bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emergence and accumulation of novel pathogens suppress an invasive species
Authors: Stricker Kerry Bohl , Harmon Philip F. , Goss Erica M. , Clay Keith , Luke Flory S. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractEmerging pathogens are a growing threat to human health, agriculture and the diversity of ecological communities but may also help control problematic species. Here we investigated the diversity, distribution and consequences of emerging fungal pathogens infecting an aggressive invasive grass that is rapidly colonising habitats throughout the eastern USA. We document the recent emergence and accumulation over time of diverse pathogens that are members of a single fungal genus and represent multiple, recently described or undescribed species. We also show that experimental suppression of these pathogens increased host performance in the field, demonstrating the negative effects of emerging pathogens on invasive plants. Our results suggest that invasive species can facilitate pathogen emergence and amplification, raising concerns about movement of pathogens among agricultural, horticultural, and wild grasses. However, one possible benefit of pathogen accumulation is suppression of aggressive invaders over the long term, potentially abating their negative impacts on native communities.
Global patterns and substrate‐based mechanisms of the terrestrial nitrogen cycle
Authors: Niu Shuli , Classen Aimée T. , Dukes Jeffrey S. , Kardol Paul , Liu Lingli , Luo Yiqi , Rustad Lindsey , Sun Jian , Tang Jianwu , Templer Pamela H. , Thomas R. Quinn , Tian Dashuan , Vicca Sara , Wang Ying‐Ping , Xia Jianyang , Zaehle Sönke 
Published: March 2016

AbstractNitrogen (N) deposition is impacting the services that ecosystems provide to humanity. However, the mechanisms determining impacts on the N cycle are not fully understood. To explore the mechanistic underpinnings of N impacts on N cycle processes, we reviewed and synthesised recent progress in ecosystem N research through empirical studies, conceptual analysis and model simulations. Experimental and observational studies have revealed that the stimulation of plant N uptake and soil retention generally diminishes as N loading increases, while dissolved and gaseous losses of N occur at low N availability but increase exponentially and become the dominant fate of N at high loading rates. The original N saturation hypothesis emphasises sequential N saturation from plant uptake to soil retention before N losses occur. However, biogeochemical models that simulate simultaneous competition for soil N substrates by multiple processes match the observed patterns of N losses better than models based on sequential competition. To enable better prediction of terrestrial N cycle responses to N loading, we recommend that future research identifies the response functions of different N processes to substrate availability using manipulative experiments, and incorporates the measured N saturation response functions into conceptual, theoretical and quantitative analyses.
Diagnostic dichotomy: A question of thoracic mesothelioma
Authors: May J. , Fews D. , Tennant K. , Mair T. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryA 12‐year‐old Irish Sport Horse gelding was presented with a two‐day history of acute onset dyspnoea, pyrexia, tachycardia and ventral sternal oedema. A pleural effusion was identified, and thoracocentesis yielded a haemorrhagic modified transudate. Cytological examination of the fluid showed numerous red blood cells with smaller numbers of large nucleated cells that exhibited mild anisocytosis and anisokaryosis. Thoracoscopy identified adhesions between the visceral and dorsal parietal pleura, haemorrhagic effusion ventrally and haemorrhagic soft tissue plaques scattered over the diaphragm and mediastinum; biopsies of tissue on the caudal mediastinum were obtained. Histopathological examination of the biopsies identified inflammation, with a suspicion of underlying neoplasia; adenocarcinoma, haemangiosarcoma or mesothelioma were considered most likely, but could not be confirmed on the basis of these examinations. The horse was euthanased, and mesothelioma was diagnosed followingpost mortemexamination. This case demonstrates some of the difficulties associated with the accuratepremortemdiagnosis of mesothelioma.
Controls on fluid movement in crustal lithologies: evidence from zircon in metaconglomerates from Shetland
Authors: Dempster T. J. , Macdonald F. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAn investigation of the morphology of zircon in clasts and matrix of a greenschist facies metaconglomerate from Shetland has revealed a history of alteration of radiation‐damaged grains, partial dissolution and growth of new zircon. These processes are linked to the generation of chemically modified dark backscattered electron (BSE) zircon that is spatially related to fractures generated during radiation damage; embayments and rounding of zircon margins; and late overgrowths of original grains. These late modifications of zircon are all linked to the presence of fluids and so zircon morphology is used to track fluid behaviour in different lithologies in the metaconglomerate. Alteration is unrelated to clast margins and radically different in various clast types. This reflects a difference in permeability and suggests that deformation strongly controls fluid influx into quartzite, whereas zircon alteration in granite is associated with a restricted permeability reflecting the more limited response to deformation events.
Low‐dose aspirin for prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients on hemodialysis: A 5‐y prospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Jun , Pan Yu , Chen Lei , Qiao Qing Yan , Wang Jing , Pan Li Hua , Gu Yan Hong , Gu Hui Fang , Fu Shun Kun , Jin Hui Min 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIntroduction Aspirin is an effective antiplatelet drug for preventing cardiovascular events in high‐risk subjects. However, for patients with chronic kidney disease and undergoing hemodialysis (HD), its preventive efficacy remains controversial. The present study aimed to determine whether aspirin therapy reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all‐cause mortality in patients on HD.Methods We conducted a 5‐y prospective cohort study involving patients on HD. Major exposure variables included prescription of aspirin (100 mg/d) and no aspirin (nonaspirin). The primary outcomes included all‐cause death, cardiovascular events, hemorrhage, and ischemic stroke. The secondary outcome included bleeding events defined by the requirement of hospitalization.Findings In this study, 406 patients on regular HD were involved during a 5‐y follow‐up. Among these, 152 and 254 propensity‐matched patients were enrolled in the aspirin and nonaspirin cohort, respectively. The cumulative survival rate was not significantly higher in the aspirin than in the nonaspirin users (log rank χ2 = 1.080, P = 0.299). Aspirin use was not significantly associated with reduced all‐cause mortality, fatal and nonfatal congestive heart failure, as well as acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. The risk of fatal cerebral hemorrhage was not significantly increased in the aspirin users (HR = 1.795, 95% CI 0.666–4.841, P = 0.174). After adjustment for other confounders, aspirin use was also not associated with decreased risk of all‐cause mortality and CVD.Discussion The present prospective cohort study suggests that low‐dose aspirin use is not associated with a significant decrease in the risks of all‐cause mortality, CVD, and stroke in population undergoing HD (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02261025).
Randomized trial of combined triple therapy comprising two types of peginterferon with simeprevir in patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1b
Authors: Tamori Akihiro , Yoshida Kanako , Kurai Osamu , Kioka Kiyohide , Hai Hoang , Kozuka Ritsuzo , Motoyama Hiroyuki , Kawamura Etsushi , Hagihara Atsushi , Uchida‐Kobayashi Sawako , Morikawa Hiroyasu , Enomoto Masaru , Murakami Yoshiki , Kawada Norifumi 
Published: March 2016

