bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis B core‐related antigen levels after HBeAg seroconversion is associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: To Wai‐Pan , Mak Lung‐Yi , Wong Danny Ka‐Ho , Fung James , Liu Fen , Seto Wai‐Kay , Lai Ching‐Lung , Yuen Man‐Fung 
Published: August 2019

AbstractHepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg) is a novel serological marker for hepatitis B virus infection. Its clinical significance after HBeAg seroconversion has not been defined. We aimed to determine the relationship between HBcrAg levels after spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A total of 207 chronic hepatitis B patients with documented time of HBeAg seroconversion were enrolled. HBcrAg and HBsAg were checked within 3 years (as baseline), at 5 and 10 years after HBeAg seroconversion. HBV DNA was measured at the baseline. Multivariate Cox regression model was used to investigate the predictors for HCC development. The median follow‐up time was 13.1 (11.8‐15.5) years. Fourteen patients developed HCC (15‐year cumulative incidence: 7%). The median level of HBcrAg at baseline was significantly higher in patients who developed HCC when compared with patients without HCC (5.68 vs 4.78 log U/ml, respectively; P = .003). Cox proportional hazards model indicated that age of HBeAg seroconversion older than 40 years (hazard ratio (HR): 4.60; P = .049), presence of baseline cirrhosis (HR: 6.23; P = .003) and a higher baseline HBcrAg (HR: 1.75; P = .032) were independently associated with HCC development. A cut‐off value of baseline HBcrAg level ≥5.21 log U/mL yielded an AUROC of 0.74 with a negative predictive value of 97.7%. High HBcrAg levels within 3 years after HBeAg seroconversion were independently associated with the development of HCC in chronic hepatitis B patients.
Using species attributes to characterize late‐glacial and early‐Holocene environments at Kråkenes, western Norway
Authors: Felde Vivian Astrup , Birks Hilary Helen 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAimWe aim to use species attributes such as distributions and indicator values to reconstruct past biomes, environment, and temperatures from detailed plant‐macrofossil data covering the late glacial to the early Holocene (ca. 14–9 ka).LocationKråkenes, western Norway.MethodsWe applied attributes for present‐day geographical distribution, optimal July and January temperatures, and Ellenberg indicator values for plants in the macrofossil data‐set. We used assemblage weighted means (AWM) to reconstruct past biomes, changes in light (L), nitrogen (N), moisture (F), and soil reaction (R), and temperatures. We compared the temperature reconstructions with previous chironomid‐inferred temperatures.ResultsAfter the start of the Holocene around 11.5 ka, the Arctic‐montane biome, which was stable during the late‐glacial period, shifted successively into the Boreo‐arctic montane, Wide‐boreal, Boreo‐montane, Boreo‐temperate, and Wide‐temperate biomes by ca. 9.0 ka. Circumpolar and Eurasian floristic elements characteristic of the late‐glacial decreased and the Eurosiberian element became prominent. Light demand (L), soil moisture (F), nitrogen (N), and soil reaction (R) show different, but complementary responses. Light‐demanding plants decreased with time. Soil moisture was relatively stable until it increased during organic soil development during the early Holocene. Soil nitrogen increased during the early Holocene. Soil reaction (pH) decreased during the Allerød, but increased during the Younger Dryas. It decreased markedly after the start of the Holocene, reaching low but stable levels in the early Holocene. Mean July and January temperatures show similar patterns to the chironomid‐inferred mean July temperature trends at Kråkenes, but chironomids show larger fluctuations and interesting differences in timing.ConclusionAssigning attributes to macrofossil species is a useful new approach in palaeoecology. It can demonstrate changes in biomes, ecological conditions, and temperatures. The late‐glacial to early‐Holocene transition may form an analogue for changes observed in the modern arctic and in mountains, with melting glaciers, permafrost thaw, and shrub encroachment into tundra.
Procoagulant imbalance influences cardiovascular and liver damage in chronic hepatitis C independently of steatosis
