bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Historical Analysis of U.S. Tornado Fatalities (1808–2017): Population, Science, and Technology
Authors: Agee Ernest , Taylor Lindsey 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe record of tornado fatalities in the United States for over two centuries (1808–2017) and decadal census records have been examined to search for historical trends. Particular attention has been given to the response to population growth and expansion into the tornado-prone regions of the country. The region selected includes the Tornado Alley of the central Great Plains, the Dixie Alley in the southeastern states, and the adjoining states in the Midwest that collectively encompass a 21-state rectangular region. The data record has been divided into two subintervals, Era A (1808–1915) and Era B (1916–2017), each of which consists of three equal-length periods. Era A is characterized by a growing and westward expanding population along with a basic absence of scientific knowledge, technology, and communications (for prediction, detection, and warning). This is followed by a renaissance of discovery and advancement in Era B that contributes to saving lives. The aforementioned periods are defined by a set of notable events that help to define the respective periods. A death per population index (DPI) is used to evaluate the 21 states in each era; there is a rise of mean DPI values to a maximum of 1.50 at the end of Era A and a subsequent fall to 0.21 at the end of Era B. It is also shown for all three periods in Era B that the deadliest tornado states, in ranked order, are Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Oklahoma. Suggestions are presented for ways to continue the decreasing trend in DPI, which would imply that the death rate increase is not as fast as the rate of population increase (or would even imply a decreasing death rate).
Qingyi decoction attenuates severe acute pancreatitis in rats via inhibition of inflammation and protection of the intestinal barrier
Authors: Su Song , Liang Tiancheng , Zhou Xiang , He Kai , Li Bo , Xia Xianming 
Published: January 2019

Objective Qingyi decoction (QYD) has beneficial effects in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). We assessed the therapeutic effect and mechanisms of QYD in SAP. Methods A rat model of SAP was induced by pancreatic ductal injection of sodium taurocholate. QYD was administered intragastrically immediately postoperatively and once every 12 hours. Serum amylase, endotoxin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and D-lactate levels were measured at 12, 24, and 48 hours. Histological changes in the pancreas and ileum were analyzed. Expression of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells p65 (NF-κB p65), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in the small intestinal mucosa was also assessed. Results Pancreatic tissue showed extracellular space expansion, inflammatory infiltration, vessels with necrotic walls, and hemorrhage. Ileal tissue showed hemorrhage, inflammatory infiltration, and ileal mucosa destruction. These histological features were dramatically improved by QYD. Increased serum levels of amylase, endotoxin, TNF-α, IL-6, and D-lactic acid were significantly decreased by QYD administration. Increased expression of NF-κB p65 and TLR4 and decreased expression of ZO-1 in the ileal mucosa were also restored to normal levels by QYD treatment. Conclusion QYD alleviates SAP by reducing intestinal barrier dysfunction, inhibiting intestinal bacteria and endotoxin translocation, and preventing NF-κB activation.
Inhibition of protease-activated receptor-2 induces apoptosis in cervical cancer by inhibiting signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 signaling
Authors: Shanshan Hu , Lan Xiao , Xia Li , Huang Wang , Meifang Zuo , Ling Yin 
Published: January 2019

Objective The present study explored how the inhibition of protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) induced proliferation and apoptosis in cervical cancer in vitro and in vivo. Methods mRNA and protein expression of PAR2 and signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3) was determined by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting. The proliferation and apoptosis of cervical cancer cells were assayed by the cell counting kit-8 kit, flow cytometry, and western blotting. The effects of PAR2 inhibition on cervical cancer were also examined in BALB/c nude mice in vivo. Results SLIGRL-NH2 (SL), a selective PAR-2 agonist, promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of healthy cervical cancer cells and HeLa cells, while the PAR-2 antagonist FSLLRY-NH2 (FS) inhibited proliferation and led to apoptosis. SL also promoted the activation of STAT-3, while FS inhibited it and inhibited cancer growth in vivo. Conclusion FS inhibited cervical cancer by reducing proliferation and inducing apoptosis by interfering with STAT-3 signaling.
