bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of current strategies for surveillance and management of donor‐specific antibodies: Single‐center study
Authors: Sullivan Daniel , Ahn Chul , Gao Ang , Lacelle Chantale , Torres Fernando , Bollineni Srinivas , Banga Amit , Mullins Jessica , Mohanka Manish , Ring Steve , Wait Michael , Peltz Matthias , Duddupudi Pavan , Surapaneni Dhiraj , Kaza Vaidehi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundAlthough the presence of donor‐specific antibodies (DSA) is known to impact lung allograft, limited data exist regarding DSA management.MethodsWe did a retrospective study at our center evaluating DSA management in adult lung transplant recipients undergoing lung transplantation between January 1, 2010 and June 30, 2014. Study follow‐up was completed through October 2017. All recipients were stratified into 2 groups based on the presence or absence of DSA. Those with DSA were evaluated for the impact of treatment of DSA. The primary outcomes were postlung transplant survival and freedom from bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), subset of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). Simon‐Makuch method was used to estimate overall survival and BOS‐free survival to account for DSA as time‐dependent covariate. Survival differences between the groups were analyzed using time‐dependent Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsSixty‐four percent of 194 total subjects developed post‐lung transplant DSA. Overall survival was different with worse survival in the DSA positive group that never cleared DSA (P = .002). BOS‐free survival was lower, but did not reach significance in this group. Response to treatment was poor, with only 12 of 47 (25.5%) who received treatment demonstrating clearance of DSA.ConclusionsDonor‐specific antibodies prevalence is high after lung transplantation. Clearance of DSA correlated with improved outcomes. Current therapeutic strategies against DSA are relatively ineffective. Multicenter collaborative studies will be required to evaluate current treatment strategies and other innovative modalities.
Comprehensive, Multimodal Characterization of an Imiquimod‐Induced Human Skin Inflammation Model for Drug Development
Authors: van der Kolk Tessa , Assil Salma , Rijneveld Rianne , Klaassen Erica S. , Feiss Gary , Florencia Edwin , Prens Errol P. , Burggraaf Jacobus , Moerland Matthijs , Rissmann Robert , van Doorn Martijn B.A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractImiquimod (IMQ) is often used as a topical challenge agent to provoke local skin inflammation. The objective of this study was to develop and refine a rapid, temporary, and reversible human skin inflammation model with IMQ for application in clinical drug development. A randomized, vehicle‐controlled, open‐label, dose‐ranging study was conducted in 16 healthy male subjects. IMQ (5 mg) was applied once daily for 72 hours under occlusion to intact skin (n = 8) or tape stripped (TS) skin (n = 8). Although IMQ alone induced limited effects, TS+IMQ treatment showed larger responses in several domains, including erythema and perfusion (P < 0.0001), mRNA expression of inflammatory markers (P < 0.01), and inflammatory cell influx compared with vehicle. In conclusion, a rapid, human IMQ skin inflammation challenge model was successfully developed with a clear benefit of TS prior to IMQ application. Future interaction studies will enable proof‐of‐pharmacology of novel compounds targeting the innate immune system.
A comparison of different thicknesses of mouthguards according to the groove shape of sheets
Authors: Son Ho‐Jung , Sim Ji‐Young , Kim Ji‐Hwan , Kim Woong‐Chul 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackground/aimsPrevious studies have compared the thickness of the device with and without grooves. The result was a difference in thickness of the device along the groove. The aim of this study was to assess the differences in thickness of mouthguards that result from different groove shapes of ethylene vinyl acetate sheets used to make these appliances.Materials and MethodMouthguards were made using a 3‐dimensional printer, and produced by softening 4 mm transparent circular sheets. Four different shapes of sheets were evaluated: normal sheets, sheets with anterior V‐shaped grooves, sheets with anterior A‐shaped grooves, and sheets with posterior A‐shaped grooves. The groove was 3 mm deep and 5 mm wide. The thickness of the appliance was assessed with respect to the anterior incisal edge, labial surface, palatal surface, posterior cusp, buccal surface, and palatal surface. The Kruskal‐Wallis test was used to analyze differences in thickness among the different groove shapes.ResultsNo significant difference was detected between the thickness of mouthguards made using sheets with grooves and that of mouthguards made using sheets without grooves (P > .05).ConclusionThe presence of grooves on the sheets did not influence mouthguard thickness.
