bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The first year of treatment predicts the prognosis of asthma over 25 y—A prospective study
Authors: Kauppinen Ritva , Vilkka Vesa , Sintonen Harri , Hedman Jouni 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundAn investigator‐driven, real‐life follow‐up study of adult‐onset steroid‐naïve, newly diagnosed asthma (162 patients) to investigate the treatment results over the 25‐year course of the disease and whether the first treatment year's forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) predicts the long‐term prognosis.MethodsEighty‐three per cent of the 133 living patients participated in the 25‐year examinations. At this visit, basic asthma examinations including lung function, as well as questionnaires for health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), GINA and the Asthma Control Test, were used for evaluation. The use of medication and remission was verified.ResultsThere was no statistically significant change in mean FEV1% predicted (FEV1%) from baseline to the 25‐year control. The changes in FEV1% during the first year predicted the results at the end of follow‐up. Normal FEV1% at the end of the first year predicted normal FEV1, and below‐normal FEV1% at 1 year predicted below‐normal FEV1% at 25 years. Twenty‐nine patients (26.4%) had discontinued their medication, and six (5.5%) used ICS periodically. Clinical remission was reached by 16.4% of the patients, and 7.6% reached functional remission. The general HRQoL remained unchanged.ConclusionIn adult‐onset asthma, the level of FEV1 reached during the first treatment year seems to predict the later lung function level. One quarter of the patients discontinued the asthma treatment, but their HRQoL was better than that of those continuing to use ICS. Clinical remission was reached by 16% of the patients, which is in concordance with other studies.
Dupilumab improves health‐related quality of life in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis
Authors: Bachert Claus , Hellings Peter W. , Mullol Joaquim , Hamilos Daniel L. , Gevaert Philippe , Naclerio Robert M. , Joish Vijay N. , Chao Jingdong , Mannent Leda P. , Amin Nikhil , Abbe Adeline , Taniou Christine , Fan Chunpeng , Pirozzi Gianluca , Graham Neil M. H. , Mahajan Puneet , Staudinger Heribert , Khan Asif 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundChronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) negatively affects health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). In a previously reported randomized clinical trial (NCT01920893), addition of dupilumab to mometasone furoate in patients with CRSwNP refractory to intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) significantly improved endoscopic, radiographic, and clinical endpoints and patient‐reported outcomes. The objective of this analysis was to examine the impact of dupilumab treatment on HRQoL and productivity using secondary outcome data from this trial.MethodsFollowing a 4‐week mometasone furoate nasal spray run‐in, patients were randomized to commence subcutaneous dupilumab (600 mg loading dose, then 300 mg once weekly for 15 weeks [n = 30], or matched placebo [n = 30]). Outcomes included scores on the CRS disease severity visual analog scale (VAS), 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22), 5‐dimension EuroQoL (EQ‐5D) general health status VAS, and 36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36) for HRQoL and nasal polyp‐related healthcare resource use questionnaires.ResultsFollowing 16 weeks of treatment, the proportion of patients with moderate‐to‐severe CRSwNP (VAS > 3‐10) decreased from 86.2% to 21.4% with dupilumab and 88.0% to 84.2% with placebo. Dupilumab (vs placebo) resulted in significantly greater improvement in HRQoL, based on SNOT‐22, SF‐36, and EQ‐5D VAS scores. The dupilumab group had a significantly lower adjusted annualized mean number of sick leave days (0.09, vs 4.18 with placebo, P = .015) and significantly greater improvement (vs placebo) in the SNOT‐22 item “reduced productivity.”ConclusionsIn adults with CRSwNP refractory to treatment with INCS alone, the addition of dupilumab reduced disease severity, significantly improved HRQoL, and improved productivity.
