bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic use of regulatory T cells for graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Elias Shlomo , Rudensky Alexander Y. 
Published: August 2019

SummaryRegulatory T cells (Treg cells) represent a CD4+ T‐cell lineage that plays a critical role in restraining immune responses to self and foreign antigens and associated inflammation. Due to the suppressive function of Treg cells, inhibition or ablation of these cells can be used to boost the immunity against malignant cells. On the other hand, augmenting the activity of Treg cells can be employed for the treatment of inflammatory or autoimmune diseases and allogeneic conflicts associated with transplantation. Graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In this review, we describe basic biological properties of Treg cells and their role in GvHD. We focus on the application of adoptive transfer of Treg cells and the therapeutic modulation of their activity for the prevention and treatment of GvHD in pre‐clinical models and in clinical settings. We also discuss the main obstacles to applying Treg cell‐based therapies for GvHD in clinical practice.
Clinical and radiographic outcomes of allogeneic block grafts for maxillary lateral ridge augmentation: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: G. F. Tresguerres Francisco , Cortes Arthur R. G. , Hernandez Vallejo Gonzalo , Cabrejos‐Azama Jatsue , Tamimi Faleh , Torres Jesusis 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundA main drawback of bone block graft surgery is the resorption occurring in early stages of healing. To our knowledge, there are no studies comparing outcomes of freeze‐dried bone allograft (FDBA) blocks with different architecture.PurposeThe aim of this work was to investigate different factors that can affect graft resorption and to compare the resorption rates of two different types of allogeneic blocks, corticocancellous and cancellous.Materials and MethodsA randomized clinical trial was designed. Twenty‐eight patients referred for onlay bone augmentation prior to implant placement were included in the study. Preoperative computerized tomography (CT) was taken for all patients. Patients received FDBA blocks of either cancellous or corticocancellous bone obtained from the iliac crest. After a 4‐month follow‐up, postoperative CT was taken. Then, another surgery was performed, with the purpose to place dental implants. The aforementioned groups were compared for bone resorption and implant outcome using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and repeated ANOVA measures, respectively. Demographic data, trabecular bone density, and graft sites were also analyzed.ResultsA total of 93 implants were placed in the augmented bone sites over 28 patients. A 100% survival rate was achieved during a mean follow‐up period of 24 months in both groups. Higher bone resorption rate was found with cancellous bone grafts (29.2% ± 2.6) compared with corticocancellous grafts (19.3% ± 2.3). Moreover, higher resorption rates in patients with lower bone density (<185 Hounsfield Units) (31.7% ± 3.1) and smokers (26.39% ± 2.3) were observed when compared with patients with higher bone density (>185 Hounsfield Units) (16.8% ± 2.1) and nonsmokers (22.1% ± 2.3), respectively.ConclusionWithin the limitations of this study, these findings indicate that both corticocancellous and cancellous FDBA grafts constitute a clinical acceptable alternative for bone reconstruction, although cancellous grafts present higher resorption rates. Moreover, host factors such as patient's low bone density and smoking habits may also increase graft resorption rates.
Combined with anti‐Nogo‐A antibody treatment, BDNF did not compensate the extra deleterious motor effect caused by large size cervical cord hemisection in adult macaques
Authors: Beaud Marie‐Laure , Rouiller Eric M. , Bloch Jocelyne , Mir Anis , Schwab Martin E. , Schmidlin Eric 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn spinal cord injured adult mammals, neutralizing the neurite growth inhibitor Nogo‐A with antibodies promotes axonal regeneration and functional recovery, although axonal regeneration is limited in length. Neurotrophic factors such as BDNF stimulate neurite outgrowth and protect axotomized neurons. Can the effects obtained by neutralizing Nogo‐A, inducing an environment favorable for axonal sprouting, be strengthened by adding BDNF? A unilateral incomplete hemicord lesion at C7 level interrupted the main corticospinal component in three groups of adult macaque monkeys: control monkeys (n = 6), anti‐Nogo‐A antibody‐treated monkeys (n = 7), and anti‐Nogo‐A antibody and BDNF‐treated monkeys (n = 5). The functional recovery of manual dexterity was significantly different between the 3 groups of monkeys, the lowest in the control group. Whereas the anti‐Nogo‐A antibody‐treated animals returned to manual dexterity performances close to prelesion ones, irrespective of lesion size, both the control and the anti‐Nogo‐A/BDNF animals presented a limited functional recovery. In the control group, the limited spontaneous functional recovery depended on lesion size, a dependence absent in the combined treatment group (anti‐Nogo‐A antibody and BDNF). The functional recovery in the latter group was significantly lower than in anti‐Nogo‐A antibody‐treated monkeys, although the lesion was larger in three out of the five monkeys in the combined treatment group.