Simeprevir (SMV) is a potent, macrocyclic hepatitis C virus (HCV) non‐structural 3/4 A protease inhibitor. This prospective study compared the efficacy and safety of SMV in combination with peginterferon α2a + ribavirin (P2aR) and with peginterferon α2b + ribavirin (P2bR) in Japanese patients with HCV genotype 1b infection.MethodsHepatitis C virus genotype 1b patients were randomly assigned to receive SMV (100 mg QD) with P2aR for 12 weeks, then P2aR alone for 12 or 36 weeks; or SMV (100 mg QD) with P2bR for 12 weeks, then P2bR alone for 12 or 36 weeks. The primary endpoint was a sustained virologic response 24 weeks after completing treatment (SVR24).ResultsIn total, 151 patients were randomly assigned to the P2aR (n = 76) or P2bR group (n = 75). Six patients dropped out. Sustained virologic response 24 weeks after completing treatment was achieved in 55 (75.3%) of 73 P2aR patients and 55 (76.4%) of 72 P2bR patients. There was no difference in the rate of SVR24 between the two groups (P = 0.88). No differences in the proportion of patients who became HCV RNA‐negative were detected between the P2aR and P2bR groups. The two groups had comparable numbers of adverse events, which led to the discontinuation of treatment in 9.6% and 8.3% of participants in the P2aR and P2bR groups, respectively.ConclusionPeginterferon α2a or α2b in combination with SMV + ribavirin therapy showed identical antiviral effects in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Also, the incidence of adverse events was identical for both regimens.
Hepatitis B virus vaccination‐related seroprevalence among health‐care personnel in a Japanese tertiary medical center
Authors: Yanase Mikio , Murata Kazumoto , Mikami Shintaro , Nozaki Yuichi , Masaki Naohiko , Mizokami Masashi 
Published: March 2016

