bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Maternal Outcomes
Authors: Lau Rachel , Chris Robert B , Phuong Melissa S , Khatib Aisha , Kopalakrishan Swana , Bhasker Shveta , Raheel Hira , Lecce Celine , Yegorov Sergey , Mishra Sharmistha , Boggild Andrea K 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Gestational helminth infections are correlated to adverse outcomes including maternal anemia; as such, treatment is recommended. However, little published high-quality data exist around the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of anti-helminthics in pregnancy. We therefore conducted a systematic review and synthesized the available data on maternal outcomes following gestational treatment of intestinal nematodes to help guide clinical decision-making.

Methods
Five electronic databases were searched for studies reporting the efficacy, safety, or tolerability of anti-helminthic drugs for gestational treatment of intestinal nematodes. Studies were systematically screened, followed by data extraction. Trial quality was assessed using the GRADE approach. We conducted a narrative synthesis followed by meta-analyses using random-effects models as appropriate. Data were summarized using qualitative and quantitative measures for specific parasitic infections as well as efficacy and safety of anti-parasitic agents. Outcomes of interest included: maternal anemia, minor adverse outcomes, pregnancy loss, pre-mature delivery, prevalence of infection, and cure rate.

Results
23 studies were included. Gestational treatment with albendazole had cure rates up to 90% for hookworm and Ascaris, but only 50% for Trichuris. Mebendazole had an overall cure rate of ≤70% for Ascaris, hookworm, and Trichuris. Pooled relative risk reduction of hookworm prevalence at delivery with albendazole compared to placebo was 90% (95%CI 0.09-0.15, n=2, I2=0%). Rate of pregnancy loss and hemoglobin concentration did not differ between albendazole or mebendazole versus placebo, and rates of pre-term delivery were similar in albendazole-treated pregnant women versus controls. Ivermectin demonstrated a cure rate of 29% for hookworm and 56% for Trichuris in pregnant women. No serious adverse events were attributable to any drug studied.

