bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Establishing a heart transplant programme using donation after circulatory-determined death donors: a United Kingdom based single-centre experience
Authors: Mehta Vipin , Taylor Marcus , Hasan Joanne , Dimarakis Ioannis , Barnard Jim , Callan Paul , Shaw Steven , Venkateswaran Rajamiyer V 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Demand for heart transplant donors worldwide continues to outstrip supply. Transplanting hearts following donation after circulatory-determined death (DCD) is increasingly recognized as a safe and effective alternative. As the fourth centre worldwide to have established such a programme, our goal was to present our initial experience.

METHODS
This was a single-centre retrospective observational study. All DCD hearts were retrieved using direct procurement and perfusion. Continuous normothermic perfusion of the procured heart was then established on the TransMedics® Organ Care System. The primary outcome of this study was the 30-day survival rate.

RESULTS
Between May 2017 and December 2018, 8 DCD hearts were procured and 7 were subsequently implanted, including in 2 patients who had left ventricular assist devices explanted. During the same time period, 30 patients received donation after brainstem death heart transplants. Therefore, the DCD heart transplant programme led to a 23% increase in transplant activity. The median donation warm ischaemic time was 34 min [interquartile range (IQR) 31–39 min]. The median functional warm ischaemic time was 28 min (IQR 25–30 min). The median time spent by the organ on the Organ Care System was 263 min (IQR 242–296 min). The overall 30-day survival rate was 100% and the 90-day survival rate was 86%. Postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was required in 3/7 (43%).

CONCLUSIONS
DCD heart transplants can lead to a 23% increase in heart transplant activity and should be adopted by more institutions across the world. Already established transplant programmes with good early outcomes can start such a programme safely.
A Mobile Genetic Element Promotes the Association Between Serotype M28 Group A Streptococcus Isolates and Cases of Puerperal Sepsis
Authors: Jain Ira , Sarkar Poulomee , Danger Jessica L , Medicielo Josette , Roshika Roshika , Calfee Gregory , Ramalinga Anupama , Burgess Cameron , Sumby Paul 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundBacterial infections following childbirth—so-called puerperal infections—cause morbidity in 5%–10% of all new mothers. At low frequency, the infection can spread to the blood, resulting in life-threatening sepsis known as puerperal sepsis. Pathogens causing puerperal sepsis include group A Streptococcus (GAS), and epidemiological analyses have identified isolates of a single serotype, M28, as being nonrandomly associated with cases of puerperal sepsis. The genomes of serotype M28 GAS isolates harbor a 36.3-kb mobile genetic element of apparent group B Streptococcus origin, termed region of difference 2 (RD2).MethodsThe phenotypic (determined via tissue culture and a vaginal colonization model) and regulatory (determined via RNA sequencing analysis) contributions of RD2 were assessed by comparing parental, RD2 deletion mutant, and complemented mutant serotype M28 GAS strains.ResultsRD2 affords serotype M28 isolates an enhanced ability to adhere to human vaginal epithelial cells and to colonize the female reproductive tract in a mouse model of infection. In addition, RD2 influences the abundance of messenger RNAs from >100 core chromosomal GAS genes.ConclusionsThe data are consistent with RD2 directly, via encoded virulence factors, and indirectly, via encoded regulatory proteins, modifying the virulence potential of GAS and contributing to the decades-old association of serotype M28 isolates with cases of puerperal sepsis.
