bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First report of Ceratocystis huliohia causing mortality of Metrosideros polymorpha trees on the Island of Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi USA
Authors: Heller Wade P. , Hughes Marc A. , Luiz Blaine C. , Brill Eva , Friday James B. , Williams Adam M. , Keith Lisa M. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe fungus Ceratocystis huliohia was detected for the first time in dead and dying Metrosideros polymorpha trees on the Island of Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi, U.S.A. Fungal isolates were recovered from diseased trees into culture, and identities were confirmed by diagnostic qPCR assay and DNA sequencing. Growth chamber inoculations confirmed C. huliohia pathogenicity on M. polymorpha seedlings and subsequently the same fungus was recovered, completing Koch's postulates. DNA sequence analysis revealed a unique ITS haplotype for Kauaʻi isolates of C. huliohia that has not been found on Hawaiʻi Island.
On Natural Variation in Grades in Higher Education, and Its Implications for Assessing Effectiveness of Educational Innovations
Authors: Boevé Anja J. , Meijer Rob R. , Beldhuis Hans J. A. , Bosker Roel J. , Albers Casper J. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractTo investigate the effect of innovations in the teaching–learning environment, researchers often compare study results from different cohorts across years. However, variance in scores can be attributed to both random fluctuation and systematic changes due to the innovation, complicating cohort comparisons. In the present study, we illustrate how using information about the variation in course grades over time can help researchers and practitioners better compare the grades and pass rates of different cohorts of students. To this end, all 375,093 grades from all 40,087 first‐year students at a Dutch university during a period of six consecutive years were examined. Overall, about 17% of the variation in grades could be attributed to random variation between years and courses. With respect to passing courses, this percentage was almost 40%. Nonsignificant improvements in grades could be flagged as highly significant when this is ignored, thus leading to an overrepresentation of significant effects in educational literature. As a consequence, too many educational innovations are claimed to be effective.
The effect of grazing versus cutting on dry matter production of multispecies and perennial ryegrass‐only swards
Authors: Grace Cornelia , Boland Tommy M. , Sheridan Helen , Brennan Eugene , Fritch Rochelle , Lynch Mary Bridget 
Published: July 2019

AbstractDry matter (DM) production of multispecies swards compared to perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne; PRG) swards under intensive grazing warrants investigation as it is relatively unknown. A 5 × 2 factorial experiment, with five sward types and two defoliation methods, was used to investigate the effect of grazing versus cutting on dry matter (DM) production of multispecies and PRG‐only swards. Five sward types were established namely: a PRG‐only sward, receiving 250 kg N ha−1 year−1 (PRG250), and a PRG‐only sward (PRG90), a two‐species sward with PRG and white clover (Trifolium repens; PRGWC), a six‐species sward (6S) and a nine‐species sward (9S), each receiving 90 kg N ha−1 year−1. Cutting plots measured 1.95 × 10 m and grazing plots measured 10 × 10 m. All plots were harvested concurrently every 21–30 days from April‐November for two years (2015 and 2016). A strip from the grazing plots was cut for DM yield determination prior to turning in cattle for grazing. There was an interaction between sward type and defoliation method (p < .01), whereby there was no effect of defoliation method on the PRG‐only swards, however, the annual DM production of PRGWC, 6S and 9S swards reduced under grazing compared to cutting (p < .001; on average 1,929 kg DM/ha lower). Multispecies swards had lower DM production under grazing compared to cutting, while the DM yield of PRG‐only swards was unaffected by defoliation method.
Infectious differential diagnosis of chronic generalized pruritus without primary cutaneous lesions: a review of the literature
Authors: Molkara Sara , Sabourirad Sara , Molooghi Kasra 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPruritus is one of the most common complaints among patients referred to a dermatology clinic. “Chronic generalized pruritus” is described as the sensation of itching on the entire body surface, which lasts at least 6 or more weeks. This symptom can be a disabling phenomenon for patients and may sometimes interfere with daily activities such as sleep. If specific dermatological findings are observed, the physician easily comes to a diagnosis and treats the condition, whereas, when primary lesions are not detected, the diagnosis can become challenging, and some patients have to undergo extensive evaluations. The association between some systemic disorders and chronic generalized pruritus is widely known and confirmed. Many infections have been associated with pruritus, but few are considered to cause chronic generalized pruritus without any characteristic skin lesions. We aimed to gather all the available data on infectious causes of chronic generalized pruritus with no diagnostic cutaneous lesions to assist fellow physicians in the process of evaluation of these challenging cases.
Consumption of ultra‐processed foods and its association with added sugar content in the diets of US children, NHANES 2009‐2014
Authors: Neri Daniela , Martinez‐Steele Euridice , Monteiro Carlos Augusto , Levy Renata Bertazzi 
Published: July 2019

