bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MiR‐16 regulates mouse peritoneal macrophage polarization and affects T‐cell activation
Authors: Jia Xiaoqin , Li Xiaomin , Shen Yating , Miao Junjun , Liu Hao , Li Guoli , Wang Zhengbing 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMiR‐16 is a tumour suppressor that is down‐regulated in certain human cancers. However, little is known on its activity in other cell types. In this study, we examined the biological significance and underlying mechanisms of miR‐16 on macrophage polarization and subsequent T‐cell activation. Mouse peritoneal macrophages were isolated and induced to undergo either M1 polarization with 100 ng/ml of interferon‐γ and 20 ng/ml of lipopolysaccharide, or M2 polarization with 20 ng/ml of interleukin (IL)‐4. The identity of polarized macrophages was determined by profiling cell‐surface markers by flow cytometry and cytokine production by ELISA. Macrophages were infected with lentivirus‐expressing miR‐16 to assess the effects of miR‐16. Effects on macrophage–T cell interactions were analysed by co‐culturing purified CD4+ T cells with miR‐16‐expressing peritoneal macrophages, and measuring activation marker CD69 by flow cytometry and cytokine secretion by ELISA. Bioinformatics analysis was applied to search for potential miR‐16 targets and understand its underlying mechanisms. MiR‐16‐induced M1 differentiation of mouse peritoneal macrophages from either the basal M0‐ or M2‐polarized state is indicated by the significant up‐regulation of M1 marker CD16/32, repression of M2 marker CD206 and Dectin‐1, and increased secretion of M1 cytokine IL‐12 and nitric oxide. Consistently, miR‐16‐expressing macrophages stimulate the activation of purified CD4+ T cells. Mechanistically, miR‐16 significantly down‐regulates the expression of PD‐L1, a critical immune suppressor that controls macrophage–T cell interaction and T‐cell activation. MiR‐16 plays an important role in shifting macrophage polarization from M2 to M1 status, and functionally activating CD4+ T cells. This effect is potentially mediated through the down‐regulation of immune suppressor PD‐L1.
What is the biological reality of gene–environment interaction estimates? An assessment of bias in developmental models
Authors: Moore Sarah R. , Thoemmes Felix 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundStandard models used to test gene–environment interaction (G × E) hypotheses make the causal assumption that there are no unobserved variables that could be biasing the interaction estimate. Whether this assumption can be met in nonexperimental studies is unclear because the interactive biological pathways from genetic polymorphisms and environments to behavior, and the confounders that can be introduced along these pathways, are often not delineated. This is problematic in the context of studies focused on caregiver–child dyads, in which common genes and environments induce gene–environment correlation. To address the impact of sources of bias in G × E models specifically assessing the interaction between child genotype and caregiver behavior, we provide a causal framework that integrates biological and statistical concepts of G × E, and assess the magnitude of bias introduced by various confounding pathways in different causal circumstances.MethodsA simulation assessed the magnitude of bias introduced by four types of confounding pathways in different causal models. Unadjusted and adjusted statistical models were then applied to the simulated data to assess the efficacy of these procedures to capture unbiased G × E estimates. Finally, the simulation was run under null effects of the genotype to assess the impact of biasing sources on the false‐positive rate.ResultsCommon environmental pathways between caregiver and child inflated G × E estimates and raised the false‐positive rate. Evocative effects of the child also inflated G × E estimates.ConclusionsGene–environment interaction studies should be approached with consideration to the causal pathways at play and the confounding opportunities along these pathways to facilitate the inclusion of adequate statistical controls and correct inferences from study findings. Bridging biological and statistical concepts of G × E can significantly improve research design and the communication of how a G × E process fits into a broader developmental framework.
Using machine learning to model dose–response relationships
Authors: Linden Ariel , Yarnold Paul R , Nallamothu Brahmajee K 
Published: May 2016

