bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of the maternal and fetal inflammatory response in retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Lynch Anne M. , Berning Amber A. , Thevarajah Tamara S. , Wagner Brandie D. , Post Miriam D. , McCourt Emily A. , Cathcart Jennifer N. , Hodges Jennifer K. , Mandava Naresh , Gibbs Ronald S. , Palestine Alan G. 
Published: May 2018

ProblemThere is a paucity of research on the contribution of placental inflammation to severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).Method of StudyA retrospective cohort study (n = 1217) was conducted of infants screened for ROP (2006‐2016). The outcomes of the study were severe ROP (type 1 or type 2 ROP) and low grade ROP. We categorized the placental pathology as the presence of (i) maternal plus fetal inflammatory response, (ii) maternal inflammatory response only, (iii) fetal inflammatory response only and, (iv) no evidence of a maternal or fetal inflammatory response. The data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses (P < .05).ResultsIn this cohort, the number of infants with the maternal plus fetal inflammatory response, the maternal inflammatory response only, the fetal inflammatory response only, and no maternal or fetal inflammatory response was 305 (25%), 82 (7%), 8 (1%), and 822 (67%), respectively. Adjusted for covariates, the maternal plus fetal inflammatory response was a significant risk factor for severe ROP (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.1‐5.9, P = .03). None of the categories of placental inflammation were significantly associated with low grade ROP.ConclusionPlacental pathology distinguished by the maternal plus fetal inflammatory response was a significant risk factor for severe ROP. Our study supports a link between intrauterine inflammatory events and the subsequent development of severe ROP.
Soluble B7‐H4 blood serum levels are elevated in women at high risk for preeclampsia in the first trimester, as well as in patients with confirmed preeclampsia
Authors: Mach Pawel , Nolte‐Boenigk Luisa , Droste Leonie , Fox Laura , Frank Mirjam , Schmidt Boerge , Herse Florian , Verlohren Stefan , Wicherek Lukasz , Iannaccone Antonella , Birdir Cahit , Andrikos Dimitrios , Kimmig Rainer , Gellhaus Alexandra , Köninger Angela 
Published: May 2018

