bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil microbes alter plant fitness under competition and drought
Authors: Fitzpatrick Connor R. , Mustafa Zainab , Viliunas Joani 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPlants exist across varying biotic and abiotic environments, including variation in the composition of soil microbial communities. The ecological effects of soil microbes on plant communities are well known, whereas less is known about their importance for plant evolutionary processes. In particular, the net effects of soil microbes on plant fitness may vary across environmental contexts and among plant genotypes, setting the stage for microbially mediated plant evolution. Here, we assess the effects of soil microbes on plant fitness and natural selection on flowering time in different environments. We performed two experiments in which we grew Arabidopsis thaliana genotypes replicated in either live or sterilized soil microbial treatments, and across varying levels of either competition (isolation, intraspecific competition or interspecific competition) or watering (well‐watered or drought). We found large effects of competition and watering on plant fitness as well as the expression and natural selection of flowering time. Soil microbes increased average plant fitness under interspecific competition and drought and shaped the response of individual plant genotypes to drought. Finally, plant tolerance to either competition or drought was uncorrelated between soil microbial treatments suggesting that the plant traits favoured under environmental stress may depend on the presence of soil microbes. In summary, our experiments demonstrate that soil microbes can have large effects on plant fitness, which depend on both the environment and individual plant genotype. Future work in natural systems is needed for a complete understanding of the evolutionary importance of interactions between plants and soil microorganisms.
Chronic hepatitis B: The interplay between intrahepatic lymphocyte population and viral antigens in relation to liver damage
Authors: Giadans Cecilia G. , Ríos Daniela A. , Ameigeiras Beatriz , Pietrantonio Adriana M. , Lucatelli Néstor L. , Haddad Leila , Mullen Eduardo , Heinrich Fabiana , De Matteo Elena , Flichman Diego , Valva Pamela , Preciado María V. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryIn Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection, virus and immune response interplay is thought to be responsible for pathogenesis. Yet, the impact of each immune cell population and viral protein expression in liver damage is still unknown. Our aim was to study the interplay between intrahepatic immune response and viral activity in relation to CHB liver damage. Immunostaining was performed in 29 liver biopsies from untreated CHB patients to characterize liver infiltrate [Th (CD4+), CTL (CD8+), Treg (FoxP3+), Th17 (IL‐17A+) and Th1 (T‐bet+)] and viral antigen expression (HBsAg and HBcAg). Inflammatory activity and fibrosis were assessed using the HAI and METAVIR scoring system. All studied populations were identified in the portal‐periportal (P‐P) areas with a CD4+ lymphocyte predominance, while only CD8+ and FoxP3+ cells were observed in the intralobular area. Both P‐P CD4+ and intralobular CD8+ cell frequencies were increased among severe hepatitis cases. Concerning HBsAg and HBcAg expression, a mutually exclusive pattern was observed. HBcAg was mainly detected among HBeAg‐positive patients and was associated with hepatitis severity and higher frequency of P‐P FoxP3+, intralobular CD8+ and FoxP3+ cells. HBsAg was identified among HBeAg‐negative cases with less severe hepatitis grade and lower frequency of P‐P CD4+ and intralobular FoxP3+ lymphocytes. In conclusion, the HBV antigen profile expression seen during CHB infection may be reflecting different stages of viral replication which impacts the host immune response and liver damage process. While HBcAg might be an inducer of a regulatory microenvironment, the intralobular CTL population seemed to have a key role in hepatitis severity.
