bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term surveillance defines spatial and temporal patterns implicating Culex tarsalis as the primary vector of West Nile virus
Authors: Dunphy Brendan M. , Kovach Kristofer B. , Gehrke Ella J. , Field Eleanor N. , Rowley Wayne A. , Bartholomay Lyric C. , Smith Ryan C. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWest Nile virus (WNV) has become the most epidemiologically important mosquito-borne disease in the United States, causing ~50,000 cases since its introduction in 1999. Transmitted primarily by Culex species, WNV transmission requires the complex interplay between bird reservoirs and mosquito vectors, with human cases the result of epizootic spillover. To better understand the intrinsic factors that drive these interactions, we have compiled infection data from sentinel chickens, mosquito vectors, and human cases in Iowa over a 15 year period (2002–2016) to better understand the spatial and temporal components that drive WNV transmission. Supplementing these findings with mosquito abundance, distribution, and host preferences data, we provide strong support that Culex tarsalis is the most important vector of human WNV infections in the region. Together, our analysis provides new insights into WNV infection patterns in multiple hosts and highlights the importance of long-term surveillance to understand the dynamics of mosquito-borne-disease transmission.
An acetylation mimicking mutation, K274Q, in tau imparts neurotoxicity by enhancing tau aggregation and inhibiting tubulin polymerization
Authors: Rane Jitendra S. , Kumari Anuradha , Panda Dulal 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
In Alzheimer's disease, tau is predominantly acetylated at K174, K274, K280, and K281 residues. The acetylation of K274-tau is linked with memory loss and dementia. In this study, we have examined the molecular mechanism of the toxicity of acetylated K274-tau. We incorporated an acetylation mimicking mutation at K274 (K→Q) residue of tau. The mutation (K274Q) strongly reduced the ability of tau to bind to tubulin and also to polymerize tubulin while K274R mutation did not reduce the ability of tau either to bind or polymerize tubulin. In addition, K274Q-tau displayed a higher aggregation propensity than wild-type tau as evident from thioflavin S fluorescence, tryptophan fluorescence, and electron microscopic images. Furthermore, dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, and dot blot analysis using an oligomer-specific antibody suggested that K274Q mutation enhanced the oligomerization of tau. The K274Q mutation also strongly decreased the critical concentration for the liquid–liquid phase separation of tau. The oligomeric forms of K274Q-tau were found to be more toxic than wild tau to neuroblastoma cells. Using circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy, we provide evidence indicating that the acetylation mimicking mutation (K274Q) induced conformational changes in tau. The results suggested that the acetylation of tau at 274 residues can increase tau aggregation and enhance the cytotoxicity of tau oligomers.
Phosphatase of regenerating liver sensitizes MET to functional activation by hepatocyte growth factor
Authors: Kojima Takuya , Funato Yosuke , Miki Hiroaki 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Phosphatase of regenerating liver (PRL) is overexpressed in metastatic cancers and actively drives their malignant progression. Many studies on cultured cancer cells have implied PRL overexpression as a stimulant for cellular signaling involved in cell proliferation. However, its role in the tightly adhered and polarized epithelial cells remains largely uncharacterized. In this study, we show that inducible expression of PRL in MDCK normal epithelial cells sensitized MET, the receptor for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), to functional activation by HGF. We found that PRL expression amplified tyrosine phosphorylation levels of various proteins, among which MET was identified to be the most abundant. This phosphorylation occurred selectively at Y1234/1235 in the activation loop of MET, whereas phosphorylation of Y1349 in the effector-binding site, which is directly involved in downstream signaling, was almost undetectable. Consistently, PRL overexpression by itself did not cause observable alterations at the cellular level. However, when cells were stimulated with HGF, phosphorylation of Y1349 was much more strongly induced in PRL-expressing cells than in control cells. This resulted in robust cell scattering and tubulogenesis, even with low levels of HGF. Collectively, these results demonstrate a unique role of PRL in regulating MET function, which is known to be crucial for remodeling of epithelial tissues and malignant progression of cancers.
Discerning the mechanism of action of HtrA4: a serine protease implicated in the cell death pathway
Authors: Kummari Raghupathi , Dutta Shubhankar , Chaganti Lalith K. , Bose Kakoli 
Published: April 2019

