bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Matching donor and recipient based on predicted indirectly recognizable human leucocyte antigen epitopes
Authors: Geneugelijk K. , Spierings E. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryThe predicted indirectly recognizable human leucocyte antigen (HLA) epitopes (PIRCHE) algorithm is a novel in silico algorithm to determine donor–recipient compatibility. The PIRCHE algorithm determines donor–recipient compatibility by counting the number of mismatched HLA‐derived epitopes that are involved in indirect T‐cell alloimmune responses; these epitopes are designated as PIRCHE. Over the last few years, the PIRCHE algorithm has been investigated in both hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and solid organ transplantation. This review describes the theory of the algorithm, its application in transplantation, and highlights the future perspectives on the clinical application of the PIRCHE algorithm.
Calcineurin is required for male sex pheromone biosynthesis and female acceptance
Authors: Zhao W. , Li L. , Zhang Y. , Liu X. , Wei J. , Xie Y. , Du M. , An S. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractLepidoptera sex pheromone biosynthesis is regulated by pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN). PBAN regulates not only female sex pheromone biosynthesis but also male sex pheromone biosynthesis. Previous research has confirmed that PBAN regulates sex pheromone biosynthesis using Ca2+ as a secondary messenger in all examined species to date. However, the downstream signal of Ca2+ has remained elusive. In the present study, calcineurin A (CNA), a downstream signal of Ca2+, was discovered in Helicoverpa armigera male hairpencil and named HaCNA. Sequence analysis demonstrated that the open reading frame of HaCNA contains 1488 nucleotides encoding 495 amino acid residues. A homology search revealed that HaCNA shares a high amino acid identity with the CNA of other insects. Developmental and spatial expression analyses revealed that the mRNA levels of HaCNA peaked at 24 h after emergence and that HaCNA expression was ubiquitous in all examined tissues. Activity analysis revealed that PBAN activates HaCNA, and a Ca2+ inhibitor, Lacl3, attenuated the effect of PBAN by decreasing HaCNA activity. Pharmacological inhibitor and RNA interference‐mediated knockdown assays revealed that both activity inhibition and decreased mRNA levels of HaCNA led to a significant decrease in the production of the male sex pheromone components [octadecanol and (Z)‐11 hexadecanol)] and in the efficacy of female mating acceptance. Our results demonstrate that HaCNA acts as downstream signal of PBAN/Ca2+ and plays an important role in PBAN‐induced male sex pheromone biosynthesis and female mating acceptance.
Treatment outcomes after the introduction of a new seizure management protocol
Authors: Gillinder Lisa , Lehn Alexander , Brown Helen , Dionisio Sasha 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackground/AimThe present study aims to determine qualitative outcomes of presentations with acute recurrent seizures or status epilepticus to the emergency department of our institution after the introduction of a new seizure management protocol.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis on two cohorts of patients for all presentations to the emergency department of our institution. Presentations were reviewed from January to July pre‐protocol introduction and the same period post‐protocol. Patients were included if they were treated for acute recurrent seizures or status epilepticus. The protocol applied a strict treatment regimen and used levetiracetam, valproate and phenobarbitone in place of phenytoin.ResultsA total of 77 patients was included from the pre‐protocol cohort and 72 from the post‐protocol group. There was a significant reduction in intensive care unit (ICU) admission (seven patients in cohort 1 and 0 patients in cohort 2) and adverse drug reactions (18 patients in cohort 1 and four patients in cohort 2). There was a trend towards fewer deaths.ConclusionThe introduction of the new seizure management protocol assessed in this study has resulted in fewer ICU admissions, adverse drug reactions and most importantly fewer patient deaths. This is likely attributable to a combination of improved efficacy of the newer antiepileptic agents and a clearly defined protocol directed therapy.
