bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aspergillus fumigatus corneal infection is regulated by chitin synthases and by neutrophil–derived acidic mammalian chitinase
Authors: de Jesus Carrion Steven , Abbondante Serena , Clark Heather L. , Marshall Michaela E. , Mouyna Isabelle , Beauvais Anne , Sun Yan , Taylor Patricia R. , Leal Sixto M. , Armstrong Brittany , Carrera William , Latge Jean‐Paul , Pearlman Eric 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAspergillus fumigatus is an important cause of pulmonary and systemic infections in immune compromised individuals, and of corneal ulcers and blindness in immune competent patients. To examine the role of chitin synthases in Aspergillus corneal infection, we analyzed Aspergillus mutants of chitin synthase family 1 and family 2, and found that compared with the parent strain, the quadruple mutants from both families were more readily killed by neutrophils in vitro, and that both also exhibited impaired hyphal growth in the cornea. Further, inhibition of chitin synthases using Nikkomycin Z enhanced neutrophil killing in vitro and in vivo in a murine model of A. fumigatus corneal infection. Acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase) is mostly produced by macrophages in asthmatic lungs; however, we now demonstrate that neutrophils are a major source of AMCase, which inhibits hyphal growth. In A. fumigatus corneal infection, neutrophils are the major source of AMCase, and addition of AMCase inhibitors or adoptive transfer of neutrophils from AMCase−/− mice resulted in impaired hyphal killing. Together, these findings identify chitin synthases as important fungal virulence factors and neutrophil‐derived AMCase as an essential mediator of host defense.
An improved hybrid continuum‐atomistic four‐way coupled model for electrokinetics in nanofluidics
Authors: Jahromi Saeed , Amani Ehsan , Movahed Saeid 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn this study, an efficient hybrid continuum‐atomistic method is proposed to study electrokinetic transport of aqueous solutions in nanofluidics. The aqueous phase is considered as a continuous phase containing immersed ion particles. The behavior of the system is then simulated through utilization of an improved hybrid continuum‐atomistic four‐way coupled approach, including the MultiPhase Particle‐In‐Cell method for the short‐ranged interaction between the ion particles, the Brownian force for the collision between the aqueous phase molecules and the ion particles, and a wall force accounting for the short‐ranged interaction of ions and walls. The validation of the proposed model with the results of Molecular Dynamics simulations suggests that this model can be a promising approach for studying the electrokinetic phenomena in more complicated geometries where the Molecular Dynamics approach is computationally prohibitive. Finally, the effects of electrokinetic parameters, such as the height of the channel, the external electric field, and bulk ionic concentration, on the electroosmotic flow in a nanochannel are investigated and discussed.
Lifecycle energy and greenhouse gas emissions analysis of biomass‐based 2‐ethylhexanol as an alternative transportation fuel
Authors: Poulikidou Sofia , Heyne Stefan , Grahn Maria , Harvey Simon 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis study investigates the environmental performance of 2‐ethylhexanol (2‐EH), as a potential drop‐in transport fuel alternative. Three different biomass‐based production pathways are evaluated and compared using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The environmental impact of 2‐EH is assessed in terms of cumulative energy demand (CED) and global warming potential (GWP). Among the three alternative pathways, 2‐EH produced via syngas results in the lowest primary energy demand and GHG emissions under the baseline assumptions of this work. The two biochemical production pathways (via ethanol and butanol) exhibit higher CED and GWP during biomass conversion steps mainly due to process materials and chemicals used. Process specifications such as transport distance to production facility or the fate of the obtained by‐products are shown to influence the overall environmental impact of the fuel for all studied pathways. The use phase performance of 2‐EH was also considered in this work, as part of a 100% renewable blend and was compared to existing fossil and renewable fuels. The studied blend has the potential to reduce GHG emissions by more than 85% compared to fossil diesel while when certain production pathways are followed, it exhibits lower GWP than renewable fuels already in the market such as ethanol blends and biodiesel. 2‐EH can therefore provide a competitive alternative to fossil transport fuels increasing the share of renewable content in the current vehicle fleet, thus enhancing the efforts for a sustainable transport sector.
