bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of virus-induced gene silencing methods for forage legumes including alfalfa, sainfoin, and fenugreek
Authors: Wijekoon Champa , Singer Stacy D. , Weselake Randall J. , Subedi Udaya , Acharya Surya N. 
Published: September 2019

Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) is a rapid reverse genetics tool that has been developed in a wide variety of plant species for assessing gene functions. However, while VIGS has been utilized successfully in the diploid model leguminous species Medicago truncatula (Gaertn.) (barrel medic), such a platform has yet to be established in forage legume crop species. Therefore, we evaluated the effectiveness of this method in forage legumes using a previously developed PEBV (pea early browning virus) system whereby a fragment of the pea (Pisum sativum L.) PHYTOENE DESATURASE (PDS) gene was transferred into a range of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.), and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) cultivars using leaf infiltration and apical meristem injection. Barrel medic was used as a positive control. Gene silencing was observed after 10–15 d through the presence of a leaf bleaching phenotype, and was confirmed using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Silencing of PDS was achieved in a selection of cultivars in all species assessed, with the highest silencing efficiency apparent in fenugreek. The introduction of a highly homologous gene fragment from a heterologous plant species to target endogenous genes for transient VIGS-based silencing in a range of species of interest represents a potentially useful strategy for the rapid functional characterization of candidate genes in forages.
Long Noncoding RNA SChLAP1 Forms a Growth-Promoting Complex with HNRNPL in Human Glioblastoma through Stabilization of ACTN4 and Activation of NF-κB Signaling
Authors: Ji Jianxiong , Xu Ran , Ding Kaikai , Bao Guoqing , Zhang Xin , Huang Bin , Wang Xinyu , Martinez Aurora , Wang Xiuying , Li Gang , Miletic Hrvoje , Thorsen Frits , Bjerkvig Rolf , Xiang Lei , Han Bo , Chen Anjing , Li Xingang , Wang Jian 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Purpose:
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) have essential roles in diverse cellular processes, both in normal and diseased cell types, and thus have emerged as potential therapeutic targets. A specific member of this family, the SWI/SNF complex antagonist associated with prostate cancer 1 (SChLAP1), has been shown to promote aggressive prostate cancer growth by antagonizing the SWI/SNF complex and therefore serves as a biomarker for poor prognosis. Here, we investigated whether SChLAP1 plays a potential role in the development of human glioblastoma (GBM).

Experimental Design:
RNA-ISH and IHC were performed on a tissue microarray to assess expression of SChLAP1 and associated proteins in human gliomas. Proteins complexed with SChLAP1 were identified using RNA pull-down and mass spectrometry. Lentiviral constructs were used for functional analysis in vitro and in vivo.

Results:
SChLAP1 was increased in primary GBM samples and cell lines, and knockdown of the lncRNA suppressed growth. SChLAP1 was found to bind heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L (HNRNPL), which stabilized the lncRNA and led to an enhanced interaction with the protein actinin alpha 4 (ACTN4). ACTN4 was also highly expressed in primary GBM samples and was associated with poorer overall survival in glioma patients. The SChLAP1–HNRNPL complex led to stabilization of ACTN4 through suppression of proteasomal degradation, which resulted in increased nuclear localization of the p65 subunit of NF-κB and activation of NF-κB signaling, a pathway associated with cancer development.

Conclusions:
Our results implicated SChLAP1 as a driver of GBM growth as well as a potential therapeutic target in treatment of the disease.
Prediction and Treatment of Radiation Enteropathy: Can Intestinal Bugs Lead the Way?
Authors: Lam Suk Yee , Peppelenbosch Maikel P. , Fuhler Gwenny M. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Radiation-induced gastrointestinal toxicity is a significant comorbidity affecting many patients with cancer. Intestinal microbial changes are observed in patients suffering from radiation enteropathy, although a causal relationship with disease activity has yet to be proven. Implementation of bacterial profiling in clinical care could improve recognition and management of this debilitating disease.
See related article by Reis Ferreira et al., p. 6487
Trocando ideias musicais
Authors: Garland Shannon 
Published: September 2019