The relationship between haemoglobin level and type 1 diabetic nephropathy in Han patients in Anhui, China
Authors: Jiang Jun , Lan Lei , Zhou Xiaowan , Peng Li , Ren Wei 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackground/AimRecent studies have shown that low haemoglobin (Hb) levels promote the progression of chronic kidney disease. This study assessed the relationship between Hb level and type 1 diabetic nephropathy (DN) in Han patients in Anhui, China.MethodsThere was a total of 236 patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) seen between January 2014 and December 2016 in our centre. Haemoglobin levels in patients with DN were compared with those without DN. The relationship between Hb level and the urinary albumin–creatinine ratio (ACR) was examined by Spearman's correlational analysis and multiple stepwise regression analysis. The binary logistic multivariate regression analysis was performed to analyse the correlated factors for type 1 DN, calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The predicting value of Hb level for DN was evaluated by area under receiver operation characteristic curve (AUROC) for discrimination and Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness‐of‐fit test for calibration.ResultsThe average Hb levels in the DN group (116.1 ± 20.8 g/L) were significantly lower than the non‐DN group (131.9 ± 14.4 g/L), P < 0.001. Hb levels were independently correlated with the urinary ACR in multiple stepwise regression analysis. The logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that the Hb level (OR: 0.936, 95% CI: 0.910–0.963, P < 0.001) was inversely correlated with DN in patients with T1DM. In sub‐analysis, low Hb level (Hb < 120 g/L in female, Hb < 130 g/L in male) was still negatively associated with DN in patients with T1DM. The AUROC was 0.721 (95% CI: 0.655–0.787) in assessing the discrimination of the Hb level for DN. The value of P was 0.593 in Hosmer‐Lemeshow goodness‐of‐fit test.ConclusionsIn patients with T1DM, the Hb level is inversely correlated with urinary ACR and DN.
Identifying and prioritizing topics for evidence‐based geriatric nursing practice guidelines in Korea
Authors: Kim S. , Kim K. , Kim S. J. 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundDespite the increasing population of elderly individuals in Korea, there are no evidence‐based geriatric nursing practice guidelines.AimThis study aimed to identify and prioritize topics related to the development of evidence‐based geriatric nursing practice guidelines in long‐term care facilities in Korea.MethodsTo identify potential topics, 89 nurses responded to a questionnaire on activities that require further evidence and/or standardization in the long‐term care facility setting. To prioritize these topics, 14 geriatric nursing experts completed surveys to prioritize five categories.ResultsThe collected data included 240 clinical topics, which were classified into 41 subcategories and 18 main categories. According to topic prioritization by the geriatric nursing experts, the following were the most heavily weighted categories: fall prevention, position change and prevention of pressure ulcers.ConclusionsThe development of standardized guidelines based on these results may help improve the quality of geriatric care and quality of life of older individuals. The small number of respondents may be a limitation of this study, and further study is needed to expand the population.Implications for nursing and health policyThe development of evidence‐based nursing guidelines based on the present findings will help improve the quality of nursing in long‐term care facilities. Additionally, health policies and systems, such as introduction of a fee for nursing services for older individuals based on the evidence, are worth considering.
Temporal enactment of resettled refugees' ICT‐mediated information practices
Authors: Díaz Andrade Antonio , Doolin Bill 
Published: February 2018

Abstract“In this paper, we explain how resettled refugees use information and communication technology (ICT) to respond to their changed circumstances and, in doing so, enhance their well‐being and effective participation in a new society. Focusing on three modes of ICT‐mediated information practices (ie, orienting, instrumental, and expressive), we identify eight patterns of ICT use: learning about a new environment, keeping informed, transacting online, communicating with others, managing everyday life, sustaining support networks, maintaining transnational ties, and expressing cultural identity. Further, we draw on a temporal theory of human agency to explain how current dilemmas and contingencies, cultural identities and connections to the past, and future expectations and aspirations shape resettled refugees' enactment of these patterns of ICT‐mediated information practices. We show that, as resettled refugees move between multiple and overlapping temporal‐relational contexts, ICT use makes a difference to managing their bifurcated lives.”
