bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early outcome of a 31‐gene expression profile test in 86 AJCC stage IB‐II melanoma patients. A prospective multicentre cohort study
Authors: Podlipnik S. , Carrera C. , Boada A. , Richarz N.A. , López‐Estebaranz J.L. , Pinedo‐Moraleda F. , Elosua‐González M. , Martín‐González M.M. , Carrillo‐Gijón R. , Redondo P. , Moreno E. , Malvehy J. , Puig S. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe clinical and pathological features of primary melanoma are not sufficiently sensitive to accurately predict which patients are at a greater risk of relapse. Recently, a 31‐gene expression profile (DecisionDx‐Melanoma) test has shown promising results.ObjectivesTo evaluate the early prognostic performance of a genetic signature in a multicentre prospectively evaluated cohort.MethodsInclusion of patients with AJCC stages IB and II conducted between April 2015 and December 2016. All patients were followed up prospectively to assess their risk of relapse. Prognostic performance of this test was evaluated individually and later combined with the AJCC staging system. Prognostic accuracy of disease‐free survival was determined using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression analysis. Results of the gene expression profile test were designated as Class 1 (low risk) and Class 2 (high risk).ResultsMedian follow‐up time was 26 months (IQR 22–30). The gene expression profile test was performed with 86 patients; seven had developed metastasis (8.1%) and all of them were in the Class 2 group, representing 21.2% of this group. Gene expression profile was an independent prognostic factor for relapse as indicated by multivariate Cox regression analysis, adjusted for AJCC stages and age.ConclusionsThis prospective multicentre cohort study, performed in a Spanish Caucasian cohort, shows that this 31‐gene expression profile test could correctly identify patients at early AJCC stages who are at greater risk of relapse. We believe that gene expression profile in combination with the AJCC staging system could well improve the detection of patients who need intensive surveillance and optimize follow‐up strategies.
Inflammatory mechanisms in neurodegeneration
Authors: Nichols Michael R. , St‐Pierre Marie‐Kim , Wendeln Ann‐Christin , Makoni Nyasha J. , Gouwens Lisa K. , Garrad Evan C. , Sohrabi Mona , Neher Jonas J. , Tremblay Marie‐Eve , Combs Colin K. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis review discusses the profound connection between microglia, neuroinflammation, and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Theories have been postulated, tested, and modified over several decades. The findings have further bolstered the belief that microglia‐mediated inflammation is both a product and contributor to AD pathology and progression. Distinct microglia phenotypes and their function, microglial recognition and response to protein aggregates in AD, and the overall role of microglia in AD are areas that have received considerable research attention and yielded significant results. The following article provides a historical perspective of microglia, a detailed discussion of multiple microglia phenotypes including dark microglia, and a review of a number of areas where microglia intersect with AD and other pathological neurological processes. The overall breadth of important discoveries achieved in these areas significantly strengthens the hypothesis that neuroinflammation plays a key role in AD. Future determination of the exact mechanisms by which microglia respond to, and attempt to mitigate, protein aggregation in AD may lead to new therapeutic strategies.
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Variability of Resting‐State Functional MRI Graph Theory Metrics across 3T Platforms
Authors: Hu Ranliang , Qiu Deqiang , Guo Ying , Zhao Yujie , Leatherday Christopher , Wu Junjie , Allen Jason W. 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEGraph theory analysis of brain connectivity data is a promising tool for studying the function of the healthy and diseased brain. The consistency of resting‐state functional MRI (rsfMRI) connectivity measures across multiple scanner types is an important factor in designing multi‐institutional research studies and has important implications for the potential use of this technique in a heterogeneous clinical setting. We sought to quantitatively study the interscanner variability of rsfMRI graph theory metrics obtained from healthy volunteers scanned on three different scanner platforms.METHODSIn this prospective Institutional Review Board approved study, 9 healthy volunteers were enrolled for brain MRI on three 3T scanners (Magnetom Prisma, Skyra, and Trio, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) in three separate scan sessions within approximately 1 week. Standard preprocessing of rsfMRI was performed with SPM12. Subject scans were normalized to Montreal Neurologic Institute (MNI) space, and connectivity of 116 regions‐of‐interests based on the automated anatomic labeling (AAL) atlas was calculated using Conn toolbox. Whole‐network graph theory metrics were calculated using Brain Connectivity Toolbox, and intraclass correlation (ICC) across three scan sessions was assessed.RESULTSA total of 25 rsfMRI exams were completed in 9 subjects with a median‐intersession time of 3 days. Among all three sessions, there was good to excellent agreement in characteristic path length and global efficiency (ICC: .79, .79) and good agreement in the transitivity, local efficiency, and clustering coefficient (ICC = .72, .69, .62).CONCLUSIONSThere was high consistency of graph theory metrics of rsfMRI connectivity networks among healthy volunteers scanned on three different generation 3T MRI scanners.
