bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Best Management Practices Influence Modeled Erosion Rates at Forest Haul Road Stream Crossings in Virginia
Authors: Dangle C.L. , Bolding M.C. , Aust W.M. , Barrett S.M. , Schilling E.B. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractForestry best management practices (BMPs) reduce sedimentation by minimizing soil erosion and trapping sediment. These practices are particularly important in relation to road construction and use due to the heightened potential for sediment delivery at stream crossings. This study quantifies the implementation and effectiveness of BMPs at 75 randomly selected forest road stream crossings on recent timber harvests in the Mountains, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain regions of Virginia. Road characteristics at stream crossings were used to estimate erosion using the Universal Soil Loss Equation for Forests and the Water Erosion Prediction Project for Roads. Stream crossings were evaluated based on the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) BMP manual guidelines and categorized as BMP−, BMP‐standard, or BMP+ based on the quality of road template, drainage, ground cover, and stream crossing structure. BMP implementation scores were calculated for each stream crossing using VDOF audit questions. Potential erosion effects due to upgrading crossings were estimated by adjusting ground cover percentage and approach length parameters in the erosion models. Results indicate that erosion rates decrease as BMP implementation scores increase (p < 0.05). BMP‐standard and BMP+ ratings made up 83% of crossings sampled, with an average erosion rate of 6.8 Mg/ha/yr. Hypothetical improvements beyond standard BMP recommendations provided minimal additional erosion prevention.
Prevalence of viral photosynthesis genes along a freshwater to saltwater transect in Southeast USA
Authors: Ruiz‐Perez Carlos A. , Tsementzi Despina , Hatt Janet K. , Sullivan Matthew B. , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T. 
Published: July 2019

SummaryBacteriophages encode host‐acquired functional genes known as auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs). Photosynthesis AMGs are commonly found in marine cyanobacteria‐infecting Myoviridae and Podoviridae cyanophages, but their ecology remains understudied in freshwater environments. To advance knowledge of this issue, we analysed viral metagenomes collected in the summertime for four years from five lakes and two estuarine locations interconnected by the Chattahoochee River, Southeast USA. Sequences representing ten different AMGs were recovered and found to be prevalent in all sites. Most freshwater AMGs were 10‐fold less abundant than estuarine and marine AMGs and were encoded by novel Myoviridae and Podoviridae cyanophage genera. Notably, several of the corresponding viral genomes showed endemism to a specific province along the river. This translated into psbA gene phylogenetic clustering patterns that matched a marine vs. freshwater origin indicating that psbA may serve as a robust classification and source‐tracking biomarker. Genomes classified in a novel viral lineage represented by isolate S‐EIVl contained psbA, which is unprecedented for this lineage. Collectively, our findings indicated that the acquisition of photosynthesis AMGs is a widespread strategy used by cyanophages in aquatic ecosystems, and further indicated the existence of viral provinces in which certain viral species and/or genotypes are locally abundant.
The ratio of PACU length‐of‐stay to surgical duration: Practical observations
Authors: Weissman Charles , Scemama Jeremy , Weiss Yoram G. 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundOperating room (OR) and post‐anesthesia care unit (PACU) activity are closely linked since the number, type, and sequence of surgeries influence subsequent PACU activity. We aimed to explore the relationship between duration‐of‐surgery (DOS) and PACU length‐of‐stay (LOS), the PACU‐LOS:DOS ratio, since it is among the determinants of the number of PACU beds and nurse staffing required to insure efficient egress of patients from the OR.MethodsPACU‐LOS:DOS ratio was examined using retrospective data from a tertiary medical center's surgical information system (Phase 1) and prospectively collected data from a convenience sample of post‐operative patients (Phase 2).ResultsPhase 1 included 17 047 patients, the majority (73%) with PACU‐LOS:DOS ratios >1.0, indicating PACU‐LOS longer than DOS. Median PACU‐LOS was 117 minutes, median DOS was 80 minutes, and median PACU‐LOS/DOS ratio was 1.5. PACU‐LOS showed greater variability than DOS because of extended PACU stays. Phase 2 (n = 2054) confirmed Phase 1 results (median PACU‐LOS/DOS ratio ‐ 1.8). In both phases at a DOS of >130 minutes PACU‐LOS/DOS ratio became <1.0. In 24% of Phase 2 patients PACU‐LOS was prolonged because of administrative issues. Post‐operative, more than pre‐ and intra‐operative, measurements influenced PACU‐LOS.ConclusionsThe PACU‐LOS/DOS ratio proved useful for demonstrating interactions between 2 central components of the surgical system. The many patients with PACU‐LOS:DOS ratios >1.0 provides objective evidence for the number of PACU beds exceeding the number of ORs.
