bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kidney transplant outcomes from donation after circulatory death donors of advanced age
Authors: Walls David O. , Lee‐Riddle Grace S. , Bover Manderski Michelle , Sawinski Deirdre L. , Abt Peter L. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundContinued comparison of kidney transplant outcomes between older DCD and donation after brain death (DBD) donors is needed to safely expand the deceased donor pool.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study using the UNOS/OPTN transplant registry from donors >50 years old between 1994 and 2016. Donor age was stratified into 4 groups: 50‐54, 55‐59, 60‐64, and >65 years old. Rates of delayed graft function (DGF) and primary non‐function (PNF) were compared. Multivariable Cox regression models were constructed to identify factors associated with time to graft failure.ResultsThe DCD donors within each age group had fewer comorbidities than the DBD donors. Graft survival for DCD kidneys was equivalent or superior to DBD kidneys in all donor age groups. DGF rates were significantly greater for DCD kidneys in all age groups. PNF rates across all groups were similar. In multivariable analysis, DCD status was not independently associated with time to all‐cause graft failure in the 50‐54 donor age group (HR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.93‐1.13), 55‐59 donor age group (HR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.96‐1.19), or 60‐64 donor age group (HR = 1.135, 95% CI = 0.97‐1.32).ConclusionKidneys from carefully selected older DCD donors, particularly ages 50‐64, are a potential means to safely expand the deceased donor pool.
The NGS technology for the identification of genes associated with the ALS. A systematic review
Authors: Pecoraro Valentina , Mandrioli Jessica , Carone Chiara , Chiò Adriano , Traynor Bryan J. , Trenti Tommaso 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundMore than 30 causative genes have been identified in familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The next‐generation sequencing (NGS) is a powerful and groundbreaking tool to identify disease‐associated variants. Despite documented advantages of NGS, its diagnostic reliability needs to be addressed in order to use this technology for specific routine diagnosis.Material and MethodsLiterature database was explored to identify studies comparing NGS and Sanger sequencing for the detection of variants causing ALS. We collected data about patients’ characteristics, disease type and duration, NGS and Sanger properties.ResultsMore than 200 bibliographic references were identified, of which only 14 studies matching our inclusion criteria. Only 2 out of 14 studies compared results of NGS analysis with the Sanger sequencing. Twelve studies screened causative genes associated to ALS using NGS technologies and confirmed the identified variants with Sanger sequencing. Overall, data about more 2,000 patients were analysed. The number of genes that were investigated in each study ranged from 1 to 32, the most frequent being FUS, OPTN, SETX and VCP. NGS identified already known mutations in 21 genes, and new or rare variants in 27 genes.ConclusionsNGS seems to be a promising tool for the diagnosis of ALS in routine clinical practice. Its advantages are represented by an increased speed and a lowest sequencing cost, but patients’ counselling could be problematic due to the discovery of frequent variants of unknown significance.
Changes in phenology and abundance of suction‐trapped Diptera from a farmland site in the UK over four decades
Authors: Grabener Swantje , Oldeland Jens , Shortall Chris R. , Harrington Richard 
Published: April 2020

1. Recently documented insect declines have caused major concerns and an increased interest in studies using long‐term population‐monitoring data.2. Samples from a 12.2‐m suction trap were used to examine trends in phenology and abundance of Diptera over four decades.3. The timing of peak flight has advanced by an average of 17 days, from 23 July in 1974 to 6 July in 2014.4. The abundance of flies has decreased by 37% over the studied period (from April to September), and peak abundance has decreased by 48%. The flight period has started earlier in recent years, and in 2014, the number of flies was higher in spring until the 31st of May than in 1974. Possible causes and impacts of these changes are discussed.
