bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FluChip‐8G Insight: HA and NA subtyping of potentially pandemic influenza A viruses in a single assay
Authors: Toth Evan , Dawson Erica D. , Taylor Amber W. , Stoughton Robert S. , Blair Rebecca H. , Johnson James E. , Slinskey Amelia , Fessler Ryan , Smith Catherine B. , Talbot Sarah , Rowlen Kathy 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundGlobal influenza surveillance in humans and animals is a critical component of pandemic preparedness. The FluChip‐8G Insight assay was developed to subtype both seasonal and potentially pandemic influenza viruses in a single assay with a same day result. FluChip‐8G Insight uses whole gene segment RT‐PCR‐based amplification to provide robustness against genetic drift and subsequent microarray detection with artificial neural network‐based data interpretation.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to verify and validate the performance of the FluChip‐8G Insight assay for the detection and positive identification of human and animal origin non‐seasonal influenza A specimens.MethodsWe evaluated the ability of the FluChip‐8G Insight technology to type and HA and NA subtype a sample set consisting of 297 results from 180 unique non‐seasonal influenza A strains (49 unique subtypes).ResultsFluChip‐8G Insight demonstrated a positive percent agreement ≥93% for 5 targeted HA and 5 targeted NA subtypes except for H9 (88%), and negative percent agreement exceeding 95% for all targeted subtypes.ConclusionsThe FluChip‐8G Insight neural network‐based algorithm used for virus identification performed well over a data set of 297 naïve sample results, and can be easily updated to improve performance on emerging strains without changing the underlying assay chemistry.
Attractive male sticklebacks carry more oxidative DNA damage in the soma and germline
Authors: Kim Sin‐Yeon , Velando Alberto 
Published: October 2019

AbstractTrade‐offs between the expression of sexual signals and the maintenance of somatic and germline tissues are expected when these depend upon the same resources. Despite the importance of sperm DNA integrity, its trade‐off with sexual signalling has rarely been explored. We experimentally tested the trade‐off between carotenoid‐based sexual coloration and oxidative DNA damage in skeletal muscle, testis and sperm by manipulating reproductive schedule (early vs. late onset of breeding) in male three‐spined sticklebacks. Oxidative DNA damage was measured as the amount of 8‐hydroxy‐2‐deoxyguanosine in genomic DNA. Irrespective of the experimentally manipulated reproductive schedule, individuals investing more in red coloration showed higher levels of oxidative DNA damage in muscle, testis and sperm during the peak breeding season. Our results show that the expression of red coloration traded off against the level of oxidative DNA damage possibly due to the competing functions of carotenoids as colorants and antioxidants. Thus, female sticklebacks may risk fertility and viability of offspring by choosing redder, more deteriorated partners with decreased sperm DNA integrity. The evolution of sexual signal may be constrained by oxidative DNA damage in the soma and germline.
Calibration of oxygen isotope fractionation and calcite‐corundum thermometry in emery at Naxos, Greece
Authors: Turnier Rachelle B. , Katzir Yaron , Kitajima Kouki , Orland Ian J. , Spicuzza Michael J. , Valley John W. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractCorundum (Crn), including sapphire, occurs in emery pods surrounded by marble on the island of Naxos, Greece. The emery formed from bauxite deposited in karst that was metamorphosed to 400–700°C at 20–15 Ma. Many of these rocks initially appeared well suited for refractory accessory mineral (RAM) thermometry, which uses oxygen isotope fractionation between a RAM – corundum – and a modally dominant phase with faster diffusion of oxygen – calcite (Cc) – to determine peak metamorphic temperatures. However, previous attempts at oxygen isotope thermometry were confounded by highly variable fractionations (Δ18O) measured at mm‐scale and the uncertain calibration of Δ18O(Cc‐Crn) versus temperature. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) permits in situ analysis of δ18O in corundum and calcite at the 10‐μm scale in adjacent grains where textures suggest peak metamorphic equilibrium was attained. SIMS analyses of adjacent mineral pairs in eight rocks yield values of Δ(Cc‐Crn) that systematically decrease from 7.2 to 2.9‰ at higher metamorphic grade. Pairing these data with independent temperature estimates from mineral isograds yields an empirical calibration of 1,000 lnα(Cc‐Crn) = 2.72 ± 0.3 × 106/T2 (T in K). The new fractionations (2.7‰ at 1,000 K) are significantly smaller than those calculated from the modified increment method (6.5‰ at 1,000 K; Zheng, Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 1991, 55:2299–2307; Zheng, Mineral Mag, 1994, 58A:1000–1001), which yield unreasonably high temperatures of 630 to 1,140°C when applied to the new Naxos data. The new calibration of Δ(Cc‐Crn) can be combined with published fractionations to calculate A‐factors for corundum versus a range of 14 other minerals. These new fractionation factors can be used for thermometry or to constrain the genesis of corundum. A compilation of gem corundum δ18O values shows that many igneous sapphires, including important deposits of basalt‐associated sapphire, are mildly elevated in δ18O relative to the calculated range in equilibrium with mantle values (4.4–5.7‰) and formed from evolved magmas.