Biodiversity hotspots are insufficient in capturing range‐restricted species
Authors: Shrestha Nawal , Shen Xiaoli , Wang Zhiheng 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIdentifying hotspots of species richness/rarity is the most commonly used approach worldwide for defining areas of high conservation importance. However, the use of the hotspot method limits one's ability to protect or exclude particular species as all species are treated equally. Particularly, range‐restricted species require high conservation attention because they are more vulnerable than common species. However, the efficiency of the hotspot method in capturing range‐restricted species is yet to be explored, although it is known that this method provides low species coverage. Here, using a comprehensive database of Chinese woody plants, we mapped the diversity pattern of 11,405 species at the spatial resolution of 50 × 50 km2 and identified hotspot areas using 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 25, and 50% thresholds. We then evaluated the proportion of range‐restricted versus common species captured/missed by each hotspot threshold. We found that the commonly used hotspot thresholds (5 and 10%) failed to capture 41–45% of range‐restricted species, which indicates that using the hotspot method for conservation prioritization exposes range‐restricted species to high extinction risk. Relying entirely on the hotspot method to prioritize conservation areas, therefore, can be risky not only because it provides low species coverage but also because the missed species are mostly range‐restricted species. We advocate adopting more efficient methods, such as systematic conservation planning, rather than the hotspot method, to increase the coverage of range‐restricted species in designated priority areas and balance the needs of biodiversity conservation and economic development.
Characterising the association between positive hepatitis C virus antibody and pain among people who inject drugs
Authors: Ng Michelle , Hayashi Kanna , Voon Pauline , Shulha Hennady P. , DeBeck Kora , Milloy M.‐J. , Ti Lianping 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroduction and AimsPeople who inject drugs (PWID) are a key group within the hepatitis C virus (HCV) pandemic. Chronic pain is a common condition among PWID as these individuals are often exposed to soft tissue infections due to injections and violence. This study aims to characterise the relationship between HCV exposure and pain among PWID.Design and MethodsData were derived from three prospective cohorts of PWID in Vancouver, Canada, between December 2011 and November 2016. The primary outcome was pain severity, which was defined based on the Euroqol EQ‐5D‐3L pain subscale. A bivariable and multivariable ordinal generalised estimating equations model was used to quantify the association between HCV exposure and pain among participants.ResultsOne thousand and twelve of 2038 participants (50%) reported moderate/extreme pain at baseline. In total, 1473 (72%) participants were HCV‐antibody positive. In unadjusted analyses, HCV exposure was positively associated with increased pain [odds ratio (OR) = 1.47; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20–1.81]. However, once adjusted for known confounders in multivariable analyses, HCV exposure did not remain significantly associated with increased pain (adjusted OR = 1.00; 95%CI: 0.78–1.28).Discussion and ConclusionsIn this sample of PWID, HCV exposure was not significantly associated with pain once other factors were considered. These various factors may explain the elevated risk of pain among PWID and should be addressed in future initiatives when managing pain among PWID with HCV exposure. Future studies should also examine whether pain changes with changes in HCV status (i.e. active vs. cleared infection).
