bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative spatial upscaling of categorical information: The multi‐dimensional grid‐point scaling algorithm
Authors: Gann Daniel 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Categorical raster datasets often require upscaling to a lower spatial resolution to make them compatible with the scale of ecological analysis. When aggregating categorical data, two critical issues arise: (a) ignoring compositional information present in the high‐resolution grid cells leads to high and uncontrolled loss of information in the scaled dataset; and (b) restricting classes to those present in the high‐resolution dataset assumes validity of the classification scheme at the lower, aggregated resolution.

I introduce a new scaling algorithm that aggregates categorical data while simultaneously controlling for information loss by generating a non‐hierarchical, representative, classification system for the aggregated scale. The Multi‐Dimensional Grid‐Point (MDGP) scaling algorithm acknowledges the statistical constraints of compositional count data. In a neutral‐landscape simulation study implementing a full‐factorial design for landscape characteristics, scale factors and algorithm parameters, I evaluated consistency and sensitivity of the scaling algorithm. Consistency and sensitivity were assessed for compositional information retention (IRcmp) and class‐label fidelity (CLF, the probability of recurring scaled class labels) for neutral random landscapes with the same properties.

The MDGP‐scaling algorithm consistently preserved information at a significantly higher rate than other commonly used algorithms. Consistency of the algorithm was high for IRcmp and CLF, but coefficients of variation of both metrics across landscapes varied most with class‐abundance distribution. A diminishing return for IRcmp was observed with increasing class‐label precision. Mean class‐label recurrence probability was consistently above 75% for all simulated landscape types, scale factors and class‐label precisions.

The MDGP‐scaling algorithm is the first algorithm that generates data‐driven, scale‐specific classification schemes while conducting spatial data aggregation. Consistent gain in IRcmp and the associated reproducibility of classification systems strongly suggest that the increased precision of scaled maps will improve ecological models that rely on upscaling of high‐resolution categorical raster data.
Endotoxin, food allergen sensitization, and food allergy: A complementary epidemiologic and experimental study
Authors: Tsuang Angela , Grishin Alexander , Grishina Galina , Do Anh N. , Sordillo Joanne , Chew Ginger L. , Bunyavanich Supinda 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundHousehold endotoxin levels have been variably associated with risk for asthma and atopy.MethodsWe studied participants from the 2005‐2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, n = 6963), a large cohort representative of the US population (aged 1‐84 years). We built logistic regression models to test for associations between house dust endotoxin and sensitization to specific foods (milk, egg, and peanut). To experimentally explore the detected epidemiologic associations, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from 21 children (aged 1‐19 years) mono‐food allergic (ie, sensitized and clinically reactive) to milk, egg, or peanut and nonallergic controls for stimulation with endotoxin and secreted cytokine measurement. For each food allergy, linear mixed‐effects models were built to test the association between endotoxin stimulation and cytokine level.ResultsAmong NHANES subjects, the geometric mean household endotoxin level was 15.5 EU/mg (GSE 0.5). Prevalence of food allergen sensitization (sIgE ≥ 0.35 kUA/L) varied by food: milk 5.7%, egg 4.0%, and peanut 7.9%. In models adjusted for potential confounders (age, race, country of birth, total people per household, US region, and history of wheezing in the past year), household endotoxin level was associated with sensitization to milk (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2‐2.1) and egg (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.01‐1.9), but not peanut (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.8‐1.2). Interferon‐γ levels of endotoxin‐stimulated PBMCs from children allergic to milk or egg, but not peanut, were significantly lower compared to controls in linear mixed‐effects models adjusted for repeated measures, experimental variables, age, and inter‐individual variability (P‐values .007, .018, and .058, respectively).ConclusionHigher household endotoxin is associated with increased odds of milk and egg sensitization. Altered cytokine responsiveness to endotoxin is also observed in PBMCs from individuals with milk and egg allergy.
A randomised controlled trial of pectoral nerve‐2 (PECS 2) block vs. serratus plane block for chronic pain after mastectomy
Authors: Fujii T. , Shibata Y. , Akane A. , Aoki W. , Sekiguchi A. , Takahashi K. , Matsui S. , Nishiwaki K. 
