bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NfL (Neurofilament Light Chain) Levels as a Predictive Marker for Long-Term Outcome After Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Uphaus Timo , Bittner Stefan , Gröschel Sonja , Steffen Falk , Muthuraman Muthuraman , Wasser Katrin , Weber-Krüger Mark , Zipp Frauke , Wachter Rolf , Gröschel Klaus 
Published: September 2019

Background and Purpose—
Ischemic stroke causes major disability as a consequence of neuronal loss and recurrent ischemic events. Biomarkers predicting tissue damage or stroke recurrence might be useful to guide an individualized stroke therapy. NfL (neurofilament light chain) is a promising biomarker that might be used for this purpose.

Methods—
We used individual data of patients with an acute ischemic stroke and clinical long term follow-up. Serum NfL (sNfL) was quantified within 24 hours after admission and after 1 year and compared with other biomarkers (GDF15 [growth differentiation factor 15], S100, NT-proBNP [N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide], ANP [atrial natriuretic peptide], and FABP [fatty acid–binding protein]). The primary end point was functional outcome after 90 days and cerebrovascular events and death (combined cardiovascular end point) within 36 months of follow-up.

Results—

Two hundred eleven patients (mean age, 68.7 years; SD, ±12.6; 41.2% women) with median clinical severity on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 3 (interquartile range, 1–5) and long-term follow-up with a median of 41.8 months (interquartile range, 40.0–44.5) were prospectively included. We observed a significant correlation between sNfL and NIHSS at hospital admission (r=0.234;
P
<0.001). sNfL levels increased with the grade of age-related white matter changes (
P
<0.001) and were able to predict unfavorable clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale score, ≥2) 90 days after stroke (odds ratio [OR], 1.562; 95% CI, 1.003–2.433;
P
=0.048) together with NIHSS (OR, 1.303; 95% CI, 1.164–1.458;
P
<0.001) and age-related white matter change rating (severe; OR, 3.326; 95% CI, 1.186–9.326;
P
=0.022). Similarly, sNfL was valuable for the prediction of the combined cardiovascular end point (OR, 2.002; 95% CI, 1.213–3.302;
P
=0.007), besides NIHSS (OR, 1.110; 95% CI, 1.000–1.232;
P
=0.049), diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.942; 95% CI, 1.306–6.630;
P
=0.005), and age-related white matter change rating (severe; OR, 4.816; 95% CI, 1.206–19.229;
P
=0.026) after multivariate regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed significantly more combined cardiovascular end points (18 [14.1%] versus 38 [45.8%], log-rank test
P
<0.001) during long-term follow-up in patients with elevated sNfL levels.