Implementation of a paediatric peripheral intravenous catheter care bundle: A quality improvement initiative
Authors: Kleidon Tricia M , Cattanach Paula , Mihala Gabor , Ullman Amanda J 
Published: January 2019

AimTo improve paediatric peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) care through the implementation of care bundles.MethodsA pre–post study using mixed methods (clinical audit, staff survey, parent interviews) in 2016 at a tertiary paediatric hospital in Brisbane was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a PIVC insertion and maintenance bundle to improve PIVC insertion, promote function and support practice. Participants included children with PIVC, parents and staff inserting and managing PIVCs. A mnemonic care bundle, SUCCESS PIVCS (At insertion: Skills, Understand and prepare, Consent, Clean site, Escalate, Secure, Sign and document. During management: Prompt removal, Inspect hourly, Vein patency, Clean hands and Scrub the hub), was developed and implemented via visual aids, workshops and change champions. During audit, PIVC first‐attempt insertion success, PIVC failure, PIVC dwell, escalation to senior clinicians and insertion and management procedures were measured.ResultsPre‐implementation audit (n = 102) and survey (n = 117) data described high rates of PIVC failure (n = 50; 49%), difficulty obtaining equipment (n = 64; 55%) and pressure to insert (n = 50; 43%). Parent interviews (n = 15) identified lack of communication, fear, appreciation of skilled technicians and technology and care giver roles as key to improving the experience. After implementation first‐attempt insertion success (45 vs. 62%; risk ratio 1.37, 95% confidence interval 1.05–1.78), first‐attempt escalation to senior clinicians (junior doctor 72 vs. 41%; P = <0.001) and median PIVC dwell (40 vs. 52 h; P = 0.021) improved.ConclusionThis multi‐level care bundle demonstrated improvements in the insertion and management of PIVCs; however, PIVC failure remained high.
The effect of Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate on small intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity and anti‐inflammatory effect in heat‐stressed broilers
Authors: Song Jiao , Lei Xin , Luo Jingxian , Everaert Nadia , Zhao Guiping , Wen Jie , Yang Ye 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis study was to investigate the effects of Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) on intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity and anti‐inflammatory response in heat‐stressed broiler. A total of 192 2‐week‐old Arbour Acres broilers chickens were divided into four groups with six replicates per group and eight chickens per replicate: one thermoneutral control group (28°C, group TN), which was fed the basal diet; and three cyclic high‐temperature groups (35°C from 7:00 to 19:00 hr; 28°C from 19:00 hr to 7:00 hr, heat stress group), which were fed the basal diet supplementation with EGCG 0 mg/kg (group HS0), 300 mg/kg (group HS300) and 600 mg/kg (group HS600). The gut morphology and intestinal mucosal oxidative stress indicators, as well as intestinal barrier‐related gene expression, were analysed. The results showed that compared with group TN, heat stress reduced the villus height (VH), activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD)and catalase (CAT), increased the crypt depth (CD) and malondialdehyde (MDA)content at 21, 28 and 35 days (p < 0.05). After the heat‐stressed broilers were supplemented with EGCG, VH, VH/CD (V/C), and the activities of GSH‐Px, SOD and CAT were increased, and CD and MDA content were reduced compared with those in group HS0 without EGCG supplementation at 21, 28 and 35 days (p < 0.05). The EGCG supplementation promoted the gene expression of nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), Claudin‐1, Mucin 2 (Muc2) and alleviated the nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) and lipopolysaccharide‐induced tumour necrosis factor (LITAF) gene expression compared with group HS0 (p < 0.05). Moreover, intestinal morphology was strongly correlated with antioxidant ability and inflammatory response. In conclusion, EGCG alleviated the gut oxidative injury of heat‐stressed broilers by enhancing antioxidant capacity and inhibiting inflammatory response.
