bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insights into the antigenic advancement of influenza A(H3N2) viruses, 2011–2018
Authors: Jorquera Patricia A. , Mishin Vasiliy P. , Chesnokov Anton , Nguyen Ha T. , Mann Brian , Garten Rebecca , Barnes John , Hodges Erin , De La Cruz Juan , Xu Xiyan , Katz Jackie , Wentworth David E. , Gubareva Larisa V. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractInfluenza A(H3N2) viruses evade human immunity primarily by acquiring antigenic changes in the haemagglutinin (HA). HA receptor-binding features of contemporary A(H3N2) viruses hinder traditional antigenic characterization using haemagglutination inhibition and promote selection of HA mutants. Thus, alternative approaches are needed to reliably assess antigenic relatedness between circulating viruses and vaccines. We developed a high content imaging-based neutralization test (HINT) to reduce antigenic mischaracterization resulting from virus adaptation to cell culture. Ferret reference antisera were raised using clinical specimens containing viruses representing recent vaccine strains. Analysis of viruses circulating during 2011–2018 showed that gain of an N158-linked glycosylation in HA was a molecular determinant of antigenic distancing between A/Hong Kong/4801/2014-like (clade 3C.2a) and A/Texas/50/2012-like viruses (clade 3C.1), while multiple evolutionary HA F193S substitution were linked to antigenic distancing from A/Switzerland/97152963/2013-like (clade 3C.3a) and further antigenic distancing from A/Texas/50/2012-like viruses. Additionally, a few viruses carrying HA T135K and/or I192T showed reduced neutralization by A/Hong Kong/4801/2014-like antiserum. Notably, this technique elucidated the antigenic characteristics of clinical specimens, enabling direct characterization of viruses produced in vivo, and eliminating in vitro culture, which rapidly alters the genotype/phenotype. HINT is a valuable new antigenic analysis tool for vaccine strain selection.
Omega-3 fatty acids modulate cyclophosphamide induced markers of immunosuppression and oxidative stress in pigs
Authors: Lee Sang In , Kang Kyung Soo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractImmunosuppression directly correlates with economic benefits in livestock. Although omega-3, known as an energy source, is used as a pharmaceutical molecule, it remains unknown whether dietary supplementation with omega-3 can alleviate cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in pigs. Omega-3 treatment increased the number of white blood cell, lymphocytes, and monocytes and decreased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production under CTX challenge. In addition, we confirmed that omega-3 decreased the expression of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, TNF-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, and interleukin (IL)-8 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Additionally, omega-3 alleviated the activities of liver injury markers (alanine transaminase [ALT] and aspartate transaminase [AST]) and modulated oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase [SOD], malondialdehyde [MDA], and glutathione peroxidase [GPx]) in the blood serum after the CTX challenge. Based on these results, we suggest that omega-3 treatment modulates CTX-induced immunosuppression and oxidative stress in pigs. These results may have important implications in the development of new therapeutic approaches to improve immunosuppression, hepatic injury and dysfunction, and oxidative stress in pigs.
Soil bacterial diversity is positively associated with air temperature in the maritime Antarctic
Authors: Dennis Paul G. , Newsham Kevin K. , Rushton Steven P. , O’Donnell Anthony G. , Hopkins David W. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractTerrestrial ecosystems in the maritime Antarctic experienced rapid warming during the latter half of the 20th century. While warming ceased at the turn of the millennium, significant increases in air temperature are expected later this century, with predicted positive effects on soil fungal diversity, plant growth and ecosystem productivity. Here, by sequencing 16S ribosomal RNA genes in 40 soils sampled from along a 1,650 km climatic gradient through the maritime Antarctic, we determine whether rising air temperatures might similarly influence the diversity of soil bacteria. Of 22 environmental factors, mean annual surface air temperature was the strongest and most consistent predictor of soil bacterial diversity. Significant, but weaker, associations between bacterial diversity and soil moisture content, C:N ratio, and Ca, Mg, PO43− and dissolved organic C concentrations were also detected. These findings indicate that further rises in air temperature in the maritime Antarctic may enhance terrestrial ecosystem productivity through positive effects on soil bacterial diversity.