The long and winding road to pathogen reduction of platelets, red blood cells and whole blood
Authors: Rebulla Paolo 
Published: July 2019

SummaryPathogen reduction technologies (PRTs) have been developed to further reduce the current very low risks of acquiring transfusion‐transmitted infections and promptly respond to emerging infectious threats. An entire portfolio of PRTs suitable for all blood components is not available, but the field is steadily progressing. While PRTs for plasma have been used for many years, PRTs for platelets, red blood cells (RBC) and whole blood (WB) were developed more slowly, due to difficulties in preserving cell functions during storage. Two commercial platelet PRTs use ultra violet (UV) A and UVB light in the presence of amotosalen or riboflavin to inactivate pathogens’ nucleic acids, while a third experimental PRT uses UVC light only. Two PRTs for WB and RBC have been tested in experimental clinical trials with storage limited to 21 or 35 days, due to unacceptably high RBC storage lesion beyond these time limits. This review summarizes pre‐clinical investigations and selected outcomes from clinical trials using the above PRTs. Further studies are warranted to decrease cell storage lesions after PRT treatment and to test PRTs in different medical and surgical conditions. Affordability remains a major administrative obstacle to PRT use, particularly so in geographical regions with higher risks of transfusion‐transmissible infections.
Factors influencing long‐term survival rates of implants placed simultaneously with lateral maxillary sinus floor augmentation: A 6‐ to 20‐year retrospective study
Authors: Park Won‐Bae , Kang Kyung Lhi , Han Ji‐Young 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the long‐term influence of residual bone height (RBH), sinus membrane perforation and the presence of voids on the survival of implants placed simultaneously with lateral maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA).Materials and MethodsA total of 207 patients (613 implants) who underwent MSFA from 1999 to 2003 and followed up until 2018 were included in this study. RBH and marginal bone loss were assessed using a series of panoramic and periapical radiographs. Cumulative survival rates (CSR) with log‐rank tests and hazard ratios of implant failure according to RBH, membrane perforation, and the presence of voids were assessed.ResultsThe overall 10‐year and 20‐year CSRs were 95% (95% CI: 84.95%–85.05%) and 85% (95% CI: 84.95%–85.05%), respectively. CSR was significantly higher for implants with ≥3 mm RBH (n = 260, 92.4%) than those with <3 mm RBH (n = 353, 78.8%) (p = .002). CSR of non‐smoking group (n = 312, 90.0%) was higher than that of smoking group (n = 301, 77.1%) (p = .009). There was no significant difference in the hazard ratio of implant failure between the perforated membrane group (n = 245) and the non‐perforated group (n = 368). In two out of 11 patients with voids, the inflammation of peri‐implantitis progressed into voids, resulting in severe bone resorption.ConclusionsThe survival of implants placed in <3 mm of RBH, even though it showed a lower CSR, could be considered acceptable. Neither sinus membrane perforation nor the presence of voids appeared to affect implant survival as long as supportive maintenance therapy with proper oral hygiene was provided.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection is associated with less pathologic uncertainty than endoscopic mucosal resection in diagnosing and staging Barrett's‐related neoplasia
Authors: Podboy Alexander , Kolahi Kevin Sohail , Friedland Shai , Louie Christine Y. 
Published: July 2019

Background & AimsEndoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) have demonstrated similar efficacy in removal of neoplastic esophageal lesions. However, significant controversy exists over the preferred resection technique. Our primary aim was to compare the pathologic specimens produced via EMR and ESD and secondarily gauge their effect on clinical decision making and patient outcomes.MethodsUsing a retrospective cohort study design, all esophageal Barrett's‐associated neoplastic lesions resected by a single provider from 2012 to 2017 were reviewed. The pathology was re‐reviewed by two blinded authors for diagnosis, margins, and adverse outcomes and recurrence rates were also collected.ResultsThirty‐one EMR and 20 ESD cases were identified. Baseline demographics and lesion characteristics were similar. ESD produced more R0 resections and more en bloc resections compared to EMR. EMR produced more equivocal lateral (13/31, 41.9% vs 1/20, 5.0%) and vertical margins (13/31, 41.9% vs. 0/20, 0%, both P < 0.05). This led to an inability to reach a definitive diagnosis in 13/31 EMR vs 0/20 ESD pathology specimens (P = 0.003). Of the 13 EMR specimens with equivocal pathology, 11 were noted to have ‘at least intramucosal adenocarcinoma’. Four of the 11 patients chose to undergo elective esophagectomy with final surgical pathology demonstrating ≤T1a disease in 2, and ≥T1b disease in two.ConclusionCompared to ESD, EMR was associated with greater pathologic uncertainty in Barrett's‐associated neoplasia.
