bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sleep spindle characteristics and sleep architecture are associated with learning of executive functions in school‐age children
Authors: Vermeulen Marije C. M. , Van der Heijden Kristiaan B. , Swaab Hanna , Van Someren Eus J. W. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe macro‐ and microstructural characteristics of sleep electroencephalography have been associated with several aspects of executive functioning. However, only a few studies have addressed the association of sleep characteristics with the learning involved in the acquisition of executive functions, and no study has investigated this for planning and problem‐solving skills in the developing brain of children. The present study examined whether children's sleep stages and microstructural sleep characteristics are associated with performance improvement over repeated assessments of the Tower of Hanoi task, which requires integrated planning and problem‐solving skills. Thirty children (11 boys, mean age 10.7 years, SD = 0.8) performed computerized parallel versions of the Tower of Hanoi three times across 2 days, including a night with polysomnographically assessed sleep. Pearson correlations were used to evaluate the associations of Tower of Hanoi solution time improvements across repeated assessments with sleep stages (% of total sleep time), slow‐wave activity, and fast and slow spindle features. The results indicated a stronger performance improvement across wake in children with more Stage N2 sleep and less slow‐wave sleep. Stronger improvements across sleep were present in children in whom slow spindles were more dense, and in children in whom fast spindles were less dense, of shorter duration and had less power. The findings indicate that specific sleep electroencephalography signatures reflect the ability of the developing brain to acquire and improve on integrated planning and problem‐solving skills.
Liver transplant listing for hepatitis C‐associated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma has fallen in the United Kingdom since the introduction of direct‐acting antiviral therapy
Authors: Vaziri Arash , Gimson Alexander , Agarwal Kosh , Aldersley Mark , Bathgate Andrew , MacDonald Douglas , McPherson Stuart , Mutimer David , Gelson William 
Published: October 2018

SummaryFollowing the introduction of direct‐acting antivirals (DAA), there have been reports of declining incidence of hepatitis C (HCV)‐related liver disease as a liver transplantation indication. In this study, we assessed the impact of DAA on liver transplant indications in the UK and waiting list outcomes for patients with HCV. We assessed UK adult elective liver transplant registrants between 2006 and 2017. The aetiology of liver disease at registration was reclassified using an accepted hierarchical system and changes were assessed over time and compared before and after the introduction of DAA. Registration UKELD scores and 1‐year waiting list outcomes were also compared. The proportion of waiting list patients registered with HCV‐related cirrhosis reduced after the introduction of DAA from 10.5% in 2013 to 4.7% in 2016 (P < 0.001). Alcohol‐related liver disease (ARLD) was the leading indication for liver transplantation followed by liver cancer (26.1% and 18.4% in 2016, respectively). The proportion of registrations with Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with HCV reduced from 46.4% in 2013 to 33.7% in 2016 (P = 0.002). For patients with HCV‐related cirrhosis at one year the outcomes of death, transplantation, delisting due to improvement or deterioration and awaiting a graft at 1 year were similar. For patients with HCV‐related HCC, the proportion dying at 1 year reduced significantly from 2.9% to 0.0% (P = 0.04). These data demonstrate an association between DAA and reduced listing rates for HCV‐related cirrhosis and HCC, but no significant changes in waiting list outcomes other than reduced mortality in the HCC group.
Increasing hepatitis C virus screening in people who inject drugs in Switzerland using rapid antibody saliva and dried blood spot testing: A cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Girardin François , Hearmon Natalie , Negro Francesco , Eddowes Lucy , Bruggmann Philip , Castro Erika 
Published: October 2018