AbstractHigh-temperature requirement protease A4 (HtrA4) is a secretary serine protease whose expression is up-regulated in pre-eclampsia (PE) and hence is a possible biomarker of PE. It has also been altered in cancers such as glioblastoma, breast carcinoma, and prostate cancer making it an emerging therapeutic target. Among the human HtrAs, HtrA4 is the least characterized protease pertaining to both structure and its functions. Although the members of human HtrA family share a significant structural and functional conservation, subtle structural changes have been associated with certain distinct functional requirements. Therefore, intricate dissection of HtrA4 structural and functional properties becomes imperative to understand its role in various biological and pathophysiological processes. Here, using inter-disciplinary approaches including in silico, biochemical and biophysical studies, we have done a domain-wise dissection of HtrA4 to delineate the roles of the domains in regulating oligomerization, stability, protease activity, and specificity. Our findings distinctly demonstrate the importance of the N-terminal region in oligomerization, stability and hence the formation of a functional enzyme. In silico structural comparison of HtrA4 with other human HtrAs, enzymology studies and cleavage assays with X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) show overall structural conservation and allosteric mode of protease activation, which suggest functional redundancy within this protease family. However, significantly lower protease activity as compared with HtrA2 indicates an additional mode of regulation of the protease activity in the cellular milieu. Overall, these studies provide first-hand information on HtrA4 and its interaction with antiapoptotic XIAP thus implicating its involvement in the apoptotic pathway.
miR-1915-3p inhibits Bcl-2 expression in the development of gastric cancer
Authors: Cui Hong-wei , Han Wen-yan , Hou Li-na , Yang Ling , Li Xian , Su Xiu-lan 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Many gene expressions changed during the development of gastric cancer, and non-coding RNAs including microRNAs (miRNAs) have been found to regulate cancer progression by participating in the process of tumor cell growth, migration, invasion and apoptosis. Our previous study has identified 29 miRNAs that are highly expressed in gastric cancer stem cells. One of these miRNAs, miR-1915-3p, has shown great potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for the cancers in liver, colon and thyroid, as well as in immune and kidney diseases. Herein, we found that miR-1915-3p exhibited low expression level in differentiated gastric cancer cell lines and gastric cancer tissues. It was found that the miR-1915-3p inhibited the growth of gastric cancer cells and thus promoted cell apoptosis. We discovered that the expressions of miR-1915-3p were significantly correlated to the lymph node metastasis and overall survival of patients with gastric cancer. Further study showed that there was a negative correlation between miR-1915-3p and Bcl-2 (B cell lymphoma/leukemia-2) expression, suggesting that Bcl-2 was a target gene of miR-1915-3p. Hence, miR-1915-3p possibly contributes to the development and progression of gastric cancer by inhibiting the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. The finding provides a potential therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer.
Alteration in GPIIb/IIIa Binding of VWD-Associated von Willebrand Factor Variants with C-Terminal Missense Mutations
Authors: König Gesa , Obser Tobias , Marggraf Olivier , Schneppenheim Sonja , Budde Ulrich , Schneppenheim Reinhard , Brehm Maria A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe platelet receptor glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa, formed by integrins αIIb and β3, plays an important role in platelet adhesion and aggregation. Its major binding site is the arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) sequence present in several adhesive proteins. Upon platelet activation, inside-out signaling activates the complex permitting binding to RGD motif containing proteins, such as von Willebrand factor (VWF). VWF is a large multidomain plasma GP essential to primary hemostasis, which can directly interact with platelets because it exhibits binding sites for GPIbα and GPIIb/IIIa in its A1 and C4 domain, respectively. A vast variety of VWF variants have been identified in which domain-specific mutations affect distinct functions of VWF but reduced GPIIb/IIIa binding has barely been studied so far. Here, we strived to investigate the influence of C domain mutations, which have been identified in patients diagnosed with von Willebrand disease (VWD), on VWF–GPIIb/IIIa interaction. To determine binding to membrane-incorporated GPIIb/IIIa in the absence of GPIbα, we developed and validated a cell-based binding assay which uses HEK293 cells stably expressing a constitutively active form of the GPIIb/IIIa receptor complex on their plasma membrane. By employing this assay, we measured GPIIb/IIIa binding of 14 VWF C domain mutants identified in VWD patients. Mutants p.Cys2257Arg, p.Gly2441Cys, p.Cys2477Tyr, and p.Pro2722Ala exhibited significantly reduced binding. Summarizing, we have developed a useful research tool to specifically investigate GPIIb/IIIa interaction with its protein binding partners and identified four VWF variants that exhibit impaired GPIIb/IIIa binding. At least in the homozygous state, this defect could contribute to the VWD phenotype.
Andre Delbecq: Spiritual friend and mentor
Authors: Neal Judi 
Published: April 2019