Authors: Sigon Giordano , D'Ambrosio Roberta , Clerici Mariagrazia , Pisano Giuseppina , Chantarangkul Veena , Sollazzi Roberta , Lombardi Rosa , Peyvandi Flora , Lampertico Pietro , Fargion Silvia , Tripodi Armando , Fracanzani Anna Ludovica 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackground & AimsPatients with chronic HCV infection besides hepatitis often present cardiovascular damage, the pathogenesis of which is not defined. In chronic liver diseases, including NAFLD and cirrhosis, a procoagulant imbalance, potentially responsible for atherosclerosis has been reported. We aimed at evaluating whether a procoagulant imbalance is present also in non‐cirrhotic patients with HCV infection and whether the procoagulant imbalance correlates with cardiovascular damage. The correlation between the procoagulant imbalance, coexisting steatosis, and liver fibrosis was analysed.MethodsFrom 2014 to 2018, 393 subjects (205 patients with chronic HCV infection from two liver units and 188 controls) were enrolled. Metabolic, cardiovascular, liver assessment and coagulation parameters—procoagulants (FII and FVIII) and anticoagulants (antithrombin and protein C [PC]), endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), peak‐thrombin and their ratios (with/without thrombomodulin)—were determined.ResultsThe procoagulant imbalance (defined as high FVIII, FVIII/PC ratio, ETP‐ratio and peak‐thrombin‐ratio (with/without thrombomodulin)) was significantly higher in patients with chronic HCV than controls. Steatosis was detected in 87 patients (42%). No difference in coagulation imbalance, carotid and cardiac parameters and severity of liver fibrosis was observed in patients with or without steatosis, despite the latter had less severe metabolic alterations. The FVIII/PC ratio was independently associated with carotid intima‐media thickness (coefficient 0.04, 95% CI 0.002‐0.07, P = .04) and liver fibrosis (coefficient 0.64, 95% CI 0.37‐0.92, P < .0001).ConclusionPatients with HCV infection, even in the absence of cirrhosis have a procoagulant‐imbalance that possibly plays a role in increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and progression of fibrosis.
HBV‐Pol is crucial for HBV‐mediated inhibition of inflammasome activation and IL‐1β production
Authors: Lei Qingsong , Li Tianju , Kong Lingna , Li Lin , Ding Xiaolin , Wang Xiaolin , Zhang Xiaomei , Qin Bo 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackground & AimsHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the most critical factor underlying liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. IL‐1β and IL‐18, generated by activation of the inflammasome/caspase‐1 signaling pathway, play important roles in the control and clearance of HBV. However, the specific relationship between the inflammasome response and IFN‐α resistance or viral persistence is yet to be established.MethodsBlood samples of patients and supernatant fractions of HBV cell lines were collected for analysis and the effects on inflammasome activation and IL‐1β production evaluated via enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blot, quantitative RT‐PCR and immunofluorescence.ResultsIL‐1β and IL‐18 levels produced in sera of IFN‐α non‐responders were significantly lower than those of responders and normal donors. Additionally, expression of IL‐1β and inflammasome components was decreased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of non‐responders, compared with those of responders. In vitro experiments on HepG2, HepG2.2.15 and HepAD38 cell lines showed that HBV induces a significant decrease in IL‐1β production through inhibiting activation of the NF‐κB signaling and inflammasome/caspase‐1 pathways. And hepatitis B virus polymerase (HBV‐Pol) appeared crucial for these inhibitory effects of HBV.ConclusionIL‐1β production is suppressed in HBV carriers and IFN‐α non‐responders. HBV induces a significant decrease in IL‐1β production through inhibiting the NF‐κB signaling and inflammasome pathways, for which HBV‐Pol is a crucial requirement.Trial approval number: 20 173 402.
Identified Patient: Apartheid Syndrome, Political Therapeutics, and Generational Care in South Africa
Authors: McIsaac Stephen 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn contemporary South Africa, racism, economic exclusion, and spatial segregation remain trenchant features of everyday life 25 years after the end of apartheid. In this article, I show how therapeutic practices by black South Africans in one of the country's largest townships address the ongoing legacies of this history. Rather than treat individual psyches, therapists’ practices are oriented toward the relational space between generations, a political therapeutic driven by the affective force of the therapists’ own history of struggle toward a different future for black youth, who continue to be marked by the legacies of colonialism and apartheid. In the process, I track how this political therapeutic confronts the normative demands of psychiatric knowledge. Overall, I argue that rather than solely focusing on the violence of care in clinical settings, we should interrogate political generation and embodied history as forms of expertise and their constitutive potentialities.
A gradient‐forming MipZ protein mediating the control of cell division in the magnetotactic bacterium Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense
Authors: Toro‐Nahuelpan Mauricio , Corrales‐Guerrero Laura , Zwiener Theresa , Osorio‐Valeriano Manuel , Müller Frank‐Dietrich , Plitzko Jürgen M. , Bramkamp Marc , Thanbichler Martin , Schüler Dirk 
Published: August 2019