HbA1c determination from HemaSpot™ blood collection devices: comparison of home prepared dried blood spots with standard venous blood analysis
Authors: Hall J. M. , Fowler C. F. , Barrett F. , Humphry R. W. , Van Drimmelen M. , MacRury S. M. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAimTo assess the clinical performance and patient acceptance of HemaSpot™ blood collection devices as an alternative blood collection method.MethodsAdult men and women with any type of diabetes, routinely carrying out self‐monitoring of blood glucose were recruited (n = 128). Participants provided a venous blood sample and prepared two HemaSpot dried blood spots, one at clinics and one at home. HbA1c analysis was by Tosoh G8 high‐performance liquid chromatography. Participants also completed a questionnaire.ResultsStrong linear relationships been HbA1c levels in dried blood spots and venous blood were observed and a linear model was fitted to the data. Time between dried blood spot preparation and testing did not impact the model. Participants were accepting of the approach: 69.2% would use this system if available and 60.7% would be more likely to use this system than going to their general practitioner.ConclusionsThe combination of a robust desiccating dried blood spot device, home sample preparation and return by post produces HbA1c data that support the use of a time‐independent linear calibration of dried blood spot to venous blood HbA1c. A robust remote sample collection service would be valuable to people living with diabetes in urban areas who are working or house‐bound as well as those living in remote or rural locations.
Data fusion of vis–NIR and PXRF spectra to predict soil physical and chemical properties
Authors: Zhang Yakun , Hartemink Alfred E. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractWe tested one front‐end data fusion method to combine visible near‐infrared (vis–NIR) and portable X‐ray fluorescence (PXRF) spectra for predicting different soil properties and investigated the contribution of different sensor data. A total of 197 soil samples were collected from 25 Alfisols and Mollisols in south‐central Wisconsin, USA. Soils were analysed in the laboratory for clay, sand, silt content, total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN) and pH. Air‐dried soil samples were scanned with vis–NIR and PXRF spectrometers. A principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to each of the vis–NIR and PXRF spectra to extract the first 10 principal components (PCs), which were used in the Cubist model. Five types of input data were compared for constructing the models using a front‐end data fusion approach, including: (a) 10 PCs from vis–NIR spectra, (b) 10 PCs from spectra of PXRF beam 1 (XRF40), (c) 10 PCs from spectra of PXRF beam 2 (XRF10), (d) concatenating 20 PCs from two PXRF spectra (XRF40 + 10), and (e) concatenating 30 PCs from two PXRF spectra and vis–NIR spectra (XRF40 + 10 + NIR). In addition, the performances of the preprocessing methods (four smoothing methods with or without background removal) of PXRF spectra were compared. Multiple linear regression was also used to predict soil properties directly from 11 PXRF‐estimated elements. Our results suggest that smoothing should be applied to the PXRF spectra prior to developing predictive models. PXRF spectra and elemental data can predict soil texture with validation R2 > 0.85, better than using solely vis–NIR spectra, and combining vis–NIR and PXRF spectra improved the prediction. Combining PXRF and vis–NIR can also predict TC and TN moderately well. Soil pH cannot be predicted from vis–NIR or PXRF spectra in this dataset due to its weak correlations with other soil properties and elements. It is concluded that PXRF spectra can be solely used to estimate soil texture, whereas combining vis–NIR and PXRF spectra via PCA should be used to estimate TC and TN.Highlights
The use of front‐end data fusion method to combine vis–NIR and PXRF spectra for predicting soil properties.
Different preprocessing algorithms were compared systematically for PXRF spectra.
Spectral smoothing should be applied to the PXRF spectra prior to developing predictive models.
PXRF spectra can be used solely to estimate soil texture, whereas combining vis–NIR and PXRF spectra via PCA should be used to estimate TC and TN.
Preserved brain functional plasticity after upper limb task‐oriented rehabilitation in progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Boffa G. , Tacchino A. , Sbragia E. , Schiavi S. , Droby A. , Piaggio N. , Bommarito G. , Girardi G. , Mancardi G. L. , Brichetto G. , Inglese M. 
