bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the Nasal Mucus Index, a Novel Measurement of Acute Respiratory Infection Severity
Authors: Dorresteijn Paul M. , Muller Daniel , Xie Yaoguo , Zhang Zhengjun , Barrett Bruce P. 
Published: September 2016

Background To assess the concurrent and predictive validity of the Nasal Mucus Index (NMI), a novel measurement of acute respiratory infection (ARI) severity. Objective ARI, including the common cold and influenza, imposes a great burden on individuals and society. Previous research has attempted to assess the severity of ARI with self-reported and laboratory-based measurements. Self-reported measurements may introduce bias. Laboratory-based metrics are often expensive. Therefore, there is a need for non-self-reported, affordable, and validated ARI severity tests. Methods Participants (N = 719) with an ARI episode underwent nasal lavage on days 1 and 3. The samples were visually assessed for the amount of mucus present in the sample and were given a subsequent NMI score. Collected samples were further assessed for interleukin (IL) 8 values (in pg/mL) and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) per high-power field. The participants rated episode severity and nasal symptoms daily by using the validated Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey-21 (WURSS-21). A subset of nasal symptoms was used as an additional comparator. NMI scores were compared with same-day IL-8 level, PMN count, and WURSS-21 scores for concurrent validation purposes by using the Spearman ρ as the index of correlation. NMI scores were correlated with overall episode severity measurements to assess predictive validity. Overall episode severity was measured as the WURSS-21 area under the curve, nasal symptoms area under the curve, and episode duration. Results The NMI score correlated significantly with the same-day IL-8 level (ρ = 0.443, p < 0.001), PMN count (ρ = 0.498, p < 0.001), WURSS-21 score (ρ = 0.098, p = 0.004), and nasal symptom score (ρ = 0.162, p < 0.001). No significant predictive correlations were found. Conclusion Associations with inflammatory biomarkers and self-reported severity measurements provided evidence of concurrent validity for the novel NMI score. The NMI can be used in future research as a simple, inexpensive, non-self-reported indicator of ARI severity.
Lymphoma of the Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses: A Case Series
Authors: Steele Toby O. , Buniel Maria C. , Mace Jess C. , El Rassi Edward , Smith Timothy L. 
Published: September 2016

Background Lymphomas of the sinonasal tract are a rare and heterogeneous subset of solid sinonasal neoplasms. Objective To characterize, in this case series, presenting symptoms, treatment modalities, and outcomes for patients with sinonasal lymphoma within a single institution. Methods Retrospective patient data were collected from an academic, oncologic center and entered into a repository designed to capture outcomes for sinonasal malignancies. Patient demographics, presenting symptoms, imaging findings, treatment modalities, and health status were retrospectively extrapolated and evaluated by using Kaplan-Meier estimations for survival probability. Results Patients with sinonasal lymphoma with a mean follow-up of 50 months were identified (n = 18). Histologic diagnosis included the following: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (n = 9), natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (n = 5), follicular lymphoma (n = 1), T-cell lymphoma (n = 1), and lymphoma-not otherwise specified (n = 2). The most frequent presenting symptoms were nasal obstruction (78%), facial pain (72%), facial swelling (50%), and nasal discharge (44%). Treatment before lymphoma diagnosis included antibiotics (83%), oral steroids (22%), decongestants (22%), and topical steroids (11%). Treatment regimens after diagnosis included both chemotherapy (94%) and chemoradiotherapy (56%). Survival rates by lymphoma subtype were 56% for B-cell lymphoma and 40% for natural killer/T-cell lymphoma. Overall, 2- and 5-year survival rates were 67% and 50%, respectively. The combination of chemotherapy and radiation resulted in significantly higher survival rates (p ≤ 0.001) than chemotherapy alone. Conclusion Sinonasal lymphomas are characterized by meager survival rates, which differ by histopathologic subtype. The diagnosis of sinonasal lymphoma is challenging because symptoms frequently parallel those of chronic rhinosinusitis. Increased awareness of these rare malignancies may improve detection and more timely treatment. Clinical trial registration NCT01332136.
Impact of Breathing Patterns on the Quality of Life of 9- to 10-year-old Schoolchildren
Authors: Leal Rossana B. , Gomes Monalisa C. , Granville-Garcia Ana F. , Goes Paulo S.A. , de Menezes Valdenice A. 
Published: September 2016

