bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of Commercial Molecular Diagnostics for the Detection of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in China: A Systematic Review
Authors: Deng Siwei , Sun Yixin , Xia Hui , Liu Zhike , Gao Le , Yang Jichun , Zhao Yanlin , Huang Fei , Feng Jingnan , Wang Lixia , Huan Shitong , Zhan Siyan 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis systematic review assesses the accuracy of molecular diagnostic methods for the detection of pulmonary tuberculosis in studies performed in China, published in Chinese and English. We searched for studies that assessed the accuracy of molecular diagnostics for pulmonary TB in China in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Wanfang Database, SinoMed, VIP Information, Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. For each index test, a summary estimation for sensitivity and specificity was calculated using the bivariate random-effects model. A total of 59 studies were included in our analysis. Loop-mediated isothermal amplifcation (LAMP) assay (six studies; pooled sensitivity 90%, 95% CI 78–95%; specificity 93%, 85–97%), line probe assay (LPA) (one study; 87%, 84–90%; 94%, 92–95%) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (FQ-PCR and RT-PCR) (four studies; 90%, 55–99%; 93%, 71–99%) showed good diagnostic performance in the meta-analysis. The highest pooled sensitivity was from Xpert MTB/RIF (20 studies; pooled sensitivity 91%, 95% CI 87–94%). The highest pooled specificity was from cross-priming amplification (CPA) (six studies; pooled specificity 97%, 95–99%). The lowest pooled sensitivity and specificity were from simultaneous amplification and testing (SAT)-TB (three studies; 79%, 66–88%; 72%, 48–88%). In subgroup analysis, molecular diagnostics demonstrated higher sensitivity for pulmonary TB detection in smear-positive specimens. Xpert MTB/RIF, LAMP, LPA, CPA and PCR demonstrated high accuracy overall for pulmonary tuberculosis detection, while SAT-TB had poor performance.
Seasonal intensification and trends of rogue wave events on the US western seaboard
Authors: Cattrell A. D. , Srokosz M. , Moat B. I. , Marsh R. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractStudies of changes in wave climate typically consider trends in sea state statistics, such as the significant wave height. However, the temporal variability of individual rogue waves, which pose a hazard to users of the sea and coastal environment has not been investigated. We use time series of continuous surface elevation over 124–270 months (spanning 1994–2016), from 15 wave buoys along the US western seaboard, to investigate regional trends in significant wave height and individual rogue waves. We find high spatial variability in trends in significant wave height and rogue waves across the region. Rogue wave occurrence displays a mostly decreasing trend, but the relative height – or severity – of the waves is increasing. We also identify seasonal intensification in rogue waves with increased rogue wave occurrence, of higher severity, in the winter than in the summer. Therefore, the common practice of stating a single occurrence likelihood for an ocean basin is not valid. In addition, the buoy data show that the magnitude and significance of trends in significant wave height increases towards higher percentiles, supporting previous findings.
Stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles inhibit and revert fibrosis progression in a mouse model of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Grange Cristina , Tritta Stefania , Tapparo Marta , Cedrino Massimo , Tetta Ciro , Camussi Giovanni , Brizzi Maria Felice 
Published: March 2019

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) that are derived from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been shown to reprogram injured cells by activating regenerative processes. We herein investigate the potential therapeutic effect of EVs, shed by human bone marrow MSCs and by human liver stem-like cells (HLSCs), on the progression and reversion of fibrosis in a mouse model of diabetic nephropathy, as induced by streptozotocin. After the development of nephropathy, stem cell-derived EVs were administered weekly to diabetic mice for four weeks. The stem cell-derived EV treatment, but not the fibroblast EV treatment that was used as a control, significantly ameliorated functional parameters, such as albumin/creatinine excretion, plasma creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, which are altered in diabetic mice. Moreover, the renal fibrosis that develops during diabetic nephropathy progression was significantly inhibited in stem cell EV-treated animals. A correlation was found between the down regulation of several pro-fibrotic genes in renal tissues and the anti-fibrotic effect of HLSC and MSC EVs. A comparative analysis of HLSC and MSC EV miRNA content highlighted some common and some specific patterns of miRNAs that target predicted pro-fibrotic genes. In conclusion, stem cell-derived EVs inhibit fibrosis and prevent its progression in a model of diabetes-induced chronic kidney injury.
