bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The efficacy of quantitative fetal fibronectin in predicting spontaneous preterm birth in symptomatic women: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nguyen Anh Duy , Liu Cathy Zhenao , Lehner Christoph , Amoako Akwasi Atakora , Sekar Renuka 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundRecent data suggest that quantitative measurements of fetal fibronectin can be used accurately to predict increased risk of preterm birth.AimThe purpose of this study was to demonstrate that the quantification of fetal fibronectin improves diagnostic accuracy in women who present with symptoms suggestive of threatened preterm labour (TPL) using a quantitative fetal fibronectin (qfFN) bedside analyser.Study designThis was a retrospective cohort study of pregnant women who presented between 22+6 and 32+6 weeks gestation with symptoms of TPL who had qfFN measured using the Rapid fFN Q10 system. The ability to predict spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) within 48 h, 14 days and <34 weeks gestation at qfFN thresholds of 10, 50 and 200 ng/mL was assessed.ResultsThe overall rate of sPTB <34 weeks was 4.1% (n = 373). For deliveries within 48 h, within 14 days and <34 weeks, a qfFN threshold of 200 ng/mL had positive predictive values of 26.7%, 42.9% and 46.7%, respectively, when compared to patients with qfFN values of 0–9 ng/mL. The corresponding relative risks were 68.5, 53.8 and 38.0, respectivelyConclusionQuantitative fetal fibronectin testing with thresholds of 10, 50 and 200 ng/mL allows for more accurate prediction of preterm birth in symptomatic women. This higher degree of discrimination allows for more directed interventions for high‐risk patients and reduces the cost and burden of unnecessary treatment for low‐risk patients.
Trait Self‐Control, Social Cognition Constructs, and Intentions: Correlational Evidence for Mediation and Moderation Effects in Diverse Health Behaviours
Authors: Hagger Martin S. , Hankonen Nelli , Kangro Eva‐Maria , Lintunen Taru , Pagaduan Jeffrey , Polet Juho , Ries Francis , Hamilton Kyra 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundWe examined effects of trait self‐control, constructs from social cognition theories, and intentions on health behaviours. Trait self‐control was expected to predict health behaviour indirectly through theory constructs and intentions. Trait self‐control was also predicted to moderate the intention–behaviour relationship.MethodsProposed effects were tested in six datasets for ten health‐related behaviours from studies adopting prospective designs. Participants (N = 3,249) completed measures of constructs from social cognition theories and self‐control at an initial time point and self‐reported their behaviour at follow‐up.ResultsResults revealed indirect effects of self‐control on behaviour through social cognition constructs and intentions for eight behaviours: eating fruit and vegetables, avoiding fast food, dietary restrictions, binge drinking, physical activity, walking, out‐of‐school physical activity, and pre‐drinking. Self‐control moderated the intention–behaviour relationship in four behaviours: dietary restriction, and alcohol‐related behaviours.ConclusionsMediation effects suggest that individuals with high self‐control are more likely to hold beliefs and intentions to participate in future health behaviour, and more likely to act. Moderation effects indicate that individuals with high self‐control are more likely to enact healthy intentions and inhibit unhealthy intentions, but findings were restricted to few behaviours. Training self‐control and managing contingencies that derail goal‐directed action may be effective intervention strategies.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide shapes first‐trimester placenta trophoblast, vascular, and immune cell cooperation
Authors: Paparini Daniel E. , Choudhury Ruhul H. , Vota Daiana M. , Karolczak‐Bayatti Magdalena , Finn‐Sell Sarah , Grasso Esteban N. , Hauk Vanesa C. , Ramhorst Rosanna , Pérez Leirós Claudia , Aplin John D. 
