bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of conspecific neighbors on the foraging activity levels of the wintering Oriental Storks (Ciconia boyciana): Benefits of social information
Authors: Cheng Lei , Zhou Lizhi , Bao Yiwei , Mahtab Nazia 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAnimals prefer to aggregate in patches with high abundance and availability of food resources. Group foragers typically receive information about food resources by monitoring external events and the behavior of neighbors. The Information Centre Hypothesis proposes that aggregations increase foraging activity levels as a result of social information provided by conspecifics. Increasing the foraging rate has as a result decreasing time devoted to anti‐predator vigilance and may intensify competition among group members. Studies have shown that foraging activities are influenced by factors other than flock size, such as the number and foraging intensity of neighbors. To test these hypotheses, we examined the effect of number and foraging intensity of neighbors on the foraging activity levels (foraging rate, foraging effort, and foraging success rate) of the wintering Oriental Storks (Ciconia boyciana). In this study, we collected focal sampling data on the foraging behavior of storks at Shengjin Lake during winter from 2017 to 2019, controlling the effects of other variables (group identity, wintering years, and wintering periods). We found that foraging activity levels were higher in the presence of foraging neighbors than in their absence. Moreover, individuals adjusted their foraging activity levels according to social information gathered from the behavior of neighboring conspecifics. Focal individuals’ foraging rate and foraging effort were positively correlated with the average foraging rate of neighbors. Their foraging success rate was not influenced by the average foraging rate and foraging success rate of neighbors; however, it was positively correlated with the average foraging effort of neighbors. In conclusion, foraging activity levels of individuals are primarily driven by the intensity of the foraging activity of neighbors. This result differs from the results of previous studies that suggested that flock size was the most important factor determining individual foraging activity levels.
Patient‐reported outcomes in heart failure with preserved vs. reduced ejection fraction: focus on physical independence
Authors: Huang Weiting , Teng Tiew‐Hwa Katherine , Tay Wan Ting , Richards Arthur Mark , Kadam Umesh , Lawson Claire A. , Shimizu Wataru , Loh Seet Yoong , Anand Inder , Lam Carolyn Su Ping 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimsThe Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) is a widely used patient‐reported outcome measure in heart failure (HF). The KCCQ was validated in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), leaving knowledge gaps regarding its applicability in HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This study addresses the psychometric properties of internal consistency and reliability, construct, and known‐group validity of KCCQ in both HFrEF and HFpEF. We aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the KCCQ and their prognostic significance in HFpEF and HFrEF, within a large prospective multinational HF cohort.Methods and resultsWe examined the 23‐item KCCQ in the prospective multinational ASIAN‐HF study [4470 HFrEF (ejection fraction <40%); 921 HFpEF (ejection fraction ≥50%)]. Internal consistency (using Cronbach's alpha) showed high reliability in HFrEF and HFpeF: functional status score: 0.89 and 0.91 and clinical summary score: 0.89 and 0.90, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis in HFrEF validated the five original domains of KCCQ (physical function, symptoms, self‐efficacy, social limitation, and quality of life); in HFpEF, questions measuring physical function and social limitation had strong correlation (r = 0.66) and different domains emerged. We proposed an additional physical independence summary score, especially in HFpEF (comprising the original physical function and social limitation domains), which showed good internal consistency (α = 0.89) and has comparable receiver operating characteristic curve 0.766 ± 0.037 with the clinical summary score (receiver operating characteristic curve 0.774 ± 0.037), in predicting 1 year death and/or HF hospitalization.ConclusionsOur results confirmed the robustness of the KCCQ clinical summary score in HF regardless of ejection fraction group. In the assessment of physical capacity in HFpEF, our results suggest strong interaction with social limitation, and we propose a summary score comprising both components be used.
