bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relative incidence of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and haemolytic uraemic syndrome in clinically suspected cases of thrombotic microangiopathy
Authors: Schönermarck Ulf , Ries Wolfgang , Schröppel Bernd , Pape Lars , Dunaj-Kazmierowska Malgorzata , Burst Volker , Mitzner Steffen , Basara Nadezda , Starck Michael , Schmidbauer Daniel , Mellmann Alexander , Dittmer Rita , Jeglitsch Michael , Haas Christian S 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Background
Data are lacking on the relative incidence of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) caused by Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and atypical HUS (aHUS) in patients presenting with thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs).

Methods
This was a prospective, cross-sectional, multicentre and non-interventional epidemiological study. Patients fulfilling criteria for TMAs (platelet consumption, microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia and organ dysfunction) were included in the study. The primary objective was to assess the relative incidence of TTP, STEC-HUS, aHUS and ‘other’ physician-defined diagnoses. The secondary objective was to develop an algorithm to predict a severe deficiency in ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13) activity (≤10%) using routine laboratory parameters. A post hoc classification using the recent Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes diagnostic criteria was then undertaken to further classify patient groups.

Results
aHUS was diagnosed with a relative incidence of 61%, whereas TTP, STEC-HUS and ‘other’ were diagnosed in 13, 6 and 20% of patients, respectively. In the post hoc analysis, 27% of patients with a TMA were classified as ‘primary aHUS’ and 53% as ‘secondary aHUS’. Multivariate analysis revealed that severe deficiency in ADAMTS13 activity (≤10%) was unlikely to underlie TMA if platelet and serum creatinine were above threshold values of 30 × 109/L and 1.8 mg/dL, respectively (negative predictive value of 92.3 and 98.1, respectively, if one or both values were above the threshold).

Conclusions
In this study, aHUS was the most common single diagnosis among patients presenting with a TMA. In the absence of an ADAMTS13 activity result, platelet count and serum creatinine may aid in the differential diagnosis.
Esophageal contractility increases and gastroesophageal reflux does not worsen after lung transplantation
Authors: Posner Shai , Finn Raymond T , Shimpi Rahul A , Wood Richard K , Fisher Deborah , Hartwig Matthew G , Klapper Jacob , Reynolds John , Niedzwiecki Donna , Parish Alice , Leiman David A 
Published: May 2019

SUMMARY
Gastroesophageal reflux and esophageal dysmotility are common in patients with advanced lung disease and are associated with allograft dysfunction after lung transplantation. The effect of transplantation on reflux and esophageal motility is unclear. The aim of this study was to describe the changes in esophageal function occurring after lung transplantation. A retrospective cohort study was performed on lung transplant candidates evaluated at a tertiary care center between 2015 and 2016. A total of 76 patients who underwent lung transplantation had high-resolution manometry and ambulatory pH-metry before and after transplant. Demographic data, esophageal function testing results, and clinical outcomes such as pulmonary function testing were collected and analyzed using appropriate statistical tests and multivariable regression. Of the 76 patients, 59 (78%) received a bilateral transplant. There was a significant increase in esophageal contractility posttransplant, with an increase in median distal contractile integral from 1470 to 2549 mmHg cm s (P &lt; 0.01). There were 19 patients with Jackhammer esophagus posttransplant, including 15 patients with normal motility pretransplant. Nine patients with ineffective or fragmented peristalsis pretransplant had normal manometry posttransplant. Abnormal pH-metry was observed in 35 (46%) patients pretransplant and 29 (38%) patients posttransplant (P = 0.33). Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease posttransplant had less improvement in pulmonary function at one year, as measured by forced expiratory volume (P = 0.04). These results demonstrate that esophageal contractility increases significantly after lung transplantation, with an associated change in motility classification. In comparison, gastroesophageal reflux does not worsen, but is associated with worse pulmonary function, posttransplant.
Novel approaches to the management of chronic systolic heart failure: future directions and unanswered questions
Authors: Reddy Yogesh N V , Borlaug Barry A , O’Connor Christopher M , Gersh Bernard J 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Despite improvements in outcomes in the last few decades for heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), there still remains a need for novel therapies as many patients incompletely recover with existing therapies and progress to advanced HF. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in the management of HFrEF with a focus on upcoming therapies that hold the greatest promise for clinical use. We will discuss novel pharmacological therapies and areas of uncertainty with existing therapies. We will also discuss the potential utility and controversy surrounding novel interventions for HF such as percutaneous mitral valve repair, atrial fibrillation ablation, and other emerging interventions with positive signals for benefit in HFrEF. Finally, we will summarize the current state of stem cell and gene therapy for HFrEF and future directions.
Short-term Calorie Restriction and 17α-Estradiol Administration Elicit Divergent Effects on Proteostatic Processes and Protein Content in Metabolically Active Tissues
Authors: Miller Benjamin F , Pharaoh Gavin A , Hamilton Karyn L , Peelor Fredrick F , Kirkland James L , Freeman Willard M , Mann Shivani N , Kinter Michael , Price John C , Stout Michael B 
Published: May 2019

