bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of donor characteristics on haploidentical transplantation with posttransplantation cyclophosphamide
Authors: McCurdy Shannon R. , Zhang Mei-Jie , St. Martin Andrew , Al Malki Monzr M. , Bashey Asad , Gaballa Sameh , Keesler Daniel A. , Hamadani Mehdi , Norkin Maxim , Perales Miguel-Angel , Reshef Ran , Rocha Vanderson , Romee Rizwan , Solh Melhem , Urbano-Ispizua Alvaro , Waller Edmund K. , Fuchs Ephraim J. , Eapen Mary 
Published: February 2018

Key PointsThe effect of donor age on survival is negated by the effect of patient age. Survival did not differ between sibling and offspring donor transplantation.
Comparison of different staging methods for COPD in predicting outcomes
Authors: Huang Tang-Hsiu , Hsiue Tzuen-Ren , Lin Sheng-Hsiang , Liao Xin-Ming , Su Po-Lan , Chen Chiung-Zuei 
Published: February 2018

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is commonly staged according to the percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1% pred), but other methods have been proposed. In this study we compared the performance of seven staging methods in predicting outcomes.We retrospectively studied 296 COPD outpatients. For each patient the disease severity was staged by separately applying the following methods: the criteria proposed by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), quartiles of FEV1% pred and z-score of FEV1, quartiles and specified cut-off points of the ratio of FEV1over height squared ((FEV1·Ht−2)Aand (FEV1·Ht−2)B, respectively), and quartiles of the ratio of FEV1over height cubed (FEV1·Ht−3) and of FEV1quotient (FEV1Q). We evaluated the performance of these methods in predicting the risks of severe acute exacerbation and all-cause mortality.Overall, staging based on the reference-independent FEV1Q performed best in predicting the risks of severe acute exacerbation (including frequent exacerbation) and mortality, followed by (FEV1·Ht−2)B. The performance of staging methods could also be influenced by the choice of cut-off values. Future work using large and ethnically diverse populations to refine and validate the cut-off values would enhance the prediction of outcomes.
Impact of immunosuppression on incidence, aetiology and outcome of ventilator-associated lower respiratory tract infections
Authors: Moreau Anne-Sophie , Martin-Loeches Ignacio , Povoa Pedro , Salluh Jorge , Rodriguez Alejandro , Thille Arnaud W. , Diaz Santos Emilio , Vedes Elisa , Lobo Suzana Margareth , Mégarbane Bruno , Molero Silvero Esperanza , Coelho Luis , Argaud Laurent , Sanchez Iniesta Rafael , Labreuche Julien , Rouzé Anahita , Nseir Saad 
Published: February 2018

The aim of this planned analysis of the prospective multinational TAVeM database was to determine the incidence, aetiology and impact on outcome of ventilator-associated lower respiratory tract infections (VA-LRTI) in immunocompromised patients.All patients receiving mechanical ventilation for >48 h were included. Immunocompromised patients (n=663) were compared with non-immunocompromised patients (n=2297).The incidence of VA-LRTI was significantly lower among immunocompromised than among non-immunocompromised patients (16.6%versus24.2%; sub-hazard ratio 0.65, 95% CI 0.53–0.80; p<0.0001). Similar results were found regarding ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (7.3%versus11.6%; sub-hazard ratio 0.61, 95% CI 0.45–0.84; p=0.002) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (9.3%versus12.7%; sub-hazard ratio 0.72, 95% CI 0.54–0.95; p=0.019). Among patients with VA-LRTI, the rates of multidrug-resistant bacteria (72%versus59%; p=0.011) and intensive care unit mortality were significantly higher among immunocompromised than among non-immunocompromised patients (54%versus30%; OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.78–4.02; p<0.0001). In patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia, mortality rates were higher among immunocompromised than among non-immunocompromised patients (64%versus34%; p<0.001).Incidence of VA-LRTI was significantly lower among immunocompromised patients, but it was associated with a significantly higher mortality rate. Multidrug-resistant pathogens were more frequently found in immunocompromised patients with VA-LRTI.
microRNA-193a stimulates pancreatic cancer cell repopulation and metastasis through modulating TGF-β2/TGF-βRIII signalings
Authors: Fang Chi , Dai Chen-yun , Mei Zhu , Jiang Ming-jie , Gu Dian-na , Huang Qian , Tian Ling 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Background
Pancreatic cancer characterizes high recurrence and poor prognosis. In clinical practice, radiotherapy is widely used for pancreatic cancer treatment. However, the outcome remains undesirable due to tumor repopulation and following recurrence and metastasis after radiation. So, it is highly needed to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms and accordingly develop therapeutic strategies. Our previous studies revealed that dying cells from chemoradiation could stimulate repopulation of surviving pancreatic cancer cells. However, we still knew little how dying cells provoke pancreatic cancer cell repopulation. We herein would explore the significance of TGF-β2 changes and investigate the modulation of microRNA-193a (miR-193a), and identify their contributions to pancreatic cancer repopulation and metastasis.

