bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic stable heart failure model in ovine species
Authors: Torregroza Carolin , Sadat Najla , Gomez Hamacher Claudio J. R. , Scheiber Daniel , von der Beek Jil‐Cathrin , Westenfeld Ralf , Knorr Ivonne Jeanette , Akhyari Payam , Sager Martin , Lichtenberg Artur , Saeed Diyar 
Published: July 2020

AbstractEstablishing a chronic heart failure (HF) model is challenging, particularly in the ovine model. The aim of this study was to establish a reproducible model of HF in an ovine model. Seventeen sheep were operated using the left thoracotomy approach. Chronic HF was induced through ligation of the diagonal and marginal branches only. Perioperative hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters were compared. A total of (3 ± 1) coronary ligations were used. Thirteen animals survived the procedure and were followed up for (15 ± 5) days. The mean arterial pressure, heart rate (HR), mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), central venous pressure, and cardiac output at baseline and prior to animal sacrifice was (75 ± 14 mmHg) and (68 ± 16 mmHg)P = .261; (72 ± 9 bpm), (100 ± 28 bpm)P = .01; (15 ± 4 mmHg) and (18 ± 5 mmHg)P = .034; (10 ± 6 mmHg) and (8 ± 4 mmHg)P = .326; (3.4 ± 1 L/min) and (3.9 ± 1 L/min)P = .286, respectively. The LVEF at baseline and prior to animal sacrifice was (63 ± 13%) and (43 ± 6%)P = .012. Twelve surviving animals were supported with LVAD in a follow‐up procedure. Chronic stable HF in sheep was successively established. Clinical symptoms and drastic increase in the mPAP and HR as well as echo findings were the most sensitive parameters of HF. This reproducible ovine model has proven to be highly promising for research regarding HF.
Peroxiredoxins are involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Uzawa A , Mori M , Masuda H , Ohtani R , Uchida T , Aoki R , Kuwabara S 
Published: July 2020

Summary
Peroxiredoxins (PRXs) are intracellular anti-oxidative enzymes but work as inflammatory amplifiers under the extracellular condition. To date, the function of PRXs in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PRXs play a role in the pathogenesis of MS and NMOSD. We analyzed levels of PRXs (PRX1, PRX5 and PRX6) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of 16 patients with MS, 16 patients with NMOSD and 15 patients with other neurological disorders (ONDs). We identified potential correlations between significantly elevated PRXs levels and the clinical variables in patients with MS and NMOSD. Additionally, pathological analyses of PRXs (PRX1-6) in the central nervous system (CNS) were performed using the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), animal model of MS. We found that serum levels of PRX5 and PRX6 in patients with MS and NMOSD were higher compared with those in patients with ONDs (P &lt; 0·05). Furthermore, high levels of PRX5 and PRX6 were partly associated with blood–brain barrier dysfunction and disease duration in NMOSD patients. No significant elevation was found in CSF PRXs levels of MS and NMOSD. Spinal cords from EAE mice showed remarkable PRX5 staining, especially in CD45+ infiltrating cells. In conclusion, PRX5 and PRX6 may play a role in the pathogeneses of MS and NMOSD.
