bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Matching‐adjusted comparison of oral corticosteroid reduction in asthma: Systematic review of biologics
Authors: Bourdin Arnaud , Husereau Don , Molinari Nicolas , Golam Sarowar , Siddiqui Mohd Kashif , Lindner Leandro , Xu Xiao 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundOral corticosteroid (OCS) treatment for severe asthma is associated with substantial disease burden. Thus, OCS dosage reduction is desirable. Relative efficacy of biologics in reducing OCS treatment for severe, uncontrolled asthma is not fully characterized.ObjectiveWe performed a matching‐adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) to assess the relative effects on OCS treatment reduction of three biologic asthma treatments.MethodsIn MAIC of benralizumab vs. mepolizumab and vs. dupilumab, patient‐level data from the Phase III benralizumab OCS‐sparing trial, ZONDA, were weighted to match treatment effect–modifying patient characteristics in comparator trials.ResultsAfter matching adjustment, mean difference between benralizumab and mepolizumab for OCS reduction was 6.08% (95% CI −22.22‐34.38; P = .67) by week 24, and odds ratio of OCS elimination was 2.32 (95% CI 0.48‐11.15; P = .29). A trend in annual asthma exacerbation rate reduction favouring benralizumab over mepolizumab was observed, although it was not statistically significant (rate ratio [RR] = 0.56 [95% CI 0.28‐1.13; P = .11]). Mean difference between benralizumab and dupilumab for OCS reduction was −0.71% (95% CI −20.56‐19.15; P = .94), and odds ratio of OCS elimination was 2.26 (95% CI 0.52‐9.84; P = .28). A non‐significant trend in annual asthma exacerbation rate reduction favouring benralizumab over dupilumab was observed (RR = 0.50 [95% CI 0.20‐1.28; P = .15]). Effective sample size was 49% (72 vs. 148) and 25% (36 vs. 142) of original sample size for MAIC of benralizumab vs. mepolizumab and benralizumab vs. dupilumab, respectively.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceFollowing patient baseline characteristics matching across clinical trials, benralizumab demonstrated efficacy comparable to mepolizumab and dupilumab for OCS dosage reduction, OCS elimination, and annual exacerbation rate reduction. Comparatively low effective sample sizes indicated substantial differences for patient populations between ZONDA and mepolizumab and dupilumab trials.
Lichen planus related to transforming growth factor beta inhibitor in a patient with metastatic chondrosarcoma: a case report
Authors: Farah Maya , Nelson Kelly C. , Tetzlaff Michael T. , Nagarajan Priyadharsini , Torres‐Cabala Carlos A. , Prieto Victor G. , Curry Jonathan L. , Aung Phyu P. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractTransforming growth factor‐beta1 (TGF‐β1) is expressed in normal epidermis. TGF‐β1 potently inhibits keratinocyte proliferation and immunomodulatory properties, mainly by suppressing immune responses to self‐antigens. Lichen planus (LP) is a form of dermatitis caused by cell‐mediated immune dysfunction, but the exact pathogenic pathways are unknown, which poses therapeutic challenges. We report on a 68‐year‐old man who developed multiple pruritic, discrete, and well‐demarcated, flat‐topped red‐purple papules and macules on the back and upper arms following 4 cycles of treatment with TGF‐β receptor I (TGFBR‐I) inhibitor, ly3200882, for metastatic chondrosarcoma. The biopsy showed hyperkeratosis, wedge‐shaped hypergranulosis, elongation of the rete ridges, and a dense band‐like lymphohistiocytic infiltrate admixed with colloid bodies and pigment incontinence, consistent with LP. Temporal correlation suggested that the TGFBR‐I inhibitor might be a trigger. Treatment with topical clobetasol and oral metronidazole led to partial resolution of the lesions with postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. We believe this is the first reported case of LP related to TGFBR‐I inhibitor therapy. This report expands the list of cutaneous adverse events associated with this novel class of targeted therapy. More importantly, this report supports emerging evidence that failure of TGF‐β1 activation/signal transduction is an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of LP and suggests the TGF‐β1 pathway as a potential therapeutic target in this disease.