Modeling the Fate of Metal Concentrates in Surface Water
Authors: Carbonaro Richard F. , Farley Kevin J. , Delbeke Katrien , Baken Stijn , Arbildua Jose J. , Rodriguez Patricio H. , Rader Kevin J. 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Metals present in concentrates are in a solid form and are not bioavailable, but they can dissolve or potentially transform to more soluble forms. Transformation/dissolution laboratory protocols have been developed to assess the importance of dissolution of sparingly soluble metal substances in the context of hazard classification; however, these tests represent worst-case scenarios for metal bioavailability because attenuation mechanisms such as complexation, sorption, and transport to the sediment are not considered. A unit world model (UWM) for metals in lakes, tableau input coupled kinetics equilibrium transport (TICKET)-UWM, has been developed that considers key processes affecting metal transport, fate, and toxicity including complexation by aqueous inorganic and ligands, partitioning to dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and particulate organic carbon (POC), precipitation, and transport of dissolved metals and solids between the water column and sediment. The TICKET-UWM model was used to assess the fate of a metal concentrate and dissolved metal ions released from the concentrate following an instantaneous input to a generalized lake. Concentrate dissolution rates in the water column were parameterized using results from batch transformation/dissolution tests for 2 specific concentrates containing lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and cobalt (Co). The TICKET-UWM results for a generalized lake environment showed that water column concentrations of metals in the lake environment after 28 d were several orders of magnitude lower than the 28-d concentration from the transformation/dissolution tests because Pb, Cu, and Co partitioned to POC in the water column and were subsequently removed due to settling. Resuspension of sediment served to increase total metal in the water column, but the resulting concentrations were still much lower than the 28-d concentrations from the transformation/dissolution tests. Information from TICKET-UWM could be used to refine the environmental hazard profiles of metals. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:1256–1272. © 2019 SETAC
Predicting postoperative delirium severity in older adults: The role of surgical risk and executive function
Authors: Lindroth Heidi , Bratzke Lisa , Twadell Sara , Rowley Paul , Kildow Janie , Danner Mara , Turner Lily , Hernandez Brandon , Brown Roger , Sanders Robert D. 
Published: March 2019

ObjectivesDelirium is an important postoperative complication, yet predictive risk factors for postoperative delirium severity remain elusive. We hypothesized that the NSQIP risk calculation for serious complications (NSQIP‐SC) or risk of death (NSQIP‐D), and cognitive tests of executive function (Trail Making Tests A and B [TMTA and TMTB]), would be predictive of postoperative delirium severity. Further, we demonstrate how advanced statistical techniques can be used to identify candidate predictors.Methods/DesignData from an ongoing perioperative prospective cohort study of 100 adults (65 y old or older) undergoing noncardiac surgery were analyzed. In addition to NSQIP‐SC, NSQIP‐D, TMTA, and TMTB, participant age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, tobacco use, surgery type, depression, Framingham risk score, and preoperative blood pressure were collected. The Delirium Rating Scale‐R‐98 (DRS) measured delirium severity; the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) identified delirium. LASSO and best subsets linear regression were employed to identify predictive risk factors.ResultsNinety‐seven participants with a mean age of 71.68 ± 4.55, 55% male (31/97 CAM+, 32%), and a mean peak DRS of 21.5 ± 6.40 were analyzed. LASSO and best subsets regression identified NSQIP‐SC and TMTB to predict postoperative delirium severity (P < 00.001, adjusted R2: 0.30). NSQIP‐SC and TMTB were also selected as predictors for postoperative delirium incidence (AUROC 0.81, 95% CI, 0.72‐0.90).ConclusionsIn this cohort, we identified NSQIP risk score for serious complications and a measure of executive function, TMT‐B, to predict postoperative delirium severity using advanced modeling techniques. Future studies should investigate the utility of these variables in a formal delirium severity prediction model.
