bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Outermost Small Islands of the Indonesian Archipelago: A Legal Analysis
Authors: Sodik Dikdik Mohamad 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
This article analyses the Indonesian laws and regulations relating to the archipelago, including outermost small islands, according to 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The article discusses the role and function of the outermost small islands in delimiting Indonesian maritime boundaries with its neighbouring States, the aspects of defence and security, as well as its utilization for public welfare and marine environmental preservation. Research presented in this article indicates that challenges remain in the face of implementing the legal frameworks. It offers some recommendations to address these problems.
A Numerical Study of Aviation Turbulence Encountered on 13 February 2013 over the Yellow Sea between China and the Korean Peninsula
Authors: Lee Dan-Bi , Chun Hye-Yeong 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAt 0247 UTC 13 February 2013, a South Korean commercial aircraft encountered moderate-level clear-air turbulence at ~24 000 ft (~7.3 km) over the Yellow Sea (121.25°E, 38.55°N) en route from Incheon, South Korea, to Tianjin, China. Two crew members were severely injured by this event. To investigate the possible mechanisms of this event, a high-resolution numerical simulation using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model was conducted. In the synoptic-scale flow pattern, one of two bifurcated jet streams passed over the Yellow Sea, and strong horizontal and vertical gradients of the wind occurred on the northern edge of the jet stream near the flight route. An upper-level frontal system on the cyclonic shear side of the jet intensified as it moved northward toward a strengthening upper-level trough in northeastern China. The developed jet–frontal system induced strong vertical wind shear and tropopause folding, which extended down to about z = 5 km, near the observed turbulence region. Despite a relatively high stability with an intrusion of stratospheric air with tropopause folding, the strong vertical wind shear led to a small Richardson number in the incident region, which in turn induced the aviation turbulence through the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability. Although small-scale mountain waves were evident during the passage of flight before the incident time, breaking of these waves was not likely the key factor for the observed turbulence, given that the wave amplitudes were weak and that the strong zonal wind on the upstream of the mountain waves prohibited wave saturation and breakdown.
Adiponectin receptor 1-mediated micro RNA-323-3p regulates functions of the MIN6 cell line via the AMP-activated protein kinase/sirtuin-1 pathway
Authors: Wang Xiaojuan , Li Jun , Tang Wei , Zhao Yiqiao , Li Xing 
Published: March 2018

Background The development of an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus is urgently needed. This study aimed to investigate the role of micro RNA (miR)-323-3p in regulating the expression of adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1), as well as the insulin secretion and cell function of pancreatic MIN6 β-cells. Methods MIN6 cells were treated with miR-323-3p mimics or inhibitors, and the effects on cell growth, proliferation, mitosis, and insulin secretion were studied. The expression levels of sirtuin-1 (SIRT-1) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) genes were also assessed. Results miR-323-3p directly targeted AdipoR1, and suppressed its expression at mRNA and protein levels. It also regulated the protein expression of SIRT-1 and AMPK, which are downstream target genes of the AdipoR1 signaling pathway. miR-323-3p suppressed cell growth, proliferation, mitosis, and insulin secretion of MIN6 cells. Conclusions miR-323-3p appears to be a crucial diabetes factor that mediates its functions by inhibiting the AdipoR1/AMPK/SIRT-1 signaling pathway. Our findings suggest that targeting AdipoR1 with inhibitors of miR-323-3p is a potential approach to improve the function of islet cells.
Characterization of anti-interferon-γ antibodies in HIV-negative immunodeficient patients infected with unusual intracellular microorganisms
Authors: Wipasa Jiraprapa , Chaiwarith Romanee , Chawansuntati Kriangkrai , Praparattanapan Jutarat , Rattanathammethee Kritsadee , Supparatpinyo Khuanchai 
Published: March 2018

A major characteristic of immunodeficiency associated with life-threatening intracellular infection in adults is the presence of anti-interferon-γ antibodies. Although little is known about the mechanism underlying this syndrome, it is believed that the antibodies inhibit the activity of downstream signaling pathway of interferon-γ. In this study, the characteristics of these antibodies in patients who presented, or have a history of, intracellular infection and were positive to anti-interferon-γ antibodies were investigated. The antibodies exhibited mainly the IgG1 and the IgG4 subtypes and recognized the C-terminal of the interferon-γ linear epitope containing the KRKR motif, which is required for the biological activity of interferon-γ. The antibodies bound to recombinant interferon-γ with significantly lower avidity than antibodies to a recall antigen, tetanus toxoid, suggesting that the antibodies might have not undergone affinity maturation. The data from this study may provide fundamental information to better understand the properties of anti-interferon-γ antibodies, which can be useful for future studies. Impact statement An increase in the number of immunodeficient patients related to autoantibodies to interferon (IFN)-γ has been observed particularly in East Asian adults. These patients are often presented with opportunistic infections caused by intracellular pathogens, including non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), Cryptococcus neoformans, Penicillium marneffei (now called Talaromyces marneffei), and non-typhoidal Salmonella spp. The mortality rate for this syndrome is relatively high with 32% patients dying at the median time of 25 months after diagnosis. Characterization of these autoantibodies may promote better understanding of the syndrome, an emerging health problem affecting East Asia populations and impeding their welfare and economic development.
Pruritus and postoperative nausea and vomiting after intrathecal morphine in spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section: Prospective cohort study
Authors: Thay Yu Jia , Goh Qing Yuan , Han Reena Nianlin , Sultana Rehena , Sng Ban Leong 
Published: March 2018