ProblemB7‐H4 negatively regulates T‐cell‐mediated immunity and might play an important role in preeclampsia (PE). Here, we have investigated the association between PE and maternal soluble B7‐H4 (sB7‐H4) serum levels and B7‐H4 mRNA expression in the placenta.Method of studyMaternal serum levels of sB7‐H4 were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in women between 11 and 13 weeks’ gestation with elevated risk for PE (n = 48) and women without elevated risk for PE (n = 47). In the third trimester, sB7‐H4 serum levels (n = 166) and B7‐H4 mRNA expression in the placenta (n = 54) were determined in women with early‐onset PE, late‐onset PE, fetal growth restriction (FGR), and in healthy controls.ResultsIn the first trimester, significant higher levels of sB7‐H4 were detected in women at elevated risk for PE compared to women without risk for PE (P < .0001). sB7‐H4 has some predictive ability to identify cases with an elevated risk of developing PE with area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.88 (95% CI 0.8‐0.94). Using a specificity of 90.0% led to a sensitivity of 47.9% and a threshold of 3.63 ng/mL. In the third trimester, the highest serum levels of sB7‐H4 and B7‐H4 mRNA expression in the placenta were observed in early‐onset PE. Significant higher serum levels of sB7‐H4 and B7‐H4 mRNA expression in the placenta were observed in women with early‐onset PE (P = .01 and P = .006, respectively) and late‐onset PE (P = .03 and P = .004, respectively) compared to healthy controls, but not compared to FGR.ConclusionsB7‐H4 is involved in the regulation of immune tolerance in women with PE in the third trimester. In the first trimester of pregnancy, sB7‐H4 might serve as a predictive immunological biomarker for women who are at elevated risk of developing PE.
White‐coat hypertension from a paediatric perspective
Authors: Krmar Rafael T. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimThis mini review explored the prevalence of white‐coat hypertension (WCH), which is very common in children. It results in elevated office blood pressure (BP) but normal ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) readings.MethodsWCH can only be identified by analysing and comparing office BP readings and ABPM, which periodically records BP every 20–30 minutes over 24‐hour period. This study provides initially the background for WCH in adults, together with a comprehensive overview of the most relevant paediatric data on WCH.ResultsAccurate measurements of BP are very important for the diagnosis and management of hypertension. It is important to acknowledge the clinical relevance of WCH and follow up children who display this BP phenotype by carrying out ABPM, so that clinicians can build up an accurate picture of their BP. It is also important to identify children who have BP issues and are overweight or obese, so that treatment of this modifiable cardiovascular risk factor can be initiated.ConclusionUsing ABPM provides paediatricians with a more precise evaluation of a child's BP readings than office BP readings. It is the gold standard for diagnosing WCH.
Japanese scoring systems to predict resistance to intravenous immunoglobulin in Kawasaki disease were unreliable for Caucasian Israeli children
Authors: Arane Karen , Mendelsohn Kerry , Mimouni Michael , Mimouni Francis , Koren Yael , Brik Simon Dafna , Bahat Hilla , Hanna Helou Mona , Mendelson Amir , Hezkelo Nofar , Glatstein Miguel , Berkun Yackov , Eisenstein Eli , Butbul Yonatan Aviel , Brik Riva , Hashkes Philip J. , Uziel Yosef , Harel Liora , Amarilyo Gil 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimThis study assessed the validity of using established Japanese risk scoring methods to predict intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance to Kawasaki disease in Israeli children.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of 282 patients (70% male) with Kawasaki disease from six Israeli medical centres between 2004 and 2013. Their mean age was 2.5 years. The risk scores were calculated using the Kobayashi, Sano and Egami scoring methods and analysed to determine whether a higher risk score predicted IVIG resistance in this population. Factors that predicted a lack of response to the initial IVIG dose were identified.ResultsWe found that 18% did not respond to the first IVIG dose. The three scoring methods were unable to reliably predict IVIG resistance, with sensitivities of 23%–32% and specificities of 67%–87%. Calculating a predictive score that was specific for this population was also unsuccessful. The factors that predicted a lacked of response to the first IVIG dose included low albumin, elevated total bilirubin and ethnicity.ConclusionThe established risk scoring methods created for Japanese populations with Kawasaki disease were not suitable for predicting IVIG resistance in Caucasian Israeli children, and we were unable to create a specific scoring method that was able to do this.
Targeted mutation screening of 292 candidate genes in 38 children with inborn haematological cytopenias efficiently identifies novel disease‐causing mutations
Authors: Kager Leo , Jimenez Heredia Raúl , Hirschmugl Tatjana , Dmytrus Jasmin , Krolo Ana , Müller Heiko , Bock Christoph , Zeitlhofer Petra , Dworzak Michael , Mann Georg , Holter Wolfgang , Haas Oskar , Boztug Kaan 
Published: May 2018

