bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concurrence of autophagy with apoptosis in alveolar epithelial cells contributes to chronic pulmonary toxicity induced by methamphetamine
Authors: Wang Yun , Gu Yu‐Han , Liang Li‐Ye , Liu Ming , Jiang Bin , Zhu Mei‐Jia , Wang Xin , Shi Lin 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObjectivesMethamphetamine (MA) abuse evokes pulmonary toxicity. The aim of our study is to investigate if autophagy is induced by MA and if autophagy‐initiated apoptosis in alveolar epithelial cells is involved in MA‐induced chronic pulmonary toxicity.Materials and MethodsThe rats in Control group and MA group were tested by Doppler and HE staining. The alveolar epithelial cells were treated with MA, following by western blot, RT‐PCR and immunofluorescence assay.ResultsChronic exposure to MA resulted in lower growth ratio of weight and in higher heart rate and peak blood flow velocity of the main pulmonary artery of rats. MA induced infiltration of inflammatory cells in lungs, more compact lung parenchyma, thickened alveolar septum and reduction in the number of alveolar sacs. In alveolar epithelial cells, the autophagy marker LC3 and per cent of cells containing LC3‐positive autophagosome were significantly increased. MA dose dependently suppressed the phosphorylation of mTOR to inactivate mTOR, elicited autophagy regulatory proteins LC3 and Beclin‐1, accelerated the transformation from LC3 I to LC3 II and initiated apoptosis by decreasing Bcl‐2 and increasing Bax, Bax/Bcl‐2 and cleaved Caspase 3. The above results suggest that sustained autophagy was induced by long‐term exposure to MA and that the increased Beclin‐1 autophagy initiated apoptosis in alveolar epithelial cells.ConclusionsConcurrence of autophagy with apoptosis in alveolar epithelial cells contributes to chronic pulmonary toxicity induced by MA.
Cytomegalovirus infection and graft rejection as risk factors for pneumocystis pneumonia in solid organ transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hosseini‐Moghaddam Seyed M. , Krishnan Rohin Jayaram , Guo Hui , Kumar Deepali 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA growing number of publications have reported the outbreaks of post‐transplant pneumocystis pneumonia (PJP). In most studies, the onset of PJP was beyond 6‐12 months of prophylaxis. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and allograft rejection have been repeatedly reported as probable risk factors for post‐transplant PJP. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we determined the pooled effect estimates of these 2 variables as risk factors. Data sources included PUBMED, MEDLINE‐OVID, EMBASE‐OVID, Cochrane Library, Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations, World Health Organization, and Web of Science. We excluded publications related to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) patients. Eventually, 15 studies remained for the final stage of screening. Cytomegalovirus infection (OR: 3.30, CI 95%: 2.07‐5.26, I2: 57%, P = 0.006) and allograft rejection (OR:2.36, CI95%: 1.54‐3.62, I2: 45.5%, P = 0.05) significantly increased the risk of post‐transplant PJP. Extended prophylaxis targeting recipients with allograft rejection or CMV infection may reduce the risk of PJP.
Duration of corticosteroid use and long‐term outcomes after adult heart transplantation: A contemporary analysis of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Registry
Authors: Goldraich Livia A. , Stehlik Josef , Cherikh Wida S. , Edwards Leah B. , Urban Read , Dipchand Anne , Ross Heather J. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundLong‐term corticosteroid (CS) maintenance remains an effective option for immunosuppression following heart transplantation. We used the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Registry to examine characteristics and long‐term survival among heart transplant recipients with different duration of CS therapy.MethodsPrimary adult heart recipients transplanted between 2000 and 2008 who survived at least 5 years were categorized into three groups according to CS use: early withdrawal (≤2 years) (EARLY D/C), late withdrawal (between 2 and 5 years) (LATE D/C), or long‐term use (>5 years) (LONG‐TERM). Recipient and donor characteristics, post‐transplant morbidities, and mortality were compared among groups. Kaplan‐Meier was used to estimate survival up to 10 years post‐transplant.ResultsThe study cohort included 8161 recipients (2043 in EARLY D/C; 2031 in LATE D/C; and 4087 in LONG‐TERM). LONG‐TERM use of CS decreased over time, from 60% in 2000 to 43% in 2008, while EARLY D/C increased from 19% to 33%, respectively. Survival at 10 years after transplant was lower among the LONG‐TERM group (73% vs EARLY D/C 82% vs LATE D/C 80%; P < 0.0001).ConclusionsIn this large multinational cohort, the practice of long‐term CS maintenance was associated with lower long‐term survival compared with shorter CS use.
Benign paroxysmal torticollis of infancy does not lead to neurological sequelae
Authors: Danielsson Annika , Anderlid Britt‐Marie , Stödberg Tommy , Lagerstedt‐Robinson Kristina , Klackenberg Arrhenius Eva , Tedroff Kristina 
Published: June 2018

