bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The structural classification of field boundaries in Mediterranean arable cropping systems allows the prediction of weed abundances in the boundary and in the adjacent crop
Authors: Cirujeda A , Pardo G , Marí A I , Aibar J , Pallavicini Y , González‐Andújar J L , Recasens J , Solé‐Senan X O 
Published: May 2019

SummaryBoundary structure can hinder or facilitate disturbance of the boundary vegetation by farming practices, such as herbicide and fertiliser drift and occasional cultivation; this may affect their potential role as a weed reservoir. It would be relevant for researchers, farmers and legislators to know whether relationships exist between boundary structure and weed abundance and frequency in boundaries and adjacent fields. In this study, we present a classification of arable field boundaries based on five descriptors: presence of a bank, width, percentage cover of woody and evergreen perennials (WEP), presence of a stonewall and presence of trees. Five types of boundaries are identified, ranging from structurally simple ones (flat, narrow, dominated by annual species) to structurally complex ones (presence of a bank, more than 3 m wide, dominated by WEP). Data from three Spanish regions were used to validate this classification, and the five boundary classes contained different plant communities. Structurally simple, flat and narrow boundaries contained many of the weed species found also in the field centre and with high abundance. More complex, wider boundaries with a slope and a WEP >60%, had a lower probability of hosting the main weeds present in the field centres. Assessment of weed frequency and abundance gave complementary information. The proposed classification of field boundaries may be easily used by farmers and allows adjustment of field margin management to risks posed by the field boundary, in terms of hosting common weeds of arable crops.
Introducing physically active lessons in UK secondary schools: feasibility study and pilot cluster-randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gammon Catherine , Morton Katie , Atkin Andrew , Corder Kirsten , Daly-Smith Andy , Quarmby Thomas , Suhrcke Marc , Turner David , van Sluijs Esther 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesAssess feasibility, acceptability and costs of delivering a physically active lessons (PAL) training programme to secondary school teachers and explore preliminary effectiveness for reducing pupils’ sedentary time.Design and settingSecondary schools in East England; one school participated in a pre-post feasibility study, two in a pilot cluster-randomised controlled trial. In the pilot trial, blinding to group assignment was not possible.ParticipantsAcross studies, 321 randomly selected students (51% male; mean age: 12.9 years), 78 teachers (35% male) and 2 assistant head teachers enrolled; 296 (92%) students, 69 (88%) teachers and 2 assistant head teachers completed the studies.InterventionPAL training was delivered to teachers over two after-school sessions. Teachers were made aware of how to integrate movement into lessons; strategies included students collecting data from the environment for class activities and completing activities posted on classroom walls, instead of sitting at desks.Primary and secondary outcomesQuantitative and qualitative data were collected to assess feasibility and acceptability of PAL training and delivery. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and ~8 weeks post-training; measures included accelerometer-assessed activity, self-reported well-being and observations of time-on-task. Process evaluation was conducted at follow-up.ResultsIn the feasibility study, teachers reported good acceptability of PAL training and mixed experiences of delivering PAL. In the pilot study, teachers’ acceptability of training was lower and teachers identified aspects of the training in need of review, including the outdoor PAL training and learning challenge of PAL strategies. In both studies, students and assistant head teachers reported good acceptability of the intervention. Preliminary effectiveness for reducing students’ sedentary time was not demonstrated in either study.ConclusionsNo evidence of preliminary effectiveness on the primary outcome and mixed reports of teachers’ acceptability of PAL training suggest the need to review the training. The results do not support continuation of research with the current intervention.Trial registration numberISRCTN38409550.