Ion irradiation effect on spark plasma sintered silicon carbide ceramics with nanostructured ferritic alloy aid
Authors: Ning Kaijie , Lu Kathy 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSilicon carbide (SiC) is a promising material with excellent chemical and physical performance under irradiation for advanced nuclear applications. The addition of nanostructured ferritic alloy (NFA) has been proven beneficial for the densification of SiC ceramics based on our previous work. To understand their microstructural evolution and irradiation resistance, spark plasma sintered (SPSed) SiC ceramics with and without NFA aid (0 vol% NFA‐100 vol% SiC, 2.5 vol% NFA‐97.5 vol% SiC, and 5 vol% NFA‐95 vol% SiC) were exposed to 5 MeV Si++ irradiation. The ion irradiation strongly modifies the surface morphology with isolated sand dune shaped structures, which can be explained by the Bradley‐Harper (B‐H) theory. SRIM simulation for both the pure SiC and NFA‐SiC predicts similar surface damage of ~45 dpa and peak damage of ~790 dpa at ~2.0 μm depth. For the actual samples, the SiC matrix is completely amorphous up to ~2.2 μm thickness (from the surface dune valley to the amorphous layer boundary), which is consistent with the SRIM predicted depth of ~2.3 μm. Reaction product (Fe,Cr)3Si in the NFA‐SiC samples maintains a crystalline structure with dislocation loops. A defect rate model is applied to understand the fundamental difference in ion irradiation resistance between SiC and (Fe,Cr)3Si.
Propofol exposure during early gestation impairs learning and memory in rat offspring by inhibiting the acetylation of histone
Authors: Lin Jiamei , Wang Shengqiang , Feng Yunlin , Zhao Weihong , Zhao Weilu , Luo Foquan , Feng Namin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPropofol is widely used in clinical practice, including non‐obstetric surgery in pregnant women. Previously, we found that propofol anaesthesia in maternal rats during the third trimester (E18) caused learning and memory impairment to the offspring rats, but how about the exposure during early pregnancy and the underlying mechanisms? Histone acetylation plays an important role in synaptic plasticity. In this study, propofol was administered to the pregnant rats in the early pregnancy (E7). The learning and memory function of the offspring were tested by Morris water maze (MWM) test on post‐natal day 30. Two hours before each MWM trial, histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) inhibitor, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), Senegenin (SEN, traditional Chinese medicine), hippyragranin (HGN) antisense oligonucleotide (HGNA) or vehicle were given to the offspring. The protein levels of HDAC2, acetylated histone 3 (H3) and 4 (H4), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element‐binding protein (CREB), N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) 2 subunit B (NR2B), HGN and synaptophysin in offspring's hippocampus were determined by Western blot or immunofluorescence test. It was discovered that infusion with propofol in maternal rats on E7 leads to impairment of learning and memory in offspring, increased the protein levels of HDAC2 and HGN, decreased the levels of acetylated H3 and H4 and phosphorylated CREB, NR2B and synaptophysin. HDAC2 inhibitor SAHA, Senegenin or HGN antisense oligonucleotide reversed all the changes. Thus, present results indicate exposure to propofol during the early gestation impairs offspring's learning and memory via inhibiting histone acetylation. SAHA, Senegenin and HGN antisense oligonucleotide might have therapeutic value for the adverse effect of propofol.
Quality assessment of clinical practice guidelines for infectious diseases in China
Authors: Wu Dongbo , Jiang Wei , Yu Le , Wang Yonghong , Tao Yachao , Tang Hong , Chen Enqiang 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimWe aimed to appraise the quality of Chinese Society of Infectious Diseases of China Medical Association clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for infectious diseases in China.MethodsWe performed the electronic search and hand search on the above‐mentioned CPGs for infectious diseases published from January 1997 to October 2017. Each publication was evaluated using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument.ResultsThirteen guidelines were identified and enrolled for the further evaluation. The median scores of the AGREE II domains across all 13 guidelines were as follows: scope and purpose 73.61% (36.11% to 84.72%), stakeholder involvement 12.50% (8.33% to 20.83%), rigor of development 19.27% (12.50% to 26.04%), clarity of presentation 86.11% (23.61% to 94.44%), applicability 33.33% (26.04% to 50.00%), and editorial independence 8.33% (4.17% to 16.67%). The clarity of presentation domain got the highest score among the six domains. Moreover, when compared the CPGs by the year of publication (2002 to 2006 vs. 2007 to 2017), the quality scores were higher in the CPGs published in the last 10 years than those published before, but with no significant difference.ConclusionsThe quality score of CPGs for infectious diseases in China from January 1997 to October 2017 was moderate, but had significant shortcomings, especially in the stakeholder involvement and editorial independence domains. However, the AGREE II instrument is useful and feasible for appraising the CPGs and should be applied to develop, implement, and promote the CPGs in China.
