bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Characterization and Survival of Patients with Borderline Elevation in Pulmonary Artery Pressure
Authors: Heresi Gustavo A. , Minai Omar A. , Tonelli Adriano R. , Hammel Jeffrey P. , Farha Samar , Parambil Joseph G. , Dweik Raed A. 
Published: March 2014

Normal resting mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) is 8–20 mmHg. Pulmonary hypertension is defined as mean PAP of ≥25 mmHg. Borderline PAP levels of 21–24 mmHg are of unclear significance. We sought to determine the clinical characteristics and survival of subjects with mean PAP of 21–24 mmHg. We examined 1,491 patients enrolled in the Cleveland Clinic Pulmonary Hypertension Registry between February 1990 and May 2012 with baseline right heart catheterization. The relationship between PAP and all‐cause mortality was assessed by Cox models and a tree‐based analysis. Sixty‐three patients had borderline PAP (underlying conditions: 12 left heart disease, 20 respiratory disease, 17 connective‐tissue disease, 4 others, and 10 none). We then compared 3 groups: borderline PAP without heart or lung disease (n = 31), normal PAP without heart or lung disease (n = 51), and category 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH; n = 387). Borderline‐PAP patients had levels of hemodynamic and functional compromise between those for normal‐PAP patients and those for patients with PAH. Borderline PAP was associated with increased mortality compared to normal PAP (hazard ratio: 4.03 [95% confidence interval: 0.78–20.80], P = 0.099). A tree‐based analysis demonstrated almost identical cut points in mean PAP (≤20, 21–26, and ≥27 mmHg) associated with differential survival (P < 0.001). Connective‐tissue disease and an elevated transpulmonary gradient were predictors of worse survival in the borderline‐PAP population. Borderline PAP elevation is associated with decreased survival, particularly in the context of connective‐tissue disease and an elevated transpulmonary gradient.
Making use of Johan Hjort's “unknown” legacy: reconstruction of a 150-year coastal time-series on northeast Arctic cod (Gadus morhua) liver data reveals long-term trends in energy allocation patterns
Authors: Kjesbu Olav Sigurd , Opdal Anders Frugård , Korsbrekke Knut , Devine Jennifer A. , Skjæraasen Jon Egil 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Hidden within the seminal 1914 publication by Johan Hjort, we find what is probably one of the first comprehensive teleost time-series ever published. The series is liver size and fat content of northeast Arctic (NEA) cod measured during the traditional winter fishery in Lofoten, Northern Norway, in 1880–1912 and 1883–1913, respectively. The data were collected well before the advent of the great industrialized fisheries in the 1930s. The raw data used by Hjort originate from annual reports of the Lofoten fishery, initiated by Member of Parliament and pioneer fishery inspector of Northern Norway, Ketil Motzfeldt, in 1859. Based on these reports and following various calibration exercises, we present robust estimates of the hepatosomatic index (HSI) from 1859 to 2012 (except 1863), i.e. over 153 years—extending Hjort's analysis both backwards (1859–1879) and forwards (1913–present). This series of bulk HSI contained five major periods: 1859–1880, 1881–1919, 1920–1974, 1975–2003, and 2004–2012; the highest HSI was recorded 1920–1974, whereas the lowest was from the most recent period. Despite variability, total length was a significant predictor of HSI, 1932–2012. A weak but significant relationship existed with both total-stock biomass and ocean temperature, as well as with the North Atlantic Oscillation winter index under a 1-year lag. The present exceptionally long HSI series will give an excellent opportunity for further research on the “quality of the cod” in a historic perspective.