Andre Delbecq made a major difference to the field of workplace spirituality, not only through his research, his teaching, and his support for the founding of the Management, Spirituality and Religion Interest Group at the Academy of Management, but also through his friendship and mentoring. This article is based on interviews with seven people whose lives were deeply impacted by Andre’s friendship and mentoring, as well as my own personal reflections. The major themes of the interviews included Andre’s qualities, his spirituality, the ways in which he was an exemplar to others, and descriptions of Andre’s presence. More specifically, interviewees spoke about his loving friendship, his wisdom, his invisible guiding hand, his willingness to be personal and vulnerable, and his deep commitment to his Catholic faith while still being incredibly inclusive and knowledgeable about other religious traditions. Many saw him as an exemplar of how they strive to be in the world. .
Characterization of a non-contact imaging scintillator-based dosimetry system for total skin electron therapy
Authors: Tendler Irwin I , Bruza Petr , Jermyn Mike , Cao Xu , Williams Benjamin B , Jarvis Lesley A , Pogue Brian W , Gladstone David J 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Surface dosimetry is required for ensuring effective administration of total skin electron therapy (TSET); however, its use is often reduced due to the time consuming and complex nature of acquisition. A new surface dose imaging technique was characterized in this study and found to provide accurate, rapid and remote measurement of surface doses without the need for post-exposure processing.
Disc-shaped plastic scintillators (1 mm thick  ×  15 mm