Cardiovascular health and dementia incidence among older adults in Latin America: Results from the 10/66 study
Authors: Perales‐Puchalt Jaime , Vidoni Michelle L. , Llibre Rodríguez Juan , Vidoni Eric D. , Billinger Sandra , Burns Jeffrey , Guerchet Maëlenn , Lee MinJae 
Published: March 2019

ObjectivesGrowing evidence shows that cardiovascular health (CVH) is associated with brain health. Little is known about this topic among older adults in Latin America, where the number of people living with dementia is rising. This study aimed to assess the longitudinal association between CVH and dementia in six Latin American countries.MethodsWe analyzed longitudinal data from the 10/66 study that included nondementia residents at baseline aged 65+ in six Latin American countries (n = 6447) and were followed up for 3 years. An index of modifiable CVH factors (ranging from 0 to 14) was calculated. Incident dementia was modeled using competing risk regression to adjust for risk of death.ResultsThe sample included 6.2% participants with poor (0‐5), 81.0% with moderate (6‐10), and 12.8% with ideal CVH (11‐14). At follow‐up, 9.4% had developed dementia and 13.1% had died. Compared with those with poor CVH, participants with moderate and ideal levels of CVH had a significantly lower risk of dementia in both the unadjusted (subhazard ratio for moderate, 0.77; ideal, 0.59) and adjusted models (moderate, 0.73; ideal, 0.66).ConclusionModerate and ideal levels of CVH in old age may protect against dementia incidence. These findings may inform health promotion efforts within dementia national plans adopted recently in some Latin American countries.
The change in circulating tumor cells before and during concurrent chemoradiotherapy is associated with survival in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer
Authors: Wang Hung‐Ming , Wu Min‐Hsien , Chang Pei‐Hung , Lin Hung‐Chi , Liao Chun‐Da , Wu Sheng‐Min , Hung Tsung‐Min , Lin Chine‐Yu , Chang Tung‐Chieh , Tzu‐Tsen Yen , Hsieh Jason Chia‐Hsun 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the role of baseline circulating tumor cells (CTCs) before and during concurrent chemoradiotherapy and attempted to determine the impacts of CTCs on the outcomes in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.MethodsCTCs were detected using a negative selection strategy and flow cytometry protocol.ResultsWe observed a significant correlation between baseline CTCs and staging (P = 0.001). The CTC counts were significantly reduced within 2‐4 weeks in 47 concurrent chemoradiotherapy responders (P < 0.001). Change of CTC counts correlates with progression‐free survival (PFS, P = 0.01) and overall survival (OS, P = 0.01). CTC decline status was an independent prognostic factor in PFS (P = 0.03) and OS (P = 0.05) in multivariate analyses.ConclusionIn chemoradiotherapy responders, CTCs are significantly reduced. CTC decline within the first month indicates a longer PFS and OS, suggesting that the dynamics of CTCs could be more important than CTC number alone.