Carotid artery plaque intervention with Tongxinluo capsule (CAPITAL): A multicenter randomized double-blind parallel-group placebo-controlled study
Authors: Zhang Mei , Liu Yan , Xu Mingjun , Zhang Lei , Liu Yan , Liu Xiaoling , Zhao Yuxia , Zhu Fang , Xu Rui , Ou Zhihong , Wang Ying , Liu Qigong , Ma Shuping , Wang Tian , He Maolin , Lu Qinghua , Li Honghua , Huang Jihan , Zhang Yun 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTo determine whether the traditional Chinese medicine Tongxinluo (TXL) is efficacious at retarding the progression of carotid atherosclerotic lesions, a total of 1,212 patients with a focal intima-media thickness (IMT) of ≥1.2 mm of the carotid arteries received TXL or placebo capsules in addition to current routine therapy. The primary outcome was between-group differences in annualized change in mean IMT of 12 sites of bilateral carotid arteries over 24 months. The secondary outcomes were between-group differences in plaque area, vascular remodeling index (RI), serum levels of lipids and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and a composite of first major cardiovascular events. The results showed that the annualized change in mean IMT in the TXL and placebo groups was −0.00095 (95% CI, −0.00330 to 0.00141) mm and 0.01312 (95% CI, 0.01076 to 0.01548) mm, respectively, with a difference between the two groups of −0.01407 (95% CI, −0.01740 to −0.01073) mm (P < 0.001). Compared with placebo, TXL treatment significantly reduced the change from baseline in the plaque area and RI, as well as the first major cardiovascular events. In conclusion, TXL retarded the progression of mean IMT, plaque area and vascular remodeling of the carotid artery with a good safety profile.
Genomic analysis of the emergence of drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the Middle East
Authors: Alyamani Essam J. , Marcus Sarah A. , Ramirez-Busby Sarah M. , Hansen Chungyi , Rashid Julien , El-kholy Amani , Spalink Daniel , Valafar Faramarz , Almehdar Hussein A. , A. Jiman-Fatani Asif , Khiyami Mohamed A. , Talaat Adel M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTuberculosis (TB) represents a significant challenge to public health authorities, especially with the emergence of drug-resistant (DR) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We sought to examine the genomic variations among recently isolated strains of M. tuberculosis in two closely related countries with different population demography in the Middle East. Clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis from both Egypt and Saudi Arabia were subjected to phenotypic and genotypic analysis on gene and genome-wide levels. Isolates with MDR phenotypes were highly prevalent in Egypt (up to 35%) despite its relatively stable population structure (sympatric pattern). MDR-TB isolates were not identified in the isolates from Saudi Arabia despite its active guest worker program (allopatric pattern). However, tuberculosis isolates from Saudi Arabia, where lineage 4 was more prevalent (>65%), showed more diversity than isolates from Egypt, where lineage 3 was the most prevalent (>75%). Phylogenetic and molecular dating analyses indicated that lineages from Egypt were recently diverged (~78 years), whereas those from Saudi Arabia were diverged by over 200 years. Interestingly, DR isolates did not appear to cluster together or spread more widely than drug-sensitive isolates, suggesting poor treatment as the main cause for emergence of drug resistance rather than more virulence or more capacity to persist.
Speckle reduction in double-pass retinal images
Authors: Halpaap Donatus , García-Guerra Carlos E. , Vilaseca Meritxell , Masoller Cristina 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe double pass (DP) technique quantifies the optical quality of the eye by measuring its point spread function. The low reflectivity of the retina requires the use of a high-brightness, point-like illumination source, and thus, DP systems use laser diodes (LDs). However, LDs light produces speckle, and a low-cost solution to reduce speckle is to include a vibrating mirror in the beam path. With the goal of finding an all-optical solution, here we perform a comparative study of the amount of speckle produced by three semiconductor light sources: an LD, a light emitting diode (LED), and a superluminescent diode (SLED). We also compare the results with the speckle reduction that is obtained with a vibrating mirror. We find that the SLED is a good alternative to LD illumination, as the amount of speckle in the image is almost as low as that obtained with an LD and a vibrating mirror in the beam path.
