bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial variation in climate modifies effects of functional diversity on biomass dynamics in natural forests across Canada
Authors: Hisano Masumi , Chen Han Y. H. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimForest net biomass change (ΔAGB; the difference between biomass gain from growth and loss through mortality) determines how forests contribute to the global carbon cycle. Understanding how plant diversity affects ΔAGB in diverse abiotic conditions is crucial in the face of anthropogenic environmental change. Recent studies have advanced our understanding of the effects of plant diversity on growth dependent on the abiotic context, either supporting or rejecting the stress gradient hypothesis. However, we know little about how diversity influences mortality, which prevents us from knowing how diversity affects ΔAGB in diverse abiotic conditions.LocationAcross Canada (43–60° N, 52–133° W).Time period1951–2016.Major taxa studiedNinety‐three tree species.MethodsWe modelled the relationships of growth, mortality and ΔAGB with functional diversity that represented niche complementarity, while simultaneously accounting for the influence of functional identity and stand age.ResultsGrowth and mortality increased, on average, with functional diversity, but the magnitude of the increase in growth was greater than that of mortality, resulting in an increase of ΔAGB. The positive relationship between growth and functional diversity was more prominent in more humid sites than in drier sites. Mortality increased with functional diversity in drier sites but did not increase in wetter sites. The positive relationship between ΔAGB and functional diversity was strengthened with water availability. Moreover, the positive relationship between growth and functional diversity became stronger with temperature, but the positive associations of diversity with mortality and ΔAGB were consistent across the gradient of temperature.Main conclusionsOur results suggest that higher functional diversity leads to an increase in forest biomass accumulation owing to a greater positive effect of functional diversity on productivity than on mortality. However, in contrast to the stress gradient hypothesis, our findings show that the positive effect of functional diversity is more pronounced in an environment favourable for growth.
Mucosal and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran from 1968 to 2018: a narrative review of clinical features, treatments, and outcomes
Authors: Sabzevari Sadaf , Mohebali Mehdi , Hashemi Seyed Ahmad 
Published: January 2020

AbstractLeishmaniases are worldwide zoonotic infectious diseases caused by different types of intracellular protozoan species of the genus Leishmania. Leishmaniasis as an important vector‐borne parasitic disease is transmitted between mammalian hosts by female sandflies. There are three main clinical forms of disease with varied severity: visceral leishmaniasis (VL), cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL). MCL is the most uncommon form of this syndrome in the Old World. Accordingly, the reports have characterized that patients with the involvement of mucous membranes are rare even in endemic areas. It is well‐known that MCL is a rare clinical manifestation in Iran, but there have been several different cases of patients with mucosal (ML) or MCL in some parts of Iran during the past 50 years. Therefore, we aimed to report and present clinical and epidemiological features of ML or MCL in different regions of the country. Also, we demonstrated specified Leishmania species causing the ML in some cases. The present narrative review indicates that ML or MCL is not unexpected in Iran. Based on the findings of the recent studies, it is concluded that diagnosis of ML should be considered by physicians in Iran.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor–induced inflammatory arthritis as a model of autoimmune arthritis
Authors: Cappelli Laura C. , Thomas Mekha A. , Bingham Clifton O. , Shah Ami A. , Darrah Erika 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe development of inflammatory arthritis in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy is increasingly recognized due to the growing use of these drugs for the treatment of cancer. This represents an important opportunity not only to define the mechanisms responsible for the development of this immune‐related adverse event and to ultimately predict or prevent its development, but also to provide a unique window into early events in the development of inflammatory arthritis. Knowledge gained through the study of this patient population, for which the inciting event is known, could shed light into the pathogenesis of autoimmune arthritis. This review will highlight the clinical and immunologic features of these entities to define common elements for future study.