Conclusions—
sNFL is a valuable biomarker for functional independence 90 days after ischemic stroke and predicts cardiovascular long-term outcome.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.isrctn.com
. Unique identifier: ISRCTN 46104198.
Turning Water into Wine
Authors: Orozco-Giraldo Consuelo , Harris Paul L. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractYoung children judge that violations of ordinary, causal constraints are impossible. Yet children’s religious beliefs typically include the assumption that such violations can occur via divine agency in the form of miracles. We conducted two studies to examine this potential conflict. In Study 1, we invited 5- and 6-year-old Colombian children attending either a secular or a religious school to judge what is and is not possible. Children made their judgments either following a minimal prompt or following a reminder of God’s extraordinary powers. Irrespective of their education, and whether or not they had been reminded of God’s extraordinary powers, children systematically judged violations of ordinary, causal constraints to be impossible. In Study 2, we asked if more extensive reminders of God’s special powers would prompt religious children to say that the impossible can happen. Five- and 6-year-old Colombian children attending either a secular or a religious school were presented with narratives in which the protagonist desired an ordinarily impossible outcome. In half the stories, the protagonist prayed to God for the desired outcome. Irrespective of education and of whether the protagonist prayed, children systematically concluded that the desired outcome would not occur and justified that conclusion by reference to ordinary causal constraints. Nevertheless, in a minority of their replies children did assert that violations of ordinary causality are possible. Overall, irrespective of their religious education, young children judge that events rarely deviate from their natural course; only occasionally do they acknowledge exceptions.
Levirate Marriage in Beta Israel
Authors: Ziv Yosi 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The halakhah observed by the Beta Israel community is decisive and extremely detailed. This halakhic system, which was preserved and transmitted from one generation to the next as an oral tradition, can shed light on previously hidden aspects of the early halakhah. This article the examines Beta Israel practice regarding the levirate marriage (yibum), including its rationale and sources. Beta Israel refrained from performing levirate marriage. This abstention is surprising, since Beta Israel possessed the written Torah, and the Beta Israel halakhah generally follows the simple meaning of Scripture. Why, then, did this community not observe levirate marriage as set forth in the Torah? The article provides a detailed explanation of the reasons and seeks intimations in Jewish literature throughout the generations of the Beta Israel practice.
Maize Drought Hazard in the Northeast Farming Region of China: Unprecedented Events in the Current Climate
Authors: Kent Chris , Pope Edward , Dunstone Nick , Scaife Adam A. , Tian Zhan , Clark Robin , Zhang Lixia , Davie Jemma , Lewis Kirsty 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe Northeast Farming Region (NFR) of China is a critically important area of maize cultivation accounting for ~30% of national production. It is predominantly rain fed, meaning that adverse climate conditions such as drought can significantly affect productivity. Forewarning of such events, to improve contingency planning, could therefore be highly beneficial to the agricultural sector. For this, an improved estimate of drought exposure, and the associated large-scale circulation patterns, is of critical importance. We address these important questions by employing a large ensemble of initialized climate model simulations. These simulations provide 80 times as many summers as the equivalent observational dataset and highlight several limitations of the recent observational record. For example, the chance of a drought greater in area than any current observed event is approximately 5% per year, suggesting the risk of a major drought is significantly underestimated if based solely on recent events. The combination of a weakened East Asian jet stream and intensified subpolar jet are found to be associated with severe NFR drought through enhanced upper-level convergence and anomalous descent, reducing moisture and suppressing precipitation. We identify a strong 500-hPa geopotential height anomaly dipole pattern as a useful metric to identify this mechanism for relevance to seasonal predictability. This work can inform policy planning and decision-making through an improved understanding of the near-term climate exposure and form the basis of new climate services.
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B Vaccination Coverage Among Persons Who Inject Drugs and Have Evidence of Hepatitis C Infection
Authors: Koepke Ruth , Sill Danielle N. , Akhtar Wajiha Z. , Mitchell Kailynn P. , Guilfoyle Sheila M. , Westergaard Ryan P. , Schauer Stephanie L. , Vergeront James M. 
Published: September 2019

Objectives: Despite recommendations for vaccination against hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) for all adults at increased risk of infection, several US states have reported increases in HAV and HBV infections among persons who inject drugs. We investigated hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccination coverage among a sample of persons who reported injecting drugs and had evidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Methods: We searched the Wisconsin Immunization Registry for the vaccination records of persons who underwent HCV testing at syringe services programs from January 1 through August 31, 2018, and were reported to the Wisconsin Division of Public Health as having positive HCV antibody test results and a history of injection drug use. We calculated the percentage of persons who were vaccinated according to national recommendations. Results: Of 215 persons reported, 204 (94.9%) had a client record in the Wisconsin Immunization Registry. Of these 204 persons, 66 (32.4%) had received ≥1 dose of hepatitis A vaccine, 46 (22.5%) had received 2 doses of hepatitis A vaccine, and 115 (56.4%) had received 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine. Hepatitis B vaccine coverage decreased with increasing age, from 88.0% (22 of 25) among adults aged 20-24 to 30.3% (10 of 33) among adults aged 35-39. Conclusions: These findings suggest that most persons who inject drugs in Wisconsin are susceptible to HAV infection and that most persons aged ≥35 who inject drugs are susceptible to HBV infection. In addition to routine vaccination of children, targeted hepatitis vaccination programs should focus on adults who inject drugs to help prevent future infections.
Smoke-Free or Not: Attitudes Toward Indoor Smoke-Free Policies Among Permanent Supportive Housing Residents
Authors: Petersen Anne Berit , Elser Holly , Nguyen Tram , Alizaga Natalie M. , Vijayaraghavan Maya 
Published: September 2019

