bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blockage of immune checkpoint molecules increases T‐cell priming potential of dendritic cell vaccine
Authors: Hassannia Hadi , Ghasemi Chaleshtari Mitra , Atyabi Fatemeh , Nosouhian Mahshid , Masjedi Ali , Hojjat‐Farsangi Mohammad , Namdar Afshin , Azizi Gholamreza , Mohammadi Hamed , Ghalamfarsa Ghasem , Sabz Gholamabas , Hasanzadeh Sajad , Yousefi Mehdi , Jadidi‐Niaragh Farhad 
Published: October 2019

SummaryDendritic cell (DC) ‐based cancer immunotherapy is one of the most important anti‐cancer immunotherapies, and has been associated with variable efficiencies in different cancer types. It is well‐known that tumor microenvironment plays a key role in the efficacy of various immunotherapies such as DC vaccine. Accordingly, the expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) on DCs, which interacts with PD‐1 on T cells, leads to inhibition of anti‐tumor responses following presentation of tumor antigens by DCs to T cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that down‐regulation of PD‐L1 in DCs in association with silencing of PD‐1 on T cells may lead to the enhancement of T‐cell priming by DCs to have efficient anti‐tumor T‐cell responses. In this study, we silenced the expression of PD‐L1 in DCs and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) in T cells by small interfering RNA (siRNA) ‐loaded chitosan–dextran sulfate nanoparticles (NPs) and evaluated the DC phenotypic and functional characteristics and T‐cell functions following tumor antigen recognition on DCs, ex vivo. Our results showed that synthesized NPs had good physicochemical characteristics (size 77·5 nm and zeta potential of 14·3) that were associated with efficient cellular uptake and target gene silencing. Moreover, PD‐L1 silencing was associated with stimulatory characteristics of DCs. On the other hand, presentation of tumor antigens by PD‐L1‐negative DCs to PD‐1‐silenced T cells led to induction of potent T‐cell responses. Our findings imply that PD‐L1‐silenced DCs can be considered as a potent immunotherapeutic approach in combination with PD‐1‐siRNA loaded NPs, however; further in vivo investigation is required in animal models.
Tandem host‐parasite dispersal inferred from similarities in phylogeographical patterns among Little Penguins and their ‘terrestrial’ ectoparasites
Authors: Moon Katherine L. , Chown Steven L. , Fraser Ceridwen I. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimOrganisms with poor intrinsic dispersal capacity, such as parasites, often rely entirely on transport with host species that have a greater dispersal capacity. Penguins, for example, are exploited by terrestrial ectoparasites when they come ashore to breed. Recent research indicates that Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor and E. novaehollandiae) hard ticks (Ixodes eudyptidis and I. kohlsi) may be capable of surviving short periods (days) at sea with their hosts, but their capacity to survive longer voyages (weeks) is not known. We here aimed to assess whether phylogeographical patterns in Little Penguins and their ticks indicate that the terrestrial ectoparasites are able to disperse long distances at sea with their swimming hosts.LocationSouthern Australia and New Zealand.TaxonIxodes eudyptidis and I. kohlsi ticks.MethodsWe conducted a broad‐scale genomic assessment of Little Penguin ticks from across their hosts’ ranges in Australia and New Zealand. Using genotyping by sequencing, we generated SNP data sets from ticks from 14 penguin colonies, and analysed phylogeographical structure. We included ticks from some sympatric flighted seabirds to verify host specificity.ResultsWe resolved two distinct lineages of Ixodes from Little Penguins, with one restricted to Australia, and the other found throughout New Zealand and in low numbers at some eastern Australian sites. Both lineages exhibited phylogeographical structure consistent with patterns observed in their hosts, with some evidence of occasional oceanic dispersal, including across the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand. Ticks from sympatric short‐tailed shearwaters (Ardenna tenuirostris), which disperse aerially, were genetically distinct from those collected from Little Penguins, supporting prior evidence of host specificity in seabird ticks.Main conclusionsThe most parsimonious explanation for our results is that ticks can travel at sea with Little Penguins. We infer that some terrestrial ectoparasites associated with aquatically dispersing hosts have evolved the capacity to survive oceanic voyages.