Acupuncture therapy for breast cancer‐related lymphedema: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hou Wenzhen , Pei Lixia , Song Yafang , Wu Jian , Geng Hao , Chen Lu , Wang Yuhang , Hu Yao , Zhou Jinyong , Sun Jianhua 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis study aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of clinical studies on acupuncture treatment for breast cancer‐related lymphedema (BCRL), so as to explore the efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment and provide evidence for the clinical decision‐making. Public databases, mainly including China Academic Journals Full‐text Database, Database of Chinese Sci‐Tech Journal, Wanfang, PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library, from the establishment of databases to December 2018 were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) of acupuncture for BCRL. Clinical RCT on the treatment of BCRL with acupuncture combined with drugs or functional exercise were enrolled for the analysis. Bias risk and quality were assessed by two investigators according to the Cochrane Handbook 5.1.0 standard, and the Revman 5.3 software was used for meta‐analysis. A total of 13 studies were enrolled, comprising 747 patients (377 in the treatment group and 370 in the control group). The results of meta‐analysis showed that acupuncture intervention could improve the total effective rate for the treatment of BCRL (odds ratio = 4.62; 95% confidence interval 2.61–8.17). Recent studies suggest that acupuncture therapy can alleviate the upper limb swelling and improve the subjective pain and discomfort in patients with BCRL, regardless of the control intervention used. However, the number of high‐quality RCT is low. Moreover, most of the studies adopted inconsistent efficacy indicators. Hence, additional blinded, large‐sample, randomized, well‐controlled studies with objective and uniform efficacy indicators are needed, especially in China, to confirm the findings.
Pharmacokinetic assessment of constituents of Boswellia serrata, pine bark extracts, curcumin in combination including methylsulfonylmethane in healthy volunteers
Authors: Liu Xiaoqian , Hunter David J , Eyles Jillian , McLachlan Andrew J , Adiwidjaja Jeffry , Eagles Shane K , Wang XiaoSuo 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Objectives
Dietary supplements are increasingly used by people with osteoarthritis. Boswellia serrata extract, curcumin, pine bark extract and methylsulfonylmethane have been identified as having the largest effects for symptomatic relief in a systematic review. It is important to understand whether any pharmacokinetic interactions are among the major constituents of these supplements so as to provide information when considering the combination use of these supplements. The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of the constituents alone and in combination.

Methods
This study was a randomized, open-label, single-dose, four-treatment, four-period, crossover study with 1-week washout. The pharmacokinetics of the constituents of these supplements when dosed in combination with methylsulfonylmethane were compared to being administered alone. Plasma samples were obtained over 24 h from 16 healthy participants. Eight major constituents were analysed using a validated ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry assay.

Key findings
The pharmacokinetics of each constituent was characterized, and there were no significant differences in the pharmacokinetic profiles of the constituents when administered as a combination, relative to the constituents when administered alone (P &gt; 0.05).

Conclusions
These data suggest that interactions between the major constituents of this supplement combination are unlikely and therefore could be investigated to manage patients with osteoarthritis without significant concerns for possible pharmacokinetic interactions.
