bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HLA profile of the donors in the Macedonian Bone Marrow Donor Registry
Authors: Kirijas Meri , Genadieva Stavrik Sonja , Trajkov Dejan , Hristomanova Mitkovska Slavica , Senev Aleksandar , Efinska Mladenovska Olivija , Sibinovska Olgica , Petlichkovski Aleksandar 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe importance of HLA alleles in the process of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, especially the process of unrelated donor search, is enormous. Macedonian Bone Marrow Donor Registry was established in 2010 and has registered volunteer donors from different nationalities that live in the Republic of Macedonia. The aim of this study was to determine the HLA allele and haplotype frequencies of the volunteer donors from the Macedonian Bone Marrow Donor Registry and to compare this results with the Macedonians from a family study. We analyzed 1,541 donors, with different nationalities, Macedonian, Albanian and Macedonian Muslims that were most numerous in MBMDR, and typed them for HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1, whereas Macedonian also for HLA‐DQA1 and HLA‐DQB1 by SSO method (One Lambda, CA, USA). The most frequent alleles in Macedonians were HLA‐A*02, 01, 24; HLA‐B*35, 18, 51; HLA‐C*07, 04, 12; HLA‐DRB1*11, 16, 13; HLA‐DQA1*01, 05 and HLA‐DQB1*05, 03, 06; in Albanians they were HLA‐A*02, 24,01; HLA‐B*51, 18, 35; HLA‐C*07, 04, 12, HLA‐DRB1*11, 13,16; and in Macedonian Muslims they were HLA‐A*02, 01, 24; HLA‐B*18, 51, 35, HLA‐C*07, 04, 02 and HLA‐DRB1*11, 16, 14. The most common haplotype in Macedonian was HLA‐A*01‐B*08‐C*07‐DRB1*03, whilst in Albanian and Macedonian Muslims HLA‐A*02‐B*18‐C*07‐DRB1*11. The comparison of the HLA allele groups between Macedonian from MBMDR and family study showed similar distribution. This study confirmed the close relationship between the populations that live in the Balkan Peninsula.
A note on computational aspects of the Steiner traveling salesman problem
Authors: Álvarez‐Miranda Eduardo , Sinnl Markus 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe Steiner traveling salesman problem (StTSP) is a variant of the classical traveling salesman problem (TSP). In the StTSP, we are given a graph with edge distances, and a set of terminal nodes, which are a subset of all nodes. The goal is to find a minimum distance closed walk to visit each terminal node at least once. Two recent articles proposed solution approaches to the problem, namely, on the exact side, Letchford et al. proposed compact integer linear programming models, and on the heuristic side, Interian and Ribeiro proposed greedy randomized adaptive search procedure, enhanced with a local search. Using the exact approach, instances with up to 250 nodes could be solved to optimality, with runtimes up to 1400 seconds, and the heuristic approach was used to tackle instances with up to 3353 nodes, with runtimes up to 8500 seconds. In this note, we show that by transforming the problem to the classical TSP, and using a state‐of‐the‐art TSP solver, all instances from the literature can be solved to optimality within 20 seconds, most of them within a second. We provide optimal solution values for 14 instances, where the optimal solution was not known.
Optical property evaluation of thoria doped with heavier rare‐earth oxides LnO1.5 (Ln = Er3+, Ho3+, Tm3+, and Yb3+)
Authors: Kumar Manish , Pokhriyal Meenakshi , Gupta Mohini , Vijaya Prakash Gaddam , Uma Sitharaman , Nagarajan Rajamani 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTo address the existing gap in the literature of upconversion studies involving thoria, samples of thoria doped with Ho3+‐Yb3+, Er3+‐Yb3+, and Tm3+‐Yb3+ were synthesized following epoxide gel method and were characterized. Fluorite structure of the doped samples was evident for the calcined samples from the corresponding xerogels as noticed in their powder X‐ray diffraction patterns. The presence of a sharp band near 460 cm−1 in the Raman spectra of all these samples supported the results from diffraction experiments. Intraconfigurational f‐f transitions of Ho3+, Er3+, and Tm3+ were present in the UV‐visible absorbance spectra of these samples. Both normal emission and upconversion emission from these samples have been studied. Emissions in all three basic colors were observed in the upconversion emission spectra. Two‐photon process was found to be responsible for the upconversion in these systems. Decay time measurements for these emissions were analyzed. This synthetic process was further extended to determine the extent of dissolution of heavier lanthanides and found that up to 50 mol% of Ho3+, Er3+ and 60 mol% of Tm3+, Yb3+ could be dissolved retaining fluorite structure. Creation of oxygen vacancies for these heavily doped specimens was quite encouraging and it could be useful as solid electrolytes in fuel cells.