Background Mouth breathing can cause a set of changes in craniofacial growth and development, with esthetic, functional, and psychological repercussions. Objective To determine the impact of mouth breathing on the quality of life of schoolchildren. Methods A school-based, cross-sectional study was conducted with 1911 children ages 9 and 10 years in the city of Recife, Brazil. The children answered the Mouth Breather Quality of Life questionnaire and a questionnaire that addressed sociodemographic data and health-related aspects. Clinical examinations were performed by an examiner who had undergone a training and calibration process for the diagnosis of mouth breathing (kappa = 0.90). Descriptive statistics were conducted to characterize the sample. Statistical analysis involved the Student's t-test and the F test (analysis of variance) (alpha = 5%). Results The prevalence of mouth breathing was 54.81%. Children with oral breathing demonstrated a poorer quality of life in comparison with children with nasal breathing (p < 0.001). The following variables were significantly associated with a poorer quality of life among the children with mouth breathing: a younger age (p < 0.001) and the use of medication (p = 0.002). Conclusion Based on the present findings, children with the mouth-breathing pattern experience a greater negative impact on quality of life in comparison with those with the nose-breathing pattern. Thus, the early diagnosis and treatment of this clinical condition are fundamental to minimizing the consequences of mouth breathing on the quality of life of schoolchildren with respiration disorders.
Development and Validation of the Modified Charlson Comorbidity Index in Incident Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A National Population-Based Approach
Authors: Cho Hyunjeong , Kim Myoung-Hee , Kim Hyo Jin , Park Jae Yoon , Ryu Dong-Ryeol , Lee Hajeong , Lee Jung Pyo , Lim Chun-Soo , Kim Kyoung Hoon , Oh Kook-Hwan , Joo Kwon Wook , Kim Yon Su , Kim Dong Ki 
Published: September 2016

Background The utility of applying the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) to peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is disputed because the relative weight of each comorbidity in PD patients may be different from those in other chronic diseases. We aimed to develop and validate a modified CCI in incident PD patients (mCCI-IPD) for better risk stratification and prediction of mortality. Methods The mCCI-IPD was developed using data from all Korean adult incident PD patients between 2005 and 2008 ( n = 7,606). Multivariate Cox regression was used to determine new weights for the individual comorbidities in the CCI. The prognostic performance of the mCCI-IPD was validated in an independent cohort ( n = 664) through c-statistics and continuous net reclassification improvement (cNRI). Results A total of 75.5% of the patients in the development cohort had 1 or more comorbidities. The Cox proportional hazards model provided reassigned severity weights for the 11 comorbidities that significantly predicted mortality. In the validation cohort, the CCI and mCCI-IPD scores were both correlated with survival and showed no differences in their c-statistics. However, multivariate analyses using cNRI revealed that the mCCI-IPD provided a 38.2% improvement in mortality risk assessment compared with the CCI (95% confidence interval [CI], 15.3 – 61.0; p < 0.001). These significant reclassification improvements were observed consistently in subjects with events (cNRIEvent, 28.2% [95% CI, 6.9 – 49.5; p = 0.009]) and without events (cNRINon-event, 10.0% [95% CI, 1.7 – 18.2; p = 0.019]). Conclusions Compared with the CCI, the mCCI-IPD showed better performance in mortality prediction for incident PD patients. Therefore, this tool may be used as a preferred index for statistical analysis and clinical decision-making.
ON THE EVOLUTION OF HIGH-REDSHIFT ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI
Authors: Mao Jirong , Kim Minsun 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT
We build a simple physical model to study the high-redshift active galactic nucleus (AGN) evolution within the co-evolution framework of central black holes (BHs) and their host galaxies. The correlation between the circular velocity of a dark halo V

c
and the velocity dispersion of a galaxy σ is used to link the dark matter halo mass and BH mass. The dark matter halo mass function is converted to the BH mass function for any given redshift. The high-redshift optical AGN luminosity functions (LFs) are constructed. At

