bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A wide variety of Mitf transcript variants are expressed in the Xenopus laevis periodic albino mutant
Authors: Fukuzawa Toshihiko 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe periodic albino mutant of Xenopus laevis has been used to study the development of pigment cells because both the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and melanophores are affected. In this mutant, “white pigment cells” containing both melanophore‐specific and iridophore‐specific pigment organelles appear. The present experiments were designed to investigate the structural organization and expression of microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (Mitf) in the mutant since Mitf is known to regulate the development of melanocytes and RPE. The exon structures of X. laevis mitf genes (mitf.L and mitf.S) were defined using newly obtained Mitf transcripts and X. laevis genomic data. Compared to mouse mitf, exons 3 and 6a were absent in X. laevis mitf. The four exons between exons 4 and 6b in X. laevis mitf were named 5α, 5β, 5γ, and 5δ. Exons 5α and 5δ were specific to X. laevis mitf, whereas the continuous exons 5β/γ were identical to exon 5 of mouse mitf. A wide variety of A‐Mitf and M‐Mitf transcript variants lacking one or more exons were found in X. laevis; however, different types of Mitf transcripts were expressed in the mutant. In addition, white pigment cells and melanophores expressed both the mitf and dopachrome tautomerase (dct) genes.
Reappraisal of the genetic heterogeneity of sessile serrated adenoma/polyp
Authors: Cho Hourin , Hashimoto Taiki , Yoshida Hiroshi , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Ogawa Reiko , Mori Taisuke , Hiraoka Nobuyoshi , Saito Yutaka , Sekine Shigeki 
Published: June 2018

AimsSessile serrated adenoma/polyp (SSA/P) is regarded as a genetically homogeneous entity, with most lesions harbouring the BRAF V600E mutation. The present study aimed to reappraise the genetic heterogeneity of SSA/Ps and its clinicopathological significance.Methods and resultsWe performed next‐generation sequencing of 272 SSA/Ps without dysplasia and evaluated morphological and molecular features associated with the respective genotypes. BRAF V600E, BRAF non‐V600E, KRAS and NRAS mutations were found in 223 (82.0%), three (1.2%), 28 (10.3%) and one lesion (0.4%), respectively. Notably, all lesions with BRAF non‐V600E mutations had either KRAS or NRAS mutations concurrently. Twenty SSA/Ps (7.4%) were negative for these mutations. KRAS‐mutated SSA/Ps were located more often in the distal colon (42%) compared to those with the BRAF V600E mutation (14%). Histologically, minimally serrated crypts and goblet cell‐rich crypts were more common in KRAS‐mutated and mutation‐negative SSA/Ps. However, in most instances, SSA/Ps lacking the BRAF V600E mutation were indistinguishable morphologically from those with the BRAF V600E mutation. MUC5AC and MUC6 expression was common regardless of the mutation status, but more extensive in SSA/Ps with the BRAF V600E mutation. CpG island methylator phenotype‐high was more frequent in SSA/Ps with the BRAF V600E mutation (60%), followed by mutation‐negative SSA/Ps (40%) and KRAS‐mutated SSA/Ps (16%).ConclusionsThe present study confirmed the common presence of the BRAF V600E mutation in SSA/Ps, but also demonstrated a degree of molecular heterogeneity of SSA/Ps. SSA/Ps with and without the BRAF V600E mutation showed slightly different but overlapping histological and molecular features.
