bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human host defence peptide LL37 and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody in early inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Hitchon Carol A , Meng Xiaobo , El Gabalawy Hani S , Larcombe Linda 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveAntibodies to citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP) develop in individuals predisposed to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Neutrophil extracellular traps are a major source of citrullinated antigens and the immunomodulatory host defence peptide LL-37. Vitamin D regulates LL-37 expression. This study assessed the associations of LL-37 and anti-CCP, vitamin D metabolites and vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms in early inflammatory arthritis (EIA).MethodsSerum LL-37, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25OHvitD) and anti-CCP were measured by ELISA in treatment naïve EIA (n = 181). VDR single nucleotide polymorphisms (Fok1, Bsm1, Apa1, Taq1, Cdx-2) and HLADRB1 shared epitope (SE) alleles were detected by DNA amplification. Associations were tested in multivariable models. Median (25%, 75%) or percentiles are reported.ResultsParticipants (70 % female, age 56 [45, 66] years, disease activity score [DAS28ESR3var] 3.7 [2.8, 4.8], 41 % anti-CCP positive, 68 % RA) had low serum 25OHvitD; 20.5 nmol/L (13.9, 29.0). In multivariable models, controlling for age, sex, SE, smoking and vitamin D deficiency, LL37 level (top quartile) associated with anti-CCP seropositivity (OR 22; 95% CI 4 to 104).ConclusionsLevels of circulating LL-37 are associated with anti-CCP seropositivity. LL37 activity may be one mechanism linking infection and toxin exposure to anti-CCP generation.
Just Google it! Impact of media coverage of an outbreak of high-level azithromycin-resistantNeisseria gonorrhoeaeon online searches, and attendances, testing and diagnoses at sexual health clinics in England between 2015 and 2016: an interrupted time series analysis using surveillance data
Authors: Smolarchuk Christa , Mohammed Hamish , Furegato Martina , Town Katy , Fifer Helen , Wilson Janet , Nardone Anthony , Lee Andrew , Hughes Gwenda 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesTo determine if media coverage of an outbreak of high-level azithromycin-resistantNeisseria gonorrhoeae(HL-AziR) impacted online search interest or was temporally associated with health-seeking behaviours in several English cities.MethodsA descriptive analysis of outbreak-related online media articles and relative search interest (RSI) using Google and an interrupted time series analysis using routine surveillance data from sexual health clinics (SHCs) in England (GUMCAD STI surveillance system). The main outcomes were adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of weekly attendances, gonorrhoea tests and diagnoses of gonorrhoea or ‘any STI’ in selected cities after media coverage of the outbreak in 2015 and 2016.ResultsRSI for outbreak-related terms peaked during media coverage in September 2015 with smaller peaks coinciding with subsequent coverage. The greatest increase in RSI was in Leeds, which coincided with a 63% rise (n=1932; IRR 1.26, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.43) in SHC attendances by women. There was only a 7% (n=1358; IRR 1.01, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.11) increase in attendances by men. Modest increases in outcomes occurred in four other cities with a high RSI. There was no evidence of increases in outcomes in cities, other than Leeds, after subsequent media coverage of the outbreak.ConclusionsNational and local media coverage of the HL-AziR outbreak coincided with peak RSI for related terms, and a transient increase in attendances, gonorrhoea tests and diagnoses of gonorrhoea or ‘any STI’ in some cities with a high RSI. Our analysis demonstrates the potential for media coverage to influence health-seeking behaviours during high-profile STI outbreaks.
‘The lesser devil you don’t know’: a qualitative study of smokers’ responses to messages communicating comparative risk of electronic and combusted cigarettes
Authors: Owusu Daniel , Lawley Rachel , Yang Bo , Henderson Katherine , Bethea Brittaney , LaRose Christopher , Stallworth Sam , Popova Lucy 
Published: April 2019