Published: February 2019

Background and PurposeExtravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells are responsible for decidual stromal invasion, vascular transformation, and the recruitment and functional modulation of maternal leukocytes in the first‐trimester pregnant uterus. An early disruption of EVT function leads to placental insufficiency underlying pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a vasodilating and immune modulatory factor synthesized by trophoblast cells. However, its role in first‐trimester placenta has not been explored. Here, we tested the hypothesis that VIP is involved in first‐trimester EVT outgrowth, spiral artery remodelling, balancing angiogenesis, and maintenance of immune homeostasis.Experimental ApproachFirst‐trimester placental tissue (five to nine weeks of gestation) was collected, and was used for EVT outgrowth experiments, immunofluorescence, isolation of decidual natural killer (dNK) cells and decidual macrophages (dMA), and functional assays. Peripheral blood monocytes were differentiated with GM‐CSF and used for angiogenesis assays.Key ResultsIn decidua basalis, VIP+ EVT were observed sprouting from cell columns and lining spiral arterioles. EVT migrating from placental explants were also VIP+. VIP increased EVT outgrowth and IL‐10 release, whereas it decreased pro‐inflammatory cytokine production in EVT, dNK cells, and dMA. VIP disrupted endothelial cell networks, both directly and indirectly via an effect on macrophages.Conclusion and ImplicationsThe results suggest that VIP assists the progress of EVT invasion and vessel remodelling in first‐trimester placental bed in an immunologically “silent” milieu. The effects of VIP in the present ex vivo human placental model endorse its potential as a therapeutic candidate for deep placentation disorders.
Subsidence and exhumation of the Mesozoic Qiangtang Basin: Implications for the growth of the Tibetan plateau
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Sinclair Hugh D. , Li Yalin , Wang Chengshan , Persano Cristina , Qian Xinyu , Han Zhongpeng , Yao Xiang , Duan Yaoyao 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe subsidence and exhumation histories of the Qiangtang Basin and their contributions to the early evolution of the Tibetan plateau are vigorously debated. This paper reconstructs the subsidence history of the Mesozoic Qiangtang Basin with 11 selected composite stratigraphic sections and constrains the first stage of cooling using apatite fission track data. Facies analysis, biostratigraphy, palaeo‐environment interpretation and palaeo‐water depth estimation are integrated to create 11 composite sections through the basin. Backstripped subsidence calculations combined with previous work on sediment provenance and timing of deformation show that the evolution of the Mesozoic Qiangtang Basin can be divided into two stages. From Late Triassic to Early Jurassic times, the North Qiangtang was a retro‐foreland basin. In contrast, the South Qiangtang was a collisional pro‐foreland basin. During Middle Jurassic‐Early Cretaceous times, the North Qiangtang is interpreted as a hinterland basin between the Jinsha orogen and the Central Uplift; the South Qiangtang was controlled by subduction of Meso‐Tethyan Ocean lithosphere and associated dynamic topography combined with loading from the Central Uplift. Detrital apatite fission track ages from Mesozoic sandstones concentrate in late Early to Late Cretaceous (120.9–84.1 Ma) and Paleocene–Eocene (65.4–40.1 Ma). Thermal history modelling results record Early Cretaceous rapid cooling; the termination of subsidence and onset of exhumation of the Mesozoic Qiangtang Basin suggest that the accumulation of crustal thickening in central Tibet probably initiated during Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous times (150–130 Ma), involving underthrusting of both the Lhasa and Songpan–Ganze terranes beneath the Qiangtang terrane or the collision of Amdo terrane.
Tumour necrosis factor α augments the inhibitory effects of CTLA-4-Ig on osteoclast generation from human monocytes via induction of CD80 expression
Authors: Oi K , Tokunaga T , Kuranobu T , Yukawa K , Kohno H , Yoshida Y , Mokuda S , Hirata S , Sugiyama E 
Published: February 2019

SummaryCytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4-immunoglobulin (CTLA-4-Ig) exerts anti-rheumatic action via negative regulation of the co-stimulation process between antigen-presenting cells and T cells. CTLA-4-Ig also binds to CD80/CD86 on monocytes of osteoclast precursors. However, little is known about the effect of CTLA-4-Ig on osteoclastogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study we evaluated the effects of CTLA-4-Ig on osteoclast generation from human blood monocytes (PBM) and rheumatoid synovial fluid monocytes (RSFM). Highly purified monocytes were cultured with receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) in the presence of CTLA-4-Ig. CTLA-4-Ig inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast generation in PBM and RSFM, as determined by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and bone resorption assay using osteo assay surface plates. In addition, CTLA-4-Ig reduced the gene and protein expressions of nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) and cathepsin K during osteoclastogenesis. Furthermore, CTLA-4-Ig significantly inhibited cell proliferation during osteoclastogenesis. Interestingly, the gene expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1, an inducer of apoptosis, was enhanced by CTLA-4-Ig. We next examined the effect of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, a major inflammatory cytokine in rheumatoid synovium, on the expression of CD80 and CD86 by flow cytometric analysis. TNF-α potently induced the surface expression of CD80, which is known to have much higher affinity to CTLA-4-Ig than CD86, and this induction was observed at mRNA levels. Interestingly, freshly prepared rheumatoid synovial monocytes also expressed CD80 as much as TNF-α-treated PBM. Furthermore, TNF-α enhanced CTLA-4-Ig-induced inhibition of osteoclastogenesis and cell proliferation. Taken together, the TNF-α-induced CD80 may augment CTLA-4-Ig-induced inhibition of osteoclastogenesis, suggesting that CTLA-4-Ig potently inhibits osteoclast differentiation and protects bone destruction in rheumatoid inflamed joints.
