bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coagulation Pathways, Hemostasis, and Thrombosis in Liver Failure
Authors: Davis Jessica , Caldwell Stephen , Intagliata Nicolas 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAchieving hemostasis, preventing and treating thrombosis, and laboratory measurement of the hemostatic pathways constitute the core elements of managing the critically ill patient with liver failure. Uncontrolled bleeding in acutely decompensated cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure is probably the most familiar clinical challenge to intensivists. Bleeding in these patients can be broadly divided into pressure-driven (portal hypertension-related) bleeding with only limited dependence on hemostatic pathways and intractable mucosal/wound bleeding, which is much more directly related to a severely disturbed hemostatic system with imbalances in the coagulation cascade and the fibrinolytic system. Both types of bleeding can occur simultaneously and may even coexist with inappropriate thrombosis such as portal vein thrombosis or venous thromboembolism. Due to the fundamental role of the liver in coagulation factor synthesis and its direct and indirect regulation of nearly all aspects of the hemostatic system, laboratory measurements of coagulation pathways also constitute key aspects of all prognostic scores that guide clinical decisions and forecast optimal interventions in both acute and chronic forms of liver failure.
Early Pregnancy Hemoglobin A1C and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Chen Lu , Pocobelli Gaia , Yu Onchee , Shortreed Susan M. , Osmundson Sarah S. , Fuller Sharon , Wartko Paige D. , Mcculloch David , Warwick Susan , Newton Katherine M. , Dublin Sascha 
Published: November 2018

Objective Women with prediabetes are identified from screening for overt diabetes in early pregnancy, but the clinical significance of prediabetes in pregnancy is unclear. We examined whether prediabetes in early pregnancy was associated with risks of adverse outcomes.
Study Design We conducted a retrospective cohort study of pregnant women enrolled in Kaiser Permanente Washington from 2011 to 2014. Early pregnancy hemoglobin A1C (A1C) values, covariates, and outcomes were ascertained from electronic medical records and state birth certificates. Women with prediabetes (A1C of 5.7–6.4%) were compared with those with normal A1C levels (<5.7%) for risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and other outcomes including preeclampsia, primary cesarean delivery, induction of labor, large/small for gestational age, preterm birth, and macrosomia. We used modified Poisson's regression to calculate adjusted relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results Of 7,020 women, 239 (3.4%) had prediabetes. GDM developed in 48% of prediabetic women compared with 11% of women with normal A1C levels (adjusted RR: 2.8, 95% CI: 2.4–3.3). Prediabetes was not associated with all other adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Conclusion Prediabetes in early pregnancy is a risk factor for GDM. Future research is needed to elucidate whether early intervention may reduce this risk.
Lonely but avoidant—the unfortunate juxtaposition of loneliness and self-disgust
Authors: Ypsilanti Antonia 
Published: November 2018

AbstractLoneliness is prevalent worldwide and is a known risk factor for numerous physical and mental health outcomes. The health consequences of chronic loneliness coupled with the cost on public health care has necessitated the development of interventions and campaigns to end loneliness globally. According to a recent meta-analysis, such interventions focus on improving social skills, increasing opportunities for social contact/support (i.e., reducing social isolation) or addressing maladaptive cognition (e.g., irrational thoughts, self-defeating, and self-blame thoughts). The results showed that changing maladaptive thoughts offer “the best chance” for alleviating feelings of loneliness. In accordance with the latter approach, this paper proposes a new paradigm in understanding and treating loneliness that takes into account self-disgust, an aversive self-conscious affective state that reflects disgust directed towards the self. Based on findings from published and unpublished data, it is argued that interventions against loneliness that focus exclusively on improving social skills and increasing opportunities for social contact may be ineffective because lonelier people experience more self-disgust, which makes them more socially inhibited and reluctant to connect with other people. Future interventions should consider self-disgust in the treatment of loneliness and explore ways to counter feelings of self-disgust.
Graphene − quantum dot hybrid nanostructures with controlled optical and photoelectric properties for solar cell applications
Authors: Sokolov Pavel M. , Zvaigzne Maria A. , Krivenkov Victor A. , Litvin Alexander P. , Baranov Alexander V. , Fedorov Anatoly V. , Samokhvalov Pavel S. , Nabiev Igor R. 
Published: November 2018

