bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The utility of a myeloid mutation panel for the diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm
Authors: Ibrar Warda , Zhang Weiwei , Cox Jesse Lee , Cushman‐Vokoun Allison , Fu Kai , Greiner Timothy C. , Yuan Ji 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN) is based on morphology and cytogenetics/FISH findings per 2017 WHO classification. With rare exceptions, somatic mutations have not been incorporated as the diagnostic criteria.MethodsWe analyzed the utility of mutational analysis with a targeted 54‐gene or 40‐gene next‐generation sequencing (NGS) panel in the diagnosis of MDS and MDS/MPN.ResultsWe retrospectively collected 92 patients who presented with unexplained cytopenia with or without cytosis, including 32 low‐grade MDS (MDS‐L), 18 high‐grade MDS (MDS‐H), 5 therapy‐related MDS (MDS‐TR), 19 MDS/MPN, and 18 negative cases. Of 92 patients, 197 somatic mutations involving 38 genes were detected and had variant allele frequency (VAF) ranging from 3% to 99%. The most common mutated genes were TET2, ASXL1, RUNX1, TP53, SRSF2, and SF3B1. MDS‐L, MDS‐H, MDS‐TR, and MDS/MPN showed an average number of somatic mutations with a mean VAF of 1.9/33%, 2.6/30%, 2/36%, and 4/41%, respectively. SF3B1 mutations were exclusively observed in MDS‐L and MDS/MPN. TP53 gene mutations were more frequently seen in MDS‐H and MDS‐TR. Among 34 patients with a diagnosis of MDS or MDS/MPN with normal cytogenetics, 31 patients (91%) had at least 1 mutation and 24 patients (71%) had ≥2 mutations with ≥10% VAF.ConclusionA myeloid mutational panel provides additional evidence of clonality besides cytogenetics/FISH studies in the diagnosis of cytopenia with or without cytosis. Two or more mutations with ≥10% VAF highly predicts MDS and MDS/MPN with a positive predictive value of 100%.
Gramine promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury via ameliorating microglia activation
Authors: Lu Xiaolang , Lu Fengfeng , Yu Jiachen , Xue Xinghe , Jiang Hongyi , Jiang Liting , Yang Yang 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn recent years, a large number of studies have reported that neuroinflammation aggravates the occurrence of secondary injury after spinal cord injury. Gramine (GM), a natural indole alkaloid, possesses various pharmacological properties; however, the anti‐inflammation property remains unclear. In our study, Gramine was investigated in vitro and in vivo to explore the neuroprotection effects. In vitro experiment, our results suggest that Gramine treatment can inhibit release of pro‐inflammatory mediators. Moreover, Gramine prevented apoptosis of PC12 cells which was caused by activated HAPI microglia, and the inflammatory secretion ability of microglia was inhibited by Gramine through NF‐κB pathway. The in vivo experiment is that 80 mg/kg Gramine was injected orthotopically to rats after spinal cord injury (SCI). Behavioural and histological analyses demonstrated that Gramine treatment may alleviate microglia activation and then boost recovery of motor function after SCI. Overall, our research has demonstrated that Gramine exerts suppressed microglia activation and promotes motor functional recovery after SCI through NF‐κB pathway, which may put forward the prospect of clinical treatment of inflammation‐related central nervous diseases.