Skin exposure to the rubber accelerator diphenylguanidine in medical gloves—An experimental study
Authors: Hamnerius Nils , Pontén Ann , Björk Jonas , Persson Christina , Bergendorff Ola 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundDermatitis caused by occupational contact allergy to rubber additives such as diphenylguanidine (DPG) in medical gloves is a hazard for healthcare workers. Both the duration of exposure to medical gloves and the number of gloves used per day vary. The use of alcoholic skin disinfectants before glove donning is mandatory.ObjectivesTo assess whether skin exposure to the rubber accelerator DPG released from glove material is influenced by alcoholic hand disinfectants, time, and pH.MethodsWith the use of ethanol washes, the amount of DPG left on the hands after wearing of gloves for 60 minutes was measured, and comparisons between hands exposed and not exposed to alcoholic disinfectant before glove donning were made. With the use of artificial sweat buffered at pH 4, 5, and 6, DPG release from the insides of gloves at different times was measured.ResultsThe use of alcoholic disinfectant prior to polyisoprene glove donning increased the amount of DPG recovered from the hands. Of the DPG released from polyisoprene gloves into artificial sweat, almost 84% was released within 10 minutes. pH did not influence the rate of release.ConclusionsThe use of alcoholic disinfectant increased skin exposure to the rubber accelerator DPG. Even a short duration of use of gloves results in substantial exposure to DPG.
Inhibition of N‐myc expression sensitizes human neuroblastoma IMR‐32 cells expressing caspase‐8 to TRAIL
Authors: Lee Myoung Woo , Kim Dae Seong , Kim Hye Ryung , Park Hyun Jin , Lee Ji Won , Sung Ki Woong , Koo Hong Hoe , Yoo Keon Hee 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectivesThis study aims to explore the roles of N‐myc and caspase‐8 in TRAIL‐resistant IMR‐32 cells which exhibit MYCN oncogene amplification and lack caspase‐8 expression.Materials and methodsWe established N‐myc–downregulated IMR‐32 cells using shRNA lentiviral particles targeting N‐myc and examined the effect the N‐myc inhibition on TRAIL susceptibility in human neuroblastoma IMR‐32 cells expressing caspase‐8.ResultsCisplatin treatment in IMR‐32 cells increased the expression of death receptor 5 (DR5; TRAIL‐R2), but not other receptors, via downregulation of NF‐κB activity. However, the cisplatin‐mediated increase in DR5 failed to induce cell death following TRAIL treatment. Furthermore, interferon (IFN)‐γ pretreatment increased caspase‐8 expression in IMR‐32 cells, but cisplatin failed to trigger TRAIL cytotoxicity. We downregulated N‐myc expression in IMR‐32 cells using N‐myc–targeting shRNA. These cells showed decreased growth rate and Bcl‐2 expression accompanied by a mild collapse in the mitochondrial membrane potential as compared with those treated with scrambled shRNA. TRAIL treatment in N‐myc–negative cells expressing caspase‐8 following IFN‐γ treatment significantly triggered apoptotic cell death. Concurrent treatment with cisplatin enhanced TRAIL‐mediated cytotoxicity, which was abrogated by an additional pretreatment with DR5:Fc chimera protein.ConclusionsN‐myc and caspase‐8 expressions are involved in TRAIL susceptibility in IMR‐32 cells, and the combination of treatment with cisplatin and TRAIL may serve as a promising strategy for the development of therapeutics against neuroblastoma that is controlled by N‐myc and caspase‐8 expression.