) were chosen as optimal-sized samples and designed to attach to a flat-faced phantom for irradiation using electron beams. Scintillator dosimeter response to radiation damage, dose rate, and temperature were studied. The effect of varying scintillator diameter and thickness on light output was evaluated. Furthermore, the scintillator emission spectra and impact of dosimeter thickness on surface dose were also quantified. Since the scintillators were custom-machined, dosimeter-to-dosimeter variation was tested. Scintillator surface dose measurements were compared to those obtained by optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLD).
Light output from scintillator dosimeters evaluated in this study was insensitive to radiation damage, temperature, and dose rate. Maximum wavelength of emission was found to be 422 nm. Dose reported by scintillators was linearly related to that from OSLDs. Build-up from placement of scintillators and OSLDs had a similar effect on surface dose (4.9% increase). Variation among scintillator dosimeters was found to be 0.3  ±  0.2%. Scintillator light output increased linearly with dosimeter thickness (~1.9  ×  /mm). All dosimeter diameters tested were able to accurately measure surface dose.
Scintillator dosimeters can potentially improve surface dosimetry-associated workflow for TSET in the radiation oncology clinic. Since scintillator data output can be automatically recorded to a patient medical record, the chances of human error in reading out and recording surface dose are minimized.
The Social Stratification of Choice in the Transition to Adulthood
Authors: Billari Francesco C , Hiekel Nicole , Liefbroer Aart C 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe occurrence and timing of major demographic decisions in the transition to adulthood is strongly stratified, with young adults with a high socio-economic status (SES) background usually experiencing many of these events later than young adults with a low SES background. To explain this social stratification, we outline a theoretical framework in which social stratification affects choice in the transition to adulthood through three, potentially reinforcing, pathways: stratified socialization, stratified agency, and stratified opportunity. We test our framework against longitudinal data from two waves of the Generations and Gender Surveys for Austria, Bulgaria, and France. We find evidence for the importance of all three pathways. Furthermore, processes differ little by gender, age and country context.
The Role of Youth Coping Strategies and Caregiver Psychopathology in Predicting Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Pediatric Burn Survivors
Authors: Enlow Paul T , Brown Kirschman Keri J , Mentrikoski Janelle , Szabo Margo M , Butz Catherine , Aballay Ariel M , Duncan Christina L 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Caregiver psychosocial functioning is repeatedly linked with postburn adjustment in pediatric burn survivors. However, few studies have examined youth characteristics as predictors, such as coping strategies. Furthermore, research has not explored how caregiver psychopathology and youth coping strategies interact to predict youth postburn adjustment. The aim of this study was to examine how youth coping strategies and caregiver anxiety and depression predict youth posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Forty-six youth between 7 and 17 years old (M = 12.5, SD = 2.65) and their caregivers were recruited from two U.S. burn centers. Youth and parents completed questionnaires that assessed demographics, caregiver anxiety, and depression, youth self-reports of coping strategies, and youth PTSS. Burn injury data (e.g. TBSA, time since injury) was obtained from medical record reviews. Hierarchical regressions were conducted with caregiver psychopathology (depression, anxiety), youth coping strategies (active, avoidant, distraction, social support), and the interaction between caregiver psychopathology and youth coping strategies as predictors and youth PTSS as the outcome variable. Higher levels of caregiver anxiety (βs = .36 to .42) and avoidance coping (βs = .38 to .43) were associated with more PTSS. Caregiver anxiety and depression moderated the association between youth use of distraction coping and youth PTSS. These findings reinforce the importance of assessing psychosocial functioning in pediatric burn survivors and their caregivers, and providing interventions to promote better psychosocial outcomes. Coping strategies may help reduce PTSS and buffer against the harmful influence of caregiver psychopathology. Future research may wish to pilot interventions that promote healthy coping.
A Qualitative Survey Study of United States Burn Units: Pathways to a Career in Burn Surgery
Authors: Egro Francesco M , Johnson Erica D , Kenny Elizabeth M , Foglio Aaron M , Smith Brandon T , Corcos Alain C , Ziembicki Jenny A 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
With current changes in training requirements, it is important to understand the venues in the United States for a general surgery (GS) and plastic surgery (PS) resident interested in pursuing a burn surgery career. The study aims to evaluate the pathways to a career in burn surgery and the current state of leadership. A cross-sectional study was conducted between August and September 2017. A 12-question survey was sent to all burn unit directors in the United States, asking about their background, who manages various aspects of burn care and the hiring requirements. Responses were received from 55 burn unit directors (47% response rate). Burn units are lead most commonly by physicians who received GS training (69%), but the majority either did not undergo fellowship training (31%) or completed a burn surgery fellowship (29%). While surgical care (GS = 51%, PS = 42%) and wound care (GS = 51%, PS = 42%) were predominantly managed by GS- or PS-trained burn teams, management of other aspects of burn care varied depending on the institution, demonstrating that a shift in burn care management. The desired hiring characteristics, including GS (67%) or PS residency (44%) and a burn surgery (55%), trauma surgery (15%), or critical care (44%) fellowship. Directors’ training significantly influenced their preferences for hiring requirements. While leadership in burn surgery is dominated by GS-trained physicians, the surgical and wound care responsibilities are shared among PS and GS. Although one third of current directors did not undergo fellowship training, aspiring surgeons are advised to obtain a burn surgery and/or critical care fellowship.
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Therapy with TPE and IVIG—10 Years of Experience of the Burns Treatment Center
Authors: Krajewski Andrzej , Mazurek Maciej Jan , Mlynska-Krajewska Elzbieta , Piorun Krzysztof , Knakiewicz Mateusz , Markowska Marta 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a potentially life-threatening, exfoliative disease. It is described as idiosyncratic, severe, skin reaction to drugs. With Stevens–Johnson’s Syndrome, it presents as a continuum of a disease being categorized relating to the percentage of affected skin. Without any multicenter trials comparing TEN treatment modalities, there is dearth of strong evidence-based guidelines of care. Total plasma exchange with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is one among plethora of possible treatment strategies. In our 10-year experience, we have observed 21 patients admitted to our burns center due to TEN. All of them were placed under intensive care with daily plasmapheresis (TPE) and IVIG. We have observed 52% mortality, with observed severe concomitant diseases in every patient in nonsurvivor group (average Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score at admission: 31.5%). We consider that TPE with IVIG might be of use in selected group of patients with TEN without any severe comorbidities. However, further multicenter trials are needed because in some cases it may raise mortality.
Directly Mailing gFOBT Kits to Previous Responders Being Recalled for Colorectal Cancer Screening Increases Participation
Authors: Tinmouth Jill , Patel Jigisha , Austin Peter C , Baxter Nancy N , Brouwers Melissa C , Earle Craig C , Levitt Cheryl , Lu Yan , MacKinnon Marnie , Paszat Lawrence , Rabeneck Linda 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) reduces CRC-related death. Average risk individuals should be recalled for screening with gFOBT every 2 years in order to maximize effectiveness. However, adherence with repeated testing is often suboptimal. Our aim was to evaluate whether adding a gFOBT kit to a mailed recall letter improves participation compared with a mailed recall letter alone, among previous responders to a mailed invitation.