Athletes’ expectations about physiotherapy in sports injury rehabilitation in greater Accra region
Authors: Quartey Jonathan , Afidemenyo Selorm , Kwakye Samuel Koranteng 
Published: May 2019

Background: Physiotherapists play a key role in sports injury rehabilitation within the sports healthcare team. A strong athlete–physiotherapist relationship is necessary for effective treatment and shaping of athletes’ expectations of injury rehabilitation. Hence, it is necessary to factor the injured athletes’ expectations in structuring a rehabilitation program. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine athletes’ expectations about physiotherapy in sports injury rehabilitation. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional survey in which data was collected using the expectation about athletic training (EAAT) questionnaire from 120 recruited athletes of different sporting disciplines. Percentages, means and standard deviations of the expectation scores were computed. Associations between socio-demographic characteristics and athletes’ expectations of physiotherapy in sports injury rehabilitation were analyzed with the chi-square test. Differences between the athletes’ expectations of physiotherapy and demographic characteristics were also analyzed with Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests. Results: The study revealed that there was no significant difference ([Formula: see text]) between gender, injury type, physiotherapy experience and mental skills experience and the athletes’ expectations. There was a significant difference ([Formula: see text]) between competition level and athletes’ expectations. Conclusion: It was concluded that athletes in the Greater Accra Region have high expectations of physiotherapy in injury rehabilitation; thus sports physiotherapists would need to enhance their communication with athletes which may also help them better understand the risks, benefits, timeline and rehabilitation approach.
A PolH Transcript with a Short 3′UTR Enhances PolH Expression and Mediates Cisplatin Resistance
Authors: Zhang Jin , Sun Wenqiang , Ren Cong , Kong Xiangmudong , Yan Wensheng , Chen Xinbin 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Platinum-based anticancer drugs are widely used as a first-line drug for cancers, such as non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and bladder cancer. However, the efficacy is limited due to intrinsic or acquired resistance to these drugs. DNA polymerase eta (PolH, Polη) belongs to the Y-family of DNA polymerases and mediates DNA translesion synthesis, a major mechanism for DNA damage tolerance. Here, we showed that a high level of PolH is associated with cisplatin resistance in lung and bladder cancer. Consistent with this, loss of PolH markedly attenuates cisplatin resistance in both cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatin-resistant lung cancer cells. Interestingly, we found that due to the presence of multiple polyadenylation sites, alternative polyadenylation (APA) produces three major PolH transcripts with various lengths of 3′untranslated region (3′UTR; 427-/2516-/6245-nt). We showed that the short PolH transcript with 427-nt 3′UTR is responsible for high expression of PolH in various cisplatin-resistant lung and bladder cancer cell lines. Importantly, loss of the short PolH transcript significantly sensitizes cancer cells to cisplatin treatment. Moreover, we found that miR-619 selectively inhibits the ability of the long PolH transcript with 6245-nt 3′UTR to produce PolH protein and, subsequently, PolH-dependent cell growth. Together, our data suggest that PolH expression is controlled by APA and that the short PolH transcript produced by APA can escape miR-619–mediated repression and, subsequently, confers PolH-mediated cisplatin resistance.

Significance:
A short PolH transcript produced by alternative polyadenylation escapes repression by miR-619 and confers resistance to cisplatin.
The RNA-Binding Protein HuR Confers Oxaliplatin Resistance of Colorectal Cancer By Upregulating CDC6
Authors: Cai Jian , Wang Huaiming , Jiao Xiaodong , Huang Rongkang , Qin Qiyuan , Zhang Jianwei , Chen Honglei , Feng Dan , Tian Xin , Wang Hui 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Human antigen R (HuR) is an RNA-binding protein that posttranscriptionally regulates many cancer-trait genes. CDC6, a central regulator of DNA replication, is regulated by HuR. In this study, we investigated the role of HuR in colorectal cancer tumorigenesis and oxaliplatin (L-OHP) resistance, as well as the underlying mechanisms involving CDC6. We detected increased HuR and CDC6 expression, along with a positive correlation between the two in human colorectal cancer tissues. HuR overexpression increased colorectal cancer cell proliferation in vitro and xenograft tumor growth in vivo, and induced resistance to L-OHP. In contrast, HuR knockdown sensitized colorectal cancer cells to L-OHP. CDC6 overexpression increased while CDC6 knockdown decreased colorectal cancer cell malignant behaviors (growth, DNA synthesis, EMT, migration, and invasion) and L-OHP resistance in vitro. Moreover, L-OHP resistance induced by HuR overexpression was reversed by CDC6 knockdown. Mechanistically, the results from our luciferase reporter and ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation assays indicated that HuR upregulates CDC6 by binding to CDC6 3′-UTR. Taken together, our findings identified HuR's regulation of CDC6 as an essential mechanism driving colorectal cancer tumorigenesis and L-OHP resistance, and this mechanism may represent a potential target for overcoming drug resistance in colorectal cancer.