Maize-Produced Ag2 as a Subunit Vaccine for Valley Fever
Authors: Hayden Celine A , Hung Chiung-Yu , Zhang Hao , Negron Austin , Esquerra Raymond , Ostroff Gary , Abraham Ambily , Lopez Alejandro Gabriel , Gonzales Juliet Elizabeth , Howard John A 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Coccidioides is the causative agent of San Joaquin Valley fever, a fungal disease prevalent in the semiarid regions of the Americas. Efforts to develop a fungal vaccine over the last 2 decades were unsuccessful. A candidate antigen, Antigen 2 (Ag2), is notoriously difficult to express in Escherichia coli, and this study sought to accumulate the antigen at high levels in maize. Transformed maize lines accumulated recombinant Ag2 at levels >1 g/kg. Mice immunized with this antigen and challenged with live Coccidioides arthroconidia showed a reduction in the fungal load when Ag2 derived from either E. coli or maize was loaded into glucan chitin particles. A fusion of Ag2 to dendritic cell carrier peptide (DCpep) induced a T-helper type 17 response in the spleen when orally delivered, indicative of a protective immune response. The maize production platform and the glucan chitin particle adjuvant system show promise for development of a Coccidioides vaccine, but further testing is needed to fully assess the optimal method of administration.
The Arabidopsis receptor kinase STRUBBELIG undergoes clathrin-dependent endocytosis
Authors: Gao Jin , Chaudhary Ajeet , Vaddepalli Prasad , Nagel Marie-Kristin , Isono Erika , Schneitz Kay 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSignaling mediated by cell surface receptor kinases is central to the coordination of growth patterns during organogenesis. Receptor kinase signaling is in part controlled through endocytosis and subcellular distribution of the respective receptor kinase. For the majority of plant cell surface receptors, the underlying trafficking mechanisms are not characterized. In Arabidopsis, tissue morphogenesis requires the atypical receptor kinase STRUBBELIG (SUB). Here, we studied the endocytic mechanism of SUB. Our data revealed that a functional SUB–enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fusion is ubiquitinated in vivo. We further showed that plasma membrane-bound SUB:EGFP becomes internalized in a clathrin-dependent fashion. We also found that SUB:EGFP associates with the trans-Golgi network and accumulates in multivesicular bodies and the vacuole. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that SUB:EGFP and clathrin are present within the same protein complex. Our genetic analysis showed that SUB and CLATHRIN HEAVY CHAIN (CHC) 2 regulate root hair patterning. By contrast, genetic reduction of CHC activity ameliorates the floral defects of sub mutants. Taken together, the data indicate that SUB undergoes clathrin-mediated endocytosis, that this process does not rely on stimulation of SUB signaling by an exogenous agent, and that SUB genetically interacts with clathrin-dependent pathways in a tissue-specific manner.
Maize pentatricopeptide repeat protein DEK41 affects cis-splicing of mitochondrial nad4 intron 3 and is required for normal seed development
Authors: Zhu Chenguang , Jin Guangpu , Fang Peng , Zhang Yan , Feng Xuzhen , Tang Yuanping , Qi Weiwei , Song Rentao 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe splicing of organelle-encoded mRNA in plants requires proteins encoded in the nucleus. The mechanism of splicing and the factors involved are not well understood. Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins are known to participate in such RNA–protein interactions. Maize defective kernel 41 (dek41) is a seedling-lethal mutant that causes developmental defects. In this study, the Dek41 gene was cloned by Mutator tag isolation and allelic confirmation, and was found to encode a P-type PPR protein that targets mitochondria. Analysis of the mitochondrial RNA transcript profile revealed that dek41 mutations cause reduced splicing efficiency of mitochondrial nad4 intron 3. Immature dek41 kernels exhibited severe reductions in complex I assembly and NADH dehydrogenase activity. Up-regulated expression of alternative oxidase genes and deformed inner cristae of mitochondria in dek41, as revealed by TEM, indicated that proper splicing of nad4 is essential for correct mitochondrial functioning and morphology. Consistent with this finding, differentially expressed genes in the dek41 endosperm included those related to mitochondrial function and activity. Our results indicate that DEK41 is a PPR protein that affects cis-splicing of mitochondrial nad4 intron 3 and is required for correct mitochondrial functioning and maize kernel development.
