bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obesity and thinness prevalence trends in Spanish schoolchildren: are they two convergent epidemics?
Authors: Garrido-Miguel Miriam , Martínez-Vizcaíno Vicente , Herráiz-Adillo Ángel , Martínez-Hortelano Jose Alberto , Soriano-Cano Alba , Díez-Fernández Ana , Solera-Martínez Montserrat , Sánchez-López Mairena 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
The objective of this study was to analyse the secular trends in body composition variables and weight status among Spanish schoolchildren from 1992 to 2017, and to examine the persistence in the same weight status category from 2013 to 2017 of the birth cohort in 2007–08.

Methods
The data for the prevalence/trend analysis were taken from cross-sectional analyses conducted in 1992 (n = 308), 1996 (n = 307), 1998 (n = 275), 2004 (n = 1119), 2010 (n = 912), 2013 (n = 352) and 2017 (n = 275) using similar procedure methods among schoolchildren (aged 4–6 y and 8–11 years) from 22 public schools in the province of Cuenca, Spain. The data for the longitudinal analysis were obtained from cross-sectional analyses of measurements gathered in 2013 and 2017 in the same cohort of children (n = 275) born in 2007 and 2008. Weight, height, body fat percentage (by electronic bioimpedance) and waist circumference were measured by trained personnel. Weight status was defined according to the BMI cut-offs proposed by the International obesity task force (IOTF) criteria.

Results
In schoolchildren, the overall prevalence of thinness increased from 5.9% in 1992 to 14.5% in 2017, P &lt; 0.001. Whereas, the overall prevalence of obesity/overweight remained relatively steady between the same time period (from 25.2% to 26.9%), P = 0.599. In relation to the longitudinal analyses, we observed that 70.9% of schoolchildren in 2017 remained in the same weight status category as in 2013.

Conclusions
The child obesity epidemic in Spain has remained relatively stable over the last two decades. However, the prevalence of thinness shows a worrying upward trend.
GlgA plays an important role in the induction of hydrosalpinx byChlamydia muridarum
Authors: Hu Chunmin , Wu Haoqing , Sun Yina , Kong Jie , Shao LiLi , Chen Xiaojun , Liu Quanzhong , Liu Yuanjun 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTWhile glycogen synthase A deficiency can reduce the growth and proliferation of Chlamydia muridarum, the effect of glycogen synthase A on the pathogenic process of C. muridarum remains unclear. To characterize the effect of glycogen synthase A deficiency on the pathogenicity of C. muridarum in the genital tract, BALB/c mice were intravaginally inoculated with wild-type, plasmid-free and glycogen synthase A-deficient C. muridarum, and the genital tract tissue was isolated to assess the severity of hydrosalpinx and the levels of oviduct dilatation at day 60 after infection. The glycogen storage capacity and in vitro infection ability of different C. muridarum strains were analyzed by periodic acid-Schiff staining and quantification of progeny elementary body(EB) formation. The tissue homogenate was used to determine the recovery of different C. muridarum strains. The results show that glycogen synthase A-deficient C. muridarum induced reduction of hydrosalpinx and attenuated the extent of oviduct dilatation in mice, and exhibited reduced growth and proliferation in the mouse lower genital tract. In addition, glycogen synthase A point mutations at different sites reduced the glycogen storage capacity and in vitro infectivity of C. muridarum to different degrees. Glycogen synthase A deficiency also reduced the host inflammatory reaction and ascending infection of C. muridarum.
Pulses and delays, anticipation and memory: seeing bacterial stress responses from a single-cell perspective
Authors: Lagage Valentine , Uphoff Stephan 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTStress responses are crucial for bacteria to survive harmful conditions that they encounter in the environment. Although gene regulatory mechanisms underlying stress responses in bacteria have been thoroughly characterised for decades, recent advances in imaging technologies helped to uncover previously hidden dynamics and heterogeneity that become visible at the single-cell level. Despite the diversity of stress response mechanisms, certain dynamic regulatory features are frequently seen in single cells, such as pulses, delays, stress anticipation and memory effects. Often, these dynamics are highly variable across cells. While any individual cell may not achieve an optimal stress response, phenotypic diversity can provide a benefit at the population level. In this review, we highlight microscopy studies that offer novel insights into how bacteria sense stress, regulate protective mechanisms, cope with response delays and prepare for future environmental challenges. These studies showcase developments in the single-cell imaging toolbox including gene expression reporters, FRET, super-resolution microscopy and single-molecule tracking, as well as microfluidic techniques to manipulate cells and create defined stress conditions.
Therapeutic efficacy of ramucirumab after lenvatinib for post-progression treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hiraoka Atsushi , Kumada Takashi , Tada Toshifumi , Ogawa Chikara , Tani Joji , Fukunishi Shinya , Atsukawa Masanori , Hirooka Masashi , Tsuji Kunihiko , Ishikawa Toru , Takaguchi Koichi , Kariyama Kazuya , Itobayashi Ei , Tajiri Kazuto , Shimada Noritomo , Shibata Hiroshi , Ochi Hironori , Kawata Kazuhito , Toyoda Hidenori , Ohama Hideko , Nouso Kazuhiro , Tsutsui Akemi , Nagano Takuya , Itokawa Norio , Hayama Korenobu , Arai Taeang , Imai Michitaka , Koizumi Yohei , Nakamura Shinichiro , Michitaka Kojiro , Hiasa Yoichi , Kudo Masatoshi ,   the Real-life Practice Experts for HCC (RELPEC) Study Group and HCC 48 Group (hepatocellular-carcinoma experts from 48 clinics in Japan)
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
Lenvatinib is used for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (u-HCC) as first-line, as well as second- and third-line therapy in Japan. We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of newly developed ramucirumab when given after lenvatinib for post-progression treatment.