Psoralens activate and photosensitize Transient Receptor Potential channels Ankyrin type 1 (TRPA1) and Vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1)
Authors: Babes Alexandru , Kichko Tatjana I. , Selescu Tudor , Manolache Alexandra , Neacsu Cristian , Gebhardt Lisa , Reeh Peter W. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundPUVA (psoralen UVA) therapy is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as vitiligo psoriasis, eczema and mycosis fungoides, but it is frequently accompanied by phototoxicity leading to burning pain, itch and erythema.MethodsWe used a combination of calcium and reactive oxygen species (ROS) imaging, patch clamp and neuropeptide release measurement to investigate whether certain ion channels involved in pain and itch signalling could be responsible for these adverese effects of PUVA.ResultsClinically used psoralen derivatives 8‐methoxypsoralen (8‐MOP) and 5‐methoxypsoralen at physiologically relevant concentrations were able to activate and photosensitize two recombinant thermoTRP (temperature‐gated Transient Receptor Potential) ion channels, TRPA1 (Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin type 1) and TRPV1 (Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid type 1). 8‐MOP enhanced ROS production by UVA light, and the effect of 8‐MOP on TRPA1 could be abolished by the antioxidant N‐acetyl cysteine and by removal of critical cysteine residues from the N‐terminus domain of the channel. Natively expressed mouse TRPA1 and TRPV1 both contribute to photosensitization of cultured primary afferent neurons by 8‐MOP, while direct neuronal activation by this psoralen‐derivative is mainly dependent on TRPV1. Both TRPA1 and TRPV1 are to a large extent involved in controlling 8‐MOP‐induced neuropeptide release from mouse trachea.ConclusionsTaken together our results provide a better understanding of the phototoxicity reported by PUVA patients and indicate a possible therapeutic approach to alleviate the adverse effects associated with this therapy.SignificanceOur work provides evidence for the involvement of thermoTRP channels TRPA1 and TRPV1 in the activation and photosensitization of peripheral nociceptors during PUVA (Psoralen UVA) therapy.
Uncoupling growth from phosphorus uptake in Lemna: Implications for use of duckweed in wastewater remediation and P recovery in temperate climates
Authors: Paterson Jaimie B. , Camargo‐Valero Miller Alonso , Baker Alison 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPhosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for crop growth and the second most limiting after N. Current supplies rely on P‐rich rocks that are unevenly distributed globally and exploited unsustainably, leading to concerns about future availability and therefore food security. Duckweeds (Lemnaceae) are aquatic macrophytes used in wastewater remediation with the potential for nutrient recycling as feed or fertilizer. The use of duckweeds in this way is confined to tropical regions as it has previously been assumed that growth in the colder seasons of the temperate regions would be insufficient. In this study, the combined effects of cool temperatures and short photoperiods on growth and P uptake and accumulation in Lemna were investigated under controlled laboratory conditions. Growth and P accumulation in Lemna can be uncoupled, with significant P removal from the medium and accumulation within the plants occurring even at 8°C and 6‐hr photoperiods. Direct measurement of radiolabeled phosphate uptake confirmed that while transport is strongly temperature dependent, uptake can still be measured at 5°C. Prior phosphate starvation of the duckweed and use of nitrate as the nitrogen (N) source also greatly increased the rate of P removal and in‐cell accumulation. These results form the basis for further examination of the feasibility of duckweed‐based systems for wastewater treatment and P recapture in temperate climates, particularly in small, rural treatment works.
How to select older patients with acute myeloid leukemia fit for intensive treatment?