The function of S-nitrosothiols during abiotic stress in plants
Authors: Begara-Morales Juan C , Chaki Mounira , Valderrama Raquel , Mata-Pérez Capilla , Padilla Maria N , Barroso Juan B 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is an active redox molecule involved in the control of a wide range of functions integral to plant biology. For instance, NO is implicated in seed germination, floral development, senescence, stomatal closure, and plant responses to stress. NO usually mediates signaling events via interactions with different biomolecules, for example the modulation of protein functioning through post-translational modifications (NO-PTMs). S-nitrosation is a reversible redox NO-PTM that consists of the addition of NO to a specific thiol group of a cysteine residue, leading to formation of S-nitrosothiols (SNOs). SNOs are more stable than NO and therefore they can extend and spread the in vivo NO signaling. The development of robust and reliable detection methods has allowed the identification of hundreds of S-nitrosated proteins involved in a wide range of physiological and stress-related processes in plants. For example, SNOs have a physiological function in plant development, hormone metabolism, nutrient uptake, and photosynthesis, among many other processes. The role of S-nitrosation as a regulator of plant responses to salinity and drought stress through the modulation of specific protein targets has also been well established. However, there are many S-nitrosated proteins that have been identified under different abiotic stresses for which the specific roles have not yet been identified. In this review, we examine current knowledge of the specific role of SNOs in the signaling events that lead to plant responses to abiotic stress, with a particular focus on examples where their functions have been well characterized at the molecular level.
Accurately computing weak lensing convergence
Authors: Koksbang Sofie Marie , Clarkson Chris 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT
Weak lensing will play an important role in future cosmological surveys, including e.g. Euclid and SKA. Sufficiently accurate theoretical predictions are important for correctly interpreting these surveys and hence for extracting correct cosmological parameter estimations. We quantify for the first time in a relativistic setting how many post-Born and lens–lens coupling corrections are required for sub-per cent accuracy of the theoretical weak lensing convergence for $z$ ≤ 2 (the primary weak lensing range for Euclid and SKA). We do this by ray tracing through a fully relativistic exact solution of the Einstein field equations, which consists of randomly packed mass-compensated underdensities of realistic amplitudes. We find that including lens–lens coupling terms and post-Born corrections up to second and third order respectively is sufficient for sub-per cent accuracy of the convergence along $94{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the studied light rays. We also find that a significant percentage of the studied rays have post-Born corrections of size over $10{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the usual gravitational convergence, κ(1), and several rays even have post-Born corrections several times the size of κ(1) at $z$ = 2.
Aquatic Adaptation and Depleted Diversity: A Deep Dive into the Genomes of the Sea Otter and Giant Otter
Authors: Beichman Annabel C , Koepfli Klaus-Peter , Li Gang , Murphy William , Dobrynin Pasha , Kliver Sergei , Tinker Martin T , Murray Michael J , Johnson Jeremy , Lindblad-Toh Kerstin , Karlsson Elinor K , Lohmueller Kirk E , Wayne Robert K 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDespite its recent invasion into the marine realm, the sea otter (Enhydra lutris) has evolved a suite of adaptations for life in cold coastal waters, including limb modifications and dense insulating fur. This uniquely dense coat led to the near-extinction of sea otters during the 18th–20th century fur trade and an extreme population bottleneck. We used the de novo genome of the southern sea otter (E. l. nereis) to reconstruct its evolutionary history, identify genes influencing aquatic adaptation, and detect signals of population bottlenecks. We compared the genome of the southern sea otter with the tropical freshwater-living giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) to assess common and divergent genomic trends between otter species, and with the closely related northern sea otter (E. l. kenyoni) to uncover population-level trends. We found signals of positive selection in genes related to aquatic adaptations, particularly limb development and polygenic selection on genes related to hair follicle development. We found extensive pseudogenization of olfactory receptor genes in both the sea otter and giant otter lineages, consistent with patterns of sensory gene loss in other aquatic mammals. At the population level, the southern sea otter and the northern sea otter showed extremely low genomic diversity, signals of recent inbreeding, and demographic histories marked by population declines. These declines may predate the fur trade and appear to have resulted in an increase in putatively deleterious variants that could impact the future recovery of the sea otter.
