bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anemia induces gut inflammation and injury in an animal model of preterm infants
Authors: Arthur Connie M. , Nalbant Demet , Feldman Henry A. , Saeedi Bejan J. , Matthews Jason , Robinson Brian S. , Kamili Nourine A. , Bennett Ashley , Cress Gretchen A. , Sola‐Visner Martha , Jones Rheinallt M. , Zimmerman M. Bridget , Neish Andrew S. , Patel Ravi M. , Nopoulos Peggy , Georgieff Michael K. , Roback John D. , Widness John A. , Josephson Cassandra D. , Stowell Sean R. 
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUNDWhile very low birth weight (VLBW) infants often require multiple red blood cell transfusions, efforts to minimize transfusion‐associated risks have resulted in more restrictive neonatal transfusion practices. However, whether restrictive transfusion strategies limit transfusions without increasing morbidity and mortality in this population remains unclear. Recent epidemiologic studies suggest that severe anemia may be an important risk factor for the development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). However, the mechanism whereby anemia may lead to NEC remains unknown.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThe potential impact of anemia on neonatal inflammation and intestinal barrier disruption, two well‐characterized predisposing features of NEC, was defined by correlation of hemoglobin values to cytokine levels in premature infants and by direct evaluation of intestinal hypoxia, inflammation and gut barrier disruption using a pre‐clinical neonatal murine model of phlebotomy‐induced anemia (PIA).RESULTSIncreasing severity of anemia in the preterm infant correlated with the level of IFN‐gamma, a key pro‐inflammatory cytokine that may predispose an infant to NEC. Gradual induction of PIA in a pre‐clinical model resulted in significant hypoxia throughout the intestinal mucosa, including areas where intestinal macrophages reside. PIA‐induced hypoxia significantly increased macrophage pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels, while reducing tight junction protein ZO‐1 expression and increasing intestinal barrier permeability. Macrophage depletion reversed the impact of anemia on intestinal ZO‐1 expression and barrier function.CONCLUSIONSTaken together, these results suggest that anemia can increase intestinal inflammation and barrier disruption likely through altered macrophage function, leading to the type of predisposing intestinal injury that may increase the risk for NEC.
Immunoglobulin M anti‐A and anti‐B titers in South Texas group O D+ male donors
Authors: Beddard Rachel , Ngamsuntikul Samantha , Wafford Tiffany , Aranda Lorena 
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUNDThe success of whole blood (WB) in damage control resuscitation on the battlefield has generated interest in its use for civilian trauma. Blood centers must maintain a committed donor pool with low isoagglutinin titers to provide this product. Information regarding isoagglutinin titers in different donor populations will help with targeted recruitment of these donors.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSSequential O D+ male donors with a history of two or more donations at a fixed site were tested for immunoglobulin (Ig)M anti‐A and anti‐B using a single titer cutoff of 256. Donors testing negative at this cutoff were considered “low titer” while positive donors were considered “high titer.” Age and self‐identified race/ethnicity were retrospectively obtained from the blood establishment computer system. Fisher's exact analysis was used for statistical analysis with a p value of less than 0.05 considered significant.RESULTSOf 3274 donors, 426 tested as high titer, while 2848 tested as low titer. The data show an association of donor age and prevalence of high titers with older age groups showing a lower prevalence of high titers. In addition, different races/ethnicities have different prevalences of high titers with the Caucasian/white group showing a lower prevalence of high‐titer donors versus the Hispanic and undeclared race groups.CONCLUSIONThe prevalence of high‐titer IgM anti‐A or ‐B donors varies by age group and race/ethnicity in our data set. This information will provide information on what donor groups to target for collection of low‐titer O WB.
