bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pertussis over two decades: seroepidemiological study in a large population of the Siena Province, Tuscany Region, Central Italy
Authors: Marchi Serena , Montomoli Emanuele , Remarque Edmond J , Monteverde Spencer Geraldo Tadinho , Azzarello Angela , Viviani Simonetta , Trombetta Claudia Maria 
Published: October 2019

ObjectivesTo evaluate seroprevalence againstBordetellapertussisin Tuscany, a large Italian region, from 1992 to 2005 and from 2013 to 2016.DesignSeroepidemiological study.Participants1812 serum samples collected in Tuscany from subjects older than 12 years from 1992 to 2005 and from 2013 to 2016.Outcome measuresSpecific antibody levels were determined by means of standard commercial ELISA using a dual cut-off of 50 and 125 IU/mL as markers of past and recent infection/vaccination, respectively.ResultsThe highest values of IgG titres were observed in 1992–1994 in all subjects (69.5 IU/mL), with prevalence values of subjects with IgG titres of >50 and >125 IU/mL of 68.3% and 23.8%, respectively. IgG titres decreased in the years thereafter (37.8 IU/mL in 2002–2005), together with prevalence values (41.7% and 8.1% in 2002–2005). In 2013–2016, both IgG titres and prevalence values showed a slight increase (50.6 IU/mL, 53.9% and 14.7%, respectively). IgG titres and prevalence followed the same age-related trend in all time periods considered, with the highest values in subjects aged 12–22 years. The lowest values were found in the age group of subjects aged 23–35 years (OR 0.54).ConclusionsSince 2002, approximately half of the population over 22 years of age have low IgG titres and are presumably susceptible to acquiring and transmitting pertussis infection. In addition, in 2013–2016, almost one-third of subjects aged 12–22 years, that is, the age group most likely to have been vaccinated against pertussis in infancy, had low antibody levels. Improving vaccination coverage and implementing careful surveillance are therefore recommended in order to prevent morbidity and mortality due to pertussis.
The effects of aerobic exercise intensity on memory in older adults
Authors: Kovacevic Ana , Fenesi Barbara , Paolucci Emily , Heisz Jennifer J. 
Published: October 2019