Efficacy and safety of ruzasvir 60 mg and uprifosbuvir 450 mg for 12 weeks in adults with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6 infection
Authors: Lawitz Eric , Poordad Fred , Anderson Leah J. , Vesay Michelle , Kelly Michelle M. , Liu Hong , Gao Wei , Fernsler Doreen , Asante‐Appiah Ernest , Robertson Michael N. , Hanna George J. , Barr Eliav , Butterton Joan , Kowdley Kris V. , Hassanein Tarek , Sahota Amandeep , Gordon Stuart C. , Yeh Wendy W. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryIn clinical trials, the three‐drug regimen of ruzasvir (RZR) 60 mg, uprifosbuvir (UPR) 450 mg and grazoprevir 100 mg, with or without ribavirin, has demonstrated promising efficacy and excellent tolerability across a wide range of hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected individuals. The present study assessed the efficacy and safety of the two‐drug combination of RZR 60 mg plus UPR 450 mg administered for 12 weeks in participants with HCV genotype (GT) 1‐6 infection. In this open‐label clinical trial, treatment‐naive or ‐experienced and cirrhotic or noncirrhotic participants with chronic HCV GT1‐6 infection received RZR 60 mg plus UPR 450 mg orally once daily for 12 weeks (NCT02759315/protocol PN035). The primary efficacy endpoint was sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after the end of therapy (SVR12). One hundred and sixty participants were enrolled. SVR12 rates were 96% (52 of 54) in participants with GT1a infection; 100% (15 of 15) in those with GT1b infection; 97% (28 of 29) in those with GT2 infection; 77% (30 of 39) in those with GT3 infection; 90% (18 of 20) in those with GT4 infection; and 67% (2 of 3) in those with GT6 infection. Drug‐related adverse events (AEs) reported by >5% of participants were fatigue (n = 10, 6.3%) and diarrhoea (n = 9, 5.6%). Five participants reported a total of 11 serious AEs, none considered drug‐related. One participant experienced on‐treatment alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase elevations that resolved without intervention. Data from the present study indicate that the combination of RZR 60 mg plus UPR 450 mg once daily for 12 weeks was well tolerated overall but was effective only for certain genotypes.
Real‐world safety and effectiveness of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir ± dasabuvir ± ribavirin in hepatitis C virus genotype 1‐ and 4‐infected patients with diverse comorbidities and comedications: A pooled analysis of post‐marketing observational studies from 13 countries
Authors: Ferenci Peter , Bourgeois Stefan , Buggisch Peter , Norris Suzanne , Curescu Manuela , Larrey Dominique , Marra Fiona , Kleine Henning , Dorr Patrick , Charafeddine Mariem , Crown Eric , Bondin Mark , Back David , Flisiak Robert 
Published: February 2019

SummaryOmbitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir ± dasabuvir ± ribavirin (OBV/PTV/r ± DSV ± RBV) regimens show high efficacy and good tolerability in clinical trials for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes (GT) 1 or 4. To evaluate whether these results translate to clinical practice, data were pooled from observational studies across 13 countries. Treatment‐naïve or ‐experienced patients, with or without cirrhosis, received OBV/PTV/r ± DSV ± RBV according to approved local labels and clinical practice. Sustained virologic response at post‐treatment Week 12 (SVR12), adverse events (AEs) and comedication management were assessed for patients initiating treatment before 1 June 2017. The safety population included 3850 patients who received ≥1 dose of study drug. The core population (N = 3808) further excluded patients with unknown GT or cirrhosis status, or who received off‐label treatment. Patients had HCV GT1a (n = 732; 19%), GT1b (n = 2619; 69%) or GT4 (n = 457; 12%). In 3546 patients with sufficient follow‐up data at post‐treatment Week 12, the SVR12 rate was 96% (n/N = 3401/3546 [95% CI 95.2‐96.5]). In patients with or without cirrhosis, SVR12 was comparable (96%). In patients with HCV GT1a, GT1b or GT4, SVR12 rates were 93%, 97% and 94%. In GT1b‐infected patients with planned treatment for 8 weeks, SVR12 was 96%. In patients with ≥1 comorbidity (67%), SVR12 was 95%. 58% of patients received ≥1 comedication, and there was minimal impact on SVR12 rates using comedications for peptic ulcers and gastro‐esophageal reflux disease, statins, antipsychotics or antiepileptics. Most comedications were maintained during treatment although 58% of patients changed their statin medication. AEs and serious AEs occurred in 26% and 3% of patients. Post‐baseline Grade 3‐4 laboratory abnormalities were rare (<3%), and discontinuation rates were low (<4%). Real‐world evidence confirms the effectiveness of OBV/PTV/r ± DSV ± RBV in patients with HCV GT1 or GT4, regardless of common comorbidities or comedications, and is consistent with clinical trial results. Adverse safety outcomes may be limited by underreporting in the real‐world setting.