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation for myelofibrosis patients aged ≥65 years
Authors: Daghia Giulia , Zabelina Tatjana , Zeck Gaby , von Pein Ute‐Marie , Christopeit Maximilian , Wolschke Christine , Ayuk Francis , Kröger Nicolaus 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIntroductionMyelofibrosis (MF) is a disease of elderly with median age of 65 years at diagnosis. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) currently is the only potentially curative option, although associated with treatment‐related morbidity and mortality. Development of reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens enabled transplant to be performed successfully in older patients.Objectives and MethodsTo evaluate outcome of transplantation among elderly patients (≥65 years), we conducted retrospective analysis of results in 45 patients transplanted between 2002 and 2018 at the University Medical Center Hamburg. Median age at ASCT was 67 years (r: 65‐74). The majority of patients (n = 43) received busulfan plus fludarabine RIC regimen and were classified as DIPSS intermediate‐2 or high risk at time of transplantation.ResultsAfter a median follow‐up of 4 years, 6‐year estimated progression‐free survival and overall survival were 60% and 64%, respectively. Cumulative incidence of non‐relapse mortality was 21% at 1 year. Cumulative incidence of relapse at 6 years was 10%. Patients with Sorror score 3 or less had a significant better survival (73% vs 25%, P = .009).ConclusionReduced intensity conditioning regimen followed by ASCT in older patients with myelofibrosis is a curative treatment option. Outcome is more favorable in patients with no or minimal comorbidities.
Structural and functional brain connectomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Preziosa P. , Rocca M. A. , Ramirez G. A. , Bozzolo E. P. , Canti V. , Pagani E. , Valsasina P. , Moiola L. , Rovere‐Querini P. , Manfredi A. A. , Filippi M. 
Published: July 2019

Background and purposeSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an immune‐mediated disease that may affect the nervous system. We explored the topographical organization of structural and functional brain connectivity in patients with SLE and its correlation with neuropsychiatric (NP) involvement and autoantibody profiles.MethodsGraph theoretical analysis was applied to diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and resting‐state functional MRI data from 32 patients with SLE and 32 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Structural and functional connectivity matrices between 116 cortical/subcortical brain regions were estimated using a bivariate correlation analysis, and global and nodal network metrics were calculated.ResultsStructural, but not functional, global network properties (strength, transitivity, global efficiency and path length) were abnormal in patients with SLE versus controls (P < 0.0001), especially in patients with anti‐double‐stranded DNA (ADNA) autoantibodies (P = 0.03). No difference was found according to NP involvement or anti‐phospholipid autoantibody status. Patients with SLE and controls shared identical structural hubs and the majority of functional hubs. In patients with SLE, all structural hubs showed reduced strength and clustering coefficient compared with controls (P from 0.001 to <0.0001), especially in patients with ADNA autoantibodies. Only a few differences in functional hub properties were found between patients with SLE and controls. Structural and functional hub measures did not differ according to NP involvement or anti‐phospholipid autoantibody status. Significant correlations were found between clinical, MRI and network measures (r from −0.56 to 0.60, P from 0.0003 to 0.05).ConclusionsAbnormalities of global and nodal structural connectivity occur in patients with SLE, especially with ADNA autoantibodies, with a diffuse disruption of structural integrity. Functional network integrity may contribute to preserve clinical functions.