Assessment of quality performance measures in patients with acute coronary syndromes: Data from the Portuguese Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes (ProACS), a nationwide registry
Authors: Timóteo Ana Teresa , Mimoso Jorge ,   on behalf of the ProACS Investigators
Published: February 2018

AbstractRational, aims, and objectivesRegistries are a powerful tool to assess specific performance measurements and quality of care in acute coronary syndromes (ACSs). In Portugal, ProACS is a nationwide registry of ACS that has been active for the past 15 years, and our objective was to assess specific quality indicators for the treatment of ACS.MethodsDescriptive analysis of data from ProACS registry in specific quality indicators previously defined by international scientific societies.ResultsA total of 45,141 patients were included since 2002, 43.5% with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction. In ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction, reperfusion rates, particularly by primary angioplasty, have increased dramatically with 85% being submitted to any form of reperfusion presently. In‐hospital time delays are, however, suboptimal, particularly in patients admitted first to hospitals without catheterization facilities. For non‐ST elevation ACS, invasive strategy also showed important improvements, with more than 80% of patients being submitted to catheterization. Although there was also improvement in the use of guideline recommended medication, particularly statins, it is also suboptimal, requiring additional specific interventions.ConclusionThe quality of care of ACS improved dramatically in the last 15 years in Portugal, with major improvements in hospital mortality. It is, however, suboptimal in specific points that have been identified and that require additional measures.
The influence of the linear growth velocity on the properties of sucrose crystals produced from mixed syrups
Authors: Schlumbach K. , Schwenkler M. , Flöter E. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe systematic study presented addresses the need to understand the co‐crystallization of beet and cane material better. This is important because of the sugar market liberalization in 2017. Here the effect of crystal growth velocity on final sugar quality is investigated. Comparing three different thermal setups, studying different cane and beet mixtures color inclusion into sucrose crystals was analyzed. Within one thermal setup supersaturation was practically constant. Almost exclusively the time necessary to complete the crystallization at 50% solids level changed. Particle size and distribution remained unchanged. Hence, only the growth velocity varied. Growth rate appears to influence color inclusion less than mixing of beet and cane syrups. In cane syrups the relative color inclusion is the highest and most sensitive to growth velocities. Admixing only 33% of beet syrup, already changes this pattern dramatically and the color transfer factor is more than halved. This effect of beet material is most prominent for the mechanism liquid inclusion but also significant for co‐crystallization of colorants. This observation is possibly due to the different nature of the colorants originating from beet and cane. The findings provide a framework to optimize the space‐time yield under consideration of highest sugar quality to manufacturers.Practical applicationsCo‐production of beet and cane is a promising opportunity to increase competitiveness by increasing utilization of equipment in the seasonal sugar industry. To do so reliably, quality parameters have to be met. The main problem to be solved is the control of white sugar color. Since cane and sugar beet deliver different coloring minor components, their interaction and respective inclusion mechanisms need to be understood. The work presented is part of a comprehensive study to elucidate this area of sugar processing that has not been studied yet. Next to the findings on inclusion characteristic and relative contribution of different mechanisms, the conclusions can directly be transferred into practice. The data gathered give a clear guidance to producers that higher inclusion levels of “colored” material, than current conservative practice dictates, can be tolerated due to the mutual suppression mechanism found.
