bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Degeneration of white matter and gray matter revealed by diffusion tensor imaging and pathological mechanism after spinal cord injury in canine
Authors: Liu Chang‐Bin , Yang De‐Gang , Zhang Xin , Zhang Wen‐Hao , Li Da‐Peng , Zhang Chao , Qin Chuan , Du Liang‐Jie , Li Jun , Gao Feng , Zhang Jie , Zuo Zhen‐Tao , Yang Ming‐Liang , Li Jian‐Jun 
Published: August 2018

SummaryAimExploration of the mechanism of spinal cord degeneration may be the key to treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI). This study aimed to investigate the degeneration of white matter and gray matter and pathological mechanism in canine after SCI.MethodsDiffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed on canine models with normal (n = 5) and injured (n = 7) spinal cords using a 3.0T MRI scanner at precontusion and 3 hours, 24 hours, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks postcontusion. The tissue sections were stained using H&E and immunohistochemistry.ResultsFor white matter, fractional anisotropy (FA) values significantly decreased in lesion epicenter, caudal segment 1 cm away from epicenter, and caudal segment 2 cm away from epicenter (P = 0.003, P = 0.004, and P = 0.013, respectively) after SCI. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were initially decreased and then increased in lesion epicenter and caudal segment 1 cm away from epicenter (P < 0.001 and P = 0.010, respectively). There are no significant changes in FA and ADC values in rostral segments (P > 0.05). For gray matter, ADC values decreased initially and then increased in lesion epicenter (P < 0.001), and overall trend decreased in caudal segment 1 cm away from epicenter (P = 0.039). FA values did not change significantly (P > 0.05). Pathological examination confirmed the dynamic changes of DTI parameters.ConclusionDiffusion tensor imaging is more sensitive to degeneration of white matter than gray matter, and the white matter degeneration may be not symmetrical which meant the caudal degradation appeared to be more severe than the rostral one.
The delta‐opioid receptor and Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Huang Jin‐Zhong , Ren Yi , Xu Yuan , Chen Tao , Xia Terry C. , Li Zhuo‐Ri , Zhao Jian‐Nong , Hua Fei , Sheng Shi‐Ying , Xia Ying 
Published: August 2018

SummaryParkinson’s disease (PD) is a common degenerative neurological disease leading to a series of familial, medical, and social problems. Although it is known that the major characteristics of PD pathophysiology are the dysfunction of basal ganglia due to injury/loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta dopaminergic and exhaustion of corpus striatum dopamine, therapeutic modalities for PD are limited in clinical settings up to date. It is of utmost importance to better understand PD pathophysiology and explore new solutions for this serious neurodegenerative disorder. Our recent work and those of others suggest that the delta‐opioid receptor (DOR) is neuroprotective and serves an antiparkinsonism role in the brain. This review summarizes recent progress in this field and explores potential mechanisms for DOR‐mediated antiparkinsonism.
No net loss for people and biodiversity
Authors: Griffiths Victoria F. , Bull Joseph W. , Baker Julia , Milner‐Gulland E.J. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractGovernments, businesses, and lenders worldwide are adopting an objective of no net loss (NNL) of biodiversity that is often partly achieved through biodiversity offsetting within a hierarchy of mitigation actions. Offsets aim to balance residual losses of biodiversity caused by development in one location with commensurate gains at another. Although ecological challenges to achieve NNL are debated, the associated gains and losses for local stakeholders have received less attention. International best practice calls for offsets to make people no worse off than before implementation of the project, but there is a lack of clarity concerning how to achieve this with regard to people's use and nonuse values for biodiversity, especially given the inevitable trade‐offs when compensating biodiversity losses with gains elsewhere. This is particularly challenging for countries where poor people depend on natural resources. Badly planned offsets can exacerbate poverty, and development and offset impacts can vary across spatial‐temporal scales and by location, gender, and livelihood. We conceptualize the no‐worse‐off principle in the context of NNL of biodiversity, by exploring for whom and how the principle can be achieved. Changes in the spatial and temporal distribution of biodiversity‐related social impacts of a development and its associated offset can lead to social inequity and negatively impact people's well‐being. The level of aggregation (regional, village, interest group, household, and individual) at which these social impacts are measured and balanced can again exacerbate inequity in a system. We propose that a determination that people are no worse off, and preferably better off, after a development and biodiversity offset project than they were before the project should be based on the perceptions of project‐affected people (assessed at an appropriate level of aggregation); that their well‐being associated with biodiversity losses and gains should be at least as good as it was before the project; and that this level of well‐being should be maintained throughout the project life cycle. Employing this principle could help ensure people are no worse off as a result of interventions to achieve biodiversity NNL.