AimFew studies concerning the protective management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among health‐care personnel (HCP), excluding occult HBV or carriers, have been reported. Therefore, we undertook a cross‐sectional study of the updated status of HBV vaccine management by measuring the antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti‐HBs) along with the antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc).MethodsBoth anti‐HBs and anti‐HBc were assessed in 1085 HCP employed by our institute. Hepatitis B virus vaccination‐related histories were recorded using self‐administered questionnaires.ResultsOf 1085 HCP, 27 (2.5%) were positive for anti‐HBc, and its positive rate increased with age. Of the 1058 subjects with negative anti‐HBc, 879 (83.1%) were positive for anti‐HBs. The median titer of anti‐HBs was 71.1 mIU/mL, which was higher in female subjects (P = 0.037). By age group, the positive rate of anti‐HBs were 77.5%, 89.3%, 90.8%, and 81.6% in the groups aged ≤29, 30–39, 40–49, and ≥50 years, respectively (P < 0.001). Of the 908 subjects who reported receiving HBV vaccination, 6 (0.7%) were positive for anti‐HBc. Among them, one subject was suspected to have a possible subclinical HBV infection after the HBV vaccination.ConclusionWe report the current HBV vaccination‐related seroprevalence of anti‐HBs along with anti‐HBc in a Japanese tertiary medical institution consisting of more than 1000 HCP, which was an level comparable to similar sized hospitals in developed countries. Anti‐HBc would be important for understanding HBV status, but not necessary for general HBV vaccine management for HCP.
A quality assessment of randomized controlled trial reports in endodontics
Authors: Lucena C. , Souza E. M. , Voinea G. C. , Pulgar R. , Valderrama M. J. , De‐Deus G. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimTo assess the quality of the randomized clinical trial (RCT) reports published in Endodontics between 1997 and 2012.MethodologyRetrieval of RCTs in Endodontics was based on a search of the Thomson Reuters Web of Science (WoS) database (March 2013). Quality evaluation was performed using a checklist based on the Jadad criteria, CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) statement and SPIRIT (Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials). Descriptive statistics were used for frequency distribution of data. Student's t‐test and Welch test were used to identify the influence of certain trial characteristics upon report quality (α = 0.05).ResultsA total of 89 RCTs were evaluated, and several methodological flaws were found: only 45% had random sequence generation at low risk of bias, 75% did not provide information on allocation concealment, and 19% were nonblinded designs. Regarding statistics, only 55% of the RCTs performed adequate sample size estimations, only 16% presented confidence intervals, and 25% did not provide the exact P‐value. Also, 2% of the articles used no statistical tests, and in 87% of the RCTs, the information provided was insufficient to determine whether the statistical methodology applied was appropriate or not. Significantly higher scores were observed for multicentre trials (P = 0.023), RCTs signed by more than 5 authors (P = 0.03), articles belonging to journals ranked above the JCR median (P = 0.03), and articles complying with the CONSORT guidelines (P = 0.000).ConclusionsThe quality of RCT reports in key areas for internal validity of the study was poor. Several measures, such as compliance with the CONSORT guidelines, are important in order to raise the quality of RCTs in Endodontics.
Different in vitro proliferation and cytokine‐production inhibition of memory T‐cell subsets after calcineurin and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors treatment
Authors: Merino David , San Segundo David , Medina Juan M. , Rodrigo Emilio , Asensio Esther , Irure Juan , Fernández‐Fresnedo Gema , Arias Manuel A. , López‐Hoyos Marcos 
Published: March 2016

