bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between CD16++ monocytes in peripheral blood and clinical features and short‐term therapeutic effects of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Tang Lingli , Ye Jiangfeng , Shi Yingli , Zhu Xiaoyong 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the association between CD16++ monocytes in peripheral blood and the clinical features and short‐term therapeutic effects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).MethodsThis prospective cross‐sectional study included women diagnosed with PCOS at a University Hospital in Shanghai, China, between June 4 and November 28, 2016. Patients received Diane‐35, metformin, or both combined for 3 months. We collected anthropometric measures and used flow cytometry to detect CD16++ monocytes.ResultsThe final analysis included 70 patients: 18 in the Diane‐35 group, 30 in the metformin group, and 22 in the Diane‐35 plus metformin group. The control group comprised 60 women without PCOS. The proportion of CD16++ monocytes was significantly higher in patients with PCOS than in those with no PCOS (16.05% vs 10.73%; P=0.001). The proportion differed significantly between patients with and those without hyperandrogenism (13.12% vs 17.30%; P=0.002) and showed moderate accuracy in diagnosing hyperandrogenism before treatment. We noted a decrease in monocytes post‐treatment in patients given metformin and Diane‐35 plus metformin.ConclusionsThe proportion of CD16++ monocytes was most significantly associated with hyperandrogenism before treatment. Our findings suggest that the proportion of CD16++ monocytes in peripheral blood might be related to the inflammatory condition of PCOS.
The effect of climate and land‐cover changes on runoff response in Guguf spate systems, northern Ethiopia
Authors: Negash Emnet , Gebresamuel Girmay , Embaye Tesfa‐Alem G. , Zenebe Amanuel 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIrrigated agriculture in the rainfall‐deficit semi‐arid lowlands of the Raya valley rely on spate systems to produce food crops. Climate and land‐cover dynamics upstream are, however, threatening runoff response reaching these spate systems. The objective of this study was thus to analyse the hydrological response of dryland catchments to changing climate and land cover in Guguf spate systems. Thirty‐six years of climate data were analysed using Mann–Kendall, Pettitt's test and linear regression methods, and time‐series land‐cover information extracted from Landsat satellite images in a remote‐sensing interface. The Soil Conservation Systems curve number method was then employed to formulate the likely impact of climate and land‐cover changes on runoff response, and trends analysed. Results showed that temperature, evapotranspiration and rainfall varied at least by 0.11°C, 15.2 mm and −5.1 mm yr−1 respectively, intensifying moisture stress. Moreover, improving vegetation cover in the highlands enhanced the water‐abstraction capacity of the soil, impeding the runoff curve number by 9.2%. Thus, the combined effects of climate induced moisture stress and land cover led water abstraction upstream has threatened runoff response at a rate of 0.23 × 106 m3 yr−1. In other words, the runoff response reaching Guguf spate systems degenerated by 7.96 × 106 m3 over 36 years. Such unusual highland–lowland hydrological linkage has therefore endangered the availability of surplus water to irrigate spate‐based farms downstream. Appropriate policies and strategies would therefore be desirable to address conflicting interests in scarce water resources in the face of climate change. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Review of Human Studies Assessing Cannabidiol's (CBD) Therapeutic Actions and Potential
Authors: White C. Michael 
Published: February 2019

AbstractCannabidiol (CBD) is a highly touted product for many different disorders among the lay press. Numerous CBD products are available, ranging from a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved product called Epidiolex to products created for medical marijuana dispensaries and products sold in smoke shops, convenience stores, and over the Internet. The legal status of the non–FDA‐approved products differs depending on the source of the CBD and the state, while the consistency and quality of the non–FDA‐approved products vary markedly. Without independent laboratory verification, it is impossible to know whether the labeled CBD dosage in non–FDA‐approved CBD products is correct, that the delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol content is <0.3%, and that it is free of adulteration and contamination. On the Internet, CBD has been touted for many ailments for which it has not been studied, and in those diseases with evaluable human data, it generally has weak or very weak evidence. The control of refractory seizures is a clear exception, with strong evidence of CBD's benefit. Acute CBD dosing before anxiety‐provoking events like public speaking and the chronic use of CBD in schizophrenia are promising but not proven. CBD is not risk free, with adverse events (primarily somnolence and gastrointestinal in nature) and drug interactions. CBD has been shown to increase liver function tests and needs further study to assess its impact on suicidal ideation.
