bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abundance estimation of unmarked animals based on camera‐trap data
Authors: Gilbert Neil A. , Clare John D. J. , Stenglein Jennifer L. , Zuckerberg Benjamin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe rapid improvement of camera traps in recent decades has revolutionized biodiversity monitoring. Despite clear applications in conservation science, camera traps have seldom been used to model the abundance of unmarked animal populations. We sought to summarize the challenges facing abundance estimation of unmarked animals, compile an overview of existing analytical frameworks, and provide guidance for practitioners seeking a suitable method. When a camera records multiple detections of an unmarked animal, one cannot determine whether the images represent multiple mobile individuals or a single individual repeatedly entering the camera viewshed. Furthermore, animal movement obfuscates a clear definition of the sampling area and, as a result, the area to which an abundance estimate corresponds. Recognizing these challenges, we identified 6 analytical approaches and reviewed 927 camera‐trap studies published from 2014 to 2019 to assess the use and prevalence of each method. Only about 5% of the studies used any of the abundance‐estimation methods we identified. Most of these studies estimated local abundance or covariate relationships rather than predicting abundance or density over broader areas. Next, for each analytical approach, we compiled the data requirements, assumptions, advantages, and disadvantages to help practitioners navigate the landscape of abundance estimation methods. When seeking an appropriate method, practitioners should evaluate the life history of the focal taxa, carefully define the area of the sampling frame, and consider what types of data collection are possible. The challenge of estimating abundance of unmarked animal populations persists; although multiple methods exist, no one method is optimal for camera‐trap data under all circumstances. As analytical frameworks continue to evolve and abundance estimation of unmarked animals becomes increasingly common, camera traps will become even more important for informing conservation decision‐making.
Adverse events related to biologicals used for patients with multiple sclerosis: a comparison between information originating from regulators and information originating from the scientific community
Authors: Minnema L. A. , Giezen T. J. , Egberts T. C. G. , Leufkens H. G. M. , Gardarsdottir H. 
Published: April 2020

Background and purposeClinical decision making is facilitated by healthcare professionals’ and patients’ adequate knowledge of the adverse events. This is especially important for biologicals used for treating multiple sclerosis (MS). So far, little is known about whether different information sources report adverse events consistently.MethodsBiologicals authorized by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of MS were included in this study. Information on adverse events derived from phase 3 clinical trials from European Public Assessment Reports (EPARs) and from scientific publications was compared.ResultsIn the study, eight biologicals used for the treatment of MS were included for which the EPAR and/or scientific publication reported a total of 707 adverse events. Approximately one‐third of the adverse events was reported in both the EPAR and scientific publication, one‐third was only reported in the EPAR and one‐third only in the scientific publication. Serious adverse events and adverse events that regulators classified as ‘important identified risk’ were significantly more often reported in both sources compared to adverse events not classified as such (respectively, 38% vs. 30% and 49% vs. 30%). Adverse events only reported in the EPAR or in the scientific publication were, in general, not described in the benefit–risk section or abstract, which were considered to be the most important sections of the documents.ConclusionsThis study showed that there is substantial discordance in the reporting of adverse events on the same phase 3 trials between EPARs and scientific publications. To support optimal clinical decision making, both documents should be considered.
Linear basal cell nevus with a novel mosaic PTCH1 mutation
Authors: Saeidian Amir Hossein , Cohen‐Nowak Adam , O’Donnell Megan , Shalabi Doaa , McGuinn Kathleen P. , Youssefian Leila , Vahidnezhad Hassan , Niaziorimi Fatemeh , Dasgeb Bahar , Kasper David A. , Lee Jason B. , Uitto Jouni , Nikbakht Neda 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe patched tumor suppressor gene (PTCH1) encodes a receptor, which is a key component of the hedgehog signalling pathway. Mutations in PTCH1 are implicated in the development of sporadic basal cell carcinomas (BCC), as well as those in Gorlin Syndrome. Rarely, BCCs may develop in a linear pattern along lines of Blaschko due to cutaneous mosaicism. In cases in which there are other features of Gorlin syndrome, genomic analysis has demonstrated lesional mutations in the Hedgehog signalling pathway. Causative mutations, however, have not been firmly demonstrated in the cases of linear and segmental BCCs in otherwise healthy individuals. Herein, we report a case of a 31 year‐old Caucasian woman with linear development of multiple superficial BCCs in a Blaschkoid distribution without other characteristic findings of Gorlin syndrome. Genomic analysis of lesional skin by whole‐exome sequencing identified a novel heterozygous mutation PTCH1: NM_000264.3, Exon 15, c.2336‐2337insGGTAGGA, p.Asp779Glufs*13 in PTCH1, shared by two discrete samples within the lesion, while no mutations were found in the non‐lesional skin or peripheral blood. Given the young age of our patient and linear distribution of BCCs on non‐sun exposed skin, our findings suggest segmental mosaicism. The patient was treated with topical 5% imiquimod with histologically confirmed clearance of BCCs in 2 months.