Differences in Receipt of Alcohol‐Related Care Across Rurality Among VA Patients Living With HIV With Unhealthy Alcohol Use
Authors: Bensley Kara M. , Fortney John , Chan Gary , Dombrowski Julia C. , Ornelas India , Rubinsky Anna D. , Lapham Gwen T. , Glass Joseph E. , Williams Emily C. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPurposeIt is unknown whether receipt of evidence‐based alcohol‐related care varies by rurality among people living with HIV (PLWH) with unhealthy alcohol use—a population for whom such care is particularly important.MethodsAll positive screens for unhealthy alcohol use (AUDIT‐C ≥ 5) among PLWH were identified using Veterans Health Administration electronic health record data (10/1/09–5/30/13). Three domains of alcohol‐related care were assessed: brief intervention (BI) within 14 days, and specialty addictions treatment or alcohol use disorder (AUD) medications (filled prescription for naltrexone, disulfiram, acamprosate, or topiramate) within 1 year of positive screen. Adjusted Poisson models and recycled predictions were used to estimate predicted prevalence of outcomes across rurality (urban, large rural, small rural), clustered on facility. Secondary analyses assessed outcomes in the subsample with documented AUD.Findings4,581 positive screens representing 3,458 PLWH (3,112 urban, 130 large rural, and 216 small rural) were included; 49.1% had diagnosed AUD. PLWH in large rural areas had highest receipt of BI (urban 56.6%, 95% CI: 55.0‐58.2; large rural 66.0%, CI: 58.6‐73.5; small rural 60.7%, CI: 54.6‐67.0). PLWH in urban areas had highest receipt of specialty addictions treatment (urban 28.2%, CI: 26.7‐29.8; large rural 19.7%, CI: 13.1‐26.2; small rural 19.6%, CI: 14.1‐25.0). There was no difference in receipt of AUD medications, although overall receipt was low (3%‐4%). Results were similar in the subsample with AUD.ConclusionAmong PLWH with unhealthy alcohol use, those in rural areas may be vulnerable to under‐receipt of specialty addictions treatment. Targeted interventions may help ensure PLWH receive recommended care regardless of rurality.
HPV Vaccination Coverage Among US Teens Across the Rural‐Urban Continuum
Authors: Swiecki‐Sikora Allison L. , Henry Kevin A. , Kepka Deanna 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn this study, we used data from the National Immunization Survey‐Teen (NIS‐Teen) to examine HPV vaccination uptake by rural and urban residence defined by ZIP code.MethodsWe used 2012‐2013 NIS‐Teen data to examine associations of HPV vaccination among teens aged 13‐17 years with ZIP code measures of rural/urban (Rural‐Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) codes, population density). Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of HPV vaccination initiation (≥ 1 dose) and completion (≥ 3 doses).ResultsHPV vaccination was lower among girls from isolated small rural towns (≥1 dose 51.0%; ≥3 doses 30.0%) and small rural towns (≥1 dose 50.2%; ≥3 doses 26.8%) than among urban girls (≥1 dose 56.0%; ≥3 doses 35.9%). Girls from small rural towns had lower odds of completion (0.74, 95% CI: 0.60‐0.91) than girls from urban areas. HPV vaccination was lower among boys from isolated small rural towns (≥1 dose 17.3%; ≥3 doses 5.31%) and small rural towns (≥1 dose 18.7%; ≥3 doses 5.50%) than those in urban areas (≥1 dose 28.7%; ≥3 doses 10.7%). Boys in isolated small rural towns had statistically significantly lower odds of initiation (0.68, 95% CI: 0.52‐0.88) and completion (0.63, 95% CI: 0.41‐0.97) than urban boys. Girls and boys from high‐poverty rural areas had lower odds of initiation and completion than did their counterparts from high‐poverty urban areas.ConclusionRural girls had lower odds of completing the HPV vaccine than their urban counterparts. Rural boys had lower odds than urban boys for HPV vaccination initiation and completion.