The role of mesotocin on social bonding in pinyon jays
Authors: Duque Juan F. , Rasmussen Tanner , Rodriguez Anna , Stevens Jeffrey R. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe neuropeptide oxytocin influences mammalian social bonding by facilitating the building and maintenance of parental, sexual, and same‐sex social relationships. However, we do not know whether the function of the avian homologue mesotocin is evolutionarily conserved across birds. While it does influence avian prosocial behavior, mesotocin's role in avian social bonding remains unclear. Here, we investigated whether mesotocin regulates the formation and maintenance of same‐sex social bonding in pinyon jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus), a member of the crow family. We formed squads of four individually housed birds. In the first, “pair‐formation” phase of the experiment, we repeatedly placed pairs of birds from within the squad together in a cage for short periods of time. Prior to entering the cage, we intranasally administered one of three hormone solutions to both members of the pair: mesotocin, oxytocin antagonist, or saline. Pairs received repeated sessions with administration of the same hormone. In the second, “pair‐maintenance” phase of the experiment, all four members of the squad were placed together in a large cage, and no hormones were administered. For both phases, we measured the physical proximity between pairs as our proxy for social bonding. We found that, compared with saline, administering mesotocin or oxytocin antagonist did not result in different proximities in either the pair‐formation or pair‐maintenance phase of the experiment. Therefore, at the dosages and time frames used here, exogenously introduced mesotocin did not influence same‐sex social bond formation or maintenance. Like oxytocin in mammals, mesotocin regulates avian prosocial behavior; however, unlike oxytocin, we do not have evidence that mesotocin regulates social bonds in birds.
Removal of a metallic foreign body from the tongue of three horses
Authors: Blatter M. , Thunig M. , Kretschmar F. , Rijkenhuizen A. B. M. 
Published: January 2020

SummaryThe objective of this case report is to describe the diagnostic and surgical techniques for removal of a metallic foreign body in the tongue of three adult horses. The three horses were presented for evaluation and treatment of dysphagia and marked hypersalivation of 3–5 days duration. Radiographs of the head revealed the presence of a metallic foreign body in the tongue of each horse. The foreign bodies could be precisely localised under general anaesthesia using palpation and lingual ultrasonography and/or lingual radiography in combination with a forceps as a marker. The foreign bodies were successfully removed using laparoscopic instruments creating minimal soft tissue trauma. The use of long (43 cm) small laparoscopic (5 mm) instruments enabled good visualisation of the surgical field, providing optimal conditions for successful minimally invasive surgical treatment of horses with foreign bodies in the tongue. The three horses made uneventful recoveries and 12 months after surgery were eating normally and could be ridden with a bit as per usual routine. It was concluded that using long laparoscopic instruments in combination with palpation, ultrasonography and/or radiography allowed removal of the foreign body creating minimal soft tissue trauma and allowing optimal conditions for a fast recovery.
An intelligent hybrid approach for hepatitis disease diagnosis: Combining enhanced k‐means clustering and improved ensemble learning
Authors: Singh Aman , Mehta Jaydip Chandrakant , Anand Divya , Nath Pinku , Pandey Babita , Khamparia Aditya 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn real world, the automatic detection of liver disease is a challenging problem among medical practitioners. The intent of this work is to propose an intelligent hybrid approach for the diagnosis of hepatitis disease. The diagnosis is performed with the combination of k‐means clustering and improved ensemble‐driven learning. To avoid clinical experience and to reduce the evaluation time, ensemble learning is deployed, which constructs a set of hypotheses by using multiple learners to solve a liver disease problem. The performance analysis of the proposed integrated hybrid system is compared in terms of accuracy, true positive rate, precision, f‐measure, kappa statistic, mean absolute error, and root mean squared error. Simulation results showed that the enhanced k‐means clustering and improved ensemble learning with enhanced adaptive boosting, bagged decision tree, and J48 decision tree‐based intelligent hybrid approach achieved better prediction outcomes than other existing individual and integrated methods.
