bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lower serum interleukin‐22 and interleukin‐35 levels are associated with disease status in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Authors: Yang Hong , Han Lu , Zhou Yun‐Jia , Ding Jie , Cai Yu , Hong Rong‐Hua , Hao Yong , Zhu De‐Sheng , Shen Xia‐Feng , Guan Yang‐Tai 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimsThe exact pathogenesis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) remains unclear. A variety of cytokines are involved, but few studies have been performed to explore the novel roles of interleukin‐22 (IL‐22) and interleukin‐35 (IL‐35) in NMOSD. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate serum levels of IL‐22 and IL‐35, and their correlations with clinical and laboratory characteristics in NMOSD.MethodsWe performed a cross‐section study, 18 patients with acute NMOSD, 23 patients with remission NMOSD, and 36 healthy controls were consecutively enrolled. Serum levels of IL‐22 and IL‐35 were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The correlations between serum IL‐22 and IL‐35 levels and clinical and laboratory characteristics were evaluated by Spearman's rank or Pearson's correlation coefficient.ResultsThe serum levels of IL‐22 and IL‐35 were significantly lower in patients with acute NMOSD and remission NMOSD than in healthy controls (IL‐22: 76.96 ± 13.62 pg/mL, 87.30 ± 12.79 pg/mL, and 94.02 ± 8.52 pg/mL, respectively, P < .0001; IL‐35: 45.52 ± 7.04 pg/mL, 57.07 ± 7.68 pg/mL, and 60.05 ± 20.181 pg/mL, respectively, P < .0001). Serum levels of IL‐35 were negatively correlated with EDSS scores and cerebrospinal fluid protein levels (r = −.5438, P = .0002 and r = −.3523, P = .0258, respectively) in all patients.ConclusionsLower serum levels of IL‐22 and IL‐35 are associated with disease status in NMOSD. Additionally, lower serum levels of IL‐35 are associated with disease severity in NMOSD.
Feasibility of perioperative volatile organic compound breath testing for prediction of paralytic ileus following laparoscopic colorectal resection
Authors: Francis N. K. , Curtis N. J. , Salib E. , de Lacy Costello B. , Lemm N. M. , Gould O. , Crilly L. , Allison J. , Ratcliffe N. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundDespite implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) and laparoscopic techniques, postoperative ileus (POI) remains frequent after colorectal surgery, impacting the patient, their recovery and health‐care resources. Presently there are no tests that reliably predict or enable early POI diagnosis. Volatile organic compounds (VC) are products of human and microbiota cellular metabolism and we hypothesised that a detectable alteration occurs in POI.MethodThis was a prospective observational study of patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection within an established ERAS programme. Standardized end‐expiratory breath sampling was performed on the morning of surgery and on the first three postoperative mornings. The concentrations of VCs commonly found in intestinal gas were analysed using selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry and GastroCH4ECK®. Feasibility data, bowel preparation, postoperative oral intake, POI and 30‐day morbidity were recorded.ResultsOf the 75 potentially eligible patients, 58 (77%) agreed to participate. Per‐protocol breath sampling was successfully completed in 94%. There were no analytical failures. Baseline and postoperative concentrations of VCs were broadly comparable and were not altered by bowel preparation or postoperative oral intake. POI developed in 14 (29%) patients. Preoperative ammonia concentration was higher in patients who developed POI [830 parts per billion (ppb) vs 510 ppb, P = 0.027]. There was an increase in the concentration of acetic acid detected on day 2 in patients who developed POI (99 ppb vs 171 ppb, P = 0.021).ConclusionRepeated VC breath sampling and analysis is feasible in the perioperative setting. An elevated ammonia concentration on the morning of surgery may be a potential predictor of POI.
