bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interferon Gamma Release Assays in Patients with Respiratory Isolates of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria – a Preliminary Study
Authors: AUGUSTYNOWICZ-KOPEĆ EWA , SIEMION-SZCZEŚNIAK IZABELA , ZABOST ANNA , WYROSTKIEWICZ DOROTA , FILIPCZAK DOROTA , ONISZH KARINA , GAWRYLUK DARIUSZ , RADZIKOWSKA ELŻBIETA , KORZYBSKI DAMIAN , SZTURMOWICZ MONIKA 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Interferon gamma releasing assays (IGRAs) are extensively used in the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infections. Comparing to tuberculin skin test (TST) they lack false positive results in the populations vaccinated with BCG, and in most non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections. Nevertheless, Mycobacterium kansasii, Mycobacterium marinum, and Mycobacterium szulgai may induce positive IGRAs due to RD1 homology with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The aim of the study was to investigate the possible influence of NTM respiratory isolates on the results of IGRAs. 39 patients (23 females and 16 males) of median age 61 years, with negative medical history concerning tuberculosis, entered the study. Identification of NTM was performed using the niacin test and molecular method GenoType CM test (Hain Lifescience). QFT-Plus was performed in 17 patients, T-SPOT-Tb – in 23 patients. Chest X-rays and a high-resolution computed tomography of the chest have been reviewed by the experienced radiologist blinded to the results of IGRAs, in search of past tuberculosis signs. Positive IGRAs results were obtained in three out of 39 patients (8%): 22% of patients with M. kansasii isolates and 18% of patients with radiological signs on HRCT that might be suggestive of past tuberculosis. Positive IGRAs correlated with radiological signs suggestive of past tuberculosis (r = 0.32, p = 0.04), and on the borderline with isolation of M. kansasii (r = 0.29, p = 0.06). These findings may suggest that a positive IGRAs result, in our material, could depend mostly on asymptomatic past Tb infection. The cross-reactivity of M. kansasii isolates with IGRAs was less probable; nevertheless, it requires further investigations.
Climatic characteristics of drift ice in the northern Barents Sea
Authors: Duan Chenglin , Dong Sheng , Wang Zhifeng , Liao Zhenkun 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
In this paper, a preliminary climatic description of the long-term offshore drift ice characteristics in the northern Barents Sea has been investigated from 1987 to 2016 based on the satellite ice motion datasets from National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) and reanalysis ice thickness datasets from National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP)-Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) and Climate Forecast System Version 2 (CFSv2). Both the ice velocity and thickness conditions have been studied at the three fixed locations from west to east. Annual and monthly drift ice roses indicate that the directions from WSW to SE are primarily prevailing, particularly in winter months. Besides, the annual ice speed extremums exceeding 40 cm s–1 mostly occur in the southerly directions from November to April. For the ice thickness, results reveal that it is prominently distributed in a thicker interval between 70 and 120 cm, and a thinner interval between 20 and 70 cm. The annual thickness maxima approximately range from 90 to 170 cm, primarily occurring from May to June, and demonstrate a light decreasing trend.
Targeting Immune Signaling Pathways in Clonal Hematopoiesis
Authors: Azrakhsh Nessar Ahmad , Mensah-glanowska Patrycja , Sand Kristoffer , Kittang Astrid Olsnes 
Published: March 2019

Background:Myeloid neoplasms are a diverse group of malignant diseases with different entities and numerous patho-clinical features. They arise from mutated clones of hematopoietic stem- and progenitor cells which expand by outperforming their normal counterparts. The intracellular signaling profile of cancer cells is the sum of genetic, epigenetic and microenvironmental influences, and the multiple interconnections between different signaling pathways make pharmacological targeting complicated.Objective:To present an overview of known somatic mutations in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and the inflammatory signaling pathways affected by them, as well as current efforts to therapeutically modulate this aberrant inflammatory signaling.Methods:In this review, we extensively reviewed and compiled salient information with ClinicalTrials.gov as our source on ongoing studies, and PubMed as our authentic bibliographic source, using a focused review question.Results:Mutations affecting immune signal transduction are present to varying extents in clonal myeloid diseases. While MPN are dominated by a few common mutations, a multitude of different genes can be mutated in MDS and AML. Mutations can also occur in asymptomatic persons, a finding called clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP). Mutations in FLT3, JAK, STAT, CBL and RAS can lead to aberrant immune signaling. Protein kinase inhibitors are entering the clinic and are extensively investigated in clinical trials in MPN, MDS and AML.Conclusion:In summary, this article summarizes recent research on aberrant inflammatory signaling in clonal myeloid diseases and the clinical therapeutic potential of modulation of signal transduction and effector proteins in the affected pathways.
Attenuation of Cardiac Ischaemia-reperfusion Injury by Treatment with Hydrogen-rich Water
Authors: Li Xiangzi , Li Liangtong , Liu Xuanchen , Wu Jiawen , Sun Xiaoyu , Li Zhilin , Geng Yong-Jian , Liu Fulin , Zhou Yujuan 
Published: March 2019