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesEstablishing the relationship between various doses of an exposure and a response variable is integral to many studies in health care. Linear parametric models, widely used for estimating dose–response relationships, have several limitations. This paper employs the optimal discriminant analysis (ODA) machine‐learning algorithm to determine the degree to which exposure dose can be distinguished based on the distribution of the response variable. By framing the dose–response relationship as a classification problem, machine learning can provide the same functionality as conventional models, but can additionally make individual‐level predictions, which may be helpful in practical applications like establishing responsiveness to prescribed drug regimens.MethodUsing data from a study measuring the responses of blood flow in the forearm to the intra‐arterial administration of isoproterenol (separately for 9 black and 13 white men, and pooled), we compare the results estimated from a generalized estimating equations (GEE) model with those estimated using ODA.ResultsGeneralized estimating equations and ODA both identified many statistically significant dose–response relationships, separately by race and for pooled data. Post hoc comparisons between doses indicated ODA (based on exact P values) was consistently more conservative than GEE (based on estimated P values). Compared with ODA, GEE produced twice as many instances of paradoxical confounding (findings from analysis of pooled data that are inconsistent with findings from analyses stratified by race).ConclusionsGiven its unique advantages and greater analytic flexibility, maximum‐accuracy machine‐learning methods like ODA should be considered as the primary analytic approach in dose–response applications.
An Urban Metabolism and Carbon Footprint Analysis of the Jing–Jin–Ji Regional Agglomeration
Authors: Zheng Hongmei , Fath Brian D. , Zhang Yan 
Published: May 2016

SummaryUrban energy metabolism includes processes for exploiting, transforming, and consuming energy, as well as processes for recycling by‐products and wastes. Embodied energy is the energy consumed during all of these activities, both directly and indirectly. Multiregional input‐output (MRIO) analysis can calculate the energy consumption embodied in flows among sectors for multiple cities or regions. Our goal was to address a problem apparent in previous research, which was insufficient attention to indirect energy flows. We combined MRIO analysis with ecological network analysis to calculate the embodied energy consumption and the energy‐related carbon footprints of five sectors in three regions that comprise the Jing‐Jin‐Ji agglomeration, using data from 2002 and 2007. Our analysis traced metabolic processes of sectors from the perspective of final consumption. Based on the embodied energy analysis, we quantified the indirect energy consumption implied in exchanges of sectors and its distribution and identified the relationships formed through the indirect consumption to analyze the roles of providers and receivers in the system. Results showed that the embodied energy consumption for the Jing‐Jin‐Ji region increased from 2002 to 2007 as a result of increased energy consumption in Tianjin and Hebei. Overall, consumption of Beijing decreased likely attributable to the fact that government policies relocated industries during this time in anticipation of the Olympic Games. The relationships among sectors changed: Beijing changed from a net exporter to an importer, whereas Hebei changed from a net importer of energy from Beijing to an exporter to Beijing, and Tianjin served as an importer in both years.
Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, a time to start and a time to stop
Authors: Adrichem Max E. , Eftimov Filip , van Schaik Ivo N. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIntravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is often used as preferred treatment in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). Several studies highlighted the short‐term efficacy of IVIg for CIDP yet many patients need maintenance therapy. Notwithstanding the fact IVIg has been used for over 30 years in CIDP, there is only limited evidence to guide dosage and interval during maintenance treatment. The variation in disease course, lack of biomarkers, and fear of deterioration after stopping IVIg makes long‐term treatment challenging. Recent studies suggest a proportion of patients receive unnecessary IVIg maintenance treatment. This review provides an overview of the use of IVIg for CIDP treatment, focusing on evidence for long‐term IVIg use.
A lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender dedicated inpatient psychiatric unit in rural New England: a descriptive analysis in demographics, service utilisation and needs
Authors: Klotzbaugh Ralph , Glover Eileen 
Published: May 2016