Background: Spinal anaesthesia is a common anaesthetic technique for caesarean sections. Neuraxial opioids such as intrathecal morphine may cause common adverse effects (pruritus, post-operative nausea and vomiting). Objectives: We investigated the incidence, severity and need for treatment of pruritus and post-operative nausea and vomiting following administration of intrathecal morphine in spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore. Methods: We conducted a prospective study involving 124 parturients who received intrathecal morphine in spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section from October 2012 to October 2014. Results: Seventy patients (56.5%) had moderate or severe pruritus (score 4–10), while 54 patients (43.5%) had no or mild pruritus (score 0–3). Mean (SD) value of the worst pruritus score reported on a scale of 0–10 was 4 (2.59). Only seven out of the 124 patients (5.6%) required treatment for pruritus. With respect to distress and bother from itching in the past 24 hours on a score of 0–4, the mean score reported was 1.7 (1.23). Fourteen (11.2%) patients reported vomiting, dry-retching and nausea. Six (4.8%) patients had nausea that interfered with activities of daily living. Four (3.2%) patients had clinically significant post-operative nausea and vomiting. Seven (5.6%) patients received anti-emetics. The average Overall Benefit of Analgesia Score was 3.8 (SD 2.6, min–max: 0–15). The average (SD) maternal satisfaction with pain relief and side effects was 84.9% (9.9%). Conclusion: There is a high incidence of pruritus, with most women reporting moderate to severe pruritus. The incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting is low, and women reported good maternal satisfaction.
Apical Takotsubo syndrome versus anterior acute myocardial infarction: findings from the Tokyo Cardiovascular Care Unit network registry
Authors: Isogai Toshiaki , Yoshikawa Tsutomu , Ueda Tetsuro , Yamaguchi Tetsuo , Imori Yoichi , Maekawa Yuichiro , Sakata Konomi , Murakami Tsutomu , Mochizuki Hiroki , Arao Kenshiro , Kimura Akihisa , Nagao Ken , Yamamoto Takeshi , Takayama Morimasa 
Published: March 2018