Plasma ghrelin O‐acyltransferase (GOAT) enzyme levels: A novel non‐invasive diagnosis tool for patients with significant prostate cancer
Authors: Gómez‐Gómez Enrique , Jiménez‐Vacas Juan M. , Carrasco‐Valiente Julia , Herrero‐Aguayo Vicente , Blanca‐Pedregosa Ana M. , León‐González Antonio J. , Valero‐Rosa José , Fernández‐Rueda José L. , González‐Serrano Teresa , López‐Miranda José , Gahete Manuel D. , Castaño Justo P. , Requena‐Tapia María J. , Luque Raúl M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractEarly detection of PCa faces severe limitations as PSA displays poor‐specificity/sensitivity. As we recently demonstrated that plasma ghrelin O‐acyltransferase (GOAT)‐enzyme is significantly elevated in PCa‐patients compared with healthy‐controls, using a limited patients‐cohort, we aimed to further explore the potential of GOAT to improve PCa diagnosis using an ample patients‐cohort (n = 312) and defining subgroups (i.e. significant PCa/metastatic patients, etc.) that could benefit from this biomarker. Plasma GOAT‐levels were evaluated by ELISA in patients with (n = 183) and without (n = 129) PCa. Gleason Score ≥ 7 was considered clinically significant PCa. GOAT‐levels were higher in PCa patients vs control patients, and in those with significant PCa vs non‐significant PCa. GOAT‐levels association with the diagnoses of significant PCa was independent from traditional clinical variables (i.e. PSA/age/DRE). Remarkably, GOAT outperformed PSA in patients with PSA‐levels ranging 3‐20 ng/mL for the significant PCa diagnosis [GOAT‐AUC = 0.612 (0.531‐0.693) vs PSA‐AUC = 0.494 (0.407‐0.580)]. A panel of key variables including GOAT/age/DRE/testosterone also outperformed the same panel but with PSA [AUC = 0.720 (0.710‐0.730) vs AUC = 0.705 (0.695‐0.716), respectively]. Notably, GOAT‐levels could also represent a novel predictive biomarker of aggressiveness, as its levels are positively associated with Gleason Score and the presence of metastasis at the time of diagnoses. Altogether, our data reveal that GOAT‐levels can be used as a non‐invasive biomarker for significant PCa diagnosis in patients at risk of PCa (with PSA: 3‐20 ng/mL).
Hiding in Plain Sight: Nebivolol Exhibits Compelling Tocolytic Properties
Authors: Barnett Scott D. , Buxton Iain L. O. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPreterm birth before 37 weeks of completed gestation results in numerous health consequences for the foetus. Preterm labour leads to preterm birth in over 50% of cases, and no FDA‐approved treatment can prevent labour or help a foetus remain in the womb until term. Examination of nitric oxide mediated relaxation signaling in the uterine smooth muscle reveals a role for protein S‐nitrosation. The recent discovery of upregulated S‐nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) in spontaneously preterm labouring women has emphasized the need to explore the function of S‐nitrosation regulation in the maintenance of uterine quiescence. Here we have examined the ability of nebivolol to relax uterine smooth muscle and tested recent claims that nebivolol is a GSNOR inhibitor. In uterine smooth muscle strips from both mouse and human, nebivolol relaxes oxytocin‐induced contractions in a dose dependent manner. Our data indicates that nebivolol has no effect on GSNOR activity, nor does nebivolol inhibit thioredoxin reductase, two of the major protein denitrosylases. The ability of nebivolol to relax uterine smooth muscle is likely the combined effects of increased nitric oxide synthase activity and β3‐adregnegic stimulation.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia–like syndrome in 24 baboons (Papio spp.)