Early mitral inflow velocity to left ventricular global strain ratio predicts limited exercise capacity
Authors: Hidaka Takayuki , Masada Kenji , Harada Yu , Susawa Hitoshi , Kinoshita Mirai , Itakura Kiho , Izumi Kanako , Utsunomiya Hiroto , Higashi Yukihito , Kihara Yasuki 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundEstimation of left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP) is the essential part of the echocardiographic workup for exercise intolerance. The ratio of the mitral early filling velocity to the left ventricular global longitudinal strain (E/LVGLS) has emerged as a novel index of LVFP. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between E/LVGLS and exercise capacity.Methods and resultsWe retrospectively reviewed 90 patients with exertional dyspnea who underwent echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise test. Patients were classified into three groups according to their percent‐predicted maximal oxygen consumption (ppVo2) (G ≧ 75, ppVo2 > 75%, n = 20; G 50‐75, ppVo2 75‐50%, n = 57; G < 50, ppVo2 < 50%, n = 13). Measurements were (a) the relationship between ppVo2 and E/LVGLS and (b) the efficiency of integrated diastolic assessment using E/LVGLS, left ventricular volume, mitral annular early diastolic velocity (E′), and tricuspid regurgitation to identify the patient with impaired exercise capacity.Univariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that E/LVGLS had significant correlation with ppVo2 (ρ = 0.52, P < 0.001). The area under the ROC of E/LVGLS for ppVo2 < 50% was 0.86 (95%CI 0.75‐0.97). The DeLong test showed that E/LVGLS was efficient to detect ppVo2 < 50% than E/E′ (P = 0.007). When used in the integrated assessment of LVFP as the alternative for E/E′, E/LVGLS improved risk classification for impaired exercise capacity.ConclusionE/LVGLS may be a more efficient index than E/E′ to identify exercise impairment as a single index and as a part of the integrated diastolic assessment.
Diagnostic accuracy of dobutamine stress echocardiography in the detection of cardiac allograft vasculopathy in heart transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis study
Authors: Elkaryoni Ahmed , Abu‐Sheasha Ghada , Altibi Ahmed M. , Hassan Adil , Ellakany Karim , Nanda Navin C. 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundDobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is a well‐established imaging modality used to screen patients with mild‐to‐moderate risk for coronary artery disease. In heart transplantation recipients, cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a common and lethal complication. The use of DSE to detect CAV showed promising results initially, but later studies showed limitation in its use to detect CAV. It is unclear if this cohort of patients derives benefit from DSE.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase, and Scopus from inception through March 2018 for studies examining the accuracy of DSE in correlation to coronary angiography (CA) or intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to detect CAV. Original studies comparing the ability of DSE to detect CAV in comparison with CA or IVUS were included. Relevant data were extracted and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted to test the overall diagnostic accuracy of DSE for patients with CAV.ResultsEleven studies (749 participants) met the inclusion criteria. The sensitivity of DSE varied from 1.7% to 93.8%, and specificity, from 54.8% to 98.8%. Pooled sensitivity was 60.2% (95% confidence interval (CI), 33.0%–82.3%) and specificity 85.7% (95% CI, 73.8%–92.7%). DSE had an overall diagnostic odds ratio (OR) of 9.1 (95% CI, 4.6–17.8), positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 4.1 (95% CI, 2.8–6.1), negative likelihood ratio (LR−) of 0.47 (95% CI: 0.23–0.73), and area under curve (AUC) of 0.73 (95% CI, 0.72–0.75). Heterogeneity among studies was not statistically significant (τ2 = 0.32, Cochran's Q = 9.5, P = 0.483).ConclusionDobutamine stress echocardiography has a limited sensitivity to detect early CAV but its specificity is much higher. There remains a need for an alternative noninvasive modality which will have both high sensitivity and high specificity for detecting CAV.