Progress on ocular siRNA gene‐silencing therapy and drug delivery systems
Authors: Jiang Jinjin , Zhang Xinru , Tang Yue , Li Shuhan , Chen Jing 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAge‐related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma are global ocular diseases with high blindness rate. RNA interference (RNAi) is being increasingly used in the treatment of these disorders with siRNA drugs, bevasiranib, AGN211745 and PF‐04523655 for AMD, and SYL040012 and QPI‐1007 for glaucoma. Administration routes and vectors of gene drugs affect their therapeutic effect. Compared with the non‐viral vectors, viral vectors have limited payload capacity and potential immunogenicity. This review summarizes the progress of the ocular siRNA gene‐silencing therapy by focusing on siRNA drugs for AMD and glaucoma already used in clinical research, the main routes of drug delivery and the non‐viral vectors for siRNA drugs.
A laboratory evaluation of cell viability, radiopacity and tooth discoloration induced by regenerative endodontic materials
Authors: Oliveira L. V. , da Silva G. R. , Souza G. L. , Magalhães T. E. A. , Barbosa G. L. R. , Turrioni A. P. , Moura C. C. G. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimTo analyse the cytotoxicity, colour change and radiopacity of MTA Flow (MTA), UltraCal XS (UC) and Bio‐C Temp (BT).MethodologyHuman dental pulp cells (hDPCs) stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were placed in contact with several dilutions of culture media previously exposed to the experimental materials and tested for cell viability using MTT. Bovine teeth were prepared to simulate an open apex and to mimic extensive crown fracture. The roots were filled with a mixture of agar and blood, and the materials placed over this mixture. The control group consisted of teeth filled only with agar and blood. Colour assessment analyses were performed before and immediately after material insertion and repeated at 30, 45 and 60 days using a spectrophotometer. The total colour change (ΔEab, ΔE00 and whiteness index (WI)) was calculated based on the CIELAB colour space. Digital radiographs were acquired for radiopacity analysis. Cell viability was analysed by one‐way anova, whilst differences in colour parameters (ΔEab, ΔE00 and WI) were assessed by two‐way repeated measures anova (α = 0.05). Tukey's test was used to compare the experimental groups, and Dunnett’s test was used to compare the experimental groups with the control group.ResultsMTA, UC and BT had similar cell viability to that of the control group (DMEM) (P > 0.05), except for the BT group at the 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 dilutions, which had significantly lower viability (P < 0.001). All materials were associated with discoloration values greater than what is considered to be the acceptable threshold, and BT resulted in less or similar tooth colour change than MTA and UC, respectively. Decreasing radiopacity over time was observed only in the MTA group (P = 0.007). Lower values of radiopacity were found in the BT group compared with the UC and MTA groups (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe new bioceramic material (BT) had acceptable cell viability, similar to that of MTA and UC at the highest dilutions, and BT resulted in less tooth colour change than MTA and UC. Despite its lower radiopacity, BT was identified radiographically.