Safety assessment, biological effects, and mechanisms of Myrica rubra fruit extract for anti‐melanogenesis, anti‐oxidation, and free radical scavenging abilities on melanoma cells
Authors: Juang Lih‐Jeng , Gao Xiang‐Yu , Mai Shou‐Ting , Lee Cheng‐Hung , Lee Ming‐Chung , Yao Chao‐Ling 
Published: February 2018

SummaryObjectiveCurrently, the cosmetic and medical industries are paying considerable attention to solve or prevent skin damage or diseases, such as hyperpigmentation and oxidation and free radical damage. In this study, the effective compounds in Myrica rubra fruit were extracted and studied the biological effects of these M. rubra fruit extracts.MethodsIn this study, we extracted M. rubra fruit using solutions with various ratios of water to ethanol (100:0, 50:50, 5:95) and studied the anti‐melanogenesis, anti‐oxidation and radical scavenging effects of these M. rubra fruit extracts on two melanoma cell lines: mouse melanoma (B16‐F0) and human melanoma (A2058). The cytotoxicity, melanin synthesis, mushroom and cellular tyrosinase activities, enzyme kinetics, melanogenesis‐related gene expression, melanogenesis‐related protein secretion, radical DPPH scavenging activity and ROS inhibition after treatment with M. rubra fruit extracts were determined.ResultsThe results showed that the water extract of M. rubra fruit was less cytotoxic to the melanoma cell lines, effectively inhibited melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity and down‐regulated the gene expression and protein secretion of MITF and TRP‐1. In addition, the M. rubra fruit extracts also showed the abilities to scavenge DPPH free radicals and suppress ROS production. Finally, the effective compounds in the water extract were Myricetin‐O‐deoxyhexoside, Quercetin‐O‐deoxyhexoside, and Kaempferol‐O‐hexoside determined by LC/MS/MS assay.ConclusionOverall, the water extract of M. rubra fruit is a safe and effective melanin inhibitor and anti‐oxidant and can be applied widely in the fields of cosmetics and medicine.
Histopathological and immunophenotypic features of ipilimumab‐associated colitis compared to ulcerative colitis
Authors: Adler B. L. , Pezhouh M. K. , Kim A. , Luan L. , Zhu Q. , Gani F. , Yarchoan M. , Chen J. , Voltaggio L. , Parian A. , Lazarev M. , Lauwers G. Y. , Pawlik T. M. , Montgomery E. A. , Jaffee E. , Le D. T. , Taube J. M. , Anders R. A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundUse of the immune checkpoint inhibitor ipilimumab is sometimes complicated by ipilimumab‐associated colitis (Ipi‐AC), an immune‐mediated colitis that mimics inflammatory bowel disease.ObjectiveWe sought to characterize the histopathologic and immunophenotypic features of Ipi‐AC and to directly compare these features to ulcerative colitis (UC).MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of 22 patients with Ipi‐AC, 12 patients with treatment‐naïve UC and five controls with diarrhoea but normal endoscopic findings. Immunohistopathologic features were described, and quantitative immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed for CD4, CD8, CD20, CD138 and FOXP3.ResultsEndoscopic findings in both the Ipi‐AC and UC groups included ulcerated, oedematous and erythematous mucosa. Involvement of the GI tract was more diffuse in Ipi‐AC. As compared to UC, a smaller proportion of Ipi‐AC biopsies had basal plasmacytosis (14% for Ipi‐AC vs. 92% for UC, P < 0.0001) and crypt distortion (23% for Ipi‐AC vs. 75% for UC, P = 0.003), whereas Ipi‐AC biopsies had more apoptotic bodies in the left colon (17.6 ± 15.3 for Ipi‐AC vs. 8.2 ± 4.2 for UC, P = 0.011). Cryptitis, ulcerations and crypt abscesses were common in both groups. Biopsy specimens from Ipi‐AC had a lower density of CD20‐positive lymphocytes than UC (275.8 ± 253.3 cells mm−2 for Ipi‐AC vs. 1173.3 ± 1158.2 cells mm−2 for UC, P = 0.022) but had a similar density of CD4, CD8, CD138 and FOXP3‐positive cells.ConclusionsIpi‐AC is a distinct pathologic entity with notable clinical and histopathological differences compared to UC. These findings provide insights into the pathophysiology of immune‐related adverse events (iAEs) from ipilimumab therapy.