bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blockade of TIGIT/CD155 Signaling Reverses T-cell Exhaustion and Enhances Antitumor Capability in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wu Lei , Mao Liang , Liu Jian-Feng , Chen Lei , Yu Guang-Tao , Yang Lei-Lei , Wu Hao , Bu Lin-Lin , Kulkarni Ashok B. , Zhang Wen-Feng , Sun Zhi-Jun 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Immunosuppression is common in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In previous studies, the TIGIT/CD155 pathway was identified as an immune-checkpoint signaling pathway that contributes to the “exhaustion” state of infiltrating T cells. Here, we sought to explore the clinical significance of TIGIT/CD155 signaling in HNSCC and identify the therapeutic effect of the TIGIT/CD155 pathway in a transgenic mouse model. TIGIT was overexpressed on tumor-infiltrating CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in both HNSCC patients and mouse models, and was correlated with immune-checkpoint molecules (PD-1, TIM-3, and LAG-3). TIGIT was also expressed on murine regulatory T cells (Treg) and correlated with immune suppression. Using a human HNSCC tissue microarray, we found that CD155 was expressed in tumor and tumor-infiltrating stromal cells, and also indicated poor overall survival. Multispectral IHC indicated that CD155 was coexpressed with CD11b or CD11c in tumor-infiltrating stromal cells. Anti-TIGIT treatment significantly delayed tumor growth in transgenic HNSCC mouse models and enhanced antitumor immune responses by activating CD8+ T-cell effector function and reducing the population of Tregs. In vitro coculture studies showed that anti-TIGIT treatment significantly abrogated the immunosuppressive capacity of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), by decreasing Arg1 transcripts, and Tregs, by reducing TGFβ1 secretion. In vivo depletion studies showed that the therapeutic efficacy by anti-TIGIT mainly relies on CD8+ T cells and Tregs. Blocking PD-1/PD-L1 signaling increased the expression of TIGIT on Tregs. These results present a translatable method to improve antitumor immune responses by targeting TIGIT/CD155 signaling in HNSCC.
Smartphone-Based Blood Pressure Measurement Using Transdermal Optical Imaging Technology
Authors: Luo Hong , Yang Deye , Barszczyk Andrew , Vempala Naresh , Wei Jing , Wu Si Jia , Zheng Paul Pu , Fu Genyue , Lee Kang , Feng Zhong-Ping 
Published: August 2019

Background:
Cuff-based blood pressure measurement lacks comfort and convenience. Here, we examined whether blood pressure can be determined in a contactless manner using a novel smartphone-based technology called transdermal optical imaging. This technology processes imperceptible facial blood flow changes from videos captured with a smartphone camera and uses advanced machine learning to determine blood pressure from the captured signal.

Methods:
We enrolled 1328 normotensive adults in our study. We used an advanced machine learning algorithm to create computational models that predict reference systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressure from facial blood flow data. We used 70% of our data set to train these models and 15% of our data set to test them. The remaining 15% of the sample was used to validate model performance.

Results:
We found that our models predicted blood pressure with a measurement bias±SD of 0.39±7.30 mm Hg for systolic pressure, −0.20±6.00 mm Hg for diastolic pressure, and 0.52±6.42 mm Hg for pulse pressure, respectively.

Conclusions:
Our results in normotensive adults fall within 5±8 mm Hg of reference measurements. Future work will determine whether these models meet the clinically accepted accuracy threshold of 5±8 mm Hg when tested on a full range of blood pressures according to international accuracy standards.
Lipids, Apolipoproteins, and the Risk of Parkinson Disease
Authors: Fang Fang , Zhan Yiqiang , Hammar Niklas , Shen Xia , Wirdefeldt Karin , Walldius Göran , Mariosa Daniela 
Published: August 2019

Rationale:
A complete picture of the associations of the most common lipid fractions, including total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), triglycerides, and apolipoproteins, with the risk of Parkinson disease (PD), is lacking.

Objective:
To assess the associations of lipids and apolipoproteins with the future risk of PD.

Methods and Results:
In the AMORIS (Apolipoprotein-Related Mortality Risk) Study, we enrolled ≈600 000 participants during 1985 to 1996 in Stockholm, Sweden, with repeated measurements of TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, ApoB (apolipoprotein B), and ApoA-I (apolipoprotein A-I). The cohort was followed until the end of 2011, and incident cases of PD were identified through the Swedish Patient Register. We first used Cox models to estimate the associations of these biomarkers with later risk of PD. We further applied a Mendelian randomization analysis for TC, LDL-C, and triglycerides using the GWAS (Genome-wide association study) summary statistics from the public PD GWAS data and 23andMe PD cohorts with >800 000 individuals. One SD increase of TC was associated with a lower hazard of PD (hazard ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.87–0.94). Similar associations were observed for LDL-C (hazard ratio, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88–0.98), triglycerides (hazard ratio, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.90–0.97), and ApoB (hazard ratio, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.85–0.97). A clear dose-response relation was also noted when using these biomarkers as categorical variables. A causal inverse association of TC, LDL-C, and triglycerides with PD risk was further suggested by the Mendelian randomization analysis.