SummaryEstablishing a precise diagnosis is essential in inborn haematological cytopenias to enable appropriate treatment decisions and avoid secondary organ damage. However, both diversity and phenotypic overlap of distinct disease entities may make the identification of underlying genetic aetiologies by classical Sanger sequencing challenging. Instead of exome sequencing, we established a systematic next generation sequencing‐based panel targeting 292 candidate genes and screened 38 consecutive patients for disease‐associated mutations. Efficient identification of the underlying genetic cause in 17 patients (44·7%), including 13 novel mutations, demonstrates that this approach is time‐ and cost‐efficient, enabling optimal management and genetic counselling.
Effects of genetically modified Burkholderia pyrrocinia JK‐SH007E1 on soil microbial community in poplar rhizosphere
Authors: He L. , Ye J. , Wu B. , Huang L. , Ren J. , Wu X. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryIt is important to assess the biosafety of genetically engineered bacteria before release into the environment. In a previous study, the genetically engineered bacterium Burkholderia pyrrocinia JK‐SH007E1 was developed, showing biological control activity against a poplar canker disease. In the present work, the potential effects of B. pyrrocinia JK‐SH007E1 on soil microbial diversity and population structure in the poplar rhizosphere were assessed. The micro‐ecological effects of JK‐SH007E1 on soil microbial communities were investigated using substrate utilization assays (Biolog EcoPlate), enzyme activity assays and 16S rRNA sequencing to research species diversity and population structure of soil microbial communities. The genetically engineered isolate JK‐SH007E1 improved the functional diversity, soil enzyme activities and alpha diversity of soil microbial communities. However, the positive effects after inoculation attenuated with time, except for soil enzyme activities. Treatments with JK‐SH007 or JK‐SH007E1 were not different in impacts on soil enzyme activity and functional diversity of soil microbial communities. The results demonstrated that inoculation of JK‐SH007E1 into the poplar rhizosphere posed little or no threat to soil microbial communities in the long term. This work provides an additional insight into the effects of genetically engineered JK‐SH007E1 on the environment during long‐term use as biological control against poplar canker diseases.
CD7 is expressed on a subset of normal CD34‐positive myeloid precursors
Authors: Kriegsmann Katharina , Löffler Harald , Eckstein Volker , Schulz Renate , Kräker Sandra , Braun Ute , Luft Thomas , Hegenbart Ute , Schönland Stefan , Dreger Peter , Krämer Alwin , Ho Anthony D. , Müller‐Tidow Carsten , Hundemer Michael 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo improve monitoring of myeloid neoplasms by flow cytometry‐based minimal residual disease (MRD) analysis, we analyzed the significance of leukemia‐associated immunophenotype (LAIP) markers in 44 patients.MethodsIn a pilot study cohort, peripheral blood or bone marrow samples from 13 patients with myeloid neoplasms and one case of B lymphoblastic leukemia in complete hematologic remission after allogeneic bone marrow or stem cell transplantation were subjected to selection for leukemia‐specific phenotypes by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting using individual marker combinations, followed by PCR‐based chimerism analysis.ResultsThe feasibility of this method could be demonstrated, with selection being successful in 12 cases, including two cases where mixed chimerism was found exclusively in sorted cells. Interestingly, four specimens displayed full donor chimerism in cells expressing the presumably aberrant combination CD34+/CD7+. Further analyses, including assessment of an independent cohort of 25 patients not affected by neoplastic bone marrow infiltration, revealed that normal myeloid precursors usually include a population coexpressing CD34, CD13, CD33, and CD7.ConclusionWe conclude that the combination CD34+/CD7+ might not be suitable as an LAIP for MRD diagnostics and that a subset of normal myeloid precursors in the bone marrow expresses CD7.
Optogenetic activation of the central amygdala generates addiction‐like preference for reward
Authors: Tom Rebecca L. , Ahuja Aarit , Maniates Hannah , Freeland Charlotte M. , Robinson Mike J. F. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractDrug and behavioural addictions are characterized by an intense and focused pursuit of a single reward above all others. Pursuit of the addictive reward is often compulsively sought despite adverse consequences and better alternative outcomes. Here, we explored the ability of the central amygdala (CeA) to powerfully bias choice, causing specific rewards to be almost compulsively preferred. Rats were trained on an operant choice task in which they could choose to respond on either of the two levers to receive a sucrose reward, one of which was paired with optogenetic stimulation of the CeA using channelrhodopsin‐2 (ChR2). Rats developed an almost exclusive preference for the laser‐paired reward over the otherwise equal unpaired reward. We found that this preference for stimulation‐paired reward persists even when a much larger sucrose reward is offered as an alternative (contingency management) or when this preferred reward is paired with adverse consequences such as progressively larger electric foot shock, time delays or effort requirements. We also report that when challenged with foot shock, a small proportion of these animals (≈20%) retained an exclusive laser‐paired reward preference, whereas others began to seek the alternate reward when the shock reached high levels. Lastly, we confirmed that optogenetic CeA stimulation was not independently rewarding if delivered in the absence of a paired sucrose reward. These results suggest a role for the CeA in focusing motivation and desire to excessive levels, generating addiction‐like behaviour that persists in the face of more rewarding alternatives and adverse consequences.
Cognitive impairment in early stages of multiple sclerosis is associated with high cerebrospinal fluid levels of chitinase 3‐like 1 and neurofilament light chain
Authors: Quintana E. , Coll C. , Salavedra‐Pont J. , Muñoz‐San Martín M. , Robles‐Cedeño R. , Tomàs‐Roig J. , Buxó M. , Matute‐Blanch C. , Villar L. M. , Montalban X. , Comabella M. , Perkal H. , Gich J. , Ramió‐Torrentà L. 
Published: May 2018