POLST Registration and Associated Outcomes Among Veterans With Advanced-Stage Lung Cancer
Authors: Nugent Shannon M. , Slatore Christopher G. , Ganzini Linda , Golden Sara E. , Zive Dana , Vranas Kelly C. , Sullivan Donald R. 
Published: January 2019

Introduction: The Oregon Physicians Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Program allows patients with advanced illness to document end-of-life (EOL) care preferences. We examined the characteristics and associated EOL care among Veterans with and without a registered POLST. Methods: Retrospective, cohort study of advanced-stage (IIIB and IV) patients with lung cancer who were diagnosed between 2008 and 2013 as recorded in the VA Central Cancer Registry. We examined a subgroup of 346 Oregon residents. We obtained clinical and sociodemographic variables from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse and EOL preferences from the Oregon POLST Registry. We compared hospice enrollment and place of death between those with and without a registered POLST. Results: Twenty-two (n = 77) percent of our cohort had registered POLST forms. Compared to those without a registered POLST, Veterans with a POLST had a higher income ($51 456 vs $48 882) and longer time between diagnosis and death (223 days vs 119 days). Those with a registered POLST were more likely to be enrolled in hospice (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-5.54) and less likely to die in a VA facility (aOR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.12-0.59). Conclusion: There was low submission to the POLST Registry among Veterans who received care in Veterans’ Health Administration. Veterans who had a registered POLST were more likely to be enrolled in hospice and less likely to die in a VA care setting. The POLST may improve metrics of high-quality EOL care; however, opportunities for improvement in submission and implementation within the VA exist.
Long-term Follow-up Results of Buechel-Pappas Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Krishnapillai Sajeeban , Joling Boudijn , Sierevelt Inger N. , Kerkhoffs Gino M.M.J. , Haverkamp Daniël , Hoornenborg Daniël 
Published: January 2019

Background: Total ankle replacement (TAR) is gaining popularity as a treatment option for ankle osteoarthritis. Long-term implant survival is a critical outcome to determine the success of the TAR implant. The Buechel-Pappas (BP) implant is a second-generation mobile bearing implant. The aim of this study was to analyze the BP implant survivorship at 10-year follow-up, make a subanalysis between patient groups, and evaluate long-term functional outcomes. Methods: Data of 86 patients who received 101 BP implants between 1993 and 2010 were obtained from a prospectively documented database. Subanalyses were done for patients diagnosed with inflammatory joint disease and noninflammatory joint disease, and patients with preoperative tibiotalar neutral and nonneutral alignment. A Kaplan-Meier curve was used for survival analysis. Long-term functional outcomes were assessed with the following patient-reported outcome measures: Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), Short Form-36 (SF-36) Stand Version 2.0 Health Survey and 3 anchor questions. Results: The survival rate of the BP implant at 10 years was 86% (95% confidence interval, 78%-93%). A total of 31 patients (36%) required 55 reoperations, and in 13 patients (15%) a revision procedure was performed. In this series, no significant difference in 10-year survival rate was found between neither the inflammatory joint disease and noninflammatory joint disease group ( P = .47), nor the tibiotalar neutral and nonneutral alignment group ( P = .16). At a mean follow-up of 16.8 years for 21 patients, the mean FAOS activities of daily living (ADL) and FAAM ADL subscale scores were 75/100 and 56/100 points. The mean physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) of the SF-36 were 34/100 and 51/100 points, respectively. Conclusion: A survival rate of 86% was found at 10-year follow-up for the Buechel-Pappas implant. Our series demonstrated no significant difference in 10-year survival rates between the 2 patient subgroups. Long-term results of the various functional outcomes varied between poor and moderate. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective cohort study.
Comparing iStent versus CyPass with or without phacoemulsification in patients with glaucoma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Mahdavi Fard Ali , Patel Sangita P. , Pourafkari Leili , Nader Nader D. 
