bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined Inflammation and Metabolism Biomarker Indices of Robust and Impaired Physical Function in Older Adults
Authors: Zuo Xintong , Luciano Alison , Pieper Carl F. , Bain James R , Kraus Virginia B. , Kraus William E. , Morey Miriam C. , Cohen Harvey J. 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesTo determine whether combinations of inflammatory markers are related to physical function.Design and subjectssecondary analysis of baseline of three observational studies of community‐dwelling older adultsMeasurementsThe baseline data from 3 cohorts of older adults with different health and disease status were employed. Twenty markers of inflammation and metabolism were individually assessed for correlation with usual gait speed and were separated into robust and impairment quartiles. For the robustness and impairment indices, individual markers were selected using step‐wise regression over bootstrapping iterations, and regression coefficients were estimated for the markers individually and collectively as an additive score.ResultsWe developed a robustness index involving 6 markers and an impairment index involving 8 markers corresponding positively and negatively with gait speed. Two markers, glycine and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1), appeared only in the robustness index, and TNFR2; regulated on activation, normal T‐cell expressed and secreted; the amino acid factor; and matrix metallopeptidase 3; appeared only in the impairment index.ConclusionIndices of biomarkers were associated with robust and impaired physical performance but differ, in composition suggesting potential biological differences that may contribute to robustness and impairment.
CMBS and Conflicts of Interest: Evidence from Ownership Changes for Servicers
Authors: WONG MAISY 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTSelf‐dealing is potentially important but difficult to measure. In this paper, I study special servicers in commercial mortgage‐backed securities (CMBS), which sell distressed assets on behalf of bondholders. Around 2010, ownership changes of four major servicers raised concerns that they may direct benefits to new owners' affiliates (buyers and service providers). Loans liquidated after ownership changes have greater loss rates than before (8 percentage points (p.p.), $2.3 billion in losses), relative to other (placebo) servicers. Together with a case study that tracks self‐dealing purchases, the findings point to potential steering conflicts that could incentivize tunneling through fees to service providers.
Organizational Attributes Associated With Medicare ACO Quality Performance
Authors: Zhu Xi , Mueller Keith , Huang Huang , Ullrich Fred , Vaughn Thomas , MacKinney A Clinton 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate associations between geographic, structural, and service‐provision attributes of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) participating in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) and the ACOs’ quality performance.MethodologyWe conducted cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses of ACO quality performance using data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and additional sources. The sample included 322 and 385 MSSP ACOs that had successfully reported quality measures in 2014 and 2015, respectively.ResultsResults show that after adjusting for other organizational factors, rural ACOs’ average quality score was comparable to that of ACOs serving other geographic categories. ACOs with hospital‐system sponsorship, larger beneficiary panels, and higher posthospitalization follow‐up rates achieved better quality performance.ConclusionThere is no significant difference in average quality performance between rural ACOs and other ACOs after adjusting for structural and service‐provision factors. MSSP ACO quality performance is positively associated with hospital‐system sponsorship, beneficiary panel size, and posthospitalization follow‐up rate.
Reliability of sleep spindle measurements in adolescents: How many nights are necessary?
Authors: Reynolds Chelsea M. , Gradisar Michael , Short Michelle A. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryEvidence of night‐to‐night variation in adolescent sleep spindle characteristics is lacking. Twelve adolescents (M = 15.8 ± 0.8 years, eight males) participated in a laboratory study involving 9 nights with 10 hr sleep opportunity. Sleep electroencephalograph was analysed and intra‐class coefficients calculated to determine the reliability of sleep spindles across multiple nights of recording. Slow spindle amplitude and fast spindle density, duration and amplitude characteristics all had acceptable reliability within a single night of sleep recording. Slow spindle density and duration measurements needed a minimum of 4 and 2 nights, respectively, for reliable estimation. Theoretical and methodological implications are discussed.
