bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Venous Diameter Changes in Chronic Active Multiple Sclerosis Lesions
Authors: Weber Claudia E. , Kraemer Matthias , Dabringhaus Andreas , Ebert Anne , Platten Michael , Gass Achim , Eisele Philipp 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSETo investigate the temporal evolution of venous diameter in chronic active and nonenhancing shrinking multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions in a longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study including susceptibility‐weighted images (SWI).METHODSWe compared the venous diameter in chronic active and nonenhancing shrinking lesions to the venous diameter in nonenhancing stable lesions on two 3 T MRI data sets obtained 12 months apart. Chronic active and nonenhancing shrinking lesions were identified by Voxel‐Guided Morphometry. Coregistered, overlaid fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery/SWI were analyzed for the presence of a central vein. Quantitative calculation of the venous diameter for each time point was performed on the reconstructed veins.RESULTSSixty‐two relapsing‐remitting MS patients (50 women; mean age: 36 ± 11 years; mean disease duration: 4 ± 7 years) were included in the study. Overall, we identified 222 chronic MS lesions (48 chronic active, 48 shrinking, 126 stable) with a corresponding intralesional central vein. On baseline MRI, the mean venous diameter did not statistically differ between all subgroups, whereas on follow‐up MRI, the mean intralesional venous diameter was smaller in chronic active (0.92 ± 0.15 mm) and shrinking lesions (0.90 ± 0.19 mm) compared to stable lesions (1.10 ± 0.18 mm; P < .001).CONCLUSIONOur findings demonstrate venous narrowing in chronic active and nonenhancing shrinking MS lesions. The smaller diameter of intralesional veins during follow up in these lesions may reflect structural, degenerative, and metabolic changes due to chronic inflammation, (perivascular) fibrosis, collagenous thickening, and increased levels of oxygenated hemoglobin.
Phylogeny of Orthotrichum s.l. and Ulota s.l. (Orthotrichaceae, Bryophyta): Insights into stomatal evolution
Authors: Wang Qing‐Hua , Dong Shan‐Shan , Zhang Jin‐Long , Liu Yang , Jia Yu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Orthotrichum Hedw. s.l. and Ulota Mohr s.l. are two of the most speciose genera of the xerophytic moss family Orthotrichaceae. We reconstructed the phylogeny of these two genera using three data matrices: (i) organellar genomes and 33 taxa; (ii) six loci from three genomes and 144 taxa; and (iii) two plastid loci and 163 taxa. The present phylogeny, based on the maximum sampling of genes or taxa to date, generally confirms the new classification of Orthotrichum and Ulota, and indicated that all Ulota species, except Ulota phyllantha Brid., form a clade and three lineages comprise the cryptoporous Orthotrichum clade. We provided new morphological characters that support the present division of the two genera. Ancestral state reconstruction of stoma indicates that superficial stomata in Orthotrichum represent a plesiomorphic character and semi‐immersed stomata were derived from immersed stomata. The results also suggest that immersed stomata independently arose once in Orthotrichum, whereas semi‐immersed stomata probably arose more than once. Molecular dating analysis reveals that the occurrence of immersed stomata is probably related to arid environments during the early Oligocene to late Miocene, whereas the appearance of semi‐immersed stomata might be associated with the mesic–xeric or semiarid environments during the middle Miocene to Pliocene. Ancestral state reconstruction of habitat indicates that the saxicolous habitat is apomorphic and independently evolved multiple times in Orthotrichum and Ulota, which supports the former hypothesis. Considering morphological statistics, the development of the cryptopore in Orthotrichum could provide increased resilience to dry habitats, and might promote their habitat shift during evolution.