Weak global warming mitigation by reducing black carbon emissions
Authors: Takemura Toshihiko , Suzuki Kentaroh 
Published: March 2019

AbstractReducing black carbon (BC), i.e. soot, in the atmosphere is a potential mitigation measure for climate change before revealing the effect of reducing anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) because BC with shorter lifetime than CO2 absorbs solar and infrared radiation. BC has a strong positive radiative forcing in the atmosphere, as indicated in many previous studies. Here, we show that the decline in surface air temperatures with reduced BC emissions is weaker than would be expected from the magnitude of its instantaneous radiative forcing at the top of the atmosphere (TOA). Climate simulations show that the global mean change in surface air temperature per unit of instantaneous radiative forcing of BC at the TOA is about one-eighth that of sulphate aerosols, which cool the climate through scattering solar radiation, without absorption. This is attributed to the positive radiation budget of BC being largely compensated for by rapid atmospheric adjustment, whereas the radiative imbalance due to sulphate aerosols drives a slow response of climate over a long timescale. Regional climate responses to short-lived species are shown to exhibit even more complex characteristics due to their heterogeneous spatial distributions, requiring further analysis in future studies.
Assessing the role of Rv1222 (RseA) as an anti-sigma factor of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis extracytoplasmic sigma factor SigE
Authors: Boldrin Francesca , Cioetto Mazzabò Laura , Anoosheh Saber , Palù Giorgio , Gaudreau Luc , Manganelli Riccardo , Provvedi Roberta 
Published: March 2019

AbstractσE is one of the 13 sigma factors encoded by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis chromosome, and its involvement in stress response and virulence has been extensively characterized. Several sigma factors are post-translationally regulated by proteins named anti-sigma factors, which prevent their binding to RNA polymerase. Rv1222 (RseA), whose gene lays immediately downstream sigE, has been proposed in the past as the σE-specific anti sigma factor. However, its role as anti-sigma factor was recently challenged and a new mechanism of action was hypothesized predicting RseA binding to RNA polymerase and DNA to slow down RNA transcription in a not specific way. In this manuscript, using specific M. tuberculosis mutants, we showed that by changing the levels of RseA expression, M. tuberculosis growth rate does not change (as hypothesized in case of non-specific decrease of RNA transcription) and has an impact only on the transcription level of genes whose transcriptional control is under σE, supporting a direct role of RseA as a specific anti-σE factor.
Acceptance of immersive head-mounted virtual reality in older adults
Authors: Huygelier Hanne , Schraepen Brenda , van Ee Raymond , Vanden Abeele Vero , Gillebert Céline R. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractImmersive virtual reality has become increasingly popular to improve the assessment and treatment of health problems. This rising popularity is likely to be facilitated by the availability of affordable headsets that deliver high quality immersive experiences. As many health problems are more prevalent in older adults, who are less technology experienced, it is important to know whether they are willing to use immersive virtual reality. In this study, we assessed the initial attitude towards head-mounted immersive virtual reality in 76 older adults who had never used virtual reality before. Furthermore, we assessed changes in attitude as well as self-reported cybersickness after a first exposure to immersive virtual reality relative to exposure to time-lapse videos. Attitudes towards immersive virtual reality changed from neutral to positive after a first exposure to immersive virtual reality, but not after exposure to time-lapse videos. Moreover, self-reported cybersickness was minimal and had no association with exposure to immersive virtual reality. These results imply that the contribution of VR applications to health in older adults will neither be hindered by negative attitudes nor by cybersickness.
Common midwife toad ranaviruses replicate first in the oral cavity of smooth newts (Lissotriton vulgaris) and show distinct strain-associated pathogenicity
Authors: Saucedo Bernardo , Garner Trenton W. J. , Kruithof Natasja , Allain Steven J. R. , Goodman Mark J. , Cranfield Raymond J. , Sergeant Chris , Vergara Diego A. , Kik Marja J. L. , Forzán María J. , van Beurden Steven J. , Gröne Andrea 
Published: March 2019

AbstractRanavirus is the second most common infectious cause of amphibian mortality. These viruses affect caudates, an order in which information regarding Ranavirus pathogenesis is scarce. In the Netherlands, two strains (CMTV-NL I and III) were suspected to possess distinct pathogenicity based on field data. To investigate susceptibility and disease progression in urodeles and determine differences in pathogenicity between strains, 45 adult smooth newts (Lissotriton vulgaris) were challenged via bath exposure with these ranaviruses and their detection in organs and feces followed over time by PCR, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Ranavirus was first detected at 3 days post infection (p.i.) in the oral cavity and upper respiratory mucosa. At 6 days p.i, virus was found in connective tissues and vasculature of the gastrointestinal tract. Finally, from 9 days p.i onwards there was widespread Ranavirus disease in various organs including skin, kidneys and gonads. Higher pathogenicity of the CMTV-NL I strain was confirmed by higher correlation coefficient of experimental group and mortality of challenged animals. Ranavirus-exposed smooth newts shed virus in feces intermittently and infection was seen in the absence of lesions or clinical signs, indicating that this species can harbor subclinical infections and potentially serve as disease reservoirs.
