bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interactive effects of nitrogen addition and litter on soil nematodes in grassland
Authors: Liu Jushan , Chen Ying , Du Chuan , Liu Xiaoxi , Ma Quanhui , Zhang Xiang , Wang Deli 
Published: December 2018

Soil nematodes are ubiquitous in terrestrial ecosystems. Nematodes are one of the most abundant groups of soil invertebrates, and they influence ecosystem processes and functions. Plant litter is a fundamental factor in controlling the structure of belowground communities. The addition of nitrogen (N) can restructure soil nematode communities by affecting the quantity and quality of litter input into soil. However, little is known about how N and litter interact to affect nematode communities. We examined the response of soil nematodes to the addition of N and litter manipulation (i.e. initial litter, removal, addition) in a 6‐year field experiment in grassland, and quantified the effects of additions of N and litter on nematode abundance, diversity and community structure through the plant community and nutrients in soil. There were interactive effects between additions of N and litter on nematode numbers and trophic group abundance, the Shannon–Wiener index (H′) and the maturity index. The addition of litter without that of N increased the total and trophic group abundance, whereas the addition of N and litter decreased nematode H′ and the maturity index. Structural equation modelling (SEM) revealed that the addition of N decreased herbivore abundance through increasing plant N concentration, and directly decreased fungivore abundance and indirectly decreased bacterivore and omnivore predator abundance through fungivores. The positive effects of litter addition on nematodes without the addition of N and its negative effects on treatments with the addition of N suggested that without added N, increased litter accumulation could benefit the soil nematode community. However, under scenarios of N deposition, grassland management that reduced litter accumulation, such as grazing and mowing, could also benefit soil nematode communities.Highlights

There were interactive effects between additions of N and litter on nematode community
N addition decreased nematode abundance and diversity in litter addition treatments
Without N addition, litter addition increased nematode abundance and diversity
Nematodes were affected mainly through decreased fungivore abundance
How are nitrogen availability, fine‐root mass, and nitrogen uptake related empirically? Implications for models and theory
Authors: Dybzinski Ray , Kelvakis Angelo , McCabe John , Panock Samantha , Anuchitlertchon Kanyarak , Vasarhelyi Leah , McCormack M. Luke , McNickle Gordon G. , Poorter Hendrik , Trinder Clare , Farrior Caroline E. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractUnderstanding the effects of global change in terrestrial communities requires an understanding of how limiting resources interact with plant traits to affect productivity. Here, we focus on nitrogen and ask whether plant community nitrogen uptake rate is determined (a) by nitrogen availability alone or (b) by the product of nitrogen availability and fine‐root mass. Surprisingly, this is not empirically resolved. We performed controlled microcosm experiments and reanalyzed published pot experiments and field data to determine the relationship between community‐level nitrogen uptake rate, nitrogen availability, and fine‐root mass for 46 unique combinations of species, nitrogen levels, and growing conditions. We found that plant community nitrogen uptake rate was unaffected by fine‐root mass in 63% of cases and saturated with fine‐root mass in 29% of cases (92% in total). In contrast, plant community nitrogen uptake rate was clearly affected by nitrogen availability. The results support the idea that although plants may over‐proliferate fine roots for individual‐level competition, it comes without an increase in community‐level nitrogen uptake. The results have implications for the mechanisms included in coupled carbon‐nitrogen terrestrial biosphere models (CN‐TBMs) and are consistent with CN‐TBMs that operate above the individual scale and omit fine‐root mass in equations of nitrogen uptake rate but inconsistent with the majority of CN‐TBMs, which operate above the individual scale and include fine‐root mass in equations of nitrogen uptake rate. For the much smaller number of CN‐TBMs that explicitly model individual‐based belowground competition for nitrogen, the results suggest that the relative (not absolute) fine‐root mass of competing individuals should be included in the equations that determine individual‐level nitrogen uptake rates. By providing empirical data to support the assumptions used in CN‐TBMs, we put their global climate change predictions on firmer ground.