Methods
In vitro and in vivo repopulation models were established to mimic the biological processes of pancreatic cancer after radiation. Western blot, real-time PCR and dual-luciferase reporter assays were accordingly used to detect miR-193a and TGF-β2/TGF-βRIII signalings at the level of molecular, cellular and experimental animal model, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis, wound healing and transwell assay, vascular endothelial cell penetration experiment, and bioluminescence imaging were employed to assessthe biological behaviors of pancreatic cancer after different treatments. Patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) mice models were established to evaluate the therapeutic potential of miR-193a antagonist on pancreatic cancer repopulation and metastasis after radiation.

Results
miR-193a was highly expressed in the irradiated pancreatic cancer dying cells, accordingly elevated the level of miR-193a in surviving cells, and further promoted pancreatic cancer repopulation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. miR-193a accelerated pancreatic cancer cell cycle and stimulated cell proliferation and repopulation through inhibiting TGF-β2/TGF-βRIII/SMADs/E2F6/c-Myc signaling, and even destroyed normal intercellular junctions and promoted metastasis via repressing TGF-β2/TGF-βRIII/ARHGEF15/ABL2 pathway. Knockdown of miR-193a or restoration of TGF-β2/TGF-βRIII signaling in pancreatic cancer cells was found to block pancreatic cancer repopulation and metastasis after radiation. In PDX models, the treatment in combination with miR-193a antagonist and radiation was found to dramatically inhibit pancreatic cancer cell repopulation and metastasis, and further improved the survival after radiation.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrated that miR-193a stimulated pancreatic cancer cell repopulation and metastasis through modulating TGF-β2/TGF-βRIII signalings, and miR-193a might be a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer repopulation and metastasis.
Correction to: The action of herbal medicine on the libido: aspects of nutritional intervention in increasing sexual desire
Authors: da Cruz Amanda Cássia , Guerra Natália Gonçalves , de Souza Kerolayne Esper Barão Pacelhe , de Castro Eleutério Izabella , da Silva Leidhaiane Custódia , Otoni Elaine Gomes , Alves Michelle Rosa Andrade , Regis Wiliam César Bento 
Published: February 2018

Correction to: Nutrire (2017) 42:29 DOI: 10.1186/s41110-017-0051-0
The original version of this article [1], published on 5 November 2017, contains a mistake. The abbreviation “NO” has been incorrectly translated as “nitrous oxide”. The correct translation is “nitric oxide”. A list of the affected text parts is given below. The corrected terminology is marked in bold.
Hockley Fault revisited: More geophysical data and new evidence on the fault location, Houston, Texas
Authors: Saribudak Mustafa , Ruder Michal , Van Nieuwenhuise Bob 
Published: February 2018