Investigating job satisfaction in palliative rehabilitation: Reflections and perspectives of health professionals working with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Gamskjaer Tine , Werlauff Ulla , Handberg Charlotte 
Published: July 2021

AbstractStudy RationaleAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disease which causes impairment of the motor functions in the upper and lower limbs and bulbar muscles with a median survival time is three years from the first appearance of symptoms. There is massive psychological impact on health professionals to persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, hence the work leads to multiple challenges and stressful and demanding situations with high risk of experiencing diminished personal well‐being including burnout, moral distress, and compassion fatigue.AimTo investigate reflections and perspectives from health professionals working within palliative rehabilitation for elements of importance in relation to job satisfaction.Methods and MaterialsThe design was qualitative and based on the phenomenological‐hermeneutical methodology by Paul Ricoeur's interpretation theory. Data consisted of two semi‐structured focus group interviews with a total of 12 specialized health professionals: Nurses, Psychologists, Physicians, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, and Social workers, working within a hospital setting of specialized palliative rehabilitation for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and their families.ResultsThe analysis revealed insight into four themes: fundamental drive, working conditions, value of collegiality and work‐life balance. Fundamental drive was deeply rooted in the professionals' sense of having a meaningful job. Working conditions such as self‐management were important for job satisfaction as were good collegial relations. Finally, a good balance between working life and private life was considered important for job satisfaction.ConclusionOur study indicates that work within the field of palliative rehabilitation is experienced as enriching and beneficial under the right circumstances and in an appreciatory working environment. We found elements like autonomy, mastery, purpose, collegiality, and work‐life balance to be of great importance. Our findings can help guide managements and health professionals in other palliative rehabilitation contexts to ensure satisfied employees and to optimize the quality of care.
A magnetic resonance imaging modality for non‐invasively distinguishing progression of liver fibrosis by visualizing hepatic platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐beta expression in mice
Authors: Wu Ling , Huang Xiao‐quan , Li Na , Xie Cao , Rao Sheng‐xiang , Chen Shi‐yao , Li Feng 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackground and aimActivated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the most critical cells responsible for liver fibrosis, and platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) is the most prominent mitogen for HSCs in fibrogenesis. This study aimed to explore the potential of gadolinium (Gd)‐labeled cyclic peptides (pPB) targeting PDGF receptor‐β (PDGFR‐β) as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiotracer to identify the progression of liver fibrosis by imaging hepatic PDGFR‐β expression.MethodsMice treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) were used to mimic hepatic fibrosis in vivo. The binding activity of FITC‐labeled pPB to PDGFR‐β was assessed in cultured human HSCs (HSC‐LX2). MRI was performed to visualize hepatic PDGFR‐β expression in mice with different degrees of liver fibrosis after Gd‐labeled pPB was injected.ResultsHepatic PDGFR‐β expression level was correlated with the severity of liver fibrosis, and the majority of cells expressing PDGFR‐β were found to be activated HSCs in fibrotic livers. Culture‐activated human HSCs expressed abundant PDGFR‐β, and FITC‐labeled pPB could bind to these cells in a concentration‐dependent and time‐dependent manner. With Gd‐labeled pPB as a tracer, an MRI modality demonstrated that the relative hepatic T1‐weighted MRI signal value progressively increased with the severity of hepatic fibrosis and reduced with remission.ConclusionsHepatic PDGFR‐β expression reflects the progression of hepatic fibrosis, and MRI using Gd‐labeled pPB as a tracer exhibits potential for distinguishing liver fibrosis staging in mice.
Erythropoietin and derivatives: Potential beneficial effects on the brain