An Approach for Passive Removal of Residual LNAPL from Groundwater
Authors: Svitana Kevin , South Jacob 
Published: December 2018

AbstractLight nonaqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) are a problematic challenge for obtaining site closure or no further action remediation sites. The source of the LNAPLs varies from leaking underground petroleum storage tanks, to manufacturing facilities where oil leaks create LNAPL accumulations beneath factory floors. Active recovery using pumping or periodic vacuum recovery from wells or sumps is used for remediation, but usually has disappointing results when LNAPL reaccumulates to thicknesses exceeding the 0.01‐foot action level recognized by many states. This paper presents a simple passive approach for recovering persistent LNAPL using nonwoven hydrophobic oil absorbing cloth. The method used laboratory trials to assess physical properties of the cloth. Parameters observed and assessed included sorptive capacity and rate, buoyancy, and LNAPL wicking. It was determined that the cloth could be rolled and secured with cable ties for placement in the wells/sumps. Two placement designs were developed, one where rolled sorbent freely floated on the well/sump fluid surface and a second where the sorbent roll was placed in the fluid column at a fixed depth. Sorbents were then used at two manufacturing facilities where LNAPLs persisted for decades. In both instances, many wells/sumps were reduced to thicknesses below the action level in less than 2 months. In most wells, LNAPL did not reaccumulate. Where it did reaccumulate, it was less than 50% of the original thickness. Using laboratory‐derived recovery rates, cloth sorbents could be sized to minimize placement/recovery frequency while effectively recovering LNAPL.
Postoperative pain after glide path preparation using manual, reciprocating and continuous rotary instruments: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Keskin C. , Sivas Yilmaz Ö. , Inan U. , Özdemir Ö. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAimTo compare the incidence, intensity and prediction of postoperative pain after glide path preparation with manual, continuous rotary and a novel reciprocating glide path instrument.MethodologyThe study included 240 patients, who were treated by four specialists according to a planned treatment protocol. Following access cavity preparation and prior to glide path preparation, the subjects were randomly assigned to one of the three groups according to the glide path instrument by choosing a sealed envelope containing the group name: R‐Pilot (VDW, Munich, Germany), ProGlider (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and stainless steel K‐files (Dentsply Sirona; n = 80). Following glide path preparation, the teeth underwent standardized single visit root canal treatment procedures. The root canals were chemomechanically prepared using the ProTaper Next rotary system (Dentsply Sirona) under copious irrigation with 5.25% NaOCl. Final irrigation was performed with 17% EDTA and distilled water. Root fillings were placed using an epoxy resin sealer and gutta‐percha with a cold lateral compaction technique. After coronal restorations were placed, the patients were discharged with a questionnaire about the incidence and intensity of pain at 6, 12, 18, 24, 48 and 72 h postoperatively. The data were analysed using chi‐square, anova and Tukey tests and logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe presence of preoperative pain (OR ranged between 3.5 and 14.3) and the glide path preparation techniques (OR between 2.2 and 4.1) were associated with significant effects on the incidence of postoperative pain when comparing manual versus engine‐driven glide path preparation (P < 0.05). Patients in the R‐Pilot (Mean VAS ranged between 1.57–0.21) and ProGlider (1.97–0.28) groups reported significantly less postoperative pain scores than those in the manual group (2.82–1.32; P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between R‐Pilot and ProGlider groups regarding the postoperative pain scores (P > 0.05).ConclusionPreparation of glide paths with rotating or reciprocating NiTi instruments was associated with less postoperative pain levels and incidence compared to manual glide path preparation with no significant difference between rotating and reciprocating instruments. Preoperative pain was the most significant predictor for the occurrence of postoperative pain.