SummaryCell division needs to be tightly regulated and closely coordinated with other cellular processes to ensure the generation of fully viable offspring. Here, we investigate division site placement by the cell division regulator MipZ in the alphaproteobacterium Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense, a species that forms linear chains of magnetosomes to navigate within the geomagnetic field. We show that M. gryphiswaldense contains two MipZ homologs, termed MipZ1 and MipZ2. MipZ2 localizes to the division site, but its absence does not cause any obvious phenotype. MipZ1, by contrast, forms a dynamic bipolar gradient, and its deletion or overproduction cause cell filamentation, suggesting an important role in cell division. The monomeric form of MipZ1 interacts with the chromosome partitioning protein ParB, whereas its ATP‐dependent dimeric form shows non‐specific DNA‐binding activity. Notably, both the dimeric and, to a lesser extent, the monomeric form inhibit FtsZ polymerization in vitro. MipZ1 thus represents a canonical gradient‐forming MipZ homolog that critically contributes to the spatiotemporal control of FtsZ ring formation. Collectively, our findings add to the view that the regulatory role of MipZ proteins in cell division is conserved among many alphaproteobacteria. However, their number and biochemical properties may have adapted to the specific needs of the host organism.
Stateless nation within a nationless state: The political past, present, and future of Hongkongers, 1949–2019
Authors: Fong Brian C H 
Published: August 2019

AbstractHongkonger identity has been a popular research topic for social scientists worldwide. Drawing upon contemporary theories of stateless nation, this article goes beyond the existing “local vis‐à‐vis national identity” paradigm and re‐articulates the political past, present, and future of the Hongkongers as a stateless nation. The article argues that political future of Hong Kong should be re‐thought within the framework of China's political trajectory as a nationless state.
Post‐traumatic stress symptoms and sense of coherence in proximity to intensive care unit discharge
Authors: Valsø Åse , Rustøen Tone , Skogstad Laila , Schou‐Bredal Ingerl , Ekeberg Øivind , Småstuen Milada C. , Myhren Hilde , Sunde Kjetil , Tøien Kirsti 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundPost‐traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms following intensive care unit (ICU) treatment can lead to post‐traumatic stress disorder and represent a severe health burden. In trauma patients, a strong sense of coherence (SOC) is associated with fewer PTS symptoms. However, this association has not been investigated in a general ICU sample.Aims and objectivesTo examine the occurrence of PTS symptoms in general ICU patients early after ICU discharge and to assess possible associations between PTS symptoms and SOC, ICU memory, pain, and demographic and clinical characteristics.DesignThis was a cross‐sectional study.MethodsAdult patients aged ≥18 years admitted for ≥24 hours to five ICUs between 2014 and 2016 were recruited. PTS symptoms and SOC were measured at the ward within the first week after discharge from the ICU using the Posttraumatic Stress Scale‐10 and Sense of Coherence Scale‐13. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify associations between PTS symptoms and SOC and the selected independent variables.ResultsA total of 523 patients were included (17.8% trauma patients; median age 57 years [range 18‐94]; 53.3% male). The prevalence of clinically significant PTS symptoms was 32%. After adjustments for gender and age, lower SOC (P < 0.001), more ICU delusional memories (P < 0.001), greater pain interference (P < 0.001), not being a trauma patient (P = 0.02), and younger age (P = 0.03) were significantly associated with more PTS symptoms.ConclusionsOne third of patients experienced clinically relevant PTS symptoms early after discharge from the ICU. In the present study, SOC, delusional memory, pain interference, younger age, and not being a trauma patient were factors associated with more PTS symptoms.Relevance to clinical practiceEarly individual follow up after ICU discharge focusing on pain relief and delusional memory may reduce PTS symptoms, with a potential of improving rehabilitation.
Shoot surface water uptake enables leaf hydraulic recovery in Avicennia marina
Authors: Fuenzalida Tomás I. , Bryant Callum J. , Ovington Leuwin I. , Yoon Hwan‐Jin , Oliveira Rafael S. , Sack Lawren , Ball Marilyn C. 
Published: August 2019

Summary

The significance of shoot surface water uptake (SSWU) has been debated, and it would depend on the range of conditions under which it occurs. We hypothesized that the decline of leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf) in response to dehydration may be recovered through SSWU, and that the hydraulic conductance to SSWU (Ksurf) declines with dehydration.