State-of-the-art research related to increasing the efficiency and reducing the cost of solar energy converters is analyzed. An approach to solving these issues is to introduce graphene and its derivatives into the photoactive layer of solar cells. These materials have record high charge carrier mobility at normal temperatures and low absorption cross-sections of solar radiation. The review considers chemical materials science methods and nanotechnology approaches to the design of 2D hybrid structures based on graphene and quantum dots. Examples of their most successful use in solar cells are given and promising areas of research and development in this field are formulated.
The bibliography includes 173 references.
Biology and ecology.
Authors: Adkins S. W. , McClay A. , Bajwa A. A. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

This chapter provides comprehensive information on the overall biology and ecology of parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus). It provides specific details on the taxonomy, plant distinguishing characteristics, its likely centre of origin, genetics and intraspecific diversity, growth, reproduction and phenology, seed biology (including seed production, dispersal, dormancy, germination, longevity and seed bank), population dynamics and preferred climatic requirements for growth. The chapter also highlights how various biological and ecological characteristics of parthenium weed, such as its morphological attributes, biological plasticity, intermediate photosynthesis mechanism, allelopathy, stress tolerance, competitive ability and long-lived seeds, make it one of the most successful global invasive species.
Coordination of management.
Authors: Asad Shabbir Asad Shabbir , Sushilkumar Sushilkumar , Macdonald I. A. W. , Terblanche C. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

In this chapter, the critically important role that coordination and awareness can play in managing parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) is addressed. Of all the invaded countries, only Australia and South Africa have put in place well-developed national coordinated strategies for the management of parthenium weed. This chapter describes in detail the major components of Australian and South African coordination strategies and discusses their role in containment of weed spread. The role of public awareness campaigns in highlighting the issue of parthenium weed is also mentioned, followed by a discussion on the potential role of societies, action groups and international networks in creating awareness and linkages on parthenium weed.
History and management - East and North Africa, and the Middle East.
Authors: McConnachie A. , Witt A. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