Immunological biomarkers as indicators for outcome after discontinuation of nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy in patients with HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Kranidioti Hariklia , Manolakopoulos Spilios , Kontos George , Breen Michael S. , Kourikou Anastasia , Deutsch Melanie , Quesada‐Del‐Bosque Maria Ester , Martinez‐Nunez Rocio T. , Naiyer Mohammed M. , Woelk Christopher H. , Sanchez‐Elsner Tilman , Hadziyannis Emilia , Papatheodoridis George , Khakoo Salim I. 
Published: January 2019

SummaryThe optimal duration of treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) for patients with HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is unknown. The aim of this study was to identify an immune signature associated with off‐treatment remission to NA therapy. We performed microarray analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMCs) from six patients with chronic hepatitis B who stopped NA therapy (three with off‐treatment remission, three with relapse) and five patients with chronic HBV infection (previously termed ‘inactive carriers’) served as controls. Results were validated using qRT‐PCR on a second group of 21 individuals (17 patients who stopped treatment and four controls). PBMCs from 38 patients on long‐term NA treatment were analysed for potential to stop treatment. Microarray analysis indicated that patients with off‐treatment remission segregated as a distinct out‐group. Twenty‐one genes were selected for subsequent validation. Ten of these were expressed at significantly lower levels in the patients with off‐treatment remission compared to the patients with relapse and predicted remission with AUC of 0.78‐0.92. IFNγ, IL‐8, FASLG and CCL4 were the most significant by logistic regression. Twelve (31.6%) of 38 patients on long‐term NA therapy had expression levels of all these four genes below cut‐off values and hence were candidates for stopping treatment. Our data suggest that patients with HBeAg‐negative CHB who remain in off‐treatment remission 3 years after NA cessation have a distinct immune signature and that PBMC RNA levels of IFNγ, IL‐8, FASLG and CCL4 may serve as potential biomarkers for stopping NA therapy.
Testing for hepatitis C virus infection in UK prisons: What actually happens?
Authors: Jack Kathryn , Thomson Brian J. , Irving William L. 
Published: January 2019

SummaryPrisons are a key demographic in the drive to eradicate hepatitis C virus (HCV) as a major public health threat. We have assessed the impact of the recently introduced national opt‐out policy on the current status of HCV testing in 14 prisons in the East Midlands (UK). We analysed testing rates pre‐ and post‐introduction of opt‐out testing, together with face‐to‐face interviews with prison healthcare and management staff in each prison. In the year pre‐opt‐out, 1972 people in prison (PIP) were tested, compared to 3440 in the year following opt‐out. From July 2016 to June 2017, 2706 people were tested, representing 13.5% of all prison entrants (median 16.6%, range 7.6%‐40.7%). Factors correlating with testing rates were as follows: pre‐admission location of the PIP (another prison or the community, OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.9‐2.3, P < 0.001); whether the PIP could access health care independently of prison officers (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.5‐1.8, P < 0.001); the absence of out‐reach services for HCV treatment (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2‐1.5, P < 0.001), whether >50% of PIP reported ease of access to a nurse (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.8‐2.2, P < 0.001), and whether prison health care was supplied by private or NHS providers (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2‐1.5, P < 0.001). Testing rates remained far below the minimum national opt‐out target of 50%. Inadequacy of healthcare facilities and constraints imposed by adherence to prison regimens were cited by healthcare and management staff at all prisons. Without radical change, the prison estate may be intrinsically incapable of supporting NHSE to deliver the HCV elimination strategy.