Published: September 2019

SummaryThoracic interfascial plane blocks are effective for post‐mastectomy acute analgesia. However, their effects on chronic pain are uncertain. We randomly allocated 80 women equally to pectoral nerve‐2 (PECS 2) block or serratus plane block. The pectoral nerve‐2 block reduced the rate of moderate or severe chronic pain from 13/40 (33%) with the serratus plane block to 4/40 (10%), p = 0.03, adjusted odds ratio (95%CI) 0.23 (0.07–0.80), p = 0.02. The rates of pain‐free women at six postoperative months were indeterminate, 10/40 (25%) after serratus plane block vs. 19/40 (48%) after pectoral nerve‐2 block, p = 0.06, adjusted odds ratio (95%CI) 2.9 (1.1–7.5), p = 0.03. Health‐related quality of life at six postoperative months was similar after serratus plane and pectoral nerve‐2 blocks, mean (SD) EQ‐5D‐3L scores 0.87 (0.15) vs. 0.91 (0.14), respectively, p = 0.21. The pectoral nerve‐2 block reduced median (IQR [range]) morphine consumption in the first 24 postoperative hours from 6 (3–9 [1–25]) mg to 4 (2–7 [0–37]) mg, p = 0.04. However, acute pain scores after serratus plane and pectoral nerve‐2 blocks were similar, median (IQR [range]) 23 (11–35 [0–70]) mm vs. 18 (11–27 [0–61]) mm, respectively, p = 0.44. Pectoral nerve‐2 block reduced chronic pain 6 months after mastectomy compared with serratus plane block.
The relationship between anogenital distance and lifelong premature ejaculation
Authors: Toprak T. , Şahin A. , Akgul K. , Kutluhan M. A. , Ramazanoglu M. A. , Yilmaz M. , Sahan A. , Verit A. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundMany diseases have been associated with anogenital distance, as an indicator of intrauterine androgen exposure.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the association between lifelong premature ejaculation and anogenital distance.Materials and methodsThe study included 140 participants: 70 with lifelong premature ejaculation (group 1) and 70 without any ejaculatory complaints (group 2). Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool and stopwatch intravaginal ejaculatory latency time were recorded from all participants in order to evaluate ejaculatory function. Two variants of anogenital distance were measured: anogenital distance (from anus to the posterior base of the scrotum) from anus to the posterior base of the scrotum and anogenital distance (from anus to the cephalad insertion of the penis) to the cephalad insertion of the penis. We compared differences between groups and correlations between anogenital distance variants and patients’ characteristics.ResultsThe groups were similar in terms of age, BMI, and total testosterone levels. The mean anogenital distance (from anus to the posterior base of the scrotum) scores were 59.45 ± 10.76 vs. 55.02 ± 10.13 (p = 0.01), and anogenital distance (from anus to the cephalad insertion of the penis) scores were 128.37 ± 22.2 vs. 126.78 ± 16.21 (p = 0.63) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Significant correlation was observed between anogenital distance (from anus to the posterior base of the scrotum) and Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool scores (r = 0.199, p = 0.019) and intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (r = −0.185, p = 0.028). There were no statistically significant differences between anogenital distance (from anus to the posterior base of the scrotum) scores and total testosterone levels and between anogenital distance (from anus to the cephalad insertion of the penis) and Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool scores or intravaginal ejaculatory latency time.ConclusionsThese results suggest that longer anogenital distance is associated with higher possibility of lifelong premature ejaculation. However, further studies are needed to confirm our results.
