bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incremental dialysis for preserving residual kidney function—Does one size fit all when initiating dialysis?
Authors: Mathew Anna T. , Obi Yoshitsugu , Rhee Connie M. , Chou Jason A. , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kamyar 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWhile many patients have substantial residual kidney function (RKF) when initiating hemodialysis (HD), most patients with end stage renal disease in the United States are initiated on 3‐times per week conventional HD regimen, with little regard to RKF or patient preference. RKF is associated with many benefits including survival, volume control, solute clearance, and reduced inflammation. Several strategies have been recommended to preserve RKF after HD initiation, including an incremental approach to HD initiation. Incremental HD prescriptions are personalized to achieve adequate volume control and solute clearance with consideration to a patient's endogenous renal function. This allows the initial use of less frequent and/or shorter HD treatment sessions. Regular measurement of RKF is important because HD frequency needs to be increased as RKF inevitably declines. We narratively review the results of 12 observational cohort studies of twice‐weekly compared to thrice‐weekly HD. Incremental HD is associated with several benefits including preservation of RKF as well as extending the event‐free life of arteriovenous fistulas and grafts. Patient survival and quality of life, however, has been variably associated with incremental HD. Serious risks must also be considered, including increased hospitalization and mortality perhaps related to fluid and electrolyte shifts after a long interdialytic interval. On the basis of the above literature review, and our clinical experience, we suggest patient characteristics which may predict favorable outcomes with an incremental approach to HD. These include substantial RKF, adequate volume control, lack of significant anemia/electrolyte imbalance, satisfactory health‐related quality of life, low comorbid disease burden, and good nutritional status without evidence of hypercatabolism. Clinicians should engage patients in on‐going conversations to prepare for incremental HD initiation and to ensure a smooth transition to thrice‐weekly HD when needed.
Estimating high‐dimensional additive Cox model with time‐dependent covariate processes
Authors: Lv Shaogao , Jiang Jiakun , Zhou Fanyin , Huang Jian , Lin Huazhen 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis paper is concerned with the estimation in the additive Cox model with time‐dependent covariates when the number of additive componentspis greater than the sample sizen. By combining spline representation and the group lasso penalty, a penalized partial likelihood approach to estimating the unknown component functions is proposed. Given the non‐iid nature of the log partial likelihood function and the nonparametric complexities of the component function estimation, it is challenging to analyze the theoretical properties of the proposed estimation. Through concentration inequities developed for martingale differences in the context of the additive Cox model, we establish nonasymptotic oracle inequalities for the group lasso in the additive Cox model withp=eo(n)under the compatibility and cone invertibility factors conditions on the Hessian matrix. An interesting and surprising aspect of our result is that the complexity of the component functions affects not only the approximation error but also the stochastic error. This is quite different from the additive mean models and suggests that the additive Cox model is more difficult to estimate than the additive mean models in high‐dimensional settings.
Differential expression networks and inheritance patterns of long non‐coding RNAs in castor bean seeds
Authors: Xu Wei , Yang Tianquan , Wang Bin , Han Bing , Zhou Huangkai , Wang Yue , Li De‐Zhu , Liu Aizhong 
Published: May 2018