Background:
Hydrogen has been shown to exert a bioactive effect on the
myocardium. This study examined the signalling pathways for hydrogen attenuating
ischaemia-reperfusion injury.

Methods:
In total, 20 male Wistar rats were evaluated for the effects of hydrogen-rich
water on ischaemia-reperfusion in hearts. Left ventricular tissue was taken for screening
and analysis of active protein factors by protein chip technology. The enrichment of the
KEGG pathway was obtained by using the Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment principle.
The expression of JAK2, STAT1, STAT3, p-STAT1, p-JAK2, p-STAT3 in rat myocardium
was detected by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. The apoptosis rates
of the control and hydrogen-rich water groups were detected by TUNEL staining.

Results:
The expression levels of 25 proteins, including five transduction pathways,
were downregulated in the hydrogen-rich water group. The expression levels of p-
JAK2/JAK2, p-STAT3/STAT3 were upregulated in the hydrogen-rich water group
compared with the control group, and p-STAT1/STAT1 was downregulated in the
hydrogen-rich water group compared with the control group. Furthermore, the apoptosis
rate was significantly decreased in the hydrogen-rich water group, as well.

Conclusion:
Hydrogen-rich water may inhibit the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes after
ischaemia-reperfusion by upregulating the expression of the JAK2-STAT3 signalling
pathway, which reduces ischaemia-reperfusion injury.
Characterization of Serum Exosomes from a Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Rosas-Hernandez Hector , Cuevas Elvis , Raymick James B. , Robinson Bonnie L. , Ali Syed F. , Hanig Joseph , Sarkar Sumit 
Published: March 2019

Background:
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia characterized
by amyloid plaques containing Amyloid Beta (Aβ) peptides and neurofibrillary tangles containing tau
protein. In addition to neuronal loss, Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA) commonly occurs in AD.
CAA is characterized by Aβ deposition in brain microvessels. Recent studies have suggested that
exosomes (cell-derived vesicles containing a diverse cargo) may be involved in the pathogenesis of AD.

Objective:
Isolate and characterize brain-derived exosomes from a transgenic mouse model of AD that
presents CAA.

Methods:
Exosomes were isolated from serum obtained from 13-month-old wild type and AD transgenic
female mice using an exosome precipitation solution. Characterization of exosomal proteins was
performed by western blots and dot blots.

Results:
Serum exosomes were increased in transgenic mice compared to wild types as determined by
increased levels of the exosome markers flotillin and alix. High levels of neuronal markers were found
in exosomes, without any difference any between the 2 groups. Markers for endothelial-derived
exosomes were decreased in the transgenic model, while astrocytic-derived exosomes were increased.
Exosome characterization showed increased levels of oligomeric Aβ and oligomeric and monomeric
forms tau on the transgenic animals. Levels of amyloid precursor protein were also increased. In addition,
pathological and phosphorylated forms of tau were detected, but no difference was observed between
the groups.

Conclusion:
These data suggest that monomeric and oligomeric forms of Aβ and tau are secreted into
serum via brain exosomes, most likely derived from astrocytes in the transgenic mouse model of AD
with CAA. Studies on the implication of this event in the propagation of AD are underway.
In Silico Evaluation of Acetylation Mimics in the 27 Lysine Residues of Human Tau Protein
Authors: Kim Yong-Chan , Jeong Byung-Hoon 
Published: March 2019

Background:
Various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), are
related to abnormal hyperphosphorylated microtubule-associated protein tau accumulation in brain lesions.
Recent studies have focused on toxicity caused by another post-translational modification (PTM),
acetylation of the lysine (K) residues of tau protein. Because there are numerous acetylation sites, several
studies have introduced mimics of tau acetylation using amino acid substitutions from lysine to glutamine
(Q). However, human tau protein contains over 20 acetylation sites; thus, investigation of the
effects of an acetylated tau is difficult.

