bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate at Transplant Listing and Other Predictors of Post-Heart Transplant Mortality and the Development of ESRD
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Howard Alan , Thomas Christie P. 
Published: February 2020

Background.
Elevated serum creatinine at the time of heart transplant is an independent predictor of posttransplant end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and mortality. Patients who are at risk of ESRD should be identified before transplantation. We looked at the severity of CKD at the time of waitlisting on posttransplant ESRD and mortality.

Methods.
We analyzed the United Network of Organ Sharing transplant database from 2000 to 2017. Adults receiving their first heart transplant, and not on dialysis, were included in study. We divided our cohort into 4 groups based on their listing estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) as well as based on their eGFR at the time of transplant. Primary outcome was all cause mortality and secondary outcome was ESRD.

Results.
Compared with the patients on waitlist eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2, the adjusted subdistribution hazard for ESRD was 1.41 (confidence interval [CI], 1.2-1.5), 2.15 (CI, 1.9-2.4), and 2.91 (CI, 2.4-3.5) in the patient groups with eGFR of 45–59, 30–44, and <30 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Despite the highest risk of ESRD with the lowest baseline eGFR group, there was a substantial increase in eGFR seen during follow-up with a mean gain of 11 mL/min by year 15 compared with a mean loss of 10 mL/min in the highest eGFR group. Compared with the patients on waitlist eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73m2, the adjusted hazard ratio for mortality was 1.04 (0.98–1.11), 1.07 (1.00–1.15), and 1.04 (0.91–1.19) in the patient groups with eGFR of 45–59, 30–44, and <30 mL/min/1.73m2, respectively.

Conclusions.
Our findings show that risk of ESRD post-heart transplant increases with worsening eGFR at waitlisting even after adjusting for multiple confounders.
Seizure Occurrences: Patient Report, Scalp EEG, and RNS Electrocorticography Findings
Authors: Chen Hai , Koubeissi Mohamad 
Published: February 2020

Summary:
Eliminating or reducing seizures is a main goal of epilepsy treatment, and clinicians rely mainly on patient self-report regarding seizure frequency. Here, we compare seizure frequency by patient report with responsive neurostimulation (RNS) recordings in two patients, one of whom also had prolonged scalp EEG recording. RNS being more sensitive in detecting seizures than scalp EEG, our cases illustrate that patients may strikingly underreport seizure frequency. In addition, patients may also overreport seizures. Although a negative scalp EEG study does not exclude the possibility of focal aware seizures, RNS can reliably differentiate between nonepileptic events and focal aware seizures if electrodes are properly placed in the seizure-onset zone. Besides its therapeutic benefit, RNS can also play an important role in identifying seizure frequency. Improving seizure monitoring using the device could help to optimize therapy and outcome.
Cognitive profile partly mediates allergy-associated decrease in mental health
Authors: Dalmaijer Edwin S. , Nord Camilla L. , Bignardi Giacomo , Anwyl-Irvine Alexander L. , Siugzdaite Roma , Smith Tess A. , Uh Stepheni , Billing Addison , Astle Duncan E. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere is a well-established link between allergies and mental health. While both atopic and food allergies are associated with increased levels of depression and anxiety, it is unclear what the mechanism behind this relationship is. Several theories touch upon potential psychological mechanisms, but until now putative cognitive mechanisms of the link between mental health and allergies have been unexplored.MethodsWe employed tablet-based deep cognitive phenotyping, and also recorded mental health, socio-economic status, and allergies in 533 children aged 7-9 years. We then employed mediation analyses to test whether cognitive mechanisms mediated the association between allergies and mental health.FindingsIn line with previous research, we found children with allergies reported higher levels of anxiety and depression. Furthermore, compared to children without allergies, they showed faster processing speed, equal verbal short-term memory, and worse performance on tests of fluid reasoning, number sense, search organisation, and spatial short-term memory. We confirmed that these variables predicted allergic state using logistic regression. Most importantly, we found that cognition partially mediated the relationship between allergy and both anxiety and depression.InterpretationOur results suggest that allergies bias children towards particular cognitive profiles, which in turn are risk factors for anxiety and depression. This supports the view that early cognitive interventions could reduce the number of allergic children that develops comorbid psychiatric conditions.FundingThis study was supported by grant TWCF0159 from the Templeton World Charity Foundation to DEA, and by the UK Medical Research Council.
Lysophosphatidic acid-mediated GPR35 signaling in CX3CR1+macrophages regulates the intestinal cytokine milieu
Authors: Kaya Berna , Cuadra Cristian Doñas , Wuggenig Philipp , Diaz Oscar E. , Morales Rodrigo A. , Melhem Hassan ,   Swiss IBD Cohort Investigators, Hernández Pedro P. , Kaymak Tanay , Das Srustidhar , Hruz Petr , Ayata C. Korcan , Villablanca Eduardo J. , Niess Jan Hendrik 
Published: February 2020