Intra‐specific variation of non‐genitalic and genitalic traits in two euophryine jumping spider species
Authors: Lai J. , Maddison W. P. , Ma H. , Zhang J. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIntra‐specific variation pattern is informative to understanding the evolution of morphological traits, but has been rarely studied in jumping spiders. Here we investigate the intra‐specific variation of non‐genitalic and genitalic traits in two euophryine jumping spider species that show considerable difference in sexual dimorphism: Chapoda recondita (Peckham & Peckham, 1896) and Antillattus cambridgei (Bryant, 1943). The results show the pre‐copulatory sexually selected traits (e.g. male chelicerae) tend to have positive intra‐specific allometry, and thus may have evolved under strong directional selection. The genitalic traits and some non‐genitalic traits tend to show negative allometries. Unlike non‐genitalic traits, the genitalic traits usually have high size‐corrected intra‐specific variation (CV’). Factors that may account for the negative allometry and high size‐corrected intra‐specific variation in genitalic traits are discussed. Pre‐ and post‐copulatory sexual selection may coexist in species and whether there is a trade‐off between these two selection mechanisms remains to be investigated.
A variant of H19 transcript regulates EMT and oral cancer progression
Authors: Zhou Wu , Wang Xi‐zhou , Fang Bing‐mu 
Published: December 2020

AbstractOral cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of the head and neck, and it continues to represent a serious public health problem. Recent reports show the involvement of H19 long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) in oncogenesis but its mechanism associated with oral cancer remains unclear. Here, we identify an H19 transcript variant that lacks exon 4 in oral cancer specimens and carcinoma‐derived cells. Depletion of H19 by short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) targeting exon 1 but not exon 4 significantly inhibited oral cancer iCell‐h120 cells growth and invasion in vitro and tumorigenesis of these cells in vivo. Through binding the ZEB1 mRNA, the variant H19 transcript without exon 4 promotes the expression of ZEB1 protein during epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Thus, these data reveal the role of a splicing events of H19LncRNA in oral tumorigenesis, and indicate that the splicing event of H19 can be served as potential therapeutic targets for oral cancer.
Is there a role for medical management in the treatment of extreme mandibular osteoradionecrosis with pathological fractures?
Authors: Burns Megan , Patel Vinod 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimOsteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaws is a debilitating complication of radiotherapy (RT), frequently used in the management of head and neck cancer (HNC). Medical management using pentoxifylline, tocopherol (vitamin E) (PENTO) and clodronate (PENTOCLO) has slowly increased in popularity as a treatment strategy for ORN. Though encouraging results have been reported there remains high levels of scepticism about its use in severe ORN. The current article highlights Notani grade III osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaws, all with pathological fractures managed effectively with either PENTO or PENTOCLO using case examples.Materials & MethodsEight cases of severe ORN managed by medical management are retrospectively reported with three case reports detailed further including radiographs.ResultsAll cases show positive outcomes with healing of ORN with either bony or fibrous union of fractured jaws with medical management.ConclusionThese case examples provide clinical evidence that medical management can provide an alternative strategy even in the most extreme cases of ORN.
Baseline neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio is associated with survival for infant living donor liver transplantation for biliary atresia
Authors: Meng Xiao‐Yan , Guo Xin‐gang , Wang Hong‐Qian , Pan Zhi‐Ying , Lu Yu‐Gang , Yu Wei‐Feng 
Published: December 2020

AbstractLiving donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in infants for congenital biliary atresia (BA) poses various challenges nowadays. We aim to investigate independent preoperative risk factors for LDLT in infants. We retrospectively analyzed medical records of infant patients who underwent LDLT surgery for BA from 1 July 2014 to 31 December 2016. Cox regression was used to explore risk factors. The Kaplan‐Meier method was used to calculate the recipient and graft survival, and subgroup analysis was then applied according to the risk factors. Independent t test or Mann‐Whitney U test was applied for comparison of certain factors between survival patients and death. A total of 345 infant LDLT for BA were included in the analysis. In the multivariate Cox‐regression model, 3 factors were determined as independent risk factors for recipient and graft survival, there were neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), pediatric end‐stage liver disease (PELD), and recipient age. The HR (95% CI) of baseline NLR for recipient and graft survival were 1.25 (1.12‐1.38) and 1.25 (1.13‐1.39), with all P < .0001. Kaplan‐Meier curves for NLR using different cut‐offs (1.5; 1, 2) suggested that higher baseline NLR was significantly associated with recipient and graft survival. The subgroup analysis indicated that for infants with elevated NLR, the recipient survival was significantly lower when their age >6 months or PELD >20. Our results indicate that infants with higher baseline NLR value may have lower survival rate 3 years after transplantation. Further investigations about broaden the application of pre‐ and post‐transplant NLR to guide nutrition intervention and immunosuppression therapy are necessary.