Aims and objectivesTo develop an understanding of lesbian‐, gay‐, bisexual‐, transgender‐specific mental health and substance abuse needs in rural populations and to improve data about sexual orientation and gender identity.BackgroundExisting literature on mental health needs for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender populations has continued to reveal higher levels of need. Research has also demonstrated that few mental health providers have expertise or comfort in treating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender clients.DesignDescriptive correlational study.MethodsA sample (n = 456) of patient records admitted to a rural lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender inpatient psychiatric clinic over 12 months were examined using descriptive statistics. Patient zip code information was used to determine the levels of rurality. Chi‐square analysis was used to determine relationships between sexual orientation, rural/urban distinctions and concomitant drug use.ResultsUnexpectedly, those who identified as heterosexual were significantly more likely to concomitantly abuse alcohol and heroin than those who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. Patients residing in small or isolated rural areas were more likely to abuse alcohol or synthetics than those residing in urban or micropolitan areas.ConclusionsResults of this study concerning substance abuse among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals are not reflective of prior studies. LGBT patients did not demonstrate a higher proportion of substance abuse compared with those identifying as heterosexual. Increased substance abuse among those from rural isolated areas does support prior studies. The context of gathering demographic information on sexual orientation was thought by staff to increase the number of those identifying as heterosexual.Relevance to clinical practiceContext in which sensitive questions are asked may affect the accuracy of demographic data. Lack of information regarding patients’ sexual orientation or gender identity may impact perceived need for culturally competent care. Results suggest the need for efforts to provide training for mental health specialists in rural areas to provide sensitive care.
Optimized Implantation Height of the Edwards SAPIEN 3 Valve to Minimize Pacemaker Implantation After TAVI
Authors: Schwerg Marius , Fulde Felix , Dreger Henryk , Poller Wolfram C. , Stangl Karl , Laule Michael 
Published: May 2016

AimThe transcatheter aortic valve SAPIEN 3 aims at reducing paravalvular leakage (PVL). The new design with outer sealing cuff may increase the risk of permanent pacemaker implantation (PPM). The aim of our study was to evaluate the optimal implantation height of the SAPIEN 3.Methods and ResultsWe analysed the correlation between the implantation height of the valve and the need for PPM in 131 patients. The PPM rate for the entire group after TAVI was 18% (n = 24). In patients with a marker distance <2 mm (“low implantation”), the PPM rate was 32%, whereas in patients with a distance ≥2 mm (“high implantation”), the rate was only 4.7% (OR of 0.1 (0.03–0.37, P < 0.001)).ConclusionThe risk of periprocedural PPM with the Edwards SAPIEN 3 depends on implantation height; it is increased when using conventional implantation techniques. This risk can be minimized below 5% PPM by choosing a higher implantation technique with the central marker 2 mm or more over the annulus plane.
Surface Microstructural Changes and Release of Ions from Dental Metal Alloy Removable Prostheses in Patients Suffering from Acid Reflux
Authors: Borg William , Cassar Glenn , Camilleri Liberato , Attard Nikolai , Camilleri Josette 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the surface microstructural changes and the release of ions from metal alloys used in removable dental prostheses and the potential effects of acidic reflux found in patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Materials and MethodsThirty‐seven (37) patients were recruited. Data were gathered through a questionnaire and clinical examination. Samples of metal alloy from the dentures and patient's saliva were collected. GERD was confirmed using the GerdQ questionnaire. Denture samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), while salivary samples were tested for trace metal ions using inductively coupled plasma (ICP).ResultsCharacterization of denture samples revealed the presence of nickel, cobalt, and chromium. Nickel‐chromium exhibited an etched surface appearance, while cobalt‐chromium exhibited no noticeable surface microstructural changes. Higher mean salivary levels of chromium and cobalt in patients wearing any metal alloy‐based denture and of chromium and nickel in patients wearing Ni‐Cr prostheses were found to be significant. No differences were found in salivary metal ion levels of patients suffering from GERD.ConclusionsNickel‐chromium alloy is prone to acid etching in the oral cavity, while cobalt‐chromium alloy appears to be more resistant. Cobalt, chromium, and nickel are leached in saliva of patients using cast removable prostheses. The impact of gastric acid on metal ion release from dental metal alloys deserves further investigations.Clinical SignificanceThis preliminary study suggests that metal‐based removable prostheses leach trace metal ions in saliva. Nickel‐chromium‐based dentures exhibit an etched appearance unrelated to GERD.
A longitudinal study assessing childcare services' adoption of obesity prevention policies and practices
Authors: Yoong Sze Lin , Finch Meghan , Nathan Nicole , Wiggers John , Lecathelinais Christophe , Jones Jannah , Dodds Pennie , Wolfenden Luke 
Published: May 2016