Evaluation of a new commercial method for von Willebrand factor multimeric analysis
Authors: Crist R. A. , Heikal N. M. , Rodgers G. M. , Grenache D. G. , Smock K. J. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIntroductionEvaluation of von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimeric distribution is useful for subclassification of von Willebrand disease (VWD). Multimer analysis has historically been a manual, labor‐intensive laboratory‐developed test. The first commercial method for multimeric analysis was recently developed that utilizes a single instrument for gel electrophoresis, staining, and densitometry. The current study was undertaken to evaluate the performance characteristics of the new commercial method.MethodsStudies performed with the commercial method included evaluation of accuracy (method comparison), reference intervals (establishment of normal migration patterns in normal donor specimens), precision (multimer pattern reproducibility), and analytical sensitivity.ResultsIn the method comparison studies, concordant interpretations were obtained in 19 of 24 comparisons, including normal and abnormal specimens. The 5 specimens with discordant interpretations all involved slight differences and none were considered clinically significant. Thirty‐eight normal donor specimens demonstrated normal multimer patterns. Multimer pattern reproducibility was demonstrated in normal and abnormal controls tested on each gel. In the sensitivity studies, adequate visualization of multimers was determined to require VWF protein concentrations of approximately 5%‐10% of normal.ConclusionThe commercial multimer method is a streamlined test that demonstrates comparable performance characteristics to our current laboratory‐developed method and that provides the advantage of both electrophoresis gels and densitometry scans to aid interpretation.
Differential chemokine receptor expression and usage by pre‐cDC1 and pre‐cDC2
Authors: Cook Stuart J , Lee Quintin , Wong Alex CH , Spann Benjamin C , Vincent Jonathan N , Wong Justin JL , Schlitzer Andreas , Gorrell Mark D , Weninger Wolfgang , Roediger Ben 
Published: June 2018

AbstractConventional dendritic cells (cDCs) are continuously replenished by bone marrow‐derived precursors called pre‐DCs, which traffic through the blood to peripheral tissues. Pre‐DCs are a heterogeneous population that includes cDC subset‐committed progenitors, namely pre‐cDC1 and pre‐cDC2, which give rise to mature cDC1 and cDC2, respectively. Regulation of pre‐DC subset trafficking is thought to aid the host response to immune challenge. However, the molecular cues regulating pre‐cDC1 versus pre‐cDC2 trafficking toward peripheral sites during homeostasis and disease remain elusive. Here, we report that pre‐cDC1 but not pre‐cDC2 express the T helper type 1‐associated chemokine receptor CXCR3. Moreover, we identify a cell‐intrinsic role for CXCR3 in the trafficking of pre‐cDC1 to melanoma tumors but not to non‐inflamed organs. We also show that tumor cDC1 numbers can be increased pharmacologically by targeting dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (CD26), a negative regulator of CXCR3 ligands. Our findings demonstrate that pre‐cDC1 trafficking is regulated distinctly from pre‐cDC2, which is relevant for our understanding of the DC lineage in the context of cancer and inflammation.
Mental health service users’ experiences of an education intervention based on a European Union project: A comparison between nine European countries
Authors: Nieminen Irja , Kaunonen Marja 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMental health service users (MHSUs) often face difficulties in achieving successful participation in education; however, the tools that could help them succeed are rarely investigated. This study aimed to illuminate the experiences ofMHSUs in an education intervention based on a European Union (EU) project. Their experiences are compared across nineEUcountries. The data were collected through individual interviews withMHSUs (n = 47) at day activity centres that provide mental health services. An inductive content analysis was used as the method of analysis. Three main categories, which include seven subcategories, are revealed by the analysis. The main categories are as follows: (i) the factors related toMHSUs’ educational preparedness, (ii) the dimensions of the learning environment, and (iii) the effects of training intervention. TheMHSUs’ experiences with the education intervention were similar across all countries. The findings showed that this education intervention is a multidimensional process. It contains social, mental, and physical dimensions linked to a learner and learning environment. These dimensions influence theMHSUs’ ability to participate in the education process. At its best, the education intervention supports the personal growth ofMHSUs and prepares them for social integration. An education intervention can be a usable tool in the rehabilitation ofMHSUs if the multidimensional nature of education is taken into consideration. Therefore, designing and executing education interventions requires the attendance of theMHSUs in cooperation with mental health and education professionals. Our findings suggest a tentative framework that can be used in designing and executing education forMHSUs.