Natural history and outcomes of stage 3 retinopathy of prematurity persisting beyond 40 weeks of post‐menstrual age: Dilemma for treatment and follow up
Authors: Koucheki Robert , Isaac Maram , N Tehrani Nasrin , Mireskandari Kamiar 
Published: July 2020

AbstractImportanceTo evaluate the natural history and outcomes of infants with stage‐3 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) persisting beyond 40‐weeks of post‐menstrual age (PMA).BackgroundThere are no specific screening guidelines for stage‐3 ROP persisting beyond 40 weeks of PMA. Persistent stage‐3 disease in zone II without plus disease or in zone III with or without plus disease poses a dilemma for treatment.DesignRetrospective chart review.ParticipantNeonates with stage‐3 ROP persisting beyond 40‐weeks of PMA.MethodsDemographic data and ROP parameters were collected. Univariate/multivariate analyses were utilized to assess risk factors associated with requiring treatment.Main Outcome MeasuresEvaluating the structural outcomes for infants with stage‐3 ROP persisting beyond 40 weeks of PMA.ResultsOut of 2356 screened infants, 115 infants (4.9%, 172 eyes) met inclusion criteria. In 95 infants (139 eyes, 80.8%), ROP resolved spontaneously. Twenty‐one infants (33 eyes, 19.2%) were treated with laser‐photocoagulation; 16 eyes had reached type 1 ROP and 17 eyes had non‐type 1 ROP. No eye had unfavourable structural outcome. On multiple regression, non‐type 1 ROP with ≥2 continuous clock hours of persistent stage‐3 temporally crossing the horizontal midline was a significant risk factor associated with receiving treatment (OR = 27.29, 95% CI = [1.61, 462.92], P = .0221).Conclusion and RelevanceThe majority of stage‐3 ROP persisting beyond 40‐weeks of PMA resolve spontaneously. In eyes that do not reach type 1 ROP, ≥2 continuous clock hours of persistent stage‐3 crossing the temporal horizontal midline and history of pre‐plus were considered important risk factors for macular drag and treatment can be considered.
Short‐term outcomes of lateral extraction socket augmentation using autogenous tooth roots: A prospective observational study
Authors: Parvini Puria , Sahin Didem , Becker Kathrin , Sader Robert , Becker Juergen , Schwarz Frank 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the short‐term clinical outcomes of lateral augmentation of deficient extraction sockets and two‐stage implant placement using autogenous tooth roots (TR).Material and methodsA total of n = 13 patients (13 implants) were available for the analysis. At the time of tooth extraction, each subject had received lateral augmentation using the respective non‐retainable but non‐infected tooth root where the thickness of the buccal bone was <0.5 mm or where a buccal dehiscence‐type defect was present. Titanium implants were placed after a submerged healing period of 6 months and loaded after 20 ± 2 weeks (V8). Clinical parameters (e.g., bleeding on probing—BOP, probing pocket depth—PD, mucosal recession—MR, clinical attachment level—CAL) were recorded at V8 and after 26 ± 4 weeks (V9) of implant loading.ResultsAt V9, all patients investigated revealed non‐significant changes in mean BOP (−19.23 ± 35.32%), PD (0.24 ± 0.49 mm), MR (0.0 ± 0.0 mm) and CAL (0.24 ± 0.49 mm) values, respectively. There was no significant correlation between the initial gain in ridge width and changes in BOP and PD values.ConclusionsThe surgical procedure was associated with stable peri‐implant tissues on the short‐term.
Habitat disturbance modifies dominance, coexistence, and competitive interactions in tropical ant communities
Authors: Achury Rafael , Chacón de Ulloa Patricia , Arcila Ángela , Suarez Andrew V. 
Published: July 2020

1. Interspecific competition is a major structuring principle in ecological communities. Despite their prevalence, the outcome of competitive interactions is hard to predict, highly context‐dependent, and multiple factors can modulate such interactions.2. We tested predictions concerning how competitive interactions are modified by anthropogenic habitat disturbance in ground‐foraging ant assemblages inhabiting fragmented Inter‐Andean tropical dry forests in southwestern Colombia, and investigated ant assemblages recruiting to baits in 10 forest fragments exposed to varying level of human disturbance.3. Specifically, we evaluated how different components of competitive interactions (patterns of species co‐occurrence, resource partitioning, numerical dominance, and interspecific trade‐offs between discovery and dominance competition) varied with level of habitat disturbance in a human‐dominated ecosystem.4. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that the role of competitive interactions in structuring ground‐foraging ant communities at baits varied with respect to habitat disturbance. As disturbance increased, community structure was more likely to exhibit random co‐occurrence patterns, higher levels of monopolization of food resources by dominant ants, and disproportionate dominance of a single species, the little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata). At a regional scale, we found evidence for a trade‐off between dominance and discovery abilities of the 15 most common species at baits.5. Together, these results suggest that human disturbance modifies the outcome of competitive interactions in ground‐foraging ant assemblages and may promote dominant species that reduce diversity and coexistence in tropical ecosystems.
