bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of patients with smouldering multiple myeloma at ultra‐high risk of progression using serum parameters: the Czech Myeloma Group model
Authors: Hájek Roman , Sandecka Viera , Špička Ivan , Raab Marc , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Beck Susanne , Minařík Jiří , Pavlíček Petr , Radocha Jakub , Heindorfer Adriana , Jelínek Tomáš , Stejskal Lukáš , Brožová Lucie , Ševčíková Sabina , Straub Jan , Pika Tomáš , Pour Luděk , Maisnar Vladimír , Seckinger Anja , Hose Dirk 
Published: March 2020

SummarySmouldering multiple myeloma (SMM) presents without MM defining symptoms. We aimed to identify patients with SMM with an 80% risk of progression within 2 years using only serum parameters. In total, 527 patients with SMM were included and divided into a training group (287 patients from the Czech Myeloma Group [CMG]) and an independent validation group (240 patients from Heidelberg). The median follow‐up was 2·4 and 2·5 years, respectively. Progression to MM occurred in 51·9% of the CMG and 38·8% of the Heidelberg patients, respectively. The median risk of progression was 11·0% (CMG) and 9·7% (Heidelberg) per year, during the 5 years after diagnosis. A serum involved/uninvolved free light‐chain ratio of >30, immunoparesis, and serum monoclonal (M) protein of ≥2·3 g/dl emerged as powerful predictors of 2‐year progression rate with a hazard ratio (HR) of 2·49 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1·49–4·17), HR of 2·01 (95% CI 1·36–2·96) and HR of 2·00 (95% CI 1·44–2·79) (P < 0·001) in univariate Cox regression analysis, respectively. Based on this, the CMG model identified patients with SMM with a 2‐year risk of progression of 78·7% (95% CI 53·1–95·7; HR 6·8; P < 0·001, CMG) and 81·3% (95% CI 47·1–98·8; HR 38·63; P < 0·001, Heidelberg). Serum parameters in the CMG model allow identification of patients with SMM with an 80% risk of progression to symptomatic MM within 2 years.
Curcumin β‐D‐glucuronide exhibits anti–tumor effects on oxaliplatin‐resistant colon cancer with less toxicity in vivo
Authors: Ozawa‐Umeta Hitomi , Kishimoto Atsuhiro , Imaizumi Atsushi , Hashimoto Tadashi , Asakura Tadashi , Kakeya Hideaki , Kanai Masashi 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe NF‐kappa B (NF‐κB) pathway plays a pivotal role in tumor progression and chemoresistance, and its inhibition has been shown to suppress tumor growth in a variety of preclinical models. Recently, we succeeded in synthesizing a water‐soluble injectable type of curcumin β‐D‐glucuronide (CMG), which is converted into a free‐form of curcumin by β‐glucuronidase in vivo. Herein, we aimed to clarify the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of CMG in a xenograft mouse model. First, we confirmed that the presence of KRAS/TP53 mutations significantly increased the IC50 of oxaliplatin (L‐OHP) and NF‐κB activity in HCT116 cells in vitro. Then, we tested the efficacy of CMG in an HCT116 colon cancer xenograft mice model. CMG demonstrated superior anticancer effects compared to L‐OHP in an L‐OHP‐resistant xenograft model. With regard to safety, significant bodyweight loss, severe myelosuppression and AST/ALT elevation were observed in L‐OHP‐treated mice, whereas none of these toxicity was noted in CMG‐treated mice. The combination of CMG and L‐OHP exhibited additive effects in these xenograft models without increasing toxicity. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that high levels of free‐form curcumin were maintained in the tumor tissue after 48 hours following CMG administration, but it was not detected in other major organs, such as the heart, liver and spleen. Immunohistochemistry revealed reduced NF‐κB activity in the tumor tissue extracted from CMG‐treated mice compared with that from control mice. These results indicated that CMG could be a promising anticancer prodrug for treating colon cancer with minimal toxicity.