Use of basal and TRH‐stimulated plasma growth hormone concentrations to differentiate between primary hypothyroidism and nonthyroidal illness in dogs
Authors: Pijnacker Tera , Kooistra Hans S. , Vermeulen Cathelijne F. , van der Vinne Merel , Prins Marrit , Galac Sara , Mol Jan A. 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundA low plasma total thyroxine (TT4) concentration in combination with a plasma TSH concentration within reference range does not distinguish between hypothyroidism and nonthyroidal illness (NTI) in dogs. Hypothyroidism is associated with TSH‐releasing hormone (TRH)‐induced increased release of growth hormone (GH).HypothesisBasal and TRH‐induced plasma GH concentrations can be used to distinguish hypothyroid dogs from NTI dogs.AnimalsTwenty‐one dogs with signs consistent with hypothyroidism, a low plasma TT4concentration, and a plasma TSH concentration within reference interval.MethodsCase control study. Thyroid scintigraphy was performed to classify dogs as having hypothyroidism or NTI. All dogs underwent a TRH stimulation test with measurement of plasma concentrations of GH and TSH before and 30 and 45 minutes after IV administration of TRH.ResultsEleven of the dogs were classified as hypothyroid and 10 as having NTI. Basal plasma GH concentration in the hypothyroid dogs (3.2 μg/l; range, 2.0 to 12.5 μg/l) was significantly higher (p<0.001) than that in the NTI dogs (.73 μg/l; range, .45 to 2.3 μg/l), with minimal overlap, and increased (p=.009) after TRH administration in hypothyroid dogs, whereas it did not change in NTI dogs. At T=45, plasma GH concentrations in hypothyroid dogs and NTI dogs did not overlap. The plasma TSH concentration did not change significantly after TRH administration in hypothyroid dogs, whereas it increased (p<.001) in NTI dogs. At T=45, there was no overlap in percentage TSH increase from baseline between hypothyroid dogs.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceMeasurement of basal plasma GH concentration and concentrations of GH and TSH after TRH stimulation can distinguish between hypothyroidism and NTI in dogs.
Reversal of hypercoagulability in patients with HCV‐related cirrhosis after treatment with direct‐acting antivirals
Authors: Russo Francesco Paolo , Zanetto Alberto , Campello Elena , Bulato Cristiana , Shalaby Sarah , Spiezia Luca , Gavasso Sabrina , Franceschet Enrica , Radu Claudia , Senzolo Marco , Burra Patrizia , Lisman Ton , Simioni Paolo 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackground & AimsThe long‐term impact of sustained virological response (SVR) after direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) on the hypercoagulability associated with HCV cirrhosis is unknown. We longitudinally evaluated the effect of DAAs treatment on cirrhotic coagulopathy.MethodsPro‐ and anticoagulant factor levels and thrombin generation were assessed in patients with HCV‐related cirrhosis at baseline, end of therapy (EOT), at 12, 24 and 48 weeks (W) after EOT.ResultsFifty‐eight patients were enrolled (86% Child’s A). SVR was 100%. Median factor VIII activity significantly decreased at EOT, 12 weeks and 24 weeks compared with baseline, whereas protein C significantly increased at 24 weeks and 48 weeks. Cirrhotic patients showed a slight but sustained increase in endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) with a statistically significant difference at EOT, 12 weeks, 24 weeks and 48 weeks compared with baseline. Conversely, thrombomodulin‐modified ETP was elevated before treatment and decreased over time to normal levels at 24 weeks and 48 weeks. The ETP ratio decreased slowly at EOT and 12 weeks, and was significantly decreased at 24 weeks and 48 weeks compared with baseline (P < .001 for both comparisons), being not statistically different from ETP ratio measured in healthy controls. Child’s B patients showed a significantly higher ETP ratio compared to Child’s A at baseline and did not show any significant improvement in ETP ratio through 12 weeks. Two Child’s B patients developed PVT with an incidence rate of 1.1% p‐yrs (95%CI, 0.18 to 3.58).ConclusionsDAAs therapy in HCV‐related cirrhotic patients is associated with significant changes in thrombin generation suggesting a reversal of hypercoagulability particularly in Child’s A patients.