Aerobic exercise may enhance memory in older adults. However, the optimal intensity and underlying mechanism are unclear. This community-based study examined the effect of aerobic exercise intensity on memory and general cognitive abilities. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was examined as a potential mechanism. Sixty-four sedentary older adults participated in 1 of 3 groups: (i) high-intensity interval training (HIIT); (ii) moderate continuous training (MCT); or (iii) stretching control (CON). Prior to and following the intervention, high-interference memory was assessed using a Mnemonic Similarity task and executive functions were assessed using Go Nogo and Flanker tasks. HIIT led to the greatest memory performance compared with MCT and CON (F[2,55] = 6.04, p = 0.004) and greater improvements in memory correlated with greater increases in fitness (rs (46) = 0.27, p = 0.03). Exercise intensity seemed to matter less for executive functioning, as positive trends were observed for both HIIT and MCT. No significant differences in BDNF were found between groups. Overall, these results suggest that aerobic exercise may enhance memory in older adults, with the potential for higher intensity exercise to yield the greatest benefit. While our findings suggest that BDNF does not regulate these adaptations, the mechanisms remain to be determined. Novelty High-intensity interval training results in the greatest memory performance in inactive older adults compared with moderate continuous training or stretching. Improvement in fitness correlates with improvement in memory performance.
Probing double parton scattering via associated open charm and bottom production in ultraperipheral pA collisions
Authors: Huayra Edgar , de Oliveira Emmanuel G. , Pasechnik Roman 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn this article, we propose a novel channel for phenomenological studies of the double-parton scattering (DPS) based upon associated production of charm$$c{\bar{c}}$$cc¯and bottom$$b{\bar{b}}$$bb¯quark pairs in well-separated rapidity intervals in ultraperipheral high-energy proton–nucleus collisions. This process provides direct access to the double-gluon distribution in the proton at small-xand enables one to test the factorized DPS pocket formula. We have made the corresponding theoretical predictions for the DPS contribution to this process at typical LHC energies and beyond and we compute the energy-independent (but photon momentum fraction dependent) effective cross section.
An explanation for dark matter and dark energy consistent with the standard model of particle physics and General Relativity
Authors: Deur Alexandre 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Analyses of internal galaxy and cluster dynamics typically employ Newton’s law of gravity, which neglects the field self-interaction effects of General Relativity. This may be why dark matter seems necessary. The universe evolution, on the other hand, is treated with the full theory, General Relativity. However, the approximations of isotropy and homogeneity, normally used to derive and solve the universe evolution equations, effectively suppress General Relativity’s field self-interaction effects and this may introduce the need for dark energy. Calculations have shown that field self-interaction increases the binding of matter inside massive systems, which may account for galaxy and cluster dynamics without invoking dark matter. In turn, energy conservation dictates that the increased binding must be balanced by an effectively decreased gravitational interaction outside the massive system. In this article, such suppression is estimated and its consequence for the Universe’s evolution is discussed. Observations are reproduced without need for dark energy.
Quantum gravity effect on the Hawking radiation of spinning dilaton black hole
Authors: Gecim Ganim , Sucu Yusuf 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The quantum gravity correction to the Hawking temperature of the 2+1 dimensional spinning dilaton black hole is studied by using the Hamilton-Jacobi approach in the context of the Generalized Uncertainty Principle (GUP). It is observed that the modified Hawking temperature of the black hole depends on both black hole and the tunnelling particle properties. Moreover, it is observed that the mass and the angular momentum of the scalar particle have the same effect on the Hawking temperature of the black hole, while the mass and total angular momentum (orbital+spin) of Dirac particle have different effect. Furthermore, the mass and total angular momentum (orbital+spin) of vector boson particle have a similar effect that of Dirac particle. Also, thermodynamical stability and phase transition of the black hole are discussed for scalar, Dirac and vector boson in the context of GUP, respectively. And, it is observed that the scalar particle probes the black hole as stable whereas, as for Dirac and vector boson particles, it might undergoes second-type phase transition to become stable while in the absence of the quantum gravity effect all of these particle probes the black hole as stable.
Common and Rare Sequence Variants Influencing Tumor Biomarkers in Blood
Authors: Olafsson Sigurgeir , Alexandersson Kristjan F. , Gizurarson Johann G.K. , Hauksdottir Katrin , Gunnarsson Orvar , Olafsson Karl , Gudmundsson Julius , Stacey Simon N. , Sveinbjornsson Gardar , Saemundsdottir Jona , Bjornsson Einar S. , Olafsson Sigurdur , Bjornsson Sigurdur , Orvar Kjartan B. , Vikingsson Arnor , Geirsson Arni J. , Arinbjarnarson Sturla , Bjornsdottir Gyda , Thorgeirsson Thorgeir E. , Sigurdsson Snaevar , Halldorsson Gisli H. , Magnusson Olafur T. , Masson Gisli , Holm Hilma , Jonsdottir Ingileif , Sigurdardottir Olof , Eyjolfsson Gudmundur I. , Olafsson Isleifur , Sulem Patrick , Thorsteinsdottir Unnur , Jonsson Thorvaldur , Rafnar Thorunn , Gudbjartsson Daniel F. , Stefansson Kari 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background:
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), cancer antigens 15.3, 19.9, and 125, carcinoembryonic antigen, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) are widely measured in attempts to detect cancer and to monitor treatment response. However, due to lack of sensitivity and specificity, their utility is debated. The serum levels of these markers are affected by a number of nonmalignant factors, including genotype. Thus, it may be possible to improve both sensitivity and specificity by adjusting test results for genetic effects.

Methods:
We performed genome-wide association studies of serum levels of AFP (N = 22,686), carcinoembryonic antigen (N = 22,309), cancer antigens 15.3 (N = 7,107), 19.9 (N = 9,945), and 125 (N = 9,824), and ALP (N = 162,774). We also examined the correlations between levels of these biomarkers and the presence of cancer, using data from a nationwide cancer registry.

Results:
We report a total of 84 associations of 79 sequence variants with levels of the six biomarkers, explaining between 2.3% and 42.3% of the phenotypic variance. Among the 79 variants, 22 are cis (in- or near the gene encoding the biomarker), 18 have minor allele frequency less than 1%, 31 are coding variants, and 7 are associated with gene expression in whole blood. We also find multiple conditions associated with higher biomarker levels.