Observer‐independent assessment of psoriasis‐affected area using machine learning
Authors: Meienberger N. , Anzengruber F. , Amruthalingam L. , Christen R. , Koller T. , Maul J.T. , Pouly M , Djamei V. , Navarini A.A. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundAssessment of psoriasis severity is strongly observer‐dependent, and objective assessment tools are largely missing. The increasing number of patients receiving highly expensive therapies that are reimbursed only for moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis motivates the development of higher quality assessment tools.ObjectiveTo establish an accurate and objective psoriasis assessment method based on segmenting images by machine learning technology.MethodsIn this retrospective, non‐interventional, single‐centred, interdisciplinary study of diagnostic accuracy, 259 standardized photographs of Caucasian patients were assessed and typical psoriatic lesions were labelled. Two hundred and three of those were used to train and validate an assessment algorithm which was then tested on the remaining 56 photographs. The results of the algorithm assessment were compared with manually marked area, as well as with the affected area determined by trained dermatologists.ResultsAlgorithm assessment achieved accuracy of more than 90% in 77% of the images and differed on average 5.9% from manually marked areas. The difference between algorithm‐predicted and photograph‐based estimated areas by physicians was 8.1% on average.ConclusionThe study shows the potential of the evaluated technology. In contrast to the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), it allows for objective evaluation and should therefore be developed further as an alternative method to human assessment.
Improving flood risk map accuracy using high‐density LiDAR data and the HEC‐RAS river analysis system: A case study from north‐eastern Romania
Authors: Stoleriu Cristian C. , Urzica Andrei , Mihu‐Pintilie Alin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractNorth‐eastern Romania is frequently affected by storms that produce annual floods with catastrophic effects upon agriculture areas. The implementation of the 2007/60/ EC Directive, which aims, among other things, to assess and manage flood risk, is currently being carried out by means of rough hydrological risk maps. Additionally, the limits of the potentially floodable areas generated on digital elevation models with 30 points/m resolution (SRTM) do not correspond to the current topographic reality. Three tests (T1, T2, and T3) for modelling the floodplains and the comparative assessment of potential damages in the case of 30 localities in the study area (Başeu River basin) were carried out in this study. The results indicate that official data (T1) underestimate potential damage in the case of hydrological events with a recurrence interval probability of 1% (100‐year). The T2 [1%] (100‐year) results also highlight the role of hydro‐technical works in mitigating floods. In T3, the hydrological risk areas were generated with an accuracy of 0.5 m, evaluating the probable damage in cases of events with probabilities of 3% (33.3‐year), 1% (100‐year), and 0.1% (1,000‐year) recurrence intervals. The accuracy of the official hydrological hazard maps (T1) was improved using high‐density LiDAR data and HEC‐RAS software (T3).