Modeling frameworks for the multi‐skill resource‐constrained project scheduling problem: a theoretical and empirical comparison
Authors: Almeida Bernardo F. , Correia Isabel , Saldanha‐da‐Gama Francisco 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we study and compare several integer and mixed‐integer linear programming formulations for the multi‐skill resource‐constrained project scheduling problem. This is a problem characterized by a set of activities to be executed that in addition to the usual precedence constraints require several resources for each skill needed for their execution. A set of multi‐skill resources is assumed. The objective is to minimize the project's makespan. We revisit two existing models for the problem and propose two new ones. Additionally, we perform a theoretical comparison between the lower bounds provided by the linear programming relaxations of the models. Furthermore, a numerical experiment is performed on a set of instances from the literature to evaluate the suitability of an off‐the‐shelf solver to compute optimal solutions and lower bounds to the studied problem, using the aforementioned models.
Sintering aid (ZnO) effect on proton transport in BaCe0.35Zr0.5Y0.15O3‐δ and electrode phenomena studied by distribution function of relaxation times
Authors: Baral Ashok Kumar , Tsur Yoed 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn this work, we have employed an evolutionary programming technique to analyse the impedance spectroscopy (IS) of a ceramic proton conductor BaCe0.35Zr0.5Y0.15O3‐δ (BCZY) to study its proton transport properties as well as the electrode reactions kinetics at the Pt|BCZY interface. The distribution functions of relaxation times (DFRT) obtained from the impedance analysis were used to evaluate the physical parameters such as relaxation time constant, resistance, reactance/capacitance, conductivities, activation energies, grain‐boundary space charge potential Φ(0, T), and electrode polarization resistance. The effect of ZnO sintering aid (2 wt%) on charge‐transfer processes at bulk, grain boundaries and Pt|BCZY interface were thoroughly studied. Φ(0, T) is increased and grain‐boundary conductivity (σgb) is decreased by an order of magnitude due to the presence of Zn at the grain boundaries, whereas bulk properties appear to be unchanged. Variation in σgb with temperature is explained by correlating the grain‐boundary capacitance (Cgb), relaxation time (τgb), space charge effect, and the defect associations (eg, Y‐OH). The anodic functions, for example, hydrogen oxidation kinetics at the electrode (Pt) surface and Pt‐BCZY interface, are explained through the symmetrical cell study and the behavior of relaxation time constants (τ) with temperature.
An avatar‐based education application to improve patients’ knowledge of and response to heart attack symptoms: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Tongpeth Jintana , Du Huiyun , Clark Robyn A. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive, avatar‐based education application to improve knowledge of and response to heart attack symptoms in people who are at risk of a heart attack.BackgroundPoor knowledge of heart attack symptoms is recognized as a significant barrier to timely medical treatment. Numerous studies have demonstrated that technology can assist in patient education to improve knowledge and self‐care.DesignA single‐center, non‐blinded, two parallel groups, pragmatic randomized controlled trial.MethodsSeventy patients will be recruited from the coronary care unit of a public hospital. Eligible participants will be randomized to either the usual care or the intervention group (usual care plus avatar‐based heart attack education app). The primary outcome of this study is knowledge. Secondary outcomes include response to heart attack symptoms, health service use and satisfaction. Study participants will be followed up for 6 months.DiscussionThis study will evaluate the avatar‐based education app as a method to deliver vital information to patients. Participants’ knowledge of and response to heart attack symptoms, and their health service use, will be assessed to evaluate the intervention effectiveness.
The moderating role of the amount of caregiving tasks on the relationships between dementia caregivers’ characteristics and outcomes
Authors: Kang Youngmi , Choe Kwisoon , Yu Jinna 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimThis study identified the moderating role of the amount of caregiving tasks on relationships between dementia family caregivers’ characteristics (age, education, etc.) and outcomes (burden, etc.).DesignA cross‐sectional analysis of surveyed data.MethodA convenience sample of 369 family caregivers (151 males, 218 females) aged 20 years or older was recruited from 10 cities in the southern area of South Korea. Data were collected from November–December 2011. Measures of caregiver burden, perceived health status and emotional distress of caregivers related to the memory‐behaviour problems of the care recipient were used to assess the outcomes of family caregivers of older adults with dementia.ResultsThe amount of caregiving tasks has a moderating effect on the relationships between caregivers’ characteristics (such as living with the recipient and duration of caregiving) and the caregiver burden. The interaction between the amount of caregiving tasks and status of living with recipient was significant in relation to the emotional distress of caregivers related to the memory‐behaviour problems of the care recipient with dementia; however, there was no effect of the amount of caregiving tasks on the relationships between caregivers’ characteristics and perceived health status.ConclusionThe amount of caregiving tasks can have a moderating role in the caregiving stress model. Intervention programs need to be developed and implemented to reduce negative outcomes of family caregivers, particularly those living with older adults with dementia.
