bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical analysis of 547 patients with neuroendocrine tumors in a Chinese population: A single‐center study
Authors: Song Lijie , Zhai Xuejia , Yu Shunli , Ma Yihui , Wang Feng , Yu Xuxu , Tao Shuang , Lian Yujin , Yang Minjie , Tao Weili , Fan Qingxia 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundNeuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare, which has resulted in a lack of published data on their epidemiology and clinical features. We therefore aimed to investigate the epidemiology, clinical features, treatments, and prognosis of patients with NETs.MethodsThe clinicopathologic characteristics of 547 patients who were pathologically diagnosed with NETs were retrospectively analyzed, including age, sex, primary and metastatic sites, symptoms, pathology, treatment, and prognosis.ResultsThe 547 patients had a wide age range (9‐87 years), with a male to female ratio of 1:1.1. The primary tumor sites included 413 in the digestive system, 74 in the lung, 15 in the mediastinum, 8 in unknown sites, and 37 in other sites. Of the 413 patients with digestive system NETs, the pancreas, rectum, and stomach were the most common primary sites. Blood metastases were found in 84 patients at initial diagnosis, and the liver, bone, and lung were the most frequent sites of metastasis. Lymph node metastases were found in 82 patients at initial diagnosis. Surgery and chemotherapy were the most widely applied treatments. Statistical analysis showed that age <50 years, female sex, lower‐grade tumor, no distant metastasis, intestinal NET and surgery indicated a favorable prognosis.ConclusionsA difference between China and other countries is that small intestinal NETs are quite common in other countries but are rare in China. In China, the most common primary sites are the pancreas, rectum, and stomach. Furthermore, no unified treatments exist, though prognoses could be improved by using methods such as surgery, targeted therapies, and somatostatin analogs.Clinical Trial RegistrationThis study was not a clinical trial.
Molecular characterization of colorectal cancer using whole‐exome sequencing in a Taiwanese population
Authors: Chang Ya‐Sian , Lee Chien‐Chin , Ke Tao‐Wei , Chang Chieh‐Min , Chao Dy‐San , Huang Hsi‐Yuan , Chang Jan‐Gowth 
Published: May 2019

AbstractNext‐generation sequencing (NGS) technology is currently used to establish mutational profiles in many heterogeneous diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mutational spectrum in Taiwanese patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) to help clinicians identify the best treatment method. Whole‐exome sequencing was conducted in 32 surgical tumor tissues from patients with CRC. DNA libraries were generated using the Illumina TruSeq DNA Exome, and sequencing was performed on the Illumina NextSeq 500 system. Variants were annotated and compared to those obtained from publicly available databases. The analysis revealed frequent mutations in APC (59.38%), TP53 (50%), RAS (28.13%), FBXW7 (18.75%), RAF (9.38%), PIK3CA (9.38%), SMAD4 (9.38%), and SOX9 (9.38%). A mutation in TCF7L2 was also detected, but at lower frequencies. Two or more mutations were found in 22 (68.75%) samples.The mutation rates for the WNT, P53, RTK‐RAS, TGF‐β, and PI3K pathways were 78.13%, 56.25%, 40.63%, 18.75%, and 15.63%, respectively. RTK‐RAS pathway mutations were correlated with tumor size (P = 0.028). We also discovered 23 novel mutations in NRAS, PIK3CA, SOX9, APC, SMAD4, MSH3, MSH4, PMS1 PMS2, AXIN2, ERBB2, PIK3R1, TGFBR2, and ATM that were not reported in the COSMIC, The Cancer Genome Atlas, and dbSNP databases. In summary, we report the mutational landscape of CRC in a Taiwanese population. NGS is a cost‐effective and time‐saving method, and we believe that NGS will help clinicians to treat CRC patients in the near future.
Digital images as meaning bridges: Case study of assimilation using avatar software in counselling with a 14‐year‐old boy
Authors: van Rijn Biljana , Chryssafidou Evi , Falconer Caroline J. , Stiles William B. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectivesAccording to the assimilation model, psychotherapeutic progress involves building semiotic meaning bridges between disconnected parts of the person. Previous research has focused on verbal meaning bridges; this case study investigated whether and how digital imagery might serve as well.DesignThis was a qualitative theory‐building case study.MethodThe client was a 14‐year‐old boy with autism spectrum disorder seen in school counselling for 60 sessions. Assimilation analysis was applied to screen recordings and accompanying voice recording nine sessions, drawn from an early part of his treatment, during which he participated in an evaluation of video game‐like software designed for therapy and coaching.ResultsThe client created avatars representing aspects of himself and significant others, and scenes representing his problems and coping. The imagery and meanings evolved across this segment of treatment, providing a channel of interpersonal and intra‐personal communication.ConclusionObservations showed how digital imagery can serve as meaning bridges between client and counsellor, and between internal parts of the client.