SummaryLong non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) serve as versatile regulators of plant growth and development. The potential functions and inheritance patterns of lncRNAs, as well as the epigenetic regulation of lncRNA itself, remain largely uncharacterized in plant seeds, especially in the persistent endosperm of the dicotyledons. In this study, we investigated diverse RNA‐seq data and catalogued 5356 lncRNAs in castor bean seeds. A small fraction of lncRNAs were transcribed from the same direction as the promoters of protein‐coding genes (PCgenes) and exhibited strongly coordinated expression with the nearby PCgene. Co‐expression analysis with weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) showed these lncRNAs to be involved in differential transcription networks between the embryo and endosperm in the early developing seed. Genomic DNA methylation analyses revealed that the expression level of lncRNAs was tightly linked to DNA methylation and that endosperm hypomethylation could promote the expression of linked lncRNAs. Intriguingly, upon hybridization, most lncRNAs with divergent genome sequences between two parents could be reconciled and were expressed according to their parental genome contribution; however, some deviation in the expression of allelic lncRNAs was observed and found to be partially dependent on parental effects. In triploid endosperm, the expression of most lncRNAs was not dosage sensitive, as only 20 lncRNAs had balanced dosage. Our findings not only demonstrate that lncRNAs play potential roles in regulating the development of castor bean endosperm and embryo, but also provide novel insights into the parental effects, allelic expression and epigenetic regulation of lncRNAs in dicotyledonous seeds.
Evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of skeletal scintigraphy in lame and poorly performing sports horses
Authors: Quiney Laura E. , Ireland Joanne L. , Dyson Sue J. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSkeletal scintigraphy is an established imaging modality, however, its validity as a diagnostic test in lame or poorly performing sports horses has not been determined. The objective of this retrospective cross‐sectional analytical study was to determine the accuracy of skeletal scintigraphy as an indiscriminate screening test in sports horses. All sports horses that underwent scintigraphic examination between March 2008 and December 2014 for which a definitive diagnosis was reached were included. Examinations were evaluated blindly. Characteristics of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake were recorded and subjectively categorized as possibly relevant or non‐relevant. Kappa statistics were used to assess agreement between test results and final diagnosis. There were 1222 positive clinical diagnoses in 480 horses, of which 687 regions (56.4%) had no associated increased radiopharmaceutical uptake and 99 regions (8.1%) had non‐relevant increased radiopharmaceutical uptake. The sensitivity of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake for identification of final diagnosis was low (43.8%) and specificity was high (94.0%). The agreement was fair (κ = 0.36). Relevance categorization improved the test; the sensitivity for final diagnosis was low (35.7%), specificity was high (98.9%), and the agreement was moderate (κ = 0.45). The agreements of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake and relevance categorization with final diagnosis were only substantial for feet (κ = 0.67 and κ = 0.66, respectively) and proximal aspect of the forelimb (elbow, shoulder, and scapula combined) (κ = 0.69 and 0.78, respectively). Scintigraphic examination is unlikely to lead to a full and correct diagnosis of the cause(s) of lameness or poor performance in sports horses when used as an isolated or indiscriminate screening tool.
Pericardial application as a new route for implanting stem‐cell cardiospheres to treat myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Wu Zheng , Fan Zepei , Qin Zixi , Wang Yingwei , Chen Jiayuan , Wu Maoxiong , Chen Yangxin , Wu Changhao , Wang Jingfeng 
Published: May 2018

Key points
Cardiospheres (CSps) are a promising new form of cardiac stem cells with advantage over other stem cells for myocardial regeneration, but direct implantation of CSps by conventional routes has been limited due to potential embolism.
We have implanted CSps into the pericardial cavity and systematically demonstrated its efficacy regarding myocardial infarction.
Stem cell potency and cell viability can be optimized in vitro prior to implantation by pre‐conditioning CSps with pericardial fluid and hydrogel packing.
Transplantation of optimized CSps into the pericardial cavity improved cardiac function and alleviated myocardial fibrosis, increased myocardial cell survival and promoted angiogenesis.
Mechanistically, CSps are able to directly differentiate into cardiomyocytes in vivo and promote regeneration of myocardial cells and blood vessels through a paracrine effect with released growth factors as potential paracrine mediators.
These findings establish a new strategy for therapeutic myocardial regeneration to treat myocardial infarction.
AbstractCardiospheres (CSps) are a new form of cardiac stem cells with an advantage over other stem cells for myocardial regeneration. However, direct implantation of CSps by conventional routes to treat myocardial infarction has been limited due to potential embolism. We have implanted CSps into the pericardial cavity and systematically assessed its efficacy on myocardial infarction. Preconditioning with pericardial fluid enhanced the activity of CSps and matrix hydrogel prolonged their viability. This shows that pretransplant optimization of stem cell potency and maintenance of cell viability can be achieved with CSps. Transplantation of optimized CSps into the pericardial cavity improved cardiac function and alleviated myocardial fibrosis in the non‐infarcted area, and increased myocardial cell survival and promoted angiogenesis in the infarcted area. Mechanistically, CSps were able to directly differentiate into cardiomyocytes in vivo and promoted regeneration of myocardial cells and blood vessels in the infarcted area through a paracrine effect with released growth factors in pericardial cavity serving as possible paracrine mediators. This is the first demonstration of direct pericardial administration of pre‐optimized CSps, and its effectiveness on myocardial infarction by functional and morphological outcomes with distinct mechanisms. These findings establish a new strategy for therapeutic myocardial regeneration to treat myocardial infarction.
Design by Analysis in the Modernized Boiler Code
Authors: Anderson David I. , Dewees David J. 
Published: May 2018

In general Section I of the ASME Boiler Code was originally developed for industrial boilers through to sub-critical boilers operating at relatively low temperatures and pressures under steady state conditions. Current and future boilers do and will operate at higher temperatures and pressures under cyclic loading requiring a more detailed assessment and examination to ensure safe and reliable operation.
Design by Analysis (DBA) methods will be fundamental to the assessment process for key boiler components. It is intended that the Code will incorporate several DBA methods, ranging in complexity, to allow the user some flexibility to select the method appropriate to the design conditions.
The methods currently being considered include an elastic approach based on Section VIII Division 2, a simplified inelastic approach, an inelastic approach based on the Omega method from API 579, the Section VIII Division 2 Code Case 2843 based on the Section III Part NH rules utilizing the strain deformation method and a new Section III Code Case based on the EN 13445 approach.
This paper will look at the key aspects of the methods and highlight the limitations of each.
The HIV-1 Tat Protein Enhances Splicing at the Major Splice Donor Site
Authors: Mueller Nancy , Pasternak Alexander O. , Klaver Bep , Cornelissen Marion , Berkhout Ben , Das Atze T. 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