Anisotropic fatigue behaviour of interbeded marble subjected to uniaxial cyclic compressive loads
Authors: Wang Yu , Gao Shaohua , Liu Dongqiao , Li Changhong 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe work aims to experimentally investigate the anisotropic fatigue characteristics of marble with different bedding orientations using uniaxial fatigue experiments and posttest computed tomography (CT) scanning. The impacts of interbed orientation on the strength, deformation, fatigue life, and stimulated fracture pattern were systematically analysed. Results show that the axial, lateral, and volumetric strain curves present a three‐stage deformation and are influenced by the interbed orientation. The volumetric strain is maximum and minimum for a marble sample with 30 and 90° orientation, respectively, which is closely related to the failure mode. The crack pattern in the CT images is related to the interbed orientation; the crack density and scale are the largest for a 90° orientation sample and are the smallest for a 30° orientation sample. Good correlation has been established between the fatigue lifetime and the interbed orientation. It is suggested that anisotropic cyclic behaviours of marble is structurally dependent.
Invasive non‐native species likely to threaten biodiversity and ecosystems in the Antarctic Peninsula region
Authors: Hughes Kevin A. , Pescott Oliver L. , Peyton Jodey , Adriaens Tim , Cottier‐Cook Elizabeth J. , Key Gillian , Rabitsch Wolfgang , Tricarico Elena , Barnes David K. A. , Baxter Naomi , Belchier Mark , Blake Denise , Convey Peter , Dawson Wayne , Frohlich Danielle , Gardiner Lauren M. , González‐Moreno Pablo , James Ross , Malumphy Christopher , Martin Stephanie , Martinou Angeliki F. , Minchin Dan , Monaco Andrea , Moore Niall , Morley Simon A. , Ross Katherine , Shanklin Jonathan , Turvey Katharine , Vaughan David , Vaux Alexander G. C. , Werenkraut Victoria , Winfield Ian J. , Roy Helen E. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe Antarctic is considered to be a pristine environment relative to other regions of the Earth, but it is increasingly vulnerable to invasions by marine, freshwater and terrestrial non‐native species. The Antarctic Peninsula region (APR), which encompasses the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands and South Orkney Islands, is by far the most invaded part of the Antarctica continent. The risk of introduction of invasive non‐native species to the APR is likely to increase with predicted increases in the intensity, diversity and distribution of human activities. Parties that are signatories to the Antarctic Treaty have called for regional assessments of non‐native species risk. In response, taxonomic and Antarctic experts undertook a horizon scanning exercise using expert opinion and consensus approaches to identify the species that are likely to present the highest risk to biodiversity and ecosystems within the APR over the next 10 years. One hundred and three species, currently absent in the APR, were identified as relevant for review, with 13 species identified as presenting a high risk of invading the APR. Marine invertebrates dominated the list of highest risk species, with flowering plants and terrestrial invertebrates also represented; however, vertebrate species were thought unlikely to establish in the APR within the 10 year timeframe. We recommend (a) the further development and application of biosecurity measures by all stakeholders active in the APR, including surveillance for species such as those identified during this horizon scanning exercise, and (b) use of this methodology across the other regions of Antarctica. Without the application of appropriate biosecurity measures, rates of introductions and invasions within the APR are likely to increase, resulting in negative consequences for the biodiversity of the whole continent, as introduced species establish and spread further due to climate change and increasing human activity.