IntroductionCommunicating to smokers that e-cigarettes deliver lower levels of harmful chemicals than combusted cigarettes is a challenging issue. This study qualitatively explored smokers’ interpretations of messages communicating the risk of e-cigarettes relative to cigarettes (comparative risk messages).MethodWe developed 12 print comparative risk messages and evaluated them in 12 focus groups with 72 adult smokers (18+ years old) in Atlanta, Georgia.ResultsParticipants interpreted uncertainty about health effects of e-cigarettes as an indicator of significant unknown risks, which some believed to be potentially more severe than the known effects of cigarettes (such as cancer and heart disease). Also, participants were sceptical about the lower risk claims. Some participants misinterpreted what ‘switching completely’ or ‘switching 100% of the time’ means, perceiving switching from e-cigarettes to combusted cigarettes as comparable with the use of both products. When chemicals in e-cigarettes were mentioned (eg, nicotine or formaldehyde), participants viewed e-cigarettes as very harmful and had difficulty reconciling this belief with the reduced risk claim. Comparative risk messages emphasising smoking risks were perceived as effective. Participants also appreciated being given an option to switch if they cannot quit. Participants suggested the inclusion of more facts and statistics and a credible message source (eg, public health agencies) to increase message effectiveness.ConclusionComparative risk messages may be more acceptable to smokers if they show direct comparisons of the number of toxic chemicals in cigarettes and e-cigarettes, are attributed to a credible source(s), and emphasise smoking risks.
A Meta-Analysis of the Surgical Availability and Morphology of the Plantaris Tendon
Authors: Yammine Kaissar , Saghie Said , Assi Chahine 
Published: April 2019

Background: The tendon of the plantaris muscle (PM) is highly relevant in surgical practice. It is used as a graft for tendon/ligament repair or reconstruction in hand surgery whenever palmaris longus (PL) is lacking. Its occurrence in humans is reported to be high. Methods: A meta-analysis based on cadaveric studies was conducted to quantitatively assess PM frequency and size. Results: Data from 41 studies including 10062 leg specimens yielded the following: overall true prevalence ≈ 93%, overall crude prevalence = 90.6%, bilateral prevalence ≈ 92%, significantly more frequent on the right side, no gender significance, and no significant differences between ethnicities except that of Brazilian populations. The pooled mean length (± SD) of the PM tendon (PT) was 30.63 ± 5.87 cm and that of its width was 3.68 ± 1.37 mm. Pooled frequencies of the types of PT insertion are reported. Conclusions: This meta-analysis demonstrated a higher prevalence of PM when compared to clinical PL frequency in the literature with a tendon length double than that of PL along with an acceptable width. The surgical availability of the PM tendon was found stable across human populations; a clinical advantage when compared to the high variability of PL ethnicity-based frequency. Our results indicate that the PT is of high clinical relevance as a reliable and suitable resource for tendon grafting and reconstruction.
Effects of Beta-Blockers on Cardiovascular Events and Mortality in Dialysis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jin Jingjing , Guo Xiaoyang , Yu Qiyao 
Published: April 2019

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The effects of beta-blockers are uncertain in dialysis patients. Except antihypertension, β-blockers may play a unique cardiovascular protective role in the population. This meta-analysis aimed to explore the effects of β-blockers therapy in adult patients treated with dialysis. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library from inception to May 2018 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies about the role of β-blockers on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, cardiovascular events, or hospitalizations in dialysis population. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Three RCTs and 9 observational studies met the predefined inclusion criteria. The RCTs showed significant association between β-blockers and reduced all-cause mortality (<i>n</i> = 363; risk ratio [RR] 0.73; 95% CI 0.54–0.97), cardiovascular mortality (<i>n</i> = 314; RR 0.44; 95% CI 0.29–0.68), cardiovascular events (<i>n</i> = 363; RR 0.52; 95% CI 0.31–0.88), or hospitalizations (<i>n</i> = 314; RR 0.61; 95% CI 0.48–0.78) in dialysis patients. The observational studies showed significant difference in all-cause mortality (<i>n</i> = 35,233; hazard ratio [HR] 0.86; 95% CI 0.80–0.92) between β-blockers and no β-blockers therapy in patients with dialysis, while the studies showed no difference in cardiovascular mortality (<i>n</i> = 19,413; HR 0.79; 95% CI 0.57–1.11), or cardiovascular events (<i>n</i> = 87,060; HR 0.79; 95% CI 0.50–1.26). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> β-blockers seem to be associated with reduced mortality in patients on dialysis. Both the statistical heterogeneity in observational studies and the small number of participants and studies in RCTs limit the strength of these findings. Video Journal Club “Cappuccino with Claudio Ronco” at https://www.karger.com/Journal/ArticleNews/496083?sponsor=52
Serum Concentration of Indoxyl Sulfate in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients and Low-Flux Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Xie Ting , Bao Manchen , Zhang Pan , Jiao Xiaoyan , Zou Jianzhou , Ding Xiaoqiang , Cao Xuesen , Yu Xiaofang 
Published: April 2019