SummaryPeople who inject drugs (PWID) are a key high‐risk group for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection due to the sharing of needles and drug‐preparation equipment. However, only approximately 50% of PWID are currently screened for HCV in Switzerland. At present, screening of PWID occurs in general practice via venepuncture. Compared to venepuncture, screening via rapid antibody saliva and dried blood spot (DBS) tests is well adapted to PWID, who typically have difficult venous access. The cost‐effectiveness of an increased access screening programme of PWID (increased screening using rapid antibody saliva tests and DBS tests [semi‐quantitative viraemia and viral genotype]) was analysed through a decision tree screening model combined with the outputs of a Markov treatment model. Sensitivity and scenario analyses examined the uncertainty of results. At a willingness to pay (WTP) threshold of CHF 100 000 (USD 105 000) per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY), the increased access screening programme was cost‐effective compared to current screening, with a base case incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of CHF 7 940 (USD 8337) per QALY. The net monetary benefit was CHF 959 802 668 (USD 1 007 792 801) for the PWID population and CHF 94 469 (USD 99 192) per person. The increased access screening programme had a 97.0% probability of being cost‐effective compared to the current screening method at the WTP threshold of CHF 100 000 (USD 105 000). The results showed an increased access screening programme that uses tests which are better suited to the PWID population to be more cost‐effective, due to the increased uptake that rapid antibody saliva and DBS tests generate.
Polarization of granulocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cells by hepatitis C core protein is mediated via IL‐10/STAT3 signalling
Authors: Wang Meng , Ping Yu , Li Zhiqin , Li Jieyao , Zhang Zhen , Yue Dongli , Chen Xinfeng , Wang Liping , Huang Lan , Huang Jianmin , Yang Li , Zhao Xuan , Yang Shuangning , Li Hong , Shi Jijing , Li Jiansheng , Zhang Yi 
Published: October 2018

SummaryMyeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have been described as suppressors of T‐cell function in many malignancies. Impaired T‐cell responses have been observed in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection (CHC), which is reportedly associated with the establishment of persistent HCV infection. Therefore, we hypothesized that MDSCs also play a role in chronic HCV infection. MDSCs in the peripheral blood of 206 patients with CHC and 20 healthy donors were analyzed by flow cytometry. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of healthy donors cultured with hepatitis C virus core protein (HCVc) were stimulated with or without interleukin 10 (IL‐10). Compared to healthy donors and certain CHC patients with sustained viral response (SVR), CHC patients without SVR presented with a dramatic elevation of G‐MDSCs with the HLA‐DR−/lowCD33+CD14−CD11b+phenotype in peripheral blood. The frequency of G‐MDSCs in CHC patients was positively correlated with serum HCVc, and G‐MDSCs were induced from healthy PBMCs by adding exogenous HCVc. Furthermore, we revealed a potential mechanism by which HCVc mediates G‐MDSC polarization; activation of ERK1/2 resulting in IL‐10 production and IL‐10‐activated STAT3 signalling. Finally, we confirmed that HCVc‐induced G‐MDSCs suppress the proliferation and production of IFN‐γ in autologous T‐cells. We also found that the frequency of G‐MDSCs in serum was associated with CHC prognosis. HCVc maintains immunosuppression by promoting IL‐10/STAT3‐dependent differentiation of G‐MDSCs from PBMCs, resulting in the impaired functioning of T‐cells. G‐MDSCs may thus be a promising biomarker for predicting prognosis of CHC patients.
The causes of upper tree limits in the mountain ranges of Central Europe north of the Alps – A stem growth perspective
Authors: Kašpar Jakub , Treml Václav 
Published: October 2018

AbstractQuestionsGlobally, mean growing season temperature at the climatic treeline was found to converge to a common isotherm, presumably related to similar growth limitations by low temperature. However, temperatures for high‐elevation tree limits are often higher than the corresponding thermal limit for tree growth, suggesting that trees are regionally absent from the potential treeline. We explore whether the regional uppermost tree stands in Central Europe are limited by low growing season temperature, reflect the action of a “summit syndrome” (harsh climatic conditions near summits of insufficiently high mountains), or have resulted from historical land use or other disturbances.LocationMountains of Central Europe, north and east of the Alps (48–51°N, 10–20°E).MethodsIn each region, the highest elevation, 3‐m tall individuals of Picea abies were sampled to measure radial and height growth and to record symptoms of wind‐induced damage (abrasion, bending, breakage). Trees were grouped based on their growth performance and growing season temperature. Differences in variables indicative of a summit syndrome (wind‐induced damage, elevation distance to nearest summit, height increment above 2 m stem height) were tested among groups.ResultsWe identified four particular groups of trees. The first contains trees characterized by low growth rates at cold tree limits located distant from summit areas. These trees are considered to represent the climatic treeline. The second group consists of trees growing well at relatively “warm” tree limits located near summits. These upper tree limits are probably a consequence of disturbances, human interventions or tree establishment lagging behind the warming over the past century. Trees from the remaining two groups are characterized by intermediate temperatures and growth rates. They are usually located near summits and exhibit various ranges of symptoms of mechanical impact due to summit conditions. Their current range limits reflect a combination of the repeated loss of biomass, thermally‐limited growth and restricted space for further upslope advance.ConclusionsOur study shows that comparing tree growth, growing season temperature and symptoms of biomass loss is helpful for explaining the formation of regional upper tree limits.
The novel regulators CheP and CheQ control the core chemotaxis operon cheVAW in Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Cha Guihong , Chen Zimin , Mo Ran , Lu Guangwen , Gao Beile 
Published: October 2018

SummaryCampylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of foodborne gastrointestinal illness worldwide, and chemotaxis plays an important role in its host colonization and pathogenesis. Although many studies on chemotaxis have focused on the physical organization and signaling mechanism of the system’s protein complex, much less is known about the transcriptional regulation of its components. Here, we describe two novel regulators, CJJ81176_0275 and CJJ81176_0276 (designated as CheP and CheQ), which specifically activate the transcription of the chemotaxis core genes cheV, cheA and cheW in C. jejuni and they are also essential for chemotactic responses. CheP has a single HD‐related output domain (HDOD) domain and can promote CheQ binding to the cheVAW operon promoter through a protein‐protein interaction. Mutagenesis analyses identified key residues critical for CheP function and/or interaction with CheQ. Further structural characterization of CheQ revealed a novel fold with strong positive surface charges that allow for its DNA binding. These findings reveal the gene regulatory mechanism of the chemotaxis system in an important bacterial pathogen and provide potential anti‐virulence targets for campylobacteriosis treatment. In addition, ChePQ is an example of how proteins with the widespread but functionally obscure HDOD can coordinate with a signal output DNA‐binding protein/domain to regulate the expression of important signaling pathways.
Effects of neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio on renal function and histologic lesions in patients with diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Zhang Junlin , Zhang Rui , Wang Yiting , Wu Yucheng , Li Hanyu , Han Qianqian , Guo Ruikun , Wang Tingli , Wang Jiali , Grung Pramesh , Liu Fang 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTAimChronic low‐grade inflammation related to diabetic nephropathy (DN) may affect the serum neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR). We aimed to examine the cross‐sectional relationships of NLR with renal function and structural lesions of DN in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsThe study retrospectively included 247 patients with T2DM and biopsy‐proven DN. The severity of different pathological lesions was evaluated based on the criteria of Renal Pathology Society. The patients were divided into two groups based on the median (2.42) of NLR level, group 1: NLR < 2.42 (n = 122) and group 2: NLR ≥ 2.42 (n = 125). Renal dysfunction was defined by estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2. The influence of NLR on renal dysfunction was evaluated using logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe spearman's rank‐correlation test indicted that NLR was positively correlated with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (r = 0.170, P = 0.007) and serum fibrinogen (r = 0.261, P < 0.001), whereas negatively related with estimated glomerular filtration rate (r = −0.233, P < 0.001). However, the NLR level demonstrated no association with glomerular lesions, interstitial inflammation and arteriolar hyalinosis. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher level of NLR (≥2.42) was significantly associated with renal dysfunction when adjusting for some important baseline clinical and pathological variables (odds ratio, 2.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.21–4.97; P = 0.012).ConclusionIncreased NLR affects renal function and histologic lesions in patients with T2DM and may be an important factor for the progression of DN.
Interaction between row‐type genes in barley controls meristem determinacy and reveals novel routes to improved grain
Authors: Zwirek Monika , Waugh Robbie , McKim Sarah M. 
Published: October 2018

Summary

Hordeum species develop a central spikelet flanked by two lateral spikelets at each inflorescence node. In ‘two‐rowed’ spikes, the central spikelet alone is fertile and sets grain, while in ‘six‐rowed’ spikes, lateral spikelets can also produce grain. Induced loss‐of‐function alleles of any of five Six‐rowed spike (VRS) genes (VRS1‐5) cause complete to intermediate gains of lateral spikelet fertility. Current six‐row cultivars contain natural defective vrs1 and vrs5 alleles. Little information is known about VRS mechanism(s).