The Mediating Role of Self‐Efficacy in Shaping Self‐Management Behaviors Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Jiang Xinjun , Jiang Hua , Li Mingzi , Lu Yanhui , Liu Keke , Sun Xiaohong 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundSelf‐efficacy, diabetes distress, knowledge, and education level are likely the important factors affecting diabetes self‐management (DSM) behaviors. However, the theoretical mechanisms underlying these variables remain unclear.AimsThe study aimed to test a model including variables of self‐efficacy, diabetes distress, knowledge, and education level and DSM behaviors that were informed by social cognitive theory and the literature review among adults with type 2 diabetes.MethodsA cross‐sectional study design was employed. Among a convenience sample of 320 adults with type 2 diabetes, 265 eligible participants (response rate = 82.81%) were investigated, using the demographic information questionnaire, the Summary of Diabetes Self‐Care Activities, the Self‐Efficacy for Diabetes Scale, the Diabetes‐Related Knowledge Questionnaire, and the Diabetes Distress Scale. Structural equation modeling was performed with 10,000 bootstrap samples using AMOS 23.0.ResultsThe final model provided a good fit to the data (χ2 [22, N = 265] = 9.192, df = 5, p = .102, NFI = 0.972, RMSEA = 0.056). Self‐efficacy had the strongest direct effect on DSM behaviors (β = 0.550, p = .000). Knowledge (β = 0.167, p = .004) and employment status (β = −0.130, p = .009) had a direct effect on DSM behaviors. The association between knowledge and DSM behaviors was partially mediated by self‐efficacy (bootstrap mean = 0.160, 95% CI: 0.088, 0.237), explaining 49.08% of the total effect of knowledge on DSM behaviors. The association between diabetes distress and DSM behaviors (bootstrap mean = −0.113, 95% CI: −0.192, −0.043) and education level and DSM behaviors (bootstrap mean = 0.102, 95% CI: 0.047, 0.165) were completely mediated by self‐efficacy.ConclusionsSelf‐efficacy plays an important role in the mediation of the association between knowledge and DSM behaviors, diabetes distress and DSM behaviors, and education level and DSM behaviors, as well as a direct contributing role in the predication of DSM behaviors.Linking Evidence to ActionSelf‐efficacy plays a direct contributing and mediating role in shaping DSM behaviors. The results of the model can help to develop evidence‐ and theory‐based and culturally sensitive interventions. Strategies including goal setting, practicing, recording, peer models, persuasion, positive feedback, and encouragement can be used to address self‐efficacy of patients. Interventions led by nurses that increase knowledge, reduce diabetes distress, and emphasize self‐efficacy have the potential to promote changes in DSM behaviors.
Impact of maternal smoking on early childhood health: a retrospective cohort linked dataset analysis of 697 003 children born in Scotland 1997–2009
Authors: Lawder Richard , Whyte Bruce , Wood Rachael , Fischbacher Colin , Tappin David Michael 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveSmoking during pregnancy is associated with adverse health impacts on mother and child. We used a large linked Scottish dataset to produce contemporary estimates of the impact on child health, particularly hospitalisation.DesignRetrospective cohort study linking birth, death, maternity, infant health, child health surveillance and admission records. We examined the association between smoking status at maternity booking and pregnancy outcomes, hospital admission and death during the first 5 years of life. Models were adjusted for maternal age, socioeconomic status, infant feeding, country of birth, sex, parity and delivery mode. We calculated population attributable fraction (PAF) for each outcome.SettingScotland, UK.ParticipantsSingleton births between 1997 and 2009 (n=697 003) followed to March 2012.Results332 386 children had at least one admission by 31 March 2012. There were 56 588 born small for gestational age, 40 492 prematurely and 1074 postneonatal deaths. Within the first 5 years of life, 56 615 children had at least one admission for acute respiratory infections, 24 088 for bronchiolitis and 7549 for asthma. Maternal smoking significantly increased admission for acute respiratory infections (adjusted HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.34, PAF 6.7%) and bronchiolitis (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.38 to 1.48 under 1 year, PAF 10.1%), asthma (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.37 age 1–5 years, PAF 7.1%) and bacterial meningitis (HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.30 to 1.71, PAF 11.8%) age 0–5 years. Neonatal mortality (adjusted OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.49, PAF 6.7%), postneonatal mortality (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.87 to 2.53, PAF 22.3%), small for gestational age (OR 2.67, 95% CI 2.62 to 2.73, PAF 27.5%) and prematurity (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.37 to 1.44, PAF 8.8%) were higher among the offspring of smokers.ConclusionSmoking during pregnancy causes significant ill health and death among children born in Scotland. These findings support continued investment to reduce smoking among women before, during and after pregnancy as 50% of women will go on to have further children.
