bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Economic costs of dysphagia among hospitalized patients
Authors: Allen Jacqui , Greene Monique , Sabido Ismael , Stretton Matthew , Miles Anna 
Published: July 2019

Objectives/HypothesisDifficulties swallowing may lead to aspiration pneumonia and death. In a hospital setting where patients are admitted for other causes, we hypothesized that the additional burden of a swallow problem would increase length of stay, rate of pneumonia, cost, readmissions, and morbidity compared to those without dysphagia.Study DesignRetrospective parallel cohort study.MethodsA study of patients admitted to the hospital with hip/femur fracture was completed. Two groups were identified and compared: those with a coded diagnosis of dysphagia (n = 165) in addition to hip/femur fracture (HF + D), and a group with hip fracture alone (HF‐D) (n = 2,288) (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, Australian Modification). Number of inpatient days, cost per patient, diagnosis of pneumonia, 30‐day readmission, and mortality rates were compared.ResultsFor those in the HF + D group, mean age was 85 years compared to 78 years in the HF‐D group (P < .05); length of stay was 32 days, more than twice that of the HF‐D group (14 days) (P < .05). Mortality within 30 days of admission was significantly higher (18% vs. 4%,respectively) but 30‐day readmission rate was similar (8% vs. 11%, respectively). Rate of aspiration pneumonia was 14 times greater in HF + D (9.7%) compared with HF‐D (0.7%). Average admission cost was NZD$36,913 (HF + D) compared with NZD$22,222 (HF‐D) (P < .05).ConclusionsComplaint of dysphagia, in addition to hip fracture, increases a patient's average admission cost by 60%. It is associated with increased aspiration pneumonia and greater mortality. Dysphagia screening at admission to hospital would allow early identification of swallow compromise and may prevent complications and reduce costs.Level of Evidence3b Laryngoscope, 130:974–979, 2020
Tropomodulin 3 modulates EGFR‐PI3K‐AKT signaling to drive hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis
Authors: Zheng Hao , Yang Yuan , Hong Yong‐gang , Wang Meng‐chao , Yuan Sheng‐xian , Wang Zhen‐guang , Bi Feng‐rui , Hao Li‐qiang , Yan Hong‐li , Zhou Wei‐ping 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe mechanism of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis remains poorly understood. Tropomodulin 3 (TMOD3) is a member of the pointed end capping protein family that contributes to invasion and metastasis in several types of malignancies. It has been found to be crucial for the membranous skeleton and embryonic development, although, its role in HCC progression remains largely unclear. We observed increased levels of Tmod3 in HCCs, especially in extrahepatic metastasis. High Tmod3 expression correlated with aggressive carcinoma and poor patient with HCC survival. Loss‐of‐function studies conducted by us determined Tmod3 as an oncogene that promoted HCC growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, Tmod3 increases transcription of matrix metalloproteinase‐2, ‐7, and ‐9 which required PI3K‐AKT. Interaction between Tmod3 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) that supports the activation of EGFR phosphorylation, is essential for signaling activation of PI3K‐AKT viral oncogene homolog. These findings reveal that Tmod3 enhances aggressive behavior of HCC both in vitro and in vivo by interacting with EFGR and by activating the PI3K‐AKT signaling pathway.