Background and purposeChitinase 3‐like 1 (CHI3L1) and neurofilament light chain (NF‐L) are promising biomarkers of disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, their role in cognitive dysfunction remains elusive. Here, we aimed to correlate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of CHI3L1 and NF‐L with cognitive status in MS.MethodsFifty one recently diagnosed patients were cognitively evaluated and CSF was collected. Levels of CHI3L1 and NF‐L were determined by ELISA. Spearman's partial correlation coefficient was performed.ResultsAfter adjusting cognitive scores by age, anxiety and EDSS, association was detected between CHI3L1 levels and Trail Making Test A (rs = 0.348; p = 0.016) and between NF‐L levels and Word List Generation (rs = −0.324; p = 0.025).ConclusionHigh levels of CSF CHI3L1 and NF‐L are associated with cognitive impairment in the early phases of MS.
First report of the plant‐parasitic nematode Aphelenchoides besseyi (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) on rice in Romania
Authors: Karssen G. , Groza M. 
Published: May 2018

The rice leaf nematode, Aphelenchoides besseyi, was isolated in 2017 from rice seeds cultivated in Romania. Identification was based on morphology and confirmed with a real‐time PCR test. This paper provides the first report of A. besseyi in Romania.
HLA‐G regulatory variants and haplotypes with susceptibility to recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Yazdani N. , Shekari Khaniani M. , Bastami M. , Ghasemnejad T. , Afkhami F. , Mansoori Derakhshan S. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryHLA‐G is a nonclassical Class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) gene. This gene has a limited protein alteration that is produced by alternative splicing and can be important in the preservation of pregnancy. Recent findings suggest that alteration in HLA‐G gene expression can lead to pregnancy failure, such as recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). As the promoter SNPs of the gene may impact the HLA‐G expression levels, the study of these SNPs is very important. In this study, for the promoter region of HLA‐G gene in the case group (100 women with a history of two or more repeated miscarriages) and the control group (100 women with at least two successful pregnancies), PCR reaction was performed. Thereafter, PCR products were sequenced and the results were compared between the two groups. The results showed that −1573T>C and −1746C>A SNPs in the promoter of the HLA‐G gene associated with RPL. The outcome of the haplotype analysis also showed that the association of two haplotypes, including H1 (ATCCAGGTACGCAA) and H2 (CTTCGAGAACGCAG) with RPL, is significant. The results showed that H1 is associated with a decreased and H2 is associated with an increased risk of RPL. These results indicate the importance of the HLA‐G promoter SNPs in the pregnancy outcome. But to reach a more definite conclusion, subsequent studies on 3′ UTR and other positions with polymorphism in the 5′ UTR regions larger samples are necessary.
Evaluation of a community-based training to promote responsible self-medication in East Java, Indonesia†
Authors: Setiadi Adji P , Wibowo Yosi , Setiawan Eko , Presley Bobby , Mulyono Ika , Wardhani Ari S , Sunderland Bruce 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Objective
To explore pharmacist/pharmacy staff trainers’ perspectives on conducting community-based training to promote responsible self-medication, and to evaluate knowledge gained among community representatives participating in the training.

Methods
Training was conducted in four districts/cities in East Java, Indonesia in 2016. A pre-test/post-test study was used to evaluate the knowledge of 129 community representatives (participants) before/after the training; pre-test and post-test scores as well as absolute gain were determined. Four focus group discussions with 20 pharmacist/pharmacy staff (trainers) were conducted after the training, and the data were thematically analysed.

Key findings
Overall mean test scores for community representatives significantly improved from 14.11 to 15.70 after the training (P &lt; 0.001). The average total absolute gain was 1.85 (95% CI 1.29 to 2.39). To reach local communities, trainers suggested improvements to the content and structure of the module, training aids, trainer competency, approach and time allocation.