Induced Abortion Incidence and Safety in Rajasthan, India: Evidence that Expansion of Services is Needed
Authors: Ahmad Danish , Shankar Mridula , Khanna Anoop , Moreau Caroline , Bell Suzanne 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDespite induced abortion being broadly legal in India, up‐to‐date information on its frequency and safety is not readily available. Using direct and indirect methodological approaches, this study measures the one‐year incidence and safety of induced abortions among women in the state of Rajasthan. The analysis utilizes data from a population‐based survey of 5,832 reproductive aged women who reported on the abortion experiences of their closest female confidante in addition to themselves. We separately assess correlates of having a recent and most unsafe abortion using multivariable regression models. The confidante approach produced a one‐year abortion incidence estimate of 23 per 1,000 women, whereas the respondent estimate is 9.5 per 1,000 women. Based on the confidante estimate, approximately 441,000 abortions occurred in Rajasthan over a year. Overall, 25 and 29 percent of respondent and confidante reported abortions were classified as most unsafe. Results suggest that abortion remains an integral component of women's fertility regulation, and that a liberal law alone is insufficient to guarantee access to safe abortion services. Existing policies on abortion in India need updating to permit task sharing in line with current recommendations to expand service delivery so that demand is met through provision of safe and accessible services.
Professors and Practitioners: Assessing the Impact of COVID‐19 in the State of Oklahoma with and Without Residents of Long‐Term Care Facilities
Authors: Taylor Jared , McCann Melinda , Chakraborty Goutam , Krutz Glen , Dvorak Justin , Wendelboe Aaron 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesOur analysis, which began as a request from the Oklahoma Governor for useable analysis for state decision making, seeks to predict statewide COVID‐19 spread through a variety of lenses, including with and without long‐term care facilities (LTCFs), accounting for rural/urban differences, and considering the impact of state government regulations of the citizenry on disease spread.MethodsWe utilize a deterministic susceptible exposed infectious resistant (SEIR) model designed to fit observed fatalities, hospitalizations, and ICU beds for the state of Oklahoma with a particular focus on the role of the rural/urban nature of the state and the impact that COVID‐19 cases in LTCFs played in the outbreak.ResultsThe model provides a reasonable fit for the observed data on new cases, deaths, and hospitalizations. Moreover, removing LTCF cases from the analysis sharpens the analysis of the population in general, showing a more gradual increase in cases at the start of the pandemic and a steeper increase when the second surge occurred.ConclusionsWe anticipate that this procedure could be helpful to policymakers in other states or municipalities now and in the future.
Contamination of tissue allografts from a multiorgan‐multitissue donor colonized by Candida auris
Authors: Mirabet Vicente , Artigues Enrique , Galán Juan , Escobedo Carmen , Larrea Luis , Arbona Cristina , Gimeno Concepción , Pemán Javier 
Published: December 2020

AbstractStandards on tissue banking determine the need of microbiological monitoring during critical steps (recovery, processing, storage, and transplantation). This information will be useful for both discarding contaminated tissues or risk analysis (in case of recipient infection). In this study, we show the case of a multiorgan‐multitissue donor colonized by Candida auris. This microorganism is characterized by multidrug resistance, with higher transmissibility and severe outcome. Some of the microbiological cultures from arteries tested positive for this microorganism, but it was not cultured in samples from musculoskeletal tissues and corneas. No recipient case of infection transmission by Candida species was observed (organs and cornea). The implementation of active surveillance protocol for C. auris detection in critical care units (as source of tissue donors) has been suggested as a part of our hospitals' infection control policy.