AimDespite ongoing investments to improve the obesogenic environments of childcare settings, little is known regarding how these services have changed their physical activity and nutrition‐promoting practices. This study aims to describe changes in the proportion of Australian childcare services that have adopted best‐practice healthy eating and physical activity practices between 2006 and 2013 and to assess whether adoption varied by socio‐economic status and locality.MethodsA randomly selected sample of nominated supervisors (n = 358) from childcare services located in New South Wales, Australia, participated in a telephone survey in 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2013. Supervisors reported on their service's adoption of six practices: (i) having written nutrition and physical activity policies; (ii) staff trained in physical activity and nutrition in the past year; (iii) scheduled time for fundamental movement skills and (iv) outdoor play; (v) weekly or less screen time opportunities; and (vi) serving only non‐sweetened beverages.ResultsA significant increase in the prevalence of services adopting all but one practice, between 2006 and 2013 was identified. Ninety one percent of services adopted four or more practices, a significant increase from 38% in 2006. There were no differences in the proportion of services adopting each practice by locality and socio‐economic status.ConclusionsGovernment investment in obesity prevention programmes can equitably improve childcare service's adoption of healthy eating and physical activity promoting practices on a jurisdiction‐wide basis. The establishment of a routine system to monitor adoption of a broader range of practices by childcare services is warranted.
Debt Policy Rules in an Open Economy
Authors: MORIMOTO KEIICHI , HORI TAKEO , MAEBAYASHI NORITAKA , FUTAGAMI KOICHI 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIn a small open economy model of endogenous growth with public capital accumulation, we examine the effects of a debt policy rule under which the government must reduce its debt–GDP ratio if it exceeds the criterion level. To sustain public debt at a finite level, the government should adjust public spending rather than the income tax rate. The long‐run debt–GDP ratio should be kept sufficiently low to avoid equilibrium indeterminacy. Under sustainability and determinacy, a tighter (looser) debt rule brings welfare gains when the world interest rate is relatively high (low).
Isolation and Identification of Pathogens Causing Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) Black Spot in Beijing, China
Authors: Chen Dong‐liang , Cheng Xi , Luo Chang , Li Ming‐yuan , Feng Qian‐qian , Yan Ji‐ye , Huang Cong‐lin 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBlack spot leads to great marigold losses worldwide. The disease is characterized by black spots on leaves and stems in its early stages, and the whole plant has black rot at the advanced stage. In this report, 6 of 217 Alternaria strains isolated from lesions of marigold plants in Beijing were randomly selected. The morphological characteristics and a pathogenic tree based on two protein‐coding genes (gpd and alt a 1) indicated that Alternaria tagetica is the causal agent of marigold black spot in Beijing. All six Alternaria strains could successfully re‐infect marigold, but they could not infect carrot or zinnia by either spore spray in a greenhouse or planting experiments in the epidemic area. This is the first report of the A. tagetica pathogen being isolated from marigold in Beijing.
Leaf mass per area, not total leaf area, drives differences in above‐ground biomass distribution among woody plant functional types
Authors: Duursma Remko A. , Falster Daniel S. 
Published: May 2016

Summary

Here, we aim to understand differences in biomass distribution between major woody plant functional types (PFTs) (deciduous vs evergreen and gymnosperm vs angiosperm) in terms of underlying traits, in particular the leaf mass per area (LMA) and leaf area per unit stem basal area.