This chapter outline the history of invasions, background, spread and management (using physical, chemical, biological, cultural, and utilization strategies) of parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) in East and North Africa, and the Middle East. The future of the parthenium weed invasion in these countries is currently at a crossroads. While there is presently heightened awareness throughout most of the region, due to international programmes such as the RBIPMA ('Removing Barriers to Invasive Plant Management in Africa') and USAID IPM-CRSP (United States Agency for International Development under the Integrated Pest Management Collaborative Research Support Programme) projects, there need to be permanent, coordinated management resolutions made for not only parthenium weed but all invasive plants.
Tantalizing dilemma in risk prediction from disease scoring statistics
Authors: Awany Denis , Allali Imane , Chimusa Emile R 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Over the past decade, human host genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have contributed greatly to our understanding of the impact of host genetics on phenotypes. Recently, the microbiome has been recognized as a complex trait in host genetic variation, leading to microbiome GWAS (mGWASs). For these, many different statistical methods and software tools have been developed for association mapping. Applications of these methods and tools have revealed several important findings; however, the establishment of causal factors and the direction of causality in the interactive role between human genetic polymorphisms, the microbiome and the host phenotypes are still a huge challenge. Here, we review disease scoring approaches in host and mGWAS and their underlying statistical methods and tools. We highlight the challenges in pinpointing the genetic-associated causal factors in host and mGWAS and discuss the role of multi-omic approach in disease scoring statistics that may provide a better understanding of human phenotypic variation by enabling further system biological experiment to establish causality.
Stem cell-like breast cancer cells with acquired resistance to metformin are sensitive to inhibitors of NADH-dependent CtBP dimerization
Authors: Banerjee Arindam , Birts Charles N , Darley Matthew , Parker Rachel , Mirnezami Alex H , West Jonathan , Cutress Ramsey I , Beers Stephen A , Rose-Zerilli Matthew J J , Blaydes Jeremy P 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAltered flux through major metabolic pathways is a hallmark of cancer cells and provides opportunities for therapy. Stem cell-like cancer (SCLC) cells can cause metastasis and therapy resistance. They possess metabolic plasticity, theoretically enabling resistance to therapies targeting a specific metabolic state. The C-terminal binding protein (CtBP) transcriptional regulators are potential therapeutic targets in highly glycolytic cancer cells, as they are activated by the glycolytic coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). However, SCLC cells commonly exist in an oxidative state with low rates of glycolysis. Metformin inhibits complex I of the mitochondrial electron transport chain; it can kill oxidative SCLC cells and has anti-cancer activity in patients. SCLC cells can acquire resistance to metformin through increased glycolysis. Given the potential for long-term metformin therapy, we have studied acquired metformin resistance in cells from the claudin-low subtype of breast cancer. Cells cultured for 8 weeks in sub-IC50 metformin concentration proliferated comparably to untreated cells and exhibited higher rates of glucose uptake. SCLC cells were enriched in metformin-adapted cultures. These SCLC cells acquired sensitivity to multiple methods of inhibition of CtBP function, including a cyclic peptide inhibitor of NADH-induced CtBP dimerization. Single-cell mRNA sequencing identified a reprogramming of epithelial–mesenchymal and stem cell gene expression in the metformin-adapted SCLC cells. These SCLC cells demonstrated an acquired dependency on one of these genes, Tenascin C. Thus, in addition to acquisition of sensitivity to glycolysis-targeting therapeutic strategies, the reprograming of gene expression in the metformin-adapted SCLC cells renders them sensitive to potential therapeutic approaches not directly linked to cell metabolism.
When is it appropriate to stop non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants before catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation? A multicentre prospective randomized study
Authors: Yu Hee Tae , Shim Jaemin , Park Junbeom , Kim Tae-Hoon , Uhm Jae-Sun , Kim Jong-Youn , Joung Boyoung , Lee Moon-Hyoung , Kim Young-Hoon , Pak Hui-Nam 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Aims
Although a recent expert consensus statement has recommended periprocedural uninterrupted (UI) non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) as a Class I indication, there have been no clear randomized trials. We investigated the safety and efficacy of UI, procedure day single-dose skipped (SDS), and 24-hour skipped (24S) NOACs in patients undergoing AF ablation.

Methods and results
In this prospective, open-label, randomized multicentre trial, 326 patients (75% male, 58 ± 11 years old) scheduled for AF catheter ablation were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to UI, SDS, and 24S at three tertiary hospitals. Bridging with low molecular weight heparin was carried out in the patients with persistent AF who were assigned to the 24S group. Dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban were assigned in order after randomization. The primary endpoint was the incidence of bleeding events within 1 month after ablation. The secondary endpoints included thrombo-embolic and other procedure-related complications. The intra-procedural heparin requirement was higher in the 24S group than others (P &lt; 0.001), and the mean activated clotting time was comparable among the groups (P = 0.139). The incidence of major bleeding up to 1 month after ablation and a post-procedural reduction in the haemoglobin levels did not significantly differ among the treatment groups and different NOACs (P &gt; 0.05). There were no fatal events or thrombo-embolic complications in all the three groups.

Conclusion
In patients undergoing AF ablation, UI NOACs and SDS or double dose skipped NOACs had a comparable efficacy and safety, regardless of the type of NOAC.
Association of tumor differentiation and prognosis in patients with rectal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy
Authors: Huang Qunsheng , Qin Huabo , Xiao Jian , He Xiaosheng , Xie Minghao , He Xin , Yao Qiuqiong , Lan Ping , Lian Lei 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Background and objective
Neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (NCRT) followed by radical resection has been a common practice for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. This study aimed to analyse the association of tumor differentiation and prognosis in rectal-cancer patients undergoing NCRT.