Authors: Sustkova Zuzana , Semerad Lukas , Weinbergerova Barbora , Mayer Jiri 
Published: August 2020

AbstractOutcomes of the treatment of older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are unsatisfactory due to a higher incidence of negative patient‐ and disease‐related risk factors connected with aging. Prediction of poor tolerance to aggressive treatment and low response to standard intensive chemotherapy are the main root causes why the treatment decision is challenging. For a long time, negative prognostic factors for treatment outcomes, overall survival, and early death such as the age itself, low‐performance status, high‐comorbidity burden, adverse cytogenetics, and secondary AML have been known, and they are routinely taken into account during therapeutic balance. In consideration of the risk factors and specific laboratory results, prognostic models have been created. Despite the abovementioned facts, the survival of older patients with AML remains very poor, that holds true even for the intensive therapy. For that reason, there is an increased effort to find a better approach how to select patients who would benefit from intensive treatment without decreasing their quality of life through severe complications with risk of high treatment‐related mortality. Based on the results of clinical studies, the geriatric assessment could be the missing step which would help select older patients who are really fit for intensive treatment and who will benefit from it the most. This review focuses on the risk factors that should be taken under advisement when the decision about the treatment is made. With reference to the published information, we propose an algorithm how to identify fit, vulnerable, and frail patients.
Can management decentralisation resolve challenges faced by healthcare service delivery organisations? Findings for managers and researchers from a scoping review
Authors: Ohrling Mikael , Øvretveit John , Brommels Mats 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPurposeDecentralisation of decision‐making from central to lower level organisation has been proposed as a way to increase innovation and make services more responsive to local needs. The purpose of this study was to discover research that can contribute to understanding decentralisation as one strategy for resolving challenges in healthcare service delivery organisations. This scoping review provides examples and research‐informed guidance for decentralisation research, planning and implementation.FindingsThere is limited empirical research into management decentralisation within primary and community care, but some useful frameworks for assessing and planning decentralisation. Rapid changes are being made to workforce redesign, substitution and patient co‐production. Research into such ‘micro‐decentralisation’ is not considered in the decentralisation literature. Neither is how the context of culture, systems and regulations affects implementation of this type of decentralisation. Our recent experience suggests that management decentralisation can enable fast and effective local changes to respond to the evolving Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS COV‐2) pandemic.ConclusionsDecentralisation can create conditions that support innovation and improvement locally to develop primary and community care. Managers and policy makers can use an appropriate decentralisation strategy to address challenges in workforce retention and recruitment, rising care demands and expectations of patients. There are opportunities for researchers to provide actionable knowledge about changes in organisations and management which could address current challenges in healthcare.
Simultaneous effects of radiation, magnetic field on peristaltic flow of Carreau nanofluid submerged in gyrotactic microorganisms with heat and mass transfer
Authors: Eldabe Nabil T. , Zaghrout Afaf A. , Ramadan Shaimaa F. , Azzam Hadeer A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractOur study intends to examine the combined effects of radiation, magnetic field, and chemical reaction on the peristaltic flow of a non‐Newtonian fluid containing gyrotactic microorganisms and nanoparticles. The system of our equations is understood numerically by using the Rung‐Kutta‐Merson method with Newton iteration in a shooting and matching procedure. The effect of physical implanted parameters is represented and discussed through a lot of charts for velocity, temperature, nanoparticle concentration, the density of motile microorganisms. From this discussion, we notice that the motile microorganisms profile is affected by the arising with the Brownian motion parameter and radiation parameter but the thermophoresis parameter, traditional Lewis number, and bioconvection of Peclet number are decremented the motile microorganisms profile.
Gradient hydrogels for screening stiffness effects on patient‐derived glioblastoma xenograft cellfates in 3D
Authors: Zhu Danqing , Trinh Pavin , Li Jianfeng , Grant Gerry A. , Yang Fan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBrain cancer is a devastating disease given its extreme invasiveness and intricate location. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common forms of brain cancer, and cancer progression is often correlated with significantly altered tissue stiffness. To elucidate the effect of matrix stiffness on GBM cell fates, previous research is largely limited to 2D studies using immortalized cell lines, which has limited physiological relevance. The objective of the study is to develop gradient hydrogels with brain‐mimicking stiffness range as a 3Din vitro GBM model for screening of the effects of matrix stiffness on GBM. To increase the physiological relevance, patient‐derived tumor xenograft (PDTX) GBM cells were used. Our gradient platform allows formation of cell‐containing hydrogels with stiffness ranging from 40 Pa to 1,300 Pa within a few minutes. By focusing on a brain‐mimicking stiffness range, this gradient hydrogel platform is designed for investigating brain cancer. Increasing stiffness led to decreased GBM proliferation and less spreading, which is accompanied by downregulation of matrix‐metalloproteinases (MMPs). Using temozolomide (TMZ) as a model drug, we demonstrate that increasing stiffness led to higher drug resistance by PDTX GBM cells in 3D, suggesting matrix stiffness can directly modulate how GBM cells respond to drug treatment. While the current study focuses on stiffness gradient, the setup may also be adapted for screening other cancer niche cues such as how biochemical ligand gradient modulates brain cancer progression and drug responses using reduced materials and time.