Transcription factor networks in aged naïve CD4 T cells bias lineage differentiation
Authors: Hu Bin , Li Guangjin , Ye Zhongde , Gustafson Claire E. , Tian Lu , Weyand Cornelia M. , Goronzy Jörg J. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWith reduced thymic activity, the population of naïve T cells in humans is maintained by homeostatic proliferation throughout adult life. In young adults, naïve CD4 T cells have enormous proliferative potential and plasticity to differentiate into different lineages. Here, we explored whether naïve CD4 T‐cell aging is associated with a partial loss of this unbiased multipotency. We find that naïve CD4 T cells from older individuals have developed a propensity to develop into TH9 cells. Two major mechanisms contribute to this predisposition. First, responsiveness to transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) stimulation is enhanced with age due to an upregulation of the TGFβR3 receptor that results in increased expression of the transcription factor PU.1. Secondly, aged naïve CD4 T cells display altered transcription factor profiles in response to T‐cell receptor stimulation, including enhanced expression of BATF and IRF4 and reduced expression of ID3 and BCL6. These transcription factors are involved in TH9 differentiation as well as IL9 transcription suggesting that the aging‐associated changes in the transcription factor profile favor TH9 commitment.
Cortical thickness following electroconvulsive therapy in patients with depression: a longitudinal MRI study
Authors: Gbyl K. , Rostrup E. , Raghava J. M. , Carlsen J. F. , Schmidt L. S. , Lindberg U. , Ashraf A. , Jørgensen M. B. , Larsson H. B. W. , Rosenberg R. , Videbech P. 
Published: July 2019

ObjectiveSeveral studies have found an increase in hippocampal volume following electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), but the effect on cortical thickness has been less investigated. We aimed to examine the effects of ECT on cortical thickness and their associations with clinical outcome.MethodUsing 3 Tesla MRI scanner, we obtained T1‐weighted brain images of 18 severely depressed patients at three time points: before, right after and 6 months after a series of ECT. The thickness of 68 cortical regions was extracted using Free Surfer, and Linear Mixed Model was used to analyze the longitudinal changes.ResultsWe found significant increases in cortical thickness of 26 regions right after a series of ECT, mainly within the frontal, temporal and insular cortex. The thickness returned to the baseline values at 6‐month follow‐up. We detected no significant decreases in cortical thickness. The increase in the thickness of the right lateral orbitofrontal cortex was associated with a greater antidepressant effect, r = 0.75, P = 0.0005. None of the cortical regions showed any associations with cognitive side effects.ConclusionThe increases in cortical thickness induced by ECT are transient. Further multimodal MRI studies should examine the neural correlates of these increases and their relationship with the antidepressant effect.
Social functioning and subclinical psychosis in adolescence: a longitudinal general adolescent population study
Authors: Heins M. , Achterhof R. , Collip D. , Viechtbauer W. , Kirtley O. J. , Gunther N. , van Os J. , Feron F. , Myin‐Germeys I. 
