bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular and cellular basis of depigmentation in vitiligo patients
Authors: Delmas Véronique , Larue Lionel 
Published: December 2018

AbstractVitiligo is a chronic skin disease characterized by the appearance of zones of depigmentation. It is mostly described as an autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys the melanocytes. Consistent with this origin, genetic studies have implicated genes encoding proteins mediating the immune response targeting melanocytes in the aetiology of this disease, together with proteins specific to these cells. However, the destruction of melanocytes by the immune system is neither global nor complete, because the patients do not display total depigmentation. The etiopathology of vitiligo is clearly complex and cannot be simply reduced to an autoimmune reaction directed against pigmented cells. Intrinsic changes have been observed in the melanocytes, keratinocytes and dermal cells of vitiligo patients. Identification of the molecular and cellular changes occurring in normally pigmented skin in vitiligo patients, and an understanding of these changes, is essential to improve the definition of trigger events for this disease, with a view to developing treatments with long‐term efficacy. This review focuses on the early events identified to date in the non‐lesional regions of the skin in vitiligo patients and discusses the process of repigmentation from melanocyte stem cells.
Scaling up DNA metabarcoding for freshwater macrozoobenthos monitoring
Authors: Elbrecht Vasco , Steinke Dirk 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

The viability of DNA metabarcoding for assessment of freshwater macrozoobenthos has been demonstrated over the recent years. The method has matured to a stage where it can be applied to monitoring at a large scale, keeping pace with increased high‐throughput sequencing capacity. However, workflows and sample tagging need to be optimised to accommodate for hundreds of samples within a single sequencing run.

Here, we conceptualise a streamlined metabarcoding workflow, in which samples are processed in 96‐well plates. Each sample is replicated starting with tissue extraction. Negative and positive controls are included to ensure data reliability. With our newly developed fusion primer sets for the BF2 + BR2 primer pair up to three 96‐well plates (288 wells) can be uniquely tagged for a single Illumina sequencing run. By including Illumina indices, tagging can be extended to thousands of samples.

We hope that our metabarcoding workflow will be used as a practical guide for future large‐scale biodiversity assessments involving freshwater invertebrates. However, as this is just one possible metabarcoding approach, we hope this article will stimulate discussion and publication of alternatives and extensions to this method.
Electrophoretic deposition studies of Ba(Zr‐Ce‐Y)O3 ceramic coating
Authors: Choudhary Bishnu , Anwar Sharmistha , Besra Laxmidhar , Anwar Shahid 
Published: December 2018

AbstractElectrophoretic deposition (EPD) is now a well established colloidal processing technique which uses electrophoresis mechanism for the movement of suspended charged particles in a suspension in the presence of an electric field. In this work, electrophoretic deposition of BaZr0.4Ce0.4Y0.2O3‐δ (BZCY) in ethanol medium was performed under different conditions on both conducting and non‐conducting (porous anode) substrate without using any external additives in a suspension bath. Process parameters such as deposition time, voltage, and rate of deposition of suspended particles were studied under various conditions. Green coating deposited under different potential (30, 50, and 70V) was uniform and crack free, even at extended time of deposition. Surface roughnesses have also been evaluated to correlate it with deposition conditions. It is also found that the rate of deposition on conducting substrate was higher as compared to that on non‐conducting substrate (anode). XRD studies of the calcined powder and coating exhibit an expected simple cubic perovskite structure. The deposition yield increases linearly with voltage for each deposition time for both conducting and non‐conducting substrates. The coating on non‐conducting porous anode heat treated at 1500°C for 2 hours was dense and well adherent to the anode substrate. A film thickness of about 13 μm was obtained at 70V. Such dense BZCY electrolyte coating on BZCY+NiO anode (Half cell) could be well utilized for fabrication of proton conducting SOFC single cell by applying suitable cathode layer on electrolyte film.
Multiple receptors converge on H2‐Q10 to regulate NK and γδT‐cell development
Authors: Goodall Katharine J , Nguyen Angela , Matsumoto Aya , McMullen Julie R , Eckle Sidonia B , Bertolino Patrick , Sullivan Lucy C , Andrews Daniel M 
Published: December 2018