Single Session and Weekly Beta 2-Microglobulin Removal with Different Dialytic Procedures: Comparison between High-Flux Standard Bicarbonate Hemodialysis, Post-Dilution Hemodiafiltration, Short Frequent Hemodialysis with NxStage Technology and Automated Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Brunati Chiara Carla Maria , Gervasi Francesca , Cabibbe Mara , Ravera Federica , Menegotto Alberto , Querques Marialuisa , Colussi Giacomo 
Published: May 2019

<b><i>Background:</i></b> NxStage System One cycler (NSO) is a widespread system for home daily dialysis. Few data are available on the impact of this “low dialysate volumes system” on the removal rate of poorly diffusible, time-dependent solutes like β<sub>2</sub>-microglobulin (β<sub>2</sub>M). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Single-session and weekly balances of β<sub>2</sub>M were performed and compared in 12 patients on daily NSO, 13 patients on standard high-flux bicarbonate dialysis (BHD), 5 patients on standard post-dilution on line hemodiafiltration (HDF), and 13 patients on automated peritoneal dialysis (APD). <b><i>Results:</i></b> Intradialytic fall of <i>plasma water</i> β<sub>2</sub>M levels (corrected for rebound) was 65.2 ± 2.6% in HDF, 49.8 ± 9.1% in BHD, and 32.3 ± 6.4% in NSO (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001 between all groups). <i>Single treatment dialysate removal</i> was much less in APD (19.4 ± 20.4 mg, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001) than in any extracorporeal technologies, and was less in NSO (126.2 ± 35.6 mg, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001) than in BHD (204.9 ± 53.4 mg) and HDF (181.9 ± 37.6 mg), with no differences between the latter 2; however <i>weekly removal</i> was higher in NSO (757.3 ± 213.7 mg, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.04) than in BHD (614.8 ± 160.3 mg) and HDF (545.8 ± 112.8 mg). <i>Extrapolated</i> <i>β2M adsorption</i> to the membrane was negligible in BHD, 14.7 ± 9.5% of total removal in HDF and 18.3 ± 18.5% in NSO. Integration of single session data into a <i>weekly efficiency indicator</i> (<i>K × t</i>) showed total volume of plasma cleared in NSO (33.4 ± 7.7 L/week) to be higher than in BHD (26.9 ± 7.2 L/week, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.01) and not different than in HDF (36.2 ± 4.7 L/week); it was negligible (3.2 ± 1.0) in APD. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Weekly β<sub>2</sub>M removal efficiency proved equal and highest in HDF and NSO (at a 6/week prescription), slightly lesser in BHD and lowest in APD.
Faunal study of velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) and their activity pat-terns and habitat preference at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Nye County, Nevada, USA
Authors: BOEHME NICOLE F. , TANNER DAVID A. , WILLIAMS KEVIN A. , PITTS JAMES P. 
Published: May 2019

The diversity of velvet ants at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge (AMNWR) is investigated along with seasonal flight time and habitat preference for each species. Of the 45 (SD ± 2) species expected to occur at AMNWR via first order jackknife estimator, 42 species were found to occur based on 8843 specimens. Variation in flight times between specieswere minor and revealed a unique pattern of niche partitioning in only one species, Dasymutilla arenivaga Mickel. Habitat preferences were observed for seven species at AMNWR. Dasymutilla arenivaga, Odontophotopsis melicausa (Blake), and Sphaeropthalma orestes (Fox) were found to be more abundant in sand dune habitats than in non-sand dune habitats. While four other species, Odontophotopsis mamata Schuster, O. microdonta Ferguson, O. serca Viereck, and Sphaeropthalma mendica (Blake), were found to be more abundant in non-sand dune habitats. The diversity of velvet ants found at AMNWR was compared to the diversity of velvet ants found at the Nevada Test Site (NTS) located approximately 25 mile northeast of Ash Meadows. This comparison identified six velvet ant species that occurred at the NTS, but were not found at AMNWR. The status of Photopsis nana Ashmead 1896 is reinstanted. New synonymy is proposed for Photopsis nana Ashmead 1896 (=Mutilla acontius Fox, 1899, syn. nov.). Diagnoses and a key are provided for the velvet ants of AMNWR. The hitherto unknown female of Sphaeropthalma megagnathos Schuster is described, and an updated key to the females is provided for S. imperialis species-group. Lectotypes are designated for twelve species.