Exploring deep neural networks for multitarget stance detection
Authors: Sobhani Parinaz , Inkpen Diana , Zhu Xiaodan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDetecting subjectivity expressed toward concerned targets is an interesting problem and has received intensive study. Previous work often treated each target independently, ignoring the potential (sometimes very strong) dependency that could exist among targets (eg, the subjectivity expressed toward two products or two political candidates in an election). In this paper, we relieve such an independence assumption in order to jointly model the subjectivity expressed toward multiple targets. We propose and show that an attention‐based encoder‐decoder framework is very effective for this problem, outperforming several alternatives that jointly learn dependent subjectivity through cascading classification or multitask learning, as well as models that independently predict subjectivity toward individual targets.
The pulmonary artery‐aorta ratio: Is it related to quality of life in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?
Authors: Ghobadi Hassan , Janbazi Hamid , Matin Somaieh , Lari Shahrzad M. , Ansarin Khalil 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIntroductionLittle is known about the relationship between health status and pulmonary artery diameter in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate correlation between pulmonary artery‐aorta ratio (P‐A ratio) and health status of the individuals, using COPD assessment test (CAT).Materials and MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study, 112 COPD patients were recruited. The severity of COPD was determined by global initiative for obstructive lung disease (GOLD). After digital chest CT scan, the P‐A ratio was measured at the level of bifurcation and compared with CAT score, GOLD stage, exacerbation rate and Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) score.ResultsThe average P‐A ratio was 0.89 ± 0.16 and 62.5% of patients had ratio less than one. The P‐A ratio correlates significantly with different GOLD stages, CAT score and MMRC score (P < .001, P < .001, P < .001, respectively). Compared patients with low P‐A ratio (<1), those with high P‐A ratio (≥ 1) showed higher CAT score [11.94 ± 5.94 vs 25.17 ± 5.84] (P < .001). The P‐A ratio was significantly higher in frequent (≥2) comparing low (<2) exacerbations [1.07 ± 0.07 vs 0.77 ± 0.06] (P < .001).ConclusionSignificant correlations were found between P‐A ratio and GOLD, exacerbation rate and health status, using CAT of patients with COPD. These findings also may suggest the potential role of P‐A ratio, in the management of COPD patients.
A case‐control study of the genetic polymorphism of IL6 and HAPE risk in a Chinese Han population
Authors: He Xue , Wang Li , Zhu Linhao , Yuan Dongya , He Yongjun , Jin Tianbo 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAimsThe role of inflammatory cytokines in High‐altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of IL4 and IL6 gene polymorphism in the development of HAPE in Chinese people.MethodsIn the present study, we screened ten polymorphisms of IL4 and IL6 gene in 265 HAPE and 303 healthy volunteers. Genotypes were determined using the Sequenom MassARRAY method. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by unconditional logistic regression.ResultsTwo single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL6 gene were significantly associated with HAPE. Rs1800796 and rs1524107 (G vs C, OR = 1.31, 95%CI = 1.01‐1.69, P = .041 and T vs C, OR = 1.35, 95%CI = 1.05‐1.74, P = .020, respectively). However, there did not found any association for IL4 gene.ConclusionInflammatory cytokines may play a role in the progress of HAPE. These polymorphisms could be genetic markers for predicting the susceptibility to HAPE.