A multicentre cohort study of serum and peritoneal biomarkers to predict anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer resection
Authors: Sparreboom C. L. , Komen N. , Rizopoulos D. , Verhaar A. P. , Dik W. A. , Wu Z. , van Westreenen H. L. , Doornebosch P. G. , Dekker J. W. T. , Menon A. G. , Daams F. , Lips D. , van Grevenstein W. M. U. , Karsten T. M. , Bayon Y. , Peppelenbosch M. P. , Wolthuis A. M. , D'Hoore A. , Lange J. F. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimAnastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most feared complications after rectal resection. This study aimed to assess a combination of biomarkers for early detection of AL after rectal cancer resection.MethodThis study was an international multicentre prospective cohort study. All patients received a pelvic drain after rectal cancer resection. On the first three postoperative days drain fluid was collected daily and C‐reactive protein (CRP) was measured. Matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP2), MMP9, glucose, lactate, interleukin 1‐beta (IL1β), IL6, IL10, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein and amylase were measured in the drain fluid. Prediction models for AL were built for each postoperative day using multivariate penalized logistic regression. Model performance was estimated by the c‐index for discrimination. The model with the best performance was visualized with a nomogram and calibration was plotted.ResultsA total of 292 patients were analysed; 38 (13.0%) patients suffered from AL, with a median interval to diagnosis of 6.0 (interquartile ratio 4.0–14.8) days. AL occurred less often after partial than after total mesorectal excision (4.9% vs 15.2%, P = 0.035). Of all patients with AL, 26 (68.4%) required reoperation. AL was more often treated by reoperation in patients without a diverting ileostomy (18/20 vs 8/18, P = 0.03). The prediction model for postoperative day 1 included MMP9, TNFα, diverting ileostomy and surgical technique (c‐index = 0.71). The prediction model for postoperative day 2 only included CRP (c‐index = 0.69). The prediction model for postoperative day 3 included CRP and MMP9 and obtained the best model performance (c‐index = 0.78).ConclusionThe combination of serum CRP and peritoneal MMP9 may be useful for earlier prediction of AL after rectal cancer resection. In clinical practice, this combination of biomarkers should be interpreted in the clinical context as with any other diagnostic tool.
The clinical impact of preoperative body composition differs between male and female colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Tokunaga R. , Nakagawa S. , Miyamoto Y. , Ohuchi M. , Izumi D. , Kosumi K. , Taki K. , Higashi T. , Miyata T. , Yoshida N. , Baba H. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimPatient body composition is an important indicator of metabolic status and is associated with cancer progression. Because body composition varies between men and women, we aimed to examine the difference in clinical impact of preoperative body composition according to sex.MethodWe used an integrated dataset of 559 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The association between preoperative body composition indices [body mass index (BMI), visceral to subcutaneous fat area ratio (VSR) and skeletal muscle index (SMI)] and patient outcome, clinicopathological factors and preoperative inflammation and nutritional status was analysed, comparing men and women.ResultsPreoperative low BMI and low SMI in men was significantly associated with unfavourable overall survival (OS) [BMI: hazard ratio (HR) 2.22, 95% CI 1.28–4.14, P = 0.004; SMI: HR 2.54, 95% CI 1.61–4.07, P < 0.001] and high VSR in women was significantly associated with unfavourable OS (HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.03–3.02, P = 0.040). Additionally, low SMI in men was significantly associated with deeper tumour invasion and greater distant metastasis and high VSR in women was significantly associated with advanced age, right‐sided tumour, lower total lymphocyte count and lower albumin levels. Interestingly, low BMI in men was significantly associated with deeper tumour invasion, but also with favourable inflammation and nutritional status (lower C‐reactive protein and higher albumin).ConclusionThe clinical impact of preoperative body composition differed between men and women: SMI in men and VSR in women were good prognosticators. Our findings may provide a novel insight for CRC treatment strategies.
Impacts of the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems on conservation policy and practice
Authors: Bland Lucie M. , Nicholson Emily , Miller Rebecca M. , Andrade Angela , Carré Aurélien , Etter Andres , Ferrer‐Paris José Rafael , Herrera Bernal , Kontula Tytti , Lindgaard Arild , Pliscoff Patricio , Skowno Andrew , Valderrábano Marcos , Zager Irene , Keith David A. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn 2014, the International Union for Conservation of Nature adopted the Red List of Ecosystems (RLE) criteria as the global standard for assessing risks to terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems. Five years on, it is timely to ask what impact this new initiative has had on ecosystem management and conservation. In this policy perspective, we use an impact evaluation framework to distinguish the outputs, outcomes, and impacts of the RLE since its inception. To date, 2,821 ecosystems in 100 countries have been assessed following the RLE protocol. Systematic assessments are complete or underway in 21 countries and two continental regions (the Americas and Europe). Countries with established ecosystem policy infrastructure have already used the RLE to inform legislation, land‐use planning, protected area management, monitoring and reporting, and ecosystem management. Impacts are still emerging due to varying pace and commitment to implementation across different countries. In the future, RLE indices based on systematic assessments have high potential to inform global biodiversity reporting. Expanding the coverage of RLE assessments, building capacity and political will to undertake them, and establishing stronger policy instruments to manage red‐listed ecosystems will be key to maximizing conservation impacts over the coming decades.