, the flattening feature is not shown at the faint end of the optical AGN LF. This is consistent with observational results. If the optical AGN LF at

can be reproduced in the case in which central BHs have the Eddington-limited accretion, it is possible for the AGN lifetime to have a small value of

. The X-ray AGN LFs and X-ray AGN number counts are also calculated at

and

, respectively, using the same parameters adopted in the calculation for the optical AGN LF at

. It is estimated that about 30 AGNs per

at

can be detected with a flux limit of

in the 0.5–2 keV band. Additionally, the cosmic reionization is also investigated. The ultraviolet photons emitted from the high-redshift AGNs mainly contribute to the cosmic reionization, and the central BHs of the high-redshift AGNs have a mass range of

. We also discuss some uncertainties in both the AGN LFs and AGN number counts originating from the

relation, Eddington ratio, AGN lifetime, and X-ray attenuation in our model.
THE PREVALENCE OF GAS OUTFLOWS IN TYPE 2 AGNs. II. 3D BICONICAL OUTFLOW MODELS
Authors: Bae Hyun-Jin , Woo Jong-Hak 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT
We present 3D models of biconical outflows combined with a thin dust plane for investigating the physical properties of the ionized gas outflows and their effect on the observed gas kinematics in type 2 active galactic nuclei (AGNs). Using a set of input parameters, we construct a number of models in 3D and calculate the spatially integrated velocity and velocity dispersion for each model. We find that three primary parameters, i.e., intrinsic velocity, bicone inclination, and the amount of dust extinction, mainly determine the simulated velocity and velocity dispersion. Velocity dispersion increases as the intrinsic velocity or the bicone inclination increases, while velocity (i.e., velocity shifts with respect to systemic velocity) increases as the amount of dust extinction increases. Simulated emission-line profiles well reproduce the observed [O iii] line profiles, e.g., narrow core and broad wing components. By comparing model grids and Monte Carlo simulations with the observed [O iii] velocity–velocity dispersion distribution of ∼39,000 type 2 AGNs, we constrain the intrinsic velocity of gas outflows ranging from ∼500 to ∼1000 km s−1 for the majority of AGNs, and up to ∼1500–2000 km s−1 for extreme cases. The Monte Carlo simulations show that the number ratio of AGNs with negative [O iii] velocity to AGNs with positive [O iii] velocity correlates with the outflow opening angle, suggesting that outflows with higher intrinsic velocity tend to have wider opening angles. These results demonstrate the potential of our 3D models for studying the physical properties of gas outflows, applicable to various observations, including spatially integrated and resolved gas kinematics.
A CENSUS OF LARGE-SCALE (≥10 PC), VELOCITY-COHERENT, DENSE FILAMENTS IN THE NORTHERN GALACTIC PLANE: AUTOMATED IDENTIFICATION USING MINIMUM SPANNING TREE
Authors: Wang (王科) Ke , Testi Leonardo , Burkert Andreas , Walmsley C. Malcolm , Beuther Henrik , Henning Thomas 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT
Large-scale gaseous filaments with lengths up to the order of 100 pc are on the upper end of the filamentary hierarchy of the Galactic interstellar medium (ISM). Their association with respect to the Galactic structure and their role in Galactic star formation are of great interest from both an observational and theoretical point of view. Previous “by-eye” searches, combined together, have started to uncover the Galactic distribution of large filaments, yet inherent bias and small sample size limit conclusive statistical results from being drawn. Here, we present (1) a new, automated method for identifying large-scale velocity-coherent dense filaments, and (2) the first statistics and the Galactic distribution of these filaments. We use a customized minimum spanning tree algorithm to identify filaments by connecting voxels in the position–position–velocity space, using the Bolocam Galactic Plane Survey spectroscopic catalog. In the range of