Authors: Confer Alexandra , Owston Michael A. , Kumar Shyamesh , Dick Edward J. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMultiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) has not been reported in baboons, but this condition is well described in humans. An internal database was searched for all cases of concurrent endocrine hyperplasia and neoplasia in baboons. Twenty‐four baboons (Papio spp.) with concurrent endocrine hyperplasia and neoplasia were identified. Twenty‐one baboons had lesions in two endocrine organs, two baboons had lesions in three organs, and one baboon had lesions in four organs. Ten baboons aligned with the MEN1 classification; 14 baboons did not match any current human MEN classification. We report 24 cases of MEN‐like syndrome in baboons. MEN1‐like lesions accounted for nearly half (41%) of the affected animals. Genetic analysis of baboons with MEN‐like syndrome could further elucidate the mechanisms of MEN and support the use of baboons as animal models for human MEN.
Comparative study of IDDSI flow test and line‐spread test of thickened water prepared with different dysphagia thickeners
Authors: Kim Yong‐Hwan , Jeong Geon Young , Yoo Byoungseung 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe flow behaviors of thickened water samples prepared with six commercial instant thickeners (A–F) were investigated at different thickness levels using the inexpensive, simple, and visual clinical tools, such as a line‐spread test (LST) and a syringe flow test developed by the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI). Both the flow distance value measured by the LST and the volume remaining in syringe by IDDSI flow test were compared with the apparent viscosity (ηa,50) values measured with a sophisticated computer‐controlled rheometer. The ηa,50 values of thickened water samples increased as thickener concentration increased, whereas the flow distance (cm; LST) or remaining volume (ml; IDDSI flow test) were decreased. Plots comparing ηa,50 values to LST flow distances and IDDSI volumes revealed exponential relationships (R2 = 0.926 for the LST and R2 = 0.898 for IDDSI test) between the two measurements. Such lower determination coefficient (R2) values (0.898) by IDDSI flow test seems to be due to the stickiness characteristics of starch component in starch‐based thickeners (E and F), indicating that the syringe flow test is not suitable for starch‐based thickeners. However, the thickened water samples prepared only with xanthan gum (XG)‐based thickeners (A–D) showed strong relationships (R2 = 0.972 for the LST and R2 = 0.939 for IDDSI test). These results suggest that the LST is a more reliable method than the IDDSI test for evaluating the correct and desirable viscosity for the dysphagia diet, and that the IDDSI test provides a means to predict the rheometer‐measured viscosity of water thickened with only XG‐based thickeners.Practical applicationsThe effective management of dysphagia requires the thickened fluids prepared with the correct and desirable viscosity. In terms of clinical practice, it is very important to observe the comparison of LST with IDDSI flow test to determine a suitable method for estimating the correct viscosity of thickened fluids. Our results showed good relationships between the rheometer‐measured viscosity and flow values measured by the LST and IDDSI test methods for the thickened water samples prepared with different foods thickeners. The IDDSI flow test may be useful as a clinical training tool for preparing thickened fluids with only XG‐based thickeners to a target level of viscosity. These results presented in this study will provide clinicians, caregivers, and patients with valuable information for IDDSI flow test as an inexpensive and simple method for measuring the correct viscosity.
Atypical type of familial Mediterranean fever: An underdiagnosed cause of chronic aseptic meningitis
Authors: Sugie Masayuki , Ouchi Takahiro , Kishida Dai , Yasaki Shunji 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWe report an atypical case of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) concomitant with chronic aseptic meningitis. The patient experienced fever, abdominal and back pain because of serositis, and headache because of aseptic meningitis for 4 weeks. Blood examinations revealed increased white blood cells and serum amyloid A level. Medications, including steroids, did not improve his symptoms. However, the patient experienced immediate relief after the administration of colchicine. We diagnosed him as having atypical FMF based on the symptoms, especially positive response to colchicine, and heterozygous mutations on exon2 and 5 (E148Q/S503C) in MEFV gene. Unlike typical FMF, a cause of recurrent aseptic meningitis, atypical FMF might be an underdiagnosed cause of chronic aseptic meningitis.