Overview of Existing Science to Inform Oil Sands Process Water Release: A Technical Workshop Summary
Authors: Tanna Rajiv N , Redman Aaron D , Frank Richard A , Arciszewski Tim J , Zubot Warren A , Wrona Frederick J , Brogly John A , Munkittrick Kelly R 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
The extraction of oil sands from mining operations in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region uses an alkaline hot water extraction process. The oil sands process water (OSPW) is recycled to facilitate material transport (e.g., ore and tailings), process cooling, and is also reused in the extraction process. The industry has expanded since commercial mining began in 1967 and companies have been accumulating increasing inventories of OSPW. Short- and long-term sustainable water management practices require the ability to return treated water to the environment. The safe release of OSPW needs to be based on sound science and engineering practices to ensure downstream protection of ecological and human health. A significant body of research has contributed to the understanding of the chemistry and toxicity of OSPW. A multistakeholder science workshop was held in September 2017 to summarize the state of science on the toxicity and chemistry of OSPW. The goal of the workshop was to review completed research in the areas of toxicology, chemical analysis, and monitoring to support the release of treated oil sands water. A key outcome from the workshop was identifying research needs to inform future water management practices required to support OSPW return. Another key outcome of the workshop was the recognition that methods are sufficiently developed to characterize chemical and toxicological characteristics of OSPW to address and close knowledge gaps. Industry, government, and local indigenous stakeholders have proceeded to utilize these insights in reviewing policy and regulations. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;15:519–527. © 2019 SETAC
Polymers Used in US Household Cleaning Products: Assessment of Data Availability for Ecological Risk Assessment
Authors: Pecquet Alison , McAvoy Drew , Pittinger Charles , Stanton Kathleen 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify, characterize, and assess data needs for ecological risk of household cleaning product polymers currently being used in the United States (US). Because of their range in properties and functions, polymers are used in a wide variety of household cleaning products, including fabric, dish, and hard surface cleaners. Understanding their potential environmental impact is essential for good ingredient and product stewardship. The household cleaning product polymers were first identified using several databases. Of the 185 polymers initially identified, 120 were eliminated from the list because they did not fit the definition of a polymer, were not well defined (e.g., no Chemical Abstracts Service [CAS] or trade name only), or were not in current use. Forty-seven of the remaining polymers had either adequate environmental fate and hazard data and/or sufficient data for conducting a comprehensive ecological risk assessment and were determined to be of low concern by either the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), and/or the Human and Environmental Risk Assessment (HERA) Project. The remaining 18 polymers were determined to need further review because of a lack of publicly available information for conducting ecological risk assessments. Additional data for these 18 polymers could be obtained by accessing privately held data, conducting laboratory tests on their fate and effects in aquatic environments, or by conducting read-across of similar structured polymers. These steps can be utilized by industry to determine where best to dedicate future environmental stewardship efforts. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;15:621–632. © 2019 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)
Muscle mass determined from urinary creatinine excretion rate, and muscle performance in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Stam Suzanne P. , Eisenga Michele F. , Gomes‐Neto Antonio W. , van Londen Marco , de Meijer Vincent E. , van Beek André P. , Gansevoort Ron T. , Bakker Stephan J.L. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundMuscle mass, as determined from 24‐h urinary creatinine excretion rate (CER), is an independent predictor for mortality and graft failure in renal transplant recipients (RTR). It is currently unknown whether CER is comparable with healthy controls after transplantation and whether it reflects muscle performance besides muscle mass. We aimed to compare urinary CER and muscle performance between RTR and healthy controls and to investigate whether urinary CER is associated with muscle performance in RTR.MethodsWe included RTR, transplanted between 1975 and 2016 in the University Medical Center Groningen. Healthy controls were subjects screened for kidney donation. CER was calculated from a 24‐h urine collection. Muscle performance was assessed by handgrip strength, sit‐to‐stand test, and 2‐min walk test. Statistical analyses were performed using linear regression analyses.ResultsWe included 184 RTR (mean age 56.9 ± 11.9 years, 54% male recipient) and 78 healthy controls (age 57.9 ± 9.9, 47% male recipient). RTR were at a median time of 4.0 (1.1–8.8) years after transplantation. Mean CER was lower in RTR compared to healthy controls (11.7 ± 4.0 vs. 13.1 ± 5.2 mmol/24 h; P = 0.04). Significantly poorer results in muscle performance were found in RTR compared to controls for the handgrip strength (30.5 [23.7–41.1] N vs. 38.3 [29.3–46.0] N, P < 0.001) and the 2‐min walk test (151.5 ± 49.2 m vs. 172.3 ± 12.2 m, P < 0.001) but not for the sit‐to‐stand (12.2 ± 3.3 m vs. 11.9 ± 2.8 m, P = 0.46). In RTR, CER was significantly associated with handgrip strength (std. β 0.33; P < 0.001), independent of adjustment for potential confounders. In RTR, CER was neither associated with the time used for the sit‐to‐stand test (std. β −0.09; P = 0.27) nor with the distance covered during the 2‐min walk test (std. β 0.07; P = 0.40).ConclusionsMuscle mass as measured by CER in RTR is lower compared to controls. CER is positively associated with muscle performance in RTR. The results demonstrate that CER does not only reflect muscle mass but also muscle performance in this patient setting. Determination of CER could be an interesting addition to the imaging technique armamentarium available and applied for evaluation of muscle mass in clinical intervention studies and observational studies.