Conclusions
Community-based training provides a potential strategy to improve community knowledge of medications. Findings from this study should inform strategies for a broader uptake amongst local communities in Indonesia.
Evolutionary divergence of mitochondrial genomes in two Tetranychus species distributed across different climates
Authors: Sun J.‐T. , Jin P.‐Y. , Hoffmann A.A. , Duan X.‐Z. , Dai J. , Hu G. , Xue X.‐F. , Hong X.‐Y. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThere is increasing evidence that mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) can be under selection, whereas the selective regimes shaping mitogenome evolution remain largely unclear. To test for mitogenome evolution in relation to the climate adaptation, we explored mtDNA variation in two spider mite (Tetranychus) species that distribute across different climates. We sequenced 26 complete mitogenomes of Tetranychus truncates, which occurs in both warm and cold regions, and nine complete mitogenomes of Tetranychus pueraricola, which is restricted to warm regions. Patterns of evolution in the two species’ mitogenomes were compared through a series of dN/dS methods and physicochemical profiles of amino acid replacements. We found that: (1) the mitogenomes of both species were under widespread purifying selection; (2) elevated directional adaptive selection was observed in the T. truncatus mitogenome, perhaps linked to the cold climates adaptation of T. truncatus; and (3) the strength of selection varied across genes, and diversifying positive selection detected on ND4 and ATP6 pointed to their crucial roles during adaptation to different climatic conditions. This study gained insight into the mitogenome evolution in relation to the climate adaptation.
Genome editing reveals the function of Yorkie during the embryonic and early larval development in silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Xu X. , Zhang Z. , Yang Y. , Huang S. , Li K. , He L. , Zhou X. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAs a transcriptional coactivator, Yorkie (Yki) is a major downstream target of the Hippo signalling pathway to regulate the organ size during animal development and regeneration. Previous microarray analysis in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, has shown that genes associated with the Hippo pathway were primarily expressed in gonads and imaginal discs. The RNA‐interference‐mediated silencing of Yki at the early wandering stage delayed B. mori development and ovary maturation, whereas baculovirus‐mediated overexpression at the late larval instar facilitated organ growth and accelerated metamorphosis. Here, we employed CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated mutagenesis to investigate the function of Yki in B. mori (BmYki) at the embryonic and early larval stages. Knocking out of BmYki led to reduced body size, moulting defects and, eventually, larval lethality. Sequence analysis of CRISPR/Cas9 mutants exhibited an array of deletions in BmYki. As a critical downstream effector of the Hippo kinase cassette, silencing of BmYki at the embryonic stage is indispensable and the consequence is lethal. Given that the Hippo signalling pathway is evolutionarily conserved, Yki has the potential to be a novel molecular target for genetic‐based pest management practices.
Dendritic cells and routing cargo into exosomes
Authors: Leone Dario A , Rees Andrew J , Kain Renate 
Published: May 2018

AbstractExtracellular vesicles, released from cells, are important for intercellular communication. They are heterogeneous but fall into two broad categories based on origin and function: microvesicles formed by outward budding from the plasma membrane; and exosomes that originate as intraluminal vesicles in multivesicular endosomes that fuse with the plasma membrane to release them. Extracellular vesicles generally and exosomes in particular have powerful effects on specific immune responses, and recent advances highlight their potential therapeutic uses. Dendritic cells (DC) that have internalized antigen release exosomes that express MHC class II molecules loaded with antigenic peptides, co‐stimulatory molecules and intact antigen. Depending on the setting, these stimulate CD4 T‐cell proliferation either directly or only in the context of accessory antigen naïve DC. Here, we discuss the reasons for this; and review current knowledge about the loading of antigen, class II and other cargo into exosomes released by DC and other professional antigen‐presenting cells in the context of advances in exosome biology more generally.
Modeling Temporally Evolving and Spatially Globally Dependent Data
Authors: Porcu Emilio , Alegria Alfredo , Furrer Reinhard 
Published: May 2018

SummaryThe last decades have seen an unprecedented increase in the availability of data sets that are inherently global and temporally evolving, from remotely sensed networks to climate model ensembles. This paper provides an overview of statistical modeling techniques for space–time processes, where space is the sphere representing our planet. In particular, we make a distintion between (a) second order‐based approaches and (b) practical approaches to modeling temporally evolving global processes. The former approaches are based on the specification of a class of space–time covariance functions, with space being the two‐dimensional sphere. The latter are based on explicit description of the dynamics of the space–time process, that is, by specifying its evolution as a function of its past history with added spatially dependent noise.We focus primarily on approach (a), for which the literature has been sparse. We provide new models of space–time covariance functions for random fields defined on spheres cross time. Practical approaches (b) are also discussed, with special emphasis on models built directly on the sphere, without projecting spherical coordinates onto the plane.We present a case study focused on the analysis of air pollution from the 2015 wildfires in Equatorial Asia, an event that was classified as the year's worst environmental disaster. The paper finishes with a list of the main theoretical and applied research problems in the area, where we expect the statistical community to engage over the next decade.