Role of B-1 cells in the immune response against an antigen encapsulated into phosphatidylcholine-containing liposomes
Authors: Cruz-Leal Yoelys , Machado Yoan , López-Requena Alejandro , Canet Liem , Laborde Rady , Alvares Anuska Marcelino , Lucatelli Laurindo María F. , Santo Tomas Julio F. , Alonso María E. , Álvarez Carlos , Mortara Renato A. , Popi Ana F. , Mariano Mario , Pérez Rolando , Lanio María E. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractB-1 lymphocytes comprise a unique subset of B cells that differ phenotypically, ontogenetically and functionally from conventional B-2 cells. A frequent specificity of the antibody repertoire of peritoneal B-1 cells is phosphatidylcholine. Liposomes containing phosphatidylcholine have been studied as adjuvants and their interaction with dendritic cells and macrophages has been demonstrated. However, the role of B-1 cells in the adjuvanticity of liposomes composed of phosphatidylcholine has not been explored. In the present work, we studied the contribution of B-1 cells to the humoral response against ovalbumin (OVA) encapsulated into dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and cholesterol-containing liposomes. BALB/X-linked immunodeficient (xid) mice, which are deficient in B-1 cells, showed quantitative and qualitative differences in the anti-OVA antibody response compared with wild-type animals after immunization with these liposomes. The OVA-specific immune response was significantly increased in the BALB/xid mice when reconstituted with B-1 cells from naive BALB/c mice. Our results indicate the internalization of DPPC-containing liposomes by these cells and their migration from the peritoneal cavity to the spleen. Phosphatidylcholine significantly contributed to the immunogenicity of liposomes, as DPPC-containing liposomes more effectively stimulated the anti-OVA response compared with vesicles composed of dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol. In conclusion, we present evidence for a cognate interaction between B-1 cells and phosphatidylcholine liposomes, modulating the immune response to encapsulated antigens. This provides a novel targeting approach to assess the role of B-1 cells in humoral immunity.
Horizontal Transfers and Gene Losses in the phospholipid pathway ofBartonellareveal clues about early ecological niches
Authors: Zhu Qiyun , Kosoy Michael , Olival Kevin J. , Dittmar Katharina 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBartonellae are mammalian pathogens vectored by blood-feeding arthropods. Although of increasing medical importance, little is known about their ecological past, and host associations are underexplored. Previous studies suggest an influence of horizontal gene transfers in ecological niche colonization by acquisition of host pathogenicity genes. We here expand these analyses to metabolic pathways of 28Bartonellagenomes, and experimentally explore the distribution of bartonellae in 21 species of blood-feeding arthropods. Across genomes, repeated gene losses and horizontal gains in the phospholipid pathway were found. The evolutionary timing of these patterns suggests functional consequences likely leading to an early intracellular lifestyle for stem bartonellae. Comparative phylogenomic analyses discover three independent lineage-specific reacquisitions of a core metabolic gene - NAD(P)H-dependent glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gpsA) - from Gammaproteobacteria and Epsilonproteobacteria. Transferred genes are significantly closely related to invertebrateArsenophonus-, andSerratia-like endosymbionts, and mammalianHelicobacter-like pathogens, supporting a cellular association with arthropods and mammals at the base of extant bartonellae. Our studies suggest that the horizontal re-aquisitions had a key impact on bartonellae lineage specific ecological and functional evolution.
Communication and self‐esteem in adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Jackson Claire , Cavenagh Penny , Clibbens John 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundIt is estimated that around 50–90% of people with learning disabilities experience difficulties in communicating. Previous research has linked communication difficulties and self‐esteem in other populations, yet this relationship has not previously been investigated for people with Down syndrome.AimsTo explore the relationship between communication and self‐esteem in adults with Down syndrome. This research also aimed to offer an empowering and inclusive opportunity for adults with learning disabilities to be involved in research.Methods & ProceduresRecruitment took place via a charity established for people with Down syndrome. Twelve adults with Down syndrome and an adult they nominated were approached. A qualitative methodology was selected to explore communication and self‐esteem. A thematic analysis focused on the qualitative data collected via semi‐structured interviews.Outcomes & ResultsMajor themes within the data revealed that a relationship between communication and self‐esteem may exist for adults with Down syndrome.Conclusions & ImplicationThis study demonstrated that people with Down syndrome may experience low self‐esteem that may be linked to communication. The clinical implications of this are considered and areas for future research are identified.