Safety and effectiveness of transjugular renal biopsy for systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome patients taking antithrombotics
Authors: Nielly Hubert , Mathian Alexis , Cazenave Maud , Izzedine Hassan , Haroche Julien , Cohen-Aubart Fleur , Hie Miguel , Miyara Makoto , Pineton de Chambrun Marc , Benameur Neila , Hausfater Pierre , Pha Micheline , Boutin-Lê Thi Huong Du , Rouvier Philippe , Brocheriou Isabelle , Cluzel Philippe , Amoura Zahir 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundRenal biopsy is the cornerstone of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) nephritis and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) nephropathy management. However, transcutaneous renal biopsy (TCRB) is hampered by the antithrombotic treatment frequently prescribed for those diseases. Transjugular renal biopsy (TJRB) offers an attractive alternative for patients at increased risk of bleeding. The primary objective of the study was to describe the safety profile and diagnostic performance of TJRB in SLE and APS patients.MethodsAll SLE and/or APS patients who underwent a renal biopsy in our department (between January 2004 and October 2016) were retrospectively reviewed. Major complications were death, haemostasis nephrectomy, renal artery embolization, red blood cell transfusion, sepsis and vascular thrombosis; macroscopic haematuria, symptomatic perirenal/retroperitoneal bleeding and renal arteriovenous fistula without artery embolization were considered as minor complications.ResultsTwo hundred and fifty-six TJRBs—119 without antithrombotics (untreated), 69 under aspirin and 68 on anticoagulants and 54 TCRBs without antithrombotics—were analysed. Their major and minor complication rates, respectively, did not differ significantly for the four groups: 0 and 8% for untreated TJRBs, 1 and 6% for aspirin-treated, 6 and 10% for anticoagulant-treated and 2 and 2% for TCRBs. The number of glomeruli sampled and the biopsy contribution to establishing a histological diagnosis was similar for the four groups.ConclusionsTJRBs obtained from SLE and APS patients taking antithrombotics had diagnostic yields and safety profiles similar to those of untreated TCRBs. Thus, TJRB should be considered for SLE and APS patients at risk of bleeding.
Body mass index, weight-adjusted immunosuppression and the risk of acute rejection and infection after kidney transplantation: a cohort study
Authors: Flabouris Katerina , Chadban Steven , Ladhani Maleeka , Cervelli Matthew , Clayton Philip 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundBody mass index (BMI) is associated with patient outcomes after kidney transplantation. We hypothesized that immunosuppression (IS) dosing is a contributing factor.MethodsUsing Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant registry data, we included all adult kidney-only transplant recipients over 2000–14 treated with prednisolone, mycophenolate and tacrolimus/cyclosporin (n = 7919). The exposure was BMI and the outcomes were time to: (i) acute rejection, (ii) fatal infection, (iii) cancer and (iv) graft; and (v) patient survival. We modelled BMI and IS dosing (in quartiles) as time-varying covariates in extended Cox models.ResultsCompared with a BMI of 25 kg/m2, a BMI of 35 was associated with acute rejection after adjusting for demographics and comorbidities [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12–1.49]. This association virtually disappeared after correcting for IS (aHR = 1.09, 95% CI 0.93–1.29). A BMI of 35 was non-significantly associated with fewer fatal infections (aHR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.66–1.25), but this reversed after adjusting for IS (aHR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.03–2.28). Results for cancer were not significantly altered after adjusting for IS. Results for lower BMI were similarly not significantly altered though generally associated with worse outcomes.ConclusionsOur findings show that the associations between high BMI, acute rejection and fatal infection after kidney transplantation were significantly altered after correcting for IS suggesting that relative under-dosing of obese patients may partially explain these associations.