Giant serous cystadenoma of the pancreas appearing sonographically as a remote pararenal mass
Authors: Theodorou Daphne J. , Theodorou Stavroula J. , Kakitsubata Yousuke , Miyata Yuko , Shirao Kazusada , Marutsuka Kousuke 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMacrocystic serous cystadenoma (MSC) of the pancreas is a rare benign neoplasm with varied imaging appearances. We describe an intriguing case of a surgically resected and histologically proven giant MSC, developed in the pararenal space. Ultrasonography (US) revealed a large, oligocystic mass around the lower pole of right kidney. Like US, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging were unable to detect the origin of the lesion, which was only verified at surgical exploration. A bizarre finding was the unusual location of the pancreatic tumor growing seemingly apart from the pancreas itself, with no obvious connection to it.
Optimizing HIV testing services in sub‐Saharan Africa: cost and performance of verification testing with HIV self‐tests and tests for triage
Authors: Eaton Jeffrey W , Terris‐Prestholt Fern , Cambiano Valentina , Sands Anita , Baggaley Rachel C , Hatzold Karin , Corbett Elizabeth L , Kalua Thoko , Jahn Andreas , Johnson Cheryl C 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIntroductionStrategies employing a single rapid diagnostic test (RDT) such as HIV self‐testing (HIVST) or “test for triage” (T4T) are proposed to increase HIV testing programme impact. Current guidelines recommend serial testing with two or three RDTs for HIV diagnosis, followed by retesting with the same algorithm to verify HIV‐positive status before anti‐retroviral therapy (ART) initiation. We investigated whether clients presenting to HIV testing services (HTS) following a single reactive RDT must undergo the diagnostic algorithm twice to diagnose and verify HIV‐positive status, or whether a diagnosis with the setting‐specific algorithm is adequate for ART initiation.MethodsWe calculated (1) expected number of false‐positive (FP) misclassifications per 10,000 HIV negative persons tested, (2) positive predictive value (PPV) of the overall HIV testing strategy compared to the WHO recommended PPV ≥99%, and (3) expected cost per FP misclassified person identified by additional verification testing in a typical low‐/middle‐income setting, compared to the expected lifetime ART cost of $3000. Scenarios considered were as follows: 10% prevalence using two serial RDTs for diagnosis, 1% prevalence using three serial RDTs, and calibration using programmatic data from Malawi in 2017 where the proportion of people testing HIV positive in facilities was 4%.ResultsIn the 10% HIV prevalence setting with a triage test, the expected number of FP misclassifications was 0.86 per 10,000 tested without verification testing and the PPV was 99.9%. In the 1% prevalence setting, expected FP misclassifications were 0.19 with 99.8% PPV, and in the Malawi 2017 calibrated setting the expected misclassifications were 0.08 with 99.98% PPV. The cost per FP identified by verification testing was $5879, $3770, and $24,259 respectively. Results were sensitive to assumptions about accuracy of self‐reported reactive results and whether reactive triage test results influenced biased interpretation of subsequent RDT results by the HTS provider.ConclusionsDiagnosis with the full algorithm following presentation with a reactive triage test is expected to achieve PPV above the 99% threshold. Continuing verification testing prior to ART initiation remains recommended, but HIV testing strategies involving HIVST and T4T may provide opportunities to maintain quality while increasing efficiency as part of broader restructuring of HIV testing service delivery.