Treatment of haemoperitoneum secondary to ruptured granulosa cell tumours in two mares
Authors: Worsman F. C. F. , Barakzai S. Z. , de Bont M. P. , Turner S. , Rubio‐Martínez L. M. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryThis report describes two cases of successful surgical management of granulosa cell tumours (GCT) in mares presenting with haemoperitoneum (HP). Controlled abdominal drainage was initially attempted in Case 1 but was not successful. A ventral midline exploratory laparotomy allowed removal of a haemorrhaging 13 kg GCT. The mare made a full recovery and returned to normal work as a driving pony 11 months post‐operatively. In Case 2 controlled abdominal drainage was followed by standing left flank laparoscopic visualisation of the bleeding ovary and transection of the ovarian pedicle by electrocautery. The GCT was then removed via a ventral midline incision due to its large size. Haemoperitoneum can be associated with GCTs and in some cases is severe enough to prompt emergency treatment. Stabilisation of the patient and removal of the haemorrhaging GCT can lead to a successful outcome.
Large‐scale prerain vegetation green‐up across Africa
Authors: Adole Tracy , Dash Jadunandan , Atkinson Peter M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractInformation on the response of vegetation to different environmental drivers, including rainfall, forms a critical input to ecosystem models. Currently, such models are run based on parameters that, in some cases, are either assumed or lack supporting evidence (e.g., that vegetation growth across Africa is rainfall‐driven). A limited number of studies have reported that the onset of rain across Africa does not fully explain the onset of vegetation growth, for example, drawing on the observation of prerain flush effects in some parts of Africa. The spatial extent of this prerain green‐up effect, however, remains unknown, leaving a large gap in our understanding that may bias ecosystem modelling. This paper provides the most comprehensive spatial assessment to‐date of the magnitude and frequency of the different patterns of phenology response to rainfall across Africa and for different vegetation types. To define the relations between phenology and rainfall, we investigated the spatial variation in the difference, in number of days, between the start of rainy season (SRS) and start of vegetation growing season (SOS); and between the end of rainy season (ERS) and end of vegetation growing season (EOS). We reveal a much more extensive spread of prerain green‐up over Africa than previously reported, with prerain green‐up being the norm rather than the exception. We also show the relative sparsity of postrain green‐up, confined largely to the Sudano‐Sahel region. While the prerain green‐up phenomenon is well documented, its large spatial extent was not anticipated. Our results, thus, contrast with the widely held view that rainfall drives the onset and end of the vegetation growing season across Africa. Our findings point to a much more nuanced role of rainfall in Africa's vegetation growth cycle than previously thought, specifically as one of a set of several drivers, with important implications for ecosystem modelling.