Synthesis and performance of TiB2–B4C composites by high pressure of TiC–B mixture
Authors: Hu Meihua , Bi Ning , Liu Mingming , Li Shangsheng , Su Taichao 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTiB2–B4C composites were in situ synthesized and consolidated by high pressure synthesis method from a mixture of TiC and B powders at the pressure and temperature of 5.0 GPa and 1500℃‐1900℃. The phase composition, microstructure, density, hardness, thermal conductivity, and electrical resistivity of TiB2–B4C composites were analyzed. As the increase in the synthesis temperature, the products were TiB2 and B4C phases and that crystallinity improved. TiB2–B4C composites were dense without obvious pores. TiB2–B4C composites synthesized at 1800℃ obtained the optimized performance, including the relative density of 98.2%, the Vickers hardness of 31.7 ± 1.2 GPa with the load of 9.8 N, the thermal conductivity of 30.3 ± 0.7 W/(m K), and the electrical resistivity of 3.3 × 10−3 Ω cm, respectively. The grain size of the TiB2–B4C composites changed with the increase in synthesis temperature, leading to the changes in hardness, thermal conductivity, and electrical resistivity.
Racial/ethnic differences in patients with anemia and folate deficiency
Authors: Gonzalez‐Velez Miguel , Mead‐Harvey Carolyn , Kosiorek Heidi E. , Kusne Yael N. , Rivera Candido , Bojanini Leyla , Northfelt Donald W. , Padrnos Leslie J. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the presence of racial/ethnic differences in patients with anemia and serum folate deficiency.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of data from patient samples collected from January 2010 to October 2018. Reference laboratory ranges were determined by Mayo Clinic Reference Laboratories. Race and ethnicity were classified according to National Institutes of Health categories.ResultsThe analysis comprised 197 974 samples. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and SF results were available for 173 337, 173 056, and 129 760 samples, respectively. Of the samples, 46 505 (26.8%) showed anemia, with a higher prevalence among American Indian/Alaskan Natives (AI/AN) 42.9% and African Americans (AA) 47.2% (P < .001). SF deficiency was present in 897 (0.7%), with a higher prevalence among AI/AN (9, [1.4%]) and AA (78, [1.2%]) and a lower prevalence in non‐Hispanic whites (NHW) (758, [0.7%]), Hispanics (40, [0.6%]), and Asians (8, [0.3%]). In multivariable analysis, the prevalence of anemia was higher in all non‐NHW racial/ethnic groups: AA (OR, 3.67, [95%CI: 3.47‐3.88, P < .001]), AI/AN (OR, 3.25, [95%CI: 2.71‐3.90, P < .001]), Asians (OR, 1.62, [95%CI: 1.47‐1.77, P < .001]), and Hispanics (OR, 1.41, [95%CI: 1.32‐1.50, P < .001]). SF deficiency was more common in AA (OR, 1.48, [95%CI: 1.17‐1.88, P.001]) and less common in Asians (OR, 0.35, [95%CI: 0.17‐0.70, P = .003]), compared with NHW.ConclusionsWe showed significant racial/ethnic differences in anemia and SF deficiency. Differences were observed especially among NHW, AA, and Asians. We believe that these differences may be explained by social determinants of health. More research is needed regarding the causes of these differences and their clinical implications at a population level.
Concordance among hematopathologists in classifying blasts plus promonocytes: A bone marrow pathology group study
Authors: Foucar Kathryn , Hsi Eric D. , Wang Sa A. , Rogers Heesun J. , Hasserjian Robert P. , Bagg Adam , George Tracy I. , Bassett Roland L. , Peterson LoAnn C. , Morice William G. , Arber Daniel A. , Orazi Attilio , Bueso‐Ramos Carlos E. ,   for the Bone Marrow Pathology Group
Published: April 2020

AbstractEnumeration of blasts and promonocytes is essential for World Health Organization (WHO) classification of myelomonocytic neoplasms. The accuracy of distinguishing blasts, promonocytes and monocytes, including normal vs abnormal monocytes, remains controversial. The objective of this analysis is to assess concordances between experienced hematopathologists in classifying cells as blasts, promonocytes, and monocytes according to WHO criteria. Each of 11 hematopathologists assessed glass slides from 20 patients [12 with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) and 8 with acute myeloid leukemia (AML)] including blood and BM aspirate smears, and limited nonspecific esterase (NSE) stains. All cases were blindly reviewed. Fleiss’ extension of Cohen's kappa for multiple raters was used on these variables, separately for peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM). Spearman's rank correlation was used to assess correlations between each pair of hematopathologists for each measurement. For the classification based on the sum of blasts and promonocytes in the BM, Fleiss’ kappa was estimated as 0.744. For PB, categorizing patients according to the sum of blasts and promonocytes, Fleiss’ kappa was estimated as 0.949. Distinction of abnormal monocytes from normal monocytes in PB did not achieve a good concordance and showed strong evidence of differences between hematopathologists (P < .0001). The hematopathologists achieved a good concordance rate of 74% in CMML vs AML classification and a high k rate, confirming that criteria for defining the blasts equivalents (blasts plus promonocytes) could be applied consistently. Identification of monocyte subtypes (abnormal vs normal) was not concordant. Our results support the practice of combining blasts/promonocytes into a single category.