Predicting banking crises based on credit, housing and capital booms
Authors: Shen Chung‐Hua , Lee Yen‐Hsien , Fang Hao 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis study examines how excessive growth in credit, housing and international capital flows, referred to as credit, housing and capital booms, can serve as an early warning signal (EWS) for an impending banking crisis. We examine 56 sample countries that comprise 32 advanced countries and 24 emerging countries. We have two novel results. The first supports the “more booms, stronger warning signal” argument for predicting the onset and persistence of a crisis. The joint consideration of credit, housing and foreign capital booms can be an important EWS for a systemic banking crisis. Second, the lead times for the three booms are different. Capital booms occur 1 year ahead of a crisis, but credit and housing booms occur 2 years ahead.
Asymptotics of the Non‐parametric Function for B‐splines‐based Estimation in Partially Linear Models
Authors: Lian Heng 
Published: January 2020

SummaryWe consider least squares method for partially linear models based on polynomial splines. We derive the asymptotic property for the estimator, focusing on the estimation of the non‐parametric function, in particular whether and how the estimation of the linear part will affect the non‐parametric part (the converse relation, that is, how the linear part will be affected by the non‐parametric part is much better known, which we will also review). One important goal along the way is to clarify the role of projection in semiparametric models, which was nevertheless a classical trick for proving the asymptotic normality of the linear part. A crucial question we try to answer is whether projection plays any role in the estimation of the non‐parametric function. The answer is both positive and negative depending on the direction along which to assess asymptotic normality. The style of writing of the paper is somewhat expository, and it also contains several new results not found in the current literature. Finally, we demonstrate in our numerical studies that construction of the pointwise confidence intervals for the non‐parametric function motivated by our theory improves upon those constructed by pretending the linear part is known.
Treatment for oral lesions in pediatric patients with Stevens‐Johnson's syndrome: A case report and literature review
Authors: Barea‐Jiménez Natalia , Calero Javier , Molina‐Negrón Damaris , López Del‐Valle Lydia M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractStevens‐Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a disorder forming one of the several severe cutaneous adverse reactions, a group that includes, as well, erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and SJS/TEN overlap. These adverse reactions are characterized by their severe involvement of the skin and the oral, gastrointestinal, genital, and conjunctival mucosa. The purposes of the study described herein were to perform a literature review of studies describing the clinical presentations and management of SJS patients with oral manifestations and to present a case report of a patient treated with dapsone gel. The research question for the literature review was the following: For patients with SJS, does adjunctive topical antibiotic treatment provide a better resolution for oral lesions than supportive care does? An online search of studies published from 2000 to 2019 was performed using the following databases: PubMed, BBO, LILACS, the Cochrane Library, and Ovid MEDLINE. Eight case reports were identified that met the inclusion criteria. Most of the articles included information about palliative treatments, such as supragingival cleaning and debridement, and the use of palliative oral rinses and gels, such as ‘magic’ mouthwash, chlorhexidine 0.12%, and lidocaine 2% gel. The case reported added an innovative treatment consisting of dapsone gel 5%.
Operating room nurses' self‐reported knowledge and attitude on perioperative pressure injury
Authors: Khong Betty Peck Chui , Goh Bong Chee , Phang Lai Yee , David Thamilselvi 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSurgical patients are at risk of developing a perioperative pressure injury (ORPI) during surgery. Accurate assessment and prompt implementation of prevention strategies or treatment of ORPI are dependent on knowledge and skills of operating room (OR) nurses. The study examined the knowledge and attitude of OR nurses in identifying at‐risk patients. A cross‐sectional, prospective, descriptive study was adopted. OR nurses were invited to complete the survey using the attitude towards pressure ulcer prevention instrument (Cronbach α of 0.79) and pressure ulcer knowledge assessment tool (Cronbach α of 0.77). Approximately, 28% of OR nurses took part in the survey. Most of them were females (99%) with a mean age of 38.4 ± 12.9 years old. Of these, 73% of the nurses described not having adequate experience in preventing ORPI, and 88% of them were uncertain about the treatment strategies. The mean overall knowledge score was 47.8 ± 9.1% for this cohort. The study demonstrated that approximately 8.9% of OR nurses passed with a score ≥ 60% for knowledge. The mean overall attitude score was 74.6 ± 6.1% for this cohort. About 35.6% of these nurses gave positive scores of greater than 75% for attitudes. The knowledge scores have no relationship with the working experience, role responsibility, academic qualification, ethnicity, nationality, and gender except for age 35 years older or equal and younger. Still, both the knowledge and attitude scores obtained have a strong relationship with the nurses' experiences with PI prevention. Personal competency to prevent PI has a strong correlation with risk identifying and preventing PI. There are strong associations between being responsible for PI development and the knowledge on risk identification and prevention of PI. The attitude regarding the prioritisation of PI prevention is also strongly correlated to the nurses' knowledge in preventing PI. Positive attitudes of OR nurses have no relationship with the overall knowledge scores. The prevention of ORPI is not on the list of priorities among OR nurses. The knowledge of preventive measures and risk identification of PI was limited among local OR nurses. Incorporating a standard screening and assessment tool within the current assessment list will support and promote ORPI risk assessment and continuous assessment. Contextualised education on ORPI prevention and management should be considered part of the training for OR nurses.