Ongoing sediment deposition and related deformation in the Gulf of Mexico cause faulting in coastal areas. These faults are aseismic and underlie much of the Gulf Coast area including the city of Houston in Harris County, Texas. Considering that the average movement of these faults is approximately 8 cm per decade in Harris County, there is a great potential for structural damage to highways, utility infrastructure, and buildings that cross these features. Using integrated geophysical data, we have investigated the Hockley Fault, located in the northwest part of Harris County across Highway 290. Our magnetic, gravity, conductivity, and resistivity data displayed a fault anomaly whose location is consistent with the southern portion of the Hockley Fault mapped by previous researchers at precisely the same location. Gravity data indicate a significant fault signature that is coincident with the magnetic and conductivity data, with relatively positive gravity values observed in the downthrown section. Farther north across Highway 290, the resistivity data and the presence of fault scarps indicate that the Hockley Fault appears to be offset to the east, which has not been previously documented. The publicly available LiDAR data and historical aerial photographs of the study area support our geophysical findings. This important geohazard result impacts the mitigation plan for the Hockley Fault because it crosses and deforms Highway 290 in the study area. The nonunique model of the gravity and magnetic data indicates strong correlation of a lateral change in density and magnetic properties across the Hockley Fault. The gravity data differ from the expected signature. The high gravity observed on the downthrown side of the fault is probably caused by the compaction of unconsolidated sediments on the downthrown side. There is a narrow zone of relative negative magnetic anomalies adjacent to the fault on the downthrown side. The source of this magnetization could be due to the alteration of mineralogies by the introduction of fluids into the fault zone.
Trends in Insurance Status Among Patients Diagnosed With Cancer Before and After Implementation of the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Moss Haley A. , Havrilesky Laura J. , Zafar S. Yousuf , Suneja Gita , Chino Junzo 
Published: February 2018

Purpose: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) aimed to increase insurance coverage through key provisions such as expansion of Medicaid eligibility and enforcement of an individual mandate. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of the ACA on insurance rates among patients newly diagnosed with colon, lung, or breast cancer. Methods: Using the SEER database, patients younger than age 65 years diagnosed with colon, lung, or breast cancer between 2008 and 2014 were identified. Insurance rates were examined before versus after passage of the ACA (2011) and before (2011 to 2013) versus after (2014) Medicaid expansion in nine expansion states and five nonexpansion states. Difference-in-differences models were used to estimate the differential impact of ACA in expansion compared with nonexpansion states. Results: A total of 414,085 patients with known insurance status were diagnosed with colon, lung, or breast cancer between 2008 and 2014. For all cancer types, there was a significant increase in patients enrolled in Medicaid after 2011 in expansion states. Between 2011 to 2013 and 2014, in patients living in states with Medicaid expansion, the uninsured rates decreased by ≥ 50% among patients with a new diagnosis of lung and colon cancer (6.5% in 2011 to 2013 to 3.1% in 2014 and 6.8% in 2011 to 2013 to 3.4% in 2014, respectively; P < .001); the uninsured rate decreased to a lesser degree for patients with breast cancer (2.7% in 2011 to 2013 to 1.6% in 2014; P < .001). This decrease in the rate of uninsured patients was absent in patients living in nonexpansion states. Conclusion: The ACA resulted in expanded insurance coverage for patients diagnosed with colon, lung, and breast cancer. However, the impact was only observed in states that increased their Medicaid eligibility.
The long and the short of it – a perspective on peptidergic regulation of circuits and behaviour
Authors: Jékely Gáspár , Melzer Sarah , Beets Isabel , Kadow Ilona C. Grunwald , Koene Joris , Haddad Sara , Holden-Dye Lindy 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT
Neuropeptides are the most diverse class of chemical modulators in nervous systems. They contribute to extensive modulation of circuit activity and have profound influences on animal physiology. Studies on invertebrate model organisms, including the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, have enabled the genetic manipulation of peptidergic signalling, contributing to an understanding of how neuropeptides pattern the output of neural circuits to underpin behavioural adaptation. Electrophysiological and pharmacological analyses of well-defined microcircuits, such as the crustacean stomatogastric ganglion, have provided detailed insights into neuropeptide functions at a cellular and circuit level. These approaches can be increasingly applied in the mammalian brain by focusing on circuits with a defined and identifiable sub-population of neurons. Functional analyses of neuropeptide systems have been underpinned by systematic studies to map peptidergic networks. Here, we review the general principles and mechanistic insights that have emerged from these studies. We also highlight some of the challenges that remain for furthering our understanding of the functional relevance of peptidergic modulation.
Intraocular pressure elevation precedes a phagocytosis decline in a model of pigmentary glaucoma
Authors: Dang Yalong , Waxman Susannah , Wang Chao , Shah Priyal , Loewen Ralitsa T. , Loewen Nils A. 
Published: February 2018