HtrA4 may play a major role in inhibiting endothelial repair in pregnancy complication preeclampsia
Authors: Wang Yao , Lim Rebecca , Nie Guiying 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPreeclampsia (PE) is a life-threatening complication of human pregnancy with no effective treatment other than premature delivery. It is hallmarked by systemic endothelial injury/dysfunction which is believed to be caused by abnormal levels/types of placenta-derived factors that are circulating in the maternal blood. Emerging evidence suggests that endothelial repair is also dysregulated in PE, as circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) critical for endothelial regeneration are reduced in number and functionality. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. HtrA4 is a placenta-specific protease that is secreted into the circulation and significantly elevated in early-onset PE. Here we investigated the impact of HtrA4 on endothelial proliferation and repair. We demonstrated that high levels of HtrA4 halted endothelial cell proliferation and significantly down-regulated a number of genes that are critical for cell cycle progression, including CDKN3, BIRC5, CDK1 and MKI67. Furthermore, HtrA4 significantly inhibited the proliferation of primary EPCs isolated from term human umbilical cord blood and impeded their differentiation into mature endothelial cells. Our data thus suggests that elevated levels of HtrA4 in the early-onset PE circulation may impair endothelial cell repair, not only by halting endothelial cell proliferation, but also by inhibiting the proliferation and differentiation of circulating EPCs.
Tapered arrangement of metallic nanorod chains for magnified plasmonic nanoimaging
Authors: Ohashi Yoshiro , Ranjan Bikas , Saito Yuika , Umakoshi Takayuki , Verma Prabhat 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPlasmonic nanolens, a 3-dimensional tapered arrangement of metallic nanorod chains, holds a great promise as a new plasmonics-based optical nano-imaging technique. While multiple nanorod chains can transfer the near-field signal originating from a sample to an image at a distance larger than a micro-meter, where each nanorod chain contributes in forming one pixel in the image, the tapered arrangement of the nanorod chains with a certain taper angle allows image magnification. We experimentally demonstrate the feature of image formation and magnification in a nanolens by fabricating a tapered arrangement of two silver nanorod chains, which were separated by a distance smaller than the diffraction limit at one end and larger than the diffraction limit at the other end. We placed two nano-sized optical sources of quantum dots near the first ends of the chains, which served as two subwavelength objects. In the optical measurement, we demonstrated that the unresolved subwavelength optical sources could be imaged at the other ends of the chains and were well resolved in accordance with the magnification feature of a nanolens. This verification is an experimental proof of the image magnification, and an important step toward the realization of plasmonic nanolens.
A nationally representative study on socio-demographic and geographic correlates, and trends in tobacco use in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Nipun , Mehata Suresh , Pradhan Pranil Man Singh , Joshi Deepak , Mishra Shiva Raj 
Published: February 2019

AbstractTobacco control still poses an immense challenge for the government of Nepal. Updated knowledge on the current pattern of tobacco use and its associated factors will be helpful for policy makers to curb the tobacco epidemic. This study fills this gap by, (i) exploring demographic, socio-economic and geographic correlates of current tobacco use using a nationally representative sample of 15–49-year adults from Nepal Demographic Health survey 2016, and (ii) examining the prevalence and trends of both smoking and non-smoking forms of tobacco use in a nationally representative sample of 15–49-year adults drawn from three consecutive Demographic Health Surveys (DHS) between 2006 and 2016.Among males, the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use was higher than that of smoking (40.1% and 27.4% respectively), whereas among females smoking was more common than smokeless tobacco use (prevalence of 5.5% and 3.8% respectively). Both smoking and smokeless tobacco use were associated with older age and lower level of education. Among males, those living in urban areas were more likely to consume any form of tobacco. Residents of terai/plains were more likely to use smokeless tobacco. The concentration curves on cumulative proportion of tobacco use ranked by wealth quintiles showed tobacco use to be highest among the lowest socio-economic groups in both males and females in all three survey years. We found a decreasing trend of tobacco smoking and an increasing trend of smokeless tobacco use over the 10-year period. However, the consumption of both forms of tobacco increased in young males during the same period. Proper monitoring of adherence to directives of the anti-tobacco law should be ensured to curb the increasing burden of tobacco use among young males, and a similar effort is needed to sustain the decline in tobacco uses among other population groups in Nepal.