SummarySingle nucleotide polymorphisms in the gene encoding G protein-coupled receptor 35 (GPR35) are associated with increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease. However, the mechanism(s) by which GPR35 modulates the intestinal milieu remain undefined. Here we demonstrate in zebrafish and mice that expression ofGpr35is microbiota-dependent and is enhanced upon inflammation. We identify a GPR35+colonic macrophage population in mice that is characterized by increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and determine that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) acts as an endogenous GPR35 ligand to induceTnfexpression. Mice lackingGpr35in CX3CR1+macrophages have aggravated colitis when exposed to dextran sodium sulfate, have decreased transcript levels of the corticosterone-generating geneCyp11b1, and reduced levels of macrophage-derived TNF. Administration of TNF in these mice restoresCyp11b1expression and intestinal corticosterone production, and ameliorates DSS-induced colitis. These findings suggest that LPA signals through GPR35 in CX3CR1+macrophages to control the intestinal cytokine milieu.HighlightsInflammatory cues and the microbiota modulateGpr35expression across speciesLPA modulates GPR35-dependent functions in zebrafish and mice macrophagesGPR35 expressing macrophages have a protective role during intestinal inflammationGPR35 control intestinal inflammation by inducing TNF and corticosterone synthesiseTOC BlurbGPR35 have been associated with IBD, but how GPR35 may influence macrophage-mediated intestinal homeostasis remains unclear. Using zebrafish and mice genetic tools, Niess, Villablanca, and colleagues have identified that LPA triggers GPR35 activity, and loss of macrophage GPR35 signaling confers intrinsic dysfunctions with effects on cytokine production and intestinal homeostasis.
Making the urban environment around schools healthier, developing an initial programme theory: an early realist process evaluation of the London superzones pilot
Authors: Catt Heather , Senior Steven L 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDMore than four out of five people in England live in an urban area so the urban environment is an important determinant of health and an important contributor to health inequalities. This is especially true for children, for whom the impacts of their local environment may have lifelong effects. To improve the health effects of the urban environment the London Devolution Partnership piloted multi-agency partnerships focusing on 400m ‘superzones’ around schools in deprived communities. The intention is for local partners to work together to make the environment within the superzone healthier.METHODSA realist process evaluation of 13 pilot sites. We used data from programme documents, a rapid literature search, and interviews with lead officers for the 13 local authorities that took part in the programme. Qualitative analysis was used to identify combinations of context, mechanisms, and outcomes (CMOs) that affected the creation of a local partnership and plan.RESULTSAll but one of the 13 pilot sites established a superzone and multi-agency action plan. We identified 12 CMOs that affect the process of creating a school superzone. We present a logic model that describes how these CMOs combine to make up an initial programme theory of superzones. Key aspects of this programme theory include the importance of local partners’ priorities, leadership and support from across the local authority, and the flexibility of the model itself.CONCLUSIONThe superzones model is an emerging framework for local place-based partnership working to improve the urban environment. However, the success of the model is likely to depend on local context. The evidence presented here could guide the further roll out of the model, and support those local authorities that want to create superzones.
Quantification of positive family history as a risk factor for ischaemic heart disease
Authors: Iqbal Basit 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACTObjectiveThere is very little research regarding quantification of family history as a risk factor for ischaemic heart disease. This is especially so in the South Asian population, which tends to suffer from ischaemic heart disease at a much younger age, even after environmental and dietary factors are accounted for. This indicates a likely genetic basis. The aim of this study was to quantify family history as a risk factor.MethodsIt is a retrospective, cross-sectional study. Patients with family history and hypertension as the only cardiac risk factors were recruited in the study along with control subjects. Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy was used for the detection of myocardial ischemia.Results114 patients had hypertension and family history as the only risk factors. 64 of these patients had myocardial ischemia. 102 control patients were also recruited, of whom only 26 suffered from myocardial ischemia. The odds-ratio was thus calculated to be 3.69 (95% CI: 1.54-9.28, p=0.001).ConclusionsThese findings suggest a strong genetic basis for ischemic heart disease in the South Asian population. This needs to be taken into consideration when such patients present with non-specific cardiac symptoms.