Transcription of the HIV-1 proviral DNA and subsequent processing of the primary transcript results in the production of a large set of unspliced and differentially spliced viral RNAs. The major splice donor site (5′ss) that is located in the untranslated leader of the HIV-1 transcript is used for the production of all spliced RNAs, and splicing at this site has to be tightly regulated to allow the balanced production of all viral RNAs and proteins. We demonstrate that the viral Tat protein, which is known to activate viral transcription, also stimulates splicing at the major 5′ss. As for the transcription effect, Tat requires the viral long terminal repeat promoter and the
trans
-acting responsive RNA hairpin for splicing regulation. These results indicate that HIV-1 transcription and splicing are tightly coupled processes through the coordinated action of the essential Tat protein.

IMPORTANCE
The HIV-1 proviral DNA encodes a single RNA transcript that is used as RNA genome and packaged into newly assembled virus particles. This full-length RNA is also used as mRNA for the production of structural and enzymatic proteins. Production of other essential viral proteins depends on alternative splicing of the primary transcript, which yields a large set of differentially spliced mRNAs. Optimal virus replication requires a balanced production of all viral RNAs, which means that the splicing process has to be strictly regulated. We show that the HIV-1 Tat protein, a factor that is well known for its transcription activating function, also stimulates splicing. Thus, Tat controls not only the level of the viral RNA but also the balance between spliced and unspliced RNAs.
Helicobacter pylori Biofilm Formation and Its Potential Role in Pathogenesis
Authors: Hathroubi Skander , Servetas Stephanie L. , Windham Ian , Merrell D. Scott , Ottemann Karen M. 
Published: May 2018

SUMMARY

Despite decades of effort,
Helicobacter pylori
infections remain difficult to treat. Over half of the world's population is infected by
H. pylori
, which is a major cause of duodenal and gastric ulcers as well as gastric cancer. During chronic infection,
H. pylori
localizes within the gastric mucosal layer, including deep within invaginations called glands; thanks to its impressive ability to survive despite the harsh acidic environment, it can persist for the host's lifetime. This ability to survive and persist in the stomach is associated with urease production, chemotactic motility, and the ability to adapt to the fluctuating environment. Additionally, biofilm formation has recently been suggested to play a role in colonization. Biofilms are surface-associated communities of bacteria that are embedded in a hydrated matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. Biofilms pose a substantial health risk and are key contributors to many chronic and recurrent infections. This link between biofilm-associated bacteria and chronic infections likely results from an increased tolerance to conventional antibiotic treatments as well as immune system action. The role of this biofilm mode in antimicrobial treatment failure and
H. pylori
survival has yet to be determined. Furthermore, relatively little is known about the
H. pylori
biofilm structure or the genes associated with this mode of growth. In this review, therefore, we aim to highlight recent findings concerning
H. pylori
biofilms and the molecular mechanism of their formation. Additionally, we discuss the potential roles of biofilms in the failure of antibiotic treatment and in infection recurrence.
Research priorities in health communication and participation: international survey of consumers and other stakeholders
Authors: Synnot Anneliese , Bragge Peter , Lowe Dianne , Nunn Jack S , O’Sullivan Molly , Horvat Lidia , Tong Allison , Kay Debra , Ghersi Davina , McDonald Steve , Poole Naomi , Bourke Noni , Lannin Natasha , Vadasz Danny , Oliver Sandy , Carey Karen , Hill Sophie J 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveTo identify research priorities of consumers and other stakeholders to inform Cochrane Reviews in ‘health communication and participation’ (including such concepts as patient experience, shared decision-making and health literacy).SettingInternational.ParticipantsWe included anyone with an interest in health communication and participation. Up to 151 participants (18–80 years; 117 female) across 12 countries took part, including 48 consumers (patients, carers, consumer representatives) and 75 professionals (health professionals, policymakers, researchers) (plus 25 people who identified as both).DesignSurvey.MethodsWe invited people to submit their research ideas via an online survey open for 4 weeks. Using inductive thematic analysis, we generated priority research topics, then classified these into broader themes.ResultsParticipants submitted 200 research ideas, which we grouped into 21 priority topics. Key research priorities included: insufficient consumer involvement in research (19 responses), ‘official’ health information is contradictory and hard to understand (18 responses), communication/coordination breakdowns in health services (15 responses), health information provision a low priority for health professionals (15 responses), insufficient eliciting of patient preferences (14 responses), health services poorly understand/implement patient-centred care (14 responses), lack of holistic care impacting healthcare quality and safety (13 responses) and inadequate consumer involvement in service design (11 responses). These priorities encompassed acute and community health settings, with implications for policy and research. Priority populations of interest included people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, carers, and people with low educational attainment, or mental illness. Most frequently suggested interventions focused on training and cultural change activities for health services and health professionals.ConclusionsConsumers and other stakeholders want research addressing structural and cultural challenges in health services (eg, lack of holistic, patient-centred, culturally safe care) and building health professionals’ communication skills. Solutions should be devised in partnership with consumers, and focus on the needs of vulnerable groups.
Characteristics of young children with developmental delays and their trends over 14 years in Taiwan: a population-based nationwide study
Authors: Lai Der-Chung , Tseng Yen-Cheng , Guo How-Ran 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesTo describe the epidemiological characteristics of developmental delays (DD) at the national level and assess the changes over time.DesignWe calculated the incidence rates of DD from 2003 to 2016 and assessed the trends over time.SettingAs dictated by law, local governments in Taiwan are required to register children with DD and provide services. The central government has constructed a national registry with the data from local centres. We analysed the national registry data.ParticipantsWe included children who were under 6 years old, and this population ranged from 1 164 150 to 1 577 443 per year during the study period. All registered cases were certified through a process set forth by law.Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe calculated annual incidence rates by age, sex and geographical area, and assessed trends over the study period.ResultsThe incidence of DD in children under 6 years old displayed an increasing trend over the study period, ranging from 7.0 to 16.3 per 1000 person-years. Boys had higher incidence throughout all 14 years, and the boy-to-girl rate ratios had an increasing trend over time with some fluctuations, ranging from 1.84 (95% CI 1.77 to 1.92) to 1.99 (95% CI 1.93 to 2.06). In addition, rural areas had higher incidence rates, and the rural to urban rate ratios ranged from 0.98 (95% CI 0.94 to 1.03) to 2.00 (95% CI 1.94 to 2.06) without apparent time trends. Girls had a higher proportion of early reporting (<3 years) throughout all years, but the differences in the proportion of early reporting between rural and urban areas were not consistent.ConclusionsMale sex appeared to be a risk factor for DD, which is unlikely to be due to more attention received by boys because girls had a higher proportion of early reporting. We also found that children lived in rural areas appeared to have a higher risk of having DD.
Favorable Responsiveness of the Hand10 Questionnaire to Assess Treatment Outcomes for Lateral Epicondylitis
Authors: Nishizuka Takanobu , Iwatsuki Katsuyuki , Kurimoto Shigeru , Yamamoto Michiro , Onishi Tetsuro , Hirata Hitoshi 
Published: May 2018