Clinical impact of pretreatment prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in small cell lung cancer patients treated with platinum‐based chemotherapy
Authors: Jin Shi , Cao Shoubo , Xu Shanqi , Wang Chunyan , Meng Qingwei , Yu Yan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIntroductionNumbers of prognostic factors of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) have been demonstrated in previous studies. However, the identification of biomarkers with easy access, convenience, and low consumption is of great value in clinics.ObjectivesIn order to find such a biomarker, a single institution study with 1156 SCLC patients was retrospectively conducted to assess the prognostic value of prognostic nutritional index (PNI) on SCLC patients treated with platinum‐based chemotherapy.MethodsThe optimal cut‐off values were determined by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess their prognostic values for overall survival (OS).ResultsOn univariate analysis, age, smoking history, tumor stage, PNI, radiotherapy, and surgery were significantly associated with OS. Age, stage, PNI, radiotherapy, and surgery held statistical significance on multivariate analysis. High PNI was closely associated with younger age, limited disease, and radiotherapy. PNI was also demonstrated to be an independent prognostic factor in subgroups analysis, especially in patients with age ≤ 60, no smoking history, no family history of tumor, and no radiotherapy.ConclusionsAge ≤ 60 years, limited disease, high PNI, radiotherapy, and surgery were independent positive prognostic factors of SCLC patients treated with chemotherapy. PNI was a good biomarker for the assessment of SCLC prognosis for its easy access, convenience to be calculated, and low consumption. Pretreatment PNI can better predict the prognosis of SCLC, especially in patients with age ≤ 60, no smoking history, no family history of tumor, and no radiotherapy.
Impact of baseline characteristics on extensive‐stage SCLC patients treated with etoposide/carboplatin: A secondary analysis of a phase III study
Authors: Abdel‐Rahman Omar 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of the current study is to investigate the impact of baseline characteristics on the outcomes of extensive‐stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients recruited into a clinical trial.MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of the control arm (etoposide/carboplatin arm) of the ‘NCT00363415’ study which is a phase III study conducted between 2006 and 2007. Univariate analysis of factors affecting overall and progression‐free survival (PFS) was conducted through Cox regression analysis [including age, race, gender, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score, body mass index, Lactate dehydrogenase, number of metastatic sites and brain metastases]. Factors with P < .05 in the univariate analysis were then included in the multivariate analysis.ResultsAll patients within the control arm (etoposide/carboplatin) were included in the analysis (N = 455 patients). The following factors were predictive of worse overall survival (OS) in univariate analysis (P < .05): performance score = 2, LDH > upper limit of normal and ≥3 metastatic sites. Multivariate Cox regression analysis incorporating these three factors showed that only number of metastatic sites predicts worse OS (P < .0001). Likewise, the following factors were associated with worse PFS in univariate analysis (P < .05): performance score = 2 and ≥ 3 metastatic sites predict worse PFS (P < .05). Multivariate analysis incorporating these two factors showed that only number of metastatic sites predicts worse PFS (P < .0001).ConclusionNumber of metastatic sites is the most important predictive factor for overall and PFS among patients with extensive‐stage SCLC treated with systemic chemotherapy within a clinical trial.
Knowledge, attitudes, and planned practice of HIV‐positive to HIV‐positive transplantation in US transplant centers
Authors: Van Pilsum Rasmussen Sarah E. , Bowring Mary Grace , Shaffer Ashton A. , Henderson Macey L. , Massie Allan , Tobian Aaron A. R. , Segev Dorry L. , Durand Christine M. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundHIV+ donor organs can now be transplanted into HIV+ recipients (HIV D+/R+) following the HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act. Implementation of the HOPE Act requires transplant center awareness and support of HIV D+/R+ transplants.MethodsTo assess center‐level barriers to implementation, we surveyed 209 transplant centers on knowledge, attitudes, and planned HIV D+/R+ protocols.ResultsResponding centers (n = 114; 56%) represented all UNOS regions. Fifty centers (93 organ programs) planned HIV D+/R+ protocols (kidney n = 48, liver n = 34, pancreas n = 8, heart n = 2, lung = 1), primarily in the eastern United States (28/50). Most (91.2%) were aware that HIV D+/R+ transplantation is legal; 21.4% were unaware of research restrictions. Respondents generally agreed with HOPE research criteria except the required experience with ≥5 HIV+ transplants by organ type. Centers planning HIV D+/R+ protocols had higher transplant volume, HIV+ recipient volume, increased infectious risk donor utilization, and local HIV prevalence (P < 0.01). Centers not planning HIV D+/R+ protocols were more likely to believe their HIV+ candidates would not accept HIV+ donor organs (P < 0.001). Most centers (83.2%) supported HIV+ living donation.ConclusionsAlthough many programs plan HIV D+/R+ transplantation, center‐level barriers remain including geographic clustering of kidney/liver programs and concerns about HIV+ candidate willingness to accept HIV+ donor organs.