Published: January 2019

Bacground: The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to compare the overall intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect of iStent or CyPass as isolated procedures or in combination with cataract extraction. Materials and methods: Cochrane review manager 5.3 software (RevMan® 5.3) was used for a meta-analysis of IOPs and the number of antiglaucoma medications in six groups according to the type and number of stents and whether the procedure was isolated or in combination with cataract extraction. Main results: A total of 33 out of 446 publications retrieved have been enrolled. The mean changes in IOP in the groups with one iStent and more than two iStents with concurrent cataract extraction were −3.78 ± 0.53 mmHg and −3.89 ± 0.73 mmHg, respectively. The mean differences in IOP in the groups with one iStent and more than two iStents without concurrent cataract extraction were −3.96 ± 0.25 mmHg and −7.48 ± 0.55 mmHg, respectively. The mean changes in IOP in the groups with CyPass implantation with and without concurrent cataract extraction were −4.97 ± 1.38 mmHg and −8.96 ± 0.16 mmHg, respectively. Conclusions: Both iStent and CyPass either in combination with cataract extraction or as isolated procedures effectively decrease IOP. This effect is greatest with isolated implantation of CyPass followed by multiple iStents and then single iStent implantation and lasts up to 2 years.
Perforations and bleeding in a population‐based cohort of all registered colonoscopies in Sweden from 2001 to 2013
Authors: Thulin Torbjörn , Hammar Ulf , Ekbom Anders , Hultcrantz Rolf , Forsberg Anna M 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundThe rates of perforation and bleeding are important quality measures of colonoscopy performance.ObjectiveThe objective of this article is to assess the frequency of colonoscopy‐related bleeding and perforation in Swedish counties and to relate these findings to patient characteristics.MethodData on 593,308 colonoscopies performed on adults from 2001 to 2013 were retrieved from Swedish inpatient and outpatient registers. Covariates were assessed in a multivariate Poisson regression model. The correlation between perforation and bleeding was calculated with Pearson's bivariate correlation formula.ResultsThe relative frequency of bleeding and perforation vary across counties (bleeding: 0.02%–0.27%; perforation: 0.02%–0.27%). There were significant positive correlations between the relative frequency of bleeding and perforation at the county level, both including (r = 0.792, p < 0.001) and excluding polypectomies r = 0.814 (p < 0.001). The relative risks of these conditions in the counties ranged from 0.12, p < 0.001, to 1.53, p = 0.05 (bleeding) and from 0.17, p = 0.002, to 2.42, p < 0.001 (perforation).ConclusionsThere are substantial differences in colonoscopy performance in Sweden. These differences do not seem to be explained by patient characteristics.
Association of Global DNA Methylation to Titanium and Peri-Implantitis: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Daubert D.M. , Pozhitkov A.E. , Safioti L.M. , Kotsakis G.A. 
Published: January 2019

Introduction: Epigenetic changes are associated with various inflammatory diseases and are influenced by environmental factors. Recent data support an association between titanium dissolution products and peri-implantitis. We hypothesize that site-specific changes in gene methylation, a form of epigenetic regulation, around dental implants may be influenced by local environmental factors, such as titanium dissolution particles. Objectives: The primary purpose of this study was to assess global methylation patterns related to the disease status of dental implants and the concentration of titanium particles. Methods: We assessed peri-implantitis cases defined according to established definitions from a cross-sectional study that had implants in function for at least 2 y. Controls were sampled from the same population and had healthy implants. Peri-implant crevicular fluid samples were collected and prepared for immunohistochemical analysis of 5-methylcytosine (5mC), and submucosal plaque samples were collected and subjected to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for measuring titanium. Data were analyzed via generalized estimating equation models to account for multiple implants per participant. Results: Forty participants were included; 21 implants with peri-implantitis and 24 healthy implants were included in the analysis. Epigenetic alterations in global gene methylation were significantly more pronounced in peri-implantitis cases as compared to controls ( P = 0.002). Adjustment for smoking status further strengthened the association ( P = 0.0079). Higher adjusted titanium quantities had significantly higher 5mC ( P < 0.001). Conclusions: Peri-implantitis cases exhibited increased levels of methylated DNA cytosine (5mC) as compared to controls, suggesting that peri-implantitis is associated with epigenetic alterations in the peri-implant tissues. In addition, the finding that titanium concentrations were associated with global methylation levels independent of peri-implantitis status suggests that methylation may be affected by titanium dissolution products. Collectively, these results support further investigations to determine if these associations are causal or ecological in nature. Knowledge Transfer Statement: These are the first human data to elucidate the epigenetic regulation of gene transcription via hypermethylation as a potential mechanism involved in peri-implantitis. Furthermore, they identify titanium dissolution products as a potential environmental factor associated with this hypermethylation, which provides cues for novel therapeutic targets for peri-implantitis.