AbstractClass Ib major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is an extended family of molecules, which demonstrate tissue‐specific expression and presentation of monomorphic antigens. These characteristics tend to imbue class Ib MHC with unique functions. H2‐Q10 is potentially one such molecule that is overexpressed in the liver but its immunological function is not known. We have previously shown that H2‐Q10 is a ligand for the natural killer cell receptor Ly49C and now, using H2‐Q10‐deficient mice, we demonstrate that H2‐Q10 can also stabilize the expression of Qa‐1b. In the absence of H2‐Q10, the development and maturation of conventional hepatic natural killer cells is disrupted. We also provide evidence that H2‐Q10 is a new high affinity ligand for CD8αα and controls the development of liver‐resident CD8αα γδT cells. These data demonstrate that H2‐Q10 has multiple roles in the development of immune subsets and identify an overlap of recognition within the class Ib MHC that is likely to be relevant to the regulation of immunity.
Deciding Where to go: Policies, People and Perceptions Shaping Destination Preferences
Authors: Crawley Heaven , Hagen‐Zanker Jessica 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThere is considerable interest among European politicians and policymakers in the factors influencing the destination preferences of refugees and other migrants. Drawing on in‐depth qualitative interviews with more than 250 Syrians, Eritreans and Nigerians, this article examines the destination preferences of those crossing the Mediterranean in 2015 and the extent to which they were aware of, and/or influenced by, policies intended to control and manage their arrival. Our findings question the extent to which deterrence policies have their intended or assumed effects. Preferred destinations are rarely identified solely, or even primarily, on the basis of migration policies devised by different governments with the explicit aim of reducing the number of arrivals. Rather they reflect the “coming together” of a wide range of factors, including access to protection and family reunification, the availability/accuracy of information, the overall economic environment and social networks. Moreover perceptions of migration policies may be more significant than their content as the implications are often not known or misunderstood.
Antibody levels in a cohort of pregnant women after the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic: Waning and association with self‐reported severity and duration of illness
Authors: Tunheim Gro , Laake Ida , Robertson Anna Hayman , Waalen Kristian , Hungnes Olav , Næss Lisbeth M. , Cox Rebecca J. , Mjaaland Siri , Trogstad Lill 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundA population‐based pregnancy cohort was established in Norway to study potential effects of exposure to the 2009 influenza pandemic or pandemic vaccination during pregnancy.ObjectivesWe studied maternal A(H1N1)pdm09‐specific hemagglutination inhibition (HI)‐titer levels and waning in women with influenza‐like illness (ILI) in pregnancy compared to vaccinated women. Moreover, we studied the association betweenHI‐titers and self‐reported severity and duration ofILI.MethodsHI‐titers against the pandemic virus were measured in maternal blood samples obtained at birth, 3‐9 months after exposure, and linked with information about pregnancy, influenza and vaccination from national registries and a cohort questionnaire.ResultsAmong 1821 pregnant women included, 43.7% were unvaccinated and 19.3% of these hadILI.HI‐titers were low (geometric mean titer (GMT) 11.3) in the unvaccinated women withILI. HigherHI‐titers (GMT37.8) were measured in the vaccinated women. EstimatedHI‐titer waning was similar for vaccinated women and women withILI. MostILIepisodes were moderate and lasted 3‐5 days. Women withILIreporting specific influenza symptoms such as fever or cough had higherHI‐titers than women without these symptoms. Women who reported being “very ill” or illness duration of >5 days had higherHI‐titers than women reporting less severe illness or illness of shorter duration, respectively.ConclusionsAntibody waning was similar in vaccinated women and women withILI. More severeILIor longer duration of illness was associated with higherHI‐titers. Most unvaccinated pregnant women withILIhad lowHI‐titers, probably due to moderate illness andHI‐titer waning between exposure and sampling.