Background: Although the typical apical form of Takotsubo syndrome and anterior acute myocardial infarction have similar electrocardiographic and echocardiographic presentations, data on the clinical differences between the two disorders are limited. Methods: Using the Tokyo Cardiovascular Care Unit network registry, we identified patients hospitalised with apical Takotsubo syndrome ( n=540; 2010–2014) or anterior acute myocardial infarction ( n=2,806; 2013–2014) and created 522 age and sex-matched pairs (mean age 74.1 years; women 78.5%). We compared the clinical characteristics and inhospital outcomes between the two groups. Results: On admission, patients with apical Takotsubo syndrome showed a lower body mass index, less frequent chest pain/tightness, lower systolic blood pressure, higher heart rate, lower creatine kinase, higher C-reactive protein and brain natriuretic peptide, and less frequent ST-elevation than patients with anterior acute myocardial infarction. Patients with apical Takotsubo syndrome received catecholamine (12.8% vs. 24.5%, P<0.001) and intra-aortic balloon pumping (5.9% vs. 15.1%, P<0.001) less frequently. Despite similar all-cause mortality (5.4% vs. 7.9%, P=0.134), patients with apical Takotsubo syndrome showed lower cardiac mortality (2.1% vs. 6.7%, P<0.001; risk difference −4.6% (95% confidence interval −7.1% to −2.1%)) but higher non-cardiac mortality (3.3% vs. 1.1%, P=0.033; 2.1% (0.3%–3.9%)). In subgroup comparisons, patients with physically triggered Takotsubo syndrome had higher non-cardiac mortality (7.0%) than those with non-physically triggered Takotsubo syndrome (1.2%, P=0.001) or anterior acute myocardial infarction (1.1%, P<0.001). Conclusions: This study found that cardiac and non-cardiac mortality risks differed significantly between apical Takotsubo syndrome and anterior acute myocardial infarction. Our findings underscore the importance of differentiating between the two disorders for appropriate management.
The MYC oncogene is a global regulator of the immune response
Authors: Casey Stephanie C. , Baylot Virginie , Felsher Dean W. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe MYC proto-oncogene is a gene product that coordinates the transcriptional regulation of a multitude of genes that are essential to cellular programs required for normal as well as neoplastic cellular growth and proliferation, including cell cycle, self-renewal, survival, cell growth, metabolism, protein and ribosomal biogenesis, and differentiation. Here, we propose that MYC regulates these programs in a manner that is coordinated with a global influence on the host immune response. MYC had been presumed to contribute to tumorigenesis through tumor cell–intrinsic influences. More recently, MYC expression in tumor cells has been shown to regulate the tumor microenvironment through effects on both innate and adaptive immune effector cells and immune regulatory cytokines. Then, MYC was shown to regulate the expression of the immune checkpoint gene products CD47 and programmed death-ligand 1. Similarly, other oncogenes, which are known to modulate MYC, have been shown to regulate immune checkpoints. Hence, MYC may generally prevent highly proliferative cells from eliciting an immune response. MYC-driven neoplastic cells have coopted this mechanism to bypass immune detection. Thus, MYC inactivation can restore the immune response against a tumor. MYC-induced tumors may be particularly sensitive to immuno-oncology therapeutic interventions.
Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells as induction therapy are safe and feasible in renal allografts: pilot results of a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sun Qipeng , Huang Zhengyu , Han Fei , Zhao Ming , Cao Ronghua , Zhao Daqiang , Hong Liangqing , Na Ning , Li Heng , Miao Bin , Hu Jianmin , Meng Fanhang , Peng Yanwen , Sun Qiquan 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Background
Kidneys from deceased donors are being used to meet the growing need for grafts. However, delayed graft function (DGF) and acute rejection incidences are high, leading to adverse effects on graft outcomes. Optimal induction intervention should include both renal structure injury repair and immune response suppression. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with potent anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and immune-modulatory properties are considered a candidate to prevent DGF and acute rejection in renal transplantation. Thus, this prospective multicenter paired study aimed to assess the clinical value of allogeneic MSCs as induction therapy to prevent both DGF and acute rejection in deceased donor renal transplantation.

Methods
Forty-two renal allograft recipients were recruited and divided into trial and control groups. The trial group (21 cases) received 2 × 106/kg human umbilical-cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) via the peripheral vein before renal transplantation, and 5 × 106 cells via the renal artery during the surgical procedure. All recipients received standard induction therapy. Incidences of DGF and biopsy-proven acute rejection were recorded postoperatively and severe postoperative complications were assessed. Graft and recipient survivals were also evaluated.

Results
Treatment with UC-MSCs achieved comparable graft and recipient survivals with non-MSC treatment (P = 0.97 and 0.15, respectively). No increase in postoperative complications, including DGF and acute rejection, were observed (incidence of DGF: 9.5% in the MSC group versus 33.3% in the non-MSC group, P = 0.13; Incidence of acute rejection: 14.3% versus 4.8%, P = 0.61). Equal postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rates were found between the two groups (P = 0.88). All patients tolerated the MSCs infusion without adverse clinical effects. Additionally, a multiprobe fluorescence in situ hybridization assay revealed that UC-MSCs administered via the renal artery were absent from the recipient’s biopsy sample.

Conclusions
Umbilical-cord-derived MSCs can be used as clinically feasible and safe induction therapy. Adequate timing and frequency of UC-MSCs administration may have a significant effect on graft and recipient outcomes.
Trial registrationNCT02490020. Registered on June 29 2015
Reducing health care-associated infections by implementing separated environmental cleaning management measures by using disposable wipes of four colors
Authors: Wong Swee Siang , Huang Cheng Hua , Yang Chiu Chu , Hsieh Yi Pei , Kuo Chen Ni , Chen Yi Ru , Chen Li Ching 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Background
Environmental cleaning is a fundamental principle of infection control in health care settings. We determined whether implementing separated environmental cleaning management measures in MICU reduced the density of HAI.

Methods
We performed a 4-month prospective cohort intervention study between August and December 2013, at the MICU of Cathay General hospital. We arranged a training program for all the cleaning staff regarding separated environmental cleaning management measures by using disposable wipes of four colors to clean the patients’ bedside areas, areas at a high risk of contamination, paperwork areas, and public areas. Fifteen high-touch surfaces were selected for cleanliness evaluation by using the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence test. Then data regarding HAI densities in the MICU were collected during the baseline, intervention, and late periods.