When the Total is Less than the Sum of the Parts
Authors: Zahar Marie-Joëlle 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
This chapter examines the impact of territorial restructuring in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and the context in which it took place. It first considers the context that accompanied the breakup of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia before discussing the period of constitutional engagement in the BiH. In particular, it highlights two major issues: the process (or lack thereof) of constitutional change and the centrality of territory. It then explores the role played by international engagement in the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement (which made the territorial reorganization of BiH possible), the activism of BiH’s Constitutional Court, and the influence of the European Court of Human Rights. Finally, it analyzes two important lessons from Bosnia with respect to how territorial cleavages ought to be handled in constitutional processes: state capture and citizen loyalties.
Inequality in a global perspective
Authors: Kanbur Ravi 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe basic story of global inequality in the last three decades has been an overall decline, but one which is composed of quite intricate patterns. There has been a decline in between-country inequality as China and India have grown relative to the US and other rich countries. This has been accompanied by an increase in within-country inequality, but this is itself composed of rising inequality in some countries such as China, India, and the US, and declining inequality in other countries, including large economies in Latin America. Section II of the paper reviews these patterns, highlighting country diversity to make the central point that policy matters. Section III addresses a normative question—what relative weight should be given to within-country and between-country inequality in making an overall global assessment? This section brings on board recent philosophical discourse, including on inequality of opportunity in a global frame. Section IV returns to the ‘policy matters’ theme and takes up global constraints on national redistribution policy in a globalized world: for example, a race to the bottom on taxation to attract and keep capital and talent, and possible global institutional responses to alleviate these constraints.
Variation in the Role and Impact of Standing Committees: The Case of the French Senate
Authors: Morel Benjamin 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
The aim of this article is to question the variation in standing committees’ roles and impacts and to explore how the uniqueness of their constitutional role can obscure a variety of approaches and practices. The present study reflects on the diversity of these committees by examining the case of the French Senate. This article demonstrates that the heterogeneity of Senate committees may have consequences for the legislative process. Considering Parliament reform through a re-evaluation of the role of standing committees must therefore involve questioning committee differences. This article considers the different roles committees play in the Senate and examines their influence on the legislative process.
Predictors of low disease activity and clinical remission following belimumab treatment in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Parodis Ioannis , Johansson Petter , Gomez Alvaro , Soukka Sofia , Emamikia Sharzad , Chatzidionysiou Katerina 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Objectives
To identify predictors of low disease activity and clinical remission following belimumab treatment in SLE.

Methods
SLE patients who received belimumab 10 mg/kg (N = 563) in the BLISS-52 and BLISS-76 clinical trials were surveyed. The performance of baseline factors in predicting attainment of low disease activity (defined as Lupus Low Disease Activity State) or clinical remission [defined as clinical (c)SLEDAI-2K = 0] at week 52 from treatment initiation was evaluated using logistic regression. Organ damage was assessed using the SLICC/ACR Damage Index (SDI).

Results
We demonstrated a negative impact of established organ damage on attainment of Lupus Low Disease Activity State [SDI > 0; odds ratio (OR): 0.44; 95% CI 0.22, 0.90; P = 0.024] and the primary Lupus Low Disease Activity State condition, i.e. SLEDAI-2K ⩽ 4 with no renal activity, pleurisy, pericarditis or fever (SDI > 1; OR: 0.46; 95% CI 0.27, 0.77; P = 0.004); cognitive impairment/psychosis was found to mainly account for the latter association. Baseline SDI scores > 1 predicted failure to attain cSLEDAI-2K = 0 (OR: 0.53; 95% CI 0.30, 0.94; P = 0.030), with cutaneous damage mainly driving this association. Anti–dsDNA positivity increased (OR: 1.82; 95% CI 1.08, 3.06; P = 0.025) and cardiovascular damage reduced (OR: 0.13; 95% CI 0.02, 0.97; P = 0.047) the probability of attaining cSLEDAI-2K = 0 along with a daily prednisone equivalent intake restricted to ⩽7.5 mg.

Conclusion
Belimumab might be expected to be more efficacious in inducing low disease activity and clinical remission in SLE patients with limited or no organ damage accrued prior to treatment initiation. Patients with positive anti–dsDNA titres might be more likely to achieve clinical remission along with limited or no CS use.