Risk stratification of acute pulmonary embolism based on the clot volume and right ventricular dysfunction on CT pulmonary angiography
Authors: Shen Cong , Yu Nan , Wen Leitao , Zhou Sheng , Dong Fuwen , Liu Min , Guo Youmin 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo test the feasibility of the clot volume and right ventricular dysfunction for risk stratification of acute pulmonary embolism (APE) patients.MethodsCT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) images of 158 APE patients were collected. After excluding 38 (24.1%) patients due to unsatisfactory quality, 120 APE patients (61 males and 59 females) were divided into high‐risk (n = 37) and non‐high‐risk (n = 83) groups. Clot burden was measured by an automated programme (clot volume) and by two semi‐quantitative systems (Qanadli and Mastora scores). The ratios of the right ventricular diameter to left ventricular diameter (RVd/LVd) and area (RVa/LVa) were obtained. The correlations amongst the above parameters were analysed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated to determine the efficacy of high‐risk APE. Multivariate analyses were used to identify the independent predictors.ResultsStrong positive correlations were found between the clot volume and both Qanadli score (r2 = 0.696, P < 0.001) and Mastora score (r2 = 0.728, P < 0.001), and moderate correlations were found between the clot volume and both RVd/LVd (r2 = 0.392, P < 0.001) and RVa/LVa (r2 = 0.389, P < 0.001). The clot volume contributed the highest efficacy (AUC = 0.992) for the identification of high‐risk cases, followed by Mastora score (0.968), Qanadli score (0.952), RVa/LVa (0.900) and RVd/LVd (0.892). The clot volume and RVd/LVd were two independent factors of high‐risk APE.ConclusionsThe clot volume is correlated with semi‐quantitative clot burden scores and CT measured cardiac parameters. The clot volume and RVd/LVd were two independent factors of high‐risk APE patients.
Relation of koniocellular layers of dorsal lateral geniculate to inferior pulvinar nuclei in common marmosets
Authors: Huo Bing‐Xing , Zeater Natalie , Lin Meng Kuan , Takahashi Yeonsook S. , Hanada Mitsutoshi , Nagashima Jaimi , Lee Brian C. , Hata Junichi , Zaheer Afsah , Grünert Ulrike , Miller Michael I. , Rosa Marcello G. P. , Okano Hideyuki , Martin Paul R. , Mitra Partha P. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractTraditionally, the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) and the inferior pulvinar (IPul) nucleus are considered as anatomically and functionally distinct thalamic nuclei. However, in several primate species it has also been established that the koniocellular (K) layers of LGN and parts of the IPul have a shared pattern of immunoreactivity for the calcium‐binding protein calbindin. These calbindin‐rich cells constitute a thalamic matrix system which is implicated in thalamocortical synchronisation. Further, the K layers and IPul are both involved in visual processing and have similar connections with retina and superior colliculus. Here, we confirmed the continuity between calbindin‐rich cells in LGN K layers and the central lateral division of IPul (IPulCL) in marmoset monkeys. By employing a high‐throughput neuronal tracing method, we found that both the K layers and IPulCL form comparable patterns of connections with striate and extrastriate cortices; these connections are largely different to those of the parvocellular and magnocellular laminae of LGN. Retrograde tracer‐labelled cells and anterograde tracer‐labelled axon terminals merged seamlessly from IPulCL into LGN K layers. These results support continuity between LGN K layers and IPulCL, providing an anatomical basis for functional congruity of this region of the dorsal thalamic matrix and calling into question the traditional segregation between LGN and the inferior pulvinar nucleus.