, we have identified 54 large-scale filaments and derived mass (

), length (10–276 pc), linear mass density (54–8625

pc−1), aspect ratio, linearity, velocity gradient, temperature, fragmentation, Galactic location, and orientation angle. The filaments concentrate along major spiral arms. They are widely distributed across the Galactic disk, with 50% located within ±20 pc from the Galactic mid-plane and 27% run in the center of spiral arms. An order of 1% of the molecular ISM is confined in large filaments. Massive star formation is more favorable in large filaments compared to elsewhere. This is the first comprehensive catalog of large filaments that can be useful for a quantitative comparison with spiral structures and numerical simulations.
Sodium Benzoate, a Food Additive and a Metabolite of Cinnamon, Enriches Regulatory T Cells via STAT6-Mediated Upregulation of TGF-β
Authors: Kundu Madhuchhanda , Mondal Susanta , Roy Avik , Martinson Jeffrey L. , Pahan Kalipada 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Upregulation and/or maintenance of regulatory T cells (Tregs) during autoimmune insults may have therapeutic efficacy in autoimmune diseases. Earlier we have reported that sodium benzoate (NaB), a metabolite of cinnamon and a Food and Drug Administration–approved drug against urea cycle disorders, upregulates Tregs and protects mice from experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, an animal model of multiple sclerosis. However, mechanisms by which NaB increases Tregs are poorly understood. Because TGF-β is an important inducer of Tregs, we examined the effect of NaB on the status of TGF-β. In this study, we demonstrated that NaB induced the expression of TGF-β mRNA and protein in normal as well as proteolipid protein–primed splenocytes. The presence of a consensus STAT6 binding site in the promoter of the TGF-β gene, activation of STAT6 in splenocytes by NaB, recruitment of STAT6 to the TGF-β promoter by NaB, and abrogation of NaB-induced expression of TGF-β in splenocytes by small interfering RNA knockdown of STAT6 suggest that NaB induces the expression of TGF-β via activation of STAT6. Furthermore, we demonstrated that blocking of TGF-β by neutralizing Abs abrogated NaB-mediated protection of Tregs and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. These studies identify a new function of NaB in upregulating TGF-β via activation of STAT6, which may be beneficial in MS patients.
Knockdown of RIPK1 Markedly Exacerbates Murine Immune-Mediated Liver Injury through Massive Apoptosis of Hepatocytes, Independent of Necroptosis and Inhibition of NF-κB
Authors: Suda Jo , Dara Lily , Yang Luoluo , Aghajan Mariam , Song Yong , Kaplowitz Neil , Liu Zhang-Xu 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIPK)1 has an essential role in the signaling pathways triggered by death receptors through activation of NF-κB and regulation of caspase-dependent apoptosis and RIPK3/mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL)-mediated necroptosis. We examined the effect of RIPK1 antisense knockdown on immune-mediated liver injury in C57BL/6 mice caused by α-galactosylceramide (αGalCer), a specific activator for invariant NKT cells. We found that knockdown of RIPK1 markedly exacerbated αGalCer-mediated liver injury and induced lethality. This was associated with increased hepatic inflammation and massive apoptotic death of hepatocytes, as indicated by TUNEL staining and caspase-3 activation. Pretreatment with zVAD.fmk, a pan-caspase inhibitor, or neutralizing Abs against TNF, almost completely protected against the exacerbated liver injury and lethality. Primary hepatocytes isolated from RIPK1-knockdown mice were sensitized to TNF-induced cell death that was completely inhibited by adding zVAD.fmk. The exacerbated liver injury was not due to impaired hepatic NF-κB activation in terms of IκBα phosphorylation and degradation in in vivo and in vitro studies. Lack of RIPK1 kinase activity by pretreatment with necrostatin-1, a RIPK1 kinase inhibitor, or in the RIPK1 kinase-dead knock-in (RIPK1D138N) mice did not exacerbate αGalCer-mediated liver injury. Furthermore, RIPK3-knockout and MLKL-knockout mice behaved similarly as wild-type control mice in response to αGalCer, with or without knockdown of RIPK1, excluding a switch to RIPK3/MLKL-mediated necroptosis. Our findings reveal a critical kinase-independent platform role for RIPK1 in protecting against TNF/caspase-dependent apoptosis of hepatocytes in immune-mediated liver injury.
Mechanisms of Invariant NKT Cell Activity in Restraining Bacillus anthracis Systemic Dissemination
Authors: Le Gars Mathieu , Haustant Michel , Klezovich-Bénard Maria , Paget Christophe , Trottein François , Goossens Pierre L. , Tournier Jean-Nicolas 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Exogenous activation of invariant NKT (iNKT) cells by the superagonist α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) can protect against cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infections. In the current study, we investigated the effect of α-GalCer against Bacillus anthracis infection, the agent of anthrax. Using an experimental model of s.c. B. anthracis infection (an encapsulated nontoxigenic strain), we show that concomitant administration of α-GalCer delayed B. anthracis systemic dissemination and prolonged mouse survival. Depletion of subcapsular sinus CD169-positive macrophages by clodronate-containing liposome was associated with a lack of iNKT cell activation in the draining lymph nodes (dLNs) and prevented the protective effect of α-GalCer on bacterial dissemination out of the dLNs. Production of IFN-γ triggered chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3 synthesis and recruitment of neutrophils in the dLNs, leading to the restraint of B. anthracis dissemination. Our data highlight a novel immunological pathway leading to the control of B. anthracis infection, a finding that might lead to improved therapeutics based on iNKT cells.
Does ‘heparin-induced thrombocytopenia’ hit our minds?
Authors: Thangavel Arun , Mahajan Shalvi , Hazarika Amarjyoti 
Published: September 2016