Meta‐population structure and the evolutionary transition to multicellularity
Authors: Rose Caroline J. , Hammerschmidt Katrin , Pichugin Yuriy , Rainey Paul B. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe evolutionary transition to multicellularity has occurred on numerous occasions, but transitions to complex life forms are rare. Here, using experimental bacterial populations as proxies for nascent multicellular organisms, we manipulate ecological factors shaping the evolution of groups. Groups were propagated under regimes requiring reproduction via a life cycle replete with developmental and dispersal (propagule) phases, but in one treatment lineages never mixed, whereas in a second treatment, cells from different lineages experienced intense competition during the dispersal phase. The latter treatment favoured traits promoting cell growth at the expense of traits underlying group fitness – a finding that is supported by results from a mathematical model. Our results show that the transition to multicellularity benefits from ecological conditions that maintain discreteness not just of the group (soma) phase, but also of the dispersal (germline) phase.
Patient‐ versus physician‐reported relapses in multiple sclerosis: insights from a large observational study
Authors: Schriefer D. , Haase R. , Ettle B. , Ziemssen T. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackground and purposeThe patient's perspective is becoming increasingly important for endpoints in studies on multiple sclerosis. However, relapse data generated from the patient's perspective in combination with independent documentation by the physician are scarce. Our objective was to compare self‐reported relapses by the patient to physician‐documented relapses within a routine clinical practice setting of quarterly visits.MethodsTwo‐year data (n = 1921 patients) were extracted from two prospective, non‐interventional, multicentre cohort studies in Germany. The number of relapses independently reported by patients and physicians was analysed. In addition, inter‐rater reliability and measures of validity were evaluated. Patterns of associations were investigated in subgroup analysis of sociodemographic, clinical and patient‐reported outcome measures.ResultsPatients and physicians showed good overall agreement [κ = 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76–0.80]. Nevertheless, patients reported, on average, more relapses than physicians during follow‐up (0.55 vs. 0.44; P < 0.001). Corresponding annualized relapse rates were 0.38 (95% CI 0.36–0.39) and 0.30 (95% CI 0.29–0.31), respectively. Differences between physicians and patients were particularly pronounced in patient groups with greater disability levels, decreased health‐related quality of life or treatment satisfaction. The positive predictive value was 74.01% (95% CI 71.85–76.07), and the negative predictive value was 98.86% (95% CI 98.67–99.03).ConclusionSome disagreement on the occurrence of relapses appears in specific patient subgroups, where factors such as pseudo‐relapses or confounding factors may have promoted over‐ or under‐reporting.
What makes trading strategies based on chart pattern recognition profitable?
Authors: Tsinaslanidis Prodromos , Guijarro Francisco 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAutomating chart pattern recognition is a relevant issue addressed by researchers and practitioners when designing a system that considers technical analysis for trading purposes. This article proposes the design of a trading system that takes into account any generic pattern that has been proven to be profitable in the past, without restricting the search to the specific technical patterns reported in the literature, hence the term generic pattern recognition. A fast version of dynamic time warping, the University College Riverside subsequence search suite (called the UCR suite), is employed for the pattern recognition task in an effort to produce trading signals in realistic timescales. This article evaluates the significance of the relation between the system's profitability and (a) the pattern length, (b) the take‐profit and stop‐loss levels and (c) the performance consensus of past patterns. The trading system is assessed under the mean–variance perspective by using 560 NYSE stocks. The results obtained by the different parameter configurations are reported, controlling for both data‐snooping and transaction costs. On average, the proposed system dominates the market index in the mean–variance sense. Although transaction costs reduce the profitability of the proposed trading system, 92.5% of the experiments are profitable if the analysis is reduced to the parameter values aligned with the technical analysis.