Authors: Vittori Daniela C. , Chamorro María E. , Hernández Yender V. , Maltaneri Romina E. , Nesse Alcira B. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractErythropoietin (Epo), the main erythropoiesis‐stimulating factor widely prescribed to overcome anemia, is also known nowadays for its cytoprotective action on non‐hematopoietic tissues. In this context, Epo showed not only its ability to cross the blood‐brain barrier, but also its expression in the brain of mammals. In clinical trials, recombinant Epo treatment has been shown to stimulate neurogenesis; improve cognition; and activate antiapoptotic, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory signaling pathways. These mechanisms, proposed to characterize a neuroprotective property, opened new perspectives on the Epo pharmacological potencies. However, many questions arise about a possible physiological role of Epo in the central nervous system (CNS) and the factors or environmental conditions that induce its expression. Although Epo may be considered a strong candidate to be used against neuronal damage, long‐term treatments, particularly when high Epo doses are needed, may induce thromboembolic complications associated with increases in hematocrit and blood viscosity. To avoid these adverse effects, different Epo analogs without erythropoietic activity but maintaining neuroprotection ability are currently being investigated. Carbamylated erythropoietin, as well as alternative molecules like Epo fusion proteins and partial peptides of Epo, seems to match this profile. This review will focus on the discussion of experimental evidence reported in recent years linking erythropoietin and CNS function through investigations aimed at finding benefits in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, it will review the proposed mechanisms for novel derivatives which may clarify and, eventually, improve the neuroprotective action of Epo.image
Prevalence of incidental brain MRI findings of clinical relevance in a diverse Hispanic/Latino population
Authors: Ivanovic Vladimir , Seiler Stephan , Tarraf Wassim , Crivello Emily , Martinez Oliver , Lipton Richard B. , Isasi Carmen R. , Copello Tatiana Gomez , Talavera Gregory A. , Gallo Linda C. , Lamar Melissa , Testai Fernando , Schneiderman Neil , Gellman Marc D. , Daviglus Martha , Gonzalez Hector M. , DeCarli Charles , Lipton Michael L. 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTBackground and PurposeThere is limited literature on the prevalence of incidental brain MRI findings in the Hispanic/Latino population, despite their increased prevalence of vascular disease and undertreatment of chronic conditions. The purpose of our study was to determine the prevalence of clinically relevant incidental findings on brain MRI examinations obtained as a part of the Study of Latinos–Investigation of NeuroCognitive Aging MRI (SOL‐INCA‐MRI) study.MethodsBrain MRI examinations were obtained on 1389 participants in the SOL‐INCA‐MRI study, a cross‐sectional ancillary study of the Hispanic Community Health Study, Study of Latinos, which is a longitudinal, community‐based study. Study design of SOL‐INCA‐MRI involves imaging cognitively normal and participants with mild cognitive impairment. Brain MRI findings were categorized as Level 1 (normal), Level 1.5 (findings of unclear medical significance), Level 2 (potential medical concern), or Level 3 (medically urgent). This article focuses on Level 2 and Level 3 findings.ResultsThe average age of the sample was 60.8 years (+/– 10.3 years), 66.1% were females. Level 2 and 3 findings were identified in 117 participants, (8.4%), of which 109 (7.8%) were recommended for medical follow‐up (Level 2), and 8 (0.6%) were recommended for immediate medical attention (Level 3). Brain MRI findings consisted of chronic infarction in 33 (2.4%), vascular abnormality in 27 (1.9%), intracranial mass in 20 (1.4%), other intracranial findings in 28 (2.0%), and skull base/extracranial findings in 26 (1.9%) patients.ConclusionIncidental findings of clinical relevance were common among SOL‐INCA‐MRI participants, but rarely required urgent medical intervention.
Voting with abstention
Authors: Bolle Friedel 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMost voting models in the literature neglect abstention, but is such a simplification justified? I investigate this question in a model with outside pressure on voters. For sequential voting (e.g., roll call votes), with and without an abstention option, there is a unique subgame perfect equilibrium, which implies that true majorities always succeed. Abstention can be an equilibrium strategy for some voters, in particular under complex decision rules (e.g., weighted voting, double majorities). Simultaneous voting often has a unique pure strategy equilibrium but also a plethora of mixed and pure/mixed strategy equilibria. Therefore, only with equilibrium selection, can we evaluate the consequences of neglecting abstention. For equal weight voting, equilibria selected by the procedure of Harsanyi and Selten change completely with an abstention option, even if abstention itself is not or rarely used. With small enough outside pressure, however, the selected equilibrium honors true majorities in both cases.