SummaryCalcineurin inhibitors (CNI) and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi) are the main immunosuppressants used for long‐term maintenance therapy in transplant recipients to avoid acute rejection episodes. Both groups of immunosuppressants have wide effects and are focused against the T cells, although different impacts on specific T‐cell subsets, such as regulatory T cells, have been demonstrated. A greater knowledge of the impact of immunosuppression on the cellular components involved in allograft rejection could facilitate decisions for individualized immunosuppression when an acute rejection event is suspected. Memory T cells have recently gained focus because they might induce a more potent response compared with naive cells. The impact of immunosuppressants on different memory T‐cell subsets remains unclear. In the present study, we have studied the specific impact of CNI (tacrolimus) and mTORi (rapamycin and everolimus) over memory and naive CD4+ T cells. To do so, we have analysed the proliferation, phenotypic changes and cytokine synthesis in vitro in the presence of these immunosuppressants. The present work shows a more potent effect of CNI on proliferation and cytokine production in naive and memory T cells. However, the mTORi permit the differentiation of naive T cells to the memory phenotype and allow the production of interleukin‐2. Taken together, our data show evidence to support the combined use of CNI and mTORi in transplant immunosuppression.
The accuracy and acceptability of performing capillary blood glucose measurements at the earlobe
Authors: Chan Helen Y.L. , Lau Tracy S.L. , Ho S.Y. , Leung Doris Y.P. , Lee Diana T.F. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimsTo examine the accuracy and acceptability of capillary blood glucose monitoring using the earlobe.BackgroundIn current practice, blood samples for capillary blood glucose monitoring are obtained from the fingertip. Because obtaining blood samples from the fingertip is sometimes contraindicated, it is necessary to identify an alternative site for the procedure.DesignA single‐patient design with repeated measurements.MethodsPatients from an outpatient clinic and four medical wards were recruited to the study, in 2014, if they met one of the following criteria: (i) were in a relatively stable glycaemic state; (ii) were currently receiving intravenous infusion; (iii) had been diagnosed with chronic renal impairment or (iv) were aged 65 years or above and bedbound. Blood samples were obtained from the fingertip and the earlobe consecutively for blood glucose monitoring. Participants were asked to rate the respective pain level caused by the procedures. Intra‐class correlation coefficient was calculated to demonstrate the level of absolute agreement between the two blood glucose readings. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare the pain levels.ResultsA total of 120 patients participated in the study between February – December 2014. The intra‐class correlation coefficient between the readings at the two sampling sites was significantly high, except in a hypoglycaemic state. Participants generally reported a significantly lower level of pain when the earlobe rather than fingertip was pricked.ConclusionThe earlobe is to be recommended as a safe alternative site for capillary blood glucose monitoring unless the patient is in a suspected hypoglycaemic state.
Renal Function Alters Antihypertensive Regimens in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Weinrauch Larry A. , Bayliss George , Segal Alissa R. , Liu Jiankang , Wisniewski Eric , D'Elia John A. 
Published: March 2016

To determine the prevalence of multidrug antihypertensive therapy (MDAT), records were evaluated for patients with both type 2 diabetes and hypertension during a 5‐year period at Joslin Diabetes Center. Hypertension control was defined as requiring multiple drugs if three or more antihypertensive drugs were used, one of which must be a diuretic (unless patient is receiving dialysis), or use of four or more antihypertensive drugs, one of which a diuretic (unless patient is receiving dialysis) was established. The objective was to determine the prevalence of multidrug requirement for hypertensive therapy in relationship to four levels of renal function estimated by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula for glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Among 10,151 patients, mean estimated GFR was 80 mL/min. Using standard (ASN) classification for renal function, we noted the following breakdown of MDAT use:

Estimated GFR
Drugs, Mean No.
≥3 Drugs, No. (%)
≥4 Drugs, No. (%)

<30
3.1
379 (67)
214 (38)

30–60
2.7
1233 (55)
538 (24)

60–90
2.0
1279 (33)
458 (12)

>90
1.5
600 (17)
185 (5)