Conclusions:
Our results provide insights into the genetic contribution to diversity in concentration of tumor biomarkers in blood.

Impact:
Genetic correction of biomarker values could improve prediction algorithms and decision-making based on these biomarkers.
Comparative Effectiveness of Two Interventions to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening for Those at Increased Risk Based on Family History: Results of a Randomized Trial
Authors: Paskett Electra D. , Bernardo Brittany M. , Young Gregory S. , Katz Mira L. , Reiter Paul L. , Tatum Cathy M. , Oliveri Jill M. , DeGraffinreid Cecilia R. , Gray Darrell Mason , Pearlman Rachel , Hampel Heather 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackground:First-degree relatives (FDR) of patients with colorectal cancer are at risk for colorectal cancer, but may not be up to date with colorectal cancer screening. We sought to determine whether a one-time recommendation about needing colorectal cancer screening using patient navigation (PN) was better than just receiving the recommendation only.Methods:Participants were FDRs of patients with Lynch syndrome–negative colorectal cancer from participating Ohio hospitals. FDRs from 259 families were randomized to a website intervention (528 individuals), which included a survey and personal colorectal cancer screening recommendation, while those from 254 families were randomized to the website plus telephonic PN intervention (515 individuals). Primary outcome was adherence to the personal screening recommendation (to get screened or not to get screened) received from the website. Secondary outcomes examined who benefited from adding PN.Results:At the end of the 14-month follow-up, 78.6% of participants were adherent to their recommendation for colorectal cancer screening with adherence similar between arms (P = 0.14). Among those who received a recommendation to have a colonoscopy immediately, the website plus PN intervention significantly increased the odds of receiving screening, compared with the website intervention (OR: 2.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.68–5.28).Conclusions:Addition of PN to a website intervention did not improve adherence to a colorectal cancer screening recommendation overall; however, the addition of PN was more effective in increasing adherence among FDRs who needed screening immediately.Impact:These findings provide important information as to when the additional costs of PN are needed to assure colorectal cancer screening among those at high risk for colorectal cancer.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced T4 Colon Cancer: A Nationwide Propensity-Score Matched Cohort Analysis
Authors: de Gooyer Jan-Marie , Verstegen Marlies G. , ’t Lam-Boer Jorine , Radema Sandra A. , Verhoeven Rob H.A. , Verhoef Cornelis , Schreinemakers Jennifer M.J. , de Wilt Johannes H.W. 
Published: October 2019

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT) for locally advanced colon cancer (LACC) could potentially lead to tumor shrinkage, eradication of micrometastases, and prevention of tumor cell shedding during surgery. This retrospective study investigates the surgical and oncological outcomes of preoperative CT for LACC. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Using the Netherlands Cancer Registry, data of patients with stage II or III colon cancer, diagnosed between 2008 and 2016 was collected. A propensity score matching (PSM; 1:2) was performed and compared patients with clinical tumor (cT) 4 colon cancer who were treated with neoadjuvant CT to patients with cT4 colon cancer treated with adjuvant CT (Fig. 1). <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 192 patients treated with neoadjuvant CT were compared to 1,954 patients that received adjuvant CT. After PSM, 149 patients in the neoadjuvant group were compared to 298 patients in the control group. No significant differences were found in baseline characteristics after PSM. After neoadjuvant CT, a significant response was observed in 13 (9%) patients with 5 (4%) patients showing a complete response. Complete resection margins (R0) were achieved in 77% in the neoadjuvant group versus 86% in the adjuvant treated group (<i>p</i> = 0.037). Significantly less tumor positive lymph nodes were found in the neoadjuvant group (median 0 vs. 2, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). Major complication rates and 5-year overall survival did not differ between both groups (67–65%, <i>p</i> = 0.87). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Neoadjuvant CT seems safe and feasible with similar long-term survival compared to patients who are treated with adjuvant CT.
Ultrafiltration Rate Effects Declines in Residual Kidney Function in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Lee Yuji , Okuda Yusuke , Sy John , Kim Sung Rok , Obi Yoshitsugu , Kovesdy Csaba P. , Rhee Connie M. , Streja Elani , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar 
Published: October 2019