Targeting cholecystokinin‐2 receptor for pancreatic cancer chemoprevention
Authors: Mohammed Altaf , Janakiram Naveena B , Suen Chen , Stratton Nicole , Lightfoot Stanley , Singh Anil , Pathuri Gopal , Ritchie Rebekah , Madka Venkateshwar , Rao Chinthalapally V 
Published: July 2019

AbstractGastrin signaling mediated through cholecystokinin‐2 receptor (CCK2R) and its downstream molecules is altered in pancreatic cancer. CCK2R antagonists, YF476 (netazepide) and JNJ‐26070109, were tested systematically for their effect on pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) progression to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in KrasG12D mice. After dose selection using wild‐type mice, six‐week‐old p48Cre/+‐LSL‐KrasG12D (22‐24 per group) genetically engineered mice (GEM) were fed AIN‐76A diets containing 0, 250, or 500 ppm JNJ‐26070109 or YF‐476 for 38 weeks. At termination, pancreata were collected, weighed, and evaluated for PanINs and PDAC. Results demonstrated that control‐diet‐fed mice showed 69% (males) and 33% (females) incidence of PDAC. Administration of low and high dose JNJ‐26070109 inhibited the incidence of PDAC by 88% and 71% (P < .004) in male mice and by 100% and 24% (P > .05) in female mice, respectively. Low and high dose YF476 inhibited the incidence of PDAC by 74% (P < .02) and 69% (P < .02) in male mice and by 45% and 33% (P > .05) in female mice, respectively. Further, transcriptome analysis showed downregulation of Cldn1, Sstr1, Apod, Gkn1, Siglech, Cyp2c44, Bnc1, Fmo2, 623169, Kcne4, Slc27a6, Cma1, Rho GTPase activating protein 18, and Gpr85 genes in JNJ‐26070109‐treated mice compared with untreated mice. YF476‐treated mouse pancreas showed downregulation of Riks, Zpbp, Ntf3, Lrrn4, Aass, Skint3, Kcnb1, Dgkb, Ddx60, and Aspn gene expressions compared with untreated mouse pancreas. Overall, JNJ‐26070109 showed better chemopreventive efficacy than YF476. However, caution is recommended when selecting doses, as the agents appeared to exhibit gender‐specific effects.
Fully automated identification of skin morphology in raster‐scan optoacoustic mesoscopy using artificial intelligence
Authors: Moustakidis Serafeim , Omar Murad , Aguirre Juan , Mohajerani Pouyan , Ntziachristos Vasilis 
Published: July 2019

PurposeIdentification of morphological characteristics of skin lesions is of vital importance in diagnosing diseases with dermatological manifestations. This task is often performed manually or in an automated way based on intensity level. Recently, ultra‐broadband raster‐scan optoacoustic mesoscopy (UWB‐RSOM) was developed to offer unique cross‐sectional optical imaging of the skin. A machine learning (ML) approach is proposed here to enable, for the first time, automated identification of skin layers in UWB‐RSOM data.Materials and methodsThe proposed method, termed SkinSeg, was applied to coronal UWB‐RSOM images obtained from 12 human participants. SkinSeg is a multi‐step methodology that integrates data processing and transformation, feature extraction, feature selection, and classification. Various image features and learning models were tested for their suitability at discriminating skin layers including traditional machine learning along with more advanced deep learning algorithms. An support vector machines‐based postprocessing approach was finally applied to further improve the classification outputs.ResultsRandom forest proved to be the most effective technique, achieving mean classification accuracy of 86.89% evaluated based on a repeated leave‐one‐out strategy. Insights about the features extracted and their effect on classification accuracy are provided. The highest accuracy was achieved using a small group of four features and remained at the same level or was even slightly decreased when more features were included. Convolutional neural networks provided also promising results at a level of approximately 85%. The application of the proposed postprocessing technique was proved to be effective in terms of both testing accuracy and three‐dimensional visualization of classification maps.ConclusionsSkinSeg demonstrated unique potential in identifying skin layers. The proposed method may facilitate clinical evaluation, monitoring, and diagnosis of diseases linked to skin inflammation, diabetes, and skin cancer.
Molecular indicators of denervation in aging human skeletal muscle
Authors: Soendenbroe Casper , Heisterberg Mette F. , Schjerling Peter , Karlsen Anders , Kjaer Michael , Andersen Jesper L. , Mackey Abigail L. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIntroductionMuscle fiber denervation increases with age, yet studies at the tissue level are sparse due to the challenging nature of establishing the relative role of regeneration and denervation.MethodsMuscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis of 70 healthy men (aged 72 ± 6 years; range, 65–94). Messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of acetylcholine receptors (AchR) were measured, and sections were stained for embryonic myosin, neonatal myosin (MHCn), and neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM).ResultsEmbryonic myosin+ fibers were rare, while MHCn+ and NCAM+ fibers were observed in all samples. Age (range, 65–94 years) was negatively associated with AchRγ mRNA.DiscussionMuscle from healthy older individuals expressed developmental myosins to varying degrees but more than has been previously reported for young individuals. Along with the AchR correlations, we propose that these findings support the presence of neuromuscular junction destabilization, denervation, and reinnervation in aging human skeletal muscle.