We used a large compilation of plant biomass and size observations, including observations of 21 084 individuals on 656 species. We used a combination of semiparametric methods and variance partitioning to test the influence of PFT, plant height, LMA, total leaf area, stem basal area and climate on above‐ground biomass distribution.

The ratio of leaf mass to above‐ground woody mass (MF/MS) varied strongly among PFTs. We found that MF/MS at a given plant height was proportional to LMA across PFTs. As a result, the PFTs did not differ in the amount of leaf area supported per unit above‐ground biomass or per unit stem basal area. Climate consistently explained very little additional variation in biomass distribution at a given plant size.

Combined, these results demonstrate consistent patterns in above‐ground biomass distribution and leaf area relationships among major woody PFTs, which can be used to further constrain global vegetation models.
Contact Sensitization in Children: A Retrospective Study of 2,614 Children from a Single Center
Authors: Belloni Fortina Anna , Fontana Elena , Peserico Andrea 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundContact sensitization in children is more common than previously thought, but few studies have been performed on a large population assessed by the same team. The objective was to evaluate contact sensitization in children with suspected contact dermatitis, the relationship with atopic dermatitis (AD), and the most common allergens.MethodsThe same team patch tested 2,614 children younger than 11 years old with a standard series of 30 allergens.ResultsA total of 1220 children (46.7%) developed at least one positive reaction, 606 of which were clinically relevant (49.7%). The most frequent reactions were to nickel sulfate (22.7%), cobalt chloride (11.1%), potassium dichromate (9.9%), neomycin sulfate (5.2%), thimerosal (4.2%), cocamidopropyl betaine (3.4%), and methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (3.2%). The prevalence of contact sensitization was similar in children with (47.3%) and without (46.1%) AD. Children with AD had a higher prevalence of positive reactions to potassium dichromate (p < 0.001), Compositae mix (p = 0.01), and disperse blue (p = 0.03).ConclusionsContact sensitization is quite common in young children. This study adds some information on the most common contact allergens. A similar prevalence of positive patch test reactions was found in children with and without AD, but children with AD had a greater prevalence of positive patch test reactions to potassium dichromate, Compositae mix, and disperse blue.
Outcomes of pediatric identical living‐donor liver and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Hartleif Steffen , Lang Peter , Handgretinger Rupert , Feuchtinger Tobias , Fuchs Jörg , Königsrainer Alfred , Nadalin Silvio , Sturm Ekkehard 
Published: May 2016

AbstractChronic IS is associated with significant morbidity in transplant recipients. Moreover, IS does not prevent chronic graft failure frequently. Allograft immune tolerance in LT can be induced by complete donor chimerism through allogenic HSCT combined with identical LDLT. This approach may exempt patients from chronic lifelong IS. However, it is unclear whether its benefits justify its risks. Here, we present three cases from our institution and analyze seven additional reports of children treated with HSCT/LDLT, all receiving HSCT due to hemato‐oncological indications. In eight of 10 cases, donor macrochimerism resulted in allograft tolerance. Nine patients survived. One patient died due to fulminant ADV infection. Further complications were GvHD (n = 3) and bone marrow failure (n = 2). In conclusion, donor‐specific allograft tolerance can be achieved by identical‐donor HSCT/LDLT. However, at present, this approach should generally be limited to selected indications due to a potentially unfavorable risk–benefit ratio. Novel toxicity‐reduced conditioning protocols for HSCT/LDLT in the absence of malignant or non‐hepatic disease may prove to be a sufficiently safe approach for inducing graft tolerance in children receiving a LDLT in the future. This concept may reduce the burden of lifelong IS.