<b><i>Background/Aims:</i></b> To compare the serum concentration of Indoxyl sulfate (IS) in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and low-flux hemodialysis (HD), and analyze the risk factors associated with IS. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We performed a single-center, cross-sectional observational study including 169 patients on CAPD and 115 patients on low-flux HD. Patients were divided into the anuric HD group, anuric peritoneal dialysis (PD) group, and non-anuric PD group on the basis of dialysis modality and residual urinary output. Serum concentration of IS was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. <b><i>Results:</i></b> After matching the urinary volume and dialysis vintage, 58 anuric patients on PD and 58 anuric patients on HD were enrolled. The serum level of IS was significantly lower in patients on PD than that in those on HD (28.05 ± 13.98 vs. 39.64 ± 18.25 μg/mL; <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). This result persisted even after adjustment for confounding risk factors including nutritional status (β = 0.338, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). In addition, the serum level of IS was significantly lower in non-anuric PD patients than that anuric PD patients (18.70 ± 11.21 vs. 28.05 ± 13.98 μg/mL; <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). After the adjustment for risk factors such as dialysis vintage, IS serum concentration in patients on PD was still significantly correlated with residual renal function (RRF; β = –0.355, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Dialysis modality is the independent risk factor of IS serum concentration and it is substantially lower in patients on CAPD than that in those on low-flux HD. Additionally, RRF was independently associated with IS serum concentration in CAPD patients, and the better the RRF is, the lower IS serum concentration.
Intravenous Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients With History of Stroke Plus Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ehrlich Matthew E. , Liang Li , Xu Haolin , Kosinski Andrzej S. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Schwamm Lee H. , Smith Eric E. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Peterson Eric D. , Xian Ying 
Published: April 2019

Background and Purpose—
Acute ischemic stroke patients with history of prior ischemic stroke plus concomitant diabetes mellitus (DM) were excluded from the ECASS III trial (European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study) because of safety concerns. However, there are few data on use of intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage or outcomes in this population.

Methods—
Using data from the Get With The Guidelines–Stroke Registry between February 2009 and September 2017 (n=1619 hospitals), we examined characteristics and outcomes among patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with tissue-type plasminogen activator within the 3- to 4.5-hour window who had a history of stroke plus diabetes mellitus (HxS+DM) (n=2129) versus those without either history (n=16 690).

Results—

Compared with patients without either history, those with both prior stroke and DM treated with tissue-type plasminogen activator after an acute ischemic stroke had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in addition to history of stroke, DM, and more severe stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale: median, 8 [interquartile range, 5–15] versus 7 [4–13]). The unadjusted rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and in-hospital mortality were 4.3% (HxS+DM) versus 3.8% (without either history;
P
=0.31) and 6.2% versus 5.5% (
P
=0.20), respectively. These differences were not statistically significant after risk adjustment (symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage: adjusted odds ratio, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.51–1.21];
P
=0.28; in-hospital mortality: odds ratio, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.52–1.14];
P
=0.19). Unadjusted rate of functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–2) at discharge was lower in those with HxS+DM (30.9% HxS+DM versus 44.8% without either history;
P
≤0.0001), and this difference persisted after adjusting for baseline clinical factors (adjusted odds ratio, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.59–0.99];
P
=0.04).