High Branched‐Chain Amino Acid Concentrations Are Found in Preterm Baboons Receiving Intravenous Amino Acid Solutions and Mimic Alterations Found in Preterm Infants
Authors: Blanco Cynthia , McGill‐Vargas Lisa , Li Cun , Winter Lauryn , Nathanielsz Peter 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundParenteral amino acid (AA) nutrition administration after premature birth is necessary to ensure adequate growth and neurodevelopment. However, optimizing safety and efficacy remains a major challenge. This study investigated the effects of intravenous AA administration on plasma AA profiles in premature baboons and infants.MethodsPremature baboons were delivered by cesarean section at 125 days (67% gestation) and chronically ventilated. At 24 hours of life, a parenteral AA protocol comparable to the early and high AA regimens used in premature infants was initiated. Serial plasma AA concentrations were obtained on days of life (DOLs) 1, 3, and 7 and compared with concentrations at similar DOLs from preterm infants. Fetal baboon (165 ± 2 days; 89% gestation) and term baboon plasma AA concentrations were obtained for comparison.ResultsPremature baboons receiving early and high parenteral AA supplementation exhibited significant differences in plasma AA concentrations compared with fetuses. In particular, concentrations of leucine, isoleucine, valine, and ornithine were elevated (fold increase: 2.14, 2.03, 1.95, and 16.5, respectively; P < 0.001) on DOL 3 vs fetuses. These alterations mimicked those found in preterm infants.ConclusionEarly and high AA supplementation in extremely premature baboons significantly disrupted plasma AA concentrations. Elevated concentrations of branched‐chain AAs and ornithine raise concerns for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. These results are consistent with those found in premature human infants and emphasize the need to optimize parenteral AA solutions for the unique metabolic requirements of premature infants. Improved technologies for rapid monitoring of AA concentrations during treatment are essential.
Combating desertification through economic development in northwestern China
Authors: Feng Qi , Tian Yongzhen , Yu Tengfei , Yin Zhenliang , Cao Shixiong 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDesertification affects about 36 × 106 km2 of land around the world, two‐thirds of the world's countries and one‐fifth of its population, but poverty prevents these people from developing effective solutions. To balance the need for sustainable development with environmental protection, China's scientists have tested a new and more environmentally friendly approach based on ecological restoration projects that simultaneously provide a sustainable livelihood for the citizens affected by the projects. This strategy for controlling desertification requires cooperation among governments, scientists, and researchers from many disciplines and the communities affected by the program. To document the effectiveness of this strategy, we monitored the implementation of a programme to combat desertification in the Alxa League of China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Our study showed that the new strategy can significantly increase vegetation cover, species richness, aboveground biomass, soil organic matter content, and soil nutrients. The successful ecological restoration provides potentially important lessons for other parts of the world that face the joint burden of poverty and environmental degradation.
Does freshwater connectivity influence phosphorus retention in lakes?
Authors: Stachelek Jemma , Soranno Patricia A. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractLake water residence time and depth are known to be strong predictors of phosphorus (P) retention. However, there is substantial variation in P retention among lakes with the same depth and residence time. One potential explanatory factor for this variation is differences in freshwater connectivity of lakes (i.e., the type and amount of freshwater connections to a lake), which can influence watershed P trapping or the particulate load fraction of P delivered to lakes via stream connections. To examine the relationship between P retention and connectivity, we quantified several different measures of connectivity including those that reflect downstream transport of material (sediment, water, and nutrients) within lake‐stream networks (lake‐stream‐based metrics) as well as those that reflect transport of material from hillslope and riparian areas adjacent to watershed stream networks (stream‐based metrics). Because it is not always clear what spatial extent is appropriate for determining functional differences in connectivity among lakes, we compared connectivity metrics at two important spatial extents: the lake subwatershed extent and the lake watershed extent. We found that variation in P retention among lakes was more strongly associated with connectivity metrics measured at the broader lake watershed extent rather than metrics measured at the finer lake subwatershed extent. Our results suggest that both connectivity between lakes and streams as well as connectivity of lakes and their terrestrial watersheds influence P retention.
Polyurethane Coatings Based on Renewable White Dextrins and Isocyanate Trimers
Authors: Konieczny Jakob , Loos Katja 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe polyurethane industry is strongly dependent on fossil‐based polyols and polyisocyanates. Developing novel sustainable polyols from valuable biobased building blocks is a first step toward strong and durable development. The synthesis and properties of PU films based on pristine and acylated white dextrins (AVEDEX W80) as polyol and an aliphatic, low‐viscosity, solvent‐free triisocyanate based on hexamethylene diisocyanate (trimer—Desmodur N3300) as crosslinker is reported. After optimizing several conditions, such as the reaction time, reaction temperature, amount of solvent, isocyanate index, and amount per surface area, it is possible to obtain smooth PU films with good thermal properties.