Magnetic resonance Spectrum simulator (MARSS), a novel software package for fast and computationally efficient basis set simulation
Authors: Landheer Karl , Swanberg Kelley M. , Juchem Christoph 
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study was to develop a novel software platform for the simulation of magnetic resonance spin systems, capable of simulating a large number of spatial points (1283) for large in vivo spin systems (up to seven coupled spins) in a time frame of the order of a few minutes. The quantum mechanical density‐matrix formalism is applied, a coherence pathway filter is utilized for handling unwanted coherence pathways, and the 1D projection method, which provides a substantial reduction in computation time for a large number of spatial points, is extended to include sequences of an arbitrary number of RF pulses. The novel software package, written in MATLAB, computes a basis set of 23 different metabolites (including the two anomers of glucose, seven coupled spins) with 1283 spatial points in 26 min for a three‐pulse experiment on a personal desktop computer. The simulated spectra are experimentally verified with data from both phantom and in vivo MEGA‐sLASER experiments. Recommendations are provided regarding the various assumptions made when computing a basis set for in vivo MRS with respect to the number of spatial points simulated and the consideration of relaxation.
Organizational sensegiving: Indicators and nonprofit signaling
Authors: Levine Daniel Jamie , Eckerd Adam 
Published: July 2019

AbstractResource acquisition depends upon the agreement between an organization's sense of identity and the perceptions of organizational identity held by resource providers. To smooth the flow of resources and buffer against potential issues, organizations seek to manage external perceptions and, to the extent possible, control their organizational identity. Using exploratory factor analysis, we examine the data from 300 GuideStar profiles to develop a sense of how nonprofit organizations “give sense” to resource providers and attempt to manage their organizational identity. We find evidence of three sensegiving strategies. We then use a seemingly unrelated regression model to examine the relationship between these strategies and revenue outcomes, finding evidence that (a) nonprofit organizations demonstrate intentional sensegiving, and (b) different sensegiving approaches are related to different income streams.
Experimental investigation of surface defects in low‐power CO2 laser engraving of glass fiber‐reinforced polymer composite
Authors: Prakash Shashi 
Published: July 2019

AbstractGlass fiber‐reinforced polymers (GFRP) possess excellent structural qualities making it superior to steels and various allied materials in terms of strength and durability. The machining of GFRPs is relatively tough and slow on conventional machining systems. Also, tool life can be significantly reduced while working on such advanced materials with conventional machining processes. Lasers have been proved as a very efficient machine tool for cutting of several newly developed engineering materials. Low‐power lasers can be effectively used for ablating a thin layer or inducing customized surface structures on the target surfaces. Polymer‐reinforced composites act as a multilayered material having significant difference in melting and vaporization temperature between glass fibers and polymer matrix. In this experimental work, GFRP was used as a substrate material and a low‐power CO2 laser was utilized for engraving over a GFRP surface at different amounts of energy deposition. Unidirectional GFRPs were engraved by laser‐engraving process at three different defocusing positions with the overall objective to investigate the surface quality and engraving depth. To study anisotropic effects of the material, laser engraving was performed into two different directions, that is, along the fiber and perpendicular to fiber. Surface roughness and machined depth were investigated as a function of fiber direction. It was observed that surface roughness as well as ablation depth of the laser‐engraved surface hugely depend on fiber direction. It was also found that defocusing results in adverse surface conditions unlike other materials. Based on the results obtained, simple regression‐based mathematical models have been developed to predict engraved depth as a function of energy deposition. The developed models were validated for engraving depth up to 300 μm.