Objective:
Here, the authors in silico evaluated acetylation effects using SIFT, PolyPhen-2 and
PROVEAN which can estimate the effects of amino acid substitutions based on the sequence homology
or protein structure in tau isoforms. In addition, they also investigated 27 acetylation effects on the
amyloid formation of tau proteins using Waltz.

Results:
15 acetylation mimics were estimated to be the most detrimental, which indicates that there
may be novel pathogenic acetylation sites in the human tau protein. Interestingly, the deleterious effect
of acetylation mimics was different according to the type of isoforms. Furthermore, all acetylation mimics
were predicted to be a region of amyloid formation at the codons 274-279 of human tau protein. Notably,
acetylation mimic of codon 311 (K311Q) induced the formation of an additional amyloid region
located on codons 306-311 of the human tau protein.

Conclusion:
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first simultaneous in-silico evaluation of the acetylation
state of 27 human tau protein residues.
Retinoic Acid and the Gut Microbiota in Alzheimer’s Disease: Fighting Back-to-Back?
Authors: Endres Kristina 
Published: March 2019

Background:There is growing evidence that the gut microbiota may play an important role in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. However, how these commensals influence disease risk and progression still has to be deciphered.Objective:The objective of this review was to summarize current knowledge on the interplay between gut microbiota and retinoic acid. The latter one represents one of the important micronutrients, which have been correlated to Alzheimer’s disease and are used in initial therapeutic intervention studies.Methods:A selective overview of the literature is given with the focus on the function of retinoic acid in the healthy and diseased brain, its metabolism in the gut, and the potential influence that the bioactive ligand may have on microbiota, gut physiology and, Alzheimer’s disease.Results:Retinoic acid can influence neuronal functionality by means of plasticity but also by neurogenesis and modulating proteostasis. Impaired retinoid-signaling, therefore, might contribute to the development of diseases in the brain. Despite its rather direct impact, retinoic acid also influences other organ systems such as gut by regulating the residing immune cells but also factors such as permeability or commensal microbiota. These in turn can also interfere with retinoid-metabolism and via the gutbrain- axis furthermore with Alzheimer’s disease pathology within the brain.Conclusion:Potentially, it is yet too early to conclude from the few reports on changed microbiota in Alzheimer’s disease to a dysfunctional role in retinoid-signaling. However, there are several routes how microbial commensals might affect and might be affected by vitamin A and its derivatives.
Community HIV Screening Among MSM in Three Indonesian Cities
Authors: Hidayat Rahmat , Marguari Daniel , Hairunisa Nany , Suparno Heru , Magnani Robert 
Published: March 2019

Background:
Indonesia lags behind its peers with regard to ART coverage of PLHIV. Insufficient
HIV testing among MSM and other key affected populations remains a barrier to increasing
ART coverage.

Objective:
This report presents the results of the first government-endorsed implementation research
study of a community screening approach to increasing the rate of HIV testing among MSM in three
cities.

Methods:
All new MSM outreach contacts meeting eligibility criteria during March-June 2017 were
included in the study. HIV testing at a government health facility, which is required to qualify for
government-supported ART, was advised for all new contacts. Men refusing formal testing were offered
an HIV screening test in a community setting using a saliva-based rapid test and advised to get
a confirmatory test at a health facility. All outreach contacts and testing activities were recorded on
individual client records.

Results:
Of 1,149 eligible MSM, 27% were willing to be referred to receive HIV testing at a health
facility, among which 83% were confirmed to have been tested. Of the 838 study subjects refusing
health facility testing, 38% accepted community screening. The screening positivity rate was 14.8%.
Only 38% of men with reactive screening tests received a confirmatory test at a health facility, along
with 8% of those with non-reactive tests.

Conclusion:
While community screening resulted in more MSM knowing their HIV status, reluctance
to avail government health facility-based services, or indeed to be tested at all, must be addressed
if community screening is to accelerate progress in getting HIV-positive MSM onto treatment.
Virtual Structural Similarity Elucidates Bioactivity of Fenchone: A Phytochemical Enriched in Fennel Essential Oil
Authors: Singh Sukhchain , Gupta Pawan , Gupta Jeena 
Published: March 2019

Background:
Fenchone is a natural monoterpene abundantly present in fennel essential
oil. It is known for its wound healing properties but its other biological activities are less explored.