Five‐year profile of candidaemia at an Indian trauma centre: High rates of Candida auris blood stream infections
Authors: Mathur Purva , Hasan Fahmi , Singh Pradeep K. , Malhotra Rajesh , Walia Kamini , Chowdhary Anuradha 
Published: May 2018

SummaryCandidaemia is a potentially fatal infection with varied distribution of Candida species and their antifungal susceptibility profiles. The recent emergence of Candida auris in invasive candidiasis is a cause for concern. This study describes the profile of candidaemia at an Indian tertiary care hospital and reports the emergence of C. auris. All patients diagnosed with candidaemia between 2012 and 2017 were studied. The isolates were identified using conventional methods, VITEK 2 and MALDI‐TOF MS. The isolates not identified by MALDI‐TOF were sequenced. Antifungal susceptibility testing was done by the CLSI broth microdilution method and VITEK 2. A total of 114 isolates of Candida species were analysed. Candida tropicalis (39.4%) was the most common species, followed by C. auris (17.5%), C. albicans (14%) and C. parapsilosis (11.4%). Notably, Diutina mesorugosa isolates (n = 10) were not identified by MALDI‐TOF and were confirmed by sequencing. Furthermore, 45% (n = 9) C. auris strains exhibited low MICs of FLU (0.05‐4 μg/mL) and the remaining 55% (n = 11) isolates had high MICs ≥ 64 μg/mL. Also, D. mesorugosa exhibited high MICs of FLU (32 μg/mL) in 2 isolates. A high rate of errors in antifungal susceptibility was noted with the VITEK 2 as compared to the CLSI method. Candida auris was the second most prevalent species causing candidaemia warranting infection control practices to be strengthened to prevent its spread.
Reconstructing the history of nationalist cognition and everyday nationhood from personal accounts
Authors: Moreno‐Almendral Raúl 
Published: May 2018

AbstractNew approaches to nationalism have focused on the role of human agency within nation‐building structures (nationhood from below, everyday nationalism, experiences of nation, personal nationalism, etc.). However, the development of specific methodologies is still scarce. This paper proposes the use of personal accounts (mostly journals and autobiographies, but not only) as sources for qualitative historical research in nations and nationalism. Departing from the concepts of ‘identity’, ‘experience’ and ‘memory’, it is argued that, although very problematic, these sources are a valid path to the study of nations as they are: social phenomena of discursive nature and political frame, whose real agents are individuals. When these agents narrate their lives employing the nation as a meaningful category, they are not producing mere second‐hand reflections of superior and prior realms, but are performing microhistorical acts of nation‐making that are significant for understanding any case of nation‐building. The paper includes an empirical example using British personal accounts from the Age of Revolutions (c.1780–1840).
Expression profile of markers of oxidative stress, injury and apoptosis in anti‐tuberculosis drugs induced nephrotoxicity
Authors: Sharma Radhika , Battu Priya , Singla Mandakini , Goyal Neha , Sharma Vijay L 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTAimIsoniazid (INH), Rifampicin (RIF) and Pyrazinamide (PZA) are part of first‐line anti‐tuberculosis therapy used against infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, these drugs are known to be potentially harmful as these are associated with numerous side effects and when taken together their harmful outcomes are elevated in a synergistic manner. Identification of possible mechanism underlying RIF + INH + PZA induced nephrotoxicity may be advantageous in developing strategies to prevent their toxic implications.MethodsIn this study rats were distributed in two groups of six each: Control (tap water) and Toxicant (INH + RIF + PZA) in dosage derived through extrapolation from human dosage for 28 days once in a day. Antioxidant activity and histology of kidney were examined. In addition, apoptosis was also studied using pro and anti‐apoptotic markers and TUNEL staining to check nephrotoxicity.ResultsFindings indicated that combined (INH, RIF and PZA) 28 day exposure in Wistar rats caused increase in number of free radicals/ reactive oxygen species which further cause changes in levels of enzymatic antioxidants such as glutathione, Superoxide dismutase, Catalase, and Glutathione‐s‐transferase. Altered content of pro (BAD&BAX) and anti‐apoptotic genes (BCL‐2&BCL2L1) genes, TUNEL positive cells and DNA fragmentation emphasized involvement of apoptosis.ConclusionThis study concluded that nephrotoxicity is accompanied during combinational anti‐tuberculosis drug therapy.
Characterization of photosynthetic ferredoxin from the Antarctic alga Chlamydomonas sp. UWO241 reveals novel features of cold adaptation
Authors: Cvetkovska Marina , Szyszka‐Mroz Beth , Possmayer Marc , Pittock Paula , Lajoie Gilles , Smith David R. , Hüner Norman P. A. 