Methods
We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial, with the primary care provider as the unit of randomization. Eligible patients had completed a gFOBT and tested negative in an earlier pilot study and were now due for recall. The intervention group received a mailed CRC screening recall letter from their primary care provider plus a gFOBT kit (n = 431) while the control group received a mailed CRC screening mailed recall letter alone (n = 452). The primary outcome was the uptake of gFOBT or colonoscopy within 6 months.

Results
gFOBT uptake was higher in the intervention group (61.3%, n = 264) compared with the control group (50.4%, n = 228) with an absolute difference between the two groups of 10.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4 to 20.2%, P = &lt;0.01). Patients in the intervention group were more likely to complete the gFOBT compared with the control group (odds ratio [OR] = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1 to 1.9).

Conclusion
Our findings show that adding gFOBT kits to the mailed recall letter increased participation among persons recalled for screening. Nine gFOBT kits would have to be sent by mail in order to screen one additional person.
Systematic review of shift work and nurses’ health
Authors: Rosa D , Terzoni S , Dellafiore F , Destrebecq A 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background
Nursing is characterized by a working articulation in shifts to ensure continuity of care throughout the 24 h. However, shift work and the resulting desynchronization of circadian rhythms may have adverse effects on nurses’ health.

Aims
To describe the effects of shift work and desynchronization of circadian rhythms on nurse’s health.

Methods
Databases: PubMed, Cinahl, Scopus, Embase and Ilisi. Search terms (free terms, MeSH): ‘nurses’, ‘shiftwork’, ‘nightwork’, ‘sleep disorder, circadian rhythm’, ‘work schedule tolerance’, ‘breast neoplasm’, ‘metabolic syndrome X’, ‘metabolic cardiovascular syndrome’, ‘Cardiovascular disease’, ‘stress’, ‘diabetes’. We included all randomized controlled trials, observational studies, reviews and papers studying nurses’ shift work. Quality assessment of the retrieved papers was verified according to Dixon-Woods checklist.

Results
Twenty-four articles were analyzed. Literature review has shown that shift work involves an alteration in psychophysical homeostasis, with a decrease in performance. It is an obstacle for social and family relationships, as well as a risk factor for stress, sleep disorders, metabolic disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders and breast cancer.

Conclusions
An organized ergonomic turnaround can be less detrimental to the health of nurses and more beneficial for the healthcare providers. Therefore, we suggest organizing studies to assess whether improving nurses’ health would lead to a reduction in miscarriages, absenteeism and work-related stress.