Constitutive ghrelin receptor activity modulates AMPA receptor traffic and supports memory formation
Authors: Ribeiro Luís F. , Catarino Tatiana , Carvalho Mário , Santos Sandra D. , Cortes Luísa , Opazo Patricio O. , Ribeiro Lyn Rosenbrier , Choquet Daniel , Esteban José A. , Peça João , Luísa Carvalho Ana 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe ability of animals to store and retrieve food caches in the wild requires the integration of biological signals of hunger, satiety and memory. The role of ghrelin in regulating feeding and memory makes ghrelin receptors an important target to shape the required cellular and molecular responses. We investigated the effects of the high ligand-independent activity of the ghrelin receptor on the physiology of excitatory synapses. Blocking this type of activity produced a decrease in the synaptic content of AMPA receptors in hippocampal neurons and a reduction in GluA1 phosphorylation at Ser845. Impaired constitutive activity from the ghrelin receptor increased surface diffusion of AMPA receptors and impaired AMPA receptor synaptic delivery mediated by chemical long-term potentiation. These observations support a role for the constitutive activity of the ghrelin receptor in regulating AMPA receptor trafficking under basal conditions and synaptic plasticity. Accordingly, we found that blocking the ghrelin receptor constitutive activity impairs spatial and recognition memory.Impact statementThis work uncovers a role for the constitutive activity of the ghrelin receptor in memory, and in the regulation of the synaptic levels of AMPA receptors, their mobility and synaptic plasticity. Underscoring the importance of deciphering the physiological role of constitutive ghrelin receptor activity, ghrelin receptor inverse agonism is now being considered as a therapy to treat alcohol use disorder.
Learning massive interpretable gene regulatory networks of the human brain by merging Bayesian Networks
Authors: Bernaola Nikolas , Michiels Mario , Larrañaga Pedro , Bielza Concha 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe present the Fast Greedy Equivalence Search (FGES)-Merge, a new method for learning the structure of gene regulatory networks via merging locally learned Bayesian networks, based on the fast greedy equivalent search algorithm. The method is competitive with the state of the art in terms of the Matthews correlation coefficient, which takes into account both precision and recall, while also improving upon it in terms of speed, scaling up to tens of thousands of variables and being able to use empirical knowledge about the topological structure of gene regulatory networks. We apply this method to learning the gene regulatory network for the full human genome using data from samples of different brain structures (from the Allen Human Brain Atlas). Furthermore, this Bayesian network model should predict interactions between genes in a way that is clear to experts, following the current trends in explainable artificial intelligence. To achieve this, we also present a new open-access visualization tool that facilitates the exploration of massive networks and can aid in finding nodes of interest for experimental tests.
Foxg1Organizes Cephalic Ectoderm to Repress Mandibular Fate, Regulate Apoptosis, Generate Choanae, Elaborate the Auxiliary Eye and Pattern the Upper Jaw
Authors: Compagnucci Claudia , Depew Michael J. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractGnathostome jaw patterning involves focal instructive signals from the embryonic surface cephalic ectoderm (SCE) to a fungible population of cranial neural crest. The spatial refinement of these signals, particularly for those patterning the upper jaws, is not fully understood. We demonstrate thatFoxg1, broadly expressed in the SCE overlying the upper jaw primordia, is required for both neurocranial and viscerocranial development, including the sensory capsules, neurocranial base, middle ear, and upper jaws.Foxg1controls upper jaw molecular identity and morphologic development by actively inhibiting the inappropriate acquisition of lower jaw molecular identity within the upper jaw primordia, and is necessary for the appropriate elaboration of the λ-junction, choanae, palate, vibrissae, rhinarium, upper lip and auxiliary eye. It regulates intra-epithelial cellular organization, gene expression, and the topography of apoptosis within the SCE.Foxg1integrates forebrain and skull development and genetically interacts withDlx5to establish a single, rostral cranial midline.
Imputing Single-cell RNA-seq data by combining Graph Convolution and Autoencoder Neural Networks