Conclusions—
Among patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator within the 3- to 4.5-hour window, HxS+DM was not associated with statistically significant increased symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage or mortality risk.
The Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, Ocean Ecosystem Mission: Status, Science, Advances
Authors: Werdell P. Jeremy , Behrenfeld Michael J. , Bontempi Paula S. , Boss Emmanuel , Cairns Brian , Davis Gary T. , Franz Bryan A. , Gliese Ulrik B. , Gorman Eric T. , Hasekamp Otto , Knobelspiesse Kirk D. , Mannino Antonio , Martins J. Vanderlei , McClain Charles R. , Meister Gerhard , Remer Lorraine A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, Ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission represents the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) next investment in satellite ocean color and the study of Earth’s ocean–atmosphere system, enabling new insights into oceanographic and atmospheric responses to Earth’s changing climate. PACE objectives include extending systematic cloud, aerosol, and ocean biological and biogeochemical data records, making essential ocean color measurements to further understand marine carbon cycles, food-web processes, and ecosystem responses to a changing climate, and improving knowledge of how aerosols influence ocean ecosystems and, conversely, how ocean ecosystems and photochemical processes affect the atmosphere. PACE objectives also encompass management of fisheries, large freshwater bodies, and air and water quality and reducing uncertainties in climate and radiative forcing models of the Earth system. PACE observations will provide information on radiative properties of land surfaces and characterization of the vegetation and soils that dominate their reflectance. The primary PACE instrument is a spectrometer that spans the ultraviolet to shortwave-infrared wavelengths, with a ground sample distance of 1 km at nadir. This payload is complemented by two multiangle polarimeters with spectral ranges that span the visible to near-infrared region. Scheduled for launch in late 2022 to early 2023, the PACE observatory will enable significant advances in the study of Earth’s biogeochemistry, carbon cycle, clouds, hydrosols, and aerosols in the ocean–atmosphere–land system. Here, we present an overview of the PACE mission, including its developmental history, science objectives, instrument payload, observatory characteristics, and data products.
Limits on the Extent of the Solsticial Hadley Cell: The Role of Planetary Rotation
Authors: Singh Martin S. 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
The role of planetary rotation in limiting the extent of the cross-equatorial solsticial Hadley cell (SHC) is investigated using idealized simulations with an aquaplanet general circulation model run under perpetual-solstice conditions. Consistent with previous studies that include a seasonal cycle, the SHC extent increases with decreasing rotation rate, and it occupies the entire globe for sufficiently low planetary rotation rates. A simple theory for the summer-hemisphere extent of the SHC is constructed in which it is assumed that the SHC occupies regions for which a hypothetical radiative–convective equilibrium state is physically unattainable. The theory predicts that the SHC extends farther into the summer hemisphere as the rotation rate is decreased, qualitatively reproducing the behavior of the simulations, but it generally underestimates the simulated SHC extent. A diagnostic theory for the summer-hemisphere SHC extent is then developed based on the assumptions of slantwise convective neutrality and conservation of angular momentum within the Hadley cell. The theory relates the structure of the SHC in the summer hemisphere to the distribution of boundary layer entropy in the dynamically equilibrated simulations. The resultant diagnostic for the SHC extent generalizes the convective quasi-equilibrium-based constraint of Privé and Plumb, in which the position of rain belts is related to maxima in the low-level entropy distribution.
Noninstantaneous Wave-CISK for the Interaction between Convective Heating and Low-Level Moisture Convergence in the Tropics
Authors: Liu Yan , Tan Zhe-Min , Wu Zhaohua 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