Methods
Of 385 patients with u-HCC and treated with lenvatinib at 16 different institutions in Japan between May 2018 and January 2020, 28 who received ramucirumab as the next treatment were enrolled and therapeutic responses were evaluated in a retrospective manner.

Results
The median age of the 28 patients given ramucirumab was 70 years and the median albumin-bilirubin score was −2.19. Of the 28 patients, 23 were male, 21 were classified as Child–Pugh A and 7 as Child–Pugh B, and 25 were Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage C. Ramucirumab was given as second-line therapy in 14, third-line in 9, and fourth-line in 5. Therapeutic response was obtained in only 26 patients; the objective response rate was 3.8% (1/26) and the disease-control rate was 42.3% (11/26), with a median period to progression of 2.0 months. The reasons for discontinuation of ramucirumab were progression of disease in 16 and Grade 3 adverse events (gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites) in 2.

Conclusions
The anticipated therapeutic efficacy of ramucirumab for post-progression treatment following lenvatinib was not seen in our early experience.
Germline PTEN mutations are associated with a skewed peripheral immune repertoire in humans and mice
Authors: Jaini Ritika , Loya Matthew G , King Alexander T , Thacker Stetson , Sarn Nicholas B , Yu Qi , Stark George R , Eng Charis 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Individuals with germline mutations in the gene encoding phosphatase and tensin homolog on chromosome ten (PTEN) are diagnosed with PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS) and are at high risk for developing breast, thyroid and other cancers and/or autoimmunity or neurodevelopmental issues including autism spectrum disorders. Although well recognized as a tumor suppressor, involvement of PTEN mutations in mediating such a diverse range of phenotypes indicates a more central involvement for PTEN in immunity than previously recognized. To address this, sequencing of the T-cell receptor variable-region β-chain was performed on peripheral blood from PHTS patients. Based on patient findings, we performed mechanistic studies in two Pten knock-in murine models, distinct from each other in cell compartment-specific predominance of Pten. We found that PTEN mutations in humans and mice are associated with a skewed T- and B-cell gene repertoire, characterized by increased prevalence of high-frequency clones. Immunological characterization showed that Pten mutants have increased B-cell proliferation and a proclivity towards increased T-cell reactivity upon Toll-like-receptor stimulation. Furthermore, decreases in nuclear but not cytoplasmic Pten levels associated with a reduction in expression of the autoimmune regulator (Aire), a critical mediator of central immune tolerance. Mechanistically, we show that nuclear PTEN most likely regulates Aire expression via its emerging role in splicing regulation. We conclude that germline disruption of PTEN, both in human and mouse, results in compromised central immune tolerance processes that may significantly impact individual stress responses and therefore predisposition to autoimmunity and cancer.
Passive Smoking Increases the Risk for Intestinal Surgeries in Patients With Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Scharrer Susanna , Lissner Donata , Primas Christian , Reinisch Walter , Novacek Gottfried , Reinisch Sieglinde , Papay Pavol , Dejaco Clemens , Vogelsang Harald , Miehsler Wolfgang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
Despite substantial evidence on the negative effect of active smoking, the impact of passive smoking on the course of Crohn’s disease (CD) remains largely unclear. Our aim was to assess passive smoking as a risk factor for intestinal surgeries in CD.