Azurocidin in gingival crevicular fluid as a potential biomarker of chronic periodontitis
Authors: Nalmpantis Dimitrios , Gatou Asimina , Fragkioudakis Ioannis , Margariti Apostolia , Skoura Lemonia , Sakellari Dimitra 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveAzurocidin is a neutrophil‐derived protein in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) which, according to relevant studies, might correlate with periodontal disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate azurocidin as a potential biomarker for chronic periodontitis.Material and MethodsOne hundred and one patients participated in the study, divided into two groups. Forty‐eight were included in the periodontally healthy group (HP) and fifty‐three in the chronic periodontitis group (CP). Clinical indices included probing depth (PD), recession (REC), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP) and plaque (PL). Pooled GCF samples were collected with paper strips, freezed in liquid nitrogen (−196°C), stored at −80°C, and the levels of azurocidin were analyzed with ELISA. Values were transformed and expressed for comparisons in pg/30 s sample. Statistical comparisons were performed using non‐parametric tests (Mann‐Whitney) at the 0.05 level. Furthermore, the diagnostic accuracy of the procedure was assessed with receiver operator characteristic curves (ROC), areas under the curve (AUC), and the Youden's J Index calculated.ResultsDemographic data were comparable between the two groups. Clinical parameters and the levels of azurocidin were statistically significantly higher in the CP group when compared to the HP group (Mann‐Whitney test, P < .05). Quantitative data from ELISA demonstrated a high diagnostic accuracy of azurocidin, with AUC calculated higher than 0.9 at the 0.000 level.ConclusionAzurocidin in GCF is a promising biomarker for periodontal disease. The results of the present study agree with previous studies in the literature showing an up‐regulated trend in the levels of azurocidin in periodontitis patients.
Presolar grains in primitive ungrouped carbonaceous chondrite Northwest Africa 5958
Authors: Nittler Larry R. , Stroud Rhonda M. , Alexander Conel M. O'D. , Howell Kaitlin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWe report a correlated NanoSIMS‐transmission electron microscopy study of the ungrouped carbonaceous chondrite Northwest Africa (NWA) 5958. We identified 10 presolar SiC grains, 2 likely presolar graphite grains, and 20 presolar silicate and/or oxide grains in NWA 5958. We suggest a slight modification of the commonly used classification system for presolar oxides and silicates that better reflects the grains’ likely stellar origins. The matrix‐normalized presolar SiC abundance in NWA 5958 is ppm (2σ) similar to that seen in many classes of unmetamorphosed chondrites. In contrast, the matrix‐normalized abundance of presolar O‐rich phases (silicates and oxides) is ppm (2σ), much lower than seen in interplanetary dust particles and the least‐altered CR, CO, and ungrouped C chondrites, but close to that reported for CM chondrites. NanoSIMS mapping also revealed an unusual 13C‐enriched (δ13C≈100–200‰) carbonaceous rim surrounding a 1.4 μm diameter phyllosilicate grain. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of two presolar grains with a likely origin in asymptotic giant branch stars identified one as enstatite and one as Al‐Mg spinel with minor Cr. The enstatite grain amorphized rapidly under the electron beam, suggesting partial hydration. TEM data of NWA 5958 matrix confirm that it has experienced aqueous alteration and support the suggestion of Jacquet et al. (34) that this meteorite has affinities to CM2 chondrites.