Collagen type IV remodelling gender‐specifically predicts mortality in decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Lehmann Jennifer , Praktiknjo Michael , Nielsen Mette Juul , Schierwagen Robert , Meyer Carsten , Thomas Daniel , Violi Francesco , Strassburg Christian P. , Bendtsen Flemming , Møller Søren , Krag Aleksander , Karsdal Morten Asser , Leeming Diana Julie , Trebicka Jonel 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackground & AimsRemodelling of extracellular matrix is crucial in progressive liver fibrosis. Collagen type III desposition has been shown in acute decompensation. Extratracellular matrix is compiled of deposition of various components. The role of basement membrane collagen type IV in advanced cirrhosis and acute decompensation is unclear and investigated in this study.MethodsPatients with decompensated cirrhosis from the prospective NEPTUN cohort (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03628807), who underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure were included. Clinical and laboratory parameters, PRO‐C4 and C4M levels were measured in blood samples from portal and hepatic veins just before transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement.ResultsLevels of C4M and PRO‐C4 are significantly lower in patients with massive ascites and impaired renal sodium excretion. C4M and PRO‐C4 show gender‐specific profiles with significantly lower levels in females compared to males. Females with higher C4M levels show higher mortality. By contrast, males with higher C4M levels show lower mortality. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, C4M is an independent predictor of survival in female patients.ConclusionThis study shows that markers of collagen type IV remodelling do not accumulate in severe renal dysfunction. Although collagen type IV degradation markers derive from the liver, portal venous C4M levels are relevant for survival. Moreover, it demonstrates that circulating C4M shows gender‐specific profiles, which can independently predict survival in female patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
Emotional Distress Correlates Among Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Hierarchical Linear Regression Analysis
Authors: Du Shizheng , Hu Yan , Bai Yamei , Hu Lingli , Dong Jianshu , Jin Shengji , Zhang Heng 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundChronic low back pain (CLBP) has become a worldwide health concern, and emotional distress is an important issue for CLBP management. However, it remains poorly understood how emotional distress happens and develops. This study aimed to systematically explore the correlates of emotional distress in patients with CLBP.MethodsThe study was a multisite, cross‐sectional survey with a sample of 252 patients with CLBP in urban communities. A battery of questionnaires was used to collect data. Univariate analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and hierarchical linear regression analysis were performed.ResultsThe mean score of emotional distress among 252 patients with CLBP was 13.85 ± 6.50. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that the demographic factors, psychobehavioral factors, and social support of patients with CLBP were associated with their emotional distress, uniquely explaining 16.5%, 18.4%, and 6.2% of the variance, respectively. Five factors were found to be associated with patients’ emotional distress: pain intensity (β = 0.257, P < 0.001), passive coping (β = 0.297, P < 0.001), active coping (β = −0.254, P < 0.001), self‐efficacy (β = −0.155, P = 0.005), and social support (β = −0.268, P < 0.001).ConclusionsPatients with CLBP suffered from clinically significant emotional distress. Patients’ demographics, psychobehavioral factors, and social support were all related to emotional distress. The findings help us to identify the characteristics of patients with CLBP at high risk for emotional distress and to formulate corresponding countermeasures.Lay SummaryThis study aimed to explored the correlates of emotional distress of patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) by hierarchical linear regression analysis. The study found that patients’ demographic factors, psycho‐behavioral factors, and social support were associated with their emotional distress, uniquely explaining 16.5%, 18.4%, and 6.2% of the variance, respectively. Pain intensity, passive coping, active coping, self‐efficacy, and social support were detected as significant correlates.