Background: The aim of our study was to compare the responsiveness of the Hand10 questionnaire and the Pain visual analogue scale (VAS) for the assessment of lateral epicondylitis. Methods: The standardized response mean and effect size were used as indicators of responsiveness, measured at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. Among the 54 patients enrolled, 28 were treated using a forearm band, compress and stretching, with the other 26 patients treated using compress and stretching. Results: The standardized response mean and the effect size were 1.18 and 1.38, respectively, of the Hand10 and 1.39 and 1.75, respectively, for the Pain VAS. Conclusions: The responsiveness of both tests was considered to be large, based on Cohen’s classification of effect size, supporting the use of the Hand10 questionnaire to assess treatment outcomes for lateral epicondylitis.
Mid-Term Functional Outcome after Volar Locking Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures in Elderly Patients
Authors: Shimura Haruhiko , Nimura Akimoto , Fujita Koji , Miyamoto Takashi 
Published: May 2018

Background: The volar locking plate is frequently used in the fixation of unstable distal radius fractures, but despite this there is a paucity of mid to long term outcome studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mid-term functional outcomes of elderly patients treated with a volar locking plate for unstable distal radius fractures. Methods: Thirty-two patients with a mean age of 74.1 (range, 65–85) years were followed for a mean of 39.1 (range, 30–81) months. Patients with follow-up periods of < 24 months were excluded from this study to investigate the mid-term clinical outcomes. The Mayo wrist score (MWS), grip strength and wrist range of motion were retrospectively reviewed at 12 months, 24 months and the latest follow-up (mean 39.1 months). Osteoarthritis status according to the system of Knirk and Jupiter was assessed at 24 months. Results: Significant improvements in MWS and grip strength were observed between 12 and 24 months but not between 24 months and the final follow-up. There was no significant difference in wrist range of motion between 12 and 24 months. The MWS of 14 patients with radiographic signs of osteoarthritis was not significantly different from that of 18 patients without radiographic signs of osteoarthritis. Conclusions: Elderly patients treated with the volar locking plate showed improved MWS and grip strength postoperatively after 12 months. Improvement in grip strength was slower than range of motion.