Evaluation of next‐generation sequencing‐based clonality analysis of T‐cell receptor gamma gene rearrangements based on a new interpretation algorithm
Authors: Nollet Friedel , Vanhouteghem Karlien , Vermeire Stefanie , Maelbrancke Ellen , Emmerechts Jan , Devos Helena , Cauwelier Barbara 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntroductionT‐cell receptor gene (TRG) rearrangement profiling is an essential component of the workup at diagnosis of T‐cell malignancies. TRG amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and analysis by capillary electrophoresis (PCR‐CE) is mostly widely used but is hampered by a subjective interpretation of its results and possible false‐positive interpretation of clonality. Several studies evaluated the advantage of TRG rearrangement analysis by Next Generation Sequencing (TRG‐NGS), however few have proposed an adequate data interpretation algorithm.MethodsEighty five fresh and 36 formalin‐fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) diagnostic samples suspected for a lymphoproliferative disorder were analyzed by PCR‐CE and TRG NGS. Final clinical diagnosis was available for all fresh samples. Reproducibility, analytical specificity and sensitivity of the TRG NGS analysis was evaluated.ResultsWe propose a new interpretation algorithm for TRG NGS data analysis. PCR‐CE and TRG NGS showed identical results in 66/85 (78%) of fresh samples. Sensitivities to detect T‐cell malignancies were comparable (96% versus 92%, respectively). The analysis of FFPE material was significantly more successful by TRG NGS (34/36 cases) in respect to PCR‐CE (16/36 cases), most likely due to the small size of the amplicons.ConclusionAssessment of T‐cell clonality by TRG NGS has a significant added value in the diagnosis of T‐cell disorders as an adjunct to PCR‐CE, particularly in difficult to interpret cases or when analyzing FFPE samples.
CCR5 deficiency enhances hepatic innate immune cell recruitment and inflammation in a murine model of acute hepatitis B infection
Authors: Stevens Kathleen E , Thio Chloe L , Osburn William O 
Published: December 2018

AbstractHuman genetic studies demonstrate a link between the 32‐bp deletion that produces a nonfunctional CCR5 receptor and enhanced recovery from acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. To investigate the role of CCR5 in immune responses to acute HBV, we intravenously infected Ccr5+/+ (WT) and Ccr5−/− (KO) mice with a replication‐incompetent adenovirus containing the overlapping HBV1.3 construct (AdHBV), or vector control. At day 3 following AdHBV infection, analysis of intrahepatic leukocytes (IHL) showed KO mice had increased CD11b+ NK cells compared to WT (18.2% versus 7.6% of live IHL, P < 0.01). These CD11b+ NK cells were nonresident (CD49a−) and had capacity to degranulate and produce IFN‐γ following stimulation. At day 3, plasma CXCL10 was significantly increased in KO, but not WT, mice receiving AdHBV as compared to vector control, while CXCR3 expression on hepatic CD11b+ NK cells in AdHBV‐treated KO mice was significantly lower than that in uninfected mice, suggesting these NK cells are recruited along the CXCL10–CXCR3 axis. At days 7 and 14, no differences between genotypes were observed in number, or HBV‐specific function, of intrahepatic CD8+ T cells. Instead, at day 14, KO mice had increased intrahepatic proinflammatory monocytes compared to WT mice (17.56% versus 6.57% of live IHL, P = 0.014), corresponding with an increase in plasma alanine aminotransferase and intrahepatic IL‐1β observed in KO mice. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that loss of CCR5 signaling drives a more robust inflammatory liver microenvironment early in acute HBV infection via enrichment of hepatic innate immune cells.
Prediction of solid solution characteristics of MC (M = Zr, Nb, and Ta) in TiC lattice using phase stability diagrams
Authors: Kwon Hanjung , Moon Ahram , Kim Jiwoong 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPhase stability diagrams of Ti‐M‐O‐C (M = Zr, Nb, and Ta, molar ratio of Ti and M = 1:1) systems at 1800 K were drawn as a function of the carbon activity, oxygen partial pressure, and solution formation characteristics. The solid solution characteristics were varied with the kind of M. The solid solution carbide, (Ti0.5Zr0.5)C, was less stable than the TiC‐ZrC mixture while other solid solution carbides (Ti0.5Nb0.5)C and (Ti0.5Ta0.5)C were more stable than the mixtures of monocarbides. Thus, the (Ti0.5Zr0.5)C phase was not included in the phase stability diagram of the Ti‐Zr‐O‐C system unlike the other solid solution carbides. The validity of the drawn stability diagrams was proved by experimental results. Thus, the conditions for synthesis of solid solution carbides by carbothermal reduction, or fabrication of TiC‐based composites with solid solution phases, can be deduced using the phase stability diagrams.