Evidence of a two-dimensional glass transition in graphene: Insights from molecular simulations
Authors: Ravinder R. , Kumar Rajesh , Agarwal Manish , Krishnan N. M. Anoop 
Published: March 2019

AbstractLiquids exhibit a sudden increase in viscosity when cooled fast enough, avoiding thermodynamically predicted route of crystallization. This phenomenon, known as glass transition, leads to the formation of non-periodic structures known as glasses. Extensive studies have been conducted on model materials to understand glass transition in two dimensions. However, despite the synthesis of disordered/amorphous single-atom thick structures of carbon, little attention has been given to glass transition in realistic two-dimensional materials such as graphene. Herein, using molecular dynamics simulation, we demonstrate the existence of glass transition in graphene leading to a realistic two-dimensional glassy structure, namely glassy graphene. We show that the resulting glassy structure exhibits excellent agreement with experimentally realized disordered graphene. Interestingly, this glassy graphene exhibits a wrinkled but stable structure, with reduced thermal vibration in comparison to its crystalline counterpart. We suggest that the topological disorder induced by glass transition governs the unique properties of this structure.
Genetic and epigenetic architecture of paternal origin contribute to gestation length in cattle
Authors: Fang Lingzhao , Jiang Jicai , Li Bingjie , Zhou Yang , Freebern Ellen , Vanraden Paul M. , Cole John B. , Liu George E. , Ma Li 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe length of gestation can affect offspring health and performance. Both maternal and fetal effects contribute to gestation length; however, paternal contributions to gestation length remain elusive. Using genome-wide association study (GWAS) in 27,214 Holstein bulls with millions of gestation records, here we identify nine paternal genomic loci associated with cattle gestation length. We demonstrate that these GWAS signals are enriched in pathways relevant to embryonic development, and in differentially methylated regions between sperm samples with long and short gestation length. We reveal that gestation length shares genetic and epigenetic architecture in sperm with calving ability, body depth, and conception rate. While several candidate genes are detected in our fine-mapping analysis, we provide evidence indicating ZNF613 as a promising candidate for cattle gestation length. Collectively, our findings support that the paternal genome and epigenome can impact gestation length potentially through regulation of the embryonic development.
Das geschwollene Bein in der gefäßmedizinischen Praxis
Authors: Präve Florian , Hoffmann Kerstin 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn case of an acute leg swelling a deep leg vein thrombosis needs to be excluded. In order to do this, compression sonography and the D-dimer-test are applied in the framework of an established diagnostic algorithm. The ensuing therapy consists in anticoagulation and compression.In case of a chronic leg swelling anamnesis and a clinical check-up often lead to a differential diagnosis. Chronic venous insufficiency is a generic term for a disturbed venous backflow. It is caused by an obstruction or an antegrade or retrograde flow insufficiency. Most common diseases in this context are varicosis or a post-thrombotic syndrome. Sonography and special function tests provide a diagnosis. The basic therapy consists in regular exercise, normalization of weight and compression therapy. In case of a hemodynamically relevant varicose vein surgery or endovascular treatment is advisable. The post-thrombotic syndrome must be treated consistently with the basic therapy.A lymphedema may be hereditary or acquired. In a first step diseases like neoplasia need to be excluded. The initial therapy consists in manual lymph drainage in combination with special compression bandages. Flat knit stockings should be prescribed. Surgical treatment is reserved for special circumstances.A lipedema is clinically diagnosed. It is characterized by lipohypertrophia, pressure sensitivity of the tissue and susceptibility to hematomas. Treatment options include weight reduction, regular exercise, lymph drainage and compression therapy, in some cases liposuction.