Five‐year outcomes after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zheng Shunwen , Jiang Weifeng , Dai Jinjie , Li Kaige , Shi Hongyu , Wu Weihua , Liu Xu , He Ben , Qiu Xingbiao , Song Zhiping 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundCatheter ablation (CA) is a promising option in most patients with refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). However, data on over 5 years' outcomes with larger numbers in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients with AF have not been reported. We assessed the outcome of 120 HCM patients following CA compared with a non‐CA group and general patients without AF matched by HCM type with a 61.9 ± 31.6‐month follow‐up.Methods and ResultsA total of 120 patients (age 61 ± 9.8 years, female n = 43, 35.8%) with paroxysmal AF (n = 60, 50%) and persistent AF (n = 60, 50%) were enrolled. Of the 120 patients, 48 (40%) required redo procedures, and 82 (68.3%) were in sinus rhythm at the last evaluation. The composite clinical events rate following the initial CA was lower than that in the non‐CA group (P = .023) and was also comparable to that in general patients without AF matched by HCM type (P = .729). Female (HR 2.358, 95% CI, 1.151‐4.831; P = .019), NYHA functional class III‐IV (HR 2.422, 95% CI, 1.032‐5.685; P = .042) and left atrial diameter ≥50 mm (HR 3.319, 95% CI, 1.469‐7.499; P = .004) were predictors of AF recurrence after multiple procedures.ConclusionsCA was successful in restoring long‐term sinus rhythm and improving symptomatic status in most HCM patients with refractory AF especially for those patients with small atrial size and mild symptoms. In addition, CA may contribute to the prevention of major clinical adverse events in the long‐term clinical course.
Cardiac telocytes exist in the adult Xenopus tropicalis heart
Authors: Lv Luocheng , Liao Zhaofu , Luo Jiali , Chen Hongyi , Guo Hongyan , Yang Jifeng , Huang Ruijin , Pu Qin , Zhao Hui , Yuan Ziqiang , Feng Shanshan , Qi Xufeng , Cai Dongqing 
Published: January 2020

AbstractRecent research has revealed that cardiac telocytes (CTs) play an important role in cardiac physiopathology and the regeneration of injured myocardium. Recently, we reported that the adult Xenopus tropicalis heart can regenerate perfectly in a nearly scar‐free manner after injury via apical resection. However, whether telocytes exist in the X tropicalis heart and are affected in the regeneration of injured X tropicalis myocardium is still unknown. The present ultrastructural and immunofluorescent double staining results clearly showed that CTs exist in the X tropicalis myocardium. CTs in the X tropicalis myocardium were mainly twined around the surface of cardiomyocyte trabeculae and linked via nanocontacts between the ends of the telopodes, forming a three‐dimensional network. CTs might play a role in the regeneration of injured myocardium.