Treatment of Alzheimer's disease with framework nucleic acids
Authors: Shao Xiaoru , Cui Weitong , Xie Xueping , Ma Wenjuan , Zhan Yuxi , Lin Yunfeng 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo provide a new research direction for nerve regeneration and strategy for Alzheimer's disease treatment, tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDNs)—novel tetrahedral framework nucleic acid molecule nanoparticles (tFNA) that can inhibit the apoptosis of nerve cells are employed in the experiment.Materials and methodsTo verify the successful preparation of TDNs, the morphology of TDNs was observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression of apoptosis‐related genes and proteins was investigated by confocal microscope, flow cytometry, PCR and Western blot to detect the impact of TDNs on the Alzheimer's model. And finally, Morris water maze experiment was used to test behavioural changes and Nissl stain was detected to observe the morphology and quantity of neurons in the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence stain was used to observe the Aβ stain, and TUNEL dyeing was utilized to observe neuronal apoptosis.ResultsIn vitro and in vivo experiments confirm that TDNs, in a specific concentration range, have no toxic or side effects on nerve cells, can effectively inhibit apoptosis in an Alzheimer's disease cell model and effectively improve memory and learning ability in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that TDNs may be a promising drug for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Utilization of direct‐acting oral anticoagulation in solid organ transplant patients: A national survey of institutional practices
Authors: Lichvar Alicia B. , Pierce Dana R. , Salerno David , Klem Patrick , Waldman Georgina , Park Jeong M. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe safety and efficacy of direct‐acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and reversal strategies are not well established in the solid organ transplant population. This was a survey of pharmacists to assess DOAC and urgent reversal practices among adult transplant programs in the United States. A 27‐question survey was distributed to members of transplant pharmacy organization listservs between 5/28/19 and 6/30/19. A total of 115 responses were received from kidney (43.5%), heart (20.0%), lung (18.3%), liver (13.9%), and pancreas (4.4%) transplant programs. DOAC use prior to transplant was mostly prohibited in thoracic programs (77.3%) but more permissive in kidney transplant programs (64.0%). If permitted, apixaban (57.8%) was most preferred. At transplant surgery, reversal of DOAC was performed “as needed” (20.9%) or was not routine (18.3%). DOAC use post‐transplant was more permissive (94.3%). A majority of responders follow FDA recommended dosing in the setting of drug‐drug interactions (51.1%). Major factors influencing DOAC prescribing decisions included renal function, drug‐drug interactions, and insurance. High clinical practice variability exists regarding DOAC utilization and urgent reversal strategies in pre‐, peri‐, and post‐transplant stages. While more research is needed to refine the clinical landscape, many institutions are using DOAC therapy under the perception that they pose a similar risk of bleeding compared to a non‐transplant population.
Host preferences of the cocoa pod borer, Conopomorpha cramerella, the main threat to cocoa production in Southeast Asia
Authors: Niogret Jerome , Ekayanti Arni , Kendra Paul E. , Ingram Keith , Lambert Smilja , Epsky Nancy D. , Marelli Jean‐Philippe 
Published: March 2020

AbstractInsects ensure the survival of their offspring by depositing their eggs in suitable environments. Even generalist egg‐laying insects often show preferences for specific host plants. The cocoa pod borer (CPB), Conopomorpha cramerella (Snellen) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), successfully infests and reproduces on relatively few host plants, but has a major economic impact only on cocoa, Theobroma cacao L. (Malvaceae). Choice tests were performed in the laboratory to compare the frequency of insect visits, the duration of the visits, and the number of eggs laid on the fruits for each combination of host plants tested – that is, cocoa clones or fruits of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.), Fijian longan (Pometia pinnata JR Forst & G Forst, both Sapindaceae), and langsat (Lansium domesticum Corrêa, Malvaceae). Our laboratory study showed that, when given the choice, CPB significantly favored cocoa pods over other host fruits (rambutan, langsat, or Fijian longan). Females also deposited more eggs on unripe fruits than on ripe fruits of similar size. The preference to lay eggs on specific cocoa clones in the bioassays did not reflect the level of the clone resistance to CPB damage reported from the field. Consequently, oviposition preference of female CPB does not seem to be the main factor explaining field resistance of some cocoa clones to CPB infestation.