Abstract17α-Estradiol (17α-E2) is a “non-feminizing” estrogen that extends life span in male, but not female, mice. We recently reported that 17α-E2 had robust beneficial effects on metabolic and inflammatory parameters in aged male mice. However, it remains unclear if 17α-E2 also delays other “hallmarks” of aging, particularly maintaining proteostasis. Here, we used isotope labeling methods in older mice to examine proteostatic mechanisms. We compared weight-matched mild calorie restricted (CR) and 17α-E2 treated male mice with the hypothesis that 17α-E2 would increase protein synthesis for somatic maintenance. 17α-E2 had no effect on protein synthesis or DNA synthesis in multiple tissues, including white adipose tissue. Conversely, mild short-term CR decreased DNA synthesis and increased the protein to DNA synthesis ratio in multiple tissues. Examination of individual protein synthesis and content did not differentiate treatments, although it provided insight into the regulation of protein content between tissues. Contrary to our hypothesis, we did not see the predicted differences in protein to DNA synthesis following 17α-E2 treatment. However, mild short-term CR elicited differences consistent with both lifelong CR and other treatments that curtail aging processes. These data indicated that despite similar maintenance of body mass, 17α-E2 and CR treatments elicit distinctly different proteostatic outcomes.
The Assessment of Scales of Frailty and Physical Performance Improves Prediction of Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Older Adults with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Campo Gianluca , Maietti Elisa , Tonet Elisabetta , Biscaglia Simone , Ariza-Solè Albert , Pavasini Rita , Tebaldi Matteo , Cimaglia Paolo , Bugani Giulia , Serenelli Matteo , Ruggiero Rossella , Vitali Francesco , Formiga Francesc , Sanchis Juan , Galvani Marcello , Minarelli Monica , Lucchi Giulia Ricci , Ferrari Roberto , Guralnik Jack , Volpato Stefano 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Background
The number of older adults admitted to hospital for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has increased worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine which scale of frailty or physical performance provides incremental improvements in risk stratification of older adults after ACS.

Methods
A prospective cohort of 402 older (≥70 years) ACS patients were enrolled. Data about baseline characteristics, Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE), and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk scores were collected. Before hospital discharge, seven scales of frailty and physical performance were measured. The 1-year occurrence of adverse events (cardiac death, reinfarction, and cerebrovascular accident [MACCE] and all-cause mortality) was recorded.

Results
Out of the 402 patients, 43 (10.5%) had a MACCE and 35 (8.7%) died. Following adjustment for confounding factors, scales of frailty and physical performance were associated with adverse events. Among the scales, the addition of short physical performance battery (SPPB) produced the highest incremental value over the initial model generated by baseline characteristics both for MACCE (ΔC-statistic 0.043, p = .04; integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) 0.054, p = .001; net reclassification improvement (NRI) 0.752, p &lt; .001) and all-cause mortality (ΔC-statistic 0.063, p = .02; IDI 0.061, p &lt; .001; NRI 1.022, p &lt; .001). The addition of SPPB scale on top of GRACE or TIMI risk scores led to a considerable improvement in the prediction of MACCE and all-cause mortality (about 15% and 20%, respectively).

Conclusions
The assessment of the physical performance with SPPB scale before hospital discharge increases the ability to predict adverse events in older ACS patients and may be useful in the clinical decision-making process.