All‐Optical Temperature Sensing in Organogel Matrices via Annihilation Upconversion
Authors: Nazarova Nadzeya , Avlasevich Yuri , Landfester Katharina , Baluschev Stanislav 
Published: May 2019

AbstractModified organogels are bicontinuous colloidal systems which form a three‐dimensional network embedding well‐solvated organic dyes sensitive to minor changes in its microenvironment. It was demonstrated that these natural wax/oils based organogels can be applied for minimally invasive temperature sensing in life‐science objects. The desired temperature sensitivity of better than 100 mK, centered around the physiologically relevant temperature of 36 °C, is warranted by using the process of triplet‐triplet annihilation photon energy upconversion (TTA‐UC) as a sensing mechanism. This all‐optical sensing technique, based on ratiometric‐type signal registration, ensures significant independence of the data obtained on excitation intensity instabilities, local molecular concentration fluctuations and field‐of‐view variations. The TTA‐UC system is effectively protected for more than 1000 s against oxygen‐induced damage, allowing stable performance of this temperature‐sensing system even in ambient environments without lost of sensitivity and applying the same calibration curve.
Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of the Effect of Oxygen Vacancies on the Electronic Structure and Pseudocapacitance of MnO2
Authors: Yan Lijin , Shen Cheng , Niu Lengyuan , Liu Mao‐cheng , Lin Jianhua , Chen Taiqiang , Gong Yinyan , Li Can , Liu Xinjuan , Xu Shiqing 
Published: May 2019

AbstractDefect engineering is an effective way to modulate the intrinsic physicochemical properties of materials. In this work, δ‐MnO2 with oxygen vacancies is fabricated by a simple oxidation or reduction process, and the relationship between the electronic structure and pseudocapacitance is systematically studied through experimental analysis and theoretical calculations. The peaks in the Raman spectra of the as‐prepared samples are shifted compared with those of pure MnO2 and the Mn3+/Mn4+ ratio and O species content also change after the introduction of oxygen vacancies. The optimized samples exhibit a better specific capacitance of 207 F g−1 after the oxidation process and 181.4 F g−1 after the reduction treatment compared with only 143.9 F g−1 for the pure MnO2. The samples obtained through the oxidation or reduction process also retain 93.3 or 86.4 % of the initial capacity after 5000 cycles. The excellent properties are attributed to the enhanced conductivity and increased surface reactivity or electrochemically active sites. Theoretical calculations demonstrate that the presence of oxygen vacancies leads to an increase in the density of states, which improves the redox reaction of MnO2. This study will provide a reference for exploring and designing highperformance pseudocapacitive materials.
Assessment of autonomic function in the late term fetus: The effects of sex and state
Authors: Zavala Julia H. , Ecklund‐Flores Lisa , Myers Michael M. , Fifer William P. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractResearchers have reported associations between fetal sex and heart rate (FHR) and heart rate variability (FHRV) but rarely in the context of fetal behavioral sleep state. We examined differences in measures of fetal autonomic function by sex and sleep state. Fetal abdominal ECG monitoring technology was used to measure FHR and two measures of FHRV—standard deviation of FHR (SD) and beat‐to‐beat variability (RMSSD). FHR and movement patterns were also recorded with standard Doppler ultrasound monitor technology employed to code sleep states. Data were collected from 82 healthy fetuses ranging from 36 to 39 weeks gestation. A one‐way MANOVA showed that FHR was significantly lower and SD was significantly higher for males than females. Independent samples t tests found that these sex differences were only in the active sleep state. There were no significant differences in RMSSD by sex. Repeated measures MANOVA for a subset that exhibited more than one state (N = 22) showed that SD was significantly different by state. RMSSD showed a marginally significant sleep state difference. In conclusion, fetal sex differences in HR and HRV may indicate more mature autonomic functioning in near‐term males than females and fetal sleep state can influence abdominal fECG derived measures of FHR and FHRV.