Coastal ecosystems on a tipping point: Global warming and parasitism combine to alter community structure and function
Authors: Mouritsen Kim N. , Sørensen Mikkel M. , Poulin Robert , Fredensborg Brian L. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMounting evidence suggests that the transmission of certain parasites is facilitated by increasing temperatures, causing their host population to decline. However, no study has yet addressed how temperature and parasitism may combine to shape the functional structure of a whole host community in the face of global warming. Here, we apply an outdoor mesocosm approach supported by field surveys to elucidate this question in a diverse intertidal community of amphipods infected by the pathogenic microphallid trematode,Maritrema novaezealandensis. Under present temperature (17°C) and level of parasitism, the parasite had little impact on the host community. However, elevating the temperature to 21°C in the presence of parasites induced massive structural changes: amphipod abundances decreased species‐specifically, affecting epibenthic species but leaving infaunal species largely untouched. In effect, species diversity dropped significantly. In contrast, four degree higher temperatures in the absence of parasitism had limited influence on the amphipod community. Further elevating temperatures (19–25°C) and parasitism, simulating a prolonged heat‐wave scenario, resulted in an almost complete parasite‐induced extermination of the amphipod community at 25°C. In addition, at 19°C, just two degrees above the present average, a similar temperature–parasite synergistic impact on community structure emerged as seen at 21°C under lower parasite pressure. The heat‐wave temperature of 25°C per se affected the amphipod community in a comparable way: species diversity declined and the infaunal species were favoured at the expense of epibenthic species. Our experimental findings are corroborated by field data demonstrating a strong negative relationship between current amphipod species richness and the level ofMaritremaparasitism across 12 sites. Hence, owing to the synergistic impact of temperature and parasitism, our study predicts that coastal amphipod communities will deteriorate in terms of abundance and diversity in face of anticipated global warming, functionally changing them to be dominated by infaunal species.
A simple and cost‐efficient adherent culture platform for human gastric primary cells, as an in vitro model for Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Saberi Samaneh , Pournasr Behshad , Farzaneh Zahra , Esmaeili Maryam , Hosseini Mahmoud Eshagh , Baharvand Hossein , Mohammadi Marjan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundMost two‐ dimensional in vitro models for studying host‐ H. pylori interactions rely on tumor‐derived cell lines, which harbor malignant alterations. The recent development of human gastric organoids has overcome this limitation and provides a highly sophisticated, yet costly, short‐term model for H. pylori infection, with restricted use in low‐budget centers.MethodTissue specimens from upper, middle, and lower stomachs of H. pylori‐negative volunteers were collectively dispersed and cultured on mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) or collagen‐coated plates. Gastric primary cells (GPCs) were evaluated by light microscopy, immunostaining, qRT‐PCR and ELISA analysis of cellular secretions, before and after H. pylori infection.ResultsThe formation and long‐term (up to 1 year) maintenance of GPCs was highly dependent on adherent inactivated MEF cells, cultured in enriched media. These cells were multipassageable and able to undergo stable freezer storage and subsequent revival. The cellular composition of GPCs included the combination of cytokeratin 18 (CK18) and E‐cadherin (E‐cad)‐positive epithelial cells, MUC5AC‐positive gastric cells, and leucine‐rich repeat containing G protein‐coupled receptor 5 (LGR5)‐positive progenitor cells. These cells produced significant amounts of gastric pepsinogens I and II. GPCs also allowed for extended (up to 96 hours) H. pylori infection, during which they underwent morphological alterations (cellular vacuolation and elongation) and hyperproduction of gastric pepsinogens and inflammatory cytokines (IL‐8 and TNF‐α).ConclusionWe, hereby, present a simple, consistent, and cost‐efficient gastric cell culture system, which provides a suitable model for extended in vitro infection of H. pylori. This platform can be employed for a variety of gastric‐related research.