Using a peer mentorship approach improved the use of neonatal continuous positive airway pressure and related outcomes in Malawi
Authors: Asibon Aba , Lufesi Norman , Choudhury Allysha , Olvera Samantha , Molyneux Elizabeth , Oden Maria , Richards‐Kortum Rebecca , Kawaza Kondwani 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAimThis study evaluated whether peer mentorship was an effective and sustainable way of improving and maintaining knowledge and skills on neonatal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in a low‐resource setting with a high turnover of healthcare providers.MethodsThe Malawi Ministry of Health recruited five nurses with considerable CPAP experience and provided them with mentorship training from July to August 2014. The mentors then provided 1‐week on‐site mentorship for 113 colleagues at 10 secondary and one tertiary hospital where gaps in neonatal CPAP use had been identified. CPAP competencies and outcomes were compared 3 months before and after each mentorship.ResultsIn the 3 months before and after mentorship, the average CPAP competency score increased from 32 ± 4% to 97 ± 2%, while CPAP usage increased from 7% to 23% among eligible neonates. Survival following CPAP mentorship increased from 23% to 35%, but this was not significant due to the small sample size. Both mentees and mentors reported useful transfers of knowledge and skills when using CPAP.ConclusionMentorship effectively bridged the knowledge and skills gaps among health workers and increased CPAP use, competency scores and survival rates.
Infliximab and its biosimilar produced similar first‐year therapy outcomes in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Nikkonen Anne , Kolho Kaija‐Leena 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAimTumour necrosis factor α inhibitors (anti‐TNFα) are the main therapy for moderate to severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children. Biosimilars to the original drug infliximab are now available, but there are few reports on their real‐life use. We compared the outcomes of patients treated with infliximab and its biosimilar, CT‐P13.MethodsWe collected outcome data on anti‐TNFα‐naive patients who started infliximab in the Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, Finland, in 2015‐2016. We studied 51 paediatric patients with IBD at a median age of 12 (range 4‐16): 65% had Crohn disease, 23 received the original infliximab drug and 28 received the biosimilar. During 2015, infliximab was introduced to all treatment‐naïve patients, and during 2016, all treatment‐naïve patients received the biosimilar.ResultsWe found no statistically significant differences between the two drug products related to the outcome of the therapy during the first year. There were no significant differences in the trough levels between the treatment groups. Likewise, the proportion of patients with therapy enhancement was comparable between the two treatment groups.ConclusionThe first‐year therapy outcomes of infliximab and its biosimilar were comparable. There were no alarming signs of differences in safety.
COOPERATIVE ESSENCE AND ENTREPRENEURIAL QUALITY: A COMPARATIVE CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS
Authors: GUZMAN Carmen , SANTOS Francisco J. , BARROSO María de la O 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACTThis article links two different fields of research, entrepreneurship and cooperatives, and studies whether, depending on the context, differences in terms of the fulfilment of the cooperative philosophy (cooperative essence) and entrepreneurial quality exist. To this aim, a statistical analysis is carried out using data from two Spanish regions: Andalusia and the Basque Country. The results enable us to conclude, firstly, that cooperative essence differs in relation to regional context, but not in relation to entrepreneurial quality. Secondly, cooperative essence and entrepreneurial quality are positively related, suggesting that cooperative essence may be part of the entrepreneurial quality of these kinds of firms.
Reversal of Hartmann's procedure in patients following failed colorectal or coloanal anastomosis: an analysis of 45 consecutive cases
Authors: Caille C. , Collard M. , Moszkowicz D. , Prost à la Denise J. , Maggiori L. , Panis Y. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAimThis study aimed to assess outcomes of Hartmann's reversal (HR) after failure of previous colorectal anastomosis (CRA) or coloanal anastomosis (CAA).MethodsAll patients planned for HR from 1997 to 2018 following the failure of previous CRA or CAA were included.ResultsFrom 1997 to 2018, 45 HRs were planned following failed CRA or CAA performed for rectal cancer (n = 19, 42%), diverticulitis (n = 16, 36%), colon cancer (n = 4, 9%), inflammatory bowel disease (n = 2, 4%) or other aetiologies (n = 4, 9%). In two (4%) patients, HR could not be performed. HR was performed in 43/45 (96%) patients with stapled CRA (n = 24, 53%), delayed handsewn CAA with colonic pull‐through (n = 11, 24%), standard handsewn CAA (n = 6, 14%) or stapled ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (n = 2, 4%). One (2%) patient died postoperatively. Overall postoperative morbidity rate was 44%, including 27% of patients with severe postoperative complication (Clavien–Dindo ≥ 3). After a mean follow‐up of 38 ± 30 months (range 1–109), 35/45 (78%) patients presented without stoma. Multivariate analysis identified a remnant rectal stump < 7.5 cm in length as the only independent risk factor for long‐term persistent stoma. Among stoma‐free patients, low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score was ≤ 20 (normal) in 43%, between 21 and 29 (minor LARS) in 33% and ≥ 30 (major LARS) in 24% of the patients.ConclusionHR can be recommended in patients following a failed CRA or CAA. It permits 78% of patients to be free of stoma. A short length of the remnant rectal stump is the only predictive factor of persistent stoma in these patients.