Published: August 2019

Background and purposeLimited research has been dedicated to upper limb (UL) rehabilitation in progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS). The objective in this pilot study was to investigate the effect of task‐oriented UL rehabilitation in PMS and to perform explorative analyses of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlates of changes in motor performance.MethodsTwenty‐six PMS patients with mild UL impairment were prospectively enrolled and randomized into two groups: an active treatment group (ATG,n = 13) and a passive treatment group (PTG,n = 13). At baseline and after training, patients underwent MRI scans with structural and functional imaging and were evaluated with the action research arm test, the nine‐hole peg test, the ABILHAND scale and the modified fatigue impact scale (MFIS). Measures of motor finger performance were obtained by engineered glove measuring.ResultsAfter rehabilitation, the ATG improved in several finger motor tasks (0.001 ≤ P ≤ 0.03, 0.72 ≤ Cohen'sd ≤ 1.22) and showed reduced MFIS scores compared with the PTG (P = 0.03). The ATG showed increased functional connectivity within the cerebellar and thalamic resting state networks compared with the PTG (P < 0.05). Correlations were found between several measures of motor improvement and thalamic and sensorimotor networks (0.87 ≤ r ≤ 0.93, 0.001 ≤ P ≤ 0.03). No changes in cerebral volumes and diffusion tensor imaging derived measures were detected.ConclusionsProgressive multiple sclerosis patients with mild UL dysfunction benefit from task‐oriented UL rehabilitation, which seems to be more efficient than simple passive mobilization. Despite a high burden of disability and brain damage, functional adaptive capacities seem to be preserved, thus providing a rationale for the use of rehabilitative treatments in late PMS.
Wind turbine noise limits propagation of greater prairie‐chicken boom chorus, but does it matter?
Authors: Whalen Cara E. , Brown Mary Bomberger , McGee JoAnn , Powell Larkin A. , Walsh Edward J. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAcoustic signals are often critical elements of mating displays, and lekking male greater prairie‐chickens (Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus) use their boom vocalization for this purpose. We quantified the acoustic characteristics of the boom chorus created by multiple male greater prairie‐chickens vocalizing simultaneously at leks in Brown County, NE, USA, in 2013 and 2014. We used these data to evaluate (a) the role of the boom chorus in prairie‐chicken breeding dynamics and (b) the impact of a wind energy facility on the acoustic signal of the boom chorus. We sampled the chorus using audio recorders placed in transects extending from leks; the chorus exhibited an average peak frequency of 297 ± 13 Hz. The mean chorus signal‐to‐noise ratio declined from 15.7 dB (50 m) to 2.6 dB (800 m), and wind speed and direction, topography, and relative humidity caused variation in signal‐to‐noise ratio at a given distance and location. Chorus recordings from leks within 1,000 m of a wind turbine had lower signal‐to‐noise ratio (βturbine = −5.659, SE = 1.289) than leks farther from turbines. The chorus signal‐to‐noise ratio increased slightly with more males present on the lek (~0.1 dB for each additional male; βmales = 0.177; SE = 0.037) and considerably more as more females visited the lek (~1.4 dB for each additional female; βfemales = 2.498, SE = 0.235; βfemales2 = −0.309, SE = 0.039). Our results provide support for the signal enhancement hypothesis that proposes the boom chorus is influenced notably by male–male competition for females on the lek, rather than functioning solely to advertise the presence of the lek to recruit females. Our results also suggest the choruses emanating from small leks have the greatest potential to be masked by anthropogenic (wind turbine) noise, which may affect the breeding success of male and female prairie‐chickens.
Assessment of the impact of sex in intensity, skin flares and central processing of histaminergic itch—A pilot study
Authors: Mueller Simon M. , Mueller Felix , Reinhardt Julia , Itin Peter , Navarini Alexander , Stippich Christoph , Borgwardt Stefan 
Published: August 2019

AbstractItch is the commonest skin‐related symptom, and sex differences are increasingly recognised as important determinants in stratified medicine, but only little is known about sex differences in itch. Questionnaire‐based studies indicated that women perceive itch as more intensive and bothersome in comparison with men. However, data of studies using standardised itch models to objectify sex differences are scarce and inconsistent. To determine sex differences in intensity, skin flares and central processing of histaminergic itch, we compared 15 female and 15 male healthy subjects in a double‐blinded, within‐subject, placebo‐controlled study using a histamine skin prick itch model (histamine 1% applied onto the volar forearm) and functional MRI. We found trends in higher mean itch intensity (0.58 VAS, CI 95% 0.004‐1.19, P = .056) and maximum itch intensity (men 3.93 VAS ± 0.39 SD at 3 minutes, women 4.73 VAS ± 0.31 SD at 4 minutes, P = .073) in women paralleled by a trend in a stronger positive correlation between itch intensity and blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) activity in brain structures identified during itch in comparison with men (rs in women: .46, P = .08, rs in men: .07, P = .79). The erythema and wheal following histamine skin pricking were (non‐significantly) larger in men, indicating that higher mean itch intensities on the right volar forearm in women may not be explained by more intense flares. The comparison of the activation patterns between the sexes revealed increased activity in men compared to women in the left middle temporal gyrus (temporooccipital part)/lateral occipital cortex. Thus, our findings indicate that histaminergic itch perception and central itch processing differ between the sexes under standardised conditions.