Biomarker stratigraphy in the Athel Trough of the South Oman Salt Basin at the Ediacaran‐Cambrian Boundary
Authors: Roussel Anaïs , Cui Xingqian , Summons Roger E. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe South Oman Salt Basin (SOSB) has been studied extensively for knowledge concerning the habitat of the enigmatic Ediacaran–Cambrian oils that are produced from that region. Geological, geochemical, geophysical, and geochronological investigations have all contributed to improved understanding of the range of late Neoproterozoic depositional environments recorded there. Of particular interest has been the deep Athel depocenter within the SOSB that features a silica‐rich interval known as the Al Shomou Member or Athel Silicilyte and the co‐eval A4 carbonate–evaporite sequence that straddles the Ediacaran–Cambrian boundary. The deep basin has been suggested to be anoxic and euxinic based on studies of sulfur isotopes, trace metal distributions and other proxies. Organic geochemistry has provided some clues concerning aspects of the depositional environments and microbial communities prevailing during this interval. However, ambiguities remain including a paucity of convincing molecular evidence for euxinia in the photic zone of the basin. Here, we present a comprehensive study of biomarker hydrocarbons, including steroids, triterpenoids, and carotenoids. Among the compounds detected is a distinctive array of aromatic carotenoids. Relatively low abundances of monoaromatic carotenoids, such as chlorobactane, okenane, and β‐isorenieratane, suggest the possibility of transient photic zone euxinia with a shallow chemocline or, perhaps, exogenous inputs from microbial mats. However, it is the dominance of renieratane and renierapurpurane over isorenieratane in diaromatic carotenoids and their association with abundant C38 and C39 carotenoids that identifies cyanobacteria as major contributors to the inventory of carotenoids. Our results, based on multiple lines of molecular evidence and statistical analysis, also suggest that the Athel Silicilyte was biogeochemically distinct from the other units of the Ara Group. Overall, our study has important implications for understanding other late Neoproterozoic depositional environments.
Randomised clinical trial of a motivational interviewing intervention to improve oral health education amongst older adults in Philadelphia: 12‐month evaluation of non‐clinical outcomes
Authors: Tellez Marisol , Myers Virtue Shanon , Neckritz Sheryl , Lim Sungwoo , Bhoopathi Vinodh , Hernandez Matilde , Shearer Barbara , Ismail Amid 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectivesWe conducted a trial to assess the treatment fidelity of an individual‐based oral health education intervention utilising motivational interviewing (MI) techniques and its efficacy when compared to a group‐based traditional oral health education intervention (TOHE) and a standard of care group (SC) in a sample from Philadelphia during a 12‐month follow‐up.BackgroundThere is lack of information on how different types of oral health educational interventions affect older adults on non‐clinical outcomes including changes in oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL), oral health self‐efficacy (SE) and oral health knowledge (OHK).Materials and methodsOne hundred and eighty patients were randomly allocated to TOHE, MI and SC groups. Treatment fidelity was measured in 16 non‐study patients. The MI intervention was administered by a public health dental hygienist (PHDH). All interviews were audio‐recorded and coded by an expert using the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity (MITI) Code. Multivariable longitudinal regression analyses accounting for baseline demographics and correlated errors due to repeated measures via generalised estimating equation were conducted following an intention to treat approach.ResultsOver the 1‐year follow‐up, SE and OHRQoL scores significantly improved amongst the MI group whereas both outcomes worsened amongst the SC group. During the same period, SE and OHRQoL did not change in the TOHE group.ConclusionFindings from the study support the fidelity of this intervention and the improvement of all non‐clinical outcomes after 12 months amongst the MI group.