Asthma, Rhinoconjunctivitis, Eczema, and the Association with Perinatal Anthropometric Factors in Vietnamese Children
Authors: Toizumi Michiko , Hashizume Masahiro , Nguyen Hien Anh T. , Yasunami Michio , Kitamura Noriko , Iwasaki Chihiro , Takegata Mizuki , Moriuchi Hiroyuki , Dang Duc Anh , Ariyoshi Koya , Yoshida Lay-Myint 
Published: February 2019

AbstractFew studies have investigated possible causative and protective factors associated with allergic diseases in resource-limited countries, Southeast Asia. We estimated the current prevalence of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema among 6-year-old children, and identified anthropometric factors associated with asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema, in South-Central Vietnam. A birth cohort study recruited 1,999 children born at a provincial hospital in Nha Trang, Vietnam between May 2009 and May 2010. A 6-year follow-up survey was conducted where clinical, familial, and environmental information was collected by interviewing caregivers using a standardized form based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood, Phase Three Core and Environmental Questionnaire for 6–7-year-old children. The odds ratios of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema for anthropometric factors were estimated using logistic regression analysis. In total, 1202 children participated in the follow-up survey. The proportions of children who had current asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema were 5.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.9–6.5%), 11.5% (9.7–13.4%), and 6.7% (5.3–8.2%), respectively. Low birthweight (adjusted odds ratio 5.12, 95% CI 1.92–13.64) was independently associated with increased risk of eczema. Further studies are necessary to understand the involved mechanism.
Pyrazolopyrimidinones, a novel class of copper-dependent bactericidal antibiotics against multi-drug resistant S. aureus
Authors: Crawford Cameron L , Dalecki Alex G , Narmore Whitney T , Hoff Jessica , Hargett Audra A , Renfrow Matthew B , Zhang Man , Kalubowilage Madumali , Bossmann Stefan H , Queern Stacy L , Lapi Suzanne E , Hunter Robert N , Bao Donghui , Augelli-Szafran Corinne E , Kutsch Olaf , Wolschendorf Frank 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
The treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections poses a therapeutic challenge as even last resort drugs become increasingly ineffective. As the demand for antibiotics with novel modes of action is growing, new approaches are needed to probe a greater spectrum of antimicrobial activities for their potential efficacy against drug-resistant pathogens. The use of copper (Cu) by the innate immune system to mount an antimicrobial response against bacterial invaders has created an opportunity to explore a role for Cu in antimicrobial therapy. Here we describe pyrazolopyrimidinones (PZP) as novel copper-dependent inhibitors (CDI) of S. aureus. 5-Benzyl-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-4H,7H-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7-one (PZP-915) showed potent bactericidal properties at sub-micromolar concentrations and activity against clinical MRSA isolates and biofilms cultures. This cupricidal activity is founded on the molecule’s ability to coordinate Cu and induce accumulation of Cu ions inside S. aureus cells. We demonstrate that exposure to 915 + Cu led to an almost instantaneous collapse of the membrane potential which was accompanied by a complete depletion of cellular ATP, loss of cell-associated K+, a substantial gain of cell associated Na+, and an inability to control the influx of protons in slightly acidic medium, while the integrity of the cell membrane remained intact. These findings highlight PZP-915 as a novel membrane-directed metalloantibiotic against S. aureus that is likely to target a multiplicity of membrane associated protein functions rather than imposing physical damage to the membrane structure.
Resolving the MYSO binaries PDS 27 and PDS 37 with VLTI/PIONIER
Authors: Koumpia E. , Ababakr K. M. , de Wit W. J. , Oudmaijer R. D. , Caratti o Garatti A. , Boley P. , Linz H. , Kraus S. , Vink J. S. , Le Bouquin J.-B. 
Published: February 2019

Context. Binarity and multiplicity appear to be a common outcome in star formation. In particular, the binary fraction of massive (OB-type) stars can be very high. In many cases, the further stellar evolution of these stars is affected by binary interactions at some stage during their lifetime. The origin of this high binarity and the binary parameters are poorly understood because observational constraints are scarce, which is predominantly due to a dearth of known young massive binary systems.