Methods
The study was conducted in a university-based, monocentric cohort of 563 patients with CD. Patients underwent a structured interview on exposure to passive and active smoking. For clinical data, chart review was performed. Response rate was 84%, leaving 471 cases available for analysis. For evaluation of the primary objective, which was the impact of exposure to passive smoking on the risk for intestinal surgery, only never actively smoking patients were included.

Results
Of 169 patients who never smoked actively, 91 patients (54%) were exposed to passive smoking. Exposed patients were more likely to undergo intestinal surgery than nonexposed patients (67% vs 30%; P &lt; 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that passive smoking was an independent risk factor for intestinal surgeries (hazard ratio, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.04–2.9; P = 0.034) after adjustment for ileal disease at diagnosis (hazard ratio, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.9–4.5; P &lt; 0.001) and stricturing or penetrating behavior at diagnosis (hazard ratio, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2–3.1; P = 0.01). Passive smoking during childhood was a risk factor for becoming an active smoker in later life (odds ratio, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.5–3.2; P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
Passive smoking increases the risk for intestinal surgeries in patients with CD.
IL-10 and Its Related Superfamily Members IL-19 and IL-24 Provide Parallel/Redundant Immune-Modulation in Loa loa Infection
Authors: Ricciardi Alessandra , Nutman Thomas B 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
Interleukin-10 (IL-10) has been implicated as the major cytokine responsible for the modulation of parasite-specific responses in filarial infections; however, the role of other IL-10 superfamily members in filarial infection is less well studied.

Methods
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from loiasis patients were stimulated with or without filarial antigen. Cytokine production was quantified using a Luminex platform and T-cell expression patterns were assessed by flow cytometry.

Results
All patients produced significant levels of IL-10, IL-13, IL-5, IL-4, and IL-9 in response to filarial antigen, indicating a common infection-driven response. When comparing microfilaria (mf)-positive and mf-negative patients, there were no significant differences in spontaneous cytokine nor in parasite-driven IL-10, IL-22, or IL-28a production. In marked contrast, mf-positive individuals had significantly increased filarial antigen-driven IL-24 and IL-19 compared to mf-negative subjects. mf-positive patients also demonstrated significantly higher frequencies of T cells producing IL-19 in comparison to mf-negative patients. T-cell expression of IL-19 and IL-24 was positively regulated by IL-10 and IL-1β. IL-24 production was also regulated by IL-37.

Conclusion
These data provide an important link between IL-10 and its related family members IL-19 and IL-24 in the modulation of the immune response in human filarial infections.

Clinical Trials Registration
NCT00001230.
Detection of Respiratory Syncytial Virus or Rhinovirus Weeks After Hospitalization for Bronchiolitis and the Risk of Recurrent Wheezing
Authors: Mansbach Jonathan M , Geller Ruth J , Hasegawa Kohei , Piedra Pedro A , Avadhanula Vasanthi , Gern James E , Bochkov Yury A , Espinola Janice A , Sullivan Ashley F , Camargo Carlos A 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
In severe bronchiolitis, it is unclear if delayed clearance or sequential infection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or rhinovirus (RV) is associated with recurrent wheezing.

Methods
In a 17-center severe bronchiolitis cohort, we tested nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA) upon hospitalization and 3 weeks later (clearance swab) for respiratory viruses using PCR. The same RSV subtype or RV genotype in NPA and clearance swab defined delayed clearance (DC); a new RSV subtype or RV genotype at clearance defined sequential infection (SI). Recurrent wheezing by age 3 years was defined per national asthma guidelines.