Cardioprotection of ischaemic preconditioning is associated with inhibition of translocation of MLKL within the plasma membrane
Authors: Szobi Adrián , Farkašová‐Ledvényiová Veronika , Lichý Martin , Muráriková Martina , Čarnická Slávka , Ravingerová Tatiana , Adameová Adriana 
Published: June 2018

AbstractNecroptosis, a form of cell loss involving the RIP1‐RIP3‐MLKL axis, has been identified in cardiac pathologies while its inhibition is cardioprotective. We investigated whether the improvement of heart function because of ischaemic preconditioning is associated with mitigation of necroptotic signaling, and these effects were compared with a pharmacological antinecroptotic approach targeting RIP1. Langendorff‐perfused rat hearts were subjected to ischaemic preconditioning with or without a RIP1 inhibitor (Nec‐1s). Necroptotic signaling and the assessment of oxidative damage and a putative involvement of CaMKII in this process were analysed in whole tissue and subcellular fractions. Ischaemic preconditioning, Nec‐1s and their combination improved postischaemic heart function recovery and reduced infarct size to a similar degree what was in line with the prevention of MLKL oligomerization and translocation to the membrane. On the other hand, membrane peroxidation and apoptosis were unchanged by either approach. Ischaemic preconditioning failed to ameliorate ischaemia–reperfusion‐induced increase in RIP1 and RIP3 while pSer229‐RIP3 levels were reduced only by Nec‐1s. In spite of the additive phosphorylation of CaMKII and PLN because of ditherapy, the postischaemic contractile force and relaxation was comparably improved in all the intervention groups while antiarrhythmic effects were observed in the ischaemic preconditioning group only. Necroptosis inhibition seems to be involved in cardioprotection of ischaemic preconditioning and is comparable but not intensified by an anti‐RIP1 agent. Changes in oxidative stress nor CaMKII signaling are unlikely to explain the beneficial effects.
Identification of new biophysical markers for pathological ventricular remodelling in tachycardia‐induced dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Benitez‐Amaro Aleyda , Samouillan Valerie , Jorge Esther , Dandurand Jany , Nasarre Laura , de Gonzalo‐Calvo David , Bornachea Olga , Amoros‐Figueras Gerard , Lacabanne Colette , Vilades David , Leta Ruben , Carreras Francesc , Gallardo Alberto , Lerma Enrique , Cinca Juan , Guerra Jose M. , Llorente‐Cortés Vicenta 
Published: June 2018

AbstractOur aim was to identify biophysical biomarkers of ventricular remodelling in tachycardia‐induced dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Our study includes healthy controls (N = 7) and DCM pigs (N = 10). Molecular analysis showed global myocardial metabolic abnormalities, some of them related to myocardial hibernation in failing hearts, supporting the translationality of our model to study cardiac remodelling in dilated cardiomyopathy. Histological analysis showed unorganized and agglomerated collagen accumulation in the dilated ventricles and a higher percentage of fibrosis in the right (RV) than in the left (LV) ventricle (P = .016). The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) 1st and 2nd indicators, which are markers of the myofiber/collagen ratio, were reduced in dilated hearts, with the 1st indicator reduced by 45% and 53% in the RV and LV, respectively, and the 2nd indicator reduced by 25% in the RV. The 3rd FTIR indicator, a marker of the carbohydrate/lipid ratio, was up‐regulated in the right and left dilated ventricles but to a greater extent in the RV (2.60‐fold vs 1.61‐fold, P = .049). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed a depression of the freezable water melting point in DCM ventricles – indicating structural changes in the tissue architecture – and lower protein stability. Our results suggest that the 1st, 2nd and 3rd FTIR indicators are useful markers of cardiac remodelling. Moreover, the 2nd and 3rd FITR indicators, which are altered to a greater extent in the right ventricle, are associated with greater fibrosis.
Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors‐associated bullous pemphigoid: A retrospective study of 168 pemphigoid and 9,304 diabetes mellitus patients
Authors: Kawaguchi Yohei , Shimauchi Risa , Nishibori Nobuhiro , Kawashima Kiyohito , Oshitani So , Fujiya Atsushi , Shibata Taiga , Ohashi Norimi , Izumi Kentaro , Nishie Wataru , Shimizu Hiroshi , Arima Hiroshi , Sobajima Hiroshi 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAims/IntroductionBullous pemphigoid (BP) might be drug‐induced. The present study evaluated the relationship between BP and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP4Is).Materials and MethodsWe recruited patients diagnosed with BP at Ogaki Municipal Hospital from 1 December 2009 through 31 December 2017. We retrospectively collected data from medical records and divided patients into two groups based on whether they received DPP4Is. Additionally, we determined the incidence of BP in patients who were first prescribed DPP4Is at our hospital during the study period.ResultsOf 168 patients diagnosed with BP, 133 (79.1%) were positive for anti‐BP180NC16a antibody. A total of 32 (19.0%) patients had been prescribed a DPP4I, 21 of whom (65.6%) were positive for anti‐BP180NC16a antibody; this rate was lower than that in patients not receiving a DPP4I (82.3%; P = 0.0360). A total of 16 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus had not been prescribed a DPP4I; only one (6.3%) was positive for anti‐BP180NC16a antibody (P = 0.0339). During the study period, 9,304 patients were prescribed DPP4Is, eight of whom developed BP; six (75.0%) had non‐inflammatory BP, and five of the six (83.3%) were negative for anti‐BP180NC16a antibody.ConclusionsThe positive rate of anti‐BP180NC16a antibody was lower in BP patients with DPP4I than without DPP4I, regardless of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The antibody titer was low in both the overall and type 2 diabetes mellitus populations. The prevalence of BP in 9,304 patients receiving DPP4Is was 0.0859%, which is higher than that in the general population. As DPP4Is are common diabetes treatments, we must be aware of the risk of BP.
Influence of composite type and light irradiance on color stability after immersion in different beverages
Authors: Alberton Da Silva Victória , Alberton Da Silva Simone , Pecho Oscar E. , Bacchi Atais 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the color stability of two resin‐based composites photo‐activated by two light curing units (LCU) with different irradiances.Materials and MethodsHundred disc‐shaped specimens (2‐mm thick) of a nanofilled (FZ‐ FiltekTM Z350 XT, 3M ESPE) and a microhybrid (ED—Empress® Direct, Ivoclar Vivadent) composites were photo‐activated with two LCU: Valo® Cordless, Ultradent (VA—1800 mW/cm2) or Radii‐cal, SDI (RA—900 mW/cm2). Samples (n = 5) were immersed during 12 days in distilled water (WT), orange juice (OJ), red wine (RW), coffee (CF), or Brazilian tea (BT). CIELAB coordinates were obtained using a spectrophotometer (Easyshade 4.0, Vita Zahnfabrik) before (T0) and after (T1) immersion. CIEDE2000 color difference (ΔE00) and whiteness index for dentistry (WID) were calculated. Data was analyzed by two‐way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05%).ResultsFZ light‐activated by VA showed higher L* and WID values (T0) and lower ΔE00 values after immersion in WT, OJ, and RW. However, there was no effect of both factors on ΔE00 when samples were immersed in BT and CF. ED light‐activated by RA showed significant higher C* values (p ≤ .05).ConclusionsThe nanofilled composite photo‐activated with higher irradiance showed greater L* and WID values and better color stability. However, all samples immersed in colored beverages showed ΔE00 values above the acceptability threshold.Clinical SignificanceInitial color of resin‐based composites can change after immersion in staining beverages. However, the best color stability was obtained by the nanocomposite photo‐activated by a light‐curing unit of higher irradiance.