Effect of two tapering strategies on endurance-related physiological markers in athletes from selected training centres of Ethiopia
Authors: Jafer Ambachew Amede , Mondal Soumitra , Abdulkedir Mahmud , Mativananan D 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the effects of two tapering strategies on specific endurance-related performance markers in some selected athletic training centres of Ethiopia.MethodologyThirty-seven young distance runners (mean age: 20±1.97 years; mean training period: 2.43±0.603 years) were randomly assigned to high-intensity low-volume (HILV) and high-intensity moderate-volume (HIMV) taper groups. Training frequencies were five times per week conducted for 2 weeks in both groups. At baseline and after 2 weeks of the taper intervention, the average red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin (Hgb) concentration and haematocrit percentages (Hct) of the participants were measured and analysed using a complete blood count (sysmix) instrument.ResultsUsing a parallel-group design, we investigated the effects of the two tapering strategies (HILV and HIMV), and positive changes were observed in the endurance-related physiological traits of RBC count, Hgb concentration and Hct percentages regardless of the amount of volume reduced during the 2-week taper period. Comparisons of the two strategies did not reveal significant differences between the taper groups.ConclusionTaper strategies characterised by HILV and HIMV training load have beneficial effects on the improvement of endurance performance. Reduction of training load-training volume did not affect endurance performance, instead these could induce extra adaption of the body physiology.
Fully device independent quantum key distribution
Authors: Vazirani Umesh , Vidick Thomas 
Published: March 2019

Quantum cryptography promises levels of security that are impossible to attain in a classical world. Can this security be guaranteed to classical users of a quantum protocol, who may not even trust the quantum devices used to implement the protocol?
This central question dates back to the early 1990s when the challenge of achieving Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution (DIQKD) was first formulated. We answer the challenge by rigorously proving the device-independent security of an entanglement-based protocol building on Ekert's original proposal for quantum key distribution. The proof of security builds on techniques from the classical theory of pseudo-randomness to achieve a new quantitative understanding of the non-local nature of quantum correlations.
Extracellular Matrix Protein Tenascin C Increases Phagocytosis Mediated by CD47 Loss of Function in Glioblastoma
Authors: Ma Ding , Liu Senquan , Lal Bachchu , Wei Shuang , Wang Shuyan , Zhan Daqian , Zhang Hao , Lee Richard S. , Gao Peisong , Lopez-Bertoni Hernando , Ying Mingyao , Li Jian Jian , Laterra John , Wilson Mary Ann , Xia Shuli 
Published: March 2019

AbstractGlioblastomas (GBM) are highly infiltrated by myeloid-derived innate immune cells that contribute to the immunosuppressive nature of the brain tumor microenvironment (TME). CD47 has been shown to mediate immune evasion, as the CD47–SIRPα axis prevents phagocytosis of tumor cells by macrophages and other myeloid cells. In this study, we established CD47 homozygous deletion (CD47−/−) in human and mouse GBM cells and investigated the impact of eliminating the "don't eat me" signal on tumor growth and tumor–TME interactions. CD47 knockout (KO) did not significantly alter tumor cell proliferation in vitro but significantly increased phagocytosis of tumor cells by macrophages in cocultures. Compared with CD47 wild-type xenografts, orthotopic xenografts derived from CD47−/− tumor cells grew significantly slower with enhanced tumor cell phagocytosis and increased recruitment of M2-like tumor-associated microglia/macrophages (TAM). CD47 KO increased tumor-associated extracellular matrix protein tenascin C (TNC) in xenografts, which was further examined in vitro. CD47 loss of function upregulated TNC expression in tumor cells via a Notch pathway–mediated mechanism. Depletion of TNC in tumor cells enhanced the growth of CD47−/− xenografts in vivo and decreased the number of TAM. TNC knockdown also inhibited phagocytosis of CD47−/− tumor cells in cocultures. Furthermore, TNC stimulated release of proinflammatory factors including TNFα via a Toll-like receptor 4 and STAT3-dependent mechanism in human macrophage cells. These results reveal a vital role for TNC in immunomodulation in brain tumor biology and demonstrate the prominence of the TME extracellular matrix in affecting the antitumor function of brain innate immune cells.Significance:These findings link TNC to CD47-driven phagocytosis and demonstrate that TNC affects the antitumor function of brain TAM, facilitating the development of novel innate immune system–based therapies for brain tumors.