S100β‐mediated astroglial control of firing and input processing in layer 5 pyramidal neurons of the mouse visual cortex
Authors: Ryczko Dimitri , Hanini‐Daoud Maroua , Condamine Steven , Bréant Benjamin J. B. , Fougère Maxime , Araya Roberto , Kolta Arlette 
Published: December 2020

Key points
Inputs impinging on layer 5 pyramidal neurons perform essential operations as these cells represent one of the most important output carriers of the cerebral cortex. However, the contribution of astrocytes, a type of glial cell, to these operations is poorly documented.
Here we found that optogenetic activation of astrocytes in the vicinity of layer 5 in the mouse primary visual cortex induces spiking in local pyramidal neurons through Nav1.6 ion channels and prolongs the responses elicited in these neurons by stimulation of their distal inputs in cortical layer 1.
This effect partially involved glutamatergic signalling but relied mostly on the astrocytic calcium‐binding protein S100β, which regulates the concentration of calcium in the extracellular space around neurons.
These findings show that astrocytes contribute to the fundamental computational operations of the cortex by acting on the ionic environment of neurons.
AbstractThe most complex cerebral functions are performed by the cortex, whose most important output is carried out by its layer 5 pyramidal neurons. Their firing reflects integration of the sensory and contextual information that they receive. There is evidence that astrocytes influence cortical neuron firing through the release of gliotransmitters such as ATP, glutamate or GABA. These effects have been described at the network and at the synaptic levels, but it is still unclear how astrocytes influence neuron input‐output transfer function at the cellular level. Here, we used optogenetic tools coupled with electrophysiological, imaging and anatomical approaches to test whether and how astrocytic activation affected processing of distal inputs to layer 5 pyramidal neurons (L5PNs). We show that optogenetic activation of astrocytes near L5PN cell body prolonged firing induced by distal inputs to L5PNs and potentiated their ability to trigger spikes. The observed astrocytic effects on L5PN firing involved glutamatergic transmission to some extent but relied mostly on release of S100β, an astrocytic Ca2+‐binding protein that decreases extracellular Ca2+ once released. This astrocyte‐evoked decrease in extracellular Ca2+ elicited firing mediated by activation of Nav1.6 channels. Our findings suggest that astrocytes contribute to the cortical fundamental computational operations by controlling the extracellular ionic environment.
Red meat intake and risk of coronary heart disease among US men: prospective cohort study
Authors: Al-Shaar Laila , Satija Ambika , Wang Dong D , Rimm Eric B , Smith-Warner Stephanie A , Stampfer Meir J , Hu Frank B , Willett Walter C 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo study total, processed, and unprocessed red meat in relation to risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and to estimate the effects of substituting other protein sources for red meat with CHD risk.DesignProspective cohort study with repeated measures of diet and lifestyle factors.SettingHealth Professionals Follow-Up Study cohort, United States, 1986-2016.Participants43 272 men without cardiovascular disease or cancer at baseline.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was total CHD, comprised of acute non-fatal myocardial infarction or fatal CHD. Cox models were used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals across categories of red meat consumption. Substitution analyses were conducted by comparing coefficients for red meat and the alternative food in models, including red meat and alternative foods as continuous variables.ResultsDuring 1 023 872 person years of follow-up, 4456 incident CHD events were documented of which 1860 were fatal. After multivariate adjustment for dietary and non-dietary risk factors, total, unprocessed, and processed red meat intake were each associated with a modestly higher risk of CHD (hazard ratio for one serving per day increment: 1.12 (95% confidence interval 1.06 to 1.18) for total red meat, 1.11 (1.02 to 1.21) for unprocessed red meat, and 1.15 (1.06 to 1.25) for processed red meat). Compared with red meat, the intake of one serving per day of combined plant protein sources (nuts, legumes, and soy) was associated with a lower risk of CHD (0.86 (0.80 to 0.93) compared with total red meat, 0.87 (0.79 to 0.95) compared with unprocessed red meat, and 0.83 (0.76 to 0.91) compared with processed red meat). Substitutions of whole grains and dairy products for total red meat and eggs for processed red meat were also associated with lower CHD risk.ConclusionsSubstituting high quality plant foods such as legumes, nuts, or soy for red meat might reduce the risk of CHD. Substituting whole grains and dairy products for total red meat, and eggs for processed red meat, might also reduce this risk.