Modified level of miR‐376a is associated with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Baghi Masoud , Rostamian Delavar Mahsa , Yadegari Elaheh , Peymani Maryam , Pozo David , Hossein Nasr‐Esfahani Mohammad , Ghaedi Kamran 
Published: January 2020

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) is a frequent progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Impaired mitochondrial function is a major feature of sporadic PD. Some susceptibility or causative genes detected in PD are strongly associated with mitochondrial dysfunction including PGC1α, TFAM and GSK3β. microRNAs (miRNAs) are non‐coding RNAs whose altered levels are proven in disparate PD models and human brains. Therefore, the aim of this study was to detect modulations of miRs upstream of PGC1α, TFAM and GSK3β in association with PD onset and progress. In this study, a total of 33 PD subjects and 25 healthy volunteers were recruited. Candidate miRNA (miR‐376a) was selected through target prediction tools and literature survey. Chronic and acute in vitro PD models were created by MPP+‐intoxicated SHSY5Y cells. The levels of miR‐376a and aforementioned genes were assessed by RT‐qPCR. The expression of target genes was decreased in chronic model while there were dramatically up‐regulated levels of those genes in acute model of PD. miR‐376a was strongly altered in both acute and chronic PD models as well as PBMCs of PD patients. Our results also showed overexpression of PGC1α, and TFAM in PBMCs is inversely correlated with down‐regulation of miR‐376a, suggesting that miR‐376a possibly has an impact on PD pathogenesis through regulation of these genes which are involved in mitochondrial function. miR‐376a expression in PD‐derived PBMCs was also correlated with disease severity and may serve as a potential biomarker for PD diagnosis. This is the first study showing altered levels of miR‐376a in PD models and PBMCs, suggesting the probable role of this miRNA in PD pathogenesis. The present study also proposed TFAM and PGC1α as target genes of miR‐376a for the first time, through which it possibly can exert its impact on PD pathogenesis.
Defining hidradenitis suppurativa phenotypes based on the elementary lesion pattern: results of a prospective study
Authors: Martorell A. , Jfri A. , Koster S.B.L. , Gomez‐Palencia P. , Solera M. , Alfaro‐Rubio A. , Hueso L. , Sanz‐Motilva V. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundIt has been proposed that two main phenotypes of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) exist. This proposal is based upon different elementary structures detected in the skin, namely follicular subtypes and inflammatory subtypes. Having an accurate definition of these two variants could help us to better identify patients who may require an early intervention with currently approved targeted immunomodulatory therapies.ObjectiveTo define and distinguish between the epidemiological, clinical and analytic characteristics of these two HS phenotypes.MethodsAn observational, descriptive, non‐randomized and prospective study was conducted. Patients diagnosed with HS between May 2012 and April 2017 by a specialized unit were included. Ultrasound evaluation was performed in all cases.ResultsAbout 197 patients were included, 100 women and 97 men, aged between 25 and 47 years. The mean age of onset was significantly different between phenotypes, ranging between 26.69 ± 9.05 in the inflammatory subtype and 17.62 ± 6.42 in the follicular subtype. Follicular subtype patients exhibited a significantly higher number of nodules combined with the presence of multiple commedons (5.65 ± 3.38 versus 0.89 ± 2.72). This contrasted with the higher count of abscesses and fistulas detected in the inflammatory subtype (respectively, 4 ± 2.74 and 3.11 ± 2.56 versus 0.56 ± 1.02 and 0.26 ± 0.56). IgA levels were significantly higher in the inflammatory subtype (497.71 ± 262.26 versus 232.38 ± 84.06). Mean IHS4 score evaluation was higher in the inflammatory subtype (21.04 ± 11.9) compared with the follicular phenotype (7.54 ± 4.66). The inflammatory subtype was found to be an independent risk factor for disease aggressiveness in the multivariate analysis (OR 0.034 [95% CI 0.015–0.072]).LimitationsSmall sample size.ConclusionPreliminary data suggest the existence of an inflammatory HS phenotype that is associated with higher aggressiveness and major risk of progression during natural history of the disease.