Determinants of HCV‐related complications in Italian primary care patients
Authors: Grattagliano Ignazio , Rossi Alessandro , Marconi Ettore , Lapi Francesco , Cricelli Claudio 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackground and AimsThis study aimed to assess the demographic and clinical determinants of liver complications in Hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐positive patients in primary care setting.MethodsUsing the Health Search database, we selected a cohort of patients aged ≥14 diagnosed with HCV between 2002 and 2017. Patients were followed up until the occurrence of cirrhosis and other disease progressions such as oesophageal varices, hepatocellular carcinoma and/or liver transplantation. The candidate determinants for the risk of HCV‐related complications included sex, age, smoking status, liver fibrosis (measured by fibrosis 4 index [FIB‐4]), infections by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), other forms of hepatitis, abuse of alcohol or illicit substances or drugs, obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus and renal disease. Cox regression was used to test the association between candidate determinants and the outcome.ResultsThe cohort included 8299 HCV‐positive patients (50.93% men) with an overall prevalence rate equal to 0.61%. At least one HCV‐related complication was found in 12.2% of patients, with a mean time‐to‐event equal to 8.1 year. Along with male sex and advanced age, a FIB‐4 greater than 3.25 and the presence of diabetes were associated with a greater risk of HCV‐related complications.ConclusionOur study shows that patients with certain demographics and clinical characteristics are more prone to incur in HCV‐related complications. The knowledge and early identification of these determinants by GPs may result in reducing disease progression and related healthcare costs through a closer monitoring.
Young, timid, and risk takers
Authors: Guasoni Paolo , Nagy Lóránt , Rásonyi Miklós 
Published: July 2021

AbstractTime‐varying asset returns lead highly risk‐averse investors to choose market‐timing exposures that increase in their horizon, in agreement with the common advice to reduce risk with age, but in contrast to theoretical work that prescribes constant portfolio weights. In a market where an investor with constant absolute risk aversion and finite horizon trades an asset with temporary fluctuations, we find asymptotically optimal investment strategies that are independent of the asset's average return and decline over time with a power of the remaining horizon, with the exponent determined by the curvature of mean reversion. For long‐term safe assets, which have a zero average return, the investor's certainty equivalent declines over time at a lower rate, implying that a nonzero average return is negligible for asymptotically optimal strategies but critical to their performance.
The zinc finger protein StMR1 affects the pathogenicity and melanin synthesis of Setosphaeria turcica and directly regulates the expression of DHN melanin synthesis pathway genes
Authors: Zhang Zexue , Jia Hui , Liu Ning , Li Haixiao , Meng Qingjiang , Wu Nan , Cao Zhiyan , Dong Jingao 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe infection and colonization of pathogenic fungi are often regulated by transcription factors. In our previous study, the zinc finger protein‐encoding gene StMR1 was found to be highly expressed during the infection process of Setosphaeria turcica, the pathogen causing northern corn leaf blight. Evolutionary tree analysis showed that this gene was associated with regulatory factors of melanin synthesis. However, the regulatory mechanism of melanin synthesis and its effect on pathogenicity remain unclear. In this study, the function of StMR1 was analyzed by gene knockout. When the expression level of StMR1 in the mutants was significantly reduced, the colony color became lighter, the mycelia were curved and transparent, and the mutant showed a significant loss of pathogenicity. In addition, compared with wild‐type, the accumulation of melanin decreased significantly in ΔStmr1. RNA‐seq analysis revealed 1,981 differentially expressed genes between the wild‐type and knockout mutant, among which 39 genes were involved in melanin metabolism. qPCR revealed that the expression levels of six key genes in the melanin synthesis pathway were significantly reduced. ChIP‐PCR and yeast one‐hybrid assays confirmed that StMR1 directly binds to the promoters of St3HNR, St4HNR, StPKS, and StLAC2 in the DHN melanin synthesis pathway and regulates gene expression. The C2H2‐type zinc fingers and Zn(Ⅱ)2Cys6 binuclear cluster in StMR1 were important for the binding to targets.
Description of Evandromyia cristacapita sp. nov., a new sand fly species of the Argentinian Chaco
Authors: Szelag E. A. , Galati E. A. B. , Rosa J. R. , Andrade Filho J. D. , Salomón O. D. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractA new species of phlebotomine sand fly collected in the rural and peri‐urban areas of wet and dry subregions of the Chaco Province, Argentina, is described. Illustrations of male and female adults are presented. Morphological characters allow the inclusion of the new species within the Evandromyia genus, Barrettomyia subgenus, Cortelezzii series (Diptera: Psychodidae). Furthermore, we present an identification key for the Cortelezzii series of the Barrettomyia subgenus with a new distinct species complex for its correct identification. The species was denominated as Evandromyia cristacapita sp. nov.