Digital Module 11: Bayesian Psychometric Modeling https://ncme.elevate.commpartners.com
Authors: Levy Roy 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn this digital ITEMS module, Dr. Roy Levy describes Bayesian approaches to psychometric modeling. He discusses how Bayesian inference is a mechanism for reasoning in a probability‐modeling framework and is well‐suited to core problems in educational measurement: reasoning from student performances on an assessment to make inferences about their capabilities more broadly conceived, as well as fitting models to characterize the psychometric properties of tasks. The approach is first developed in the context of estimating a mean and variance of a normal distribution before turning to the context of unidimensional item response theory (IRT) models for dichotomously scored data. Dr. Levy illustrates the process of fitting Bayesian models using the JAGS software facilitated through the R statistical environment. The module is designed to be relevant for students, researchers, and data scientists in various disciplines such as education, psychology, sociology, political science, business, health, and other social sciences. It contains audio‐narrated slides, diagnostic quiz questions, and data‐based activities with video solutions as well as curated resources and a glossary.
The Effect of Drag‐and‐Drop Item Features on Test‐Taker Performance and Response Strategies
Authors: Arslan Burcu , Jiang Yang , Keehner Madeleine , Gong Tao , Katz Irvin R. , Yan Fred 
Published: March 2020

AbstractComputer‐based educational assessments often include items that involve drag‐and‐drop responses. There are different ways that drag‐and‐drop items can be laid out and different choices that test developers can make when designing these items. Currently, these decisions are based on experts’ professional judgments and design constraints, rather than empirical research, which might threaten the validity of interpretations of test outcomes. To this end, we investigated the effect of drag‐and‐drop item features on test‐taker performance and response strategies with a cognition‐centered approach. Four hundred and seventy‐six adult participants solved content‐equivalent drag‐and‐drop mathematics items under five design variants. Results showed that: (a) test takers’ performance and response strategies were affected by the experimental manipulations, and (b) test takers mostly used cognitively efficient response strategies regardless of the manipulated item features. Implications of the findings are provided to support test developers’ design decisions.
Some personal reflections on the present and future of Australia’s fauna in an increasingly fire‐prone continent
Authors: Dickman Chris , McDonald Tein 
Published: March 2020

Australia already has the highest rate of species loss of any region in the world, yet the risks suddenly worsened in the spring–summer of 2019–20, with an unprecedented chain of wildfires covering 10 M ha of the nation’s forest and woodland estate. Fires of this scale were unprecedented and not factored into recovery plans for Threatened Species or ecosystem management in general. EMR asks one of Australia’s most pre‐eminent ecologists what can be done to ameliorate the losses and better avoid and respond to such impacts occurring in the future?
Colony composition, queen behavior, specialized predation on millipedes, and exocrine glands in the ponerine antMyopias conicaraXu, 1998 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Ito Fuminori , Nguyen Duc Anh , Eguchi Katsuyuki , Toyota Ayu , Billen Johan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe collected a queenright colony of the very rareMyopias conicaraXu in Vietnam (1 dealate queen, 41 workers and 38 larvae). Both the queen and workers fed on xystodesmid millipedes. After paralyzing a millipede, its head was first removed by the workers, and then the larvae were put on the opening of the collum (anteriormost ring of the trunk). After the inner tissue of the collum was consumed, the exoskeleton of the collum was discarded. The feeding sequence was then repeated on the following rings of the trunk, until the entire prey was consumed. The ring‐shaped exoskeletons of the prey were deposited next to the nest entrance. The exocrine system of the workers (excluding the legs) contains 15 glands of which the structural features are similar to these of other ponerine ants. The presence of an oblong plate gland is interesting, as this gland had only been found previously inMyopias hollandi(Forel). However, none of the novel thoracic glands that were recently described inM. hollandioccur inM. conicara, which illustrates the variation within the genusMyopias. A unique characteristic of the class‐3 glands ofMyopiasants is the gradual widening of the ducts, which has never been found in other insects, although the functional significance remains unknown.