SummaryBackgroundThere is cumulative recognition that increases in the dietary share of ultra‐processed foods result in deterioration of the nutritional quality of the overall diet and adverse health outcomes.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess the consumption of ultra‐processed foods and to examine its association with added sugar content in the diet of US children aged 2 to 19 years.MethodsWe classified all food items according to the NOVA food classification system and looked at the consumption of ultra‐processed foods, measured as percentage of total energy intake. We assessed dietary added sugar content by estimating its contribution to total energy intake and the proportion of individuals with diets exceeding the recommended limit of 10% of total energy intake from added sugars. We also examined the proportion of those who surpassed twice that limit. Gaussian and Poisson regressions estimated the association between consumption of ultra‐processed foods and estimates of added sugar content.ResultsUltra‐processed foods contributed to 65% of total energy intake and to 92% of energy from added sugars in the diet of US children. The mean percent energy provided by added sugars in the observed period was 14.3%. Most individuals (70.9%) had diets exceeding the recommended limit of added sugar (<10% of total energy intake), and 18.4% of the population had diets surpassing twice the recommended level (20% of total energy intake). A 5.5% point increase in the dietary share of ultra‐processed foods determined a 1 percentage point increase in the dietary content of added sugars, with stronger adjusted associations among younger children.ConclusionsPublic health efforts to reduce added sugars in the diet of US children must put greater emphasis on decreasing the consumption of ultra‐processed foods.
Serial cross‐sectional study for the association between urinary bisphenol A and paediatric obesity: Recent updates using NHANES 2003‐2014
Authors: Okubo Yusuke , Handa Atsuhiko , Belin Thomas 
Published: July 2019