Summary statistics for drug concentrations in post‐mortem femoral blood representing all causes of death
Authors: Ketola Raimo A. , Ojanperä Ilkka 
Published: May 2019

AbstractConcentration distributions for 183 drugs and metabolites frequently found in post‐mortem (PM) femoral venous blood were statistically characterized based on an extensive database of 122 234 autopsy cases investigated during an 18‐year period in a centralized laboratory. The cases represented all causes of death, with fatal drug poisonings accounting for 8%. The proportion of males was 74% with a median age of 58 years compared with 26% females with a median age of 64 years. In 36% of these cases, blood alcohol concentration was higher than or equal to 0.2‰, the median being 1.6‰. The mean, median, and upper percentile (90th, 95th, 97.5th) drug concentrations were established, as the median PM concentrations give an idea of the “normal” PM concentration level, and the upper percentile concentrations indicate possible overdose levels. A correspondence was found between subsets of the present and the previously published PM drug concentrations from another laboratory that grouped cases according to the cause of death. Our results add to the knowledge for evidence‐based interpretation of drug‐related deaths.
Spatial behavior and habitat use in widely separated breeding and wintering distributions across three species of long‐distance migrant Phylloscopus warblers
Authors: Lerche‐Jørgensen Mathilde , Mallord John W. , Willemoes Mikkel , Orsman Christopher J. , Roberts Japheth T. , Skeen Roger Q. , Eskildsen Daniel P. , Salewski Volker , Tøttrup Anders P. , Thorup Kasper 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimTo investigate the ecological relationship between breeding and wintering in specialist and generalist long‐distance migratory species, and the links between densities and range sizes.LocationDenmark, Senegal and Ghana.MethodsWe use radio tracking to study spatial behavior and habitat use in three morphologically and ecologically similar and closely related Phylloscopus species on their widely separated breeding and wintering distributions. During wintering and breeding, willow warblers P. trochilus (winter: n = 9, breeding: n = 13), chiffchaffs P. collybita (n = 11, n = 7), and wood warblers P. sibilatrix (n = 17, n = 14) were tracked.ResultsWillow warblers P. trochilus increased home range sizes in winter, whereas it was similar in chiffchaffs P. collybita and wood warblers P. sibilatrix, in both seasons. Home ranges overlapped more in winter than in the breeding season. In winter, home range overlap was similar among species but larger overlap during breeding was indicated for willow warblers. Tree cover was unrelated to home range size but significantly higher in breeding than in winter in all species. However, whereas willow warblers and wood warblers maintained some degree of tall tree cover inside their home ranges in winter, chiffchaffs changed from more than 80% to <1% tree cover, indicating a niche shift.Main conclusionsIndividuals of all three species showed changes between breeding and wintering areas in spatial behavior and habitat availability, with larger overlap in winter. The differences in patterns were potentially related to being generalist (willow warbler) or specialist (chiffchaff and wood warbler). These ecological relationships are important for the conservation of migrants and for understanding the link between breeding and wintering distributions and ecology.
Conservation of genetic uniqueness in remaining populations of red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris L.) in the South of England
Authors: Hardouin Emilie A. , Baltazar‐Soares Miguel , Schilling Anna‐Katarina , Butler Helen , García‐Rodríguez Oxala , Crowley Eloise , Liang Wei‐Jun , Meredith Anna , Lurz Peter W. W. , Forster Jane , Kenward Robert E. , Hodder Kathy H. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is an emblematic species for conservation, and its decline in the British Isles exemplifies the impact that alien introductions can have on native ecosystems. Indeed, red squirrels in this region have declined dramatically over the last 60 years due to the spread of squirrelpox virus following the introduction of the gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). Currently, red squirrel populations in Britain are fragmented and need to be closely monitored in order to assess their viability and the effectiveness of conservation efforts. The situation is even more dramatic in the South of England, where S. vulgaris survives only on islands (Brownsea Island, Furzey Island, and the Isle of Wight). Using the D‐loop, we investigated the genetic diversity and putative ancestry of the squirrels from Southern England and compared them to a European dataset composed of 1,016 samples from 54 populations. We found that our three populations were more closely related to other squirrels from the British Isles than squirrels from Europe, showed low genetic diversity, and also harbored several private haplotypes. Our study demonstrates how genetically unique the Southern English populations are in comparison with squirrels from the continental European range. We report the presence of four private haplotypes, suggesting that these populations may potentially harbor distinct genetic lineages. Our results emphasize the importance of preserving these isolated red squirrel populations for the conservation of the species.