Überraschender Shuntverlauf nach massiven Komplikationen
Authors: Krönung Gerhard 
Published: March 2019

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGUngewöhnliche Shuntverläufe sind nicht ungewöhnlich. Dieses scheinbar widersprüchliche Wortspiel bestätigt gut die Notwendigkeit, flexibel auf die jeweilige, nicht immer vorhersehbare Entwicklung eines Gefäßzuganges, wenn notwendig auch mit wiederholten Strategiewechseln, zu reagieren.
Synthesis of Isothiocyanates: An Update
Authors: Eschliman Kayla , Bossmann Stefan 
Published: March 2019

Isothiocyanates (ICTs) are a group of molecules that can be used for many different purposes, they exhibit anticancer, antimicrobial, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The synthesis of isothiocyanates has been a focus of many researchers for nearly the past 100 years. One of the most common synthetic methods is to form a dithiocarbamate salt, either as the first step or in situ, and then treat the salt with a desulfurization agent to reach the isothiocyanate. There are many different desulfurization agents available. Among these, there are eleven in particular that will be discussed in this short review, namely thiophosgene, lead nitrate, ethyl chloroformate, hydrogen peroxide, triphosgene, iodine, cobalt, copper, sodium persulfate, claycop, and tosyl­ chloride. There are four additional particular methodologies that stand out from the literature available on this topic that will be covered, namely the production of isothiocyanates from hydroximoyl chlorides, via elemental sulfur, microwave-assisted synthesis, and through the tandem Staudinger/aza-Wittig reactions.1	Introduction1.1	Metabolism of Glucosinolates2	Synthesis of Isothiocyanates2.1	Isothiocyanates from the Decomposition of Dithiocarbamate Salts2.2	Isothiocyanates from Hydroximoyl Chlorides2.3	Isothiocyanates Produced via Elemental Sulfur2.4	Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Isothiocyanates2.5	Isothiocyanates via the Tandem Staudinger/aza-Wittig Reactions3	Conclusion
Brain Tuberculomas as BCGitis Complication Presenting with Epileptic Spasms: A Case Report
Authors: Ayadi Basma , Kamoun Feki Fatma , Ben Nsir Siham , Bouchaala Wafa , Mnif Zeineb , Ben Jemaa Mounir , Triki Chahnez 
Published: March 2019

AbstractCentral nervous system (CNS) BCGitis is a rare but a very severe complication of the Bacille Calmette–Guerin (BCG) vaccine. It could be a diagnostic challenge that may lead to a delay in treatment. A 5-month-old boy presented with infantile spasms, had posted natal BCG vaccination and developed brain tuberculomas as brain BCGitis. Laboratory findings were normal. He received 14 months of antitubercular regimen with good tolerance and both clinical and radiological improvement. The main difficulty in brain BCGitis is to make a diagnosis that requires histological or bacteriological examination. A good evolution without sequel could be seen if it is treated early.
That’s hard
Authors: Lester Nicholas A. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractLanguage learners are highly sensitive to statistical patterns in the input. When a target language provides the option to include or omit a grammatical form, learners have been shown to make decisions quite similar to native speakers. For example, learners opt to include or omit the complementizerthat(as inI know(that)Steffi likes hot tea). This phenomenon has been explained in terms of a universal suite of cognitive mechanisms which support native and learner performance alike. Both learners and native speakers choose to include the complementizer when they are producing more complex or unexpected structures. The present study attempts to generalize these findings to another domain of “optional” grammatical markers, namely, relativizers (as inthe hot tea(that)Steffi likes). I analyze all instances of optional relativizer use in a corpus of spontaneous learner speech produced by Spanish and German learners of English. Both of these languages have obligatory relativizers. A two-step generalized additive regression modeling technique (MuPDAR) that predicts learner choices based on native-speaker choices demonstrates that native speakers use greater shares of the relativizer in complex and disfluent environments, while learners show the exact opposite tendency: they prefer to drop the relativizer in complex and disfluent environments. These findings are discussed based on differences between complementizers and relativizers, and in terms of the limited universality of optional grammatical marking in learner speech.