AimTo elucidate the natural course of benign paroxysmal torticollis, the relationship of this disorder to migraine and other paroxysmal diseases, and to analyse candidate genes.MethodThis was a case series of children with benign paroxysmal torticollis of infancy (BPTI) diagnosed from 1998 to 2005, at Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. A neurological examination and a formalized motor assessment were performed from 2005 to 2007. At a second follow‐up, in 2014 to 2015, the children and their parents were interviewed and candidate genes analysed.ResultsThe mean age of the eight females and three males included in the second follow‐up was 13 years 9 months (SD 2y 2mo). All motor assessments were normal. Five had developed migraine, abdominal migraine, and/or cyclic vomiting. Prophylactic treatment or migraine‐specific medication during attacks were not needed. No paroxysmal tonic upgaze, benign paroxysmal vertigo, epilepsy, episodic ataxia, or paroxysmal dyskinesia was reported. Rare genetic variants in CACNA1A and ATP1A2 were found in two children. Five had a family history of migraine.InterpretationBPTI is transient and does not lead to neurological sequelae. Most children afflicted experience either a mild migraine or no paroxysmal disorder at all in their adolescence. Genetic variants in candidate genes were few, indicating potential genetic heterogeneity.What this paper adds

After resolution of their benign paroxysmal torticollis of infancy (BPTI), children display no gross motor delay.

Most adolescents who previously had BPTI have not developed migraine.

No mutations in candidate genes, known to cause hemiplegic migraine, were found.

Associated symptoms are often lacking during episodes of torticollis.
Neutrophils as myeloid‐derived suppressor cells
Authors: Aarts Cathelijn E. M. , Kuijpers Taco W. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractNeutrophils form the first line of defence against invading pathogens, such as bacteria and fungi, as part of the innate immune response. Recently, neutrophils have also been discovered as repressors of adaptive immune responses. Under certain conditions, such as cancer and severe injury, an expansion of immature and mature neutrophils has been observed to induce suppression of T‐cell proliferation. These suppressing cells are known as so‐called myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), a heterogeneous population of granulocytic‐MDSCs and monocytic‐MDSCs. Initially, MDSCs were believed to be a specific immature type of myeloid immune cell released from the bone marrow, but mature neutrophils have also been proposed to have suppressive capacity. However, granulocytic‐MDSCs show a similar morphology and expression of cell surface markers as mature neutrophils. The only characteristic that discriminates granulocytic (g)‐MDSCs from mature neutrophils is their suppressive capacity, raising the question whether human g‐MDSCs and neutrophils are actually different cell types or whether they are one plastic cell type that can functionally polarize from microbial killers to immunosuppressor cells, depending on local conditions. In this review, we will focus on the MDSC activity of circulating mature neutrophils.
Increased rate of lumbar spondylolisthesis in rheumatoid arthritis: A case‐control study
Authors: Hagege Benjamin , Tubach Florence , Alfaiate Toni , Forien Marine , Dieudé Philippe , Ottaviani Sébastien 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of lumbar spondylolisthesis (SPL) in patients suffering from low back pain (LBP) with or without rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to identify potential factors associated with SPL in patients with RA.MethodsWe performed a case‐control study. Cases and control patients had chronic LBP (more than 4 weeks). Patient with RA fulfilled the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria. The main outcome was the presence of lumbar SPL on lumbar X‐ray. The prevalence of SPL between RA and control patients was compared using chi‐squared test. Potential factors associated with SPL in patients with RA were investigated by univariate and multivariate analysis, estimating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).ResultsA total of 67 cases and 83 controls were included. Median [interquartile range] age of patients with RA was 60.0 years [51.0‐72.0]; 80.6% were females; and 92.5% and 83.6% were positive for anti‐citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) or rheumatoid factor, respectively. Mean RA disease duration was 11.2 ± 8.7 years. SPL was more frequent in patients with RA than controls (41.8% versus 18.1%, P = 0.001). Adjusted to gender, RA was associated with increased prevalence of SPL (OR 3.15 [95% CI 1.48‐6.70], P = 0.003). Among patients with RA, SPL was mainly Grade 1 (85.7%). Multivariate analysis revealed SPL is associated with increased age in patients with RA (OR 1.06 [1.02‐1.11], P = 0.004).ConclusionIn a population of patients with chronic LBP, the prevalence of lumbar SPL was higher with than without RA. SPL might be explained by synovitis of lumbar facet joints.
Effects of biochar on the dynamics of aggregate stability in clay and sandy loam soils
Authors: Pituello C. , Dal Ferro N. , Francioso O. , Simonetti G. , Berti A. , Piccoli I. , Pisi A. , Morari F. 
Published: June 2018