AbstractUnfractionated heparin is a widely used drug to prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli in patients at risk. With the advent of newer anticoagulants having lesser side effects, its use has diminished but not out of service. Here, we report a case of deep venous thrombosis, in a patient on prophylactic dose of heparin, which was later found to be a manifestation of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Thrombosis in the presence of heparin prophylaxis should be considered as HIT rather than a failure of anticoagulation.
Fusarium co-infection in a patient of tubercular meningitis
Authors: Kaur Ravinder , Panda Pragyan 
Published: September 2016

AbstractFusarium is a common soil fungus and it can cause serious illness in humans. Fusariosis is usually more invasive and disseminated in immune compromised individuals. We report a rare case of concomitant Fusarium meningitis in a patient with tubercular meningitis.
Disseminating clot burden post- craniotomy: The difficult balancing act of clot versus haemorrhage post-neurosurgery
Authors: Bowcock Emma , Morris Idunn , Lane Stuart 
Published: September 2016

AbstractVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is the most common complication following craniotomy for neoplastic disease. Its occurrence is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality, and balancing the risks for the subsequent development of VTE versus intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) can lead to difficult management decisions for treating clinicians. We present a case of VTE following craniotomy for meningioma complicated by ICH in the presence of a disseminating clot burden that included pulmonary, intra-cardiac and paradoxical arterial embolic sequelae. Management strategies incorporated pharmacological, radiological and surgical methods. We discuss the evidence for VTE prevention and treatment, as well as the role of inferior vena cava filters and thrombectomy. We finally highlight the use of desmopressin as a potential risk factor for VTE, and encourage the need for an individualised approach to peri-operative risk stratification in the neurosurgical intensive care population.
Current Attitudes Toward the ACGME and Its Role: Perspectives of a National Multi-Specialty Panel of Residents and Fellows
Authors: Weida Nicholas , Jardine LCDR Dinchen , Kennedy Benjamin , Beane Amy , Daskivich Timothy 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Background
Resident attitudes toward the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) likely influence the ACGME's effectiveness in its role of ensuring compliance with its requirements. Beyond perceptions of duty hour limits and their enforcement, there is a lack of data on resident perceptions of the ACGME and its role.

Objective
We explored resident attitudes toward the ACGME and developed recommendations for improved outreach to the resident community to improve perceptions.

Methods
A multi-specialty, nationally representative group of residents and fellows conducted a 3-part structured exercise that (1) described current trainee impressions of the ACGME; (2) evaluated the value of the ACGME engaging residents; and (3) recommended ways to improve communication between the ACGME and residents.

Results
Most residents are only vaguely familiar with the role of the ACGME and generally have a negative impression regarding ACGME accreditation functions. This contrasts with the attitudes of the residents more closely involved with the ACGME through its Review Committees. There is value in engaging residents in the mission of the ACGME, and outreach efforts across multiple modalities could more closely align ACGME values and resident impressions of the organization and its role.

Conclusions
A multifaceted effort to engage residents in the mission and goals of the ACGME would augment both ACGME and trainee efforts to improve graduate medical education.