Objectively Measured Physical Activity Reduces the Risk of Mortality among Brazilian Older Adults
Authors: Bielemann Renata M. , LaCroix Andrea Z. , Bertoldi Andréa D. , Tomasi Elaine , Demarco Flávio F. , Gonzalez Maria Cristina , Crespo da Silva Pedro Augusto , Wendt Andrea , Mohnsam da Silva Inácio Crochemore , Brage Soren , Ekelund Ulf , Pratt Michael 
Published: October 2019

OBJECTIVESUse of objectively measured physical activity (PA) in older adults to assess relationship between PA and risk of all‐causes mortality is scarce. This study evaluated the associations of PA based on accelerometry and a questionnaire with the risk of mortality among older adults from a city in Southern Brazil.DESIGNA cohort study.SETTINGUrban area of Pelotas, Southern Brazil.PARTICIPANTSA representative sample of older adults (≥60 y) from Pelotas, enrolled in 2014.MEASUREMENTSOverall physical activity (mg), light physical activity (LPA), and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were estimated by raw accelerometer data. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire estimated leisure time and commuting PA. Hazard ratios (excluding deaths in the first 6 mo) stratified by sex were estimated by Cox regression analysis considering adjustment for confounders.RESULTSFrom the 1451 older adults interviewed in 2014, 145 died (10%) after a follow‐up of an average 2.6 years. Men and women in the highest tertile of overall PA had on average a 77% and 92% lower risk of mortality than their less active counterparts (95% confidence interval [CI] = .06‐.84 and 95% CI = .01‐.65, respectively). The highest tertile of LPA was also related to a lower risk of mortality in individuals of both sexes (74% and 91% lower risk among men and women, respectively). MVPA statistically reduced the risk of mortality only among women (hazard ratio [HR] = .30 and HR = .07 in the second and third tertiles). Self‐reported leisure‐time PA was statistically associated with a lower risk of mortality only among men. Women in the highest tertiles of commuting PA showed a lower risk of mortality than those in the reference group.CONCLUSIONAccelerometry‐based PA was associated with a lower risk of mortality among Brazilian older adults. Older individuals should practice any type of PA. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:137–146, 2019
Phosphatidylserine is critical for vesicle fission during clathrin‐mediated endocytosis
Authors: Varga Kelly , Jiang Zhong-Jiao , Gong Liang‐Wei 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPhosphatidylserine (PS), a negatively charged phospholipid present predominantly at the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane, has been widely implicated in many cellular processes including membrane trafficking. Along this line, PS has been demonstrated to be important for endocytosis, however, the involved mechanisms remain uncertain. By monitoring clathrin‐mediated endocytosis (CME) of single vesicles in mouse chromaffin cells using cell‐attached capacitance measurements that offer millisecond time resolution, we demonstrate in the present study that the fission‐pore duration is reduced by PS addition, indicating a stimulatory role of PS in regulating the dynamics of vesicle fission during CME. Furthermore, our results show that the PS‐mediated effect on the fission‐pore duration is Ca2+‐dependent and abolished in the absence of synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1), implying that Syt1 is necessary for the stimulatory role of PS in vesicle fission during CME. Consistently, a Syt1 mutant with a defective PS–Syt1 interaction increases the fission‐pore duration. Taken together, our study suggests that PS–Syt1 interaction may be critical in regulating fission dynamics during CME.
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Effects of vitamin D in the nervous system: Special focus on interaction with steroid hormone signalling and a possible role in the treatment of brain cancer
Authors: Norlin Maria 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe active vitamin D hormone, 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3, exerts many physiological actions in the body, including effects on the nervous system. Studies of steroidogenesis in cells of the nervous system and elsewhere not only indicate that 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 affects steroidogenic pathways but also suggest varying responses in different cell types. For example, 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 stimulates the expression of aromatase in human glioma but not in human neuroblastoma cells or rat astrocytes. However, in astrocytes, 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 suppresses 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and steroid 17‐hydroxylase/lyase. Other studies indicate cross‐talk between vitamin D signalling and signalling of oestrogens, progesterone or glucocorticoids. Reported data indicate synergistic effects of combinations of 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 and other steroid hormones on neuroinflammation, neurite outgrowth and neuroprotection. Also, dysregulation of steroid pathways affecting brain cells is found in vitamin D deficiency. Thus, several studies suggest that active vitamin D may affect steroid hormone synthesis and/or signalling in the nervous system, although the potential mechanisms for these responses remain unclear. 1,25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D3 suppresses proliferation in several cell types and is therefore of interest in cancer treatment. Also, epidemiological studies associate vitamin D levels with cancer risk or outcomes. Reported data on tumours of the nervous system are mainly on glioma, a common type of brain cancer. Expression of the vitamin D receptor in glioma tumours is associated with improved survival. Several studies show that 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 and vitamin D analogues (synthetic vitamin D‐like compounds) suppress proliferation and migration in human vitamin D receptor‐expressing glioma cell lines. Studies on mechanisms for actions of 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 or its analogues indicate regulation of cell cycle proteins and senescence markers. These compounds also show synergism in combination with other cancer therapies treating glioma. From the data available, vitamin D analogues emerge as interesting candidates for the future improved treatment of human glioma and possibly also other cancers of the nervous system.