Este artigo descreve a formação de uma escuta local que emergiu no Rio de Janeiro nos anos 1990 entre participantes da música indie a partir do fazer musical, que englobava a produção e a circulação de mídias através das quais o indie adquiriu sentido social. Podemos chamar de sociabilidade da circulação o modo pelo qual formas materiais específicas, como revistas e fitas cassete, impactam os tipos de prática social que tanto facilitam a troca de materiais musicais quanto emergem dessa troca. O artigo liga as mídias da música à interação social e, através dela, à formação de uma escuta local. Argumenta-se que o som em si participa da formação de sociabilidades e de abordagens às mídias e, portanto, tem um papel na construção do significado e do valor da música ao longo do tempo.
Hospital-Based Quality Improvement Interventions for Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Bahiru Ehete , Agarwal Anubha , Berendsen Mark A. , Baldridge Abigail S. , Temu Tecla , Rogers Amy , Farquhar Carey , Bukachi Frederick , Huffman Mark D. 
Published: September 2019

Background:
Quality improvement initiatives have been developed to improve acute coronary syndrome care largely in high-income country settings. We sought to synthesize the effect size and quality of evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized studies for hospital-based acute coronary syndrome quality improvement interventions on clinical outcomes and process of care measures for their potential implementation in low- and middle-income country settings.

Methods and Results:
We conducted a bibliometric search of databases and trial registers and a hand search in 2016 and performed an updated search in May 2018 and May 2019. We performed data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and quality of evidence assessments in duplicate. We assessed differences in outcomes by study design comparing RCTs to nonrandomized quasi-experimental studies and by country income status. A meta-analysis was not feasible due to substantial, unexplained heterogeneity among the included studies, and thus, we present a qualitative synthesis. We screened 5858 records and included 32 studies (14 RCTs [n=109 763] and 18 nonrandomized quasi-experimental studies [n=54–423]). In-hospital mortality ranged from 2.1% to 4.8% in the intervention groups versus 3.3% to 5.1% in the control groups in 5 RCTs (n=55 942). Five RCTs (n=64 313) reported 3.0% to 31.0% higher rates of reperfusion for patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction in the intervention groups. The effect sizes for in-hospital and discharge medical therapies in a majority of RCTs were 3.0% to 10.0% higher in the intervention groups. There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality evaluated by 4 RCTs (n=42 384), which reported 2.5% to 15.0% versus 5.9% to 22% 30-day mortality rates in the intervention versus control groups. In contrast, nonrandomized quasi-experimental studies reported larger effect sizes compared to RCTs. There were no significant consistent differences in outcomes between high-income and middle-income countries. Low-income countries were not represented in any of the included studies.

Conclusions:
Hospital-based acute coronary syndrome quality improvement interventions have a modest effect on process of care measures but not on clinical outcomes with expected differences by study design. Although quality improvement programs have an ongoing and important role for acute coronary syndrome quality of care in high-income country settings, further research will help to identify key components for contextualizing and implementing such interventions to new settings to achieve their desired effects.

Systematic Review Registration:

URL:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/
. Unique identifier: CRD42016047604.
Long‐Term Corticosteroid‐Sparing Immunosuppression for Cardiac Sarcoidosis
Authors: Rosenthal David G. , Parwani Purvi , Murray Tyler O. , Petek Bradley J. , Benn Bryan S. , De Marco Teresa , Gerstenfeld Edward P. , Janmohamed Munir , Klein Liviu , Lee Byron K. , Moss Joshua D. , Scheinman Melvin M. , Hsia Henry H. , Selby Van , Koth Laura L. , Pampaloni Miguel H. , Zikherman Julie , Vedantham Vasanth 
Published: September 2019

Background

Long‐term corticosteroid therapy is the standard of care for treatment of cardiac sarcoidosis (
CS
). The efficacy of long‐term corticosteroid‐sparing immunosuppression in
CS
is unknown. The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of methotrexate with or without adalimumab for long‐term disease suppression in
CS
, and to assess recurrence and adverse event rates after immunosuppression discontinuation.