Results
A total of 120 ATP readings were obtained. The total number of clean high-touch surfaces increased from 13% to 53%, whereas that of unclean high-touch surface decreased from 47% to 20%. The densities of HAI were 14.32‰ and 14.90‰ during the baseline and intervention periods, respectively. The HAI density did not decrease after the intervention period, but it decreased to 9.07‰ during the late period.

Conclusion
Implementing separated environmental cleaning management measures by using disposable wipes of four colors effectively improves cleanliness in MICU environments. However, no decrease in HAI density was observed within the study period. Considering that achieving high levels of hand-hygiene adherence is difficult, improving environmental cleaning is a crucial adjunctive measure for reducing the incidence of HAIs.
Antimicrobials in small-scale urban pig farming in a lower middle-income country – arbitrary use and high resistance levels
Authors: Ström G. , Boqvist S. , Albihn A. , Fernström L.-L. , Andersson Djurfeldt A. , Sokerya S. , Sothyra T. , Magnusson U. 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Background
Administration of antimicrobials to food-producing animals is regarded as a major contributor to the overall emergence of resistance in bacteria worldwide. However, few data are available on global antimicrobial use and resistance (AMR) in livestock, especially from low- and middle-income countries.

Methods
We conducted a structured survey of 91 small-scale pig farms in the urban and peri-urban areas of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to assess the farmers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices related to antimicrobial use in their pig production. Commensal Escherichia coli was isolated from three healthy pigs from each farm (n = 261) and susceptibility testing was performed against 14 antimicrobials, using broth microdilution. Univariable logistic regression and generalized linear mixed models were used to investigate potential associations between farm characteristics, management factors and resistance to different types of antimicrobials.

Results
We found a widespread and arbitrary use of antimicrobials, often based on the farmer’s own judgment. Around 66% of the farmers reported frequently self-adjusting treatment duration and dosage, and 45% had not heard about the term ‘antimicrobial resistance’. The antimicrobials most commonly mentioned or kept by the farmers were amoxicillin, tylosin, gentamicin and colistin. Around 37% used a feed concentrate that contained antimicrobials, while antimicrobials for humans were used as a last-line treatment by 10% of the farmers. Commensal E. coli exhibited high prevalence of resistance to several antimicrobials considered to be of critical importance for human medicine, including ampicillin, ciprofloxacin and colistin, and multidrug-resistance was found in 79% of the samples. Higher prevalence of resistance was observed on farms that administered prophylactic antimicrobials and on farms that treated the entire group or herd in the event of disease.

Conclusion
The widespread and arbitrary use of antimicrobials in pig farming in Cambodia is highly worrisome. Overall, farmers had a low awareness of the risks and consequences related to antimicrobial use and AMR. The results presented in this study confirm the hypothesis that non-rational use of antimicrobials results in higher prevalence of AMR and highlight the need for professional animal health systems that involve medically rational use of antimicrobials in emerging economies such as Cambodia.
D3Oncoprint: Stand-Alone Software to Visualize and Dynamically Explore Annotated Genomic Mutation Files
Authors: Palmisano Alida , Zhao Yingdong , Simon Richard M. 
Published: March 2018

PurposeAdvances in next-generation sequencing technologies have led to a reduction in sequencing costs, which has increased the availability of genomic data sets to many laboratories. Increasing amounts of sequencing data require effective analysis tools to use genomic data for biologic discovery and patient management. Available packages typically require advanced programming knowledge and system administration privileges, or they are Web services that force researchers to work on outside servers.MethodsTo support the interactive exploration of genomic data sets on local machines with no programming skills required, we developed D3Oncoprint, a standalone application to visualize and dynamically explore annotated genomic mutation files. D3Oncoprint provides links to curated variants lists from CIViC, My Cancer Genome, OncoKB, and Food and Drug Administration–approved drugs to facilitate the use of genomic data for biomedical discovery and application. D3Oncoprint also includes curated gene lists from BioCarta pathways and FoundationOne cancer panels to explore commonly investigated biologic processes.ResultsThis software provides a flexible environment to dynamically explore one or more variant mutation profiles provided as input. The focus on interactive visualization with biologic and medical annotation significantly lowers the barriers between complex genomics data and biomedical investigators. We describe how D3Oncoprint helps researchers explore their own data without the need for an extensive computational background.ConclusionD3Oncoprint is free software for noncommercial use. It is available for download from the Web site of the Biometric Research Program of the Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis at the National Cancer Institute ( https://brb.nci.nih.gov/d3oncoprint ). We believe that this tool provides an important means of empowering researchers to translate information from collected data sets to biologic insights and clinical development.