The effect of nonsurgical periodontal treatment on gingival crevicular fluid stress hormone levels: A prospective study
Authors: Cakmak Omer , Alkan Banu Arzu , Saatci Ebru , Tasdemir Zekeriya 
Published: September 2018

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the effect of nonsurgical periodontal treatment (PT) on anxiety/depression scale scores and on gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) cortisol (COR) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels.MethodsFifty‐five participants with generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP group, n: 21), with localized chronic periodontitis (LCP group, n: 19) and with gingivitis or healthy (control group, n: 15) subjects were treated and followed up for 6 months. Clinical periodontal parameters include plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth and attachment level; psychosocial measurements include Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI 1‐2) psychometric instruments; hormone levels in GCF including COR and DHEA were evaluated.ResultsAll clinical parameters were significantly decreased (except attachment loss) after PT (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the two groups for STAI‐1‐2 and BDI scores, either at baseline or at 6 months (p > 0.05). COR levels were statistically lower following PT in GCP and LCP groups when compared to the baseline levels (p < 0.05). DHEA values at baseline and 6 months did not show significant differences.ConclusionWithin the limits of the study, decreased GCF COR and unchanged GCF DHEA levels were determined in nonsurgically treated patients regardless of the extent and severity of periodontitis.
Mismatch between risk factors and preventive interventions? A register study of fall prevention among older people in one Swedish county
Authors: Witt Sofia , Englander Emma , Kumlien Christine , Axelsson Malin 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundFalls are a common and often a devastating health hazard for older people, causing suffering, morbidity and mortality. Falls are costly for society in terms of both resources and direct medical costs. Although knowledge about falls and fall prevention is well known, falls among older people are still a major problem.Aim and objectivesThe aim was to estimate the prevalence of the risk of falls among older people receiving municipal health care. A further aim was to investigate the consistency between fall risk factors and preventive nursing interventions.DesignA cross‐sectional register study.MethodsData containing risk assessments based on the Downton Fall Risk Index (DFRI) and planned interventions by the municipal health care were collected from the Swedish national quality registry, Senior Alert. Data were analysed using descriptive and analytic statistics.ResultsIn the sample of 5,427 older people, the prevalence of the risk of falling was 79%. There was a difference in prevalence between the different types of municipal health care, sex and age. The most common preventive intervention was environment adjustments, and the least planned intervention was information/education about falls. Physical activity as an intervention was planned among 13.2% of the participants. Approximately 27% of the older people did not have any planned interventions despite being at risk of falling. Planned interventions did not always correspond with the risk factors; for instance, only 35.4% of those at risk of falling due to medication obtained pharmaceutical reviews as a preventive measure to decrease the risk.ConclusionThe risk of falling is common among older people, and the preventive interventions do not sufficiently follow current evidence. This implies that systematic implementation of fall‐prevention guidelines is needed in municipal care.Implication for practiceA better match between identified risk factors and preventive interventions is warranted.
Temporal trends in prenatal risk factors for the development of infantile hemangiomas
Authors: Schoch Jennifer J. , Hunjan Manrup K. , Anderson Katelyn R. , Lohse Christine M. , Hand Jennifer L. , Davis Dawn M.R. , Tollefson Megha M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesSpecific maternal risk factors have recently been identified in the development of infantile hemangiomas (IH), including gestational diabetes (GDM), maternal antihypertensive medication use or gestational hypertension (GHTN), maternal progesterone use, and artificial reproductive technologies (ART). We sought to explore the change in incidence of these risk factors over time and determine their association with the increased incidence of hemangiomas over 35 years, as previously reported.MethodsThe charts of 869 mother and infant pairs (infants previously diagnosed with IH between January 1, 1976, and December 31, 2010) were reviewed for prenatal complications. Rates of the prenatal complications over the 35‐year period in birth mothers of infants diagnosed with IH were determined and evaluated by year of diagnosis (1976‐1990, 1991‐2000, and 2001‐2010).ResultsOver the 35‐year period in which the incidence of IH was previously examined, maternal age at delivery, prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), use of ART, maternal progesterone use, placental abnormalities, and GDM also increased.ConclusionsGDM, ART, and maternal progesterone use increased over the past 35 years, mirroring the previously reported trend of increasing incidence of IH. Maternal age and BMI also increased in mothers of infants with IH. Further exploration of this association may direct future research in the pathogenesis of infantile hemangiomas.