SummaryRecent advances suggest that organic substances of different origins might have different aggregate stability dynamics. We investigated the extent to which contrasting soil types affect the dynamics of aggregation after the addition of crop residues (R) and of biochar at two doses (BC20, 20 Mg ha−1; BC40, 40 Mg ha−1) in a 2‐year experiment. To evaluate disaggregation, we measured a set of physical–chemical and structure‐related properties of clay and sandy loam aggregates sieved to 1–2 mm, including wet aggregate stability after different pretreatments combined with laser diffraction analysis. The electrochemical properties of the colloidal suspension were also analysed to identify changes in soil chemistry affected by organic inputs. Different amounts of added biochar and soil types produced contrasting effects on wet aggregate stability. In sandy loam, the increased soil surface area from added biochar (at either dose) offset the initial small soil organic carbon (SOC) content and subsequently promoted SOC‐controlled aggregation. Conversely in clay soil, the larger biochar dose (BC40) strengthened the repulsive forces between particles with the same charge and monovalent cations, which led to chemical perturbation and some aggregate breakdown not found with BC20. Pore structure also changed in clay aggregates. A shift towards more micropores (30–5 μm, + 29% more than in the control) and ultramicropores (5–0.1 μm, + 22% more than in the control), which contributed to aggregate stabilization, resulted when biochar was added, but not for residue. Our results suggest that biochar promotes aggregate stability, which, in turn, improves the physical fertility of soil, especially if it has a coarse texture and small organic carbon content. Further study is needed of the physical–chemical interactions between added biochar and surface‐charged clay‐rich soils.Highlights

Aggregate dynamics are poorly understood because of complex interactions between organic inputs and soil type.
A multidisciplinary approach was used to study aggregation dynamics.
Large biochar input changed soil chemical properties that weakened stability in clay aggregates.
Aggregate stability depended on biochar dose and soil type.
Late‐onset and young‐onset relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis: evidence from a retrospective long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: D'Amico E. , Patti F. , Zanghì A. , Chisari C. G. , Lo Fermo S. , Zappia M. 
Published: June 2018

Background and purposeLate‐onset multiple sclerosis (MS) has a prevalence of about 10–20% in natural history MS studies. Few data have been published about the long‐term disease trajectory in the cohort of late‐onset relapsing‐remitting MS (LORRMS). The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for reaching an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 6.0 in LORRMS (onset at >40 years of age) and young‐onset relapsing‐remitting MS (YORRMS) (onset between 18 and 40 years of age).MethodsClinical and radiological [magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain] follow‐up data were collected. Disability was assessed by EDSS score. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the demographic and clinical predictors of reaching an EDSS score of 6.0 in the two cohorts.ResultsA total of 671 patients with relapsing‐remitting MS were enrolled, 143 (21.3%) with LORRMS and 528 (78.7%) with YORRMS. In LORRMS, age at onset was 47.8 ± 5.3 (mean ± SD) years and duration of follow‐up was 120.7 ± 52.7 months. In YORRMS, age at onset was 27 ± 2.7 years and duration of follow‐up was 149.9 ± 92.7 months. The survival curve analyses showed a higher probability of reaching an EDSS score of 6.0 for LORRMS in a shorter time (months) than for YORRMS (94.2 vs. 103.2 months; log‐rank 8.8; P < 0.05). On MRI, YORRMS showed more brain inflammatory features than LORRMS. In the multivariate Cox model, age at onset [Exp(B) value, 6.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.9–22.6; P < 0.001] and male gender [Exp(B) value, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.0–2.8; P < 0.05] were the strongest predictors of reaching an EDSS score of 6.0.ConclusionsThe male population with LORRMS reached severe disability faster than those with YORRMS, even when YORRMS showed more brain inflammatory features on MRI.
Serum vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 as a potential biomarker in psoriasis
Authors: Hong Xia , Jiang Shan , Marmolejo Nancy , Vangipuram Ramya , Ramos‐Rojas Elmira , Yuan Yulin , Lin Zuan‐Tao , Li Yaxi , Qiu Jingyi , Xing Yikun , Haley Christopher , Tyring Stephen K. , Wu Tianfu 
Published: June 2018