Germinal Center–Derived Antibodies Promote Atherosclerosis Plaque Size and Stability
Authors: Centa Monica , Jin Hong , Hofste Lisa , Hellberg Sanna , Busch Albert , Baumgartner Roland , Verzaal Nienke J. , Lind Enoksson Sara , Perisic Matic Ljubica , Boddul Sanjay V. , Atzler Dorothee , Li Daniel Y. , Sun Changyan , Hansson Göran K. , Ketelhuth Daniel F.J. , Hedin Ulf , Wermeling Fredrik , Lutgens Esther , Binder Christoph J. , Maegdesfessel Lars , Malin Stephen G. 
Published: March 2019

Background:
Atherosclerosis progression is modulated by interactions with the adaptive immune system. Humoral immunity can help protect against atherosclerosis formation; however, the existence, origin, and function of putative atherogenic antibodies are controversial. How such atherosclerosis-promoting antibodies could affect the specific composition and stability of plaques, as well as the vasculature generally, remains unknown.

Methods:
We addressed the overall contribution of antibodies to atherosclerosis plaque formation, composition, and stability in vivo (1) with mice that displayed a general loss of antibodies, (2) with mice that had selectively ablated germinal center-derived IgG production, or (3) through interruption of T–B-cell interactions and further studied the effects of antibody deficiency on the aorta by transcriptomics.

Results:
Here, we demonstrate that atherosclerosis-prone mice with attenuated plasma cell function manifest reduced plaque burden, indicating that antibodies promote atherosclerotic lesion size. However, the composition of the plaque was altered in antibody-deficient mice, with an increase in lipid content and decreases in smooth muscle cells and macrophages, resulting in an experimentally validated vulnerable plaque phenotype. Furthermore, IgG antibodies enhanced smooth muscle cell proliferation in vitro in an Fc receptor–dependent manner, and antibody-deficient mice had decreased neointimal hyperplasia formation in vivo. These IgG antibodies were shown to be derived from germinal centers, and mice genetically deficient for germinal center formation had strongly reduced atherosclerosis plaque formation. mRNA sequencing of aortas revealed that antibodies are required for the sufficient expression of multiple signal-induced and growth-promoting transcription factors and that aortas undergo large-scale metabolic reprograming in their absence. Using an elastase model, we demonstrated that absence of IgG results in an increased severity of aneurysm formation.

Conclusions:
We propose that germinal center–derived IgG antibodies promote the size and stability of atherosclerosis plaques, through promoting arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation and maintaining the molecular identity of the aorta. These results could have implications for therapies that target B cells or B–T-cell interactions because the loss of humoral immunity leads to a smaller but less stable plaque phenotype.