A Topical and Methodological Systematic Review of Meta‐Analyses Published in the Educational Measurement Literature
Authors: Rios Joseph A. , Ihlenfeldt Samuel D. , Dosedel Michael , Riegelman Amy 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis systematic review investigated the topics studied and reporting practices of published meta‐analyses in educational measurement. Our findings indicated that meta‐analysis is not a highly utilized methodological tool in educational measurement; on average, less than one meta‐analysis has been published per year over the past 30 years (28 meta‐analyses were published between 1986 and 2016). Within the field, researchers have utilized meta‐analysis to study three primary subject areas: test format effects, test accommodations, and predictive validity of operational testing programs. In regard to reporting practices, authors often failed to provide descriptive details of both their search strategy and sample characteristics limiting reproducibility and generalizability of findings, respectively. Furthermore, diagnostic analyses of outliers, publication bias, and statistical power were not provided for the majority of studies, putting into question the validity of inferences made from the meta‐analyses sampled. The lack of transparent and replicable practices of meta‐analyses in educational measurement is a concern for generating credible research syntheses that can assist the field in improving evidence‐based practices. Recommendations are provided for improving training and editorial standards of meta‐analytic research.
Orthostatic hypotension as a risk factor for longitudinal deterioration of cognitive function in the elderly
Authors: Zimmermann M. , Wurster I. , Lerche S. , Roeben B. , Machetanz G. , Sünkel U. , von Thaler A.‐K. , Eschweiler G. , Fallgatter A. J. , Maetzler W. , Berg D. , Brockmann K. 
Published: July 2019

Background and purposeOrthostatic hypotension is frequent with aging with a prevalence of 20%–30% in people aged 65 or older and is considered to increase the risk for coronary events, strokes and dementia. Our objective was to characterize the association of orthostatic hypotension and cognitive function longitudinally over 6 years in a large cohort of the elderly aged over 50 years.MethodsIn all, 495 participants were assessed longitudinally with the Schellong test and comprehensive cognitive testing using the extended CERAD neuropsychological test battery at baseline and after 6 years. In a subgroup of 92 participants, cerebral magnetic resonance imaging was evaluated for white matter changes using a modified version of the Fazekas score.ResultsThe prevalence of orthostatic hypotension increases with aging reaching up to 30% in participants aged >70 years. Participants with orthostatic hypotension presented with a higher vascular burden index (1.03 vs. 0.69, P ≤ 0.001), tended to have a higher prevalence of cerebral white matter hyperintensities (91.7% vs. 68.8%, P = 0.091) and showed a faster deterioration in executive and memory function (Trail Making Test B 95 vs. 87 s, P ≤ 0.001; word list learning sum −0.53 vs. 0.38, P = 0.002) compared to participants without orthostatic hypotension.ConclusionOrthostatic hypotension seems to be associated with cognitive decline longitudinally.
Cryptic phenology in plants: Case studies, implications, and recommendations
Authors: Albert Loren P. , Restrepo‐Coupe Natalia , Smith Marielle N. , Wu Jin , Chavana‐Bryant Cecilia , Prohaska Neill , Taylor Tyeen C. , Martins Giordane A. , Ciais Philippe , Mao Jiafu , Arain M. Altaf , Li Wei , Shi Xiaoying , Ricciuto Daniel M. , Huxman Travis E. , McMahon Sean M. , Saleska Scott R. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPlant phenology—the timing of cyclic or recurrent biological events in plants—offers insight into the ecology, evolution, and seasonality of plant‐mediated ecosystem processes. Traditionally studied phenologies are readily apparent, such as flowering events, germination timing, and season‐initiating budbreak. However, a broad range of phenologies that are fundamental to the ecology and evolution of plants, and to global biogeochemical cycles and climate change predictions, have been neglected because they are “cryptic”—that is, hidden from view (e.g., root production) or difficult to distinguish and interpret based on common measurements at typical scales of examination (e.g., leaf turnover in evergreen forests). We illustrate how capturing cryptic phenology can advance scientific understanding with two case studies: wood phenology in a deciduous forest of the northeastern USA and leaf phenology in tropical evergreen forests of Amazonia. Drawing on these case studies and other literature, we argue that conceptualizing and characterizing cryptic plant phenology is needed for understanding and accurate prediction at many scales from organisms to ecosystems. We recommend avenues of empirical and modeling research to accelerate discovery of cryptic phenological patterns, to understand their causes and consequences, and to represent these processes in terrestrial biosphere models.