The Findings of a Cochrane Meta‐Analysis of Couple Therapy in Adult Depression: Implications for Research and Clinical Practice
Authors: Barbato Angelo , D'Avanzo Barbara 
Published: April 2020

The association between depressive symptoms and distressed intimate relationships supported the assumption that couple therapy, by focusing on the interpersonal context of depression, might be more effective as a treatment for depression than individual psychotherapy or drug therapy. This issue was addressed by a Cochrane meta‐analysis assessing the evidence from clinical trials of couple therapy for depression in comparison with individual psychotherapy, drug therapy, and no/minimal intervention, including fourteen studies with 651 participants. No study was found free of bias and the quality of the evidence was low, with major problems of small sample sizes, missing outcome data, selective reporting, lack of information on random sequence generation and allocation concealment, recruitment of people not representative of clinical practice, and allegiance bias. The meta‐analysis showed that both couple therapy and individual psychotherapy improved depressive symptoms at end of treatment and after 6 months or longer, with moderate effect sizes, without any difference between the two treatments. Couple therapy was more effective in reducing couple distress. This effect was larger in studies with distressed couples only and should be considered as relevant in its own right. Couple therapy is a viable option for the treatment of a depressed partner, especially in discordant couples. Future research should address several issues left open to provide a sound empirical foundation for clinical practice.
Refuges and ecological traps: Extreme drought threatens persistence of an endangered fish in intermittent streams
Authors: Vander Vorste Ross , Obedzinski Mariska , Nossaman Pierce Sarah , Carlson Stephanie M. , Grantham Theodore E. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractRecent droughts raise global concern over potential biodiversity loss and mitigating impacts to vulnerable species has become a management priority. However, drought impacts on populations are difficult to predict, in part, because habitat refuges can buffer organisms from harsh environmental conditions. In a global change context, more extreme droughts may turn previously suitable habitats into ecological traps, where vulnerable species can no longer persist. Here, we explore the impacts of California's recent record‐breaking drought on endangered juvenile Coho salmon. We estimated the variability of cumulative salmon survival using mark–recapture of nearly 20,000 tagged fish in intermittent stream pools during a 7‐year period encompassing drought and non‐drought conditions. We then determined the relative importance of physical habitat, streamflow, precipitation, landscape, and biological characteristics that may limit survival during drought. Our most striking result was an increase in the number of pools with reduced or zero survival during drought years and a coincident increase in spatial variability in survival among study reaches. In nearly half of the stream pools, salmon survival during drought was similar to mean survival of pools assessed during non‐drought years, indicating some pools had remarkable resistance (ability to withstand disturbance) to extreme drought. Lower survival was most attributable to longer duration of disconnection between upstream and downstream habitats, a consequence of increasing drought severity. Our results not only suggest that many pools sustain juvenile salmon in non‐drought years transition into ecological traps during drought but also highlight that some pools serve as refuges even under extreme drought conditions. Projected increases in drought severity that lead to longer droughts and greater habitat fragmentation could transform an increasing proportion of suitable habitats into ecological traps. Predicting future impacts of drought on Coho salmon and other sensitive species will require identification and protection of drought refuges and management strategies that prevent further habitat fragmentation.
Distributed Temperature Sensing to Measure Infiltration Rates Across a Groundwater Recharge Basin
Authors: Medina Ricardo , Pham Christine , Plumlee Megan H. , Hutchinson Adam , Becker Matthew W. , O'Connell Patrick J. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractManaged aquifer recharge is used to augment groundwater resources and provide resiliency to water supplies threatened by prolonged droughts. It is important that recharge facilities operate at their maximum efficiency to increase the volume of water stored for future use. In this study, we evaluate the use of distributed temperature sensing (DTS) technology as a tool to measure high‐resolution infiltration rates at a large‐scale recharge facility. Fiber optic cable was laid out inside a spreading basin in a spiral pattern, at two different depths. The cables measured the propagation of diurnal surface water temperature oscillations into the basin depth. The rate of heat propagation is proportional to the velocity of the water, making it possible to estimate the infiltration rate from the temperature measurements. Our results showed that the infiltration rate calculated from DTS, averaged over the entire basin, was within 5% of the infiltration rate calculated using a conventional metering method. The high‐resolution data obtained from DTS, both spatially and temporally, revealed heterogeneous infiltration rates throughout the basin; furthermore, tracking the evolution of infiltration rates over time revealed regions with consistently high infiltration rates, regions with consistently low infiltration rates, and regions that evolved from high to low rates, which suggested clogging within that region. Water utilities can take advantage of the high‐resolution information obtained from DTS to better manage recharge basins and make decisions about cleaning schedule, frequency, and extent, leading to improved basin management strategies, reduced O&M costs, and increased groundwater recharge.