A prospective observational cohort study on the incidence of postoperative sore throat in the pediatric population
Authors: Miskovic Alice , Johnson Mae , Frost Louise , Fernandez Elena , Pistorio Angela , Disma Nicola 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundPostoperative sore throat is common after general anesthesia. The incidence in pediatric anesthesia is variable, and the etiology unclear. Establishing risk factors would enable prevention and could improve quality of care.AimsWe performed a prospective single‐center cohort study aiming to establish the incidence of postoperative sore throat in children undergoing GA with an endotracheal tube or laryngeal mask airway. Secondary aims were to identify independent risk factors for sore throat and the incidence of other postoperative complications including stridor, laryngospasm, nausea and vomiting, and delayed oral intake.MethodsBetween November 2017 and April 2018, perioperative data were collected from children aged 5‐16 years undergoing general, plastic, urology, renal, and orthopedic surgery. Patients completed a postoperative questionnaire within 24 hours of surgery.ResultsWe screened 334 children for inclusion at a tertiary pediatric hospital in the United Kingdom. One hundred and ninety‐seven patients were included in the final analysis. The frequency of postoperative sore throat was 36.5%. Stridor occurred in 1.5%, laryngospasm 1.0%, postoperative nausea 59.4%, vomiting in recovery 4.6%, and delayed oral intake due to postoperative sore throat 30%. Nausea, vomiting, thirst, and pain were associated with a sore throat. Univariate analysis showed anesthesia longer than 2 hours, and use of an endotracheal tube was statistically associated with higher risk of sore throat. Over 50% of children with an endotracheal tube cuff pressure <20 cmH2O had a postoperative sore throat.ConclusionPostoperative sore throat is common in children. Endotracheal intubation is associated with a greater incidence than laryngeal mask airway use. A high rate of postoperative sore throat in children with endotracheal tube cuff pressures within the recommended range suggests multifactorial etiology. To confirm validity of the identified risk factors, we would recommend a larger prospective multi‐center study.
High prevalence of periodontitis in blood donors and the possibility of questionnaire‐based screening – results of a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Schmalz G. , Hübscher A. E. , Angermann H. , Schmidt J. , Schmickler J. , Legler T. J. , Ziebolz D. 
Published: October 2019

SUMMARYBackgroundPeriodontitis is an inflammatory disease of high prevalence and, thus, of potential relevance to the management of blood donation.ObjectivesThe aim of this cross‐sectional study was to assess periodontal health and its associations to common blood parameters, as well as questionnaire‐based periodontitis screening in blood donors.MethodsGenerally healthy blood donors were recruited and underwent oral examination. Thereby, the decayed‐, missing‐ and filled‐teeth index (DMF‐T) and periodontal status, including periodontal probing depth and clinical attachment loss, were assessed. Based on periodontal status, periodontitis severity was classified into no/mild, moderate or severe. Six yes/no questions regarding periodontal complaints and history were asked. Furthermore, common blood parameters were analysed.ResultsA total of 148 participants (mean age 53·33 years) were included. The DMF‐T was 15·28 ± 6·44. Nearly three quarters of participants suffered from a periodontitis (moderate 59·5% and severe 14·8%, total periodontitis 74·3%). Periodontitis severity was associated with the history of dental visits caused by periodontal complaints (P < 0·01) and previous periodontal therapy (P < 0·01). Only procalcitonin was initially found to be associated with blood periodontitis severity (P = 0·02). This observation was not confirmed by post‐hoc testing between subgroups (Pi > 0·2). No further association between periodontitis severity and blood parameters was found (Pi > 0·05).ConclusionThe prevalence of periodontitis in German blood donors is high. However, further studies with sensitive testing of bacteria in peripheral blood are required in order to determine the relevance of this result for the safety of blood components.
Bacterial survival in whole blood depends on plasma sensitivity and resistance to neutrophil killing
Authors: Taha Mariam , Kyluik‐Price Dana , Kumaran Dilini , Scott Mark D. , Toyofuku Wendy , Ramirez‐Arcos Sandra 
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUNDWhole blood (WB) is held at room temperature for not more than 24 hours before blood component manufacturing. The ability of several culture collection, skin‐derived, and transfusion‐related bacteria to survive in WB stored at 22 ± 2°C for 24 hours was investigated in this study.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSTwenty‐one bacteria of the species Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus capitis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Serratia liquefaciens, Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Yersinia enterocolitica were inoculated into 7‐mL aliquots of WB at a concentration of 500 colony‐forming units (CFU)/mL. Spiked WB was stored aerobically at 22 ± 2°C, and bacterial viability and growth were monitored at 3, 8, and 24 hours during WB storage. Bacteria that showed decreased viability during WB incubation were further characterized for their sensitivity to plasma factors and neutrophil killing.RESULTSThere were three different scenarios for bacterial behavior during the hold of WB at 22 ± 2°C. Five bacteria proliferated (p < 0.03), 11 remained viable or showed low proliferation, and a third group of five bacteria had decreased or lost viability (p < 0.01). Three of the latter five bacteria were plasma‐sensitive while the other two were plasma‐resistant but susceptible to neutrophil killing (p = 0.01).CONCLUSIONSThe bactericidal activity of WB can be the result of plasma sensitivity or neutrophil killing. Bacteria with a starting inoculum of 500 CFU/mL, and able to resist WB immune factors, can proliferate to clinically significant levels posing a potential safety risk to transfusion patients. Results of this pilot study should be validated under standard WB collection and storage conditions.