Patterns of long‐term vegetation change vary between different types of semi‐natural grasslands in Western and Central Europe
Authors: Diekmann Martin , Andres Christian , Becker Thomas , Bennie Jonathan , Blüml Volker , Bullock James M. , Culmsee Heike , Fanigliulo Miriam , Hahn Annett , Heinken Thilo , Leuschner Christoph , Luka Stefanie , Meißner Justus , Müller Josef , Newton Adrian , Peppler‐Lisbach Cord , Rosenthal Gert , van den Berg Leon J. L. , Vergeer Philippine , Wesche Karsten 
Published: January 2019

AbstractQuestionsHas plant species richness in semi‐natural grasslands changed over recent decades? Do the temporal trends of habitat specialists differ from those of habitat generalists? Has there been a homogenization of the grassland vegetation?LocationDifferent regions in Germany and the UK.MethodsWe conducted a formal meta‐analysis of re‐survey vegetation studies of semi‐natural grasslands. In total, 23 data sets were compiled, spanning up to 75 years between the surveys, including 13 data sets from wet grasslands, six from dry grasslands and four from other grassland types. Edaphic conditions were assessed using mean Ellenberg indicator values for soil moisture, nitrogen and pH. Changes in species richness and environmental variables were evaluated using response ratios.ResultsIn most wet grasslands, total species richness declined over time, while habitat specialists almost completely vanished. The number of species losses increased with increasing time between the surveys and were associated with a strong decrease in soil moisture and higher soil nutrient contents. Wet grasslands in nature reserves showed no such changes or even opposite trends. In dry grasslands and other grassland types, total species richness did not consistently change, but the number or proportions of habitat specialists declined. There were also considerable changes in species composition, especially in wet grasslands that often have been converted into intensively managed, highly productive meadows or pastures. We did not find a general homogenization of the vegetation in any of the grassland types.ConclusionsThe results document the widespread deterioration of semi‐natural grasslands, especially of those types that can easily be transformed to high production grasslands. The main causes for the loss of grassland specialists are changed management in combination with increased fertilization and nitrogen deposition. Dry grasslands are most resistant to change, but also show a long‐term trend towards an increase in more mesotrophic species.
Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 mediated shedding of syndecan‐4 in glomerular endothelial cells
Authors: Reine Trine M. , Lanzalaco Francesca , Kristiansen Oddrun , Enget Anne Randi , Satchell Simon , Jenssen Trond G. , Kolset Svein O. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundDiabetic nephropathy is the most common cause of end‐stage renal failure in the western world and Asia. The mechanisms are not fully elucidated, but disruption of glomerular endothelial glycocalyx and shedding of its components including syndecans has been implicated.AimsWe hypothesize that reduced glomerular filtration in diabetes is caused by disruption of endothelial glycocalyx in glomeruli, including increased shedding of syndecan‐4. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of experimental diabetic conditions by means of hyperglycemia and IL‐1β exposure on syndecan‐4 shedding in GEnC, and to investigate regulation of shedding by sheddases.ResultsWe found that in GEnC the expression of syndecan‐4 is higher than that of the other syndecans. In polarized GEnC, apical shedding of syndecan‐4 and syndecan‐4 gene expression was increased by 60% after IL‐1β‐stimulation, but not affected by hyperglycemic conditions. This was accompanied by a 50% increase in MMP9 gene expression in IL‐1β‐stimulated cells but not hyperglycemia. MMP9 knockdown reduced syndecan‐4 shedding by 50%.ConclusionIL‐1β but not hyperglycemia increases the shedding of syndecan‐4 from GEnC in an MMP9‐dependent manner. This provides a potential mechanism of GEnC damage in diabetes and other inflammatory conditions.
Guidance for assessment of erythroderma in neonates and infants for the pediatric immunologist
Authors: Ott Hagen 
Published: January 2019

AbstractNeonatal and infantile erythroderma (NIE) represents the common clinical phenotype of heterogeneous diseases ranging from benign and transient skin conditions to fatal multiorgan disorders. NIE regularly demands a comprehensive diagnostic workup in a multiprofessional setting, especially if newborns and young infants with the disease develop a failure to thrive and concomitant infectious, neurologic, or metabolic complications. By obtaining a detailed medical history and performing a thorough clinical examination, targeted diagnostic steps can be scheduled for most affected children. If NIE occurs in the early neonatal period, lesional skin biopsy and histology are often indicated. Likewise, if monogenic skin or immunologic diseases are suspected, genetic testing with customized panels of potentially underlying genes is mandatory. Of note, if acute symptoms such as severe infections, metabolic acidosis, or seizures occur, rapid microbiologic and metabolic investigations are warranted to rule out immunodeficiency and inborn errors of metabolism.