Genetic and morphological approach to reappraising species validity in two different Anagyrus wasps (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) attracted by cyclolavandulyl butyrate
Authors: Sugawara Yuma , Mita Toshiharu , Tabata Jun , Ueno Takatoshi 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMembers of the genus Anagyrus are primary endoparasitoids of mealybugs and thus include potentially important biological control agents of mealybug pests. We have previously discovered that an analogous compound of a mealybug pheromone, cyclolavandulyl butyrate (CLB), strongly attracts Anagyrus sawadai Ishii and can enhance the foraging activity of this wasp in CLB‐treated orchards. In the present study, we found two groups of Anagyrus parasitoids that differed in color were attracted to CLB. One was A. sawadai and the other type was morphologically identified as A. subalbipes Ishii, which had been considered to be synonymous with A. sawadai. We suspected these two color populations of Anagyrus must be independent species because of their different emergence patterns in the field. Our morphological and molecular analyses supported this idea. We confirmed morphologically diagnostic features to distinguish the two species. Furthermore, molecular phylogenetic analysis based on COI sequences revealed that A. sawadai and A. subalbipes were placed in entirely different clusters. These findings not only offered new insight into the taxonomy and phylogeny of Anagyrus spp. but also provided critical knowledge for the use of these indigenous natural enemies for biological control of mealybugs in agricultural fields.
Dominant native and non‐native graminoids differ in key leaf traits irrespective of nutrient availability
Authors: Broadbent Arthur A. D. , Firn Jennifer , McGree James M. , Borer Elizabeth T. , Buckley Yvonne M. , Harpole W. Stanley , Komatsu Kimberly J. , MacDougall Andrew S. , Orwin Kate H. , Ostle Nicholas J. , Seabloom Eric W. , Bakker Jonathan D. , Biederman Lori , Caldeira Maria C. , Eisenhauer Nico , Hagenah Nicole , Hautier Yann , Moore Joslin L. , Nogueira Carla , Peri Pablo L. , Risch Anita C. , Roscher Christiane , Schütz Martin , Stevens Carly J. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimNutrient enrichment is associated with plant invasions and biodiversity loss. Functional trait advantages may predict the ascendancy of invasive plants following nutrient enrichment but this is rarely tested. Here, we investigate (a) whether dominant native and non‐native plants differ in important morphological and physiological leaf traits, (b) how their traits respond to nutrient addition, and (c) whether responses are consistent across functional groups.LocationAustralia, Europe, North America and South Africa.Time period2007–2014.Major taxa studiedGraminoids and forbs.MethodsWe focused on two types of leaf traits connected to resource acquisition: morphological features relating to light‐foraging surfaces and investment in tissue (specific leaf area, SLA) and physiological features relating to internal leaf chemistry as the basis for producing and utilizing photosynthate. We measured these traits on 503 leaves from 151 dominant species across 27 grasslands on four continents. We used an identical nutrient addition treatment of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) at all sites. Sites represented a broad range of grasslands that varied widely in climatic and edaphic conditions.ResultsWe found evidence that non‐native graminoids invest in leaves with higher nutrient concentrations than native graminoids, particularly at sites where native and non‐native species both dominate. We found little evidence that native and non‐native forbs differed in the measured leaf traits. These results were consistent in natural soil fertility levels and nutrient‐enriched conditions, with dominant species responding similarly to nutrient addition regardless of whether they were native or non‐native.Main conclusionsOur work identifies the inherent physiological trait advantages that can be used to predict non‐native graminoid establishment, potentially because of higher efficiency at taking up crucial nutrients into their leaves. Most importantly, these inherent advantages are already present at natural soil fertility levels and are maintained following nutrient enrichment.