Donor‐derived hepatitis C in the era of increasing intravenous drug use: A report of the Disease Transmission Advisory Committee
Authors: Kaul Daniel R. , Tlusty Susan M. , Michaels Marian G. , Limaye Ajit P. , Wolfe Cameron R. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe opioid epidemic has resulted in a potential increase in donors in the testing window period for hepatitis C virus (HCV). We analyzed HCV reports to the Disease Transmission Advisory Committee (DTAC) between 2008 and 2016 to estimate the risk of HCV transmission. In 15 of 95 (16%) reports, at least one recipient developed proven/probable donor‐derived HCV resulting in 32 infected recipients. Seven transmissions occurred during the nucleic acid testing (NAT) window period; four occurred during serological window period. The other four transmission occurred due to human error (3) and false‐negative serology (1). All seronegative‐exposed liver and lung recipients contracted HCV; 18/21 (86%) kidney and 3/4 (75%) heart recipients developed HCV. Four transmitting donors died of intravenous drug overdose, three in 2016 and one in 2012. Among donors with a history of intravenous drug use (IVDU), drug intoxication as a mechanism of death, or increased risk status, and negative screening HCV testing, the risk of transmission to a recipient was about 1 in 1000. The overall risk of transmitting HCV from NAT‐negative donors with IVDU is low and consistent with modeling data. This information may be helpful to clinicians counseling potential recipients offered these organs.
Transplant‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy: Incidence, prognostic factors, morbidity, and mortality in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Gavriilaki Eleni , Sakellari Ioanna , Batsis Ioannis , Mallouri Despina , Bousiou Zoi , Vardi Anna , Yannaki Evangelia , Constantinou Varnavas , Tsompanakou Aliki , Vadikoliou Chrysanthi , Kaloyannidis Panayotis , Bamihas Gerasimos , Anagnostopoulos Achilles 
Published: August 2018

AbstractRenewed interest has emerged in transplant‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA‐TMA) with novel prognostic, diagnostic, and treatment algorithms. We aimed to investigate the incidence, prognostic factors, morbidity, and mortality of TA‐TMA in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients. We enrolled consecutive HCT recipients (1990‐2017). Among 758 patients, 116 (15.5%) were diagnosed with TA‐TMA. In the multivariate analysis, TBI‐based conditioning, viral infections, acute and chronic GVHD remained independent predictors of TA‐TMA. With a median follow‐up of 23 (range 0.1‐329) months, TA‐TMA resulted in significantly lower overall survival (OS). In the multivariate analysis, TA‐TMA remained an independent predictor of OS, along with relapse, acute, and chronic GVHD. Among 116 TA‐TMA patients, 70 developed renal (56) and/or neurologic (26) dysfunction that would be necessary for TA‐TMA diagnosis according to the Bone Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network criteria. TA‐TMA patients with renal dysfunction showed increased rates of acute GVHD, but no difference in OS compared to patients without renal dysfunction. However, neurologic dysfunction resulted in significantly lower OS. In conclusion, TA‐TMA is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in allogeneic transplant recipients. Successful prevention and treatment strategies of infections and GVHD need to be timely employed to improve survival in this complex setting.