Methods
Patients with locally advanced, non-mucinous rectal cancer who underwent NCRT followed by radical resection between 2007 and 2017 were identified from an electronic health record system at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, China). Multivariable logistic regression and multivariate Cox regression were performed to analyse the association of response to NCRT and survival with clinicopathological characteristics of all these patients.

Results
We identified 325 patients (241 males and 84 females; mean age, 54.4 ± 11.2 years) who underwent NCRT followed by radical resection, including 26 (8.0%) with poorly-differentiated rectal cancer, 182 (56.0%) with moderately-differentiated cancer and 117 (36.0%) with well differentiated cancer. Propensity score matching analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis results showed that tumor differentiation was significantly associated with response to NCRT. In the poor differentiation and non-poor differentiation groups, the 3-year overall survival (OS) rates were 74.6 and 93.5%, respectively, whereas the 3-year local recurrence rates were 18.6 and 3.7%, respectively. Multivariable Cox regression analyses revealed that poor differentiation was an independent risk factor for local recurrence and OS.

Conclusions
Among the patients with locally advanced, non-mucinous rectal cancer, the patients with poorly-differentiated cancer who underwent NCRT had a worse response to NCRT and poorer prognosis than those with moderately- and well-differentiated diseases.
Temporal Sequence of Hearing Impairment and Cognition in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors: Armstrong Nicole M , An Yang , Ferrucci Luigi , Deal Jennifer A , Lin Frank R , Resnick Susan M 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Background
Hearing impairment (HI) could be a risk factor for cognitive decline, but cognition could plausibly also affect psychoacoustic assessment of hearing with audiometry. We examined the temporal sequence of hearing and cognitive function among nondemented, community-dwelling older adults.

Methods
Hearing and cognition were assessed between 2012 and 2015 and 2 years thereafter in 313 nondemented participants aged ≥60 years in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Poorer hearing was defined by pure-tone average of 0.5–4 kHz tones in the better-hearing ear. Cognitive measures with either visual or auditory inputs were Trail-making Test Part B; Digit Symbol Substitution Test; California Verbal Learning Test immediate recall, short delay, and long delay; Digit Span Forward/Backward; Benton Visual Retention Test; and Mini-Mental State Examination. We used linear regression models for cross-sectional associations at each timepoint and autoregressive, cross-lagged models to evaluate whether baseline hearing impairment (Time 1) predicted cognitive performance 2 years after baseline (Time 2) and vice versa.

Results
Cross-sectionally, there were no associations between poorer hearing and cognitive performance. Longitudinally, poorer hearing was associated with declines in California Verbal Learning Test immediate (β = −0.073, SE = 0.032, p = .024), short-delayed (β = −0.134, SE = 0.043, p = .002), long-delayed (β = −0.080, SE = 0.032, p = .012) recall, and Digit Span Forward (β = −0.074, SE = 0.029, p = .011).) from Time 1 to Time 2. Cognitive performance at Time 1 did not predict change in hearing status at Time 2.

Conclusions
Audiometric hearing impairment predicted short-term cognitive declines in both California Verbal Learning Test and auditory stimuli for attention.
Interviewer Effects Among Older Respondents in the European Social Survey
Authors: Beullens Koen , Loosveldt Geert , Vandenplas Caroline 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
The proportion of elderly people in general population samples is increasing. Therefore, it is becoming more important to pay special attention to older respondents when assessing the quality of data. The main hypothesis of the current article is that interviewer effects are higher in the older age-group. We use data collected in 13 countries during Round 7 of the European Social Survey. The results support the supposition that older respondents tend to need more clarification, are more prone to misunderstand the questions, and are likely to have longer interviews. In line with the expectations, we also observe that among older respondents, particularly those aged 71 and above, interviewer effects are more common than among younger respondents.
What Is the Value of Different Zika Vaccination Strategies to Prevent and Mitigate Zika Outbreaks?
Authors: Bartsch Sarah M , Asti Lindsey , Cox Sarah N , Durham David P , Randall Samuel , Hotez Peter J , Galvani Alison P , Lee Bruce Y 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Background
While the 2015–2016 Zika epidemics prompted accelerated vaccine development, decision makers need to know the potential economic value of vaccination strategies.