Guide to Immunopharmacology: a database to boost immunology education, research and therapy
Authors: Milling Simon , Spedding Michael , Maffia Pasquale 
Published: April 2020

SummaryIn the era of big data, the establishment of a free database, containing all the immune drug targets and associated cell types, is of great value. To this aim, the Guide to Immunopharmacology has been created in a joint effort between the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR) and the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS). Here we highlight the structure and content of the database, which includes up‐to‐date quantitative information on the fundamental science underlying each immune target. A set of practical examples and tools for data mining are summarized to support immune research into drug discovery and therapeutics.
Palliative care for rare advanced lung diseases in underserved Appalachia: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Piamjariyakul Ubolrat , Smothers Angel , Young Stephanie , Petitte Trisha , Wen Sijin , Morrissey Elizabeth , Shafique Saima , Zulfikar Rafia , Sangani Rahul , Smith Carol E. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimTo pilot test a home end‐of‐life and palliative care intervention for family caregivers and patients with rare advanced lung diseases and to estimate effect‐size for the power analysis in a future clinical trial.DesignThis study uses a parallel randomized control trial. Families are randomly assigned to the intervention group or the control group in a 1:1 fashion.MethodsThe study population includes patients with rare advanced lung diseases and their family caregivers who are involved in patients’ home care. The control group receives standard care through their hospital or outpatient clinics. The intervention group receives standard care plus 2‐weekly home end‐of‐life and palliative care coaching by experienced community nurses. Primary outcome is breathlessness measured by shortness of breath scale. Secondary outcomes are: (a) caregivers’ anxiety and depression measures; (b) the presence of patient's signed advance directives in the medical record or not; and (c) Helpfulness of intervention measured by self‐report Helpfulness scale. The study was funded in October 2018 and received ethical Institutional Review Board approval in February 2019.DiscussionWest Virginia has one of the highest incidence rates of lung disease deaths in the nation. However, there is inadequate home end‐of‐life and palliative care for this underserved population. This is an initial interventional study of nurse‐led coaching home‐based palliative care for rare advanced lung diseases in rural Appalachia. Developing research collaboration with clinicians is essential for enrolment. Enrolment was successful due to regular meetings with pulmonologists who screened patients per the study inclusion criteria in their specialty clinic and made direct referrals to the research assistants. Results of this study will be used in the future trial.ImpactThe findings will contribute to the evidence‐based home nursing care, planning for family/patient preferences and supportive end‐of‐life palliative care for managing advanced lung diseases at home.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03813667; registered January 23, 2019. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03813667
Phylogeographic parallelism: Concordant patterns in closely related species illuminate underlying mechanisms in the historically glaciated Tasmanian landscape
Authors: Kreger Kaely May , Shaban Babak , Wapstra Erik , Burridge Christopher Paul 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimKnowledge of species responses to past environmental change provides a basis to predict and mitigate the outcomes of future environmental change. While paradigm studies of comparative phylogeography have surveyed dissimilar taxa as a means to identify generalities of species responses to past environmental change, the fact that such taxa are dissimilar also raises the chances that any shared patterns reflect coincident responses from different processes (‘phylogeographic convergence’). Here we advocate for and demonstrate the value of examining closely related, ecologically similar co‐distributed species in comparative phylogeographic studies aimed at inferring the environmental processes driving distributional change. Closely related species with similar environmental requirements represent valid phylogeographic replicates, meaning that shared historical distributional responses can more confidently be attributed to the operation of the same process (‘phylogeographic parallelism’).LocationTasmania, temperate south‐east Australia.TaxaWe compared phylogeographic patterns observed in two closely related, co‐distributed skink species (Carinascincus) sharing similar ecological and physiological tolerances.MethodsUsing mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, we reconstructed relationships between populations across the known range of C. metallicus and compared it with those of C. ocellatus. We also compared dated phylogenies inferred using Bayesian approaches, and analyses of population structure and genetic diversity.ResultsWe found remarkably similar geographic patterns of genetic diversity in these two species, suggesting they responded similarly to Plio‐Pleistocene climate cycling. We infer that glacial cold and aridity forced these species into similar lowland refugial regions throughout Tasmania and the Bass Strait Islands.Main conclusionsExamining phylogeographic patterns in closely related, ecologically similar co‐distributed species allows for confident inference of mechanisms driving historical distributional changes. This is an important step towards generating robust predictions of species responses to future environmental change.