Increased microbial growth, biomass, and turnover drive soil organic carbon accumulation at higher plant diversity
Authors: Prommer Judith , Walker Tom W. N. , Wanek Wolfgang , Braun Judith , Zezula David , Hu Yuntao , Hofhansl Florian , Richter Andreas 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSpecies‐rich plant communities have been shown to be more productive and to exhibit increased long‐term soil organic carbon (SOC) storage. Soil microorganisms are central to the conversion of plant organic matter into SOC, yet the relationship between plant diversity, soil microbial growth, turnover as well as carbon use efficiency (CUE) and SOC accumulation is unknown. As heterotrophic soil microbes are primarily carbon limited, it is important to understand how they respond to increased plant‐derived carbon inputs at higher plant species richness (PSR). We used the long‐term grassland biodiversity experiment in Jena, Germany, to examine how microbial physiology responds to changes in plant diversity and how this affects SOC content. The Jena Experiment considers different numbers of species (1–60), functional groups (1–4) as well as functional identity (small herbs, tall herbs, grasses, and legumes). We found that PSR accelerated microbial growth and turnover and increased microbial biomass and necromass. PSR also accelerated microbial respiration, but this effect was less strong than for microbial growth. In contrast, PSR did not affect microbial CUE or biomass‐specific respiration. Structural equation models revealed that PSR had direct positive effects on root biomass, and thereby on microbial growth and microbial biomass carbon. Finally, PSR increased SOC content via its positive influence on microbial biomass carbon. We suggest that PSR favors faster rates of microbial growth and turnover, likely due to greater plant productivity, resulting in higher amounts of microbial biomass and necromass that translate into the observed increase in SOC. We thus identify the microbial mechanism linking species‐rich plant communities to a carbon cycle process of importance to Earth's climate system.
Copigmentation potential of overripe seeds from sun‐dried white grapes on anthocyanins colour and stability by differential colorimetry
Authors: Rivero Francisco J. , González‐Miret Maria Lourdes , Jara‐Palacios María José , García‐Estévez Ignacio , Escribano‐Bailón María Teresa , Heredia Francisco J. , Gordillo Belén 
Published: July 2019

SummaryOverripe seeds are wine by‐products from grapes submitted to postharvest sun drying, which induce phenolic biosynthesis and polymerisation. Overripe seeds from Pedro Ximénez (PX) and Moscatel (MO) sun‐dried grapes were compared as copigments sources to modulate grape anthocyanin (GA) colour and stability in simulated wine conditions. RRLC/MS analysis proved that overripe seeds contain specific phenolic mixtures capable of inducing positive quantitative and qualitative colour changes in GAs, evidenced by differential colorimetry. Copigmentation effects significantly varied depending on the overripe seed variety, related to their qualitative phenolic composition and content. MO extracts richer in gallic acid, catechin and procyanidin B1 led to the stronger colour intensification and perceptible qualitative changes. PX extracts richer in epicatechin, procyanidins B2, B2‐GAL and B7 behaved as weak copigments. Overripe seed copigments preserved better GAs colour stability during storage leading to the formation of new anthocyanin‐derived pigments, being the stabilising effect stronger with those of MO variety.
Combustion synthesis of MgSiN2 powders and Si3N4‐MgSiN2 composite powders: Effects of processing parameters
Authors: Xu Jingkun , Hu Zunlan , Han Yao , An Di , Xie Zhipeng 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn the present work, high‐quality MgSiN2 powders were prepared by a combustion synthesis method, based on Mg‐Si3N4‐N2 system. The effects of additive content (NH4Cl or NH4F) and N2 pressure on phase composition and crystal morphology of products were investigated. The results suggested that both NH4Cl and NH4F additives alleviated agglomeration and decreased the grain size of MgSiN2. In addition, NH4Cl did not result in the formation of an extra impurity, while MgF2 residue was found when NH4F was introduced. Therefore, NH4Cl additive was considered as a better choice for the preparation of MgSiN2 powders in comparison with NH4F additive. According to the observation of some MgSiN2 whiskers and notably increased Si content under low N2 pressure, the pressure of N2 over 0.5 MPa was essential to have a complete reaction in the present work. Finally, MgSiN2‐Si3N4 composite powders with quasi‐spherical morphology were prepared by adding excessive Si3N4 and NH4Cl additive in reactant. The formation and growth mechanism of MgSiN2 grains was reasonably speculated based on the experimental results. Because of the remarkable merits, the as‐prepared Si3N4‐MgSiN2 composite powders showed great potential for alternative sintering aid in the sintering of Si3N4‐based ceramics.