Regional processes are stronger determinants of rocky intertidal community dynamics than local biotic interactions
Authors: Hacker Sally D. , Menge Bruce A. , Nielsen Karina J. , Chan Francis , Gouhier Tarik C. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractUnderstanding the relative roles of species interactions and environmental factors in structuring communities has historically focused on local scales where manipulative experiments are possible. However, recent interest in predicting the effects of climate change and species invasions has spurred increasing attention to processes occurring at larger spatial and temporal scales. The “meta‐ecosystem” approach is an ideal framework for integrating processes operating at multiple scales as it explicitly considers the influence of local biotic interactions and regional flows of energy, materials, and organisms on community structure. Using a comparative‐experimental design, we asked (1) what is the relative importance of local biotic interactions and oceanic processes in determining rocky intertidal community structure in the low zone within the Northern California Current System, and (2) what factors are most important in regulating this structure and why? We focused on functional group interactions between macrophytes and sessile invertebrates and their consumers (grazers, predators), how these varied across spatial scales, and with ocean‐driven conditions (upwelling, temperature) and ecological subsidies (nutrients, phytoplankton, sessile invertebrate recruits). Experiments were conducted at 13 sites divided across four capes in Oregon and northern California. Results showed that biotic interactions were variable in space and time but overall, sessile invertebrates had no effect on macrophytes while macrophytes had weakly negative effects on sessile invertebrates. Consumers, particularly predators, also had weakly negative effects on both functional groups. Overall, we found that 40–49% of the variance in community structure at the local scale was explained by external factors (e.g., spatial scale, time, upwelling, temperature, ecological subsidies) vs. 19–39% explained by functional group interactions. When individual functional group interaction strengths were used, only 2–3% of the variation was explained by any one functional group while 28–54% of the variation was explained by external factors. We conclude that community structure in the low intertidal zone is driven primarily by external factors at the regional scale with local biotic interactions playing a secondary role.
Clinical phenotypes of acute heart failure based on signs and symptoms of perfusion and congestion at emergency department presentation and their relationship with patient management and outcomes
Authors: Javaloyes Patricia , Miró Òscar , Gil Víctor , Martín‐Sánchez Francisco Javier , Jacob Javier , Herrero Pablo , Takagi Koji , Alquézar‐Arbé Aitor , López Díez María Pilar , Martín Enrique , Bibiano Carlos , Escoda Rosa , Gil Cristina , Fuentes Marta , Llopis García Guillermo , Álvarez Pérez José María , Jerez Alba , Tost Josep , Llauger Lluís , Romero Rodolfo , Garrido José Manuel , Rodríguez‐Adrada Esther , Sánchez Carolina , Rossello Xavier , Parissis John , Mebazaa Alexandre , Chioncel Ovidiu , Llorens Pere ,   on behalf of the ICA‐SEMES Research Group
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveTo compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with acute heart failure (AHF) according to clinical profiles based on congestion and perfusion determined in the emergency department (ED).Methods and resultsOverall, 11 261 unselected AHF patients from 41 Spanish EDs were classified according to perfusion (normoperfusion = warm; hypoperfusion = cold) and congestion (not = dry; yes = wet). Baseline and decompensation characteristics were recorded as were the main wards to which patients were admitted. The primary outcome was 1‐year all‐cause mortality; secondary outcomes were need for hospitalisation during the index AHF event, in‐hospital all‐cause mortality, prolonged hospitalisation, 7‐day post‐discharge ED revisit for AHF and 30‐day post‐discharge rehospitalisation for AHF. A total of 8558 patients (76.0%) were warm + wet, 1929 (17.1%) cold + wet, 675 (6.0%)warm + dry, and 99 (0.9%) cold + dry; hypoperfused (cold) patients were more frequently admitted to intensive care units and geriatrics departments, and warm + wet patients were discharged home without admission. The four phenotypes differed in most of the baseline and decompensation characteristics. The 1‐year mortality was 30.8%, and compared to warm + dry, the adjusted hazard ratios were significantly increased for cold + wet (1.660; 95% confidence interval 1.400–1.968) and cold + dry (1.672; 95% confidence interval 1.189–2.351). Hypoperfused (cold) phenotypes also showed higher rates of index episode hospitalisation and in‐hospital mortality, while congestive (wet) phenotypes had a higher risk of prolonged hospitalisation but decreased risk of rehospitalisation. No differences were observed among phenotypes in ED revisit risk.ConclusionsBedside clinical evaluation of congestion and perfusion of AHF patients upon ED arrival and classification according to phenotypic profiles proposed by the latest European Society of Cardiology guidelines provide useful complementary information and help to rapidly predict patient outcomes shortly after ED patient arrival.