Transfusion‐related immunomodulation: gamma irradiation alters the effects of leukoreduction on alloimmunization
Authors: Nelson Karen A. , Aldea Gabriel S. , Warner Paul , Latchman Yvette , Gunasekera Devi , Tamir Ayala , Gernsheimer Terry , Bolgiano Doug , Slichter Sherrill J. 
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUNDAdverse events following blood transfusion include allosensitization and generalized immunosuppression, collectively referred to as transfusion‐related immune modulation. We evaluated the immunological effects of red blood cell (RBC) and platelet transfusions on alloantibody responses and on immunoregulatory cells in nonimmunosuppressed patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSPatients were randomized to receive standard unmodified (STD), leukoreduced (LR), or leukoreduced and γ‐irradiated (LRγ) RBCs. Patients received only apheresis platelets that were in‐process LR and were γ‐irradiated for the third arm. Nontransfused patients served as controls for the effects of surgery itself on immunologic changes. Antibodies to HLA were assessed with use of solid‐phase assays. The effects of transfusion on adaptive and innate immunity were evaluated by assessing T regulatory cells (Tregs) and invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells.RESULTSLR of blood products reduced the development of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alloantibodies, but only in patients without preexisting HLA antibodies. However, if LR blood products were γ‐irradiated, HLA antibody production was not reduced. Compared to nontransfused patients, recipients of STD or LR transfusions showed a significant increase in CD4+CD25hi T cells expressing FoxP3 or CTLA4 and also of iNKT cells producing interleukin‐4. In contrast, recipients of LRγ blood products showed markedly lower increases in all three cellular assays.CONCLUSIONLR decreased HLA alloantibody production in naïve recipients, but did not reduce the immunosuppressive effects of transfusion. LRγ reduced immunosuppression and was not associated with decreased HLA alloantibody production.
Dissecting interbank risk using basis swap spreads
Authors: Lafuente Juan Ángel , Petit Nuria , Ruiz Jesús , Serrano Pedro 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis paper analyses interbank risk using the information content of basis swap (BS) spreads, floating‐to‐floating interest rate swaps whose payments are associated with euro deposit rates for alternative tenors. To identify the impact of shocks affecting interbank risk, we propose an empirical model that decomposes BS quotes into their expected and unexpected components. These unobservable constituents of BS spreads are estimated by solving a signal extraction problem using a particle filter. We find that expected components covariate with aggregate liquidity and risk aversion while systemic risk arises as the main driver behind unexpected fluctuations. Our empirical findings suggest that macroprudential analysis emerges as a key device to ease asset pricing in a new multi‐curve scenario.
Trading activities, productivity and markups: Evidence for Spanish manufacturing
Authors: Máñez Castillejo Juan A. , Mínguez Bosque Consuelo , Rochina Barrachina María E. , Sanchis Llopis Juan A. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis work analyses the firms' internationalisation strategies of importing intermediates and exporting output, and the potential rewards of these activities in terms of total factor productivity (TFP), as a proxy for marginal costs, and markups. It further deepens into the study of the relationship between internationalisation strategies and markups by disentangling whether it operates through affecting firms' marginal costs and/or firms' prices. The panel database employed in this paper is the Spanish Survey on Business Strategies (ESEE) for the period 2006–14. Results in the paper distinguish between SMEs and large firms and indicate that there is high persistence in the performance of these activities and in firms' TFP and markups. For SMEs, we obtain rewards from importing inputs as well as exporting output in terms of TFP and markups. For large firms, we obtain rewards in TFP from the importing activity and rewards in markups from the exporting activity. Finally, we find evidence that the effects of internationalisation strategies on markups are due to both a price channel and a marginal cost channel.