A cost‐effectiveness analysis comparing a conventional mechanical needle to a radiofrequency device for transseptal punctures
Authors: Sanchez José M. , Shah Rahil , Kouassi Yao , Chronowic Matthew , Wilson Leslie , Marcus Gregory M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntroductionTransseptal puncture is an integral step in various catheter‐based cardiac procedures and can be performed with either the conventional mechanical needle or an FDA‐cleared device utilizing radiofrequency (RF) energy. Although a previous randomized trial suggested that the RF transseptal device may be faster and more often successful, the increased equipment costs may dissuade operators from routine use. This analysis compares the cost‐effectiveness of the mechanical needle to the RF device during pulmonary vein isolation.MethodsThe rates of successful transseptal punctures for each device and transseptal‐related complications were determined from the peer‐reviewed medical literature. Procedural, equipment, and complication costs were obtained from peer‐reviewed medical literature and the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. The effectiveness was defined as the probability of 30‐day survival following a successful transseptal puncture. Monte Carlo probabilistic analyses tested variable effects of costs and complication rates on the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio.ResultsThe 30‐day effectiveness of the RF device vs the mechanical needle was 99.7% and 98.8%, respectively. After accounting for all costs of performing a single transseptal puncture, the cost at 30 days associated with the RF device was $41 less than the mechanical needle ($21 096 vs $21 137). The RF device was similarly dominant to the mechanical needle in double transseptal puncture scenarios. Finally, the RF device was more cost‐effective than the mechanical needle at any willingness‐to‐pay in Monte Carlo probabilistic sensitivity analyses.ConclusionsDespite greater equipment costs, the RF device costs less and provides better effectiveness at 30 days than the conventional mechanical needle.
Arctiin attenuates high glucose‐induced human retinal capillary endothelial cell proliferation by regulating ROCK1/PTEN/PI3K/Akt/VEGF pathway in vitro
Authors: Zhou Min , Li Guobing , Zhu Liancai , Zhou Huyue , Lu Laichun 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDiabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most prominent microvascular complications of diabetes, which remains the leading cause of legal blindness in the world. Arctiin, a bioactive compound from Arctium lappa L., has been reported to have antidiabetic activity. In this study, we investigated the effect of arctiin on a human retinal capillary endothelial cell (HRCEC) line and how arctiin inhibits cell proliferation in high glucose (HG)‐induced HRCECs. Results showed that arctiin decreased HG‐induced HRCECs proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner by inducing cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. Tube formation assay and immunofluorescence staining indicated that arctiin abrogated tube formation induced by HG‐induced HRCECs in a dose‐dependent manner via down‐regulation of VEGF expression. Mechanistic study indicated that perturbation of the ROCK1/PTEN/PI3K/Akt signalling pathway plays a vital role in the arctiin‐mediated anti‐proliferative effect. Furthermore, pre‐incubation of HRCECs with Y‐27632 attenuated arctiin‐induced cell cycle arrest, cell proliferation and tube formation inhibition. Y‐27632 also reversed the activation of PTEN, the inactivation/dephosphorylation of PI3K/Akt and down‐regulation of VEGF. Taken together, the results demonstrated that arctiin inhibits the proliferation of HG‐induced HRCECs through the activation of ROCK1 and PTEN and inactivation of PI3K and Akt, resulting in down‐regulation of VEGF, which inhibits endothelial cell proliferation.