Purpose: Interventions for tobacco dependence are most effective when combined with smoke-free policies, yet such policies are rare in permanent supportive housing (PSH) for formerly homeless adults. We aimed to provide in-depth analysis of attitudes and barriers to and facilitators of implementing smoke-free policies in PSH. Approach: Current smokers living in PSH completed a questionnaire and participated in in-depth, semistructured interviews on smoking history, attitudes toward smoke-free policies, and perceived barriers to cessation. Setting: We collaborated with 6 San Francisco Bay Area PSH agencies. Participants: Thirty-six residents in PSH. Methods: Interviews, conducted by trained interviewers, were digitally recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis methods. Participants were recruited until we reached thematic saturation, or no new themes emerged from the interviews. Results: Over half of participants (52.8%, n = 19) reported depression, and 97.2% (n = 35) reported current substance use. Support for indoor smoking bans in living areas was modest (33.1%), although most residents anticipated cutting down (61%) and reported they would not move because of a smoking ban (77.8%). There was interest in quitting smoking, although co-use of tobacco with other substances was a major barrier. Conclusion: This study is the first to explore attitudes toward smoke-free policies in PSH. We found that residents in PSH support smoke-free policies and consider them feasible if implementation processes are sound. Our findings underscore the need to address barriers to adopting smoke-free policies and accessing smoking cessation services. In particular, interventions must address the co-use of tobacco with other substances and the impact of smoking on financial and housing stability.
Added-variable plots with confidence intervals
Authors: Gallup John Luke 
Published: September 2019

An added-variable plot is an effective way to show the correlation between an independent variable and a dependent variable conditional on other independent variables. For multivariate estimation, a simple scatterplot showing x versus y is not adequate to show the partial correlation of x with y, because it ignores the impact of the other covariates. Added-variable plots are especially effective for showing the correlation of a dummy x variable with y because the dummy variable conditional on other covariates becomes a continuous variable, making the relationship easier to visualize. Added-variable plots are also useful for spotting influential outliers in the data that affect the estimated regression parameters. Stata provides added-variable plots after ordinary least-squares regressions with the avplot command. I present a new command, avciplot, that adds a confidence interval and other options to the avplot command.
The emerging value of serum D-dimer measurement in the work-up and management of ischemic stroke
Authors: Ohara Tomoyuki , Farhoudi Mehdi , Bang Oh Young , Koga Masatoshi , Demchuk Andrew M 
Published: September 2019

Background Elevated D-dimer levels are a marker of both thrombin formation and fibrinolysis. Currently D-dimer measurement is routinely used for ruling out venous thromboembolism and diagnosis/monitoring of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Recent emerging data suggest that D-dimer may become an important biomarker in ischemic stroke as well as in cardiovascular diseases. Aims To outline the clinical utility of D-dimer in work-up and management of ischemic stroke. Summary D-dimer measurement is most useful in stroke with active cancer as it can confirm etiologic diagnosis, predict recurrent stroke risk, and aid treatment decision in cancer-associated stroke. In cryptogenic stroke, high D-dimer levels can also provide clues for the cause of stroke as occult cancer and undetected cardiac embolic source as occult atrial fibrillation and may be helpful in treatment decision making of secondary stroke prevention. Serial D-dimer measurements should be further studied to monitor antithrombotic therapy effectiveness in both cardiogenic and cryptogenic etiologies. Conclusion Accumulating data suggests the utility of D-dimer test in the management of ischemic stroke, although the evidence is still limited. Future studies would clarify the role of D-dimer measurement in ischemic stroke.
Rationalising bone scan usage in prostate cancer staging – A UK nationwide audit of the BAUS Radical Prostatectomy (RP) database
Authors: KandaSwamy Gokul Vignesh , Rai Bhavan Prasad , Narahari Krishna , Kynaston Howard 
Published: September 2019