An overview of the relationship between anaemia, iron, and venous leg ulcers
Authors: Ferris Amy E. , Harding Keith G. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe factors preventing healing in venous leg ulcers are still not fully understood. Iron‐mediated tissue damage has been hypothesised, yet anecdotally anaemia is also thought to have a negative effect on wound healing. This article summarises the current evidence for these theories and their likely effects in the context of venous ulceration. A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted. Studies suggest that a number of forms of iron including haemosiderin and ferritin are implicated in progression of venous disease, ulcer formation, and impaired healing, which is thought to be primarily free radical mediated. There is a paucity of evidence for the role of iron deficiency and anaemia on ulcer healing; however, there is likely to be a highly complex interplay between the damaging effects of iron on local tissues and the negative effects of anaemia‐mediated tissue hypoxia. Studies looking at options to increase local oxygen delivery such as topical haemoglobin suggest that this may have an impact on some aspects of healing, but findings are generally inconclusive. There is growing evidence that locally elevated iron levels may have a detrimental effect on ulcer healing and formation; however, more robust research is needed.
Nickel‐containing magnetoceramics from water vapor‐assisted pyrolysis of polysiloxane and nickel 2,4‐pentanedionate
Authors: Yang Ni , Gao Min , Li Jiefang , Lu Kathy 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn this study, novel ferromagnetic Ni‐containing silicon oxycarbide (SiOC–Ni) was successfully fabricated from a base polysiloxane (PSO) with the addition of nickel 2,4‐pentanedionate. The resultant SiOC–Ni nanocomposite consists of in situ formed Ni nanocrystallites with a small amount of NiO uniformly dispersed in the amorphous SiOC matrix, and the corresponding nanocrystallite size increases with the increase of the pyrolysis temperature. The formation of nickel silicides (NixSiy) is completely suppressed by the effect of water vapor during the pyrolysis. The fundamental phase evolution process and mechanisms are explained. In an argon atmosphere, the SiOC–Ni materials pyrolyzed at 900°C are stable up to 1000°C with less than 6 wt% weight loss; they exhibit desirable electrical conductivity up to ~900°C with the highest electrical conductivity at ~247 S/m. This series of SiOC–Ni materials also demonstrates exciting ferromagnetic behaviors. Their new semiconducting behavior with soft ferromagnetism presents promising application potentials for magnetic sensors, transformers, actuators, etc.
Should supervisors communicate goals or visions? The moderating role of subordinates' psychological distance
Authors: Vanderstukken Arne , Schreurs Bert , Germeys Filip , Van den Broeck Anja , Proost Karin 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThere is an ongoing debate about how supervisors should communicate desired end‐states to subordinates, that is, whether they should set concrete goals (according to goal setting theory) or communicate abstract visions (according to transformational leadership theory). In this paper, we draw on construal level theory (CLT) to reconcile both views and develop a model of when supervisors communicating concrete goals versus abstract visions are seen as more effective. According to CLT, being psychologically removed from (vs. near to) an event or object makes people construe the event or object in a more abstract (vs. concrete) way, which, in turn, leads people to process abstract (vs. concrete) information more fluently and thus evaluate the sender of this information more favorably. Accordingly, supervisor effectiveness may be higher in conditions where communication and psychological distance to the supervisor converge (vision/far and goals/close) rather than diverge (vision/close and goals/far). We tested this hypothesis in two experiments, using different operationalizations of psychological distance. In these studies, we found supervisor effectiveness to be higher when vision was communicated at a far versus near distance and goals were communicated at a near versus far distance.