Prognostic pathological factors in radical cystectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Brimo Fadi , Downes Michelle R , Jamaspishvili Tamara , Berman David , Barkan Guliz A , Athanazio Daniel , Abro Schuharazad , Visram Kash , Yilmaz Asli , Solanki Shraddha , Hahn Elan , Siemens Robert , Kassouf Wassim , Trpkov Kiril 
Published: May 2018

AimsWe undertook a systematic evaluation of the prognostic value of numerous histological factors in 165 radical cystectomies (RCs) of patients with invasive urothelial carcinoma (UC) who underwent surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).Methods and ResultsTumour regression grade (TRG) and therapy‐related stromal and epithelial changes were also recorded. Locally advanced disease (≥pT2 and/or pN+) was present in 64% of patients, 22% had no evidence of residual carcinoma (pT0 + pN0), and 28% had no evidence of residual muscle‐invasive carcinoma (≤pT1 + N0). TRG1, TRG2 and TRG3 were found in 32%, 15% and 50% of patients, respectively. Histological variants of UC were reported in 25% of cases. The most common therapy‐related stromal change was fibroblastic reaction (78%), and the most common epithelial change in residual UC was smudgy and poorly preserved chromatin (28%). Prominent stromal and epithelial changes were noted in 41% and 5% of RCs, respectively. Progression was found in 45% of patients, and cancer‐related deaths occurred in 30%. Multivariate analysis showed that the only independent prognostic parameters for progression were T stage, N stage, lymphovascular invasion, and margin status. Similarly, only T stage, N stage and margin status correlated with cancer‐related deaths. Neither TRG nor any of the stromal‐related or epithelial‐related variables correlated with outcome.ConclusionsWe confirm that the traditional and routinely reported histological parameters in RC post‐NAC remain the most powerful prognosticators of disease course. The significance of TRG in the bladder remains unconfirmed.
Mucosal microflora in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Almståhl A , Finizia C , Carlén A , Fagerberg‐Mohlin B , Alstad T 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo analyse the tongue and buccal microflora prospectively in head and neck cancer patients treated with radiation therapy (RT).MethodsIn 33 dentate patients, microbial samples from the tongue and buccal mucosa were collected pretreatment, during treatment, and 6 months, 1 year and 2 years post‐treatment. Microorganisms associated with oral health and oral disorders were analysed using cultivation technique. Oral mucositis was scored at the appointment during treatment.ResultsCompared with pretreatment, lactobacilli and Candida increased on the tongue, while streptococci and Neisseria decreased during treatment. Two years post‐treatment, Neisseria and Prevotella were decreased and Candida increased. On the buccal mucosa, an increased growth of lactobacilli and increased detection frequencies of the opportunistic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Gram‐negative enteric rods and enterococci were seen during treatment compared with pretreatment. Seventy per cent showed severe mucositis during treatment. Two years post‐treatment the total count as well as streptococci, Neisseria and Fusobacterium nucleatum were decreased and lactobacilli increased compared with pretreatment.ConclusionDespite improvements in treatment for cancer in the head and neck region, microorganisms associated with oral health decrease during treatment and mucosal pathogens increase. Two years post‐treatment, levels of acid‐tolerant (lactobacilli and Candida) were increased, while acid‐sensitive microorganisms (Neisseria and F. nucleatum) were decreased, plausibly due to persisting decreased salivary secretion rate.
Cellulose degradation in Gastrophysa viridula (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): functional characterization of two CAZymes belonging to glycoside hydrolase family 45 reveals a novel enzymatic activity
Authors: Busch A. , Kunert G. , Wielsch N. , Pauchet Y. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCellulose is a major component of the primary and secondary cell walls in plants. Cellulose is considered to be the most abundant biopolymer on Earth and represents a large potential source of metabolic energy. Yet, cellulose degradation is rare and mostly restricted to cellulolytic microorganisms. Recently, various metazoans, including leaf beetles, have been found to encode their own cellulases, giving them the ability to degrade cellulose independently of cellulolytic symbionts. Here, we analyzed the cellulosic capacity of the leaf beetle Gastrophysa viridula, which typically feeds on Rumex plants. We identified three putative cellulases member of two glycoside hydrolase (GH) families, namely GH45 and GH9. Using heterologous expression and functional assays, we demonstrated that both GH45 proteins are active enzymes, in contrast to the GH9 protein. One GH45 protein acted on amorphous cellulose as an endo‐β‐1,4‐glucanase, whereas the other evolved to become an endo‐β‐1,4‐xyloglucanase. We successfully knocked down the expression of both GH45 genes using RNAi, but no changes in weight gain or mortality were observed compared to control insects. Our data indicated that the breakdown of these polysaccharides in G. viridula may facilitate access to plant cell content, which is rich in nitrogen and simple sugars.