Reticular telangiectatic erythema from implanted devices attributed to low‐grade infection with Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Wuyts Laura , Van Dyck Frederic , Kamerling Niels , Olyslaegers Christophe , Jansens Hilde , Lambert Julien , Aerts Olivier 
Published: February 2019

AbstractReticular telangiectatic erythema (RTE) is a poorly defined clinical condition occurring days, months to even years after the implantation of medical devices such as orthopaedic prostheses, neurostimulators and pacemakers. In its pathogenesis a role for Staphylococcus epidermidis has been suggested, but such cases have only rarely been reported. We describe three patients, one with a neurostimulator and two with an orthopaedic prosthesis, respectively, in whom a RTE developed and, ultimately, could be attributed to a low‐grade infection with the biofilm‐producing S. epidermidis. The devices showed no apparent technical defects and patch tests, to exclude a contact‐allergic origin of the RTE, were negative in all cases. However, an antimicrobial strategy, including antibiotic therapy and removal of the infected devices, led to complete disappearance of the RTE in all cases. The subsequent and uneventful replacement by a new, but identical, medical device, in two of three patients, further argues for a potential aetiologic role of S. epidermidis in the occurrence of some cases of—otherwise unexplained—RTE.
Functional characterization of a novel CSF1R mutation causing hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids
Authors: Kraya Torsten , Quandt Dagmar , Pfirrmann Thorsten , Kindermann Andrea , Lampe Leonie , Schroeter Matthias L. , Kohlhase Jürgen , Stoevesandt Dietrich , Hoffmann Katrin , Villavicencio‐Lorini Pablo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundColony‐stimulating factor 1 receptor is a tyrosine kinase transmembrane protein that mediates proliferation, differentiation, and survival of monocytes/macrophages and microglia. CSF1R gene mutations cause hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids (HDLS), an autosomal‐dominantly inherited microgliopathy, leading to early onset dementia with high lethality.MethodsBy interdisciplinary assessment of a complex neuropsychiatric condition in a 44‐year old female patient, we narrowed down the genetic diagnostic to CSF1R gene sequencing. Flow cytometric analyses of uncultivated peripheral blood monocytes were conducted sequentially to measure the cell surface CSF1 receptor and autophosphorylation levels. Monocyte subpopulations were monitored during disease progression.ResultsWe identified a novel heterozygous deletion–insertion mutation c.2527_2530delinsGGCA, p.(Ile843_Leu844delinsGlyIle) in our patient with initial signs of HDLS. Marginally elevated cell surface CSF1 receptor levels with increased Tyr723 autophosphorylation suggest an enhanced receptor activity. Furthermore, we observed a shift in monocyte subpopulations during disease course.ConclusionOur data indicate a mutation‐related CSF1R gain‐of‐function, accompanied by an altered composition of the peripheral innate immune cells in our patient with HDLS. Since pharmacological targeting of CSF1R with tyrosine kinase inhibitors prevents disease progression in mouse models of neurodegenerative disorders, a potential pharmacological benefit of CSF1R inhibition remains to be elucidated for patients with HDLS.
Two novel PET image restoration methods guided by PET‐MR kernels: Application to brain imaging
Authors: Tahaei Marzieh S. , Reader Andrew J. , Collins D. Louis 
Published: February 2019

PurposePost‐reconstruction positron emission tomography (PET) image restoration methods that take advantage of available anatomical information can play an important role in accurate quantification of PET images. However, when using anatomical information, the resulting PET image may lose resolution in certain regions where the anatomy does not agree with the change in functional activity. In this work, this problem is addressed by using both magnetic resonance (MR) and filtered PET images to guide the denoising process.MethodsIn this work, two novel post‐reconstruction methods for restoring PET images using the subject’s registered T1‐weighted MR image are proposed. The first method is based on a representation of the image using basis functions extracted from T1‐weighted MR and filtered PET image. The coefficients for these basis functions are estimated using a sparsity‐penalized least squares objective function. The second method is a noniterative fast method that uses guided kernel filtering in combination with twicing to restore the noisy PET image. When applied after conventional PVE correction, these methods can be considered as voxel‐based MR‐guided partial volume effect (PVE) correction methods.ResultsUsing simulation analyses of [F]FDG PET images of the brain with lesions, the proposed methods are compared to other denoising methods through different figures of merit. The results show promising improvements in image quality as well as reduction in bias and variance of the lesions. We also show the application of the proposed methods on real [F]FDG data.ConclusionTwo methods for restoring PET images were proposed. The methods were evaluated on simulation and real brain images. Most MR‐guided PVE correction methods are only based on segmented T1‐weighted images and their accuracy is very sensitive to segmentation errors, especially in regions of abnormalities and lesions. However, both proposed methods can use the T1‐weighted image without segmentation. The simplicity and the very low computational cost of the second method make it suitable for clinical applications and large data studies. The proposed methods can be naturally extended to PVE correction and denoising of other functional modalities using corresponding anatomical information.