Objective: With new evidence showing no need to perform staging bone scans (BS) in intermediate-risk prostate cancer (PC), we reviewed the practice and trends of performing BS in PC patients across the United Kingdom by analysing a cohort of PC patients from the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) radical prostatectomy (RP) database. We analysed the database as such for data entry and regional trends. Materials and methods: Between 2007 and 2016, patients who had BS were categorised according to D’Amico risk categories as low (LR), intermediate (IR) and high (HR). The IR group was subdivided into primary patterns 3 (IR3) and 4 (IR4). Subgroup analysis based on prostate-specific antigen and Gleason score was performed. Regional trends regarding data entry and no staging scans before RP were also analysed. Results: Over the study period, the database included 39,382 patients. The quality of data improved from 2011. A consistent drop in proportion of LR patients who had BS was noted over the study period which stood at less than 1% in 2016. This parallels an increase in proportion of HR patients, but the IR3 and IR4 proportion remained stable throughout the study. A large proportion of HR patients were deemed HR because of clinical T stage in the subgroup analysis. A progressive drop is noted in patients having no scan before RP, which stood at 3.66% in 2016. Out of 15 regions, 13 showed improvement in data completeness. Conclusion: In the United Kingdom, good adherence with guidelines to avoid BS in LR patients is noted but is still continued in IR. Updating the guidelines which are still not uniform and involvement of specialist multidisciplinary teams to reflect these would help reduce a considerable number of unnecessary BS being performed. Regional trends shown would help relevant centres to review their data entry process and potentially improve them. Level of evidence: not applicable for this multicentre audit.
Stakeholder perspectives on evidence for digital mental health interventions: Implications for accreditation systems
Authors: Batterham Philip J , Calear Alison L , O’Dea Bridianne , Larsen Mark E , J Kavanagh David , Titov Nickolai , March Sonja , Hickie Ian , Teesson Maree , Dear Blake F , Reynolds Julia , Lowinger Jocelyn , Thornton Louise , Gorman Patrick 
Published: September 2019

Background Digital mental health interventions can be effective for treating mental health problems, but uptake by consumers and clinicians is not optimal. The lack of an accreditation pathway for digital mental health interventions is a barrier to their uptake among clinicians and consumers. However, there are a number of factors that may contribute to whether a digital intervention is suitable for recommendation to the public. The aim of this study was to identify the types of evidence that would support the accreditation of digital interventions. Method An expert workshop was convened, including researcher, clinician, consumer (people with lived experience of a mental health condition) and policymaker representatives. Results Existing methods for assessing the evidence for digital mental health interventions were discussed by the stakeholders present at the workshop. Empirical evidence from randomised controlled trials was identified as a key component for evaluating digital interventions. However, information on the safety of users, data security, user ratings, and fidelity to clinical guidelines, along with data from routine care including adherence, engagement and clinical outcomes, were also identified as important considerations when evaluating an intervention. There are considerable challenges in weighing the evidence for a digital mental health intervention. Conclusions Empirical evidence should be the cornerstone of any accreditation system to identify appropriate digital mental health interventions. However, robust accreditation systems should also account for program and user safety, user engagement and experience, and fidelity to clinical treatment guidelines.
Total Hip Arthroplasty Outperforms Hemiarthroplasty in Patients Aged 65 Years and Older: A Propensity-Matched Study of Short-Term Outcomes
Authors: Warren Jared A. , Sundaram Kavin , Anis Hiba K. , Piuzzi Nicolas S. , Higuera Carlos A. , Kamath Atul F. 
Published: September 2019