Treatment of rare factor deficiencies other than hemophilia
Authors: Menegatti Marzia , Peyvandi Flora 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The deficiency of fibrinogen, prothrombin, factor V (FV), FVII, FVIII, FIX, FX, FXI, and FXIII, called rare coagulation disorders (RCDs), may result in coagulopathies leading to spontaneous or posttrauma and postsurgery hemorrhages. RCDs are characterized by a wide variety of symptoms, from mild to severe, which can vary significantly from 1 disease to another and from 1 patient to another. The most typical symptoms of all RCDs are mucosal bleedings and bleeding at the time of invasive procedures, whereas other life-threatening symptoms such as central nervous system bleeding and hemarthroses are mostly present only in some deficiencies (afibrinogenemia, FX, and FXIII). At variance with hemophilia A and B and von Willebrand disease, RCDs are much less prevalent, ranging from 1 case in 500 000 to 1 in 2 million in the general population. Their clinical heterogeneity associated with the low number of patients has led to a delay in the development of appropriate therapies. Indeed, a similar heterogeneity can also be found in the treatment products available, ranging from the specific recombinant proteins to treat FVII- and FXIII-deficient patients to the complete absence of specific products to treat patients with FII or FV deficiencies, for whom prothrombin complex concentrates or fresh frozen plasma are, to date, the only option. The recent development of novel hemostatic approaches for hemophilia, such as the use of nonsubstitutive therapy as RNA interference, anti–tissue factor pathway inhibitor, and the gene therapy aimed at improving the patient’s quality of life may also have an important role in the treatment of patients with RCDs in the future.
Regulation of globin-heme balance in Diamond-Blackfan anemia by HSP70/GATA1
Authors: Rio Sarah , Gastou Marc , Karboul Narjesse , Derman Raphaёl , Suriyun Thunwarat , Manceau Hana , Leblanc Thierry , El Benna Jamel , Schmitt Caroline , Azouzi Slim , Larghéro Jérome , Karim Zoubida , Macias-Garcia Alejandra , Chen Jane-Jane , Hermine Olivier , Courtois Geneviève , Puy Hervé , Gouya Laurent , Mohandas Narla , Da Costa Lydie 
Published: January 2019

AbstractDiamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a congenital erythroblastopenia that is characterized by a blockade in erythroid differentiation related to impaired ribosome biogenesis. DBA phenotype and genotype are highly heterogeneous. We have previously identified 2 in vitro erythroid cell growth phenotypes for primary CD34+ cells from DBA patients and following short hairpin RNA knockdown of RPS19, RPL5, and RPL11 expression in normal human CD34+ cells. The haploinsufficient RPS19 in vitro phenotype is less severe than that of 2 other ribosomal protein (RP) mutant genes. We further documented that proteasomal degradation of HSP70, the chaperone of GATA1, is a major contributor to the defect in erythroid proliferation, delayed erythroid differentiation, increased apoptosis, and decreased globin expression, which are all features of the RPL5 or RPL11 DBA phenotype. In the present study, we explored the hypothesis that an imbalance between globin and heme synthesis may be involved in pure red cell aplasia of DBA. We identified disequilibrium between the globin chain and the heme synthesis in erythroid cells of DBA patients. This imbalance led to accumulation of excess free heme and increased reactive oxygen species production that was more pronounced in cells of the RPL5 or RPL11 phenotype. Strikingly, rescue experiments with wild-type HSP70 restored GATA1 expression levels, increased globin synthesis thereby reducing free heme excess and resulting in decreased apoptosis of DBA erythroid cells. These results demonstrate the involvement of heme in DBA pathophysiology and a major role of HSP70 in the control of balanced heme/globin synthesis.
Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis commonly complicates treated pulmonary tuberculosis with residual cavitation
Authors: Page Iain D. , Byanyima Rosemary , Hosmane Sharath , Onyachi Nathan , Opira Cyprian , Richardson Malcolm , Sawyer Richard , Sharman Anna , Denning David W. 