Prevalence of multidrug antihypertensive therapy is markedly increased in the presence of reduced renal function.
Atopic dermatitis induces the expansion of thymus‐derived regulatory T cells exhibiting a Th2‐like phenotype in mice
Authors: Moosbrugger‐Martinz Verena , Tripp Christoph H. , Clausen Björn E. , Schmuth Matthias , Dubrac Sandrine 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a widespread inflammatory skin disease with an early onset, characterized by pruritus, eczematous lesions and skin dryness. This chronic relapsing disease is believed to be primarily a result of a defective epidermal barrier function associated with genetic susceptibility, immune hyper‐responsiveness of the skin and environmental factors. Although the important role of abnormal immune reactivity in the pathogenesis of AD is widely accepted, the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) remains elusive. We found that the Treg population is expanded in a mouse model of AD, i.e. mice topically treated with vitamin D3 (VitD). Moreover, mice with AD‐like symptoms exhibit increased inducible T‐cell costimulator (ICOS)‐, cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4)‐ and Glycoprotein‐A repetitions predominant receptor (GARP)‐expressing Tregs in skin‐draining lymph nodes. Importantly, the differentiation of Tregs into thymus‐derived Tregs is favoured in our mouse model of AD. Emigrated skin‐derived dendritic cells are required for Treg induction and Langerhans cells are responsible for the biased expansion of thymus‐derived Tregs. Intriguingly, thymus‐derived Tregs isolated from mice with AD‐like symptoms exhibit a Th2 cytokine profile. Thus, AD might favour the expansion of pathogenic Tregs able to produce Th2 cytokines and to promote the disease instead of alleviating symptoms.
Skin cancer in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Egeberg A. , Thyssen J.P. , Gislason G.H. , Skov L. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is commonly treated with ultraviolet phototherapy and systemic immunosuppressant drugs, which may confer a risk of skin cancer. Previous studies on the risk of skin cancer in patients with psoriasis have shown conflicting results.ObjectivesWe investigated the risk of new‐onset melanoma and non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), respectively, in a large cohort of patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.MethodsData on all Danish individuals aged ≥18 years between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2012 were linked at individual‐level in nationwide registers. Incidence rates per 10 000 person‐years were calculated, and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated by Poisson regression models.ResultsThe study comprised 5 559 420 individuals with a maximum follow‐up time of 16 years. There were 75 410 patients with psoriasis, and 25 087 and 58 051 individuals developed melanoma and NMSC, respectively, during follow‐up. Adjusted IRRs (95% CI) of melanoma were 1.19 (1.03–1.37), 1.09 (0.75–1.58) and 1.36 (0.94–1.99), in mild psoriasis, severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, respectively, and the corresponding adjusted IRRs of NMSC were 1.67 (1.55–1.81), 1.32 (1.10–1.59) and 1.62 (1.27–2.05) respectively.ConclusionsWe observed a modestly increased risk of melanoma and NMSC in patients with mild psoriasis, whereas patients with severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis had increased risk of NMSC but not melanoma. While the risk of skin cancer is only modestly increased in patients with psoriasis, clinicians should remain vigilant.
Measuring Client Satisfaction and Engagement: The Role of a Mentor Parent Program in Family Drug Treatment Court
Authors: Drabble Laurie A. , Haun Lisa L. , Kushins Hilary , Cohen Edward 
Published: March 2016

AbstractParent engagement is an important intermediate outcome in Family Drug Treatment Court (FDTC) and child welfare services. This study explored the utility and reliability of a client satisfaction and engagement survey designed to measure interim outcomes of a Mentor Parent Program, operating in conjunction with aFDTC. Findings suggest the survey is a useful, parsimonious and reliable tool for measuring key dimensions of parent mentor services including client engagement; client‐centered support and empowerment; and help with systems navigation and accessing resources. The survey may be adapted for use in otherFDTCor parent mentor contexts.
No Matter – How?: Dealing with Matter‐less Stressors in LCA of Wind Energy Systems
Authors: Cucurachi Stefano , van der Giesen Coen C. , Heijungs Reinout , de Snoo Geert R. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryThe portfolio of impacts that are quantified in life cycle assessment (LCA) has grown to include rather different stressors than those that were the focus of early LCAs. Some of the newest life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) models are still in an early phase of development and have not yet been included in any LCA study. This is the case for sound emissions and noise impacts, which have been only recently modeled. Sound emissions are matter‐less, time dependent, and bound to the physical properties of waves. The way sound emissions and the relative noise impacts are modeled in LCA can show how new or existing matter‐less impacts can be addressed. In this study, we analyze, through the example of sound emissions, the specific features of a matter‐less impact that does not stem from the use of a kilogram of matter, nor is related to the emission of a kilogram of matter. We take as a case study the production of energy by means of wind turbines, contradicting the commonly held assumption that windmills have no emissions during use. We show how to account for sound emissions in the life cycle inventory phase of the life cycle of a wind turbine and then calculate the relative impacts using a noise LCIA model.