Dietary fiber‐derived short‐chain fatty acids: A potential therapeutic target to alleviate obesity‐related nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Zhang Shumin , Zhao Jingwen , Xie Fei , He Hengxun , Johnston Lee J. , Dai Xiaofeng , Wu Chaodong , Ma Xi 
Published: July 2021

SummaryOver the past several decades, increasing global prevalence of obesity‐related nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been one of main challenges to human health. Recently, increasing evidence has validated connections among short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), a physiologically relevant concentration, the intestinal microbiota, and host metabolism. In this review, we summarized crosstalk between SCFAs and host metabolism in relation to NAFLD pathophysiology, focusing on recent advances. Firstly, how SCFAs are generated and absorbed under different nutritional conditions in the gut. Secondly, how SCFAs maintain gut barrier and alleviate hepatic inflammatory responses. Thirdly, how SCFAs maintain hepatic energy balance through controlling appetite and mediating the glucose homeostasis at the systemic level. Fourthly, G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPRs) are widely involved in the above metabolic processes regulated by SCFAs. Overall, this review aimed to provide new insights into the prospects of SCFAs as a potential therapeutic target in management of liver diseases.
Assessing performance of white endosperm testers with varying resistance reactions to Striga (Striga hermonthica) for evaluating resistant maize (Zea mays) inbred lines
Authors: Afolabi Samson , Menkir Abebe , Oyekunle Muhyideen , Abdullahi Ubale , Gedil Melaku , Meseka Silvestro , Mengesha Wende 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIdentification of testers is crucial for hybrid maize breeding programme. However, limited information is available about ideal testers for characterising the combining ability of Striga resistant maize inbreds. This study was conducted to assess the relative value of three inbred testers with varying resistance reactions to Striga for determining the combining ability of Striga resistant inbreds. Ninety testcrosses involving 30 Striga resistant inbreds and three testers were evaluated under artificial and natural Striga infestation and non‐infested conditions at two locations for 2 years. Lines x tester interaction was significant (p ≤ .05) for most traits, indicating differential ranking of lines by the testers. The GCA effects of testers for most traits were high, highlighting the predominance of additive gene action in controlling the overall performance of testcrosses. The resistant and tolerant testers exhibited desirable GCA effects, broader testcross performance, greater genetic variances and consistent ranking of testcrosses under both growing conditions than the susceptible tester. These testers can be successfully used for identifying superior Striga resistant inbreds to develop high yielding and resistant hybrids for commercialization.
Deterrence against Terrorist Attacks in Sports‐Mega Events: A Method to Identify the Optimal Portfolio of Defensive Countermeasures
Authors: Zawadzki Marcelo , Montibeller Gilberto , Cox Bruce , Belderrain Carmen 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSports mega‐events, such as the Olympic Games or the Super Bowl, are attractive targets for terrorist organizations, due to their visibility, size, and number of people involved. Two characteristics of sports mega‐events, however, make them distinctive in comparison with other well‐studied target protection problems in counterterrorism analysis (such as transportation hubs or infrastructure facilities). First, defensive measures are often publicly known. Second, their finite horizon means that deterrence against any attack must be prioritized. In this article we thus propose a method that identifies the best portfolio of defensive measures the defense may adopt, given a fixed budget, to minimize the chances of suffering a terrorist attack during a sports mega‐event. The method makes some relevant contributions to adversarial risk analysis: (i) it represents attackers that can choose among multiple attack scenarios and the no‐attack scenario; (ii) it measures the deterrence effect caused by synergic portfolios of defensive measures; and (iii) it proposes an algorithm that identifies dominated portfolios and may, thus, overcome the scalability problems inherent to this portfolio optimization. We apply this method to a real‐world defense problem, revisiting the defensive countermeasure planning for the 2016 Brazilian Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In the case study, we find a nonlinear relationship between budget expenditure and deterrence, as well as a decreasing marginal effectiveness use of resources after a given budget threshold, which would support a more efficient allocation of investments in the Games defense.