Methods:
We used an in silico structural similarity searching approache to identify various biological
activities of fenchone. The identified biological activities of fenchone (purchased from Sigma Aldrich)
were validated by conducting DPPH free radical scavenging assay, MTT assay, well diffusion assay for
antimicrobial activity and enzymatic assays to analyze the activity of different antioxidant enzymes.

Results:
Camphor was found to possess maximum structural similarity with fenchone (similarityindex
100). Molecular docking demonstrated that the binding modes of fenchone were also similar to
camphor against protein Cytochrome CYP101D1 (PDB ID: 4C9K). Fenchone also demonstrated to
possess an antioxidant activity (IC50: 3.32±0.008mM), an antimicrobial activity (MIC: 0.49mM) and
a very strong antifungal activity. Fenchone protects yeast cells from H2O2 induced cytotoxicity and is
cytotoxic to cancerous Hela cells (IC50: 12.63±0.12 μM). Fenchone treatment also showed the
reduced activity of antioxidant enzymes i.e glutathione-S-transferase, catalase and lipid peroxidase.

Conclusion:
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that used structural similarity
searching to explore the biological activities of fenchone.
Botulinum Toxin for the Treatment of Focal Task-Specific Hand Dystonias: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ashworth Nigel , Aidoo Henry , Doroshenko Alexander , Antle David , Els Charl , Flaschner David Mark , Gross Douglas P. , Guptill Christine , Potter Patrick , Tan Maria C. , Straube Sebastian 
Published: March 2019

Objective:Botulinum Toxin (BTX) has become a widely used treatment in several dystonic conditions, but the evidence for its efficacy has largely come from open trials and expert opinion. This systematic review examined the efficacy and safety of BTX in the treatment of Focal Hand Dystonia (FHD) in Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs).Methods:We searched Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL, SPORT Discus, SCOPUS, Web of Science, PEDro, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) for randomized, placebo-controlled trials on the use of BTX for FHD.Results:Of 1,116 publications retrieved from the databases searched, three publications were included. The evidence identified pertains to focal task-specific hand dystonias. Sixty-nine participants were involved in the three RCTs with a mean duration of symptoms of 7.5 years. Participants were assessed using a combination of self-reported and functional performance outcome measures following injections of BTX subtype A (BTX-A) or placebo. The Oxford Quality Scale was used to assess the included studies, and the three studies each scored 3/5 or above. The included studies reported no adverse events with BTX-A use, other than muscle weakness and pain at the injection sites.Conclusion:The number of participants included in these three trials is too small to draw dependable conclusions about the efficacy and safety of BTX-A for FHD. There is currently not enough evidence to recommend the routine use of BTX-A for FHD.
Iron(II) Spin Crossover Polymers of Planar N2O2 Schiff Base Templates and 4,4’-bis(pyridyl)urea Bridges
Authors: Zappe Lisa , Lochenie Charles , Martin Thomas , Weber Birgit 
Published: March 2019

Introduction:The synthesis of four new iron(II) coordination polymers [Fe(L1a)(bpua)] (1), [Fe(L1b)(bpua)](0.5bpua) (2), [Fe(L2a)(bpua)] (3), [Fe(L1b)(bpua)](yEtOH) (5) and one trinuclear complex [{Fe(L1a)(bpua)(MeOH)}2-µ{Fe(L1a)}](xMeOH) (4) with Schiff base-like N2O2coordinating equatorial ligands (L1a, L1b and L2a) and 4,4’-bis(pyridyl)urea (bpua) as bridging axial ligand is described.Materials and Methods:Single crystal X-ray structure elucidation of the trinuclear module4and of the coordination polymer5reveals the presence of HS-LS-HS chains and all-HS infinite 1-D strands, respectively. As anticipated the presence of the bridging urea supports the supramolecular concatenation within an extended hydrogen-bonding network. Magnetic measurements reveal spin crossover behavior for four of the five complexes (1–4) that is strongly solvent dependent.Results and Conclusion:Interestingly, in two cases, complete removal of the solvent from the crystal packing leads to wider thermal hysteresis loops.
A LEARNING MODEL OF BAHASA INDONESIA AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE BASED ON LOCAL INTERCULTURAL POLITENESS
Authors: Gusnawaty Gusnawaty , Nurwati Andi 
Published: March 2019