Patient body motion correction for dynamic cardiac PET‐CT by attenuation‐emission alignment according to projection consistency conditions
Authors: Hunter Chad R. R. N. , Klein Ran , Alessio Adam M. , deKemp Robert A. 
Published: February 2019

IntroductionPatient body motion is known to cause large deviations in the determination of myocardial blood flow (MBF) with errors exceeding 300%. Accurate correction for patient whole‐body motion is still a largely unsolved problem in cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.ObjectiveThis study evaluated the efficacy of using Natterer's formulation of the Helgason–Ludwig consistency conditions on the two‐dimensional Radon transform to align computed tomography to PET projection data in multiple time frames of a dynamic sequence for the purpose of frame‐by‐frame correction of rigid whole‐body motion.MethodsThe correction algorithm was evaluated with digital NCAT phantoms using realistic noise added by the analytical simulator. Count rates used in the simulation were derived from clinical patient data. In addition, a proof of concept test using measured data with a cardiac torso phantom was conducted.ResultsMotion correction resulted in significant improvement in the accuracy of MBF estimates, especially for high count‐rate acquisitions. Maximum errors for 2 cm of motion dropped from 325% to 25% and from 250% to 25% using global and regional partial‐volume correction, respectively. Median MBF errors dropped from 33% to 4.5% and 27% to 3.8%, respectively. Importantly, the correction algorithm performed equally well to compensate for body motion in both early and late time frames.ConclusionCardiac PET‐CT data used for attenuation correction (CTAC) alignment using projection consistency conditions was effective for reducing errors in MBF measurements due to simulated patient motion, and can be integrated into the image reconstruction workflow.
Repair of Central Venous Catheters in Home Parenteral Nutrition Patients
Authors: Salonen Bradley R. , Bonnes Sara L. , Mundi Manpreet S. , Lal Simon 
Published: February 2019

AbstractFor patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN), vascular access with a central venous catheter (CVC) is essential to safely administer parenteral nutrition (PN) to meet their nutrition and hydration needs. Unfortunately, despite rigorous training and prevention strategies, CVCs are susceptible to complications such as infection, occlusion, thrombosis, and mechanical failure. Much of the published research on CVC complications focuses on infections; however, catheter occlusions and mechanical failures also contribute significantly to catheter dysfunction and loss. Frequent CVC exchanges put HPN patients at risk of loss of vascular access, making it essential that any strategies that can salvage the CVC be implemented prior to removal. CVC repair is 1 technique that can be utilized to avoid CVC exchanges in certain situations. CVC repairs can be performed in the office or on the ward and are cost effective when compared with CVC replacement. When performed by trained clinical staff, the procedures are highly successful and associated with low risk.
Measuring exercise self‐efficacy in Hong Kong Chinese adults with cardiovascular risk: Validation of a Chinese version of the Cardiac Exercise Self‐efficacy Instrument
Authors: Cheng Ho Yu , Chair Sek Ying , Wang Qun , Cao Xi , Cheng Li , Lee Iris F. K. 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTAbout one‐third of adults are physically inactive and thus prone to cardiovascular diseases. While self‐efficacy mediates health behavior, its influences on exercise behavior among Chinese is yet to be explored by a validated instrument. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Hong Kong Chinese version of the Cardiac Exercise Self‐efficacy Instrument (CESEI‐C), which had been translated previously by these authors. The psychometric properties of the CESEI‐C were tested with 160 Hong Kong Chinese with cardiovascular risk. Participants were asked to complete the CESEI‐C, a physical activity assessment tool, and perform the exercise stress test. Exploratory factor analysis identified a unidimensional structure of the CESEI‐C. Good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.91) and good content validity (content validity indices: 0.93–1.00) had been reported previously. The convergent validity of the CESEI‐C was supported by the significant positive correlations between the CESEI‐C score and the amount of moderate‐to‐vigorous exercise (r = 0.18, p = 0.03), and exercise capacity (r = 0.30, p < 0.01). A comparison of CESEI‐C scores by exercise capacities indicated that those with moderate‐to‐high exercise capacity had significantly higher CESEI scores than those with low exercise capacity (t = 2.105, p = 0.04). Thus, the CESEI‐C is a valid and reliable instrument to measure exercise self‐efficacy among Hong Kong Chinese.