AbstractTo discover novel biomarkers of psoriasis, a target‐specific antibody array screening of serum samples from psoriasis patients was initially performed. The results revealed that vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR‐3) was significantly elevated in the sera of psoriasis patients, compared to healthy controls. Next, ELISA validation studies in a larger cohort of psoriasis patients (N = 73) were conducted, which confirmed that serum VEGFR‐3 was indeed significantly increased in patients with psoriasis compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001). Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that serum VEGFR‐3 exhibited potential in distinguishing healthy controls from psoriasis patients: area under the curve = 0.85, P < 0.001. In addition, serum levels of VEGFR‐3 were correlated with Psoriasis Area Severity Index scores (R = 0.32, P = 0.008) in psoriasis patients. Interestingly, serum VEGFR‐3 levels were significantly elevated in psoriatic arthritis compared to non‐psoriatic arthritis (P = 0.026). A pilot longitudinal study demonstrated that serum levels of VEGFR‐3 could reflect disease progression in psoriasis. Collectively, serum VEGFR‐3 may have a clinical value in monitoring disease activity of psoriasis.
Ephenidine, diphenidine, and methoxphenidine complications reported to the French Addictovigilance Network
Authors: Eiden Céline , Leone‐Burgos Sarah , Serre Anaïs , Carton Louise , Gerardin Marie , Le Boisselier Reynald , Gibaja Valérie , Monzon Emilie , Fouilhe Nathalie , Boucher Alexandra , Peyriere Hélène ,   French Network of Addictovigilance Centers
Published: June 2018