SummaryBackgroundSeveral studies have reported bisphenol A (BPA) as a potential risk factor for paediatric obesity, but the findings were inconsistent among these studies.MethodsUsing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2003 to 2014, we conducted a serial cross‐sectional study to examine the association between urinary BPA and paediatric obesity among children aged 6 and 19 years. The association between paediatric obesity and urinary BPA concentrations with or without urinary creatinine adjustments was assessed using multivariable regression and cubic spline models fitted for regression models.ResultsWe observed decreasing trends in urinary BPA concentrations from 2003 to 2014. The associations between urinary BPA concentrations and obesity were inconsistent across the years of survey and even after different models for urinary creatinine adjustments were used. Children with obesity were positively associated with urinary creatinine concentrations, but was not with creatinine‐adjusted models. Furthermore, children with higher urinary BPA concentrations had elevated odds of obesity during 2003 to 2008, whereas these associations were inconsistent during 2009 to 2014.ConclusionsThe associations between paediatric obesity and urinary BPA concentrations differed across the years of survey and creatinine adjustments. Further studies are required to assess these discrepancies.
Reducing seclusion and restraints on the inpatient child and adolescent behavioral health unit: A quality improvement study
Authors: Eblin Amanda 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe utilization of seclusion and restraint during psychiatric inpatient treatment increases the risk of trauma, humiliation, physical injuries, psychological distress, and even death. Compared to adult patients, pediatric patients are more likely to be placed in seclusion and restraints. In a short‐term child and adolescent behavioral health unit, the average seclusion and restraint rate was 0.031. The hospital's goal was to achieve a zero seclusion and restraint rate.PurposeThe purpose of this project was to decrease the rate of seclusion and restraints at the study site.MethodA quality improvement study was implemented based on a bundled intervention strategy. The intervention included a decision‐making algorithm for initiation of seclusion and restraints, behavioral modification plans for patients at risk of seclusion and restraints, and a patient‐debriefing tool to be used post a seclusion and restraint event. Post implementation, data were collected over a 3‐month period.ResultsThe implementation of a seclusion and restraint decision‐making algorithm, behavioral modification, and patient debriefing successfully decreased the seclusion and restraint rate by 55% on an inpatient pediatric behavioral health unit.ConclusionAlthough, the project resulted in a successful reduction in the rates for seclusion and restraint, continued quality improvement efforts are indicated to achieve zero restraint/seclusions on the unit.
A randomised controlled trial of treatments of childhood anxiety disorder in the context of maternal anxiety disorder: clinical and cost‐effectiveness outcomes
Authors: Creswell Cathy , Violato Mara , Cruddace Susan , Gerry Stephen , Murray Lynne , Shafran Roz , Stein Alan , Willetts Lucy , McIntosh Emma , Cooper Peter J. 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundThis study evaluated whether clinical and economic outcomes from CBT for child anxiety disorders in the context of maternal anxiety disorders are improved by adding treatment focused on (a) maternal anxiety disorders or (b) mother–child interactions.MethodsTwo hundred and eleven children (7–12 years, 85% White British, 52% female) with a primary anxiety disorder, whose mothers also had a current anxiety disorder, were randomised to receive (a) child‐focused CBT with nonspecific control interventions (CCBT+Con), (b) CCBT with CBT for the maternal anxiety disorder (CCBT+MCBT), or (c) CCBT with an intervention targeting the mother–child interaction (CCBT+MCI). A cost‐utility analysis from a societal perspective was conducted using mother/child combined quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs). [Trial registration: https://doi.org/10.1186/isrctn19762288].ResultsMCBT was associated with immediate reductions in maternal anxiety compared to the nonspecific control; however, after children had also received CCBT, maternal outcomes in the CCBT+MCI and CCBT+Con arms improved and CCBT+MCBT was no longer superior. Neither CCBT+MCBT nor CCBT+MCI conferred a benefit over CCBT+Con in terms of child anxiety disorder diagnoses post‐treatment [primary outcome] (adj RR: 1.22 (95% CI: 0.88, 1.67), p = .23; adj RR: 1.21 (95% CI: 0.88, 1.65), p = .24, respectively) or global improvement ratings (adj RR: 1.25 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.57), p = .06; adj RR: 1.18 (95% CI: 0.93, 1.50), p = .17) or six and 12 months later. No significant differences between the groups were found on the main economic outcome measures (child/mother combined QALY mean difference: CCBT+MCBT vs. CCBT+Con: −0.04 (95% CI: −0.12, 0.04), p = .29; CCBT+MCI vs. CCBT+Con: 0.02 (95% CI: −0.05, −0.09), p = .54). CCBT+MCI was associated with nonsignificantly higher costs than CCBT (mean difference: £154 (95% CI: −£1,239, £1,547), p = .83) but, when taking into account sampling uncertainty, it may be cost‐effective compared with CCBT alone.ConclusionsGood outcomes were achieved for children and their mothers across treatment arms. There was no evidence of significant clinical benefit from supplementing CCBT with either CBT for the maternal anxiety disorder or treatment focussed on mother–child interactions, but the addition of MCI (and not MCBT) may be cost‐effective.
Noncomprehensive and Intermittent Obesity‐Related School Programs and Policies May Not Work: Evidence from the COMPASS Study
Authors: Laxer Rachel E. , Dubin Joel A. , Brownson Ross C. , Cooke Martin , Chaurasia Ashok , Leatherdale Scott T. 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThe school environment has the potential to influence student body mass index (BMI) through programs and policies. Our objective was to examine the effect of modifying obesity‐related school policies and programs on youths' BMI trajectories.METHODSObesity‐related school policies and programs related to physical activity and healthy eating were collected from 41 schools across Ontario at baseline (2012‐2013) and year 2 (2013‐2014) of the COMPASS study. Self‐reported height and weight were collected from the 4951 grades 9 and 10 students who attended those schools for 3 years. Linear mixed effects regression models examined the effect of modifying obesity‐related school policies and programs on youths' BMI trajectories.RESULTSBetween Y1 and Y2, 26 of the 41 schools implemented distinct new obesity‐related programs or policies related to physical activity or healthy eating. Five of the interventions were associated with BMI trajectories of students attending those schools compared to students attending a pooled sample of control schools, predicting a higher BMI trajectory.CONCLUSIONSIsolated programs and policies may not successfully improve youths' BMI trajectories. Further research is required to test the implementation of policies and programs that follow a comprehensive school health (CSH) approach, targeting BMI and associated behaviors.
The RNA‐binding protein SORBS2 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma tumourigenesis and metastasis by stabilizing RORA mRNA
Authors: Han Lili , Huang Chen , Zhang Shuqun 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundNumerous studies have revealed that dysregulation of RNA‐binding protein (RBP) expression is causally linked with human cancer tumourigenesis. However, the detailed biological effect and underlying mechanisms of most RBPs remain unclear.MethodsExpression of sorbin and SH3 domain‐containing 2 (SORBS2) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was detected by qRT‐PCR, immunohistochemistry assay and Western blot assay. Proliferation, migration, invasion and cell cycle progression of HCC cells were measured by 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, colony‐forming assay, Transwell assay and flow cytometry assay respectively. A xenograft model and metastatic model were established to evaluate the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells in vivo. Western blot assays were performed to assess the expression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition markers. Luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation and pull‐down assay elucidated the effect of SORBS2 on one of its downstream genes.ResultsThe expression of SORBS2 was significantly decreased in HCC and was associated with metastasis, advanced TNM clinical stage and poor clinical outcome of HCC patients. Furthermore, our results suggested that SORBS2 inhibited HCC cell proliferation, invasion, migration and EMT both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, we revealed that retinoic acid receptor‐related orphan receptor (RORA) was a major target of SORBS2 and was critical to sustaining the antitumour effect of SORBS2 on HCC cells. SORBS2 reduced RORA mRNA degradation by directly binding to the 3′UTR of RORA mRNA.ConclusionsIn this study, we found for the first time that SORBS2 contributed to the suppression of HCC tumourigenesis and metastasis via post‐transcriptional regulation of RORA expression as an RBP.
Management of human immunodeficiency virus–associated cryptococcal meningitis: Current status and future directions
Authors: Wu Xueyun , Shen Yinzhong 
Published: July 2019