Serotonin and Neuropeptides in Blood From Episodic and Chronic Migraine and Cluster Headache Patients in Case‐Control and Case‐Crossover Settings: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Frederiksen Simona D. , Bekker‐Nielsen Dunbar Maria , Snoer Agneta H. , Deen Marie , Edvinsson Lars 
Published: April 2020

ObjectiveThe aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis (SR‐MA) was to identify signaling molecule profiles and blood‐derived biomarkers in migraine and cluster headache (CH) patients.BackgroundCurrently no migraine and CH valid biomarkers are available. Blood tests based on biomarker profiles have been used to gather information about the nervous system. Such tests have not yet been established within the primary headache field.MethodsCase‐control and case‐crossover studies investigating whole blood, plasma, and serum were identified worldwide. The qualitative synthesis focused on 9 signaling molecules (serotonin [5‐HT], calcitonin gene‐related peptide [CGRP], endothelin‐1 [ET‐1], neurokinin A, neurokinin B, neuropeptide Y, pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating peptide 38 [PACAP‐38], substance P (SP), and vasoactive intestinal peptide) and the quantitative synthesis on 5‐HT and CGRP (≥5 comparisons available). The meta‐analysis was conducted using standard and 3‐level random effect models.ResultsFifty‐four eligible studies were identified (87.0% migraine, 9.3% CH, 3.7% migraine, and CH), and 2768 headache patients and 1165 controls included. Comparable fluctuations of 5‐HT, CGRP, ET‐1, PACAP‐38, and SP in blood were generally observed between migraine and CH. Significant findings were observed for some subgroups and strata, for example, higher interictal and ictal 5‐HT venous blood levels (ratio of means = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.08; 1.61; ratio of means = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.01; 1.49) in episodic migraine with aura with a female‐dominated case group, higher interictal CGRP blood levels in episodic migraine (ratio of means = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.18; 2.26), and chronic migraine (ratio of means = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.33; 2.68), and higher ictal CGRP blood levels (ratio of means = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.09; 1.68) in episodic migraine were observed. In most subgroups, the quantitative synthesis revealed a high degree of heterogeneity between studies in part explained by the blood sampling site, specimen source, blood specimen, and sex distribution. Other potential confounders were age, aura, study quality, menstrual cycle, and methodology (eg, storage temperature).ConclusionsPotential migraine and CH signaling molecule profiles and biomarkers were revealed. Nevertheless, the high degree of heterogeneity between studies impedes identification of valid biomarkers but allowed us to assess the presence of confounders. Consideration of the potential confounders identified in this SR‐MA might be of importance in the experimental planning of future studies. This consideration could be incorporated through establishment of specific guidelines.