Ecologically Sustainable Exploitation Rates—A multispecies approach for fisheries management
Authors: Säterberg Torbjörn , Casini Michele , Gårdmark Anna 
Published: July 2019

AbstractFisheries management is slowly evolving from its traditional single‐species focus to a more holistic ecosystem‐based approach. Yet, limits for exploitation are almost always set based on single‐species models, treating species as isolated entities. This is problematic since the sustainability of a fishery hinges on its effects on the exploited community as a whole. Here, we develop a novel analytical approach of estimating exploitation rates that are sustainable with respect to the state of whole fish communities. Our approach simultaneously addresses species interactions, environmental covariates and natural variability of population sizes, yet it is framed around a simple and accessible objective. We derive Ecologically Sustainable Exploitation Rates, that is exploitation rates associated with a maximum acceptable probability (determined by management) that any interacting species decreases to an unacceptably low population size. Using models fitted to an exploited fish community, we show how accounting for species interactions constrains the possibilities for ecologically sustainable exploitation. The conventional omission of species interactions may thus result in overestimated exploitation limits. Moreover, our application rendered a counterintuitive result: it suggests that the exploitation of one species should increase, as compared to mean historical levels, for the purpose of conservation of the community as a whole. Such insights could impossibly be gained using single‐species approaches, illustrating the need to adopt multispecies models in fisheries management. Analytical derivation of Ecologically Sustainable Exploitation Rates offers a mean to do so.
Ubiquitin release from eL40 is required for cytoplasmic maturation and function of 60S ribosomal subunits in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Martín‐Villanueva Sara , Fernández‐Pevida Antonio , Fernández‐Fernández José , Kressler Dieter , de la Cruz Jesús 
Published: July 2019

Ubiquitin is generated by proteolytic cleavage of precursor proteins in which it is fused either to itself, constituting a linear polyubiquitin protein of head‐to‐tail monomers, or as a single N‐terminal moiety to one of two ribosomal proteins, eL40 (Ubi1/2 precursors) and eS31 (Ubi3 precursor). It has been proposed that the ubiquitin moiety fused to these ribosomal proteins could act as a chaperone by facilitating their efficient production, folding and ribosome assembly in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We have previously shown that ubiquitin release from eS31 is required for yeast viability and that noncleaved Ubi3 can get incorporated into translation‐competent 40S subunits. In this study, we have analysed the effects of mutations that partially or totally impair cleavage of the ubiquitin‐eL40A fusion protein. While noncleaved Ubi1 is not able to support growth when it is the sole cellular source of eL40, it can assemble into nascent pre‐60S particles. However, Ubi1‐containing 60S ribosomal subunits are not competent for translation. This is likely due to a steric interference of the unprocessed ubiquitin with the binding and function of factors that interact with the ribosome's GTPase‐associated centre. In agreement with this suggestion, Ubi1‐containing ribosomes affect the efficient recycling of the anti‐association factor Tif6 and have a reduced presence of translation elongation factors. We conclude that the removal of the ubiquitin moiety from ribosomal protein eL40 is an essential prerequisite for both the cytoplasmic maturation and the functionality of 60S ribosomal subunits.
Optimization research on S‐N curve of ring welding structure based on structural stress method
Authors: Yang Guangwu , Che Chengjian , Yang Bing , Zhu Tao , Wang Feng , Wang Jujin 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn engineering, △F‐N curves are usually used to predict the fatigue life of ring welding, which is time‐consuming, laborious, and not universal. To improve the above inadequacies, an S‐N curve for evaluating the fatigue life of the ring welded specimen is proposed. The fatigue life of ring welded specimens with different materials, plate thicknesses, and hole diameters is obtained by tensile and shear fatigue tests. Shell elements, CBar beam elements (a kind of beam element in Nastran that can simulate bending), and rigid elements are used to establish the finite element model of ring welding. The stress of the ring welding structure under tensile shear load is calculated according to the structural stress method. The stress range △σs of the welding core is taken as the longitudinal coordinate and the experimental life N as the horizontal coordinate, using two‐parameter log‐log model and the least square method of the fatigue data for linear fitting to obtain the S‐N curve equation of fatigue life evaluation. Most of the data are located within five times of the life span, which proves that the predicted life is close to the actual life of the test, and it can provide a certain reference for design and life prediction of the ring welding structures.