New‐generation fish oil and olive oil lipid for prevention of oxidative damage in preterm infants: Single center clinical trial at university hospital in Turkey
Authors: Ozkan Hilal , Koksal Nilgun , Dorum Bayram Ali , Kocael Fatma , Ozarda Yesim , Bozyigit Cengiz , Dogan Pelin , Guney Varal Ipek , Bagci Onur 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundParenteral nutrition (PN) has been widely used in preterm infants. The lipid solutions used for PN, however, are associated with oxidative stress and morbidity. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a new‐generation lipid emulsion (SMOFLipid) and olive‐oil based lipid emulsion for prevention of PN‐associated oxidative damage.MethodsPreterm infants < 32 weeks of gestational age were included in this prospective randomized study. All infants were randomized to SMOFlipid or olive‐oil based lipid emulsion (ClinOleic). Lipid peroxidation products were evaluated in all infants. In addition, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and both pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines were studied at days 0, 7 and 14.ResultsA total of 89 infants (SMOFlipid, n = 42; ClinOleic, n = 47) were enrolled. TAC was higher in the SMOFlipid group compared with the ClinOleic group at all time points, and the difference on day 7 was statistically significant. Although the anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐10 was higher in the SMOFlipid group, this difference was not significant. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was lower in the SMOFlipid group (14.1%) than in the ClinOleic group (31.2%), but this finding was non‐significant p > 0.05. The rate of severe BPD was significantly lower in the SMOFlipid group.ConclusionTo our best of knowledge, this is the first study to suggest that SMOFlipid might decrease oxidative damage and oxidative‐stress‐associated morbidity compared with olive oil‐based emulsion in preterm infants.
Site‐specific variations in cutaneous autofluorescence revealed by excitation‐emission matrix spectroscopy
Authors: Zhao Jianhua , Kalia Sunil , Zeng Haishan , Lui Harvey 
Published: February 2019

SummaryBackground and PurposeAlthough cutaneous autofluorescence has been utilized for evaluation of skin conditions, there is a paucity of data on normal human skin autofluorescence and its dependence on anatomical site. The objective of this study is to use excitation‐emission matrix spectroscopy to quantify and characterize skin autofluorescence at different body sites.MethodsTen anatomical sites from 30 healthy volunteers were measured with a double‐grating excitation‐emission matrix spectrofluorometer.ResultsFor the 10 body sites evaluated, there were four overall patterns of autofluorescence: skin from the head and neck exhibits high superficial and low bilayer fluorescence; the dorsal forearm and dorsal hand have both low superficial and bilayer fluorescence; the upper inner arm and back have high superficial and intermediate bilayer fluorescence; while the palm and thumbnail have both high superficial and bilayer fluorescence. The corresponding fluorescence excitation‐emission peaks for these patterns were as follows: head and neck, 3 peaks at 290‐300/330‐350, 360‐380/460‐485, and 380‐420/610‐630 nm; dorsal forearm and dorsal hand, 2 peaks around 295‐300/345‐360 and 385‐395/460‐485 nm; upper inner arm and back, 3 peaks around 295‐300/335‐355, 335‐340/390‐410, and 375‐390/455‐480 nm; palm and thumbnail, 3 peaks around 285‐300/345‐355, 335‐345/390‐410, and 365‐390/450‐480 nm.ConclusionCutaneous fluorescence varies in distinct patterns according to anatomical site, due to the component fluorophores present, skin thickness, and the degree of melanization and long term sun exposure. These EEM patterns for normal skin should be accounted for when interpreting fluorescence signals from disease states and can also be used to guide the selection of optimal wavebands when applying this optical modality.
Shoulder and thorax kinematics contribute to increased power output of competitive handcyclists
Authors: Stone Benjamin , Mason Barry S. , Warner Martin B. , Goosey‐Tolfrey Victoria L. 
Published: February 2019

Current knowledge of recumbent handbike configuration and handcycling technique is limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the upper limb kinematics and handbike configurations of recreational and competitive recumbent handcyclists, during sport‐specific intensities. Thirteen handcyclists were divided into two significantly different groups based on peak aerobic power output (POpeak) and race experience; competitive (n = 7; 5 H3 and 2 H4 classes; POpeak: 247 ± 20 W) and recreational (n = 6; 4 H3 and 2 H4 classes; POpeak: 198 ± 21 W). Participants performed bouts of exercise at training (50% POpeak), competition (70% POpeak), and sprint intensity while three‐dimensional kinematic data (thorax, scapula, shoulder, elbow, and wrist) were collected. Statistical parametric mapping was used to compare the kinematics of competitive and recreational handcyclists. Handbike configurations were determined from additional markers on the handbike. Competitive handcyclists flexed their thorax (~5°, P < 0.05), extended their shoulder (~10°, P < 0.01), and posteriorly tilted their scapular (~15°, P < 0.05) more than recreational handcyclists. Differences in scapular motion occurred only at training intensity while differences in shoulder extension and thorax flexion occurred both at training and competition intensities. No differences were observed during sprinting. No significant differences in handbike configuration were identified. This study is the first to compare the upper limb kinematics of competitive recreational handcyclists at sport‐specific intensities. Competitive handcyclists employed significantly different propulsion strategies at training and competition intensities. Since no differences in handbike configuration were identified, these kinematic differences could be due to technical training adaptations potentially optimizing muscle recruitment or force generation of the arm.