<b><i>Background:</i></b> High ultrafiltration rate (UFR) has been associated with increased mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. However, the impact of UFR on decline of residual kidney function (RKF) has not been elucidated among patients receiving conventional HD. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We performed a retrospective cohort study of 7,753 patients who initiated conventional HD from 2007 to 2011 and survived the first year of dialysis with baseline UFR and renal urea clearance (KRU) data at baseline and 1 year (5th patient-quarter). The primary exposure was average UFR at the 1st patient-quarter from dialysis initiation (&#x3c;4, 4 to &#x3c;6, 6 to &#x3c;9, 9 to &#x3c;13, and ≥13 mL/h/kg). Decline in RKF was defined as the percent change in KRU and decline in urine output during the first year after initiation of dialysis. We used a logistic regression model for rapid decline in RKF and a linear regression model for change in urine volume. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In our HD cohort, mean baseline UFR was 7.0 ± 3.1 mL/h/kg, and median (interquartile range) baseline KRU was 3.5 (2.1–5.3) mL/min/1.73 m<sup>2</sup>. There was a graded association between UFR and a rapid decline in RKF; the expanded case mix-adjusted ORs and 95% CIs were 1.21 (1.04–1.40), 1.34 (1.16–1.55), 1.73 (1.46–2.04), and 1.93 (1.48–2.52) for baseline UFR 4 to &#x3c;6, 6 to &#x3c;9, 9 to &#x3c;13, and ≥13 mL/h/kg, respectively (reference: &#x3c;4 mL/h/kg). KRU trajectories showed a greater KRU decline over time in higher UFR categories. Higher UFR was also associated with a greater decline in urine output after 1 year. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Higher UFR was associated with a rapid decline in RKF among conventional HD patients. Further clinical trials are needed to elucidate a causal effect of UFR on RKF among HD patients.
Single-Cell Sequencing of Mouse Heart Immune Infiltrate in Pressure Overload–Driven Heart Failure Reveals Extent of Immune Activation
Authors: Martini Elisa , Kunderfranco Paolo , Peano Clelia , Carullo Pierluigi , Cremonesi Marco , Schorn Tilo , Carriero Roberta , Termanini Alberto , Colombo Federico Simone , Jachetti Elena , Panico Cristina , Faggian Giuseppe , Fumero Andrea , Torracca Lucia , Molgora Martina , Cibella Javier , Pagiatakis Christina , Brummelman Jolanda , Alvisi Giorgia , Mazza Emilia Maria Cristina , Colombo Mario Paolo , Lugli Enrico , Condorelli Gianluigi , Kallikourdis Marinos 
Published: October 2019

Background:
Inflammation is a key component of cardiac disease, with macrophages and T lymphocytes mediating essential roles in the progression to heart failure. Nonetheless, little insight exists on other immune subsets involved in the cardiotoxic response.

Methods:

Here, we used single-cell RNA sequencing to map the cardiac immune composition in the standard murine nonischemic, pressure-overload heart failure model. By focusing our analysis on CD45
+
cells, we obtained a higher resolution identification of the immune cell subsets in the heart, at early and late stages of disease and in controls. We then integrated our findings using multiparameter flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and tissue clarification immunofluorescence in mouse and human.

Results:
We found that most major immune cell subpopulations, including macrophages, B cells, T cells and regulatory T cells, dendritic cells, Natural Killer cells, neutrophils, and mast cells are present in both healthy and diseased hearts. Most cell subsets are found within the myocardium, whereas mast cells are found also in the epicardium. Upon induction of pressure overload, immune activation occurs across the entire range of immune cell types. Activation led to upregulation of key subset-specific molecules, such as oncostatin M in proinflammatory macrophages and PD-1 in regulatory T cells, that may help explain clinical findings such as the refractivity of patients with heart failure to anti–tumor necrosis factor therapy and cardiac toxicity during anti–PD-1 cancer immunotherapy, respectively.