SummaryCryptococcal meningitis (CM) is one of the most common opportunistic infections of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), as well as an important cause of hospitalisation and death. In recent years, the mortality of CM has remained high in HIV/AIDS population, with up to 30%, including within developed countries. The treatment usually encompasses controls of Cryptococcus, HIV, and increased intracranial pressure. Recent progress on the management of HIV‐associated CM mainly centres in optimising induction regimens, looking for appropriate timing of initiating antiretroviral therapy and prevention of symptomatic onset and adverse consequences. This review compared several international guidelines combined with the results from some clinical researches to illustrate the similarities, differences and potential in CM treatment. The present practice is still far from satisfactory, and there remains much to explore due to our limited understanding of the pathogenesis of HIV‐associated CM. Thus, screening and monitoring should be strengthened, and better therapies in line with the actual situation of each country should be discovered.
NADPH oxidase regulates chemotropic growth of the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum towards the host plant
Authors: Nordzieke Daniela Elisabeth , Fernandes Tânia R. , El Ghalid Mennat , Turrà David , Di Pietro Antonio 
Published: July 2019

Summary

Soil‐inhabiting fungal pathogens use chemical signals to locate and colonise the host plant. In the vascular wilt fungus Fusarium oxysporum, hyphal chemotropism towards tomato roots is triggered by secreted plant peroxidases (Prx), which catalyse the reductive cleavage of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Here we show that this chemotropic response requires the regulated synthesis of ROS by the conserved fungal NADPH oxidase B (NoxB) complex, and their transformation into hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by superoxide dismutase (SOD). Deletion of NoxB or the regulatory subunit NoxR, or pharmacological inhibition of SOD, specifically abolished chemotropism of F. oxysporum towards Prx gradients.