Introduction: Displaced femoral neck fractures in the elderly individuals may be treated with total hip arthroplasty (THA) or hip hemiarthroplasty (HHA). However, it is unclear what the short-term medical outcomes are related to these surgical options. The purpose of this study was to compare early postoperative outcomes in THA patients to those of HHA patients. Methods: In this study, we compared 30-day mortality, likelihood of still being in the hospital at 30 days, postoperative major and minor complications, discharge disposition, reoperation and readmission, length of stay, days from admission to surgery, and operative time between THA and HHA. Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database, hip fracture patients ≥65 years old from 2008 to 2016 were identified. After propensity score matching, there were 2795 THAs and 2795 HHAs. To assess the effect of THA on the above-mentioned outcomes, bivariate regression models were created. Results: The THA patients ≥65 years old were at reduced risk for mortality ( P = .029) and still being in the hospital at 30 days ( P = .017). The THA patients were at an increased risk for minor complications ( P = .011) and longer operative times ( P < .001). However, THA patients were more likely to have a home discharge ( P < .001). Discussion: Patients ≥65 years who underwent THA for hip fractures had reduced short-term mortality risk, were more likely to be discharged home, and had less likelihood of being in the hospital at 30 days. This is the first study to explore short-term outcomes in patients ≥65 and has direct implications for alternate payment and merit-based payment models. Conclusion: As hip fracture treatment has come under scrutiny with respect to alternate payment models and merit-based incentive payments, this analysis of short-term outcomes warrants consideration when evaluating treatment pathways.
B-cell–specific IRF4 deletion accelerates chronic lymphocytic leukemia development by enhanced tumor immune evasion
Authors: Asslaber Daniela , Qi Yuan , Maeding Nicole , Steiner Markus , Denk Ursula , Höpner Jan Philip , Hartmann Tanja Nicole , Zaborsky Nadja , Greil Richard , Egle Alexander 
Published: September 2019

Key PointsIRF4 deletion in Tcl-1 tg mice and IRF4low CLL patients enhances disease progression due to increased tumor immune evasion. This is caused by a downregulation of the antigen processing and presentation machinery and reduced T-cell costimulation.
Improved cold tolerance in switchgrass by a novel CCCH-type zinc finger transcription factor gene, PvC3H72, associated with ICE1–CBF–COR regulon and ABA-responsive genes
Authors: Xie Zheni , Lin Wenjing , Yu Guohui , Cheng Qiang , Xu Bin , Huang Bingru 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a warm-season perennial grass. Improving its cold tolerance is important for its sustainable production in cooler regions. Through genome-wide bioinformatic analysis of switchgrass Zinc finger-CCCH genes (PvC3Hs), we found that several PvC3Hs, including PvC3H72, might play regulatory roles in plant cold tolerance. The objectives of this study were to characterize PvC3H72 using reverse genetics approach and to understand its functional role in cold signal transduction and cold tolerance in switchgrass.

Results
PvC3H72 is an intronless gene encoding a transcriptional activation factor. The expression of PvC3H72 was rapidly and highly induced by cold stress. Transgenic switchgrass with over-expressed PvC3H72 driven under maize ubiquitin promoter showed significantly improved chilling tolerance at 4 °C as demonstrated by less electrolyte leakage and higher relative water content than wild-type (WT) plants, as well as significantly higher survival rate after freezing treatment at − 5 °C. Improved cold tolerance of PvC3H72 transgenic lines was associated with significantly up-regulated expression of ICE1–CBF–COR regulon and ABA-responsive genes during cold treatment.

Conclusions
PvC3H72 was the first characterized switchgrass cold-tolerance gene and also the only Znf-CCCH family gene known as a transcription factor in plant cold tolerance. PvC3H72 was an added signaling component in plant cold tolerance associated with regulation of ICE1–CBF–COR regulon and ABA-responsive genes. Knowledge gained in this study not only added another acting component into plant cold-tolerance mechanism, but also be of high value for genetic improvement of cold tolerance in switchgrass as well as other warm-season grasses.