Trait‐based approach to monitoring marine benthic data along 500 km of coastline
Authors: Boyé Aurélien , Thiébaut Éric , Grall Jacques , Legendre Pierre , Broudin Caroline , Houbin Céline , Le Garrec Vincent , Maguer Marion , Droual Gabin , Gauthier Olivier 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAimβ diversity and its linkages with ecosystem functioning remain poorly documented. This impedes our capacity to predict biodiversity changes and how they affect ecosystem functioning at scales relevant for conservation. Here, we address the functional implications of ongoing seafloor changes by characterizing at regional scale the taxonomic and functional α and β diversities of benthic habitats currently threatened by biotic homogenization.LocationWestern Europe.MethodsCombining a trait‐based approach to benthic community monitoring data covering a 7‐year period and 500 km of coast, we explored the mechanisms governing community assembly in habitats associated with two types of foundation species, intertidal seagrass and subtidal maerl beds, compared to bare sediment at similar tidal level. We assessed their spatial and temporal variability and linked these mechanisms to their repercussions at regional scale through analyses of taxonomic and functional β diversity.ResultsFoundation species locally promote taxonomic and functional diversity. Maerl fine‐scale heterogeneity promotes niche diversity and leads to high functional redundancy for the whole subtidal compartment, providing insurance for seafloor functioning. Seagrass high diversity seems more reliant on transient species and is associated with redundancy of only a few functions. Maintaining the seascapes in which seagrass are embedded seems essential to ensure their long‐term functioning. At regional scale, the locally poorer bare sediment harbour similar functional richness as biogenic habitats because of higher within‐habitat β diversity.Main conclusionsOur study reinforces the conservation value of biogenic habitats but highlights that different mechanisms underlie their local diversity, which has implications for the vulnerabilities of their associated communities. Accounting for β diversity at regional scale also stressed a potential underrated conservation value of bare sediment for benthic ecosystem functioning. Coupling trait‐based approaches to monitoring data can help link broad‐scale β diversity to its underlying drivers, bringing local mechanistic understanding closer to the scales at which biodiversity loss and management actions occur.
Factors associated with alien plant richness, cover and composition differ in tropical island forests
Authors: Ibanez Thomas , Hart Patrick , Ainsworth Alison , Gross Jacob , Monello Ryan 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAimTo examine how native plant native communities, environment and geography are associated with alien plant species invasion in tropical island forests.LocationFour US national parks in Hawai'i and American Samoa.MethodsWe analysed the richness, coverage and composition of alien plant species communities located across 204 plots, five islands and two archipelagos. We used generalized linear mixed‐effects models and generalized dissimilarity models to determine the relative importance of native plant species communities (richness, structure and composition), environment (temperatures, precipitation, and soil age) and geography (elevation, geographical distance between plots, identity of islands and archipelagos) on alien plant species communities.ResultsAlien plant species were found in >90% of plots with on average four species covering ~15% of the understorey. Variation in alien species richness and coverage was primarily explained by archipelago and island identity and elevation. Plots located on younger islands tended to exhibit higher richness and coverage of alien plants. Native tree density and canopy height were negatively correlated with alien species coverage but not with alien species richness. Elevation was negatively correlated with both the richness and coverage of alien species. Differences in elevation, mean annual precipitation and geographical distances explained about 40% of the observed spatial turnover in alien species composition with differences in elevation being the main driver. Turnover in alien species composition was weakly correlated with turnover in native species.Main conclusionsIn the studied islands, higher elevations seem to be relatively spared from alien species invasion so far. However, our results suggest that the negative effect of elevation on alien species coverage may be larger than on alien species richness. Maintenance of tall and dense canopy may limit the coverage of alien species but not the number of alien species. Our results also support that alien species invasion may be particularly high on isolated archipelagos and younger islands.