The study was aimed for developing a learning model of Bahasa Indonesia based on local intercultural politeness to improve the foreigners’ communicative competencies. This is Research and Development, started with a preliminary study of intercultural learning concepts and Buginese politeness strategies; the distribution of the needs analysis instruments to the 25 foreigners learning Bahasa Indonesia in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia; model development, focus group discussions; the model finalization and product experiment. The interviews and questionnaires data were analyzed by descriptive quantitative and qualitative. The result, a local politeness intercultural learning model consisting of four phases: noticing, comparing, reflecting, and interacting. 1) The foreign learners noticed the use of local politeness markers in Bahasa Indonesia; 2) They compared the similarities and differences between the use of the markers of local politeness and those they found in their native languages; 3) They reflected themselves; 4) They practiced Bahasa Indonesia through direct interactions. The conclusion showed that the t-score = 3.26 > t-table = 2.45 signifying that the model was effective in overcoming the foreign learners’ problems in oral interactions and improving their Bahasa Indonesia communicative competencies.
KİLİKYA-ADANA -İSKENDERUN HAVZALARI’NIN PLİYO-KUVATERNER SEDİMAN DAĞILIMLARI
Authors: ÇİFTÇİ Canan , OKYAR Mahmut 
Published: March 2019

Kilikya-Adana ve İskenderun Havzaları Afrika-Avrasya Levhalarının çarpışma zonu boyunca gelişen Neojen depolanma alanlarıdır. Doğal yapısından dolayı bu havzalar, geçmişten günümüze birçok jeolojik ve jeofizik çalışmaya konu olmuştur. Bu çalışmada, Pliyo-Kuvaterner zamanında biriken sediman dağılımları Türkiye Petrolleri Anonim Ortaklığı’ndan izinle temin edilen sismik yansıma profillerinin yorumlanmasıyla elde edilmiştir. Kalınlık haritası önceki çalışmalarda kullanılan 1700 m/sn’lik ortalama hız ile hesaplanmıştır. Yorumlamalar sonucunda, Pliyo-Kuvaterner çökellerin kalınlık değerlerinin 0-2763 m arasında değiştiği saptanmıştır. En yüksek kalınlık değerleri İskenderun Havzası’nın denizel kesiminde, Asi Nehri açıklarında 2250 m, Yumurtalık önlerinde 2763 m ve Kilikya Havzası’nın orta kesiminde 2050 m olarak elde edilmiştir.
Areas of Interest and Stigmatic Attitudes of the General Public in Five Relevant Medical Conditions: Thematic and Quantitative Analysis Using Twitter (Preprint)
Authors: Alvarez-Mon Miguel Angel , Llavero-Valero María , Sánchez-Bayona Rodrigo , Pereira-Sanchez Victor , Vallejo-Valdivielso Maria , Monserrat Jorge , Lahera Guillermo , Asunsolo del Barco Angel , Alvarez-Mon Melchor 
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Twitter is an indicator of real-world performance, thus, is an appropriate arena to assess the social consideration and attitudes toward psychosis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to perform a mixed-methods study of the content and key metrics of tweets referring to psychosis in comparison with tweets referring to control diseases (breast cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer, and human immunodeficiency virus).

METHODS

Each tweet’s content was rated as nonmedical (NM: testimonies, health care products, solidarity or awareness and misuse) or medical (M: included a reference to the illness’s diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, or prevention). NM tweets were classified as positive or pejorative. We assessed the appropriateness of the medical content. The number of retweets generated and the potential reach and impact of the hashtags analyzed was also investigated.

RESULTS

We analyzed a total of 15,443 tweets: 8055 classified as NM and 7287 as M. Psychosis-related tweets (PRT) had a significantly higher frequency of misuse 33.3% (212/636) vs 1.15% (853/7419; P<.001) and pejorative content 36.2% (231/636) vs 11.33% (840/7419; P<.001). The medical content of the PRT showed the highest scientific appropriateness 100% (391/391) vs 93.66% (6030/6439; P<.001) and had a higher frequency of content about disease prevention. The potential reach and impact of the tweets related to psychosis were low, but they had a high retweet-to-tweet ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

We show a reduced number and a different pattern of contents in tweets about psychosis compared with control diseases. PRT showed a predominance of nonmedical content with increased frequencies of misuse and pejorative tone. However, the medical content of PRT showed high scientific appropriateness aimed toward prevention.