Clinical diagnosis of sensory neuropathy in HIV patients treated with tenofovir: A 6‐month follow‐up study
Authors: Pillay Prinisha , Wadley Antonia L. , Cherry Catherine L. , Karstaedt Alan S. , Kamerman Peter R. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundSensory neuropathy (SN) is a common and often painful neurological condition associated with HIV‐infection and its treatment. However, data on the incidence of SN in neuropathy‐free individuals initiating combination antiretroviral therapies (cART) that do not contain the neurotoxic agent stavudine are lacking.AimsWe investigated the 6‐month incidence of SN in ART naïve individuals initiating tenofovir (TDF)‐based cART, and the clinical factors associated with the development of SN.Methods120 neuropathy‐free and ART naïve individuals initiating cART at a single center in Johannesburg, South Africa were enrolled. Participants were screened for SN using clinical signs and symptoms at study enrolment and approximately every 2‐months for a period of ~6‐months. Diagnostic criteria for symptomatic SN was defined by the presence of at least one symptom (pain/burning, numbness, paraesthesias) and at least two clinical signs (reduced vibration sense, absent ankle reflexes or pin‐prick hypoaesthesia). Diagnostic criteria for asymptomatic SN required at least two clinical signs only (as above).ResultsA total of 88% of the cohort completed three visits within the 6‐month period. The 6‐month cumulative incidence of neuropathy was 140 cases per 1000 patients (95% CI: 80‐210) at an incidence rate of 0.37 (95% CI: 0.2‐0.5) per person year. Height and active tuberculosis (TB) disease were independently associated with the risk of developing SN (P < .05).InterpretationWe found that within the first 6 months of starting cART, incident SN persists in the post‐stavudine era, with 11 (9%) of individuals developing asymptomatic SN, and 9 (8%) developing symptomatic SN.
Acne treatment efficacy of intense pulsed light photodynamic therapy with topical licochalcone A, l‐carnitine, and decanediol: A spilt‐face, double‐blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wanitphakdeedecha Rungsima , Tavechodperathum Nudpanuda , Tantrapornpong Ploypailin , Suphatsathienkul Panittra , Techapichetvanich Thanya , Eimpunth Sasima , Manuskiatti Woraphong 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundDepending on disease severity, standard acne treatments can vary from topical to systemic therapy. However, poor compliance caused by adverse events and antibiotic resistance is a major cause of treatment failure.AimsTo determine the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with intense pulsed light (IPL) in the treatment of acne when combined with a cream containing licochalcone A, L‐carnitine and decanediol (so‐called, ‘active formulation’) versus PDT alone.Patients/MethodsTwenty‐nine volunteers, aged 21‐39 years (26 women and 3 men, mean age 29.41 ± 5.24 years), with mild to severe facial acne, were enrolled. Each subject’s face sides were randomized in a split‐face manner to either receive PDT (IPL with a 400‐720 nm cut‐off filter, at 4 sessions with two‐week intervals) combined with the active formulation cream twice daily for 10 weeks on one face side; or PDT and the vehicle cream on the other side, with the same treatment protocol. Reduction in acne quantity, melanin index and erythema index were assessed 2 weeks after the second treatment (day 28), 1 week after the fourth treatment (day 49), and 1 month after the fourth treatment (day 70).ResultsCompared to baseline, patients in the active formulation group demonstrated a faster onset of reduction in the number of lesions at 2 weeks after the second treatment (p=0.010 for inflammatory acne and p=0.001 for non‐inflammatory acne). A significantly greater reduction in lesion count was observed in the active formulation group compared with the vehicle group at all timepoints of evaluation for noninflammatory acne (day 28, day 49, and day 70; p=0.003, 0.005 and 0.002 respectively), and at 1 month after the fourth treatment for inflammatory acne (p=0.036). Compared to the vehicle group, the melanin index of the active formulation group decreased significantly at 1 month after the fourth treatment (p=0.015).ConclusionPDT is more effective in treating acne when combined with a topical cream containing licochalcone A, L‐carnitine and decanediol, than PDT alone. Significant acne reduction and improvements in post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation were observed, which offers acne patients a better therapeutic option. It is a safe and effective combination treatment for patients with moderate and severe acne