Addition of isotropic concentrations of H2O2 rescued chemotropic growth in the noxBΔ and noxRΔ mutants, but not in a mutant lacking the G protein‐coupled receptor Ste2. Prx‐triggered rapid Nox‐ and Ste2‐dependent phosphorylation of the cell wall integrity mitogen‐activated protein kinase (CWI MAPK) Mpk1, an essential component of the chemotropic response. These results suggest that Ste2 and the CWI MAPK cascade function downstream of NoxB in Prx chemosensing.

Our findings reveal a new role for Nox enzymes in directed hyphal growth of a filamentous pathogen towards its host and might be of broad interest for chemotropic interactions between plants and root‐colonising fungi.
Rehabilitating Statistical Evidence
Authors: Ross Lewis 
Published: July 2019

Recently, the practice of deciding legal cases on purely statistical evidence has been widely criticised. Many feel uncomfortable with finding someone guilty on the basis of bare probabilities, even though the chance of error might be stupendously small. This is an important issue: with the rise of DNA profiling, courts are increasingly faced with purely statistical evidence. A prominent line of argument—endorsed by Blome‐Tillmann 2017; Smith 2018; and Littlejohn 2018 rejects the use of such evidence by appealing to epistemic norms that apply to individual inquirers. My aim in this paper is to rehabilitate purely statistical evidence by arguing that, given the broader aims of legal systems, there are scenarios in which relying on such evidence is appropriate. Along the way I explain why popular arguments appealing to individual epistemic norms to reject legal reliance on bare statistics are unconvincing, by showing that courts and individuals face different epistemic predicaments (in short, individuals can hedge when confronted with statistical evidence, while legal tribunals cannot). I also correct some misconceptions about legal practice that have found their way into the recent literature.
Mesenchymal stem cells reduce ER stress via PERK‐Nrf2 pathway in an aged mouse model
Authors: Lee Eun Joo , Cárdenes Nayra , Álvarez Diana , Sellarés Jacobo , Sembrat John , Aranda Paola , Peng Yating , Bullock Jordan , Nouraie Seyed M. , Mora Ana L. , Rojas Mauricio 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveMesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been shown to ameliorate the deleterious effects of bleomycin in murine models. However, the mechanism responsible for protection from pulmonary fibrosis by stem cell therapy is still poorly understood, especially in terms of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We hypothesized that during bleomycin‐induced lung injury, markers of ER stress, specifically the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), increase during injury, resembling the kinetics of collagen deposition in the lung described for the bleomycin model. We aimed to elucidate the possible role of MSC in ER stress modulation.MethodsTo determine the kinetics of ER stress in aged mice, the expression of ER stress markers after bleomycin lung injury was measured in old mice at different time points (days 0, 3, 7, 14 and 21). To evaluate the consequences of systemic delivery of MSC on lung ER stress in the bleomycin model, we evaluated changes in body weight, lung histology and protein expression of ER stress markers.ResultsThe level of expression of UPR transcription factor XBP‐1 and its regulator BiP was elevated at day 7 and progressively increased up to day 21. MSC inhibited BiP expression in bleomycin‐induced ER stress, attenuating ER stress via the protein kinase RNA‐like ER kinase (PERK)‐Nrf2 pathway. The expression levels of other ER stress markers were not perturbed by MSC.ConclusionOur data suggest that MSC operate on ER stress via several pathways, but the PERK‐Nrf2 pathway revealed to be the main functioning pathway in our bleomycin model.
Dimension reduction for the conditional mean and variance functions in time series
Authors: Park Jin‐Hong , Samadi S. Yaser 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis paper deals with the nonparametric estimation of the mean and variance functions of univariate time series data. We propose a nonparametric dimension reduction technique for both mean and variance functions of time series. This method does not require any model specification and instead we seek directions in both the mean and variance functions such that the conditional distribution of the current observation given the vector of past observations is the same as that of the current observation given a few linear combinations of the past observations without loss of inferential information. The directions of the mean and variance functions are estimated by maximizing the Kullback–Leibler distance function. The consistency of the proposed estimators is established. A computational procedure is introduced to detect lags of the conditional mean and variance functions in practice. Numerical examples and simulation studies are performed to illustrate and evaluate the performance of the proposed estimators.