Retracted: An empirical model for Indian senior citizens in traffic management
Authors: Adhikari Biranchi , Behera Ajay Kumar , Mahapatra Rabindra Narayan , Das Harish Chandra 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe paper explores the outcomes of an analysis on day by day task‐journey planning conduct of senior citizens by utilizing a modern dynamic model and a family unit travel overview, gathered in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, of India in 2018. The task journey planning display assumes a unique time–space‐constrained planning development. The main commitment of the article is to reveal day by day task‐journey planning conduct through a comprehensive dynamic framework. Numerous behavioural subtleties are revealed by the subsequent empirical model. These incorporate the role that income plays in directing outside time consumption decisions of senior citizens. Senior citizens in the most elevated and least salary classes will, in general, have minor varieties in time consumption decisions than those in middle pay classifications. Generally speaking, the time consumption decisions become progressively steady with expanding age, demonstrating that more task durations and lower task recurrence become progressively predominant with increasing age. Day by day task type and area decisions reveal a reasonable irregular utility‐amplifying level headed conduct of senior residents. Unmistakably expanding spatial availability to different task areas is an urgent factor in characterizing every day outside task interest of senior residents. It is likewise evident that the assorted variety of outside task type decisions decreases with the increase in age and senior citizens are more sensitive to auto journey hour than to travel or non‐mechanised journey hour.
Dermatopathic reaction of lymph nodes in HTLV‐1 carriers: a spectrum of reactive and neoplastic lesions
Authors: Chinen Shigeki , Miyagi Takuya , Murakami Yoshiya , Takatori Mitsuyoshi , Sakihama Shugo , Nakazato Iwao , Kariya Yoshiyuki , Yamaguchi Sayaka , Takahashi Kenzo , Karube Kennosuke 
Published: March 2020

AimsDermatopathic reaction is a histopathological finding of lymph nodes that usually occurs in patients with inflammatory pruritic cutaneous lesions. However, it is sometimes seen in patients with cutaneous T cell lymphoma. Adult T cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is a T cell malignancy caused by infection with human T cell leukaemia virus type I (HTLV‐1), which is frequently accompanied by cutaneous lesions. However, the detailed clinicopathological characteristics of the dermatopathic reaction of lymph nodes in ATLL patients and HTLV‐1 carriers, addressed in this study, remains to be clarified.Methods and resultsWe retrospectively analysed 18 nodal lesions with dermatopathic reaction in HTLV‐1 carriers. Axillary and inguinal lymph nodes were the primary affected tissues. Three cases with atypical lymphoid cell infiltration were defined as ATLL with dermatopathic reaction (ATLL‐D), showing an abnormal T cell immunophenotype and T cell monoclonality. Two of the three ATLL‐D patients died 14 and 7 months after diagnosis (the third case had a very short follow‐up). The other 15 patients were indistinguishable from reactive lesions and were defined as HTLV‐1‐associated lymphadenitis with dermatopathic reaction (HAL‐D). They showed an indolent clinical course, with only one case eventually transforming to aggressive disease.ConclusionsLymph node lesions accompanied by dermatopathic reaction in HTLV1 carriers represent a spectrum that includes reactive and neoplastic conditions. HAL‐D should be distinguished from ATLL‐D, especially to avoid overtreatment.
IMMUNITY
Authors: Reddy Karthik , Schularick Moritz , Skreta Vasiliki 
Published: March 2020

AbstractLegal provisions that protect elected politicians from prosecution have been common throughout history and still exist in most democracies. We provide the first systematic measurement of immunity and study, theoretically and empirically, its relation to corruption. Theory predicts that immunity is a double‐edged sword. To test whether immunity is a vice or a virtue, we quantify immunity enjoyed by heads of government, ministers, and legislators in 90 countries. Controlling for standard determinants of corruption, we find that stronger immunity is associated with greater corruption. Instrumental variable estimations using immunity at the first democratic constitution suggest the effect could be causal.