Aims. We aim to identify and describe massive young binary systems in order to fill in the gaps of our knowledge of primordial binarity of massive stars, which is crucial for our understanding of massive star formation.
Methods. We observed the two massive young stellar objects (MYSOs) PDS 27 and PDS 37 at the highest spatial resolution provided by VLTI/PIONIER in the H-band (1.3 mas). We applied geometrical models to fit the observed squared visibilities and closure phases. In addition, we performed a radial velocity analysis using published VLT/FORS2 spectropolarimetric and VLT/X-shooter spectroscopic observations.
Results. Our findings suggest binary companions for both objects at 12 mas (30 au) for PDS 27 and at 22–28 mas (42–54 au) for PDS 37. This means that they are among the closest MYSO binaries resolved to date.
Conclusions. Our data spatially resolve PDS 27 and PDS 37 for the first time, revealing two of the closest and most massive (>8 M⊙) YSO binary candidates to date. PDS 27 and PDS 37 are rare but great laboratories to quantitatively inform and test the theories on formation of such systems.
The Impact of the Change in Payment System for German Psychiatric
Clinics on Treatment Success: An Interrupted Time Series
Analysis
Authors: Niedermeier Christina , Barrera Andrea , Esteban Eva , Ivandic Ivana , Sabariego Carla 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Background In Germany a new reimbursement system for psychiatric
clinics was proposed in 2009 based on the § 17d KHG
Psych-Entgeltsystem. The system can be voluntary implemented by clinics
since 2013 but therapists are frequently afraid it might affect treatment
negatively.
Objectives To evaluate whether the new system has a negative impact
on treatment success by analysing routinely collected data in a Bavarian
clinic.
Material and methods Aggregated data of 1760 patients treated in the
years 2007–2016 was analysed with segmented regression analysis of
interrupted time series to assess the effects of the system on treatment
success, operationalized with three outcome variables. A negative change in
level after a lag period was hypothesized. The robustness of results was
tested by sensitivity analyses.
Results The percentage of patients with treatment success tends to
increase after the new system but no significant change in level was
observed. The sensitivity analyses corroborate results for 2 outcomes but
when the intervention point was shifted, the positive change in level for
the third outcome became significant.
Conclusions Our initial hypothesis is not supported. However, the
sensitivity analyses disclosed uncertainties and our study has limitations,
such as a short observation time post intervention. Results are not
generalizable as data of a single clinic was analysed. Nevertheless, we show
the importance of collecting and analysing routine data to assess the impact
of policy changes on patient outcomes.
Der neuartige Propel mini Stent – Indikationen,
Operationstechnik und erste klinische Erfahrungen
Authors: Weber Constantin Maximilian , Schmidtmayer Ursula , Stolle Stefan R.O. , Lenarz Thomas 
Published: February 2019

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Die Therapie der chronischen Sinusitis frontalis stellt sich
aufgrund des anatomisch engen Abflusses in die Nasenhaupthöhle häufig als
problematisch dar. Neben konservativen Methoden wurden bisher auch viele
chirurgische Therapieverfahren, sowohl mit als auch ohne Einsatz von
Platzhaltern, jedoch ohne längerfristigen Therapieerfolg erprobt. Ziel dieser
Arbeit war die klinische Testung der allgemeinen Praktikabilität und der kurz-
sowie langfristige Therapieerfolg des neuartigen bioresorbierbaren
Propel mini Stents.
Material und Methoden In einer prospektiven Studie an 21 Patienten mit
chronischer Rhinosinusitis mit Polyposis nasi wurde die chirurgische Therapie
und das Einbringen des Stents dargestellt und die Degradation von insgesamt 31
Stents sowie der Erfolg dieser Therapieform über einen Zeitraum von 6 Monaten
endoskopisch kontrolliert und analysiert.
Ergebnisse Hinsichtlich chirurgischer Praktikabilität erwies sich der
Stent mit Einführungstool als unkompliziertes und leicht bedienbares System.
Alle Patienten haben die Stents gut toleriert. Die durchschnittliche,
nachweisbare Materialabsorption überdauerte 28 Tage. Das Patientenkollektiv
zeigte in 94 % der Fälle nach 3 Monaten und in 87 % der Fälle nach 6 Monaten
einen vollständig sondierbares Neo-Ostium des Sinus frontalis.