Histochemistry of the zona pellucida of the ovary of a species with natural polyovulation: Lagostomus maximus (Rodentia, Hystricomorpha, Chinchillidae)
Authors: Acuña Francisco , Tano de la Hoz María F. , Díaz Alcira O. , Portiansky Enrique L. , Barbeito Claudio G. , Flamini Mirta A. 
Published: September 2018

ContentsThis study reports the histochemistry and the distribution of glycoconjugates (GCs) in the zona pellucida (ZP) of preantral, secondary, tertiary, polyovulatory and atretic follicles of ovaries from non‐pregnant (NPr) and pregnant (Pr) females of Lagostomus maximus. GCs were studied using histochemical and lectin histochemical methods. The viscacha ZP was positive to all the histochemical techniques. In addition, it was observed that the intensity of staining of the ZP was constant in the different follicular stages between both female groups. The lectin histochemical study revealed that ZP was positive for certain lectins (WGA, RCA‐I and CON‐A) and that the labelling did not vary between the different follicular stages, but between the two groups of females. By using both histochemical techniques, it was established that the GCs present in the ZP label the complexity of the area. These results allow us to increase our knowledge on the biology of the viscacha's ovary, particularly contributing to the study of polyovulation.
Bacteriology and clinical outcomes of patients with culture‐positive pleural infection in Western Australia: A 6‐year analysis
Authors: Brims Fraser , Popowicz Natalia , Rosenstengel Andrew , Hart Julie , Yogendran Arthee , Read Catherine A. , Lee Felicity , Shrestha Ranjan , Franke Alexander , Lewis Joshua R. , Kay Ian , Waterer Grant , Lee Y.C. Gary 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTBackground and objectivePleural infection is a clinical challenge; its microbiology can be complex. Epidemiological and outcome data of pleural infection in adult Australians are lacking. We describe the bacteriology and clinical outcomes of Australian adults with culture‐positive pleural infection (CPPI) over a 6‐year period.MethodsCases with CPPI were identified through Western Australian public hospitals electronic record. Culture isolates, admission dates, vital status, co‐morbidities, radiology, blood and pleural fluid tests were extracted.ResultsIn total, 601 cases (71.4% males; median age: 63 years (IQR: 50–74); median hospital stay 13 days) involving 894 bacterial isolates were identified. Hospital‐acquired (HA)‐CPPI was defined in 398 (66.2%) cases, community‐acquired (CA)‐CPPI in 164 (27.3%) cases and the remaining classified as oesophageal rupture/leak. Co‐morbidities, most frequently cancer, were common (65.2%). Radiological evidence of pneumonia was present in only 43.8% of CA‐CPPI and 27.3% of HA‐CPPI. Of the 153 different bacterial strains cultured, Streptococcus species (32.9%) especially viridans streptococci group were most common in CA‐CPPI, whereas HA‐CPPI was most often associated with Staphylococcus aureus (11.6%) and Gram‐negative (31.9%) infections. Mortality was high during hospitalization (CA‐CPPI 13.4% vs HA‐CPPI 16.6%; P = 0.417) and at 1 year (CA‐CPPI 32.4% vs HA‐CPPI 45.5%; P = 0.006).ConclusionThis is the first large multicentre epidemiological study of pleural infection in Australian adults and includes the largest cohort of HA‐CPPI published to date. CPPI is caused by a diverse range of organisms which vary between CA and HA sources. CPPI is a poor prognostic indicator both in the short term and in the subsequent 12 months.