Clinical trial registration
www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT02386124.
Mechanism and chain specificity of RNF216/TRIAD3, the ubiquitin ligase mutated in Gordon Holmes syndrome
Authors: Seenivasan Ramkumar , Hermanns Thomas , Blyszcz Tamara , Lammers Michael , Praefcke Gerrit J K , Hofmann Kay 
Published: May 2019

AbstractGordon Holmes syndrome (GDHS) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by ataxia and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. GDHS is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the RING-between-RING (RBR)-type ubiquitin ligase RNF216, also known as TRIAD3. The molecular pathology of GDHS is not understood, although RNF216 has been reported to modify several substrates with K48-linked ubiquitin chains, thereby targeting them for proteasomal degradation. We identified RNF216 in a bioinformatical screen for putative SUMO-targeted ubiquitin ligases and confirmed that a cluster of predicted SUMO-interaction motifs (SIMs) indeed recognizes SUMO2 chains without targeting them for ubiquitination. Surprisingly, purified RNF216 turned out to be a highly active ubiquitin ligase that exclusively forms K63-linked ubiquitin chains, suggesting that the previously reported increase of K48-linked chains after RNF216 overexpression is an indirect effect. The linkage-determining region of RNF216 was mapped to a narrow window encompassing the last two Zn-fingers of the RBR triad, including a short C-terminal extension. Neither the SIMs nor a newly discovered ubiquitin-binding domain in the central portion of RNF216 contributes to chain specificity. Both missense mutations reported in GDHS patients completely abrogate the ubiquitin ligase activity. For the R660C mutation, ligase activity could be restored by using a chemical ubiquitin loading protocol that circumvents the requirement for ubiquitin-conjugating (E2) enzymes. This result suggests Arg-660 to be required for the ubiquitin transfer from the E2 to the catalytic cysteine. Our findings necessitate a re-evaluation of the previously assumed degradative role of RNF216 and rather argue for a non-degradative K63 ubiquitination, potentially acting on SUMOylated substrates.
Fine particulate air pollution and adult hospital admissions in 200 Chinese cities: a time-series analysis
Authors: Tian Yaohua , Liu Hui , Liang Tianlang , Xiang Xiao , Li Man , Juan Juan , Song Jing , Cao Yaying , Wang Xiaowen , Chen Libo , Wei Chen , Gao Pei , Hu Yonghua 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Background
The association between short-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and morbidity risk in developing countries is not fully understood. We conducted a nationwide time-series study to estimate the short-term effect of PM2.5 on hospital admissions in Chinese adults.

Methods
Daily counts of hospital admissions for 2014–16 were obtained from the National Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance database. We identified more than 58 million hospitalizations from 0.28 billion insured persons in 200 Chinese cities for subjects aged 18 years or older. Generalized additive models with quasi-Poisson regression were applied to examine city-specific associations of PM2.5 concentrations with hospital admissions. National-average estimates of the association were obtained from a random-effects meta-analysis. We also investigated potential effect modifiers, such as age, sex, temperature and relative humidity.

Results
An increase of 10 μg/m3 in same-day PM2.5 concentrations was positively associated with a 0.19% (95% confidence interval: 0.07–0.30) increase in the daily number of hospital admissions at the national level. PM2.5 exposure remained positively associated with hospital admissions on days when the daily concentrations met the current Chinese Ambient Air Quality Standards (75 μg/m3). Estimates of admission varied across cities and increased in cities with lower PM2.5 concentrations (p = 0.044) or higher temperatures (p = 0.002) and relative humidity (p = 0.003). The elderly were more sensitive to PM2.5 exposure (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Short-term exposure to PM2.5 was positively associated with adult hospital admissions in China, even at levels below current Chinese Ambient Air Quality Standards.
High prevalence of a globally disseminated hypervirulent clone, Staphylococcus aureus CC121, with reduced vancomycin susceptibility in community settings in China
Authors: Shen Ping , Zhou Kai , Wang Yu , Song Jingjie , Liu Yang , Zhou Yanzi , Xiao Yonghong 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Objectives
Most vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) and heterogeneous VISA (hVISA) are derived from hospital-associated MRSA due to treatment failure; however, the prevalence of hVISA/VISA in community settings remains unclear.