Conclusions:
Our findings reinforce that higher levels of TC, LDL-C, and triglycerides are associated with a lower future risk of PD and further suggest that these associations may be causal. The findings for ApoB in relation to PD risk are novel, and whether such association is causal needs to be examined.
Differences in Brain Areas Affecting Language Function After Stroke
Authors: Kyeong Sunghyon , Kang Hyunkoo , Kyeong Sohyon , Kim Dae Hyun 
Published: August 2019

Background and Purpose—
Brain areas associated with functional improvement differ between acute and chronic phases after stroke. This study investigated brain areas associated with language function, according to time after stroke.

Methods—
Patients with aphasia after stroke were divided into subacute (≤3 months after stroke, 17 patients) and chronic groups (>12 months after stroke, 23 patients). Voxel-wise linear regression analyses in each group were conducted by using fractional anisotropy mapping in diffusion tensor images as a dependent variable, while scores of spontaneous speech, comprehension, repetition, and naming were used as independent variables.

Results—

Structural connectivity in the left dorsal pathway (eg, superior temporal gyrus, inferior parietal lobule, and superior longitudinal fasciculus) was positively associated with spontaneous speech, repetition, and naming, whereas structural connectivity in the corona radiata, internal capsule, and corpus callosum of the right hemisphere was negatively associated with language function in the subacute phase. Comprehension was associated with the left superior temporal gyrus and the right corona radiata in the subacute phase and the right corpus callosum in the chronic phase (
P
FWE
<0.05).

Conclusions—
More lateralized language function related to the dorsal pathway was influenced in the bilateral brain areas in the subacute phase but not in the chronic phase. Less lateralized language function related to the ventral pathway was influenced in the bilateral brain areas during both subacute and chronic phases after stroke.
Hypertensive Response to Ischemic Stroke in the Normotensive Wistar Rat
Authors: Thakkar Pratik , McGregor Ailsa , Barber Paul Alan , Paton Julian F.R. , Barrett Carolyn , McBryde Fiona 
Published: August 2019

Background and Purpose—
Over 80% of ischemic stroke patients show an abrupt increase in arterial blood pressure in the hours and days following ischemic stroke. Whether this poststroke hypertension is beneficial or harmful remains controversial and the underlying physiological basis is unclear.

Methods—

To investigate the dynamic cardiovascular response to stroke, adult Wistar rats (n=5–8 per group, 393±34 g) were instrumented with telemeters to blood pressure, intracranial pressure, renal sympathetic nerve activity, and brain tissue oxygen in the predicted penumbra (P
o
2
). After 2 weeks of recovery, cardiovascular signals were recorded for a 3-day baseline period, then ischemic stroke was induced via transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, or sham surgery. Cardiovascular signals were then recorded for a further 10 days, and the functional sensorimotor recovery assessed using the cylinder and sticky dot tests.

Results—

Baseline values of all variables were similar between groups. Compared to sham, in the 2 days following stroke middle cerebral artery occlusion produced an immediate, transient rise above baseline in mean blood pressure (21±3 versus 2±4 mm Hg;
P
<0.001), renal sympathetic nerve activity (54±11% versus 7±4%;
P
=0.006), and cerebral perfusion pressure (12±5 versus 1±4;
P
≤0.001). Intracranial pressure increased more slowly, peaking 3 days after middle cerebral artery occlusion (14±6 versus −1±1 mm Hg;
P
<0.001). Treating with the antihypertensive agent nifedipine after stroke (1.5–0.75 mg/kg per hour SC) ameliorated poststroke hypertension (12±3 mm Hg on day 1;
P
=0.041), abolished the intracranial pressure increase (3±1;
P
<0.001) and reduced cerebral perfusion pressure (10±3 mm Hg;
P
=0.017). Preventing poststroke hypertension affected neither the recovery of sensorimotor function nor infarct size.

Conclusions—
These findings suggest that poststroke hypertension is immediate, temporally matched to an increase in sympathetic outflow, and elevates cerebral perfusion pressure for several days after stroke, which may enhance cerebral perfusion. Preventing poststroke hypertension does not appear to worsen prognosis after stroke in young, normotensive, and otherwise healthy rats.