Risk factors for spontaneous and provider‐initiated preterm delivery in high and low Human Development Index countries: a secondary analysis of the World Health Organization Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health
Authors: Morisaki N , Togoobaatar G , Vogel JP , Souza JP , Rowland Hogue CJ , Jayaratne K , Ota E , Mori R ,   on behalf of the WHO Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health Research Network
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTo evaluate how the effect of maternal complications on preterm birth varies between spontaneous and provider‐initiated births, as well as among different countries.DesignSecondary analysis of a cross‐sectional study.SettingTwenty‐nine countries participating in the World Health Organization Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health.Population299 878 singleton deliveries of live neonates or fresh stillbirths.MethodsCountries were categorised into very high, high, medium and low developed countries using the Human Development Index (HDI) of 2012 by the World Bank. We described the prevalence and risk of maternal complications, their effect on outcomes and their variability by country development.Main outcome measuresPreterm birth, fresh stillbirth and early neonatal death.ResultsThe proportion of provider‐initiated births among preterm deliveries increased with development: 19% in low to 40% in very high HDI countries. Among preterm deliveries, the socially disadvantaged were less likely, and the medically high risk were more likely, to have a provider‐initiated delivery. The effects of anaemia [adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 2.03; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.84; 2.25], chronic hypertension (AOR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.94; 2.68) and pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia (AOR, 5.03; 95% CI, 4.72; 5.37) on preterm birth were similar among all four HDI subgroups.ConclusionsThe provision of adequate obstetric care, including optimal timing for delivery in high‐risk pregnancies, especially to the socially disadvantaged, could improve pregnancy outcomes. Avoiding preterm delivery in women when maternal complications, such as anaemia or hypertensive disorders, are present is important for countries at various stages of development, but may be more challenging to achieve.
Mode and timing of twin delivery and perinatal outcomes in low‐ and middle‐income countries: a secondary analysis of the WHO Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health
Authors: Ganchimeg T , Morisaki N , Vogel JP , Cecatti JG , Barrett J , Jayaratne K , Mittal S , Ortiz‐Panozo E , Souza JP , Crowther C , Ota E , Mori R ,   on behalf of the WHO Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health Research Network
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTo describe the mode and timing of delivery of twin pregnancies at ≥34 weeks of gestation and their association with perinatal outcomes.DesignSecondary analysis of a cross‐sectional study.PopulationTwin deliveries at ≥34 weeks of gestation from 21 low‐ and middle‐income countries participating in the WHO Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health.MethodsDescriptive analysis and effect estimates using multilevel logistic regression.Main outcome measuresStillbirth, perinatal mortality, and neonatal near miss (use of selected life saving interventions at birth).ResultsThe average length of gestation at delivery was 37.6 weeks. Of all twin deliveries, 16.8 and 17.6% were delivered by caesarean section before and after the onset of labour, respectively. Prelabour caesarean delivery was associated with older maternal age, higher institutional capacity and wealth of the country. Compared with spontaneous vaginal delivery, lower risks of neonatal near miss (adjusted odds ratio, aOR, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI, 0.44–0.94) were found among prelabour caesarean deliveries. A lower risk of early neonatal mortality (aOR 0.12; 95% CI 0.02–0.56) was also observed among prelabour caesarean deliveries with nonvertex presentation of the first twin. The week of gestation with the lowest rate of prospective fetal death varied by fetal presentation: 37 weeks for vertex–vertex; 39 weeks for vertex–nonvertex; and 38 weeks for a nonvertex first twin.ConclusionsThe prelabour caesarean delivery rate among twins varied largely between countries, probably as a result of overuse of caesarean delivery in wealthier countries and limited access to caesarean delivery in low‐income countries. Prelabour delivery may be beneficial when the first twin is nonvertex. International guidelines for optimal twin delivery methods are needed.