The comparative effectiveness of fourth‐line drugs in resistant hypertension: An application in electronic health record data
Authors: Sinnott Sarah‐Jo , Smeeth Liam , Williamson Elizabeth , Perel Pablo , Nitsch Dorothea , Tomlinson Laurie A. , Douglas Ian J. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPurposeTo examine the utility of electronic health records from a routine care setting in assessing comparative effectiveness of fourth‐line anti‐hypertensive drugs to treat resistant hypertension.MethodsWe conducted a cohort study using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink: a repository of electronic health records from UK primary care. We identified patients newly prescribed fourth‐line anti‐hypertensive drugs (aldosterone antagonist , beta‐blocker, or alpha‐blocker). Using propensity score–adjusted Cox proportional hazards models, we compared the incidence of the primary outcome (composite of all‐cause mortality, stroke, and myocardial infarction) between patients on different fourth‐line drugs. AA was the reference drug in all comparisons. Secondary outcomes were individual components of the primary outcome, blood pressure changes, and heart failure. We used a negative control outcome, Herpes Zoster, to detect unmeasured confounding.ResultsOverall, 8639 patients were included. In propensity score–adjusted analyses, the hazard ratio for the primary outcome was 0.81 (95% CI, 0.55‐1.19) for beta‐blockers and 0.68 (95% CI, 0.46‐0.96) for alpha‐blockers versus AA. Findings for individual cardiovascular outcomes trended in a more plausible direction, albeit imprecise. A trend for a protective effect for Herpes Zoster across both comparisons was seen.ConclusionsA higher rate of all‐cause death in the AA group was likely due to unmeasured confounding in our analysis of the composite primary outcome, supported by our negative outcome analysis. Results for cardiovascular outcomes were plausible, but imprecise due to small cohort sizes and a low number of observed outcomes.
Preparation of transparent nanocomposites from UV‐ and thermo‐curable epoxyacrylate and graphene oxide for the application of corrosion protection coatings
Authors: Syu Cian‐Fan , Lin Yen‐Ting , Yeh Yih‐Chang , Don Trong‐Ming 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn this study, we report UV‐ and thermo‐curable epoxyacrylate/graphene oxide (EA/GO) nanocomposites that present good transparency, excellent pencil hardness and promising improvement in corrosion protection. A dual‐curable EA oligomer with one terminal epoxide and one double bond at the other end was synthesized by reaction of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A and acrylic acid. After mixing EA and GO with the curing agents and reactive diluent followed by UV cure and thermo‐cure, the resulting EA/GO films on a glass slide with GO loading up to 3 phr exhibited over 86% light transmittance. Furthermore, the pencil hardness was enhanced from 3H for EA to 6H for the EA/GO composite at 2 phr GO loading. The corrosion protection of the EA/GO coatings was evaluated by a potentiodynamic polarization technique and electrochemical impedance spectra. The corrosion potential (Ecorr) of the EA/GO‐coated steel increased with increasing GO loading. Meanwhile, Nyquist and Bode plots indicated that the higher the GO content in the EA/GO coating was, the higher was the coating resistance and also the charge transfer resistance after immersion in salt solution. All these results proved that the GO had positive effects on enhancement of the corrosion resistance. The improved corrosion protection by the EA/GO coatings was mainly due to the enhanced hydrophobicity, the deviation of electron transfer and the increased tortuosity of the diffusion path. The improved corrosion protection and hardness together with the useful dual‐curability make the EA/GO nanocomposite a competitive candidate for corrosion protection coatings. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of an Analytical Method for the Metaproteomic Investigation of Bioaerosol from Work Environments
Authors: Piovesana Susy , Capriotti Anna Laura , Foglia Patrizia , Montone Carmela Maria , La Barbera Giorgia , Zenezini Chiozzi Riccardo , Laganà Aldo , Cavaliere Chiara 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe metaproteomic analysis of air particulate matter provides valuable information about the properties of bioaerosols in the atmosphere and their influence on climate and public health. In this work, a new method for the extraction and analysis of proteins in airborne particulate matter from quartz microfiber filters is developed. Different protein extraction procedures are tested to select the best extraction protocol based on protein recovery. The optimized method is tested for the extraction of proteins from spores of ubiquitous bacteria species and used for the metaproteomic characterization of filters from three work environments. In particular, ambient aerosol samples are collected in a composting plant, in a wastewater treatment plant, and in an agricultural holding. A total of 179, 15, 205, and 444 proteins are identified in composting plant, wastewater treatment plant, and agricultural holding, (cow stable and blending plant), respectively. In agreement with the major categories of primary biological aerosol particles, all identified proteins originated primarily from fungi, bacteria, and plants. The paper is the first metaproteomic study applied to bioaerosol samples collected in occupationally relevant environmental sites and, even though not aimed at monitoring the risk exposure of workers, it provides information on the possible exposure in the working environmental sites.