Microbial resistance and resilience in response to environmental changes under the higher intensity of human activities than global average level
Authors: Huang Laibin , Bai Junhong , Wen Xiaojun , Zhang Guangliang , Zhang Chengdong , Cui Baoshan , Liu Xinhui 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWith the increasing intensity of global human activities, the ecosystem function, which is supported by the microbial community, will be dramatically changed and impaired. To investigate microbial resistance and resilience of microbial communities to human activities, we chose two typical types of human disturbances, urbanization, and reclamation under the higher intensity of human activities than the global average level. We examined microbial traits, including the abundance, diversity, phylogeny, and co‐occurrence interactions in soil microbial communities, together with the nitrification activities observed in the subtropical coastal ecosystem of the Pearl River Estuary and in soil microcosm experiments. Microbial communities were less resistant to the environmental changes caused by urbanization than to those caused by reclamation, which was significantly reflected in the nitrogen and/or carbon‐related patterns. However, most of the microbial traits could be recovered almost to the original level without significant differences in the microcosm after 40 days of incubation. The co‐occurrence interactions between nitrifiers and other microbial communities were dramatically changed and could not be completely recovered, but this change did not affect their nitrification activities for balancing the ammonium in the soil to the original level during the recovery stage, suggesting that the interactions between microbial communities might have fewer effects on their activities than previously thought. This study quantitatively demonstrated that microbial communities as a whole can recover to a status similar to the original state in a short time after the removal of stress at a large ecosystem scale even under the higher intensity of human activities than global average level in coastal ecosystems, which implied a strong recovery capacity of soil microbial community even after intense human disturbance.
Long‐term evolution and prediction of feed value for permanent mountain grassland hay: Analysis of a 32‐year data set in relation to climate change
Authors: Deroche Bertrand , Pradel Philippe , Baumont René 
Published: January 2020

AbstractElevation of mean air temperature related to climate change speeds up plant maturity, which influences mostly forage feed value. The objective of the study was to assess variation in hay quality harvested over 32 years at the same experimental site, and whether feed value is better predicted by combining agro‐climatic variables with chemical composition. From 1979 to 2010, the in vivo digestibility (OMd) and voluntary dry matter intake (VDMI) of 271 hays, harvested during the first vegetation cycle on permanent grasslands, were measured in sheep. Over 32 years, the mean air temperature between February and August increased significantly by 1.34°C. Cutting date was advanced by 6 days, but the average sum of temperature at cutting (ST) increased significantly by 13%. Crude protein (CP) content declined (−22%, p < .001), crude fibre content increased (+8%, p < .001), OMd decreased (−3%, p = .012) and VDMI increased (+9%, p = .011). Changes in the chemical composition and OMd were consistent with the increase in ST. Finally, the prediction of OMd from CP and crude fibre contents (R2 = .57, RMSE = 2.99) was slightly improved by the addition of ST and hay drying time (R2 = .60, RMSE = 2.83). Climate change may have a negative indirect effect on hay quality if an earlier cutting date does not compensate for its effect on the faster maturation of the plants. Moreover, agro‐climatic criteria could help to monitor and predict hay quality in relation to intra‐ and inter‐annual climatic changes.
How do processing technology and formulation influence consumers’ choice of fruit juice?
Authors: Martins Inayara Beatriz Araujo , Rosenthal Amauri , Ares Gastón , Deliza Rosires 
Published: January 2020

SummaryThe study aimed at investigating the influence of four variables related to processing technology and formulation on consumer’s choice of fruit juice, and to explore the moderating effect of food technology neophobia (FTN). A choice‐conjoint task was implemented considering four variables: processing technology, added sugar, preservatives and cold pressing. Sixteen pairs of labels were presented to 369 Brazilian consumers to that indicate which of the products they would purchase. Then, they answered the FTN scales and a socio‐demographic questionnaire. Data were analysed using a logit model with random parameters. Results showed that cold pressing, pressurisation and the claims ‘no added sugar’ and ‘no preservatives’ had a positive effect on consumers’ choices, whereas the claim ‘not pressurised’ had a negative effect. The FTN moderated the effect of the variables on participants' choices of fruit juices. The main difference between groups of consumers with different level of neophobia (low, medium and high) was related to the effect of information about juice processing.