TERT promoter mutation analysis as a surrogate to morphology and immunohistochemistry in problematic spindle cell lesions of the urinary bladder
Authors: Bertz Simone , Stöhr Robert , Gaisa Nadine T , Wullich Bernd , Hartmann Arndt , Agaimy Abbas 
Published: July 2020

AimsPseudosarcomatous myofibroblastic proliferations (PSMPs) of the urinary bladder are diagnostically challenging. Diagnostic difficulties are mainly due to frequent cytokeratin expression, variable ALK expression and worrisome morphological features suggestive of malignancy. Conversely, sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma (UC) may show bland inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour (IMT)‐like morphology. TERT promoter mutations are characteristic events in urothelial cancers, but have not been studied in PSMPs.Methods and resultsWe compared histomorphological and immunohistochemical features and TERT promoter status in 16 PSMPs and 18 sarcomatoid UC. In a subset of PSMPs, RNA sequencing was performed. At least focal IMT‐like morphology was seen in nine of 17 sarcomatoid UC. Atypical mitoses, differentiated urothelial component and heterologous elements were the most reliable distinguishing histomorphological features of sarcomatoid UC, if present. A panel of immunohistochemistry (IHC) including ALK (clone D5F3), p53 pattern, p63 and GATA3 reliably distinguished PSMP from sarcomatoid UC. GATA3 (P = 0.001) and p53 patterns (mutant versus wild‐type; P < 0.001) were differentially expressed between PSMPs and sarcomatoid UC. Diffuse pancytokeratin staining was significantly associated with PSMPs (10 of 13) compared to four of 14 sarcomatoid UCs (P = 0.012). TERT promoter mutations were found in 17 of 18 sarcomatoid UC versus none of 16 PSMPs (P < 0.001). RNA sequencing revealed ALK genetic rearrangements in one of two ALK‐positive and one of 10 ALK‐negative PSMPs, which revealed a novel FN1/RET gene fusion.ConclusionCareful histomorphological analysis and differential IHC reliably distinguish the majority of PSMPs and sarcomatoid UC. In equivocal cases, TERT promoter mutation analysis and/or detection of ALK expression/rearrangements are valuable additional diagnostic adjuncts, strongly supporting sarcomatoid UC and PSMP, respectively.
Mapping signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) activity in different stages of mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome
Authors: Olszewska Berenika , Żawrocki Anton , Lakomy Joanna , Karczewska Joanna , Gleń Jolanta , Zabłotna Monika , Malek Marta , Jankau Jerzy , Lange Magdalena , Biernat Wojciech , Nowicki Roman J. , Sokołowska‐Wojdyło Małgorzata 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundDeregulation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling is known to participate in the pathogenesis of cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas (CTCLs). However, published results regarding STAT expression in different stages of CTCLs are conflicting. The aim of the study was to define the pattern of STAT expression in skin and detect any differences between pruritic and nonpruritic patients but also different stages of disease.MethodsThirty‐nine skin biopsies from CTCL patients and 24 biopsies from healthy volunteers were taken. Immunohistochemical staining for STAT 3, 5a, 5b, and 6 was performed in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded sections of mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sezary syndrome (SS) specimens.ResultsWe found increased expression of STAT proteins in CTCL: MF and SS skin in comparison to the control group. STAT5 but also STAT6 and to a lesser extent STAT3 seems to be constitutively activated in MF and SS. Moreover, also downregulation of STAT5b protein in advanced‐stage CTCL appears to contribute to its pathogenesis. There were no significant associations between expression of STATs and pruritus severity.ConclusionsOur results confirm the possible pathogenetic role of STATs in CTCL. STATs seem to be a promising target for new effective therapeutic agents in CTCL.
Examining the impact of a symbiotic lifestyle on the fecundity of the marine gastropod Crepidula plana
Authors: Pechenik Jan A. , Richards Kelly B. , Freliech Cecily A. , Diederich Casey M. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe marine gastropod Crepidula plana has an extensive latitudinal range along the eastern coast of the United States. It is usually found living within gastropod shells occupied by hermit crabs, although individuals can sometimes also be found living on rocks and on the exposed surfaces of shells. Our study sought to determine the extent to which residing inside periwinkle (Littorina littorea) shells occupied by the hermit crab Pagurus longicarpus at a study site in coastal Massachusetts compromises the fecundity of C. plana, through size limitation. The egg masses of symbiotic and free‐living females of C. plana included comparable numbers of egg capsules and embryos per female despite the smaller sizes of the symbionts; symbiotic females compensated for their smaller size by producing significantly more embryos per milligram of female body tissue than their free‐living counterparts. These data raise interesting questions about why—unlike its congener C. fornicata—C. plana has not yet become a successful invasive species.