Conclusions
With increased international travel and migration of vulnerable populations, practitioners will encounter nematode infections in pregnant patients. Our analysis supports that albendazole in pregnancy has high cure rates for STHs and is safe for the mother.
Prevalence, distribution, and risk factors for canine blastomycosis in Michigan, USA
Authors: Shelnutt Leslie M , Kaneene John B , Carneiro Paulo A M , Langlois Daniel K 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBlastomycosis is a systemic fungal infection that most commonly affects dogs and humans. The disease is thought to be endemic in southern regions of Michigan, USA, but epidemiologic investigations have not been reported in detail for this state. The primary aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence and distribution of canine blastomycosis cases in Michigan and to identify risk factors for infection. Over 200 primary care veterinary clinics throughout the state were surveyed regarding blastomycosis prevalence, and demographic information was obtained from medical records of affected dogs that were evaluated at these clinics. A retrospective case control study was conducted for an additional 49 dogs with blastomycosis that were evaluated at specialty referral centers located in the southern mid-Michigan region. Prevalence rates were calculated for each county, and cases were mapped using geocoding software. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to identify risk factors for infection. Prevalence rates were ≥100 cases per 100,000 dogs in five counties. Most blastomycosis cases originated from the Upper Peninsula or from a high-density area in the northern Lower Peninsula. Multivariable regression analysis identified travel or residence north of the 45th parallel as a strong risk factor for infection (P &lt; .001). Blastomycosis was uncommon in southern counties. These results refute previous speculations and should be of value to both human and animal health. Given that many heightened risk areas are popular tourist destinations, practitioners across the USA should be mindful of the spatial distribution of blastomycosis in Michigan.
Star formation at the edge of the Local Group: a rising star formation history in the isolated galaxy WLM
Authors: Albers Saundra M , Weisz Daniel R , Cole Andrew A , Dolphin Andrew E , Skillman Evan D , Williams Benjamin F , Boylan-Kolchin Michael , Bullock James S , Dalcanton Julianne J , Hopkins Philip F , Leaman Ryan , McConnachie Alan W , Vogelsberger Mark , Wetzel Andrew 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACT
We present the star formation history (SFH) of the isolated (D ∼ 970 kpc) Local Group dwarf galaxy Wolf–Lundmark–Melotte (WLM) measured from colour–magnitude diagrams (CMDs) constructed from deep Hubble Space Telescope imaging. Our observations include a central ($0.5 \, r_h$) and outer field ($0.7 \, r_h$) that reach below the oldest main-sequence turn-off. WLM has no early dominant episode of star formation: 20 per cent of its stellar mass formed by ∼12.5 Gyr ago ($z$ ∼ 5). It also has an SFR that rises to the present with 50 per cent of the stellar mass within the most recent 5 Gyr ($z$ &lt; 0.7). There is evidence of a strong age gradient: the mean age of the outer field is 5 Gyr older than the inner field despite being only 0.4 kpc apart. Some models suggest such steep gradients are associated with strong stellar feedback and dark-matter core creation. The SFHs of real isolated dwarf galaxies and those from the Feedback in Realistic Environment suite are in good agreement for M⋆($z$ = 0) ∼ 107–109M⊙, but in worse agreement at lower masses ($M_{\star }(z=0) \sim 10^5\!-\!10^7 \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$). These differences may be explainable by systematics in the models (e.g. reionization model) and/or observations (HST field placement). We suggest that a coordinated effort to get deep CMDs between HST/JWST (crowded central fields) and WFIRST (wide-area halo coverage) is the optimal path for measuring global SFHs of isolated dwarf galaxies.
Deep-CEE I: fishing for galaxy clusters with deep neural nets
Authors: Chan Matthew C , Stott John P 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACT
We introduce Deep-CEE (Deep Learning for Galaxy Cluster Extraction and Evaluation), a proof of concept for a novel deep learning technique, applied directly to wide-field colour imaging to search for galaxy clusters, without the need for photometric catalogues. This technique is complementary to traditional methods and could also be used in combination with them to confirm existing galaxy cluster candidates. We use a state-of-the-art probabilistic algorithm, adapted to localize and classify galaxy clusters from other astronomical objects in Sloan Digital Sky Survey imaging. As there is an abundance of labelled data for galaxy clusters from previous classifications in publicly available catalogues, we do not need to rely on simulated data. This means we keep our training data as realistic as possible, which is advantageous when training a deep learning algorithm. Ultimately, we will apply our model to surveys such as Large Synoptic Survey Telescope and Euclid to probe wider and deeper into unexplored regions of the Universe. This will produce large samples of both high-redshift and low-mass clusters, which can be utilized to constrain both environment-driven galaxy evolution and cosmology.
Genetic polymorphisms in inflammatory genes and pancreatic cancer risk: a two-phase study on more than 14 000 individuals
Authors: Gentiluomo Manuel , Peduzzi Giulia , Lu Ye , Campa Daniele , Canzian Federico 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThere is overwhelming evidence that inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of cancer and its progression. Inflammation is regulated through a complex network of genes and polymorphic variants in these genes have been found to be associated to risk of various human cancers, alone or in combination with environmental variables. Despite this, not much is known on the genetic variability of genes that regulate inflammation and risk of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We performed a two-phase association study considering the genetic variability of 76 genes that are key players in inflammatory response. We analysed tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and regulatory SNPs on 7207 PDAC cases and 7063 controls and observed several associations with PDAC risk. The most significant association was between the carriers of the A allele of the CCL4-rs1719217 polymorphism, which was reported to be also associated with the expression level of the CCL4 gene, and increased risk of developing PDAC (odds ratio = 1.12, 95% confidence interval = 1.06–1.18, P = 3.34 × 10−5). This association was significant also after correction for multiple testing, highlighting the importance of using potentially functional SNPs in order to discover more genetic variants associated with PDAC risk.
proGenomes2: an improved database for accurate and consistent habitat, taxonomic and functional annotations of prokaryotic genomes
Authors: Mende Daniel R , Letunic Ivica , Maistrenko Oleksandr M , Schmidt Thomas S B , Milanese Alessio , Paoli Lucas , Hernández-Plaza Ana , Orakov Askarbek N , Forslund Sofia K , Sunagawa Shinichi , Zeller Georg , Huerta-Cepas Jaime , Coelho Luis Pedro , Bork Peer 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMicrobiology depends on the availability of annotated microbial genomes for many applications. Comparative genomics approaches have been a major advance, but consistent and accurate annotations of genomes can be hard to obtain. In addition, newer concepts such as the pan-genome concept are still being implemented to help answer biological questions. Hence, we present proGenomes2, which provides 87 920 high-quality genomes in a user-friendly and interactive manner. Genome sequences and annotations can be retrieved individually or by taxonomic clade. Every genome in the database has been assigned to a species cluster and most genomes could be accurately assigned to one or multiple habitats. In addition, general functional annotations and specific annotations of antibiotic resistance genes and single nucleotide variants are provided. In short, proGenomes2 provides threefold more genomes, enhanced habitat annotations, updated taxonomic and functional annotation and improved linkage to the NCBI BioSample database. The database is available at http://progenomes.embl.de/.
Circulating angiopoietin-like protein 2 levels and mortality risk in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Morinaga Jun , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Fukami Hirotaka , Hayata Manabu , Uchimura Kohei , Mizumoto Teruhiko , Kakizoe Yutaka , Miyoshi Taku , Shiraishi Naoki , Adachi Masataka , Izumi Yuichiro , Kuwabara Takashige , Okadome Yusuke , Sato Michio , Horiguchi Haruki , Sugizaki Taichi , Kadomatsu Tsuyoshi , Miyata Keishi , Tajiri Saeko , Tajiri Tetsuya , Tomita Kimio , Kitamura Kenichiro , Oike Yuichi , Mukoyama Masashi 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment have a poor prognosis, as many develop premature aging. Systemic inflammatory conditions often underlie premature aging phenotypes in uremic patients. We investigated whether angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL 2), a factor that accelerates the progression of aging-related and noninfectious inflammatory diseases, was associated with increased mortality risk in hemodialysis patients.