Published: May 2018

Summary

The objective of this work was to characterize photosynthetic ferredoxin from the Antarctic green alga Chlamydomonas sp. UWO241, a key enzyme involved in distributing photosynthetic reducing power. We hypothesize that ferredoxin possesses characteristics typical of cold‐adapted enzymes, namely increased structural flexibility and high activity at low temperatures, accompanied by low stability at moderate temperatures.

To address this objective, we purified ferredoxin from UWO241 and characterized the temperature dependence of its enzymatic activity and protein conformation. The UWO241 ferredoxin protein, RNA, and DNA sequences were compared with homologous sequences from related organisms.

We provide evidence for the duplication of the main ferredoxin gene in the UWO241 nuclear genome and the presence of two highly similar proteins. Ferredoxin from UWO241 has both high activity at low temperatures and high stability at moderate temperatures, representing a novel class of cold‐adapted enzymes.

Our study reveals novel insights into how photosynthesis functions in the cold. The presence of two distinct ferredoxin proteins in UWO241 could provide an adaptive advantage for survival at cold temperatures. The primary amino acid sequence of ferredoxin is highly conserved among photosynthetic species, and we suggest that subtle differences in sequence can lead to significant changes in activity at low temperatures.
Rate of malignant transformation of oral lichen planus: A systematic review
Authors: Giuliani Michele , Troiano Giuseppe , Cordaro Massimo , Corsalini Massimo , Gioco Gioele , Lo Muzio Lorenzo , Pignatelli Pamela , Lajolo Carlo 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to systematically review the literature to determine: (a) the malignant transformation rate (TR) of oral lichen planus (OLP) and its risk factors; (b) whether or not oral lichenoid lesions (OLL) have a different malignant TR.Materials and MethodsPubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were used as search engines: only observational, full‐length, English language studies were investigated. PRISMA protocol was used to evaluate and present results. PROSPERO registration code is CRD42016048529.ResultsAmong 7,429 records screened, only 21 were included in this review. Ninety‐two of 6,559 patients developed oral squamous cell carcinoma, with an overall TR of 1.40% (1.37% for OLP and 2.43% for OLL), an annual TR of 0.20%. Female gender, red clinical forms, and tongue site seem to slightly increase the transformation risk.ConclusionsThis systematic review confirms that both OLP and OLL, the latter with a slightly higher TR, may be considered potentially malignant disorders and suggest that erosive type, female gender and tongue site should be considered as risk factors for OLP transformation. Major efforts should be done to establish strict clinical and histological criteria to diagnose OLP and to perform sounder methodological observational studies.
Transient under‐sensing of the ventricular lead during abdominal ultrasound as cause of ventricular fibrillation
Authors: Frontera Antonio , Klotz Nicolas , Martin Ruairidh , Haïssaguerre Michel , Ritter Philippe , Bordachar Pierre 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPacemaker‐induced arrhythmias represent a very rare complication. Algorithm‐induced ventricular tachycardias have been described but this report is the first to describe a ventricular fibrillation caused by transient undersensing of the ventricular lead during an abdominal ultrasound.
Water transport through tall trees: A vertically explicit, analytical model of xylem hydraulic conductance in stems
Authors: Couvreur Valentin , Ledder Glenn , Manzoni Stefano , Way Danielle A. , Muller Erik B. , Russo Sabrina E. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTrees grow by vertically extending their stems, so accurate stem hydraulic models are fundamental to understanding the hydraulic challenges faced by tall trees. Using a literature survey, we showed that many tree species exhibit continuous vertical variation in hydraulic traits. To examine the effects of this variation on hydraulic function, we developed a spatially explicit, analytical water transport model for stems. Our model allows Huber ratio, stem‐saturated conductivity, pressure at 50% loss of conductivity, leaf area, and transpiration rate to vary continuously along the hydraulic path. Predictions from our model differ from a matric flux potential model parameterized with uniform traits. Analyses show that cavitation is a whole‐stem emergent property resulting from non‐linear pressure‐conductivity feedbacks that, with gravity, cause impaired water transport to accumulate along the path. Because of the compounding effects of vertical trait variation on hydraulic function, growing proportionally more sapwood and building tapered xylem with height, as well as reducing xylem vulnerability only at branch tips while maintaining transport capacity at the stem base, can compensate for these effects. We therefore conclude that the adaptive significance of vertical variation in stem hydraulic traits is to allow trees to grow tall and tolerate operating near their hydraulic limits.