Published: July 2019

ObjectivesTo investigate the longitudinal relationship between subclinical psychotic symptoms and social functioning in a representative general population sample of adolescents.MethodData were derived from a routine general health screening of 1909 adolescents in a circumscribed region. Baseline measurement was in the second grade of secondary school (T0), and follow‐up occurred approximately 2 years later (T1). Social functioning and subclinical psychotic symptoms of hallucinations and delusions were assessed at both time points.ResultsBaseline (T0) social problems preceded follow‐up (T1) subclinical delusions, but not T1 subclinical hallucinations. Similarly, T0 delusions preceded social problems at T1, but T0 hallucinations did not.ConclusionThis longitudinal general population study demonstrated a bidirectional association between social problems and delusions, but found no link between social problems and hallucinations. This may reflect a downward negative spiral where delusional thoughts and social problems reinforce each other.
A prognostic nomogram constructed for relapsed or refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma patients
Authors: Jiang Shiyu , Qin Yan , Liu Peng , Yang Jianliang , Yang Sheng , He Xiaohui , Zhou Shengyu , Gui Lin , Zhang Changgong , Zhou Liqiang , Sun Yan , Shi Yuankai 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimThe clinical course of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is variable and there is a lack of prognostic markers and models for relapsed or refractory (r/r) DLBCL. Hence, we conducted this study to identify independent factors that can predict the survival rate of r/r DLBCL patients.MethodsA total of 416 r/r DLBCL patients who were pretreated with first‐line anthracycline‐based chemotherapy at the National Cancer Center in China between 2006 and 2016 were divided into the primary (n = 291) and validation (n = 125) cohorts. The effect of preclinical and clinical indicators on DLBCL survival rates of the two cohorts were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses. Factors showing good correlation with patient survival rates were used to construct a prognostic nomogram.ResultsMultivariate analysis of the primary cohort revealed five independent prognostic factors: lactate dehydrogenase level at diagnosis, response to front line treatment, progression/recurrence pattern, location, and invasion on progression/recurrence, which were then used to construct a nomogram. The nomogram was shown to have a C‐index of 0.76 and AUC values of 0.81 and 0.80 for the primary and validation cohorts, respectively, suggesting good prognostic power. We further stratified the r/r DLBCL patients into four risk groups according to the newly developed nomogram.ConclusionThe prognostic nomogram constructed using the five identified clinical indicators can potentially be applied in the clinical setting to guide treatment decision.
A gene dysfunction module reveals the underlying pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa: An update
Authors: Li Xueli , Jiang Lei , Huang Yong , Ren Zhilong , Liang Xiaoqin , Wang Peng 
Published: July 2019

AbstractHidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic skin disease characterised by repeated skin abscesses with sinus tracts and scar formation. Currently, the aetiology and pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa remain unclear. Genetic factors, immune disorders, hormonal abnormalities, skin‐microbial dysbiosis, smoking, obesity and mechanical friction all influence hidradenitis suppurativa pathogenesis. Moreover, hidradenitis suppurativa has a familial subset with autosomal dominant transmission proposed and is related to a mutation of γ‐secretase component genes. In this review, we analyse and summarise research progress regarding the relationship between the γ‐secretase gene dysfunction and the pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa.
Prenatal testing: Does reproductive autonomy succeed in dispelling eugenic concerns?
Authors: Begović Dunja 
Published: July 2019

AbstractTraditionally, two main rationales for the provision of prenatal testing and screening are identified: the expansion of women’s reproductive choices and the reduction of the burden of disease on society. With the number of prenatal tests available and the increasing potential for their widespread use, it is necessary to examine whether the reproductive autonomy model remains useful in upholding the autonomy of pregnant women or whether it allows public health considerations and even eugenic aims to be smuggled in under the smokescreen of autonomy. In this article I argue that if we are serious about upholding women’s autonomy in the context of prenatal testing, what is needed is a model based on a more robust conception of reproductive autonomy, such as the one defended by Josephine Johnston and Rachel Zacharias as ‘reproductive autonomy worth having’. While Johnston and Zacharias put forward a basic outline of this conception, I apply it to the specific case of prenatal testing and show how it responds to objections levelled against the reproductive autonomy model. I argue that adopting this kind of conception is necessary to avoid fundamental challenges to women’s autonomy when it comes to prenatal screening and testing.