We quantified effects of leaf dehydration on Ksurf and effects of SSWU on recovery of Kleaf in dehydrated leaves of Avicennia marina.

SSWU led to overnight recovery of Kleaf, with recovery retracing the same path as loss of Kleaf in response to dehydration. SSWU declined with dehydration. By contrast, Ksurf declined with rehydration time but not with dehydration.

Our results showed a role of SSWU in the recovery of leaf hydraulic conductance and revealed that SSWU is sensitive to leaf hydration status. The prevalence of SSWU in vegetation suggests an important role for atmospheric water sources in maintenance of leaf hydraulic function, with implications for plant responses to changing environments.
Nutrition‐related interventions targeting childhood overweight and obesity: A narrative review
Authors: Kerr Jessica A. , Loughman Amy , Knox Andrew , Koplin Jennifer J. , Allen Katrina J. , Wake Melissa 
Published: August 2019

SummarySystematic reviews of nutritional interventions indicate limited efficacy in reducing childhood obesity, but their blanket conclusions could obscure promising components. This narrative review sought more detail on effective components within nutrition‐related interventions involving children aged 2 to 11 years. In May 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) searched the Cochrane Library and PubMed for relevant reviews. From 36 reviews, we screened 182 nutrition‐related randomized trials for inclusion. We then reviewed those that reported at least 1 statistically significant (P < 0.05) treatment benefit on body weight and/or composition outcomes at their longest follow‐up assessment. Fourteen trials met inclusion criteria (median n = 554; mean intervention duration = 10.8 mo; follow‐up = 4.4 mo). “Effective” approaches included environmental changes such as school water fountain installations and cafeteria menu changes and possibly less sustainable strategies such as health education lessons. However, effect sizes even of these selected significant treatment benefits were modest—significant body mass index z‐score effects range from −0.1 to −0.2. Each trial was associated with very small improvements in body composition. Because this is a “best‐case” scenario (reflecting our design), trialists should rigorously test these strategies alone and possibly together; be open to novel strategies; and ensure that each strategy is culturally relevant and self‐sustainable.
Severe hypersensitivity reactions to biological drugs in children with rheumatic diseases
Authors: Soyer Ozge , Demir Selcan , Bilginer Yelda , Batu Ezgi Deniz , Sonmez Hafize Emine , Arıcı Zehra Serap , Şahiner Ümit Murat , Sekerel Bulent Enis , Ozen Seza 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundHypersensitivity reactions (HSR) to biologic drugs (BD) may limit their use in children with rheumatic diseases. We aimed to analyze the incidence and clinical characteristics of immediate type I (IgE/non‐IgE) hypersensitivity reactions to BD and the risk factors for these reactions.MethodsChildren with rheumatic diseases using BD who were evaluated in the pediatric allergy department for possible drug hypersensitivity reaction (DHR) due to BD or any other drug were included in the study.ResultsOne hundred and twenty‐eight children (49.2% boys; 14.6 years [9.9‐16.9 years] with juvenile idiopathic arthritis [58%], familial Mediterranean fever [14%], vasculitis [14%], and other diseases [14%]) had used eight different BD with 32 494 infusions/injections. Fifteen patients were evaluated for DHR [injection‐site reactions [n = 4], adverse events [n = 2], drug hypersensitivity other than BD [n = 3], and immediate BD hypersensitivity [n = 6]). The incidence of immediate BD HSR was 4.7%, with a clinical presentation of anaphylaxis in 3.9% (tocilizumab [n = 3], rituximab [n = 2], positive skin test with culprit BD [n = 3]). Among patients with BD HSR, the median follow‐up was longer (84.5 vs 54 months, P = .048), and renal (33.3% vs 4.1%, P = .002), hematologic involvement (16.7% vs 0, P < .001), and active disease (83.3% vs 13.9%, P < .001) were more common. Logistic regression analysis revealed that renal involvement, more than 14 hospitalizations per lifetime, and more than two different BD used were associated with BD hypersensitivity.ConclusionThe frequency of severe immediate HSR due to BD was shown to be 3.9% in children with rheumatic diseases. Children with active rheumatic disease and who have exposure to multiple BD should be monitored for BD HSR, particularly during intravenous BD infusions.