Survival outcomes in myelofibrosis patients treated with ruxolitinib: A population‐based cohort study in Sweden and Norway
Authors: Schain Frida , Vago Emese , Song Ci , He Jianming , Liwing Johan , Löfgren Christina , Björkholm Magnus 
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate survival in Swedish and Norwegian myelofibrosis (MF) patients who received ruxolitinib.MethodsSwedish and Norwegian patients with MF diagnosis in the National Cancer Registries (Sweden: 2001‐2015; Norway: 2002‐2016) and ≥1 record of ruxolitinib in the Prescribed Drug Registries (2013‐2017) were included. Patients were followed from ruxolitinib initiation until death or end of follow‐up; those who discontinued ruxolitinib were followed from ruxolitinib discontinuation. Relative survival (RS) and excess mortality rate ratios (EMRRs) were calculated vs a matched general population. Average loss in life expectancy (LEL) was predicted using flexible parametric models.ResultsAmong patients who initiated ruxolitinib (n = 190), 1‐ and 4‐year RS were 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74, 0.86) and 0.52 (95% CI: 0.42, 0.64), respectively, and LEL was 11 years. EMRR was greater in patients aged >70 vs <60 years (3.16; 95% CI: 1.34‐7.40). Among patients who discontinued ruxolitinib (n = 71), median RS was 16.0 months (95% CI: 6.3, NE), and LEL was 12 years. After ruxolitinib treatment discontinuation, Swedish patients (n = 37) received glucocorticoids, hydroxyurea, busulfan, danazol and lenalidomide.ConclusionSwedish and Norwegian MF patients who discontinued ruxolitinib had dismal survival outcomes and limited subsequent treatment options, highlighting the need for improved therapies.
S‐allyl cysteine inhibits TNF‐α‐induced inflammation in HaCaT keratinocytes by inhibition of NF‐ κB‐dependent gene expression via sustained ERK activation
Authors: Basu Chitra , Chatterjee Abhipriya , Bhattacharya Sampurna , Dutta Naibedya , Sur Runa 
Published: September 2019

AbstractTumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)‐induced keratinocyte inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of multiple inflammatory skin diseases. Here we investigated the anti‐inflammatory effect of S‐allyl cysteine (SAC) on TNF‐α‐induced HaCaT keratinocyte cells and the mechanism behind its anti‐inflammatory potential. SAC was found to inhibit TNF‐α‐stimulated cytokine expression. Further, SAC was found to inhibit TNF‐α‐induced activation of p38, JNK and NF‐κB pathways. Interestingly, SAC was found to differentially regulate ERK MAP kinase in cells. TNF‐α‐induced transient ERK activation and SAC treatment resulted in sustained ERK activation both in the presence and absence of TNF‐α. Additionally, SAC failed to inhibit the TNF‐α‐induced expression of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α and IL‐1β when cells were treated with the MEK inhibitor PD98059, suggesting that the anti‐inflammatory effect of SAC is via sustained activation of the ERK pathway. Since ERK activation has been reported to negatively regulate NF‐κB‐driven gene expression and we find that SAC activates ERK and negatively regulates NF‐κB, we investigated whether there existed any crosstalk between the ERK and the NF‐κB pathways. NF‐κB‐dependent reporter assay, visualization of the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB‐p65 subunit and determination of the cellular levels of I‐κB, the inhibitor of NF‐κB, revealed that SAC inhibited TNF‐α‐induced NF‐κB activation, and PD98059 treatment reversed this effect. These results collectively suggest that SAC inhibits TNF‐α‐induced inflammation in HaCaT cells via a combined effect entailing the inhibition of the p38 and the JNK pathways and NF‐κB pathway via the sustained activation of ERK.