Methods and Results

Retrospective chart review identified treatment‐naive
CS
patients at a single academic medical center who received corticosteroid‐sparing maintenance therapy. Demographics, cardiac uptake of 18‐fluorodeoxyglucose, and adverse cardiac events were compared before and during treatment and between those with persistent or interrupted immunosuppression. Twenty‐eight
CS
patients were followed for a mean 4.1 (
SD
1.5) years. Twenty‐five patients received 4 to 8 weeks of high‐dose prednisone (>30 mg/day), followed by taper and maintenance therapy with methotrexate±low‐dose prednisone (low‐dose prednisone, <10 mg/day). Adalimumab was added in 19 patients with persistently active
CS
or in those with intolerance to methotrexate. Methotrexate±low‐dose prednisone resulted in initial reduction (88%) or elimination (60%) of 18‐fluorodeoxyglucose uptake, and patients receiving adalimumab‐containing regimens experienced improved (84%) or resolved (63%) 18‐fluorodeoxyglucose uptake. Radiologic relapse occurred in 8 of 9 patients after immunosuppression cessation, 4 patients on methotrexate‐containing regimens, and in no patients on adalimumab‐containing regimens.

Conclusions
Corticosteroid‐sparing regimens containing methotrexate with or without adalimumab is an effective maintenance therapy in patients after an initial response is confirmed. Disease recurrence in patients on and off immunosuppression support need for ongoing radiologic surveillance regardless of immunosuppression regimen.
Atmospheric River Families: Definition and Associated Synoptic Conditions
Authors: Fish Meredith A. , Wilson Anna M. , Ralph F. Martin 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Atmospheric rivers (ARs) can cause flooding when they are strong and stall over an already wet watershed. While earlier studies emphasized the role of individual, long-duration ARs in triggering floods, it is not uncommon for floods to be associated with a series of ARs that strike in close succession. This study uses measurements from an atmospheric river observatory at Bodega Bay (BBY), in Northern California, to identify periods when multiple AR events occurred in rapid succession. Here, an AR “event” is the period when AR conditions are present continuously at BBY. An objective method is developed to identify such periods, and the concept of “AR families” is introduced. During the period studied there were 228 AR events. Using the AR family identification method, a range of aggregation periods (the length of time allowed for ARs to be considered part of a family) was tested. For example, for an aggregation period of 5 days, there were 109 AR families, with an average of 2.7 ARs per family. Over a range of possible aggregation periods, typically there were 2–6 ARs per family. Compared to single AR events, the synoptic environment of AR families is characterized by lower geopotential heights throughout the midlatitude North Pacific, an enhanced subtropical high, and a stronger zonal North Pacific jet. Analysis of water year 2017 demonstrated a persistent geopotential height dipole throughout the North Pacific and a positive anomaly of integrated water vapor extending toward California. AR families were favored when synoptic features were semistationary.
An Ensemble-Based Probabilistic Score Approach to Compare Observation Scenarios: An Application to Biogeochemical-Argo Deployments
Authors: Germineaud Cyril , Brankart Jean-Michel , Brasseur Pierre 
Published: September 2019