Results
Among 673 infants, RSV DC and RV DC were not associated with recurrent wheezing, and RSV SI was rare. The 128 infants with RV SI (19%) had nonsignificantly higher risk of recurrent wheezing (hazard ratio [HR], 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], .95–1.80; P = .10) versus infants without RV SI. Among infants with RV at hospitalization, those with RV SI had a higher risk of recurrent wheezing compared to children without RV SI (HR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.22–5.06; P = .01).

Conclusions
Among infants with severe bronchiolitis, those with RV at hospitalization followed by a new RV infection had the highest risk of recurrent wheezing.
Switch from parenteral to oral antibiotics for brain abscesses: a retrospective cohort study of 109 patients
Authors: Asquier-Khati Antoine , Deschanvres Colin , Boutoille David , Lefebvre Maeva , Le Turnier Paul , Gaborit Benjamin , Lakhal Karim , Buffenoir Kevin , Khatchatourian Lydie , Asseray Nathalie ,   the Nantes Brain Abscesses study group, Orain Jérémie , Lecomte Raphael , Brochard Julia , Biron Charlotte , Raffi François , Juvin Marie-Emmanuelle , Roualdes Vincent , Riem Tanguy , Ngohou Chan , Orain Jérémie , Lecomte Raphael , Brochard Julia , Biron Charlotte , Raffi François , Juvin Marie-Emmanuelle , Roualdes Vincent , Riem Tanguy , Ngohou Chan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Brain abscess is one of the most serious diseases of the CNS and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. With regard to the lack of data supporting an optimal therapeutic strategy, this study aimed to explore the prognostic factors of brain abscess, putting emphasis on the impact of therapeutic decisions.

Methods
We retrospectively included patients hospitalized for brain abscess during a period of 13 years. Comorbidities (Charlson scale), clinical presentation, microbiology culture, radiological features and therapeutic management were collected. Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at 3 months and length of hospital stay were, respectively, the main and the secondary outcomes. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with outcome independently.

Results
Initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ≤14 and comorbidities (Charlson scale ≥2) were associated with poor neurological outcome while oral antibiotic switch was associated with better neurological outcome. Oral switch did not appear to be associated with an unfavourable evolution in the subset of patients without initial neurological severity (GCS &gt;14) on admission. Duration of IV regimen and time to oral switch were associated with the length of inpatient stay.

Conclusions
This study confirms the role of GCS and comorbidities as prognostic factors and presents reassuring data regarding the safety of oral switch for the antibiotic treatment of brain abscesses. Oral switch could prevent catheter-induced iatrogenic complications and allow a higher quality of life for patients.
Probabilistic forecasting of surgical case duration using machine learning: model development and validation
Authors: Jiao York , Sharma Anshuman , Ben Abdallah Arbi , Maddox Thomas M , Kannampallil Thomas 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Objective
Accurate estimations of surgical case durations can lead to the cost-effective utilization of operating rooms. We developed a novel machine learning approach, using both structured and unstructured features as input, to predict a continuous probability distribution of surgical case durations.

Materials and Methods
The data set consisted of 53 783 surgical cases performed over 4 years at a tertiary-care pediatric hospital. Features extracted included categorical (American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] Physical Status, inpatient status, day of week), continuous (scheduled surgery duration, patient age), and unstructured text (procedure name, surgical diagnosis) variables. A mixture density network (MDN) was trained and compared to multiple tree-based methods and a Bayesian statistical method. A continuous ranked probability score (CRPS), a generalized extension of mean absolute error, was the primary performance measure. Pinball loss (PL) was calculated to assess accuracy at specific quantiles. Performance measures were additionally evaluated on common and rare surgical procedures. Permutation feature importance was measured for the best performing model.

Results
MDN had the best performance, with a CRPS of 18.1 minutes, compared to tree-based methods (19.5–22.1 minutes) and the Bayesian method (21.2 minutes). MDN had the best PL at all quantiles, and the best CRPS and PL for both common and rare procedures. Scheduled duration and procedure name were the most important features in the MDN.