Visual Overview—

An online
visual overview
is available for this article.
Tropical Cyclones and Climate Change Assessment: Part II: Projected Response to Anthropogenic Warming
Authors: Knutson Thomas , Camargo Suzana J. , Chan Johnny C. L. , Emanuel Kerry , Ho Chang-Hoi , Kossin James , Mohapatra Mrutyunjay , Satoh Masaki , Sugi Masato , Walsh Kevin , Wu Liguang 
Published: August 2019

AbstractModel projections of tropical cyclone (TC) activity response to anthropogenic warming in climate models are assessed. Observations, theory, and models, with increasing robustness, indicate rising global TC risk for some metrics that are projected to impact multiple regions. A 2°C anthropogenic global warming is projected to impact TC activity as follows. 1) The most confident TC-related projection is that sea level rise accompanying the warming will lead to higher storm inundation levels, assuming all other factors are unchanged. 2) For TC precipitation rates, there is at least medium-to-high confidence in an increase globally, with a median projected increase of 14%, or close to the rate of tropical water vapor increase with warming, at constant relative humidity. 3) For TC intensity, 10 of 11 authors had at least medium-to-high confidence that the global average will increase. The median projected increase in lifetime maximum surface wind speeds is about 5% (range: 1%–10%) in available higher-resolution studies. 4) For the global proportion (as opposed to frequency) of TCs that reach very intense (category 4–5) levels, there is at least medium-to-high confidence in an increase, with a median projected change of +13%. Author opinion was more mixed and confidence levels lower for the following projections: 5) a further poleward expansion of the latitude of maximum TC intensity in the western North Pacific; 6) a decrease of global TC frequency, as projected in most studies; 7) an increase in global very intense TC frequency (category 4–5), seen most prominently in higher-resolution models; and 8) a slowdown in TC translation speed.
Noninfectious Foodborne Exposures Reported to 2 National Reporting Systems, United States, 2000-2010
Authors: Law Royal Kai Yee , Kisselburgh Hannah , Roblin Douglas , Choudhary Ekta , Schier Joshua , Fraser Michael , Taylor Ethel 
Published: August 2019

Objectives: Foodborne disease is a pervasive problem caused by consuming food or drink contaminated by infectious or noninfectious agents. The 55 US poison centers receive telephone calls for advice on foodborne disease cases that may be related to a foodborne disease outbreak (FBDO). Our objective was to assess whether poison center call records uploaded to the National Poison Data System (NPDS) can be used for surveillance of noninfectious FBDOs in the United States. Methods: We matched NPDS records on noninfectious FBDO agents in the United States with records in the Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System (FDOSS) for 2000-2010. We conducted multivariable logistic regression analysis comparing NPDS matched and unmatched records to assess features of NPDS records that may indicate a confirmed noninfectious FBDO. Results: During 2000-2010, FDOSS recorded 491 noninfectious FBDOs of known etiology and NPDS recorded 8773 calls for noninfectious foodborne disease exposures. Of 8773 NPDS calls, 469 (5.3%) were matched to a noninfectious FBDO reported to FDOSS. Multivariable logistic regression indicated severity of medical outcome, whether the call was made by a health care professional, and etiology as significant predictors of NPDS records matching an FDOSS noninfectious FBDO. Conclusions: NPDS may complement existing surveillance systems and response activities by providing timely information about single cases of foodborne diseases or about a known or emerging FBDO. Prioritizing NPDS records by certain call features could help guide public health departments in the types of noninfectious foodborne records that most warrant public health follow-up.
High-speed production of antibacterial fabrics using liquid flame spray
Authors: Brobbey Kofi Jocelyn , Haapanen Janne , Tuominen Mikko , Mäkelä Jyrki , Gunell Marianne , Eerola Erkki , Saarinen Jarkko J , Toivakka Martti 
Published: August 2019

Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) are known as one of the major problems of the modern healthcare system, which result in additional cost and mortality. It has also been shown that pathogenic bacteria are mostly transferred via surfaces in healthcare settings. Therefore, antibacterial surfaces, which include fabrics and textiles, can be used in a healthcare environment to reduce the transfer of pathogenic bacteria, hence reducing HAIs. Silver nanoparticles have been shown to have broad spectrum antibacterial properties, and therefore they have been incorporated into fabrics to provide antibacterial functionality. Liquid flame spray (LFS) nanoparticle synthesis allows nanoparticles to be produced and deposited on surfaces at speeds up to and beyond 300 m/min. Herein, LFS is used to deposit silver nanoparticles onto two fabrics that are commonly used in the hospital environment with the aim of producing antibacterial fabrics. A thin plasma coating on top of the fabrics after silver deposition is used to improve nanoparticle adhesion. Fabrics coated with silver nanoparticles demonstrated antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli. Nanoparticle imaging and surface chemical characterization are performed using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The highlights of this research are as follows:  • high-speed synthesis and deposition of silver nanoparticles on fabrics;  • plasma coating onto fabrics with silver nanoparticles;  • antibacterial fabrics for potential use in healthcare environments.
Union Actors and Socio-environmental Problems: The Trade Union Confederation of the Americas
Authors: Anigstein Cecilia , Wyczykier Gabriela 
Published: August 2019