Published: January 2019

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) complicates treated pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), with high 5-year mortality. We measured CPA prevalence in this group.398 Ugandans with treated pulmonary TB underwent clinical assessment, chest radiography andAspergillus-specific IgG measurement. 285 were resurveyed 2 years later, including computed tomography of the thorax in 73 with suspected CPA. CPA was diagnosed in patients without active TB who had raisedAspergillus-specific IgG, radiological features of CPA and chronic cough or haemoptysis.Author-defined CPA was present in 14 (4.9%, 95% CI 2.8–7.9%) resurvey patients. CPA was significantly more common in those with chest radiography cavitation (26%versus0.8%; p<0.001), but possibly less frequent in HIV co-infected patients (3%versus6.7%; p=0.177). The annual rate of new CPA development between surveys was 6.5% in those with chest radiography cavitation and 0.2% in those without (p<0.001). Absence of cavitation and pleural thickening on chest radiography had 100% negative predictive value for CPA. The combination of raisedAspergillus-specific IgG, chronic cough or haemoptysis and chest radiography cavitation had 85.7% sensitivity and 99.6% specificity for CPA diagnosis.CPA commonly complicates treated pulmonary TB with residual chest radiography cavitation. Chest radiography alone can exclude CPA. Addition of serology can diagnose CPA with reasonable accuracy.
Persistence of fire-killed conifer snags in California, USA
Authors: Grayson Lindsay M. , Cluck Daniel R. , Hood Sharon M. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundCoarse woody debris has numerous functions in forest ecosystems, including wildlife habitat, fuel loading, and nutrient cycling. Standing dead trees, or snags, are particularly important resources for wildlife, and guidelines for snag recruitment and retention are integral parts of forest management. However, snag persistence is not well understood and existing models are poorly validated. We monitored fire-killed conifer snag persistence after four California wildfires and one prescribed fire. Species sampled included white fir (Abies concolor[Gord. & Glend.] Lindl. ex Hildebr.), incense-cedar (Calocedrus decurrens[Torr.] Florin), Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi[Balf.]), sugar pine (Pinus lambertianaDouglas), and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosaLawson & C. Lawson var.ponderosaC. Lawson).ResultsFire-injured trees that survived at least one year post fire were monitored for 10 years after they died. We developed two sets of species-specific snag persistence rates: a simplified model based only on time since death, and a full model that included tree characteristics. The primary factors affecting persistence rates in all models were snag age (years since death) and species. Secondary factors included diameter at breast height, time between fire and tree death, and crown injury. Snag persistence rates decreased with snag age. Yellow pine snags (a combined group of ponderosa pine and Jeffrey pine) fell significantly faster than any other species. Larger-diameter snags persisted longer than smaller-diameter snags for all species. Incense-cedar trees that survived longer post fire persisted longer as snags.ConclusionsThis study provides land managers with guidance on snag longevity, which can aid in planning for long-term wildlife habitat, fuel loading estimates, and forest structural diversity.
TOP1α regulates FLOWERING LOCUS C expression by coupling histone modification and transcription machinery
Authors: Zhong Peiqiao , Li Jiaojiao , Luo Linjie , Zhao Zhong , Tian Zhaoxia 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT
The key steps of transcription are coupled with the opening of the DNA helical structure and establishment of active chromatin to facilitate the movement of the transcription machinery. Type I topoisomerases cleave one DNA strand and relax the supercoiled structure of transcribed templates. How topoisomerase-mediated DNA topological changes promote transcription and establish a permissive histone modification for transcription elongation is largely unknown. Here, we show that TOPOISOMERASE 1α in plants regulates FLOWERING LOCUS C transcription by coupling histone modification and transcription machinery. We demonstrate that TOP1α directly interacts with the methyltransferase SDG8 to establish high levels of H3K36 methylation downstream of FLC transcription start sites and recruits RNA polymerase II to facilitate transcription elongation. Our results provide a mechanistic framework for TOP1α control of the main steps of early transcription and demonstrate how topoisomerases couple RNA polymerase II and permissive histone modifications to initiate transcription elongation.