Moral enhancement, at the peak of pharmacology and at the limit of ethics
Authors: Macpherson Ignacio , Roqué María Victoria , Segarra Ignacio 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe debate over the improvement of moral capacity or moral enhancement through pharmacology has gained momentum in the last decade as a result of advances in neuroscience. These advances have led to the discovery and allowed the alteration of patterns of human behavior, and have permitted direct interventions on the neuronal structure of behavior. In recent years, this analysis has deepened regarding the anthropological foundations of morality and the reasons that would justify the acceptance or rejection of such technology. We present a review of proposals for pharmacological interventions directed directly towards moral enhancement. In addition, we identify the ethical dilemmas that such interventions may generate, as well as the moral assessment of the authors of these studies. There is a moderate consensus on the risks of any intervention on the intimate structure of the human condition, its autonomy and identity, but there are large differences in explaining the reasons for this concern and especially in justifying such interventions. These findings show that it is necessary to investigate the moral assessment of authors and the ethical dimension within the field of pharmacology in order to identify future trends.
Leveraging Nonlinear Dynamic Models to Predict Progression of Neuroimaging Biomarkers
Authors: Sun Ming , Zeng Donglin , Wang Yuanjia 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Using biomarkers to model disease course effectively and make early prediction is a challenging but critical path to improving diagnostic accuracy and designing preventive trials for neurological disorders. Leveraging the domain knowledge that certain neuroimaging biomarkers may reflect the disease pathology, we propose a model inspired by the neural mass model from cognitive neuroscience to jointly model nonlinear dynamic trajectories of the biomarkers. Under a nonlinear mixed-effects model framework, we introduce subject- and biomarker-specific random inflection points to characterize the critical time of underlying disease progression as reflected in the biomarkers. A latent liability score is shared across biomarkers to pool information. Our model allows assessing how the underlying disease progression will affect the trajectories of the biomarkers, and, thus, is potentially useful for individual disease management or preventive therapeutics. We propose an EM algorithm for maximum likelihood estimation, where in the E step, a normal approximation is used to facilitate numerical integration. We perform extensive simulation studies and apply the method to analyze data from a large multisite natural history study of Huntington's Disease (HD). The results show that some neuroimaging biomarker inflection points are early signs of the HD onset. Finally, we develop an online tool to provide the individual prediction of the biomarker trajectories given the medical history and baseline measurements.
Differential regulation of Kidins220 isoforms in Huntington's disease
Authors: Sebastián‐Serrano Álvaro , Simón‐García Ana , Belmonte‐Alfaro Alicia , Pose‐Utrilla Julia , Santos‐Galindo María , del Puerto Ana , García‐Guerra Lucía , Hernández Ivó H. , Schiavo Giampietro , Campanero Miguel R. , Lucas José J. , Iglesias Teresa 
Published: July 2019

AbstractHuntington's disease (HD) is an inherited progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by brain atrophy particularly in the striatum that produces motor impairment, and cognitive and psychiatric disturbances. Multiple pathogenic mechanisms have been proposed including dysfunctions in neurotrophic support and calpain‐overactivation, among others. Kinase D‐interacting substrate of 220 kDa (Kidins220), also known as ankyrin repeat‐rich membrane spanning (ARMS), is an essential mediator of neurotrophin signaling. In adult brain, Kidins220 presents two main isoforms that differ in their carboxy‐terminal length and critical protein‐protein interaction domains. These variants are generated through alternative terminal exon splicing of the conventional exon 32 (Kidins220‐C32) and the recently identified exon 33 (Kidins220‐C33). The lack of domains encoded by exon 32 involved in key neuronal functions, including those controlling neurotrophin pathways, pointed to Kidins220‐C33 as a form detrimental for neurons. However, the functional role of Kidins220‐C33 in neurodegeneration or other pathologies, including HD, has not been explored. In the present work, we discover an unexpected selective downregulation of Kidins220‐C33, in the striatum of HD patients, as well as in the R6/1 HD mouse model starting at early symptomatic stages. These changes are C33‐specific as Kidins220‐C32 variant remains unchanged. We also find the early decrease in Kidins220‐C33 levels takes place in neurons, suggesting an unanticipated neuroprotective role for this isoform. Finally, using ex vivo assays and primary neurons, we demonstrate that Kidins220‐C33 is downregulated by mechanisms that depend on the activation of the protease calpain. Altogether, these results strongly suggest that calpain‐mediated Kidins220‐C33 proteolysis modulates onset and/or progression of HD.