Supervised machine learning in multimodal learning analytics for estimating success in project‐based learning
Authors: Spikol Daniel , Ruffaldi Emanuele , Dabisias Giacomo , Cukurova Mutlu 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMultimodal learning analytics provides researchers new tools and techniques to capture different types of data from complex learning activities in dynamic learning environments. This paper investigates the use of diverse sensors, including computer vision, user‐generated content, and data from the learning objects (physical computing components), to record high‐fidelity synchronised multimodal recordings of small groups of learners interacting. We processed and extracted different aspects of the students' interactions to answer the following question: Which features of student group work are good predictors of team success in open‐ended tasks with physical computing? To answer this question, we have explored different supervised machine learning approaches (traditional and deep learning techniques) to analyse the data coming from multiple sources. The results illustrate that state‐of‐the‐art computational techniques can be used to generate insights into the "black box" of learning in students' project‐based activities. The features identified from the analysis show that distance between learners' hands and faces is a strong predictor of students' artefact quality, which can indicate the value of student collaboration. Our research shows that new and promising approaches such as neural networks, and more traditional regression approaches can both be used to classify multimodal learning analytics data, and both have advantages and disadvantages depending on the research questions and contexts being investigated. The work presented here is a significant contribution towards developing techniques to automatically identify the key aspects of students success in project‐based learning environments, and to ultimately help teachers provide appropriate and timely support to students in these fundamental aspects.
Response surface modeling for the inactivation of Bacillus cereus on cooked spinach by natural antimicrobials at various temperatures
Authors: Hyun Jeong‐Eun , Yoon Jae‐Hyun , Lee Sun‐Young 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis study was conducted to investigate the growth of Bacillus cereus on cooked spinach with natural antimicrobial substances (0.00–0.02% thymol, 0.60–1.30% acetic acid, and 0.00–0.05% nisin) at various temperatures (15, 25, and 35°C) in order to find the best combination of inhibition. Response surface modeling with the Gompertz model equation was used to describe the growth of B. cereus vegetative cells on cooked spinach with natural antimicrobial substances as a function of temperature. The specific growth rate of B. cereus at the highest concentration of thymol (0.02%) was lower than with the other treatments. In particular, the lag time of B. cereus was the longest for combinations thymol 0.02%, acetic acid 0.68%, and nisin 0.03% at 25°C. The predicted values were shown to be significantly in good agreement with experimental values because the adjusted determination coefficient (
) was 0.91 and the level of significance was p < .0001. Besides, bias factor (Bf) values of the SGR and LT for B. cereus were 1.07 and 1.10, respectively, indicating that they were mostly at the acceptable level. In sensory evaluation, appearance and color of cooked spinach with antimicrobial substances was similar to the control.Practical applicationsNatural antimicrobials could be used as the preservation method to improve the food safety of cooked foods such as cooked vegetables.
Effect of the fetal movement count on maternal–fetal attachment
Authors: Güney Esra , Uçar Tuba 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimThis study aimed to determine the effect of fetal movement counting on maternal–fetal attachment.MethodsThis study was a randomized controlled trial, conducted with experimental and control groups, each including 55 pregnant women from six family health centers in the Malatya Province, located in the east of Turkey. The data were collected by using a Personal Information Form and the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale. Training for fetal movement counting was provided to the experimental group. The pre‐ and posttraining maternal–fetal attachment levels of the experimental group (fetal movements that were regularly counted for 4 weeks) and the control group (continual routine monitoring) were compared.ResultsIn the pretraining pretest, no difference was found between the maternal–fetal attachment scores of the experimental and the control groups, whereas the maternal–fetal attachment score of the experimental group was found to be higher than that of the control group in the post‐test that was applied 4 weeks later.ConclusionThis research indicated that fetal movement counting positively affected maternal–fetal attachment.