Clinical utility of plasma miR‐371a‐3p in germ cell tumors
Authors: Mego Michal , van Agthoven Ton , Gronesova Paulina , Chovanec Michal , Miskovska Vera , Mardiak Jozef , Looijenga Leendert H. J. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractGerm cell tumours predominantly of the testis ((T)GCTs) are remarkably chemotherapy sensitive. However, a small proportion of patients fail to be cured with cisplatin‐based combination chemotherapy. miR‐371a‐3p is a new liquid biopsy biomarker for (T)GCTs. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical utility of plasma miR‐371a‐3p level in patients starting systemic chemotherapy. Patients were included before the first cycle (N = 180) and second cycle (N = 101) of systemic first line chemotherapy, treated between July 2010 and May 2017. Plasma miR‐371a‐3p levels were measured with the ampTSmiR test and compared to disease characteristics and outcome. Pretreatment plasma miR‐371a‐3p levels were increased in 51.7% of cases and associated with number of metastatic sites, presence of lung, retroperitoneal, and mediastinal lymph node metastases, S – stage, IGCCCG risk group, and response to therapy. Patients with a negative pretreatment plasma level had better progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to patients being positive for miR‐371a‐3p (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09‐0.71, P = 0.02 for PFS and HR = 0.21, 95% CI 0.07‐0.67, P = 0.03 for OS, respectively). Patients negative for miR‐371a‐3p in both samples had a superior PFS (HR = 0.10, 95% CI 0.01‐21.49, P = 0.02) and OS (HR = 0.08, 95% CI 0.01‐27.81, P = 0.008) compared to patients with miR‐371a‐3p positive in both samples (multivariate analyses were non‐significant). In total 68% of the patients were S0. This study demonstrates clinical value of plasma miR‐371a‐3p level in chemotherapy naïve (T)GCT patients starting first line of chemotherapy to predict prognosis.
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Home Transitions Multidisciplinary Care Coordination Reduces Readmissions for Older Adults
Authors: Bellon Johanna E. , Bilderback Andrew , Ahuja‐Yende Namita S. , Wilson Cindy , Altieri Dunn Stefanie C. , Brodine Deborah , Boninger Michael L. 
Published: December 2018

OBJECTIVESTo compare rates of 30‐ and 90‐day hospital readmissions and observation or emergency department (ED) returns of older adults using the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Health Plan Home Transitions (HT) with those of Medicare fee‐for‐service (FFS) controls without HT.DESIGNRetrospective cohort study.SETTINGAnalysis of home health and hospital records from 8 UPMC hospitals in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, from July 1, 2015, to April 30, 2017.PARTICIPANTSHT program participants (n=1,900) and controls (n=1,300).INTERVENTIONHT is a care transitions program aimed at preventing readmission that identifies older adults at risk of readmission using a robust inclusion algorithm; deploys a multidisciplinary care team, including a nurse practitioner (NP), a social worker (SW), or both; and provides a multimodal service including personalized care planning, education, treatment, monitoring, and communication facilitation.MEASUREMENTWe used multivariable logistic regression to determine the effects of HT on the odds of hospital readmission and observation or ED return, controlling for index admission participant characteristics and home health process measures.RESULTSThe adjusted odds of 30‐day readmission was 0.31 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.11–0.87, P = .03) and of 90‐day readmission was 0.47 (95% CI=CI = 0.26–0.85, P = .01), for participants at medium risk of readmission in HT who received a team visit. The adjusted odds of 30‐day readmission was 0.29 (95% CI = 0.10–0.83, P = .02) for participants at high risk of readmission in HT who received a team visit. The adjusted odds of 30‐day observation or ED return was 1.90 (95% CI = 1.28–2.82, P = .001) for participants at medium risk of readmission in HT who received a team visit.CONCLUSIONThe HT program may be associated with lower odds of 30‐ and 90‐day hospital readmission and counterbalancing higher odds of observation or ED return. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:156–163, 2019.