Impact of tillage intensity on clay loam soil structure
Authors: Daraghmeh Omar A. , Petersen Carsten Tilbæk , Munkholm Lars J. , Znova Liubava , Obour Peter Bilson , Nielsen Søren Kirkegaard , Green Ole 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSoil structure and structural stability are key parameters in sustainable soil management and optimum cropping practices. This study aimed to improve the knowledge of potential precision tillage practices by characterizing the effect of varied tillage intensities on structural properties of a clay loam soil. An experiment with seedbed preparation was conducted using a power take‐off‐driven rotovator equipped to measure torque and angular velocity and with operational speed (OS) and rotational speed (RS) as main factors. Effects of soil coverage prior to tillage and wheeling directly after tillage were measured at one combination of OS and RS. The soil was sampled at 0–80 mm depth. Under slow OS (2.9 km hr−1) compared with fast OS (6.3 km hr−1), specific energy input was greater (116 and 52 J kg−1 on average, respectively), and it increased with RS. Wheeling resulted in larger aggregate diameter right after tillage (at T1; 56 mm as geometric mean compared with 9 mm), with 42 times smaller geometric mean of air permeability 45 days after tillage (at T2) and with greater soil dispersibility at T2. Highly significant correlations were observed between soil dispersibility and energy input, specific surface area of aggregates, fractions of small (<4 mm) and medium (8–16 mm) aggregates, and geometric mean diameter. Slow OS combined with fast RS showed significantly greater air permeability than all other treatments. The results suggest that there is a potential for controlling soil structure in seedbed preparation by minimizing compaction from traffic and adapting site‐specific control of rotovation intensity.
Changes in disclosure, adherence and healthcare interactions after the introduction of immediate ART initiation: an analysis of patient experiences in Swaziland
Authors: Molemans Marjan , Vernooij Eva , Dlamini Njabuliso , Shabalala Fortunate S. , Khan Shaukat , van Leth Frank , Gomez Gabriela B. , Reis Ria 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntroductionThere are concerns that immediate ART initiation (regardless of CD4 count) negatively affects HIV status disclosure, ART adherence and healthcare interactions. We assessed changes in these factors after the ‘Early access to ART for all’ intervention, a universal test‐and‐treat study in Swaziland.MethodsWe recruited two samples of participants between 2014 and 2017. The first group was interviewed before the intervention (control); the second group at the implementation and 6 months thereafter (intervention).ResultsHigh levels of disclosure to partners (controls and intervention: 94%) and family members (controls: 78%, intervention: 79%) were reported, and high levels of adherence (85% did not miss a dose among the controls, 84% in the intervention group). There were no changes in patients reporting feeling pressured to initiate ART (controls: 10%, intervention: 11%). The quality of interaction with healthcare workers improved after the intervention; healthcare workers explained more often the choice of ART initiation (controls: 88%, intervention: 93%) and the meaning of both CD4 and viral load test results (controls: 15%, intervention: 47%). More patients in the intervention group reported receiving test results (controls: 13%, intervention: 46%). We observed no changes in disclosure, adherence or patient experiences 6 months into the intervention compared to its start.ConclusionOur results suggest that both reported adherence and disclosure levels remain high after the introduction of immediate ART in Swaziland. We observed an improvement in the healthcare interactions, possibly due to training at participating facilities, which will be an important element for a successful roll‐out of immediate ART.