The interaction between tropical convective heating and thermally forced circulation is investigated using a global dry primitive-equation model with the parameterization of wave-conditional instability of the second kind (CISK). It is demonstrated that deep convective heating can hardly sustain itself through the moisture convergence at low levels regardless of the fraction of immediate consumption of converged moisture. In contrast, when the fraction is large, shallow convective heating and its forced circulation exhibit preferred growth of small scales. As the “CISK catastrophe” mainly comes from the instantaneous characters of moisture–convection feedback in the conventional wave-CISK, a noninstantaneous wave-CISK is proposed, which highlights the accumulation–consumption (AC) time scale for the convective heating accumulation and/or the converged moisture consumption. In the new wave-CISK, once moisture is converged, the release of latent heat takes place gradually within an AC time scale. In this sense, convective heating is not only related to the instantaneous moisture convergence at the current time, but also to that which occurred in the past period of the AC time scale. The noninstantaneous wave-CISK could guarantee the occurrence of convective heating and/or moisture convergence at larger scales, and then favor the growth of long waves, and thus solve the problem of CISK catastrophe. With the new wave-CISK and AC time scale of 2 days, the simulated convective heating-driven system bears a large similarity to that of the observed convectively coupled Kelvin wave.
Representation of Precipitation Characteristics and Extremes in Regional Reanalyses and Satellite- and Gauge-Based Estimates over Western and Central Europe
Authors: Lockhoff M. , Zolina O. , Simmer C. , Schulz J. 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
This paper evaluates several daily precipitation products over western and central Europe, identifies and documents their respective strengths and shortcomings, and relates these to uncertainties associated with each of the products. We analyze one gauge-based, three satellite-based, and two reanalysis-based products using high-density rain gauge observations as reference. First, we assess spatial patterns and frequency distributions using aggregated statistics. Then, we determine the skill of precipitation event detection from these products with a focus on extremes, using temporally and spatially matched pairs of precipitation estimates. The results show that the quality of the datasets largely depends on the region, season, and precipitation characteristic addressed. The satellite and the reanalysis precipitation products are found to have difficulties in accurately representing precipitation frequency with local overestimations of more than 40%, which occur mostly in dry regions (all products) as well as along coastlines and over cold/frozen surfaces (satellite-based products). The frequency distributions of wet-day intensities are generally well reproduced by all products. Concerning the frequency distributions of wet-spell durations, the satellite-based products are found to have clear deficiencies for maritime-influenced precipitation regimes. Moreover, the analysis of the detection of extreme precipitation events reveals that none of the non-station-based datasets shows skill at the shortest temporal and spatial scales (1 day, 0.25°), but at and above the 3-day and 1.25° scale the products start to exhibit skill over large parts of the domain. Added value compared to coarser-resolution global benchmark products is found both for reanalysis and satellite-based products.
Middle Turbinate Friendly Technique for Cribriform Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Repair
Authors: Luk Lauren J. , Ikeda Allison , Wise Sarah K. , DelGaudio John M. 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveTo compare surgical outcomes between 2 techniques for cribriform cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSF) repair with middle turbinate preservation (MTP) vs middle turbinate resection (MTR). A secondary outcome is to examine the effectiveness of collagen dura matrix (CDM) as a grafting material for repair of isolated cribriform skull base defects.Study DesignA retrospective chart review was performed of consecutive patients who underwent cribriform CSF repair at Emory University over the past 15 years.SettingTertiary care rhinology practice.SubjectsAdult patients with cribriform defects limited to the cribriform plate that did not extend lateral to the middle turbinate (MT) and were reconstructed with a free graft (mucosal or synthetic).MethodsPatients were stratified into 2 primary groups by surgical technique: MTP vs MTR. A subset of patients underwent repair with CDM alone and was analyzed separately for CSF repair failure rate.ResultsOf 68 patients identified with cribriform defects, 42 underwent repair with MTP and 26 underwent repair with MTR. Average follow‐up time was 495 days. Patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension were also equally distributed (P =. 20). Primary CSF leak repair success was 95.6%, with 100% of leaks ultimately repaired. A subset of 39 patients underwent repair with CDM alone, with a primary repair success rate of 94.9%.ConclusionsWe present an effective method for repair of cribriform CSF leaks while preserving the MT. CDM can be successfully used as a free graft alone for repair of isolated cribriform CSF leaks.