Conclusions:
Despite the absence of infectious agents or an autoimmune trigger, induction of disease leads to immune activation that involves far more cell types than previously thought, including neutrophils, B cells, Natural Killer cells, and mast cells. This opens up the field of cardioimmunology to further investigation by using toolkits that have already been developed to study the aforementioned immune subsets. The subset-specific molecules that mediate their activation may thus become useful targets for the diagnostics or therapy of heart failure.
Antagonism of the Thromboxane‐Prostanoid Receptor as a Potential Therapy for Cardiomyopathy of Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: West James D. , Galindo Cristi L. , Kim Kyungsoo , Shin John Jonghyun , Atkinson James B. , Macias‐Perez Ines , Pavliv Leo , Knollmann Bjorn C. , Soslow Jonathan H. , Markham Larry W. , Carrier Erica J. 
Published: October 2019

Background

Muscular dystrophy (
MD
) causes a progressive cardiomyopathy characterized by diffuse fibrosis, arrhythmia, heart failure, and early death. Activation of the thromboxane‐prostanoid receptor (
TP
r) increases calcium transients in cardiomyocytes and is proarrhythmic and profibrotic. We hypothesized that
TP
r activation contributes to the cardiac phenotype of
MD
, and that
TP
r antagonism would improve cardiac fibrosis and function in preclinical models of
MD
.

Methods and Results

Three different mouse models of
MD
(mdx/utrn double knockout, second generation mdx/
mTR
double knockout, and delta‐sarcoglycan knockout) were given normal drinking water or water containing 25 mg/kg per day of the
TP
r antagonist ifetroban, beginning at weaning. After 6 months (10 weeks for mdx/utrn double knockout), mice were evaluated for cardiac and skeletal muscle function before euthanization. There was a 100% survival rate of ifetroban‐treated mice to the predetermined end point, compared with 60%, 43%, and 90% for mdx/utrn double knockout, mdx/mTR double knockout, and delta‐sarcoglycan knockout mice, respectively.
TP
r antagonism improved cardiac output in mdx/utrn double knockout and mdx/
mTR
mice, and normalized fractional shortening, ejection fraction, and other parameters in delta‐sarcoglycan knockout mice. Cardiac fibrosis in delta‐sarcoglycan knockout was reduced with
TP
r antagonism, which also normalized cardiac expression of claudin‐5 and neuronal nitric oxide synthase proteins and multiple signature genes of Duchenne MD.

Conclusions

TP
r antagonism reduced cardiomyopathy and spontaneous death in mouse models of Duchenne and limb‐girdle
MD
. Based on these studies, ifetroban and other
TP
r antagonists could be novel therapeutics for treatment of the cardiac phenotype in patients with
MD
.
Buddha as a God: An Empirical Assessment
Authors: Purzycki Benjamin Grant , Holland Edward C. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
For at least a century, scholars have argued about whether or not Buddha is considered a god. We treat this question empirically by conducting two ethnographic studies among residents of the Tyva Republic, one of the Buddhist republics in the Russian Federation. Using a mixed methods approach to interrogate the question, this report concludes that Buddha is, in fact, popularly represented as a punitive and moralistic supernatural agent in the republic and demographic factors co-vary with such beliefs. The paper addresses longstanding concerns and situates the results in contemporary social scientific inquiry that addresses questions of when, where, to what degree, and why he is represented as a deity.
Leone Caetani en voyage da Oriente a Occidente
Authors: Rossi Valentina Sagaria 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Leone Caetani’s life (1869-1935) was definitely not a common one. Prince of Teano and duke of Sermoneta, he was immersed on the cream of Italian and international aristocracy of his age age of colonialism, age of adventurous travelling. On the tracks of his travels in the Middle East and in the far West, his studies and his personal writings, we tried to sketch this extraordinary figure of Orientalist on the field, of refined and renowned historian of the first period of Islam. A life through the life itself. This — we imagine — may be the right keyword to interpret his natural aptitude for extreme travels from East to West and the back to East — in the Sinai (1888-1889) and Sahara deserts (1890), in the Far West and the Rocky Mountains of Canada (1891), and back in Persia (1894) and India (1899) —, his pulsating interest for the Arabs and their origins, his craving desire to be “with boots in the mud” and “geography in his pocket”. Versed in the languages he used them to get in touch with cultures and peoples almost unknown — such as the Yazidi —, steadily convinced that only a first-hand experience could give back the exact taste of the truth. He was among the first Italians to explore the Sinai and the first Italian traveller ever in the sands of the Algerian Sahara.