The Trade Union Confederation of the Americas is analytically interesting because international trade unions have promoted the framework of a “just transition” to protect workers’ rights during the shift to sustainable energy and the response to climate change and because the confederation has undertaken something of a “Latin-Americanization” of the just-transition notion that is nurtured by the environmental/territorial turn of social struggles on the continent. The current convergence between unions and social movements (peasant, feminist, environmentalist) has contributed to an important renewal of the union movement in Latin American environmental matters. La Confederación Sindical de las Américas reviste interés analítico porque las organizaciones sindicales internacionales promovieron una “transición justa” para resituar y visibilizar a los trabajadores en las negociaciones multilaterales del clima y procesos de transición energética y porque la confederación ha emprendido una “latinoamericanización” de la noción de la “transición justa” nutrida de un giro eco-territorial de las luchas sociales en el continente. El actual proceso de convergencia entre sindicatos y movimientos sociales (campesinos, feministas, ambientalistas) ha contribuido a una importante renovación de la narrativa del movimiento sindical en materia medioambiental en América Latina.
Test Frequency, Stakes, and Feedback in Student Achievement: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Phelps Richard P. 
Published: August 2019

Background: Test frequency, stakes associated with educational tests, and feedback from test results have been identified in the research literature as relevant factors in student achievement. Objectives: Summarize the separate and joint contribution to student achievement of these three treatments and their interactions via multivariable meta-analytic techniques using a database of English-language studies spanning a century (1910–2010), comprising 149 studies and 509 effect size estimates. Research design: Analysis employed robust variance estimation. Considered as potential moderators were hundreds of study features comprising various test designs and test administration, demographic, and source document characteristics. Subjects: Subjects were students at all levels, from early childhood to adult, mostly from the United States but also eight other countries. Results: We find a summary effect size of 0.84 for the three treatments collectively. Further analysis suggests benefits accrue to the incremental addition of combinations of testing and feedback or stakes and feedback. Moderator analysis shows higher effect sizes associated with the following study characteristics: more recent year of publication, summative (rather than formative) testing, constructed (rather than selected) item response formats, alignment of subject matter between pre- and posttests, and recognition/recall (rather than core subjects, art, or physical education). Conversely, lower effect sizes are associated with postsecondary students (rather than early childhood–upper secondary), special education population, larger study population, random assignment (rather than another sampling method), use of shadow test as outcome measure, designation of individuals (rather than groups) as units of analysis, and academic (rather than corporate or government) research.
Effects of therapeutic ultrasound for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Yu , Zhu Shibo , Lv Zenghui , Kan Shunli , Wu Qiuli , Song Wenye , Ning Guangzhi , Feng Shiqing 
Published: August 2019

Objective: To assess the effectiveness and safety of therapeutic ultrasound with sham ultrasound on pain relief and functional improvement in knee osteoarthritis patients. As phonophoresis is a unique therapeutic ultrasound, we also compared the effects of phonophoresis with conventional non-drug ultrasound. Data sources: PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials from inception up to June 2019. Review methods: Randomized controlled trials comparing therapeutic ultrasound with sham ultrasound in knee osteoarthritis patients were included. Phonophoresis in the experimental and control groups were compared through conventional ultrasound, and corresponding trials were also included. Two reviewers independently identified eligible studies and extracted data. Risk of bias assessments and therapeutic ultrasound safety assessments were also performed. Results: Fifteen studies including three phonophoresis-related studies with 1074 patients were included. Meta-analyses demonstrated that therapeutic ultrasound significantly relieved pain ( P < 0.00001) and reduced the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) physical function score ( P = 0.03). In addition, therapeutic ultrasound increased the active range of motion ( P < 0.00001) and reduced the Lequesne index ( P < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis of phonophoresis ultrasound illustrated significant differences on the visual analogue scale ( P = 0.009), but no significant differences on WOMAC pain subscales ( P = 0.10), and total WOMAC scores were observed ( P = 0.30). There was no evidence to suggest that ultrasound was unsafe treatment. Conclusions: Therapeutic ultrasound is a safe treatment to relieve pain and improve physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. However, phonophoresis does not produce additional benefits to functional improvement, but may relieve pain compared to conventional non-drug ultrasound.