Organ Function Preservation Failure after (Chemo)Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Heukelom Jolien , Navran Arash , Gouw Zeno A. R. , Tesselaar Margot E. , Zuur Charlotte L. , van Werkhoven Erik , Sonke Jan‐Jakob , Rasch Coen R. N. , Al‐Mamgani Abrahim 
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveThe aim of the current study was to determine the incidence of organ function preservation failure (OFPF) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treated by (chemo)radiotherapy and to identify its risk factors.Study DesignRetrospective cohort analysis.SettingTertiary cancer care center.Subjects and MethodsA single‐center retrospective cohort analysis was done (n = 703) in which OFPF after (chemo)radiotherapy was assessed. OFPF was defined as local failure or pure functional failure in the absence of local failure because of major surgical intervention (total laryngectomy, commando resection, permanent tracheostomy) or feeding tube dependence >2 years.ResultsOFPF occurred in 153 patients (21.8%). Reasons for OFPF were local failure in 103 patients (14.6%) and functional failure in 50 patients (7.2%). Evidence of functional failure included need for total laryngectomy (n = 9, 1.3%), commando resection (n = 2, 0.3%), permanent tracheostomy (n = 16, 2.3%), and/or long‐term feeding tube for functional reasons (n = 23, 3.3%). In a Cox proportional hazards model, OFPF was worse for patients with T4 tumors (hazard ratio [HR] <0.5 and P <. 001 for all other stages), for laryngeal vs oropharyngeal cancer (HR, 1.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20‐2.79, P =. 005, hypopharyngeal not significant), and for smokers (HR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.10‐2.56, P =. 015). Exploratory multivariate analysis by tumor site showed that T4 tumor and pretreatment tracheostomy were the strongest predictive factors for OFPF in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma while T4 tumor and smoking were predictive for poor OFPF in oropharyngeal carcinoma.ConclusionThis work shows a detrimental effect of smoking on functional outcomes after (chemo‐)radiotherapy for HNSCC. Moreover, T4 tumor, laryngeal subsite, and pretreatment tracheostomy are strong predictors of OFPF.
Feasibility of High‐Resolution Computed Tomography Imaging for Obtaining Ear Impressions for Hearing Aid Fitting
Authors: Chen Chin‐Kuo , Hsieh Li‐Chun , Chiang Yuan‐Chuan , Cheng Wei‐De 
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveThis study investigated the feasibility of obtaining ear impressions for hearing aids by using 3‐dimensional high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images.Study DesignCase series.SettingOne referral tertiary center.Subjects and MethodsHearing‐impaired adults who were fitted with 1 or 2 behind‐the‐ear hearing aid(s) and had undergone temporal bone HRCT for various ear pathologies were enrolled in this study. Earmolds were fabricated from the impressions obtained using the conventional ear canal silicone injection technique and the HRCT reconstructed technique. Outer ear canal resonance frequencies and amplitude in open ears and those measured with silicon and HRCT reconstructed earmolds were determined through real‐ear gain measurements, including real‐ear unaided gain (REUG) and real‐ear occluded gain (REOG), for comparison.ResultsA total of 50 HRCT reconstructed earmolds were compared with 50 conventional silicon injection earmolds. The average value of open ear canal resonance amplitude (REUG) for each ear was 0.41 to 16.76 dB. No statistically significant difference in resonance amplitude (REOG) was observed between silicon and reconstructed earmolds (paired t test, P >. 05). The mean insertion loss (REOG‐REUG) at all frequencies also did not differ significantly between the two earmolds (paired t test, P >. 05).ConclusionAccording to our real‐ear measurements, acoustic characteristics of the HRCT reconstructed earmolds were compatible with those of the silicone injection earmolds. Despite concerns about increased cost and radiation exposure, the HRCT reconstructed technique is a clinically useful and applicable method and can reduce potential safety complications for difficult cases.