Background: Outflow regulation and phagocytosis are key functions of the trabecular meshwork (TM), but it is not clear how the two are related in secondary open angle glaucomas characterized by an increased particle load. We hypothesized that diminished TM phagocytosis is not the primary cause of early ocular hypertension and recreated pigment dispersion in a porcine ex vivo model. Methods: Sixteen porcine anterior chamber cultures received a continuous infusion of pigment granules (Pg), while 16 additional anterior chambers served as controls (C). Pressure transducers recorded the intraocular pressure (IOP). The phagocytic capacity of the trabecular meshwork was determined by fluorescent microspheres. Results: The baseline IOPs in Pg and C were similar (P=0.82). A significant IOP elevation occurred in Pg at 48, 120, and 180 hours (all P<0.01, compared to baseline). The pigment did not cause a reduction in TM phagocytosis at 48 hours, when the earliest IOP elevation occurred, but at 120 hours onward (P=0.001 compared to C). This reduction did not result in an additional IOP increase at 120 or 180 hours compared to the first IOP elevation at 48 hours (P>0.05). Conclusions: In this porcine model of pigmentary glaucoma, an IOP elevation occurs much earlier than when phagocytosis fails, suggesting that two separate mechanisms might be at work.
Analysing orthotic designs for de Quervain's disease based on in vivo gliding distance of extensor pollicis brevis tendon
Authors: Ishii Seiji , Sairyo Koichi 
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: To reconsider orthotic designs used for de Quervain's disease based on in vivo information obtained from ultrasound images. Methods: The hands (n=40) of 20 healthy adult men and women participants with no history of thumb injury or deformation were examined. A two-dimensional tissue tracking system was used to quantitatively measure in vivo gliding distance in the extensor pollicis brevis tendon during thumb interphalangeal joint autonomic movement while wearing a thumb spica orthosis. Findings: Results revealed anatomical variations in the insertion of the extensor pollicis brevis tendon in 9 (22.5%) hands. A septum was noted in the first dorsal compartment of the extensor tendon in 23 (57.5%) hands. Multiple comparison testing of gliding distance across four groups, classified by the presence or absence of anatomical variations and/or septa using Tukey's test, revealed significant differences for gliding distance between groups with and without anatomical variations, regardless of whether septa were observed (p=0.01). Conclusions: It is necessary to evaluate physical characteristics such as septa and anatomical variations based on advanced screening with ultrasound examinations before considering thumb fixation range for patients in the acute inflammation phase or those exhibiting recurrence of de Quervain's disease.
Dance therapy for Parkinson's disease: A randomised feasibility trial
Authors: Rocha Priscila , Aguiar Lorenna , McClelland Jodie A , Morris Meg E 
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: To examine the feasibility of two dance programmes for people with Parkinson's disease directed towards improving mobility, balance, gait, and quality of life. Methods: A pilot randomised controlled trial was conducted in Australia. People with idiopathic Parkinson's disease who scored I–IV on the modified Hoehn and Yahr scale were randomly allocated to one of two groups: Argentine tango or mixed-genre (incorporating several dance styles) therapeutic dancing. Dance classes were conducted for 1 hour, once a week for 8 weeks. Concurrently, participants completed a home dance programme. They received a video with 40 minutes of dance steps to be performed at home once a week. In-person group classes comprised a 10-minute warm-up, 45 minutes of dancing routines, and a 5-minute cool-down. Feasibility was the primary outcome, quantified by the number of people agreeing to participate, completion of pre- and post-intervention assessments, attendance, compliance with the classes, and adverse events. Secondary outcomes included mobility, balance, gait, motor disability, and quality of life. Findings: A total of 42 people were screened and 21 participated in the classes. Of these, 18 returned for reassessments. The average compliance with the eight group dance classes was 70% (six classes). No adverse events occurred. Among the secondary outcome variables, statistically significant improvements occurred in mobility, balance, and motor disability in the tango group. Freezing of gait improved for the mixed-dance group. Conclusions: Argentine tango and mixed-genre therapeutic dancing classes accompanied by home programmes are feasible and safe for people in the early to mid stages of Parkinson's disease.
Reliability and validity of lumbar disc height quantification methods using magnetic resonance images
Authors: Abdollah Vahid , Parent Eric C. , Battié Michele C. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Disc height has been a focus of research on disc degeneration and low back pain (LBP). However, choosing an appropriate method to quantify disc height remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to determine the reliability and construct validity of disc height quantification methods. Repeated semi-automatic measurements of L4–5 and L5–S1 discs were obtained from 43 T2-weighted mid-sagittal 3T magnetic resonance (MR) images of 22 subjects with LBP (43±13 years), blinded to prior measurements. Heights were calculated with area-based methods (using 60%, 80% and 100% of the disc width), and point-based methods (Hurxthal’s, Dabbs’ and combining the two). Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM) were estimated. Construct validity was assessed using correlation coefficients. Intra-rater ICC(3,1) of the area-based disc height measurements ranged from 0.84 to 0.99 with an inter-rater ICC(2,1) of 0.99. Measurements with point-based methods had lower intra- and inter-rater reliability ranging between 0.76 and 0.96 and between 0.84 and 0.98, respectively. Inter-rater SEM varied between 0.2 and 0.3 mm for area-based methods and between 0.3 and 0.7 mm for point-based methods. Excluding Dabbs’, high correlations (r>0.9) were observed between methods. Area-based height measurements using partial disc width demonstrated excellent reliability and construct validity and outperformed point-based methods.
Plasma midregional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) concentrations and their biological determinants in a reference population
Authors: Krintus Magdalena , Kozinski Marek , Braga Federica , Kubica Jacek , Sypniewska Grazyna , Panteghini Mauro 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Background:
Midregional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) is emerging as a prognostic biomarker for detecting the failure of multiple organs. Establishment of scientifically robust reference intervals facilitates interpretation of laboratory test results. The objectives of this study were (i) to establish reliable reference intervals for plasma MR-proADM using a commercially available automated fluoroimmunoassay in apparently healthy individuals, and (ii) to identify biological determinants of MR-proADM concentrations.