Higher frequency of hospitalization but lower relative mortality for pandemic influenza in people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ruiz P. L. D. , Bakken I. J. , Håberg S. E. , Tapia G. , Hauge S. H. , Birkeland K. I. , Gulseth H. L. , Stene L. C. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThere is limited evidence linking type 2 diabetes (T2D) to influenza‐related complications.ObjectivesTo test a set of research questions relating to pandemic influenza vaccination, hospitalization and mortality in people with and without T2D.MethodsIn this population‐based cohort study, we linked individual‐level data from several national registers for all Norwegian residents aged 30 years or more as of January 2009. People with or without T2D at baseline (n = 2 992 228) were followed until December 2013. We used Cox regression to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs).ResultsPandemic influenza hospitalization was more common in individuals with T2D (aHR = 2.46, 95% CI 2.04–2.98). The mortality hazard ratio associated with hospitalization for pandemic influenza was lower in people with T2D (aHR = 1.82, 95% CI 1.21–2.74) than in those without T2D (aHR = 3.89, 95% CI 3.27–4.62). The same pattern was observed when restricting to 90‐day mortality (aHR = 3.89, 95% CI 1.25–12.06 amongst those with T2D and aHR = 10.79, 95% CI 7.23–16.10 amongst those without T2D). The rate of hospitalization for pandemic influenza was 78% lower in those vaccinated compared to nonvaccinated amongst people with T2D (aHR = 0.22, 95% CI 0.11–0.39), whilst the corresponding estimate for those without T2D was 59% lower (aHR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.33–0.52). Mortality was 25% lower in those vaccinated compared to nonvaccinated amongst people with T2D (aHR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.73–0.77), whilst the corresponding estimate for those without T2D was 9% (aHR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.90–0.92).ConclusionsThere may have been a lower threshold for pandemic influenza hospitalization for people with T2D, rather than more severe influenza infection. Our combined results support the importance of influenza vaccination amongst people with T2D, especially during pandemics.
Association between mandibular advancement device therapy and reduction of excessive daytime sleepiness due to obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Silva Gomes Ribeiro Cynthia Valeria , Ribeiro‐Sobrinho Djalma , Muñoz Lora Victor Ricardo Manuel , Morais Dornelas Bezerra Louise , Del Bel Cury Altair Antoninha 
Published: October 2019

SummaryBackgroundExcessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is frequently reported as a symptom for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), leading to problems with concentration, mood and memory. Mandibular advance device (MAD) is considered as an effective therapy to control OSA, reducing EDS and improving sleep quality.ObjectivesThe present study aimed to investigate the effects MAD therapy on EDS of patients diagnosed with OSA.MethodsTen patients from the Sleep Medicine Service of the “Hospital Geral Sanatório” (Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil) were diagnosed with EDS, and a personalised MAD was made for each one of them. Nocturnal polysomnography (NPSG) and maintenance of wakefulness test (MWT) were applied before (baseline) and 3 months after the continuous use of the MAD. The number of arousals and micro‐arousals at baseline and after treatment was also evaluated.ResultsAll 10 patients completed the investigation. A significant decrease in the number of arousals and micro‐arousals per night of sleep was observed after the use of MAD for three consecutive months (P = 0.0078; Wilcoxon signed‐rank test). Also, there was a significant reduction on the apnoea/hypopnea index between baseline and post‐treatment values (P = 0.0001; paired t test), as well as an increase in the mean latency for the onset of sleep (MSL) in the MTW (P = 0.0047; paired t test), indicating a significant difference among baseline and after treatment.ConclusionWe conclude that the improvement on EDS is associated with the used of MAD in patients diagnosed with OSA, improving their quality of sleep.