Effectiveness and safety of interferon α2a as an add-on treatment for refractory Behçet’s uveitis
Authors: Shi Jing , Zhao Chan , Zhou Jiaxin , Liu Jinjing , Wang Li , Gao Fei , Zeng Xiaofeng , Zhang Meifen , Zheng Wenjie 
Published: May 2019

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of interferon (IFN) α2a as an add-on treatment for refractory Behçet’s uveitis (BU). Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 30 refractory BU patients who received IFNα2a treatment in Peking Union Medical College Hospital between February 2015 and June 2018 were consecutively included. IFNα2a was used mainly as an add-on treatment for BU patients who underwent relapse under corticosteroids and conventional immunosuppressive agents. The primary outcome was treatment success rate before and after initiation of IFNα2a. Changes in ocular relapse rates, disease activity, corticosteroid- and immunosuppressant-sparing effects, as well as side effects were secondary outcomes. Results: A total of 30 patients (27 males and 3 females) with a mean age of 30.5 ± 8.7 years were included. Twenty-one patients (70%) were treated with at least 2 immunosuppressive agents before the initiation of IFNα2a. Treatment success was achieved in 26 patients (86.7%), and the median uveitis relapse rate decreased from 7.3 (range 2–12) to 0 (range 0–6) per patient-year ( p = 0.000002) during a mean follow-up of 21.7 ± 7.5 months, corticosteroids were lowered in 25 cases (83.3%) and completely withdrawn in four (13.3%). In addition, immunosuppressive agents were reduced in number and dosage in 22 (73.3%) and 29 patients (96.7%), respectively, and were completely withdrawn in 12 cases (40%). No severe adverse events were observed and serum autoantibodies remained negative during the treatment of IFNα2a. Conclusion: IFNα2a is effective and relatively safe in refractory BU, with significant steroid- and immunosuppressant-sparing effects.
Early vs Delayed Weightbearing After Microfracture of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: A Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: Deal J. Banks , Patzkowski Jeanne C. , Groth Adam T. , Ryan Paul M. , Dowd Thomas C. , Osborn Patrick M. , Anderson Claude D. , Ficke James R. , Kirk Kevin L. 
Published: May 2019

Background: Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) are common injuries in young, active patients. Microfracture is an effective treatment for lesions less than 150 mm2 in size. Most commonly employed postoperative protocols involve delaying weightbearing for 6 to 8 weeks (DWB), though one study suggests that early weightbearing (EWB) may not be detrimental to patient outcomes. The goal of this research is to compare outcomes following EWB and DWB protocols after microfracture for OLTs. Methods: We performed a prospective, randomized, multicenter clinical trial of subjects with unilateral, primary, unifocal OLTs treated with microfracture. Thirty-eight subjects were randomized into EWB (18 subjects) and DWB (20 subjects) at their first postsurgical visit. The EWB group began unrestricted WB at that time, whereas the DWB group were instructed to remain strictly nonweightbearing for an additional 4 weeks. Primary outcome measures were the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery (AAOS) Foot and Ankle score and numeric rating scale (NRS) pain score. Results: The EWB group demonstrated significant improvement in AAOS Foot and Ankle Questionnaire scores at the 6-week follow-up appointment as compared to the DWB group (83.1 ± 13.5 vs 68.7 ± 15.8, P = .017). Following this point, there were no significant differences in AAOS scores between groups. At no point were NRS pain scores significantly different between the groups. Conclusions: EWB after microfracture for OLTs was associated with improved AAOS scores in the short term. Thereafter and through 2 years’ follow-up, no statistically significant differences were seen between EWB and DWB groups. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective randomized trial.