miR‐212 as potential biomarker suppresses the proliferation of gastric cancer via targeting SOX4
Authors: Shao Jian‐Ping , Su Feng , Zhang Shu‐Peng , Chen He‐Kai , Li Zhao‐Jin , Xing Guo‐Qiang , Liu Hong‐Jie , Li Yong‐Yuan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundCirculating microRNAs that post‐transcriptionally regulate gene expressions have been reported as promising biomarkers in cancer monitoring. This study was to identify the potential role of circulating miR‐212 in gastric cancer and whether it could serve as a novel biomarker for gastric cancer.MethodsWe detected the serum levels of miR‐212 in 100 health people and 110 gastric cancer patients and analyzed the relationships of the serum level of miR‐212 with gastric cancer. We detected the expression of miR‐212 in human gastric mucosal epithelial cell line (GES‐1) and human gastric cancer cell lines (NCI‐N87 and SNU‐16) using qRT‐PCR. Then, we detected the role of 5‐aza‐deoxycytidine on the epigenetic regulation of miR‐212 in human gastric cancer cell lines. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay was used to detect binding activity of miR‐212 on SOX4 mRNA, and their functions on the cell proliferation and apoptosis.ResultsThe expression of miR‐212 was higher in health people than that in gastric cancer patients, higher in gastric mucosal epithelial cell line than that in gastric cancer cells. miR‐212 can be a circulating biomarker and an independent prognostic factor of gastric cancer. Moreover, miR‐212 can directly regulate the 3′UTR of SOX4 mRNA to suppress p53 and Bax, resulting gastric cancer cells proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that miR‐212 was epigenetically downregulated in gastric cancer, and resulting low level of miR‐212 can be a potential circulating biomarker and poor prognosis predicator of gastric cancer.
Application and optimization of reference change values for Delta Checks in clinical laboratory
Authors: Hong Jinyoung , Cho Eun‐Jung , Kim Hyun‐Ki , Lee Woochang , Chun Sail , Min Won‐Ki 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundDelta check is a patient‐based QC tool for detecting errors by comparing current and previous test results of patient. Reference change value (RCV) is adopted in guidelines as method for delta check, but the performance is not verified. We applied RCV‐based delta check method to patients' data and modified for application.Materials and methodsReference change value were calculated using results of internal QC materials and biological variation data. Test results of 17 analytes in inpatients, outpatients, and health examination recipients were collected. The detection rates of currently used delta check method and those of RCV‐based method were compared, and the methods were modified.ResultsReference change value‐based method had higher detection rates compared to conventional method. Applied modifications reduced detection rates. Removing the pairs of results within reference interval reduced detection rates (0.42% ~ 10.92%). When RCV was divided by time interval, the detection rates were similar to prior rates in outpatients (0.19% ~ 1.34%). Using RCV multiplied by twice the upper limit of reference value as cutoff reduced the detection rate (0.07% ~ 1.58%).ConclusionsReference change value is a robust criterion for delta check and included in clinical laboratory practice guideline. However, RCV‐based method generates high detection rates which increase workload. It needs modification for use in clinical laboratories.