Authors: Rao Jiahua , Zhou Xiang , Lu Yutong , Zhao Huiying , Yang Yuedong 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSingle-cell RNA sequencing technology promotes the profiling of single-cell transcriptomes at an unprecedented throughput and resolution. However, in scRNA-seq studies, only a low amount of sequenced mRNA in each cell leads to missing detection for a portion of mRNA molecules, i.e. the dropout problem. The dropout event hinders various downstream analysis, such as clustering analysis, differential expression analysis, and inference of gene-to-gene relationships. Therefore, it is necessary to develop robust and effective imputation methods for the increasing scRNA-seq data. In this study, we have developed an imputation method (GraphSCI) to impute the dropout events in scRNA-seq data based on the graph convolution networks. The method takes advantage of low-dimensional representations of similar cells and gene-gene interactions to impute the dropouts. Extensive experiments demonstrated that GraphSCI outperforms other state-of-the-art methods for imputation on both simulated and real scRNA-seq data. Meanwhile, GraphSCI is able to accurately infer gene-to-gene relationships by utilizing the imputed matrix that are concealed by dropout events in raw data.
Human-induced changes in habitat preference by capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) and their potential effect on zoonotic disease transmission
Authors: Dias Thiago C. , Stabach Jared A. , Huang Qiongyu , Labruna Marcelo B. , Leimgruber Peter , Ferraz Katia M. P. M. B. , Lopes Beatriz , Luz Hermes R. , Costa Francisco B. , Benatti Hector R. , Correa Lucas R. , Nievas Ana M. , Monticelli Patrícia F. , Piovezan Ubiratan , Szabó Matias P. J. , Aguiar Daniel M. , Brites-Neto José , Port-Carvalho Marcio , Rocha Vlamir J. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHuman activities are changing landscape structure and function globally, affecting wildlife space use, and ultimately increasing human-wildlife conflicts and zoonotic disease spread. Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is a conflict species that has been implicated in the spread and amplification of the most lethal tick-borne disease in the world, the Brazilian spotted fever (BSF). Even though essential to understand the link between capybaras, ticks and the BSF, many knowledge gaps still exist regarding the effects of human disturbance in capybara space use. Here, we analyzed diurnal and nocturnal habitat selection strategies of capybaras across natural and human-modified landscapes using resource selection functions (RSF). Selection for forested habitats was high across human- modified landscapes, mainly during day- periods. Across natural landscapes, capybaras avoided forests during both day- and night periods. Water was consistently selected across both landscapes, during day- and nighttime. This variable was also the most important in predicting capybara habitat selection across natural landscapes. Capybaras showed slightly higher preferences for areas near grasses/shrubs across natural landscapes, and this variable was the most important in predicting capybara habitat selection across human-modified landscapes. Our results demonstrate human-driven variation in habitat selection strategies by capybaras. This behavioral adjustment across human-modified landscapes may be related to BSF epidemiology.
Human CD8+T-cells Require Glycolysis to Elicit Effector Function
Authors: Stimpson Scott E. , Chen Jing , Newby Brittney N. , Khattri Ram , Chapman Harold D. , Angelini Thomas E. , Merritt Matthew E. , Serreze David V. , Mathews Clayton E. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTargeting human T-cell metabolism for modulating immune function requires an understanding of macronutrient utilization. Using metabolic inhibition during activation of human naïve CD8+T-cells, we demonstrate blocking glycolysis or mitochondrial respiration prevents T-cell proliferation. However, after activation and differentiation, the metabolic program changes. Inhibition of glycolysis abolished cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activity, whereas mitochondrial inhibition had no effect on CTL lytic function. Studies with uniformly labeled13C-glucose confirmed CTL convert the majority of glucose to lactate. The role of glycolysis in CTL function was assessed using NOD models of Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Treatment of NOD models with a glycolysis inhibitor resulted in reduced and delayed T1D incidence and significantly preserved β-cell mass. We conclude glycolysis and mitochondrial ATP production are essential for efficient T-cell activation, but only glycolysis is essential for CTL lytic function. These data suggest targeting glycolysis in CTLs is a promising pathway to prevent T-cell-mediated autoimmunity.
Accounting conservatism and money laundering risk
Authors: Bolgorian Meysam , Mayeli Ali 
Published: February 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the relationship between accounting conservatism and money laundering risk. For this goal, the authors construct an index for measuring money laundering risk at the firm level for Iranian listed firms in the Tehran Stock Exchange.

Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the authors use a sample of 924 firm-year observation of Iranian listed firms for the period of 2012-2017. The authors use three approaches for testing our prediction that more conservative firms are less likely to be involved in money laundering activities. A balanced panel regression model has been used for testing the prediction.

Findings
The paper results suggest that there is a negative relationship between conditional conservatism and money laundering risk. Furthermore, the authors have shown that the result is robust to controlling for different firm characteristics variables and also industry specific effects.

Research limitations/implications
Further research in other financial markets is needed to confirm the results generally.

Practical implications
The evidence in this paper indicates that the degree of accounting conservatism contains important information which can be used by the investors and regulators for managing and controlling the risk of money laundering in the firms.

Originality/value
By constructing a money laundering risk measure at the firm level for the first time, the authors provide evidence on relationship between conservatism and money laundering risk in Iran.
Linking knowledge management to competitive strategies of knowledge-based SMEs
Authors: Ngah Rohana , Wong Kuan Yew 
Published: February 2020

PurposeThis paper aims to study the effect of knowledge management in formulating competitive strategies for knowledge-based small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach of a survey was carried out on 135 owners and managers of knowledge-based SMEs in Malaysia. Structural equation modeling technique was used to investigate the relationship between knowledge management and competitive strategies. SmartPLS software is used to analyze the quantitative data. Only SMEs which are involved in R&D and innovation were selected to get the right respondents who meet the objective of the study.FindingsThe findings show mixed results. Most dimensions of knowledge management have significant relationships to differentiation strategy except for knowledge creation and knowledge acquisition, with only knowledge acquisition showing a significant relationship to cost leadership. Findings reveal that knowledge management has a positive effect on competitive strategies with more inclination toward differentiation strategy, compared to cost leadership strategy which does synchronize with their commitment in research and development and innovation.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is only focused on knowledge-based SMEs in central Malaysia. Second, the use of a survey approach minimized the flow of information.Practical implicationsSMEs do have knowledge management practices but may not be exploiting it well. Mapping knowledge management practices would help SMEs identify their strengths and weaknesses to explore better business opportunities. This proves that SMEs are leveraging their resources through knowledge application, dissemination, storage and protection to be different than their competitors. However, their apparent lack of knowledge in knowledge acquisition and knowledge creation should be addressed accordingly, as it is important for their future continuous sustainability.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature of knowledge management relating to competitive strategies in SMEs. The study offers insights on how competitive strategies were formulated through knowledge management. The mixed results reveal a new different outlook of knowledge management relating to competitive strategies.