Overview of abortion cases with severe maternal outcomes in the WHO Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health: a descriptive analysis
Authors: Dragoman M , Sheldon WR , Qureshi Z , Blum J , Winikoff B , Ganatra B ,   on behalf of the WHO Multicountry Survey on Maternal Newborn Health Research Network
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTo summarise individual and institutional characteristics of abortion‐related severe maternal outcomes reported at health facilities.DesignSecondary analysis of data from the WHO Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health.Setting85 health facilities in 23 countries. Sample322 women with abortion‐related severe maternal outcomes.MethodsFrequency distributions and comparisons of differences in characteristics between cases of maternal near miss and death using Fisher's exact tests of association.Main outcome measuresIndividual and institutional characteristics and frequencies of potentially life‐threatening conditions, and interventions provided to women with severe maternal outcomes, maternal near miss, and maternal death.ResultsMost women with abortion‐related severe maternal outcomes (SMOs) were 20–34 years old (65.2%), married or cohabitating (92.3%), parous (84.2%), and presented with abortions resulting from pregnancies at less than 14 weeks of gestation (67.1%). The women who died were younger, more frequently without a partner, and had abortions at ≥14 weeks of gestation, compared with women with maternal near miss (MNM). Curettage was the most common mode of uterine evacuation. The provision of blood products and therapeutic antibiotics were the most common other interventions recorded for all women with abortion‐related SMOs; those who died more frequently had antibiotics, laparotomy, and hysterectomy, compared with women with MNM. Although haemorrhage was the most common cause of abortion‐related SMO, infection (alone and in combination with haemorrhage) was the most common cause of death.ConclusionThis analysis affirms a number of previously observed characteristics of women with abortion‐related severe morbidity and mortality, despite the fact that facility‐based data on abortion‐related SMO suffers a number of limitations.
A reliable DNA barcode reference library for the identification of the North European shelf fish fauna
Authors: Knebelsberger Thomas , Landi Monica , Neumann Hermann , Kloppmann Matthias , Sell Anne F. , Campbell Patrick D. , Laakmann Silke , Raupach Michael J. , Carvalho Gary R. , Costa Filipe O. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractValid fish species identification is an essential step both for fundamental science and fisheries management. The traditional identification is mainly based on external morphological diagnostic characters, leading to inconsistent results in many cases. Here, we provide a sequence reference library based on mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase subunit I (COI) for a valid identification of 93 North Atlantic fish species originating from the North Sea and adjacent waters, including many commercially exploited species. Neighbour‐joining analysis based on K2P genetic distances formed nonoverlapping clusters for all species with a ≥99% bootstrap support each. Identification was successful for 100% of the species as the minimum genetic distance to the nearest neighbour always exceeded the maximum intraspecific distance. A barcoding gap was apparent for the whole data set. Within‐species distances ranged from 0 to 2.35%, while interspecific distances varied between 3.15 and 28.09%. Distances between congeners were on average 51‐fold higher than those within species. The validation of the sequence library by applyingBOLDs barcode index number (BIN) analysis tool and a ranking system demonstrated high taxonomic reliability of theDNAbarcodes for 85% of the investigated fish species. Thus, the sequence library presented here can be confidently used as a benchmark for identification of at least two‐thirds of the typical fish species recorded for the North Sea.
Discovery of a novel long terminal repeat (LTR2i_SS) in Sus Scrofa
Authors: Lim Sim L. , Kortschak R. Daniel , Adelson David L. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryLong terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons are transposable elements flanked by 5′/3′ LTRs. They have a structure similar to endogenous retroviruses, but they lack the envelope (env) gene making them non‐infectious. Long terminal repeats are motif‐rich sequences and can act as bidirectional promoters or enhancers to regulate or inactivate genes by insertion. In this study, we identified a new chimeric LTR subfamily, LTR2i_SS, in the pig genome. This chimeric LTR family appears to be the ancestral form of the previously described LTR2_SS family. LTR2_SS appears to have deleted ~300 bp of un‐annotated, ancestral sequence from LTR2i_SS. We identified no functional provirus sequences for either of these LTR types. LTR2i_SS sequences have been exapted into the untranslated regions of two protein‐coding gene mRNAs. Both of these genes lie within previously mapped pig quantitative trait loci.