Patient involvement in developing a patient‐targeted feedback intervention after depression screening in primary care within the randomized controlled trial GET.FEEDBACK.GP
Authors: Seeralan Tharanya , Härter Martin , Koschnitzke Cornelia , Scholl Michael , Kohlmann Sebastian , Lehmann Marco , Eisele Marion , Braunschneider Lea‐Elena , Marx Gabriella , Scherer Martin , Löwe Bernd , Magaard Julia Luise , Brütt Anna Levke 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundPatient and public involvement (PPI) is increasingly required in mental health services research. To empower patients to actively address depression, the GET.FEEDBACK.GP study evaluates a patient‐targeted feedback intervention after depression screening using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9).ObjectiveTo refine the patient‐targeted feedback from a previous study within a participatory research team (PRT) by conducting workshops to investigate patients' needs and preferences for feedback. To evaluate the process and outcome of PPI.DesignPatient and public involvement was carried out on the levels of collaboration and consultation. A PRT of patient partners and researchers planned and conducted three workshops with patients. Patients' needs were investigated using a focus group. Participants prioritized needs, discussed feedback drafts and evaluated two drafts using cognitive debriefings. Researchers of the PRT communicated the results at project level. PPI was evaluated using the Public and Patient Engagement Evaluation Tools (PPEET).Setting and ParticipantsA purposeful sampling of N = 12 patients with experiences of depression participated in at least one workshop.ResultsRelevant content‐related needs about feedback (eg no distinction between severe and moderate symptoms), recommendations for action and patient‐relevant information were considered. Needs for comprehensible, valuing, nonstigmatizing language and design elements (eg dimensional bar) were implemented. Workshops and PRT were positively evaluated.Discussion and ConclusionsPatient and public involvement influenced the content, wording and design of the feedback. Strengths include two levels of PPI, methodical diversity and purposeful sampling. Limitations include the lack of inclusion of patients who are unaware of their depression. The evaluated PPI concept can be useful for future studies.
Vibronic spectra of europium in the X‐ray storage phosphor polycrystalline cesium bromide
Authors: Edgar Andrew 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCesium bromide doped with europium is a second‐generation X‐ray storage phosphor used in radiographic imaging. X‐irradiation generates free electrons and holes, some of which are trapped at lattice defects and impurities. Irradiation with visible (red) light frees the electrons from their traps and they can recombine with the trapped holes, with the energy of recombination appearing as blue luminescence from the europium ion. Although the electron trap is widely held to be a bromine vacancy, the nature of the hole trap is as yet undetermined. Here we report on the remarkable sharp‐line photoluminescent emission of Eu2+ ions which appears below 50 K in activated europium‐doped cesium bromide and comprises over 20 individually resolvable lines. These patterns of vibronics may give some insight into the nature of the hole trap. A detailed analysis shows that the vibronics comprise five separate patterns, but with a common vibrational frequency of ~123 cm−1. The vibronic patterns are attributed to Br2− molecular ions adjacent to the europium ion. An interpretation of the observed spectra in terms of a Eu2+‐Eu3+ ion pair charge compensated by two cation vacancies and a substitutional O2− ion is discussed.
ML264 inhibits osteosarcoma growth and metastasis via inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 and WNT/β‐catenin signalling pathways
Authors: Huang Hai , Han Ying , Chen Zhijun , Pan Xin , Yuan Putao , Zhao Xiangde , Zhu Hongfang , Wang Jiying , Sun Xuewu , Shi Peihua 
Published: April 2020

AbstractOsteosarcoma, the most common bone malignancy, has a high morbidity rate and poor prognosis. Krüppel‐like factor 5 (KLF5) is a key transcriptional regulator of cellular proliferation whose overexpression is observed in osteosarcoma cell lines (U2OS, 143B, MG63 and SAOS2). ML264, a small‐molecule inhibitor of KLF5, exerts antiproliferative effects in colorectal cancer; however, its function in osteosarcoma remains unknown. Here, we explored the possible antitumour effects of ML264 on 143B and U2OS cell lines and murine tumour xenograft model. ML264 suppressed proliferation and clonogenic ability of osteosarcoma cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, ML264 induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, with no influence on apoptosis, and inhibited the migratory and invasive abilities of osteosarcoma cells, as demonstrated by wound‐healing and Transwell assays. Exposure to ML264 reduced the mRNA and protein levels of molecules associated with epithelial‐mesenchymal transition phenotype, including N‐cadherin, vimentin, Snail, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 and MMP13. Inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 phosphorylation and Wnt signalling was also observed. In the murine model of osteosarcoma, tumour growth was efficiently suppressed following a 10‐day treatment with ML264. Collectively, our findings demonstrate the potential value of ML264 as a novel anticancer drug for osteosarcoma.