Diagnosis, prevalence, and clinical impact of sarcopenia in COPD: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sepúlveda‐Loyola Walter , Osadnik Christian , Phu Steven , Morita Andrea A. , Duque Gustavo , Probst Vanessa S. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSarcopenia prevalence and its clinical impact are reportedly variable in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due partly to definition criteria. This review aimed to identify the criteria used to diagnose sarcopenia and the prevalence and impact of sarcopenia on health outcomes in people with COPD. This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018092576). Five electronic databases were searched to August 2018 to identify studies related to sarcopenia and COPD. Study quality was assessed using validated instruments matched to study designs. Sarcopenia prevalence was determined using authors' definitions. Comparisons were made between people who did and did not have sarcopenia for pulmonary function, exercise capacity, quality of life, muscle strength, gait speed, physical activity levels, inflammation/oxidative stress, and mortality. Twenty‐three studies (70% cross‐sectional) from Europe (10), Asia (9), and North and South America (4) involving 9637 participants aged ≥40 years were included (69.5% men). Sarcopenia criteria were typically concordant with recommendations of hEuropean and Asian consensus bodies. Overall sarcopenia prevalence varied from 15.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) 11.8–19.1; combined muscle mass, strength, and/or physical performance criteria] to 34% (95%CI 20.6–47.3; muscle mass criteria alone) (P = 0.009 between subgroups) and was greater in people with more severe [37.6% (95%CI 24.8–50.4)] versus less severe [19.1% (95%CI 10.2–28.0)] lung disease (P = 0.020), but similar between men [41.0% (95%CI 26.2–55.9%)] and women [31.9% (95%CI 7.0–56.8%)] (P = 0.538). People with sarcopenia had lower predicted forced expiratory volume in the first second (mean difference −7.1%; 95%CI −9.0 to −5.1%) and poorer exercise tolerance (standardized mean difference −0.8; 95%CI −1.4 to −0.2) and quality of life (standardized mean difference 0.26; 95%CI 0.2–0.4) compared with those who did not (P < 0.001 for all). No clear relationship was observed between sarcopenia and inflammatory or oxidative stress biomarkers. Incident mortality was unreported in the literature. Sarcopenia is prevalent in a significant proportion of people with COPD and negatively impacts upon important clinical outcomes. Opportunities exist to optimize its early detection and management and to evaluate its impact on mortality in this patient group.
Data resource profile: JMDC claims databases sourced from Medical Institutions
Authors: Nagai Katsuhiko , Tanaka Takashi , Kodaira Norihisa , Kimura Shinya , Takahashi Yoshimitsu , Nakayama Takeo 
Published: August 2020

AbstractJMDC, Inc. (JMDC) has created a database, using data collected from medical institutions in Japan, consisting of claims (for hospitalization and outpatient treatment), diagnosis procedure combination (DPC) assessment forms, and clinical laboratory test values. The oldest data in this database that can be accessed relate to treatment in April 2014. Currently (the end of October 2019), the number of medical institutions is 218, consisting of 131 DPC‐eligible hospitals and 87 DPC‐ineligible hospitals. Using this database, it is possible to carry out an analysis that makes up for certain limitations of JMDC's another database of data from health insurance societies (eg, the disease status and test results cannot be ascertained, and there is insufficient access to data for elderly people). In addition, it is noteworthy that this database includes not only data from DPC‐eligible hospitals but also data from some DPC‐ineligible hospitals.
Convenient synthesis of novel pyrimido[4,5‐b][1,5]benzothiazepines
Authors: Nikpour Mohsen , Hasanzadeh Neda 
Published: August 2020

AbstractReaction of 4,6‐dichloropyrimidine‐5‐carbaldehyde with amines in chloroform gave 4‐(substitutedamino)‐6‐chloro‐pyrimidine‐5‐carbaldehydes derivatives at low temperature. Treatment of the latter products with 2‐aminobenzenethiol in alkaline benzene and then in boiling acetonitrile gave a novel group of 11H‐pyrimido[4,5‐b][1,5]benzodiazepine derivatives. Structures of the products confirmed by 1HNMR, IR, and mass spectra.