Bounds on causal interactions for binary outcomes
Authors: Sjölander A. , Lee W. , Källberg H. , Pawitan Y. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryA common goal of epidemiologic research is to study how two exposures interact in causing a binary outcome. Causal interaction is defined as the presence of subjects for which the causal effect of one exposure depends on the level of the other exposure. For binary exposures, it has previously been shown that the presence of causal interaction is testable through additive statistical interaction. However, it has also been shown that the magnitude of causal interaction, defined as the proportion of subjects for which there is causal interaction, is generally not identifiable. In this article, we derive bounds on causal interactions, which are applicable to binary outcomes and categorical exposures with arbitrarily many levels. These bounds can be used to assess the magnitude of causal interaction, and serve as an important complement to the statistical test that is frequently employed. The bounds are derived both without and with an assumption about monotone exposure effects. We present an application of the bounds to a study of gene–gene interaction in rheumatoid arthritis.
Meta‐analysis of methylprednisolone pulse therapy for Graves' ophthalmopathy
Authors: Gao Guohong , Dai Jinhui , Qian Yifeng , Ma Fei 
Published: March 2014

AbstractA meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy of methylprednisolone pulse therapy for Graves' ophthalmopathy. Eight studies involving 376 patients were included. A higher effective rate was found for patients treated with intravenous glucocorticoids (IVGC) over oral glucocorticoids (OGC) (risk ratio [RR] = 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18−1.86). The combined IVGC and orbital radiotherapy (OR) was markedly more effective than OGC+OR (RR = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.11−1.77). IVGC resulted in an obvious reduction of clinical activity score (CAS) compared with OGC, with a weighted mean difference (WMD) of 0.86 (95% CI = 0.53−1.18). The WMD for the reduction of the CAS between IVGC+OR and OGC+OR was 0.66 (95% CI = 0.30−1.02). IVGC is an effective treatment and cause fewer adverse events. Limiting the total cumulative dose of methylprednisolone, careful patient selection and monitoring the condition of patients during treatment are necessary.
Effect of high myopia on glaucoma diagnostic parameters measured with optical coherence tomography
Authors: Kita Yoshiyuki , Kita Ritsuko , Takeyama Asuka , Tomita Goji , Goldberg Ivan 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundWe examined the influence of high myopia on conventional spectral‐domain optical coherence tomographic parameters and assessed the macular ganglion cell complex thickness to macular outer retinal thickness ratio as a new optical coherence tomography parameter.DesignProspective cross‐sectional study.ParticipantsSixty normal and 30 highly myopic eyes (refractive error more than −6 D).MethodsWe used the RTVue‐100 to measure macular ganglion cell complex and circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness, global loss volume, and focal loss volume and then calculated the ganglion cell complex thickness to macular outer retinal thickness ratio.Main Outcome MeasuresEach parameter was compared between the two groups. Using the area under receiver operating characteristics curve, the classification abilities of optical coherence tomography parameters were examined in highly myopic eyes.ResultsBetween normal and highly myopic eyes, we found significant differences in ganglion cell complex and retinal nerve fibre layer thickness, global loss volume and focal loss volume. The new ratio parameter was not significantly different between groups (55.74% vs. 54.50%). The area under receiver operating characteristics curve was 0.775 (P < 0.01) for retinal nerve fibre layer thickness, 0.721 (P < 0.01) for ganglion cell complex thickness and 0.588 (P > 0.05) for the new ratio parameter.ConclusionsAlthough refractive status significantly affected conventional optical coherence tomography parameters, the new ratio parameter may not be influenced by refractive error. Therefore, a normative database for healthy highly myopic eyes may not be necessary if ratio parameter is used.