Methods
We developed models of Honduras, Brazil, and Puerto Rico, simulated targeting different populations for Zika vaccination (women of childbearing age, school-aged children, young adults, and everyone) and then introduced various Zika outbreaks. Sensitivity analyses varied vaccine characteristics.

Results
With a 2% attack rate ($5 vaccination), compared to no vaccination, vaccinating women of childbearing age cost $314–$1664 per case averted ($790–$4221/disability-adjusted life-year [DALY] averted) in Honduras, and saved $847–$1644/case averted in Brazil, and $3648–$4177/case averted in Puerto Rico, varying with vaccination coverage and efficacy (societal perspective). Vaccinating school-aged children cost $718–$1849/case averted (≤$5002/DALY averted) in Honduras, saved $819–$1609/case averted in Brazil, and saved $3823–$4360/case averted in Puerto Rico. Vaccinating young adults cost $310–$1666/case averted ($731–$4017/DALY averted) in Honduras, saved $953–$1703/case averted in Brazil, and saved $3857–$4372/case averted in Puerto Rico. Vaccinating everyone averted more cases but cost more, decreasing cost savings per case averted. Vaccination resulted in more cost savings and better outcomes at higher attack rates.

Conclusions
When considering transmission, while vaccinating everyone naturally averted the most cases, specifically targeting women of childbearing age or young adults was the most cost-effective.
Impact of HLA Allele-KIR Pairs on HIV Clinical Outcome in South Africa
Authors: Mori Masahiko , Leitman Ellen , Walker Bruce , Ndung’u Thumbi , Carrington Mary , Goulder Philip 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundHLA class I contributes to HIV immune control through antigen presentation to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells. In contrast to investigations of CTL, studies of NK cells in HIV control through HLA-killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) interactions remain sparse in African cohorts.MethodsTreatment-naive, chronically HIV-infected adults (N = 312) were recruited from South Africa, and the effects of HLA-KIR pairs on clinical outcome were analyzed.ResultsThere was no significant difference in viral load among all subjects with HLA alleles from the HLA-C1 group (P = .1). However, differences in HLA-C type significantly influenced viremia among 247 KIR2DL3 positives (P = .04), suggesting that specific HLA-KIR interactions contribute to immune control. Higher viral load (P = .02) and lower CD4+ T-cell counts (P = .008) were observed in subjects with HLA-C*16:01+KIR2DL3+. Longitudinal analysis showed more rapid progression to AIDS among HLA-C*16:01+KIR2DL3+ subjects (adjusted hazard ratio 1.9, P = .03) than those without this genotype, independent of CD4+ T-cell count and viral load.ConclusionsThese results highlight the existence of unique anti-HIV innate immunity within distinct populations and the contribution of KIR on NK cells and some CTLs to the well-described HLA-mediated impact on HIV disease progression.
Global production networks, regional development trajectories and smallholder livelihoods in the Global South
Authors: Vicol Mark , Fold Niels , Pritchard Bill , Neilson Jeffrey 
Published: November 2018

AbstractRecent advances in global production network theory, known as GPN 2.0, provide a theoretically sophisticated framework for understanding the articulation of global production systems with regional development trajectories. However, this framework was largely derived from lessons out of empirical analyses of the strategic coupling and value capture trajectories of firms in certain manufacturing and service sector ‘hot spots’, primarily in East and Southeast Asia, and its wider applicability for other contexts remains uncertain. This paper aims to address this lacuna by examining the potential for GPN 2.0 to understand regional development trajectories in agricultural production landscapes in the Global South dominated by smallholder-based farms that generate outputs for national and international markets. The distinctive characteristics of smallholders throw up significant challenges for the explanatory applicability of GPN 2.0 for rural development, at least as it has been developed so far. A key challenge is that smallholders cannot be considered equivalent to ‘firms’ as conceived in GPN 2.0. To overcome this problem, this paper argues for bringing a livelihoods perspective to bear on GPN 2.0. We illustrate the usefulness of this approach through reference to a case study of potato contract farming in Maharastra, India.