Schlussfolgerung Die Ergebnisse der prospektiven Studie zeigen insgesamt
eine gute Akzeptanz bei den Patienten ohne Komplikationen sowie eine
vollständige Stentdegradation. Auch die Follow-Up-Untersuchungen ergaben
zufriedenstellende Ergebnisse über 6 Monate. Insbesondere unter dem Aspekt der
endoskopischen Operation erwies sich das Stent-System als sehr praktikabel.
Pathophysiology of Autoimmune Thrombocytopenia: Current Insight with a Focus on Thrombopoiesis
Authors: Marini Irene , Bakchoul Tamam 
Published: February 2019

AbstractImmune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disease characterized by a significant reduction in the number of circulating platelets which is frequently associated with bleeding. The total count of platelets in the body is finely regulated by the balance between platelet production and destruction. Although the pathogenesis of ITP is still not completely elucidated, it is largely recognized that the low platelet count observed in ITP patients is due to alterations of both mechanisms. An abnormal proliferation of autoreactive T cells leading to the breakdown of immune tolerance to platelet antigens is suggested to be responsible for the up-regulated proliferation of autoantibody producing B cells. Consequently, the immune response induces enhanced T cell-mediated cytotoxicity and antibody-mediated platelet destruction through phagocytosis, complement activation and apoptosis. An additional contribution to the pathophysiology of ITP is given by alterations of thrombopoiesis caused by platelet-reactive autoantibodies or cytotoxic T cells leading to impaired megakaryocyte differentiation and platelet production. All these processes involved in ITP pathophysiology account for the complexity and heterogeneity in the clinical manifestation and therapy responsiveness of this disorder. For this reason, a better understanding of the different underlying mechanisms in ITP is necessary to develop more efficient therapeutic treatments in the future. In this review, we will provide an update on the pathophysiology of ITP with a particular focus on the impact of impaired thrombopoiesis.
Remote Pediatric Critical Care Telephone Consultations: Quality and Outcomes
Authors: Tijssen Janice A. , Miller Michael R. , Parshuram Christopher S. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThere are no studies describing the nature and quality of telephone consultations for critically ill children despite being an important part of pediatric intensive care. We described pediatric telephone consultations to a PICU in Ontario, Canada in 2011 and 2012. Of 203 consultations, 104 patients (51.2%) were admitted to the PICU; this was associated with weekend consultations (p = 0.005) and referral hospital location (p = 0.036). Frequency of interruptions was 1 in every 3.2 (2.0, 5.7) minutes and not associated with call content. Twenty-one percent of consults had limited discussion of vital signs. Our study described our center's remote critical care consultation program and outcomes.
Néologismes dans les médias sociaux chinois
Authors: Zhang Liping 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWith the development of the Internet, neologisms make their appearance in many digital social networks such as Weibo, Renren, Tieba, etc. Gradually, they have entered into our daily life and play an important role. How can Chinese neologisms be translated into a faithful and expressive French? So far, it seems that there are no established principles about this kind of translation. With the neologisms found on digital social networks, which serve as our corpus, we shall distinguish seven categories of neologism according to their formation. The present study aims to propose five approaches of translations in the light of the observation of the current practice, as we see in our study on written interactions on digital social networks.
L1 and L2 transfer to L3 in L3 and L2 learners of Standard Arabic
Authors: Albirini Abdulkafi , Saadah Eman , Alhawary Mohammad T. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
This study examines the influence of previously acquired languages – namely, Colloquial Arabic (CA) and English – on the acquisition of Standard Arabic (SA) by L3 and L2 learners. It reports on the role of typological and structural proximity in language transfer and whether transfer patterns change over time. The study involved 105 participants: 41 CA-L1, English-L2 learners of SA, 47 English-L1 learners of SA, and 17 Arabic-L1 speakers. The participants completed three written tasks focusing on: definite article use, verb subcategorization rules, and sentential negation. The results indicate that CA plays a positive role in L3 learners’ acquisition of SA, mainly in forms where SA and CA converge, whereas English seems to play more of a negative role for both L3 and L2 learners. Thus, structural proximity seems to play a positive role in transfer to the L3. Negative transfer, irrespective of proximity/distance, diminishes as learners advance in their study of SA.