Engaging with plants in an urban environment through street art and design
Authors: Sachdev Geetanjali 
Published: July 2019

Societal Impact StatementEngaging people with botanical street art and design is a good way to draw attention to the botanical world. Here, the importance of plants to people's everyday life in India is highlighted through street art and design. By focusing on the plant motifs present in everyday urban environments, educators can shine a light on the deep historical and cultural connections that we share with plants. This could be a vital tool for those wishing to draw attention to plants in urban settings and highlight their importance for human existence and life on Earth, and as a possible route to counteract plant blindness in urban settings.SummaryThis article explores plant motifs in street art and design artifacts in India, in order to gain insights toward a pedagogical framework for studying plants in the context of higher education in art and design. The study was carried out as a visual ethnography of the representational use of plants in the public environment, in street art and design artifacts; theoretical implications are drawn from the findings of the ethnographic work for a public pedagogy concerning plants. Across India, street art and craft practices engage with plant representations and plant motifs through diverse materials, techniques, and media. Plant motifs are encountered across personal, professional, and official contexts. Their presence is, in many cases, explained by beliefs in Hinduism, the dominant religion in India. Several historical and culturally meaningful motivations could thereby be established for the use of botanical themes by street artists and craftspeople, which are readily available as a resource for public pedagogy about plants. Plant motifs are common in street art and design artifacts in India. Clear motivations for the public use of these motifs are outlined in the article. The combination of widespread plant motifs and the rich tapestry of motivations for presenting them in the public space offers good scope for a public pedagogy curriculum that highlights the traditional and culturally rich symbolic function of plants in people's lives in this region.
The viability of a breeding programme for ash in the British Isles in the face of ash dieback
Authors: Plumb William J. , Coker Timothy L. R. , Stocks Jonathan J. , Woodcock Paul , Quine Christopher P. , Nemesio‐Gorriz Miguel , Douglas Gerry C. , Kelly Laura J. , Buggs Richard J. A. 
Published: July 2019

Societal Impact StatementThe current ash dieback epidemic in Europe caused by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus poses a key question to policy makers: whether or not to commit time and resources to the initiation of a breeding programme for the development of more resistant ash, as a long‐term policy of adaptation to the epidemic. Here we review current evidence on the potential viability of such a programme, from a biological perspective. We conclude that a breeding programme for ash aimed at resistance to current strains of H. fraxineus in the British Isles is biologically feasible.SummaryTo evaluate the viability and feasibility of a future breeding programme to produce trees resistant to an emerging pest or pathogen, it is helpful to ask the following questions: How much variation in resistance exists in tree populations? To what extent is this resistance heritable? How many genetic loci are involved? What level of resistance is found in other species of the same genus? Here, we survey current knowledge of these issues in relation to the degree of resistance of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) to H. fraxineus, the fungus causing ash dieback (ADB). Several studies have found a low frequency of heritable resistance in F. excelsior populations, which seems to be determined by many genetic loci. This suggests that a breeding programme is viable and that natural selection may also increase the mean resistance of populations over time. More research is needed on the genetic basis of resistance to ADB to understand how quickly natural selection can operate in woodlands and what acceleration may be possible in breeding programmes, including via use of genetic markers. Hybrid breeding programmes may also be a possibility, as some ash species appear to be more resistant to ADB than is F. excelsior, but more research is needed on this issue. We do not yet know if it will be possible to breed F. excelsior to have resistance to both ADB and the emerging threat of emerald ash borer. We recommend short‐term mitigation measures for the ADB epidemic and future research directions.