Conclusions
Using natural language processing of surgical descriptors, we demonstrated the use of ML approaches to predict the continuous probability distribution of surgical case durations. The more discerning forecast of the ML-based MDN approach affords opportunities for guiding intelligent schedule design and day-of-surgery operational decisions.
Rumen-protected arginine in ewe lambs: effects on circulating serum amino acids and carotid artery hemodynamics
Authors: Peine Jena L , Neville Tammi L , Klinkner Erin E , Egeland Kelsey E , Borowicz Pawel P , Meyer Allison M , Reynolds Lawrence P , Caton Joel S 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSixty nonpregnant, nulliparous Rambouillet ewes (51 ± 1.4 kg initial body weight) were used in a completely randomized design to determine 1) if rumen-protected l-Arg (RP-ARG) supplementation would increase serum concentrations of amino acids resulting from Arg supplementation and metabolism, and decrease serum concentrations of amino acids that compete with Arg for transporters, 2) if RP-ARG supplementation would alter carotid artery hemodynamics, and 3) the most effective oral dose of RP-ARG to positively increase both circulating amino acids and improve peripheral tissue blood perfusion as measured by carotid hemodynamics. Ewes were penned individually in a temperature-controlled facility. Ewes were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: a control group that received no supplemental Arg (CON; 50 g of finely ground corn, only), or Arg-supplemented groups that received 90 (90), 180 (180), or 360 (360) mg RP-ARG·kg BW−1·d−1 mixed in 50 g of finely ground corn. Supplements were administered once daily for 14 d and fully consumed before the delivery of a total pelleted diet at 0630 and 1830 hours daily. Baseline and final blood samples were collected at days 0 (before treatment initiation) and 15, respectively. Doppler ultrasound was used to assess carotid arterial hemodynamics at 0600 hours on days 0 (before treatment initiation), 5, 8, 12, and 15. After 14 d of supplementation, ewes fed 180 had greater Arg (P = 0.05) and Orn (P = 0.05) and tended (P = 0.08) to have greater Asp in serum than ewes fed 90, and for these amino acids, ewes fed 180 were similar (P ≥ 0.16) compared with ewes fed 360. All supplemented ewes (90, 180, and 360) had a negative change (P = 0.02) from baseline when normalized to CON for the pulsatility and resistance indices, which indicate greater distal tissue blood perfusion and lower vascular resistance of blood flow, respectively. Additionally, there were quadratic responses for the pulsatility and resistance indices (P = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively) where ewes fed 180 had the greatest change from baseline when normalized to CON. Results indicate that Arg supplementation increased serum amino acid concentrations and improved peripheral tissue blood perfusion. The 180 mg·kg BW−1·d−1 RP-ARG dose was determined to be the optimal dose for nonpregnant, nulliparous Rambouillet ewes.
The Justice Spring of the Judicial System in Guatemala and the Implementation of the Judgments Issued by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Authors: Maldonado Urbina Wendy Johara 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
This practice note explains how, despite persistent impunity in Guatemala for the serious human rights violations that took place during the armed conflict, important changes have taken place within the judiciary that have facilitated the fight against impunity. It shows how a new generation of human rights practitioners has been empowered by judges like Judge Barrientos who used international human rights law, and particularly the judgments of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, to ensure justice was done.
Tidying-up the plant nuclear space: domains, functions, and dynamics
Authors: Santos Ana Paula , Gaudin Valérie , Mozgová Iva , Pontvianne Frédéric , Schubert Daniel , Tek Ahmet L , Dvořáčková Martina , Liu Chang , Fransz Paul , Rosa Stefanie , Farrona Sara 
Published: June 2020

AbstractUnderstanding how the packaging of chromatin in the nucleus is regulated and organized to guide complex cellular and developmental programmes, as well as responses to environmental cues is a major question in biology. Technological advances have allowed remarkable progress within this field over the last years. However, we still know very little about how the 3D genome organization within the cell nucleus contributes to the regulation of gene expression. The nuclear space is compartmentalized in several domains such as the nucleolus, chromocentres, telomeres, protein bodies, and the nuclear periphery without the presence of a membrane around these domains. The role of these domains and their possible impact on nuclear activities is currently under intense investigation. In this review, we discuss new data from research in plants that clarify functional links between the organization of different nuclear domains and plant genome function with an emphasis on the potential of this organization for gene regulation.