Methods
We conducted a multicenter prospective cohort study of 412 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis and evaluated the relationship between circulating ANGPTL2 levels and the risk for all-cause mortality. Circulating ANGPTL2 levels were log-transformed to correct for skewed distribution and analyzed as a continuous variable.

Results
Of 412 patients, 395 were included for statistical analysis. Time-to-event data analysis showed high circulating ANGPTL2 levels were associated with an increased risk for all-cause mortality after adjustment for age, sex, hemodialysis vintage, nutritional status, metabolic parameters and circulating high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels {hazard ratio [HR] 2.04 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–3.77]}. High circulating ANGPTL2 levels were also strongly associated with an increased mortality risk, particularly in patients with a relatively benign prognostic profile [HR 3.06 (95% CI 1.86–5.03)]. Furthermore, the relationship between circulating ANGPTL2 levels and mortality risk was particularly strong in patients showing few aging-related phenotypes, such as younger patients [HR 7.99 (95% CI 3.55–18.01)], patients with a short hemodialysis vintage [HR 3.99 (95% CI 2.85–5.58)] and nondiabetic patients [HR 5.15 (95% CI 3.19–8.32)].

Conclusion
We conclude that circulating ANGPTL2 levels are positively associated with mortality risk in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis and that ANGPTL2 could be a unique marker for the progression of premature aging and subsequent mortality risk in uremic patients, except those with significant aging-related phenotypes.
The impact of host immune cells on the development of neurofibromatosis type 1: The abnormal immune system provides an immune microenvironment for tumorigenesis
Authors: Wei Cheng-Jiang , Gu Shu-Chen , Ren Jie-Yi , Gu Yi-Hui , Xu Xiang-Wen , Chou Xin , Lian Xiang , Huang Xin , Li Hai-Zhou , Gao Ya-Shan , Gu Bin , Zan Tao , Wang Zhi-Chao , Li Qing-Feng 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
AbstractThe immune system plays an essential role in the development of tumors, which has been demonstrated in multiple types of cancers. Consistent with this, immunotherapies with targets that disrupt these mechanisms and turn the immune system against developing cancers have been proven effective. In neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), an autosomal dominant genetic disorder, the understanding of the complex interactions of the immune system is incomplete despite the discovery of the pivotal role of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Individuals with NF1 show a loss of the NF1 gene in nonneoplastic cells, including immune cells, and the aberrant immune system exhibits intriguing interactions with NF1. This review aims to provide an update on recent studies showing the bilateral influences of NF1 mutations on immune cells and how the abnormal immune system promotes the development of NF1 and NF1-related tumors. We then discuss the immune receptors major histocompatibility complex class I and II and the PD-L1 mechanism that shield NF1 from immunosurveillance and enable the immune escape of tumor tissues. Clarification of the latest understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effects of the abnormal immune system on promoting the development of NF1 will indicate potential future directions for further studies and new immunotherapies.
Experiences from the first 10 years of a perinatal palliative care program: A retrospective chart review
Authors: Doherty Megan E , Power Liam , Williams Robin , Stoppels Nahal , Grandmaison Dumond Lynn 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundPerinatal palliative care is a relatively new component of paediatric palliative care which supports families who are expecting the birth of a child with a life-limiting condition. This study seeks to understand the characteristics of the infants and families referred for perinatal palliative care and the context for referrals in terms of diagnoses, referral characteristics, interventions, and outcomes.MethodsA retrospective chart review of infants with prenatally diagnosed life-limiting conditions that were referred for perinatal palliative care.ResultsEighty-five referrals were made for perinatal palliative care during the 10-year period, of which, 84 chose to continue with the service. Average gestational age at diagnosis was 23 weeks, and the mean time between diagnosis and referral to palliative care was 7 weeks. Stillbirths were common, occurring in 29% cases. Of livebirths, 59% of the infants survived for 2 days, and 80% died within 30 days. The most commonly referred conditions were trisomy 13 or 18 (24%), severe central nervous system malformations (20%), and severe congenital cardiac disease (16%). Referrals were most often made by neonatologists (39%), and maternal–fetal medicine specialists (36%).DiscussionOur study confirms previously observed characteristics of diagnosis, referrals, and outcomes, while providing the most detailed account of lifespans for particular diagnoses to date. Our findings validate the need for perinatal palliative care, as 99% of those referred continued with the service. Future research should adopt a prospective approach to identify critical factors affecting decision making of families and physicians in the wake of a life-limiting diagnosis.
The role of epigenetics in allergy and asthma development
Authors: Alashkar Alhamwe Bilal , Alhamdan Fahd , Ruhl Andreas , Potaczek Daniel P. , Renz Harald 
Published: October 2019

Purpose of reviewEpigenetic mechanisms are known to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, food allergy, and other allergic disorders, especially through mediating the effects of the environmental factors, well recognized allergy-risk modifiers. The aim of this work was to provide a concise but comprehensive review of the recent progress in the epigenetics of allergic diseases.Recent findingsRecent few years have substantially expanded our knowledge on the role of epigenetics in the pathogenesis and clinical picture of allergies. Specifically, it has been shown that epigenetic marks, especially DNA methylation, possess a diagnostic potential for atopic sensitization, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and food allergy. DNA methylation can be a predictor of clinical responses in controlled allergen challenges, including oral food challenges. Furthermore, direct or indirect targeting epigenetic mechanisms, this time especially histone modifications, was able to favorably affect expression of the genes underlying allergies and generally improve airway biology in allergic diseases or their animal models.SummaryFurther studies are needed to explore the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of epigenetic modifications in allergies and to develop respective clinical tools.
Preinjury Narcotic Use Does Not Affect Treatment for Compartment Syndrome
Authors: Chen Stephen R. , Abblitt William Parker , Knoll Olivia M. , Cooper Seth A. , Backstrom Zachary K. , Jahangir Amir A. , Sethi Manish K. 
Published: October 2019

Objectives:
To determine the association of preinjury opioid use on incidence of fasciotomy after lower extremity trauma.