Dysregulation of sputum columnar epithelial cells and products in distinct asthma phenotypes
Authors: Qin Ling , Gibson Peter G. , Simpson Jodie L. , Baines Katherine J. , McDonald Vanessa M. , Wood Lisa G. , Powell Heather , Fricker Michael 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundDysfunction of the bronchial epithelium plays an important role in asthma; however, its measurement is challenging. Columnar epithelial cells are often quantified, yet rarely analysed, in induced sputum studies.ObjectiveWe aimed to test whether sputum columnar epithelial cell proportion and count are altered in asthma, and whether they are associated with clinical and inflammatory variables. We aimed to test whether sputum‐based measures could provide a relatively non‐invasive means through which to monitor airway epithelial activation status.MethodsWe examined the relationship of sputum columnar epithelial cells with clinical and inflammatory variables of asthma in a large retrospective cross‐sectional cohort (901 participants with asthma and 138 healthy controls). In further studies, we used flow cytometry, microarray, qPCR and ELISA to characterize sputum columnar epithelial cells and their products.ResultsMultivariate analysis and generation of 90th centile cut‐offs (≥11% or ≥18.1 × 104/mL) to identify columnar epithelial cell “high” asthma revealed a significant relationship between elevated sputum columnar cells and male gender, severe asthma and non‐neutrophilic airway inflammation. Flow cytometry showed viable columnar epithelial cells were present in all sputum samples tested. An epithelial gene signature (SCGB3A1, LDLRAD1, FOXJ1, DNALI1, CFAP157, CFAP53) was detected in columnar epithelial cell‐high sputum. CLCA1 mRNA and periostin protein, previously identified biomarkers of IL‐13‐mediated epithelial activation, were elevated in columnar epithelial cell‐high sputum samples, but only when accompanied by eosinophilia.Conclusions & clinical relevanceSputum columnar epithelial cells are related to important clinical and inflammatory variables in asthma. Measurement of epithelial biomarkers in sputum samples could allow non‐invasive assessment of altered bronchial epithelium status in asthma.
Pragmatic evaluation of inhaled corticosteroid particle size formulations on asthma control
Authors: Kuo Chris RuiWen , Jabbal Sunny , Anderson William , Lipworth Brian J. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundExtra‐fine particle formulations of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) are associated with improved lung delivery.ObjectivesA pragmatic study to assess patient‐reported outcomes after switching from fine to extra‐fine particle ICS in persistent asthma.MethodsTwenty‐four patients (mean age 48 year, FEV1 84%, ACQ 1.67) received 4 weeks run‐in with a constant dose of fine particle ICS (mean dose 710 µg), followed by switching to an equivalent dose of extra‐fine particle hydrofluoroalkane beclomethasone dipropionate (mean dose 355µg). Asthma control questionnaire (ACQ), the primary outcome and mini asthma quality of life questionnaire (mAQLQ) were measured pre‐ and post‐run‐in (baseline) and after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of switching.ResultsComparing pre‐ vs post‐run‐in, there were no differences for ACQ: 1.67 vs 1.65 or AQLQ: 5.08 vs 5.34. There were mean (95%CI) improvements (P < 0.001) from baseline after 8 weeks for ACQ: −0.53 (−0.83, −0.23) and AQLQ: 0.69 (0.35, 1.04), which exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of 0.5 for both. There were also differences (P < 0.05) in domiciliary symptoms and reliever use. There were no significant changes at 8 weeks in lung function, FeNO or blood eosinophils.ConclusionsPragmatic switching from fine to extra‐fine particle ICS at half the dose was associated with clinically relevant improvements in asthma control and quality of life, but not lung function or type 2 biomarkers.