AbstractA cross-validation algorithm is developed to perform probabilistic observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs). The use of a probability distribution of “true” states is considered rather than a single “truth” using a cross-validation algorithm in which each member of an ensemble simulation is alternatively used as the “truth” and to simulate synthetic observation data that reflect the observing system to be evaluated. The other available members are used to produce an updated ensemble by assimilating the specific data, while a probabilistic evaluation of the observation impacts is obtained using a comprehensive set of verification skill scores. To showcase this new type of OSSE studies with tractable numerical costs, a simple biogeochemical application under the Horizon 2020 AtlantOS project is presented for a single assimilation time step, in order to investigate the value of adding biogeochemical (BGC)-Argo floats to the existing satellite ocean color observations. Further experiments must be performed in time as well for a rigorous and effective evaluation of the BGC-Argo network design, though some evidence from this preliminary work suggests that assimilating chlorophyll data from a BGC-Argo array of 1000 floats can provide additional error reduction at the surface, where the use of spatial ocean color data is limited (due to cloudy conditions), as well at depths ranging from 50 to 150 m.
Track Uncertainty in High-Resolution HWRF Ensemble Forecasts of Hurricane Joaquin
Authors: Alaka Ghassan J. , Zhang Xuejin , Gopalakrishnan Sundararaman G. , Zhang Zhan , Marks Frank D. , Atlas Robert 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Hurricane Joaquin (2015) was characterized by high track forecast uncertainty when it approached the Bahamas from 29 September 2015 to 1 October 2015, with 5-day track predictions ranging from landfall in the United States to east of Bermuda. The source of large track spread in Joaquin forecasts is investigated using an ensemble prediction system (EPS) based on the Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting (HWRF) Model. For the first time, a high-resolution analysis of an HWRF-based EPS is performed to isolate the factors that control tropical cyclone (TC) track uncertainty. Differences in the synoptic-scale environment, the TC vortex structure, and the TC location are evaluated to understand the source of track forecast uncertainty associated with Joaquin, especially at later lead times when U.S. landfall was possible. EPS members that correctly propagated Joaquin into the central North Atlantic are compared with members that incorrectly predicted U.S. landfall. Joaquin track forecasts were highly dependent on the evolution of the environment, including weak atmospheric steering flow near the Bahamas and three synoptic-scale systems: a trough over North America, a ridge to the northeast of Joaquin, and an upper-tropospheric trough to the east of Joaquin. Differences in the steering flow were associated with perturbations of the synoptic-scale environment at the model initialization time. Ultimately, members that produced a more progressive midlatitude synoptic-scale pattern had reduced track errors. Joaquin track forecast uncertainty was not sensitive to the TC vortex structure or the initial TC position.
Health anxiety in medical employees: A multicentre study
Authors: Chen Qingsong , Zhang Yuqun , Zhuang Dongyun , Mao Xueqin , Mi Guolin , Wang Dijuan , Du Xiangdong , Yi Zhenghui , Shen Xinhua , Sui Yuxiu , Li Huajie , Cao Yin , Zhu Zufu , Hou Zhenghua , Li Qibin , Yuan Yonggui 
Published: September 2019

Objective The aim of this study was to explore health anxiety (HA) in a sample of hospital medical employees and to identify factors that influence HA. Methods A consecutively recruited sample of 1702 medical employees with or without HA was obtained from 13 hospitals across China. Participants’ demographic and clinical characteristics were collected using a standardized protocol and data collection procedure. Subjects were divided into a HA and non-HA group according to their scores on the Chinese version of the Short Health Anxiety Inventory. Comparisons between groups were conducted and binary logistic regression was used to identify risk factors of HA. Results Total HA prevalence was 30.14%. There were significant differences between the HA and non-HA groups in number of working years, hospital category, sex, marital status, family income, personality, physical disease and education degree. Working in a specialist hospital, being female, being married, low income, introversion, graduate education or above and presence of physical disease were risk factors of HA. Conclusions HA is common in medical employees. More investigation of the long-term impact of HA is warranted.
ACE insertion/deletion genetic polymorphism, serum ACE levels and high dietary salt intake influence the risk of obesity development among the Saudi adult population
Authors: Sabir Jamal SM , Omri Abdelfatteh El , Ali Khan Imran , Banaganapalli Babajan , Hajrah Nahid H , Zrelli Houda , Omar Abdulkader M Shaikh , Alharbi Mona G , Alhebshi Alawiah M , Jansen Robert K , Altaf Abdulmalik , Shaik Noor Ahmad , Khan Muhummadh 
Published: September 2019