We used comparative developmental, expression and genetic analyses on single and double vrs mutants to learn more about how VRS genes control development and assess their agronomic potential.

We show that all VRS genes repress fertility at carpel and awn emergence in developing lateral spikelets. VRS4, VRS3 and VRS5 work through VRS1 to suppress fertility, probably by inducing VRS1 expression. Pairing vrs3, vrs4 or vrs5 alleles increased lateral spikelet fertility, despite the presence of a functional VRS1 allele. The vrs3 allele caused loss of spikelet identity and determinacy, improved grain homogeneity and increased tillering in a vrs4 background, while with vrs5, decreased tiller number and increased grain weight.

Interactions amongst VRS genes control spikelet infertility, determinacy and outgrowth, and novel routes to improving six‐row grain.
Insights from in vivo micro‐CT analysis: testing the hydraulic vulnerability segmentation in Acer pseudoplatanus and Fagus sylvatica seedlings
Authors: Losso Adriano , Bär Andreas , Dämon Birgit , Dullin Christian , Ganthaler Andrea , Petruzzellis Francesco , Savi Tadeja , Tromba Giuliana , Nardini Andrea , Mayr Stefan , Beikircher Barbara 
Published: October 2018

Summary

The seedling stage is the most susceptible one during a tree′s life. Water relations may be crucial for seedlings due to their small roots, limited water buffers and the effects of drought on water transport. Despite obvious relevance, studies on seedling xylem hydraulics are scarce as respective methodical approaches are limited.

Micro‐CT scans of intact Acer pseudoplatanus and Fagus sylvatica seedlings dehydrated to different water potentials (Ψ) allowed the simultaneous observation of gas‐filled versus water‐filled conduits and the calculation of percentage loss of conductivity (PLC) in stems, roots and leaves (petioles or main veins). Additionally, anatomical analyses were performed and stem PLC measured with hydraulic techniques.

In A. pseudoplatanus, petioles showed a higher Ψ at 50% PLC (Ψ50 −1.13MPa) than stems (−2.51 MPa) and roots (−1.78 MPa). The main leaf veins of F. sylvatica had similar Ψ50 values (−2.26 MPa) to stems (−2.74 MPa) and roots (−2.75 MPa). In both species, no difference between root and stems was observed. Hydraulic measurements on stems closely matched the micro‐CT based PLC calculations.