NGF from pancreatic stellate cells induces pancreatic cancer proliferation and invasion by PI3K/AKT/GSK signal pathway
Authors: Jiang Jie , Bai Jun , Qin Tao , Wang Zheng , Han Liang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPancreatic cancer (PC) is a continuously high lethal disease, and the tumour microenvironment plays a pivotal role during PC progression. Herein, we focus on that the Nerve growth factor (NGF)/Tropomyosin‐related kinase A (TrkA), in pancreatic stellate cells‐pancreatic cancer cells (PSCs‐PC cells) co‐culture system, influences PC proliferation and invasion. The model of PC cells and PSCs was directly co‐cultured in a no‐touch manner, using the Transwell as the co‐culture system. NGF and TrkA expression was measured in cultured system by real‐time PCR, immunofluorescence, Western blotting analysis or ELISA. Small interfering RNA transfection was used to regulate the expression of TrkA in PC cells. The promotion of cancer invasion was investigated using Matrigel Transwell assay. In our study, NGF/TrkA is overexpressed in PSCs‐PC cells co‐culture system and promotes the invasion and proliferation of PC cells. And the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition‐related genes are influenced by si‐TrkA. What's more, NGF/TrkA regulates the PC cell proliferation and invasion via activation of PI3K/AKT/GSK signalling. The present study demonstrated NGF/TrkA promoted the PC cell proliferation and invasion in the co‐culture system by the activation of the PI3K/AKT/GSK signal cascade, providing a potential therapeutic target for PC patients.
Demodex: a skin resident in man and his best friend
Authors: Foley R. , Kelly P. , Gatault S. , Powell F. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDemodex mites are microscopic arachnids found in the normal skin of many mammals. In humans, it is well established that Demodex mite density is higher in patients with the skin condition rosacea, and treatment with acaricidal agents is effective in resolving symptoms. However, pathophysiology of rosacea is complex and multifactorial. In dogs, demodicosis is a significant veterinary issue, particularly the generalized form of the disease which can be fatal if untreated. In each species, clinical and molecular studies have shown that the host’s immunological interactions with Demodex mites are an important, but not fully understood, aspect of how Demodex can live in the skin either as a harmless commensal organism or as a pathogenic agent. This review outlines the role of Demodex mites in humans and dogs, considering morphology, prevalence, symptoms, diagnosis, histology treatment and pathogenesis.
Structural skin changes in elderly people investigated by reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Cinotti E. , Bovi C. , Tonini G. , Labeille B. , Heusèle C. , Nizard C. , Schnebert S. , Aubailly S. , Barthélémy J.C. , Cambazard F. , Cevenini G. , Tognetti L. , Cartocci A. , Rubegni P. , Perrot J.L. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundReflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is particularly suitable for the study of skin ageing because it provides nearly histological information in vivo and non‐invasively. However, there are no studies that evaluated RCM skin features of a large population older than 70 years.ObjectivesThe aim of our investigation was to study age‐related skin changes in an elderly population by RCM and to evaluate their topographical and gender differences.MethodsWe obtained RCM images of photoprotected (volar arm) and chronic (face) and intermittently photoexposed (dorsal forearm) body sites of 209 volunteers (105 women and 104 men, mean age: 77.5, range 74–81 years). 15 previously reported and new RCM parameters related to skin ageing were assessed.ResultsPhotoexposed sites had thicker suprapapillary epidermis, more linear, distant and thin furrows, higher presence of mottled pigmentation, polycyclic papillae and coarse and huddled collagen and lower presence of dermal papillae than the photoprotected site. Irregular honeycomb pattern was not higher in photoexposed sites, indicating that it is probably more dependent on intrinsic ageing. Two ageing scores defined for facial skin ageing (epidermal disarray score and epidermal hyperplasia score) were found useful for the identification of photoageing. Gender differences only concerned some RCM parameters (i.e. thickness of different layers of the epidermis, furrows and collagen score) and some body sites, in line with the fact that women and men of our cohort had no major differences in clinically visible skin ageing.ConclusionsOur study confirmed that RCM is a powerful non‐invasive technique to microscopically quantify ageing signs and our observations contribute to highlight the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic ageing.