A structured graduated protocol with heat denatured eggs in the treatment of egg allergy
Authors: Gotesdyner Leora , Zeldin Yuri , Machnes Maayan Diti , Efron Adi , Stauber Tali , Maoz Segal Ramit , Binson Inga , Dinkin Mira , Dinkowitz Larisa , Nevet Ayelet , Asher Ilan , Yakar Yael , Agmon‐Levin Nancy , Kenett Ron S. , Kidon Mona I. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundMost children with egg allergy (EA) can tolerate extensively heated and baked egg (EHBE). Consumption of EHBE may promote faster resolution of EA; however, no consensus exists as to the required amounts and treatment protocols.ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of a structured graduated exposure protocol (SGEP) with EHBE in promoting tolerance to eggs in EA children under 2 years of age.MethodsIn a case‐control study, EA children aged < 2 years who were treated with SGEP including EHBE were compared to children treated with strict avoidance. Data were collected from records and telephone questionnaires. Analysis was performed using non‐parametric Kaplan‐Meier and Cox proportional hazard regression models.ResultsThirty‐nine egg‐allergic children with a median age at intervention of 16 months (interquartile range: 13‐19) were treated with SGEP and followed to a median age of 39 months (26.8‐50.0). The median age at resolution of EA was compared to a matched group of 80 children treated with strict avoidance at least until 2 years of age or earlier natural resolution and followed to a median age of 69 months (46‐104). The median estimated age at EA resolution in the SGEP group was 24 months (95% CI, 19.5‐28.5 months), compared to 78 months (95% CI, 53‐102) in the control group, P < .001. At last follow‐up, 82% of treated children were tolerant to lightly cooked eggs vs 54% of controls, P = .001.ConclusionA structured protocol with EHBE appears to promote faster resolution of EA.
Psychometric profile of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, Japanese translation
Authors: Mezawa Hidetoshi , Aoki Sayaka , Nakayama Shoji F. , Nitta Hiroshi , Ikeda Natsuha , Kato Keiko , Tamai Satoshi , Takekoh Makoto , Sanefuji Masafumi , Ohga Shouichi , Oda Masako , Mitsubuchi Hiroshi , Senju Ayako , Kusuhara Koichi , Kuwajima Mari , Koeda Tatsuya , Ohya Yukihiro , Hashimoto Keiji 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundThis study assessed the psychometric profile of 10 questionnaires (every 6 months, from 6 to 60 months) from the Japanese translation of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, third edition (J‐ASQ‐3).MethodsData from 439 children in a birth cohort were used to identify the J‐ASQ‐3 score distribution, establish cut‐off scores, and calculate the instrument's internal consistency. Data were also collected from 491 outpatients to examine J‐ASQ‐3 test–retest reliability and concurrent validity, which was examined using the Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development (KSPD) and the Japanese version of the Denver Developmental Screening Test II (J‐Denver II). Both the original and the alternative screening criteria of the ASQ‐3 were used (failure in at least one and at least two domains, respectively).ResultsCronbach's alpha for each J‐ASQ‐3 subscale on each questionnaire ranged from 0.45 to 0.89. Test–retest reliability was >0.75 for the subscales on almost all questionnaires. Concurrent validity was also adequate. In comparison with the screening results of the KSPD, the overall sensitivity and specificity were 96.0% and 48.8%, respectively, when the ASQ‐3 original criterion was used, and 92.1% and 74.9%, respectively, when the alternative criterion was used. In comparison with the screening results of the J‐Denver II, the overall sensitivity and specificity were 75.6% and 74.7%, respectively, when the ASQ‐3 original criterion was used, and 56.3% and 93.0%, respectively, when the alternative criterion was used.ConclusionsThis study quantified the psychometric profiles of the Japanese translations of 10 ASQ‐3 questionnaires. We demonstrated the validity of the J‐ASQ‐3 and determined new cut‐off scores. Further studies with larger samples from a greater range of locations are required to clarify the suitability of this tool for all Japanese children.