Effective Cloud Detection and Segmentation Using a Gradient-Based Algorithm for Satellite Imagery: Application to Improve PERSIANN-CCS
Authors: Hayatbini Negin , Hsu Kuo-lin , Sorooshian Soroosh , Zhang Yunji , Zhang Fuqing 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
The effective identification of clouds and monitoring of their evolution are important toward more accurate quantitative precipitation estimation and forecast. In this study, a new gradient-based cloud-image segmentation algorithm is developed using image processing techniques. This method integrates morphological image gradient magnitudes to separate cloud systems and patches boundaries. A varying scale kernel is implemented to reduce the sensitivity of image segmentation to noise and to capture objects with various finenesses of the edges in remote sensing images. The proposed method is flexible and extendable from single to multispectral imagery. Case studies were carried out to validate the algorithm by applying the proposed segmentation algorithm to synthetic radiances for channels of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-16) simulated by a high-resolution weather prediction model. The proposed method compares favorably with the existing cloud-patch-based segmentation technique implemented in the Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information Using Artificial Neural Networks–Cloud Classification System (PERSIANN-CCS) rainfall retrieval algorithm. Evaluation of event-based images indicates that the proposed algorithm has potentials comparing to the conventional segmentation technique used in PERSIANN-CCS to improve rain detection and estimation skills with an accuracy rate of up to 98% in identifying cloud regions.
Clinical stages of colorectal cancer diagnosed in obese and overweight individuals in the Polish Colonoscopy Screening Program
Authors: Spychalski Piotr , Kobiela Jarek , Wieszczy Paulina , Kamiński Michał F , Reguła Jarosław 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundObesity is a known risk factor of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, precise interconnections between excessive body fat and CRC are still vague. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess whether stage of CRC detected in overweight and obese individuals differs from individuals with normal body mass index (BMI). A secondary aim of this study was to elucidate whether overweight and obesity influence the overall survival in CRC.MethodsThis study was a cross‐sectional analysis of 163,129 individuals who underwent screening colonoscopy performed on data from a prospectively maintained database of the Polish Colonoscopy Screening Program.ResultsOverweight and obese individuals present with a less advanced CRC in screening setting (p = 0.014). This trend is the most pronounced in males (p = 0.001). Univariable and multivariable analyses revealed that obesity was a negative predictor of detection of advanced CRC with odds ratio 0.72 (95% confidence interval 0.52–1.00; p = 0.047). Furthermore, overweight and obesity were not statistically significant predictors of risk of death (p = 0.614 and p = 0.446, respectively).ConclusionsObese screenees present with a less advanced disease in comparison to non‐obese. Moreover, survival stratified by clinical stage seems to not be influenced by BMI category. Therefore, a higher proportion of early diagnosed cancers can potentially create a survival benefit in this group.
Longitudinal associations of affective symptoms with mid-life cognitive function: evidence from a British birth cohort
Authors: John Amber , James Sarah-Naomi , Patel Urvisha , Rusted Jennifer , Richards Marcus , Gaysina Darya 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundAffective disorders are associated with poorer cognition in older adults; however, whether this association can already be observed in mid-life remains unclear.AimsTo investigate the effects of affective symptoms over a period of 30 years on mid-life cognitive function. First, we explored whether timing (sensitive period) or persistence (accumulation) of affective symptoms predicted cognitive function. Second, we tested how different longitudinal trajectories of affective symptoms were associated with cognitive function.MethodThe study used data from the National Child Development Study. Memory, verbal fluency, information processing speed and accuracy were measured at age 50. Affective symptoms were measured at ages 23, 33, 42 and 50 and used to derive longitudinal trajectories. A structured modelling approach compared a set of nested models in order to test accumulation versus sensitive period hypotheses. Linear regressions and structural equation modelling were used to test for longitudinal associations of affective symptoms with cognitive function.ResultsAccumulation of affective symptoms was found to be the best fit for the data, with persistent affective symptoms being associated with poorer immediate memory (b = −0.07, s.e. = 0.03, P = 0.01), delayed memory (b = −0.13, s.e. = 0.04, P < 0.001) and information processing accuracy (b = 0.18, s.e. = 0.08, P = 0.03), but not with information processing speed (b = 3.15, s.e. = 1.89, P = 0.10). Longitudinal trajectories of repeated affective symptoms were associated with poorer memory, verbal fluency and information processing accuracy.ConclusionsPersistent affective symptoms can affect cognitive function in mid-life. Effective management of affective disorders to prevent recurrence may reduce risk of poor cognitive outcomes and promote healthy cognitive ageing.Declaration of interestNone.