AbstractEphenidine, diphenidine, and methoxphenidine belong to the family of diarylethylamines that are psychoactive substances derived from lefetamine (N, N‐di‐methyl‐1,2‐diphenylethylamine, also called L‐SPA). These dissociative anesthetic compounds act as potent and selective N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor antagonists and were recently classified as narcotic drugs in France. The available data suggest a significant risk of psychic and somatic complications. To obtain more information, this retrospective study analyzed all spontaneous notifications of serious cases of ephenidine, diphenidine, and methoxphenidine abuse collected by the French Addictovigilance Network from 2012 to 2016 and classified them as proven, probable, and possible. For each case, age, sex, concomitantly ingested substances, pattern of abuse of psychoactive drugs, and related complications (scored using the poisoning severity score) were collected. Eighteen cases were identified (one in 2013, five in 2015, and 12 in 2016) in 16 men (median age: 31.5 years [IQR 25–75% 27–34]). Ephenidine, diphenidine, and methoxphenidine were involved in four, seven, and 11 cases, respectively. No case was considered proven, 16 cases were considered possible, and two probable due to polysubstance abuse (co‐ingestion of other new psychoactive substances). The reported clinical complications were minor in five cases, moderate in six cases, and serious in four cases, and included psychiatric, neurologic, and cardiovascular problems. This analysis indicates that the number of reported cases progressively increased from 2012 to 2016 and mainly concerned methoxphenidine. The addictive potential of these substances seems highly probable; but further investigations are needed to limit their harmful effects.
Climate and plant controls on soil organic matter in coastal wetlands
Authors: Osland Michael J. , Gabler Christopher A. , Grace James B. , Day Richard H. , McCoy Meagan L. , McLeod Jennie L. , From Andrew S. , Enwright Nicholas M. , Feher Laura C. , Stagg Camille L. , Hartley Stephen B. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractCoastal wetlands are among the most productive and carbon‐rich ecosystems on Earth. Long‐term carbon storage in coastal wetlands occurs primarily belowground as soil organic matter (SOM). In addition to serving as a carbon sink, SOM influences wetland ecosystem structure, function, and stability. To anticipate and mitigate the effects of climate change, there is a need to advance understanding of environmental controls on wetland SOM. Here, we investigated the influence of four soil formation factors: climate, biota, parent materials, and topography. Along the northern Gulf of Mexico, we collected wetland plant and soil data across elevation and zonation gradients within 10 estuaries that span broad temperature and precipitation gradients. Our results highlight the importance of climate–plant controls and indicate that the influence of elevation is scale and location dependent. Coastal wetland plants are sensitive to climate change; small changes in temperature or precipitation can transform coastal wetland plant communities. Across the region, SOM was greatest in mangrove forests and in salt marshes dominated by graminoid plants. SOM was lower in salt flats that lacked vascular plants and in salt marshes dominated by succulent plants. We quantified strong relationships between precipitation, salinity, plant productivity, and SOM. Low precipitation leads to high salinity, which limits plant productivity and appears to constrain SOM accumulation. Our analyses use data from the Gulf of Mexico, but our results can be related to coastal wetlands across the globe and provide a foundation for predicting the ecological effects of future reductions in precipitation and freshwater availability. Coastal wetlands provide many ecosystem services that are SOM dependent and highly vulnerable to climate change. Collectively, our results indicate that future changes in SOM and plant productivity, regulated by cascading effects of precipitation on freshwater availability and salinity, could impact wetland stability and affect the supply of some wetland ecosystem services.
Prediction of individual factor VIII or IX level for the correction of thrombin generation in haemophilic patients
Authors: Chelle P. , Montmartin A. , Piot M. , Ardillon L. , Wibaut B. , Frotscher B. , Cournil M. , Morin C. , Tardy‐Poncet B. 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundThe thrombin generation (TG) assay can assess individual clotting potential. The thrombin generation potential is correlated with the patient's bleeding phenotype and varies from one patient to the other for the same degree of factor VIII or IX deficiency.ObjectiveTo define in vitro for individual haemophilic patients the target factor VIII or IX level required to normalize their TG.Patients/MethodsPlasmas from 20 haemophilic patients were spiked with increasing levels of the deficient coagulation factor and TG parameters were measured. The relationships between factor levels and TG parameters were determined by linear regression. The normal range of thrombin generation was defined in 39 healthy male volunteers.ResultsDespite inter‐individual heterogeneity in basal TG and responses to spiking, a linear relationship was found between factor VIII or IX levels and TG parameters for individual patients. Based on the individual responses of patient plasmas to spiking, it is possible to define in vitro the target factor VIII or IX levels needed to normalize the TG parameters. For both haemophilic A and haemophilic B patients, significant correlations were found between basal peak values and their correction slopes. The correction slope was steeper in haemophilic B patients, so the factor IX level needed to normalize the TG parameters was lower than for haemophilic A patients.ConclusionsThe TG assay could be used to determine in vitro the patient‐specific factor VIII or IX level to be reached to effectively normalize their TG. These in vitro results should be confirmed by ex‐vivo studies.
Influence of new hire transition workload on insomnia in nurses
Authors: Chang Yuanmay , Lam Calvin , Chung Min‐Huey 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimsIn this study, we investigated the relationship of the prevalence and incidence of insomnia with the new hire transition workload in nurses.MethodsThis retrospective study used the clinical diagnosis data of the entire nursing population in Taiwan for 2005 to 2008, drawn from the National Health Insurance Research Database. Adjusted logistic regression and Cox regression models were used to separately analyse factors related to the prevalence and incidence of insomnia.ResultsDuring this period, the prevalence of insomnia increased, whereas its incidence remained stable. After adjustment for demographic variables in the logistic regression models, the higher prevalence of insomnia was associated with a longer employment duration and a higher new hire ratio. In the Cox regression models, a higher incidence of insomnia was associated with a shorter employment duration and a higher new hire ratio. Nurses with a longer employment duration had a higher prevalence, but lower incidence, of insomnia. A higher new hire ratio was associated with a higher prevalence and incidence of insomnia.ConclusionTo mitigate the risk of insomnia, we suggest that additional support should be provided to non‐new nurses to assist them in the new hire transition.