Suitability and acceptability of the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT) for the assessment of carers of people with MND: a qualitative study
Authors: Ewing Gail , Croke Sarah , Rowland Christine , Grande Gunn 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesMotor neurone disease (MND) is a progressive, life-limiting illness. Caregiving impacts greatly on family carers with few supportive interventions for carers. We report Stages 1 and 2 of a study to: (1) explore experiences of MND caregiving and use carer-identified support needs to determine suitability and acceptability of the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT), (2) adapt the CSNAT as necessary for comprehensive assessment and support of MND carers, prior to (Stage 3) feasibility testing.DesignQualitative: focus groups, interviews and carer workshops.SettingThree UK MND specialist centres serving a wide range of areas.ParticipantsStage 1: 33 carers, 11 from each site: 19 current carers, 14 bereaved. Stage 2: 19 carer advisors: 10 bereaved, 9 current carers. Majority were spouses/partners ranging in age from under 45 years to over 75 years. Duration of caring: 4 months to 12.5 years.ResultsCarers described challenges of a disease that was terminal from the outset, of ‘chasing’ progressive deterioration, trying to balance normality and patient independence against growing dependence, and intensive involvement in caregiving. Carers had extensive support needs which could be mapped to existing CSNAT domains: both ‘enabling’ domains which identify carers’ needs as co-workers as well as carers’ ‘direct’ needs as clients in relation to their own health and well-being. Only one aspect of their caregiving experience went beyond existing domains: a new domain on support needs with relationship changes was identified to tailor the CSNAT better to MND carers.ConclusionsCarers of people with MND found the adapted CSNAT to be an appropriate and relevant tool for assessment of their support needs. The revised version has potential for assessment of carers in other longer-term caring contexts. A further paper will report the Stage 3 study on feasibility of using the adapted CSNAT in routine practice.
Research protocol for the validation of a new portable technology for real-time continuous monitoring of Early Warning Score (EWS) in hospital practice and for an early-stage multistakeholder assessment
Authors: Manetti Stefania , Vainieri Milena , Guidotti Elisa , Zuccarino Sara , Ferré Francesca , Morelli Maria Sole , Emdin Michele 
Published: December 2020

IntroductionThe real-time continuous monitoring of vital parameters in patients affected by multiple chronic conditions and/or COVID-19 can lead to several benefits to the Italian National Healthcare System (IT-NHS). The UBiquitous Integrated CARE (UBICARE) technology is a novel health digital platform at the validation stage in hospital setting. UBICARE might support the urgent need for digitalisation and early intervention, as well as minimise the face-to-face delivery of care in both hospital and community-based care settings. This research protocol aims to design an early-stage assessment of the multidimensional impact induced by UBICARE within the IT-NHS alongside technology validation in a hospital ward.Methods and analysisThe targeted patients will be medium/high-risk hypertensive individuals as an illustrative first example of how UBICARE might bring benefits to susceptible patients. A mixed-method study will be applied to incorporate to the validation study a multistakeholder perspective, including perceived patient experiences and preferences, and facilitate technology adoption. First, semistructured interviews will be undertaken with a variety of stakeholders including clinicians, health managers and policy-makers to capture views on the likely technology utility, economic sustainability, impact of adoption in hospital practice and alternative adoption scenarios. Second, a monocentric, non-randomised and non-comparative clinical study, supplemented by the administration of standardised usability questionnaires to patients and health professionals, will validate the use of UBICARE in hospital practice. Finally, the results of the previous stages will be discussed in a multidisciplinary-facilitated workshop with IT-NHS relevant stakeholders to reconcile stakeholders’ perspectives. Limitations include a non-random recruitment strategy in the clinical study, small sample size of the key stakeholders and potential stakeholder recruitment bias introduced by the research technique.Ethics and disseminationThe Ethics Committee for Clinical Experimentation of Tuscany Region approved the protocol. Participation in this study is voluntary. Study results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and academic conferences.