Design:
Retrospective case–control study.

Setting:
Level 1 trauma center.

Patients/Participants:
We identified 245 consecutive patients treated with fasciotomy for compartment syndrome of the lower extremity from 2011 to 2016. Of these, 115 were excluded for isolated vascular injury without fracture, age younger than 18 years, out-of-state residence, nontraumatic etiology, and/or incomplete opioid records. Three hundred ninety age- and sex-matched patients with tibial fractures not requiring fasciotomy were selected for comparison.

Intervention:
Review of demographics, injury characteristics, and opioid prescriptions.

Main Outcome Measurements:
Rate of preinjury narcotic use.

Results:
There was no significant difference in chronic opioid use between patients requiring fasciotomy and those who did not (odds ratio = 0.80, 95% confidence interval: 0.43–1.50, P = 0.49). There was no significant difference in average morphine milligram equivalents (MME)/day (66.6 vs. 77.4, P = 0.68). There was no significant difference in active opioid use (odds ratio = 0.76, 95% confidence interval: 0.45–1.29, P = 0.30). There was no significant difference in average MME/day (69.3 vs. 75.6, P = 0.80) for active narcotic users.

Conclusion:
There were no differences in the rate or average MME/day of preinjury opioid use between patients with a tibia fracture treated with or without fasciotomy for compartment syndrome. These results indicate that pre-existing opioid use does not interfere with the accurate diagnosis of compartment syndrome in trauma patients. The diagnosis and treatment of compartment syndrome is not affected by preinjury narcotic use and potential associations with opiate-induced hyperalgesia.

Level of Evidence:
Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Interleukin-17D Aggravates Sepsis by Inhibiting Macrophage Phagocytosis
Authors: Yan Xingxing , Tu Hongmei , Liu Yi , Chen Tangtian , Cao Ju 
Published: October 2019

Objectives:
Interleukin-17D has been shown to participate in the control of viral infections and cancer. Here we hypothesized that interleukin-17D may play a potential role in sepsis.

Design:
Prospective randomized animal investigation and in vitro human blood studies.

Setting:
Research laboratory from a university hospital.

Subjects:
Female C57BL/6J mice, sepsis patients by Sepsis-3 definitions, ICU patient controls, and healthy individuals.

Interventions:
Serum concentrations of interleukin-17D were measured and analyzed in human sepsis patients, patient controls, and healthy individuals. The contribution of interleukin-17D to sepsis-related survival, bacterial burden, and organ injury was assessed in a murine model of cecal ligation and puncture–induced polymicrobial sepsis by the use of anti–interleukin-17D antibody and recombinant interleukin-17D protein. The effects of interleukin-17D on bacterial phagocytosis by macrophages were also investigated using in vitro cell models.

Measurements and Main Results:
On the day of ICU admission (day 0), septic patients had significantly higher serum concentrations of interleukin-17D than patient controls and healthy individuals. Serum interleukin-17D levels remained significantly elevated in septic patients from ICU admission to day 3 and correlated with Sequential (Sepsis-related) Organ Failure Assessment scores and documented bacteremia on day 0. Furthermore, nonsurvivors of septic patients displayed significantly higher interleukin-17D levels compared with survivors of septic patients on days 0 and 1 of ICU admission. In animal models of sepsis, treatment with anti–interleukin-17D antibody protected mice from cecal ligation and puncture–induced severe sepsis, which was associated with improved bacterial clearance and organ injury. Conversely, administration of recombinant interleukin-17D protein aggravated cecal ligation and puncture–induced nonsevere sepsis. Furthermore, we found that interleukin-17D impaired bacterial phagocytosis by macrophages. Phagocytosis inhibition by interleukin-17D involved its ability to down-regulate the activation of nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway in macrophages upon bacterial infection.

Conclusions:
This study indicates a previously undescribed role of interleukin-17D in sepsis and identifies a new target for antisepsis treatment.