Methods
Four hundred and seventy-six community-associated isolates were collected between 2010 and 2011 during national surveillance for antimicrobial resistance in 31 county hospitals across China. Drug susceptibility evaluation and mecA detection were performed by using broth microdilution and PCR analysis, respectively. hVISA/VISA were identified by using macro-Etest and a modified population analysis profile (PAP)-AUC method. The genetic features of all hVISA/VISA isolates were genotyped.

Results
Among 476 isolates, MRSA and MSSA accounted for 19.7% (n = 94) and 80.3% (n = 382), respectively. Two VISA and 36 hVISA isolates were identified by PAP-AUC testing. The VISA isolates and 29 of the hVISA isolates were MRSA. The proportion of hVISA/VISA was significantly higher in MRSA (30.9%) than in MSSA (1.8%). The hVISA/VISA isolates were assigned to 18 STs classified into seven clonal complexes (CCs). CC121 (n = 12) followed by ST239 (n = 11) was the most prevalent hVISA/VISA clone. All ST239-hVISA/VISA were MRSA, while 12 CC121-hVISA isolates included 6 MSSA and 6 MRSA isolates. SCCmec III was predominant among MRSA-hVISA/VISA isolates. agr I and agr IV were detected in ST239 and CC121, respectively. All except two strains were positive for Panton–Valentine leucocidin genes.

Conclusions
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of CC121 as a prevalent hVISA clone in community settings, highlighting the necessity of surveillance and stricter infection control measures for this globally disseminated lineage.
Prices, Policing and Policy: The Dynamics of Crime Booms and Busts
Authors: Kirchmaier Tom , Machin Stephen , Sandi Matteo , Witt Robert 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
In many historical episodes, criminal activity displays booms and busts. One clear example is the case of metal crime in the United Kingdom (and elsewhere) where, in the face of big increases in value driven by world commodity prices, thefts rose very sharply in the 2000s, after which they fell. This paper studies the respective roles of prices, policing and policy in shaping this crime boom and bust. Separate study of each reveals metal crime being driven up via sizeable and significant metal crime–price elasticities and driven down by changes in policing and policy. A regression-based decomposition analysis confirms that all three of the hypothesised factors considered in the paper - prices, policing and policy - were empirically important in the different stages of metal theft's boom and bust.
The Politics of CEOs
Authors: Cohen Alma , Hazan Moshe , Tallarita Roberto , Weiss David 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
This article studies the political preferences of chief executive officers (CEOs) of public companies. We use Federal Election Commission records to compile a comprehensive database of the political contributions made by more than 3800 individuals who served as CEOs of Standard & Poor’s 1500 companies between 2000 and 2017. We find a substantial preference for Republican candidates. We identify how this pattern is related to the company’s industry, region, and CEO gender. In addition, we show that companies led by Republican CEOs tend to be less transparent to investors with respect to their political spending. Finally, we discuss the policy implications of our analysis.
Promoting Sustainable Living among College Students: Key Programming Components
Authors: Wynveen Brooklynn J , Meyer Andrew R , Wynveen Christopher J 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Research has made clear that sustainable living behaviors are an integral aspect of natural-resource management and conservation. Because of their numbers, influence, and tendency toward nonsustainable practices and behaviors, college students represent a key target population for messages of sustainable living. Accordingly, we collaborated with college-aged populations at a local evangelical church to develop and conduct an intervention aimed at promoting sustainable living within this population. This intervention was part of a larger project aimed at: (1) fostering participation in sustainable living educational programming among nonenvironmentally motivated individuals; and (2) obtaining behavior change commitments from those participants. Our findings suggest three key components for enhancing the effectiveness of such programming: (1) present curriculum in small group formats; (2) use a discussion-based format; and (3) appeal to existing values, priorities, and motivations of participants.
A Developmental Cascade from Prenatal Stress to Child Internalizing and Externalizing Problems
Authors: Hentges Rochelle F , Graham Susan A , Plamondon Andre , Tough Suzanne , Madigan Sheri 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Objective
This study utilized a developmental cascade approach to test alternative theories about the underlying mechanisms behind the association of maternal prenatal stress and child psychopathology. The fetal programming hypothesis suggests that prenatal stress affects fetal structural and physiological systems responsible for individual differences in child temperament, which further increases risk for internalizing and externalizing problems. Interpersonal models of stress transmission suggest that maternal stress influences child mental health via early parenting behaviors. We also examined a continuation of stress hypothesis, in which prenatal stress predicts child mental health via the continuation of maternal stress in the postpartum period.