Results of the guideline‐based treatment for pemphigus: a single‐centre experience with 84 cases
Authors: Kakuta R. , Kurihara Y. , Yamagami J. , Miyamoto J. , Funakoshi T. , Tanikawa A. , Amagai M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe Japanese guidelines for the management of pemphigus (JG) were published in 2010. However, further progress in the treatment of pemphigus requires their validation.ObjectivesTo examine the efficacy and safety of treatments based on the JG.MethodsA retrospective study of 84 Japanese patients with moderate to severe pemphigus, who were initially treated in accordance with the JG and then followed up for >2 years, was performed in a single centre. Treatment typically consisted of 0.5–1 mg prednisone (PSL)/kg/day accompanied by 100 mg azathioprine/day as a steroid‐sparing agent.ResultsIn 83 of the 84 patients (98.8%), complete remission on minimal therapy (≤10 mg PSL/day and concomitant immunosuppressive agent) was achieved. The time between initiation of therapy and remission was 13.9 ± 9.4 months. In 78 patients (92.9%), remission was accomplished within the 2‐year follow‐up. The 32 patients with recalcitrant disease (38.1%) received additional treatment. Relapse occurred in 12 patients (14.3%) either during tapering of the PSL dose (six patients) or after achieving remission (six patients). Adverse events, mostly liver enzyme elevation, infections and diabetes, occurred in 67 patients (79.8%). One patient (1.2%) died during the observation period after gastrointestinal haemorrhage.ConclusionsOur results suggested that the elderly and patients requiring additional therapies were at higher risk of adverse events, including severe infections, and should thus be monitored carefully. This study provided clinical data that could inform revised guidelines and contribute to the evaluation of future novel therapies.
Preclinical validation of the new vitrification device possessing a feature of absorbing excess vitrification solution for the cryopreservation of human embryos
Authors: Takahashi Nozomi , Harada Miyuki , Oi Nagisa , Izumi Gentaro , Momozawa Kenji , Matsuzawa Atsushi , Tokunaga Yukio , Hirata Tetsuya , Fujii Tomoyuki , Osuga Yutaka 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimThe cryopreservation of embryos is essential for assisted reproductive technology field. The aim of the present study is to examine the efficacy and ease of use of a new vitrification device, Kitasato Vitrification System (KVS), in cryopreservation of human embryos.MethodsHuman embryos at the cleavage or blastocyst stage were vitrified and warmed by KVS or Cryotop (control device). The survival of cleavage‐ and blastocyst‐stage embryos and the developmental competence of cleavage‐stage embryos were evaluated. Four individuals inexperienced in vitrification and warming embryos tested both KVS and Cryotop. The vitrification time and the detachment time of the embryos were evaluated.ResultsAt the cleavage stage, there were no significant differences in the survival rate and the development rate to the blastocyst stage between KVS and Cryotop (100 vs 96.8% and 63.3 vs 61.3%, respectively). At the blastocyst stage, there was no significant difference in the re‐expansion rate between KVS and Cryotop (100 vs 88.9%). The vitrification time was shorter for KVS than Cryotop. There was no significant difference in the detachment time between KVS and Cryotop.ConclusionKitasato Vitrification System is easy to operate, even for inexperienced users, and the viability of human embryos vitrified by KVS is comparable to that of Cryotop, a widely used vitrification device.
Balloon tamponade for successful emergency cervical cerclage
Authors: Lv Min , Zhao Baihui , Chen Yuan , Xi Fangfang , Zhan Qitao , Wang Yayun , Pu Yuqun , Luo Qiong 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimTo illustrate the method of emergency cerclage with the balloon tamponade and demonstrate the efficacy of this surgery method.MethodsProcedures of the balloon tamponade assisted emergency cerclage were reviewed in detail and outcomes of 39 patients treated with this way were evaluated.ResultsFrom 2017 to 2019, emergency cerclage was successfully performed in 39 patients with a dilated cervix and bulging fetal membranes, assisted by the balloon tamponade. The diameter of the bulging prolapsed membranes ranged from 0.0–10.0 cm, with a median of 2.0 cm. Prolongation of the pregnancy period was from 8 to 138 days, with a median of 29 days. No maternal complications including infections, cervical laceration and cervical bleeding were observed perioperative period.ConclusionEmergency cerclage is an effective way to prolong gestational period in patients with advanced cervical dilatation and bulging membranes. The balloon tamponade assisted emergency cerclage makes the replacement of fetal membranes back into the uterine cavity easier and effectively, then a successful and convenient emergency cerclage can be performed.