Exclusion of Older Adults from Ongoing Clinical Trials on Low Back Pain: A Review of the WHO Trial Registry Database
Authors: Carvalho do Nascimento Paulo Roberto , Ferreira Manuela Loureiro , Poitras Stéphane , Bilodeau Martin 
Published: December 2018

Background/ObjectivesThe burden of low back pain (LBP) is high, especially for older adults who experience a higher number of years living with a disability. However, this population is not being well represented in clinical trials (CTs). This study analyzed the International Clinical Trial Registry Platform (ICTRP) database from the World Health Organization to verify the future trend in the participation of older adults in registered CTs on LBP.DesignWe performed a cross‐sectional review of the ICTRP searching for prospective protocols planning interventions for LBP with registration dates from January 2015 through November 2018. From the protocols of the eligible studies, we extracted those planning to include older adults.ResultsA total of 167 protocols for CTs for LBP were planning to recruit participants older than 65 years. However, only five registries (2.99%; pooled sample = 169 participants) were designed to target participants specifically older than 65 years. The exclusion of older participants was not justified and imposed through an arbitrary upper‐age limit in 93.6% of the protocols. Most of the protocols are from single‐center studies, and a greater number are planned to be carried out in developed regions. Higher interest was in pharmacologic interventions, devices/technology, and physical rehabilitation.ConclusionOlder adults with LBP will continue to be underinvestigated in CTs for LBP in the near future. In general, ongoing trials are small, planned in developed regions, and proposing pharmacologic interventions to deal with LBP. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:603–608, 2019.
Unripe peach (Prunus persica) extract ameliorates damage from UV irradiation and improved collagen XVIII expression in 3D skin model
Authors: Yonezawa Tomoko , Momota Ryusuke , Iwano Hideki , Zhao Steven , Hakozaki Tomohiro , Soh Chieko , Sawaki Shigetoyo , Toyama Kazumi , Oohashi Toshitaka 
Published: December 2018

SummaryIntroductionCollagen type XVIII regulates cellular activities of adjacent cells at the dermal‐epidermal junction (DEJ). To investigate its possible changes during aging, we compared its mRNA levels and protein localization in skin samples from female participants aged 20‐70 years old. In addition, we evaluated the beneficial effects of unripe peach extracts in a 3D skin model.MethodsSun‐exposed or sun‐protected female skin samples were compared by DNA array or by immunohistochemistry for basement membrane components. To evaluate protective effects of fresh unripe peach extract, UV‐B irradiated human 3D skin models were incubated in the presence or absence of the extract, followed by measurements of mRNA levels by real‐time PCR, or by immunohistochemistry.ResultsIn aged skin samples, COL18A1 mRNA levels were lower and the protein localization exhibited less intensive signal by anti‐collagen type XVIII immunostaining. As observed in the skin tissues, collagen type XVIII exists at the DEJ in the 3D skin model. Fresh unripe peach extract significantly improved mRNA levels and partially localizations of collagen type XVIII, suggesting that fresh unripe peach extract ameliorates DEJ damages caused by UV‐B irradiation.ConclusionCollagen type XVIII and fresh unripe peach extract can be promising protective cosmetic strategies against skin aging.
Clinical and echocardiography predictors of response to inhaled nitric oxide in hypoxic preterm neonates
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed Shalabi , Giesinger Regan E , Ibrahim Mohamed , Baczynski Michelle , Louis Deepak , McNamara Karl P , Jain Amish , Weisz Dany E , McNamara Patrick J 
Published: December 2018

AimTo evaluate the clinical and echocardiography modulators of treatment response in hypoxemic preterm infants exposed to inhaled nitric oxide (iNO).MethodsIn this multicentre retrospective study, clinical parameters, including oxygenation, ventilation and haemodynamics, were collected for preterm infants <36 weeks gestation before and 2 h after initiation of iNO for acute hypoxemia. Comprehensive echocardiography, performed near the time iNO initiation, was analysed by experts blind to the clinical course. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with iNO response as defined by a reduction in the fraction of inspired oxygen by >0.20.ResultsA total of 213 infants met eligibility criteria, of which 73 had echocardiography data available and formed the study cohort. Response to iNO was demonstrated in 56% of patients. Younger post‐natal age (odds ratio (OR) 0.94; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89, 0.99) and the presence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) (OR 4.47; 95% CI 1.23–11.9) were independently predictive of iNO response regardless of gestational age. Among neonates <72 h old with documented PH, iNO response was seen in 82%. The onset of a new diagnosis of severe (grade III/IV) intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) after iNO treatment was seen in 6 of 40 patients <28 weeks' gestational age, with a greater frequency in responders (32 vs. 0%, P = 0.02).ConclusionsPositive response to iNO is greatest in the first 3 days of life and in patients with echo‐confirmed PH, independent of gestational age. The association between critical illness, iNO administration and IVH in extremely premature infants may merit prospective delineation.