Effects of preparation of clear‐cut forest sites on the soil mycobiota with consequences for Scots pine growth and health
Authors: Kwaśna Hanna , Behnke‐Borowczyk Jolanta , Gornowicz Roman , Łakomy Piotr 
Published: February 2019

AbstractFungal abundance and diversity were assessed in two differently managed forest soils. In soil 1, chipped woody debris had been spread on the top soil and mixed with the soil by standard deep ploughing to 50 cm. In soil 2, woody debris was removed and there was no ground preparation. Ten years later, the different methods of management resulted in unexpectedly distinctive habitat heterogeneity with a high variation in structure of the mycobiota communities. Incorporation of woody debris into soil resulted in lower abundance of fungi but greater fungal diversity (which may enhance ecosystem stability) and was beneficial for the growth of Scots pines. Removal of post‐harvest woody debris from the surface of the clear‐cut site with no subsequent ground preparation, compared with incorporating chipped debris and deep ploughing, resulted in the soil of the subsequent 10‐year‐old Scots pine plantation having: (a) 159‐fold greater abundance of fungi, (b) lower fungal diversity, (c) different fungal community composition, (d) higher proportion of mycorrhizal fungi, (e) no root rot pathogens, (f) less tree biomass. The study showed that removal of post‐harvest woody debris and no ground preparation is potentially beneficial for the health of young coniferous trees.
Interactions and management for the future of marine aquaculture and capture fisheries
Authors: Clavelle Tyler , Lester Sarah E. , Gentry Rebecca , Froehlich Halley E. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAquaculture surpassed wild fisheries as the largest supplier of fish for human consumption in 2014 and is expected to supply the majority of seafood for future increases in demand. Marine and coastal aquaculture, collectively referred to as mariculture, currently represents just 36% of aquaculture production but is poised to expand in the decades ahead. One of the most commonly cited concerns regarding this likely expansion is ecological and socioeconomic interactions with wild‐capture fisheries. While attention has largely been drawn to high‐profile negative externalities from fed finfish and crustacean mariculture, not all marine‐based practices are equivalent. Empirical evidence for the different interactions between mariculture and wild fisheries is often sparse. While negative consequences can arise, positive synergies can also occur. By considering mariculture development in the context of fisheries interactions, we suggest that it is possible to minimize conflicts and maximize positive connections between the two sectors. We provide the first comprehensive synthesis of the interactions between mariculture and wild fisheries, characterizing the types of interactions, evaluating available empirical evidence and identifying where management (sector‐specific and cooperative) can play an important role. We highlight potential effects of mariculture on the efficiency, sustainability, and equity of seafood production and identify remaining knowledge gaps.
Defect‐fluorite Gd2Zr2O7 ceramics under helium irradiation: Amorphization, cell volume expansion, and multi‐stage bubble formation
Authors: Huang Zhangyi , Ma Nannan , Qi Jianqi , Guo Xiaofeng , Yang Mao , Tang Zhe , Zhang Yutong , Han Yong , Wu Di , Lu Tiecheng 
Published: February 2019

AbstractHere, we report a study on the radiation resistance enhancement of Gd2Zr2O7 nanograin ceramics, in which amorphization, cell volume expansion, and multi‐stage helium (He) bubble formation are investigated and discussed. Gd2Zr2O7 ceramics with a series of grain sizes (55‐221 nm) were synthesized and irradiated by 190 keV He ion beam up to a fluence of 5 × 1017 ions/cm2. Both the degree of post irradiation cell volume expansion and the amorphization fraction appear to be size‐dependent. As the average grain size evolves from 55 to 221 nm, the degree of post irradiation cell volume expansion increases from 0.56% to 1.02%, and the amorphization fraction increases from 6.8% to 11.1%. Additionally, the threshold He concentrations (at.%) of bubbles at different formation stages and locations, including (a) bubbles at grain boundary, (b) bubble‐chains, and (c) ribbon‐like bubbles within the grain, are all found to be much higher in the nanograin ceramic (55 nm) compared with that of the submicron sample (221 nm). We conclude that grain boundary plays a critical role in minimizing the structural defects, and inhibiting the multi‐stage He bubble formation process.