Inter‐specific differences in invader and native fish functional responses illustrate neutral effects on prey but superior invader competitive ability
Authors: Mofu Lubabalo , South Josie , Wasserman Ryan J. , Dalu Tatenda , Woodford Darragh J. , Dick Jaimie T. A. , Weyl Olaf L. F. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractInter‐specific interactions are key factors in the structuring and functioning of ecological communities. Therefore, it is necessary to assess species interactions, such as predator–prey dynamics and competitive exclusion, within the context of continuing global species introductions. The aim of the present study was to assess ecological impacts and competitive exclusion dynamics involving co‐occurring introduced and native fish species, using the multiple predator functional response (FR) approach.We use comparative FR analysis (resource uptake as a function of resource density) to assess inter‐specific interactions between the invasive western mosquitofishGambusia affinisand the native freshwater river gobyGlossogobius callidustowards chironomid larvae. The FR was derived for each fish species as individuals and when in heterospecific pairings. Data from single individuals were used to predict the expected FR of individuals when in heterospecific multiple predator combinations. Expected FRs were then compared to the observed FRs of each predator in combination trials, enumerated using prey items in their gut contents.Both fish species displayed TypeIIFRs, however, in single fish trials, invasive mosquitofish had significantly higher FRs (curve asymptotes; i.e. shorter handling times and higher maximum feeding rates) than native river gobies. Heterospecific mosquitofish‐river goby combinations revealed that the FR of the river goby was reduced (i.e. longer handling times and lower maximum feeding rates) by the presence of mosquitofish, whereas this combination greatly enhanced mosquitofish FR magnitudes (i.e. shorter handling times and higher maximum feeding rates). The heterospecific treatments resulted in neutral impacts on prey and there were clear inter‐species interference in favour of the non‐native mosquitofish.This study demonstrates how multiple predators can alter the shape of individualFRs, with neutral effects on prey but superior invader competitive ability. This has implications for predicting the naturalisation success of invasive predators, as predatory and competitive interactions with native predators and prey may facilitate rather than impede establishment.
The effectiveness of aquatic plants as surrogates for wider biodiversity in standing fresh waters
Authors: Law Alan , Baker Ambroise , Sayer Carl , Foster Garth , Gunn Iain D. M. , Taylor Philip , Pattison Zarah , Blaikie James , Willby Nigel J. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Freshwaters are among the most globally threatened habitats and their biodiversity is declining at an unparalleled rate. In an attempt to slow this decline, multiple approaches have been used to conserve, restore or enhance waterbodies. However, evaluating their effectiveness is time‐consuming and expensive. Identifying species or assemblages across a range of ecological conditions that can provide a surrogate for wider freshwater biodiversity is therefore of significant value for conservation management and planning.

For lakes and ponds in three contrasting landscapes of Britain (lowland agricultural, eastern England; upland, north‐west England; urban, central Scotland) we examined the link between macrophyte species, macrophyte morpho‐group diversity (an indicator of structural diversity) and the richness of three widespread aquatic macroinvertebrate groups (molluscs, beetles, and odonates) using structural equation modelling. We hypothesised that increased macrophyte richness and, hence, increased vegetation structural complexity, would increase macroinvertebrate richness after accounting for local and landscape conditions.

We found that macrophyte richness, via macrophyte morpho‐group diversity, was an effective surrogate for mollusc, beetle, and odonate richness in ponds after accounting for variation caused by physical variables, water chemistry, and surrounding land use. However, only mollusc richness could be predicted by macrophyte morpho‐group diversity in lakes, with no significant predicted effect on beetles or odonates.

Our results indicate that macrophyte morpho‐group diversity can be viewed as a suitable surrogate of macroinvertebrate biodiversity across diverse landscapes, particularly in ponds and to a lesser extent in lakes. This has important implications for the restoration, conservation, and creation of standing water habitats and for assessing their effectiveness in addressing the decline of global freshwater biodiversity. Management actions prioritising the development of species‐rich and structurally diverse macrophyte assemblages will be likely to benefit wider freshwater biodiversity.