Acute kidney injury: Epidemiology, outcomes, complications, and therapeutic strategies
Authors: Negi Shigeo , Koreeda Daisuke , Kobayashi Sou , Yano Takuro , Tatsuta Koichi , Mima Toru , Shigematsu Takashi , Ohya Masaki 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAcute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most common serious complications for all hospital admissions, with its incidence increasing among hospitalized patients, particularly those in the intensive care unit. Despite significant improvements in critical care and dialysis technology, AKI is associated with an increased risk of short‐ and long‐term mortality, prolonged hospital stays, and dialysis dependence. These risks are particularly relevant for critically ill patients with AKI severe enough to require renal replacement therapy (RRT). No specific pharmacologic treatment has been established to treat AKI. Hence, the mainstay treatment for patients with AKI is RRT even though there are still several problematic issues regarding its use including RRT modality, dose, and timing. Recently, the impact of AKI on an increased risk of progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end‐stage renal disease requiring dialysis or transplantation is attracting increased attention.
Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome do not score higher on the autism‐spectrum quotient than healthy controls: Comparison with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Bileviciute‐Ljungar Indre , Maroti Daniel , Bejerot Susanne 
Published: May 2018

Clinically, there is an overlap of several symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including fatigue; brain “fog”; cognitive impairments; increased sensitivity to sound, light, and odour; increased pain and tenderness; and impaired emotional contact. Adults with CFS (n = 59) or ASD (n = 50) and healthy controls (HC; n = 53) were assessed with the Autism‐Spectrum Quotient (AQ) in a cross‐sectional study. Non‐parametric analysis was used to compare AQ scores among the groups. Univariate analysis of variance (ANCOVA) was used to identify if age, sex, or diagnostic group influenced the differences in scores. Patients with ASD scored significantly higher on the AQ than the CFS group and the HC group. No differences in AQ scores were found between the CFS and HC groups. AQ results were influenced by the diagnostic group but not by age or sex, according to ANCOVA. Despite clinical observations of symptom overlap between ASD and CFS, adult patients with CFS report few autistic traits in the self‐report instrument, the AQ. The choice of instrument to assess autistic traits may influence the results.
A dynamic model of firm activities: Evidence from Danish manufacturing
Authors: Abreha Kaleb G. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis paper structurally estimates a dynamic discrete choice model of exporting and importing. The model provides a framework to analyse the determinants of a firm's decision to export and import while allowing for its current decision to affect its future productivity. Considering a panel of Danish manufacturing firms over the period 2000–07, a simple description of the data reveals considerable firm heterogeneity; significant export and import activity premia; frequent incidence of simultaneous exporting and importing; and high persistence in the scope of firm trading. Structural estimation of the model shows a marked difference in the demand elasticities in which export markets are characterised by more elastic demand, tougher competition and lower markup than the domestic market. The estimates also indicate that firms with larger capital holding and paying higher wages are cost‐efficient even after controlling for their productivity. Additionally, the estimates imply substantial sunk and fixed costs of exporting and importing, and these are consistent with the hypothesis of self‐selection of productive firms into trading. There also exists a positive correlation between the size of these costs and the scale of firm operation. Moreover, both exporting and importing improve firm productivity, and therefore, these learning effects further drive the self‐selection process.
A Systematic Approach to the Selection of the Appropriate Avibactam Concentration for Use with Ceftazidime in Broth Microdilution Susceptibility Testing
Authors: Bradford Patricia A. , Huband Michael D. , Stone Gregory G. 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT
Selection of the avibactam concentration to combine with ceftazidime in susceptibility testing was determined using Gram-negative isolates with characterized β-lactamases predefined as susceptible or resistant, based on the known inhibition spectrum of avibactam. MIC values were determined by broth microdilution of ceftazidime with fixed concentrations and ratios of avibactam. A constant concentration of 4 μg/ml of avibactam was selected for susceptibility testing with ceftazidime because of its ability to correctly categorize susceptible and resistant isolates while minimizing categorical errors.