Controlled decongestion by Reprieve therapy in acute heart failure: results of the TARGET‐1 and TARGET‐2 studies
Authors: Biegus Jan , Zymlinski Robert , Siwolowski Pawel , Testani Jeffrey , Szachniewicz Joanna , Tycińska Agnieszka , Banasiak Waldemar , Halpert Andrew , Levin Howard , Ponikowski Piotr 
Published: May 2019

AimsSafe and effective decongestion is the main goal of therapy in acute heart failure (AHF). In the non‐randomized, prospective TARGET‐1 and TARGET‐2 studies (NCT03897842), we investigated whether adding the Reprieve System® (which continuously monitors urine output and delivers a matched volume of hydration fluid sufficient to maintain the set fluid balance rate) to standard diuretic‐based regimen improves decongestion in AHF.Methods and resultsThe population consisted of 19 patients hospitalized with AHF (mean age 67 ± 10 years, 18 male, ejection fraction 34 ± 15%, median N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide 4492 pg/mL). Patients served as their own controls: each patient underwent 24 h of standard diuretic therapy followed by 24 h of diuretics with Reprieve therapy (with normal saline used for matched volume replacement). The primary efficacy endpoint of actual fluid loss not exceeding the target fluid loss at the end of therapy was met in all 19 (100%) patients. The mean diuresis during Reprieve therapy was 6284 ± 2679 mL (vs. 1966 ± 1057 mL 24 h before therapy) and 2053 ± 888 mL (24 h after therapy) (both P < 0.0001). At the end of therapy, patient global assessment improved from 7.7 ± 1.1 to 3.0 ± 1.3 points (P < 0.001), central venous pressure decreased from 15.5 ± 5.3 mmHg to 12.8 ± 4.8 mmHg (P < 0.05) and the median urine sodium loss was 9.7 [3–13] mmol/h. The Reprieve therapy was safe, systolic blood pressure remained stable, mean creatinine dropped from 1.45 ± 0.4 mg/dL to 1.26 ± 0.4 mg/dL (P < 0.001) and biomarkers of renal injury did not change during treatment.ConclusionsThe Reprieve System in conjunction with diuretic therapy supports safe and controlled decongestion in AHF.
Peptidase inhibitor 16 identifies a human regulatory T‐cell subset with reduced FOXP3 expression over the first year of recent onset type 1 diabetes
Authors: Hope Christoper M , Welch John , Mohandas Arunesh , Pederson Stephen , Hill Danika , Gundsambuu Batjargal , Eastaff‐Leung Nicola , Grosse Randall , Bresatz Suzanne , Ang Grace , Papademetrios Michael , Zola Heddy , Duhen Thomas , Campbell Daniel , Brown Cheryl Y , Krumbiegel Doreen , Sadlon Timothy , Couper Jennefer J , Barry Simon C 
Published: May 2019

AbstractCD4+ T‐cell subsets play a major role in the host response to infection, and a healthy immune system requires a fine balance between reactivity and tolerance. This balance is in part maintained by regulatory T cells (Treg), which promote tolerance, and loss of immune tolerance contributes to autoimmunity. As the T cells which drive immunity are diverse, identifying and understanding how these subsets function requires specific biomarkers. From a human CD4 Tconv/Treg cell genome wide analysis we identified peptidase inhibitor 16 (PI16) as a CD4 subset biomarker and we now show detailed analysis of its distribution, phenotype and links to Treg function in type 1 diabetes.To determine the clinical relevance of Pi16 Treg, we analysed PI16+ Treg cells from type 1 diabetes patient samples. We observed that FOXP3 expression levels declined with disease progression, suggesting loss of functional fitness in these Treg cells in Type 1 diabetes, and in particular the rate of loss of FOXP3 expression was greatest in the PI16+ve Treg. We propose that PI16 has utility as a biomarker of functional human Treg subsets and may be useful for tracking loss of immune function in vivo. The ability to stratify at risk patients so that tailored interventions can be applied would open the door to personalised medicine for Type 1 diabetes.