Micro‐CT analyses indicated a species‐specific hydraulic architecture. Vulnerability segmentation, enabling a disconnection of the hydraulic pathway upon drought, was observed in A. pseudoplatanus but not in the especially shade‐tolerant F. sylvatica. Hydraulic patterns could partly be related to xylem anatomical traits.
Corticosteroid phobia (corticophobia) in parents of young children with atopic dermatitis and their health care providers
Authors: Bos Bernies , Antonescu Ioana , Osinga Hilda , Veenje Sietske , de Jong Kim , de Vries Tjalling W. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundAdherence to topical corticosteroids is low among atopic dermatitis patients and their parents. This can lead to treatment failure and decreased quality of life.ObjectiveTo assess and compare the worries and beliefs concerning topical corticosteroids among parents of children with atopic dermatitis, involved health care professionals, and between different professionals. Also, we identify factors associated with corticosteroid phobia (corticophobia) in professionals.MethodsParents and health care professionals were invited to complete a questionnaire about corticophobia (Topicop). Higher questionnaire scores, expressed as a percentage, indicate more severe corticophobia. Professionals were asked to answer the questions as though they were using topical corticosteroids on their own child.ResultsThe scores for 29 parents and 31 public health care nurses were equal: 44%. The score for 51 general practitioners was 39%. The score for 33 public health care physicians and of 47 pediatricians was 31%. The differences between parents and these professionals were statistically significantly different (P = 0.001). Type of profession and having a child with atopic dermatitis were significantly associated factors for the score.ConclusionCorticophobia is present among parents of children with atopic dermatitis and among health care professionals involved in caring for children with atopic dermatitis. Health care nurses express the same level of corticophobia as parents. The presence of corticophobia among health care professionals may affect parental perspectives and topical corticosteroids adherence negatively.
In utero development of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita
Authors: Dewan Anna K. , Braue Jonathan , Danford Brandon , Stack Lawrence B. , Boyd Alan S. , Fine Jo‐David , Albers Sharon E. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe report the case of an infant born with perioral vesicles that rapidly spread to involve his mouth and the majority of his body. Histopathology, immunofluorescence, and enzyme‐linked immunohistochemistry assays confirmed a diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA). His mother had no history of EBA, and serum indirect immunofluorescence was negative. The patient improved rapidly with local wound care and oral dapsone.
Hybrid stage 1 palliation as a bridge to cardiac transplantation in patients with high‐risk single ventricle physiology
Authors: Morray Brian H. , Albers Erin L. , Jones Thomas K. , Kemna Mariska S. , Permut Lester C. , Law Yuk M. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe hybrid stage 1 palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) was first described in 1993 as a bridge to heart transplant for HLHS. There are limited data on this strategy as primary heart transplantation for HLHS has become less common.MethodsThis is an observational, single‐center study comparing pre‐ and post‐transplant outcomes of patients listed for transplant following hybrid palliation with those following surgical stage 1 palliation.ResultsFrom 2004 to 2017, 21 patients underwent hybrid palliation as a bridge to heart transplant and 28 patients were listed for transplant following surgical stage 1 palliation or aortic arch repair and pulmonary artery band placement. Premature birth and the presence of genetic or anatomic abnormalities were more common in the hybrid group. Need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support and ventricular dysfunction was more common in the surgical group. There was a trend toward shorter waitlist times in the surgical cohort (36 days vs 70 days, P = 0.06). There was no difference in waitlist mortality (19% vs 21%, P = 0.61). Survival at 1 and 5 years post‐transplant was similar for the hybrid and surgical cohorts (5‐year survival, 80% vs 85%, P = 0.94, respectively). There was no difference in the number of post‐transplant interventions.ConclusionsAlthough the hybrid patients represented a higher risk cohort and demonstrated longer wait times, the waitlist and post‐transplant mortality was equivalent between the two groups. For high‐risk patients, the hybrid palliation as a bridge to transplant appears to be a reasonable strategy.
Doppler ultrasound predictors of transplant hepatic venous outflow obstruction in pediatric patients
Authors: Monroe Eric J. , Jeyakumar Arthie , Ingraham Christopher R. , Shivaram Giri , Koo Kevin S. H. , Hsu Evelyn K. , Dick Andre A. S. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate Doppler US and catheter venogram correlates to improve detection of transplant HVOO and avoid unnecessary invasive imaging procedures.Materials and methodsA retrospective review was performed in all pediatric OLT patients undergoing catheter venography of the hepatic veins between 2007 and 2017 at a single large tertiary pediatric liver transplant institution.ResultsForty‐four transplant hepatic venograms in 32 OLT patients were included (mean 1.38, range 1‐4 venograms per patient). All venograms were preceded by an independent Doppler US examination. Twenty‐one (47.7%) venograms were performed for the investigation of suspected HVOO based on Doppler US alone, 19 (43.2%) were performed for TJLB without suspected HVOO, 4 (9.1%) were performed for both. Sixteen (36.3%) instances of >50% anastomotic stenosis were identified. Mean peak anastomotic velocities were 208 cm/s and 116 cm/s in the presence and absence of a >50% venographic stenosis, respectively (P < 0.004). In all cases where there was a monophasic waveform seen on Doppler US, there was a > 50% stenosis seen on hepatic vein venogram. In all cases where a triphasic waveform was seen on Doppler US, there was no stenosis seen on hepatic vein venogram.ConclusionWhile a Doppler US velocity threshold providing both high sensitivity and specificity has yet to be identified, increasing peak anastomotic velocity and decreasing intrahepatic venous velocity correlate strongly with venographic outflow stenosis. The presence of a triphasic intrahepatic waveform provides good NPV.