Methods
Participants were 1,992 mother–child pairs drawn from a prospective pregnancy cohort. Mothers reported on their perceived stress, anxiety, and depression during pregnancy and at 4-month postpartum. Birthweight was assessed via medical records of birthweight. At 4-month postpartum, hostile-reactive parenting behaviors were assessed. Child temperamental negative affect was measured at age 3. Child internalizing and externalizing problems were assessed at age 5.

Results
Prenatal stress was associated with both internalizing and externalizing problems via postnatal stress and child temperament. Prenatal stress was also associated with externalizing behaviors via increased hostile-reactive parenting. After accounting for postnatal factors, prenatal stress continued to have a direct effect on child internalizing, but not externalizing, symptoms.

Conclusion
Results provide support for the fetal programming, interpersonal stress transmission, and continuation of stress models. Findings highlight the need for prenatal preventative programs that continue into the early postnatal period, targeting maternal stress and parenting behaviors.
ETHOS – an Effective Theory of Structure Formation: detecting dark matter interactions through the Lyman-α forest
Authors: Bose Sownak , Vogelsberger Mark , Zavala Jesús , Pfrommer Christoph , Cyr-Racine Francis-Yan , Bohr Sebastian , Bringmann Torsten 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACT
We perform a series of cosmological hydrodynamic simulations to investigate the effects of non-gravitational dark matter (DM) interactions on the intergalactic medium (IGM). In particular, we use the Ethos framework to compare statistics of the Lyman-α forest in cold dark matter (CDM) with an alternative model in which the DM couples strongly with a relativistic species in the early universe. These models are characterized by a cut-off in the linear power spectrum, followed by a series of ‘dark acoustic oscillations’ (DAOs) on sub-dwarf scales. While the primordial cut-off delays the formation of the first galaxies, structure builds up more rapidly in the interacting DM model compared to CDM. We show that although DAOs are quickly washed away in the non-linear clustering of DM at z ≲ 10, their signature can be imprinted prominently in the Lyman-α flux power spectrum at z &gt; 5. On scales larger than the cut-off (k ∼ 0.08 s km−1 for the specific model considered here), the relative difference to CDM is reminiscent of a warm dark matter (WDM) model with a similar initial cut-off; however, the redshift evolution on smaller scales is distinctly different. The appearance and disappearance of DAOs in the Lyman-α flux spectrum provides a powerful way to distinguish interacting DM models from WDM and, indeed, variations in the thermal history of the IGM that may also induce a small-scale cut-off.
Spatial statistics in star-forming regions: testing the limits of randomness
Authors: Retter B , Hatchell J , Naylor Tim 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObservational studies of star formation reveal spatial distributions of young stellar objects (YSOs) that are ‘snapshots’ of an ongoing star formation process. Using methods from spatial statistics it is possible to test the likelihood that a given distribution process could produce the observed patterns of YSOs. The aim of this paper is to determine the usefulness of the spatial statistics tests Diggle’s G function (G), the ‘free-space’ function (F), Ripley’s K, and O-ring for application to astrophysical data. The spatial statistics tests were applied to simulated data containing 2D Gaussian clusters projected on random distributions of stars. The number of stars within the Gaussian cluster and number of background stars were varied to determine the tests’ ability to reject complete spatial randomness (CSR) with changing signal-to-noise. The best performing test was O-ring optimized with overlapping logarithmic bins, closely followed by Ripley’s K. The O-ring test is equivalent to the two-point correlation function. Both F and G (and the minimum spanning tree, of which G is a subset) performed significantly less well, requiring a cluster with a factor of two higher signal-to-noise in order to reject CSR consistently. We demonstrate the tests on example astrophysical datasets drawn from the Spitzer Gould's Belt Survey catalogue.