outcome was to determine how many heart failure patients initiated on sacubitril/valsartan were performed so appropriately based on guideline and package insert recommendations. Select secondary outcomes included rates of adverse events and need for adjustment of concomitant heart failure medications. A total of 250 patients were included in this study. For the primary outcome, 125 patients (50%) were appropriately initiated on sacubitril/valsartan. Those who were inappropriately initiated on the medication experienced more symptoms of hypotension (16% in the appropriate start group vs. 28% in the inappropriate start group; P = 0.022) and required more dose decreases of sacubitril/valsartan (6% in the appropriate start group vs. 13% in the inappropriate start group; P = 0.049). In outpatient clinical practice, almost half of patients initiated on sacubitril/valsartan were performed so outside of guideline recommendations, which was associated with an increased risk of hypotension and dose reductions.
A Perspective on Personalized Therapies in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Goldspink Paul H. , Warren Chad M. , Kitajewski Jan , Wolska Beata M. , Solaro R. John 
Published: December 2020

Abstract:
A dominant mechanism of sudden cardiac death in the young is the progression of maladaptive responses to genes encoding proteins linked to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Most are mutant sarcomere proteins that trigger the progression by imposing a biophysical defect on the dynamics and levels of myofilament tension generation. We discuss approaches for personalized treatments that are indicated by recent advanced understanding of the progression.
Levamisole—a Toxic Adulterant in Illicit Drug Preparations: a Review
Authors: Midthun Kari M. , Nelson Lewis S. , Logan Barry K. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract:
Discovered in the 1960s, the common anthelminthic levamisole has seen widespread use in veterinary applications. Its use rapidly expanded thereafter to include human medical treatments for a variety of acute and chronic disorders. Because of reports of severe adverse effects, the US Food and Drug Administration withdrew levamisole's approval for human use in 2000; however, medical options outside the United States and illicit options worldwide allow continued accessibility to levamisole. The compound is rapidly metabolized in the body, with at least 2 known active metabolites. Levamisole has a broad range of immunomodulatory effects, including both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on immune responses. It is generally well tolerated at therapeutic concentrations, although a variety of autoimmune-related adverse effects have been reported, including agranulocytosis, leukopenia, purpura, and visible necrotized skin tissue. Individuals with levamisole-compromised immune systems are more susceptible to infections, including COVID-19. Since the early 2000's, levamisole has been frequently used as an adulterating agent in illicit street drugs, especially cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin. Although its prevalence has varied over time and geographically, levamisole has been detected in up to 79% of the street supply of cocaine at levels up to 74% by weight. Its presence in illicit drug markets also raises concern over the potential for exposure of children and neonates, although this is supported by only limited anecdotal evidence. Levamisole is not currently included in routine drug testing panels, although a variety of confirmatory testing techniques exist across a range of antemortem and postmortem specimen options. Because of its varying presence in illicit drug markets, both the medical and forensic communities need to be aware of levamisole and its potential impact on toxicological investigations.
Intravenous Infusion of Fentanyl Has No Effect on Blood Concentration of Tacrolimus in Patients Receiving Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation
Authors: Ishiwata Yasuyoshi , Nagata Masashi , Kiuchi Shota , Ippongi Chika , Takeda Hirofumi , Takahashi Hiromitsu 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Both tacrolimus (TAC) and fentanyl are frequently used in patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. A recently published report demonstrated that fentanyl can reduce the total body clearance of TAC; however, most patients in this study were administered concomitantly with azole antifungal agents, which are known to be strong inhibitors of CYP3A. Hence, the exact effect of fentanyl on TAC pharmacokinetics was unclear. In the current study, the authors retrospectively investigated the pharmacokinetic interaction between TAC and fentanyl in patients who were not concomitantly administered drugs that affect TAC metabolism.

Methods:
Patients with continuous infusion of TAC and fentanyl after hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation at the Tokyo Medical and Dental University between January 2014 and December 2018 were enrolled. The total body clearance of TAC was compared before and after the initiation or discontinuation of fentanyl.

Results:
Thirty patients (24 men and 6 women; median age, 11 years) were screened for their eligibility. Twenty-eight patients were enrolled for evaluating the effects of the fentanyl initiation on TAC pharmacokinetics; 2 patients were excluded because of the absence of data related to the TAC blood concentrations or the concomitant use of azole antifungals. Twenty patients were enrolled for investigating the effects of fentanyl discontinuation on TAC pharmacokinetics, whereas 10 patients were excluded because of the absence of data related to the blood concentration of TAC or the additional administration of azole antifungals. Furthermore, the total body clearance of TAC was not significantly affected by the initiation or discontinuation of fentanyl, although there were large interindividual variations. In addition, the results remained the same even when the analysis was performed independently for adults and children.

Conclusions:
Intravenous infusion of fentanyl does not affect the pharmacokinetics of TAC.
If you say so
Authors: Westra Daan , Angeli Federica , Kemp Ron , Batterink Maarten , Reitsma Jan 
Published: December 2020

Background
Despite a lack of supporting evidence, hospitals continue to merge in pursuit of quality improvements.

Purpose
We seek to develop a more thorough understanding of the quality effects of hospital mergers by integrating various theoretical perspectives using a mixed-methods design.

Methodology
Quantitatively, we tested the quality effect of all consummated hospital mergers in the Netherlands between 2008 and 2014 on 15 quality indicators (with 82 measurements at hospital, department, and disease levels) using a difference-in-difference approach with Bonferroni correction. Qualitatively, we conducted three comparative case studies to examine how hospital executives, managers, and medical professionals perceive the quality impact of hospital mergers.

Results
Our quantitative results reveal few significant effects of hospital mergers on quality of care at all levels. After applying Bonferroni correction, two quality indicators are negatively associated with hospital mergers. However, the qualitative results indicate that hospital staff have positive perceptions of the mergers’ quality implications, resulting from scale and shock effects.

Conclusion
The perceptions of hospital staff regarding mergers diametrically oppose their measurable effects. However, the operationalization of quality by hospital staff members differs considerably from the way it is quantitatively measured. The positive perceptions of hospital staff toward mergers could further contribute to the institutionalization of mergers as a quality improvement strategy.

Practice Implications
Hospital managers seeking measurable quality improvements should be wary of merging, despite potential positive perceptions toward it within the organization. In case they do decide to merge, mitigating difficulties in the postmerger integration processes seem most pertinent to achieve measurable effects.