Methods:
A total of 506 questionnaire-identified apparently healthy adults were enrolled in a single-center, cross-sectional study. A final reference group (n=172) was selected after exclusion of obese individuals, those with increased values of laboratory biomarkers indicating asymptomatic myocardial injury or dysfunction, ongoing inflammation, diabetes, dyslipidemia and renal dysfunction and outliers.

Results:
The 2.5th and 97.5th percentile intervals for MR-proADM values in the reference group (90% confidence interval) were 0.21 (0.19–0.23) and 0.57 (0.55–0.59) nmol/L, respectively. Although older age, higher values of HbA1c, C-reactive protein, B-type natriuretic peptide and body mass index, together with a history of smoking and a decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate were significantly associated with increasing concentrations of MR-proADM in both univariate and multivariate analyses, magnitudes of these relationships were modest and did not substantially influence MR-proADM reference intervals. Sex-dependent difference in MR-proADM reference intervals was not detected [0.19 (0.16–0.22)–0.56 (0.54–0.60) nmol/L in females vs. 0.22 (0.20–0.25)–0.58 (0.57–0.63) nmol/L in males].

Conclusions:
Our study successfully established robust reference intervals for MR-proADM concentrations in plasma. Considering the negligible influence of potential biological determinants on plasma MR-proADM, we recommend the adoption of single reference intervals for adult population as a whole.
Review of hydrogen-assisted cracking models for application to service lifetime prediction and challenges in the oil and gas industry
Authors: Traidia Abderrazak , Chatzidouros Elias , Jouiad Mustapha 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe present manuscript reviews state-of-the art models of hydrogen-assisted cracking (HAC) with potential for application to remaining life prediction of oil and gas components susceptible to various forms of hydrogen embrittlement (HE), namely, hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC), sulfide stress cracking (SSC), and HE-controlled stress corrosion cracking (SCC). Existing continuum models are compared in terms of their ability to predict the threshold stress intensity factor and crack growth rate accounting for the complex couplings between hydrogen transport and accumulation at the fracture process zone, local embrittlement, and subsequent fracture. Emerging multiscale approaches are also discussed, and studies relative to HE in metals and especially steels are presented. Finally, the challenges that hinder the application of existing models to component integrity assessment and remaining life prediction are discussed with respect to identification of model parameters and limitations of the fracture similitude, which paves the way to new directions for further research.