Dimethyl itaconate protects against fungal keratitis by activating the Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway
Authors: Gu Lingwen , Lin Jing , Wang Qian , Li Cui , Peng Xudong , Fan Yiqun , Lu Chunli , Lin Hao , Niu Yawen , Zhu Guoqiang , Zhao Guiqiu 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDimethyl itaconate (DI) is a membrane‐permeable itaconate derivative with anti‐inflammatory functions. However, the anti‐inflammatory effect of DI has never been studied in fungal keratitis. In this study, we tested the protective effect of DI against fungal keratitis and assessed the role of NF‐E2‐related factor‐2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) signaling in this process. Eyes of C57BL/6 (B6) mice were treated with 2 mm DI after infection with Aspergillus fumigatus. Human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) were pretreated with 0.25 mm DI and then incubated with A. fumigatus. Clinical scoring, slit‐lamp photography, myeloperoxidase determination, flow cytometry and immunostaining were used to assess the disease response and treatment efficacy. PCR, Western blot and ELISA were used to assess the expression of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), chemokine (C–X–C motif) ligand 1, IL‐6, IL‐8, Nrf2 and HO‐1. In addition, quantification of viable fungi, absorbance assays and fluorimetry were used to measure DI fungistatic activity. We observed that DI‐treated eyes showed decreased clinical scores, fungal loads, polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) infiltration and cytokine expression, compared with phosphate‐buffered saline‐treated infected eyes. DI treatment decreased the cytokine levels in infected corneas and in HCECs stimulated with A. fumigatus. Moreover, DI treatment increased Nrf2 and HO‐1 expression in corneas and nuclear Nrf2 accumulation in HCECs. DI‐induced cytokine downregulation was inhibited by pretreatment with an Nrf2 or HO‐1 inhibitor. Finally, DI treatment reduced the A. fumigatus absorbance and fungal mass. These data indicate that DI protects against fungal keratitis by limiting inflammation via the Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway and that DI inhibits the growth of A. fumigatus.
Is drought risk priced in private debt contracts?
Authors: Do Viet , Nguyen Thu Ha , Truong Cameron , Vu Tram 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe investigate whether banks price drought risk in the interest rates charged to corporate borrowers. The results show that banks do charge drought‐affected borrowers higher loan spreads. The spread increase is most pronounced among food industry borrowers. Our findings are robust to alternative drought measures. We also document that lenders with more experience in lending to drought‐affected food borrowers charge a lower drought risk premium, and borrowers' credit rating of investment grade can act as a mitigating factor on drought risk effects. Our study highlights that externalities from local weather shocks are relevant to the private debt market.
Update on antiarrhythmic drug pharmacology
Authors: Huang Christopher L.‐H. , Wu Lin , Jeevaratnam Kamalan , Lei Ming 
Published: January 2020

AbstractCardiac arrhythmias constitute a major public health problem. Pharmacological intervention remains mainstay to their clinical management. This, in turn, depends upon systematic drug classification schemes relating their molecular, cellular, and systems effects to clinical indications and therapeutic actions. This approach was first pioneered in the 1960s Vaughan‐Williams classification. Subsequent progress in cardiac electrophysiological understanding led to a lag between the fundamental science and its clinical translation, partly addressed by The working group of the European Society of Cardiology (1991), which, however, did not emerge with formal classifications. We here utilize the recent Revised Oxford Classification Scheme to review antiarrhythmic drug pharmacology. We survey drugs and therapeutic targets offered by the more recently characterized ion channels, transporters, receptors, intracellular Ca2+ handling, and cell signaling molecules. These are organized into their strategic roles in cardiac electrophysiological function. Following analysis of the arrhythmic process itself, we consider (a) pharmacological agents directly targeting membrane function, particularly the Na+ and K+ ion channels underlying depolarizing and repolarizing events in the cardiac action potential. (b) We also consider agents that modify autonomic activity that, in turn, affects both the membrane and (c) the Ca2+ homeostatic and excitation‐contraction coupling processes linking membrane excitation to contractile activation. Finally, we consider (d) drugs acting on more upstream energetic and structural remodeling processes currently the subject of clinical trials. Such systematic correlations of drug actions and arrhythmic mechanisms at different molecular to systems levels of cardiac function will facilitate current and future antiarrhythmic therapy.