Introduction: Angiotensin-converting enzyme ( ACE), which contributes to adipocyte growth, differentiation and function, has recently been linked with both salt metabolism and obesity development. Therefore, this study has aimed to investigate the putative relationship between ACE genetic polymorphism, serum ACE levels and salt consumption on the risk of developing obesity in the Saudi population. Materials and methods: ACE genotype status of 267 adult Saudi volunteers (124 obese and 143 non-obese) was correlated with their serum ACE activity and dietary salt intake amounts. Results: Obesity was more prevalent in deletion-deletion genotype individuals ( p<0.03), under dominant, co-dominant and monoallelic conditions ( p<0.04). Deletion allele corresponds to serum ACE activity in obese patients ( p<0.05). The amount of salt intake (<6 g/d) was significantly associated with obesity and particularly high in deletion-deletion and insertion-deletion genotype carriers ( p<0.001). STITCH analysis underlined interactions of the ACE protein with sodium molecule, REN, ACE2, KNG1 and AGTR1 in a biological network. Conclusions: Our findings suggest the positive association between ACE deletion genotype, serum ACE activity and sodium intake with risk of obesity development in the Saudi population.
Efficacy of dexlansoprazole-based triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infections
Authors: Kuo Chia-Jung , Chen Chun-Wei , Le Puo-Hsien , Hsu Jun-Te , Lin Cheng-Yu , Cheng Hao-Tsai , Su Ming-Yao , Lin Chun-Jung , Chiu Cheng-Tang 
Published: September 2019

Background: Dexlansoprazole has been shown to be efficacious for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, there is a paucity of data about its efficacy for Helicobacter pylori eradication. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of dexlansoprazole for H. pylori eradication as triple therapy in real-world practice. Methods: Adult patients with endoscopically proven H. pylori related peptic ulcer diseases or gastritis were recruited for this study. The eradication status was assessed based on the results of the 13C-urea breath test performed 4 weeks after treatment. According to the different treatment regimens, the patients were allocated to group A: Esomeprazole 40 mg b.i.d. + amoxicillin 1 g b.i.d. + clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d. for 7 days; group B: Esomeprazole 40 mg q.d. + amoxicillin 1 g b.i.d. + clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d. for 7 days, or group C: Dexlansoprazole 60 mg q.d. + amoxicillin 1 g b.i.d. + clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d. for 7 days. Results: A total of 215 patients (49% males) were enrolled in this study, with a mean age of 55 years. The eradication rates in group A, B, and C were 94.7% (71/75), 89.6% (69/77), and 93.7% (59/63) ( p = 0.457), respectively. The adverse events were similar between the three groups ( p = 0.068). Conclusions: This study suggests that dexlansoprazole-based triple therapy has an acceptable eradication rate for H. pylori infection.
When Cultures Fail: Postmortem Decoy Receptor 3 (DcR3) as a Marker of Antemortem Sepsis
Authors: Thompson Katrina , Connor Joseph 
Published: September 2019

Introduction: Decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) has shown utility as a reliable surrogate marker. Levels of DcR3 in the serum increase and remain elevated in several disease states including cancer and sepsis. In inflammatory conditions, DcR3 is upregulated in inflammatory cells to suppress exponential immune propagation. The use of DcR3 as an indication of sepsis has been documented in the antemortem setting, but its use in the postmortem setting is unknown. The purpose of this study is to evaluate postmortem DcR3 as a marker of antemortem sepsis. Methods: A retrospective investigation was performed to identify patients whose primary cause of death fell into one of four cohorts (control, cancer, culture-positive sepsis, and suspected culture-negative sepsis). Serum was obtained and tested by a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to quantify DcR3 levels. Results: Twenty-five of 47 samples contained detectable levels of DcR3 (average 0.75 ± 0.3 ng/mL). Comparing culture-positive sepsis to the control cohort at a cutoff value of 0.26 ng/mL, DcR3 positivity showed a sensitivity of 64% and a specificity of 73%. Compared to each other, patients with cancer had similar values to those with culture-positive sepsis (P = .90). Time of specimen collection had a negative role in detection and quantification (P = .038). Discussion: Several studies have shown DcR3 may be a viable antemortem biomarker of sepsis, but its use in postmortem sepsis testing has not been adequately investigated. This study shows that in postmortem testing, DcR3 shows less sensitivity and specificity with a relatively short window for proper testing.