Basistherapie bei atopischer Dermatitis – Neues und Bewährtes
Authors: Chylla Ricarda , Schnopp Christina , Volz Thomas 
Published: August 2018

ZusammenfassungDie Basistherapie stellt eine tragende Säule in der Behandlung der atopischen Dermatitis dar. Sie ist unabhängig vom Schweregrad der Erkrankung in allen Stadien indiziert. Eine konsequente Basistherapie trägt entscheidend zur Wiederherstellung der gestörten Barrierefunktion, zur Reduktion der Xerosis und des Juckreizes bei. Überdies konnte eine Einsparung von topischen Steroiden durch eine gleichzeitig durchgeführte Basistherapie bei akuter atopischer Dermatitis gezeigt werden. Im Langzeitmanagement der Erkrankung führt sie zu einem verlängerten rezidivfreien Intervall. Neuere Studien zeigen einen protektiven Effekt einer früh begonnenen Basistherapie hinsichtlich der Entwicklung einer atopischen Dermatitis. Im folgenden Review sollen diese Aspekte unter Berücksichtigung klassischer Basistherapeutika und neuerer Entwicklungen aufgezeigt werden.
Epigenetics of fragile X syndrome and fragile X‐related disorders
Authors: Kraan Claudine M , Godler David E , Amor David J 
Published: August 2018

The fragile X mental retardation 1 gene (FMR1)‐related disorder fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common heritable form of cognitive impairment and the second most common cause of comorbid autism.FXSusually results when a premutation trinucleotideCGGrepeat in the 5′ untranslated region of theFMR1gene (CGG55–200) expands over generations to a full mutation allele (CGG>200). This expansion is associated with silencing of theFMR1promoter via an epigenetic mechanism that involvesDNAmethylation of theCGGrepeat and the surrounding regulatory regions. Decrease inFMR1transcription is associated with loss of theFMR1protein that is needed for typical brain development. The past decade has seen major advances in our understanding of the genetic and epigenetic processes that underlieFXS. Here we review these advances and their implications for diagnosis and treatment for individuals who haveFMR1‐related disorders.What This Paper AddsImproved analysis of DNA methylation allows better epigenetic evaluation of the fragile X gene.New testing techniques have unmasked interindividual variation among children with fragile X syndrome.New testing methods have also detected additional cases of fragile X.
Altered frequency of Th17 and Treg cells in new‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Chen Min , Chen Xiaoqi , Wan Qianqian 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundT helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T (Treg) cells play an important role in pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Their imbalance was reported in treated SLE patients, while very little is known about the relationship between Th17 and Treg cells in new‐onset untreated SLE patients.AimTo assess the role of Th17/Treg cells in the pathogenesis of new‐onset SLE.Materials and methodsThirty‐nine new‐onset SLE patients and 33 age‐matched healthy adults were enrolled. We analysed Th17 and Treg cells in different level, including their frequencies in peripheral blood mononuclear cell, the expression of interleukin‐17 A (IL‐17A) and forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) proteins, the expression of retinoid‐related orphan nuclear receptor γt (RORγt) and FoxP3 genes and plasma level of IL‐17A.ResultsThe frequency of Th17 and Treg cells, the expression of IL‐17A among Th17 cell, the plasma level of IL‐17A, the expression of RORγt and FoxP3 genes were all significantly higher in SLE patients. Th17 cells were negatively correlated with Treg cells. We also found that plasma level of IL‐17A was positively correlated with SLE disease activities index (SLEDAI) scores and an equation among the level of C3, IgA, IL‐17A and SLEDAI scores.ConclusionsResults indicate that Th17 and Treg cells take roles in the pathogenesis of SLE. Th17 cells might suppress the differentiation of Treg cells, and feedback effects might exist between them during SLE pathogenesis. The measure of plasma level of IL‐17A may be useful for evaluation of disease activity in new‐onset SLE patients.
Occupational Choice with Endogenous Spillovers
Authors: Albornoz Facundo , Cabrales Antonio , Hauk Esther 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
We study a model that integrates productive and socialising efforts with occupational choice, and endogenous spillovers. We show that more talented individuals work harder and contribute more to externalities, but also have incentives to segregate. Average socialising increases the productivity of the occupation. The size of an occupation grows with its synergies. Individuals underinvest in productive and socialising effort, and sort themselves inefficiently into occupations. We derive the optimal subsidy for sorting into different occupations. Finally, we derive a rule to identify overpopulated sectors and establish the connection between inequality of talents, socialising, productive efforts and occupation size.