Effectiveness of self‐management programme in people with chronic kidney disease: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nguyen Nguyet Thi , Douglas Clint , Bonner Ann 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAimsTo examine the effectiveness of a self‐management intervention compared with usual care in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on self‐management, knowledge, self‐efficacy, health‐related quality of life, and blood pressure.DesignA parallel group randomized controlled trial.MethodsPatients aged ≥ 18 years with CKD stages 3–5 were recruited between November 2015 and June 2016. Participants were randomly allocated into either the intervention (N = 68) or control group (N = 67). The control group received usual care, while the intervention group received usual care plus a self‐management programme from a nurse. The intervention was guided by social cognitive theory (SCT) and included a face‐to‐face educational session followed by telephone support. Both groups were followed for 16 weeks.ResultsThere were no significant differences in self‐management, knowledge, self‐efficacy, health‐related quality of life, and blood pressure between the two groups at baseline. At week 16, compared with the control group, large effect sizes for improved self‐management, knowledge, and self‐efficacy were detected. For health‐related quality of life, the physical and mental health components significantly improved. However, no significant differences in either systolic or diastolic blood pressures were found.ConclusionIn earlier stages of CKD, a simple self‐management education benefits patients.ImpactEffective self‐management in the earlier stages of CKD contributes to slowing its progression, improving health outcomes and lowering the burden on healthcare systems. This study demonstrated that SCT increases CKD self‐management by strengthening knowledge and self‐efficacy. Nurses can give this education.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616000038493.
Identification of key genes and pathways in diabetic nephropathy by bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Geng Xiao‐dong , Wang Wei‐wei , Feng Zhe , Liu Ran , Cheng Xiao‐long , Shen Wan‐jun , Dong Zhe‐yi , Cai Guang‐yan , Chen Xiang‐mei , Hong Quan , Wu Di 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAims/IntroductionThe aim of the present study was to identify candidate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways using bioinformatics analysis, and to improve our understanding of the cause and potential molecular events of diabetic nephropathy.Materials and MethodsTwo cohort profile datasets (GSE30528 and GSE33744) were integrated and used for deep analysis. We sorted DEGs and analyzed differential pathway enrichment. DEG‐associated ingenuity pathway analysis was carried out. The screened gene expression feature was verified in the db/db mouse kidney cortex. Then, rat mesangial cells cultured with high‐concentration glucose were used for verification. The target genes of transcriptional factor E26 transformation‐specific‐1 (ETS1) were predicted with online tools and validated using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay quantitative polymerase chain reaction.ResultsThe two GSE datasets identified 89 shared DEGs; 51 were upregulated; and 38 were downregulated. Most of the DEGs were significantly enriched in cell adhesion, the plasma membrane, the extracellular matrix and the extracellular region. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis validated the upregulated expression of Itgb2, Cd44, Sell, Fn1, Tgfbi and Il7r, and the downregulated expression of Igfbp2 and Cd55 in the db/db mouse kidney cortex. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that Itgb2 was the target gene of transcription factor Ets1. ETS1 knockdown in rat mesangial cells decreased integrin subunit beta 2 expression.ConclusionWe found that EST1 functioned as an important transcription factor in diabetic nephropathy development through the promotion of integrin subunit beta 2 expression. EST1 might be a drug target for diabetic nephropathy treatment.
New cell lines for efficient propagation of koi herpesvirus and infectious salmon anaemia virus
Authors: Eckart Valentin , Yamaguchi Takuya , Franzke Kati , Bergmann Sven M. , Boudinot Pierre , Quillet Edwige , Kawanobe Motokazu , de Haro Neila Alvarez , Fischer Uwe 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe production of piscine viruses, in particular of koi herpesvirus (KHV, CyHV‐3) and infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV), is still challenging due to the limited susceptibility of available cell lines to these viruses. A number of cell lines from different fish species were compared to standard diagnostic cell lines for KHV and ISAV regarding their capability to exhibit a cytopathic effect (CPE) and to accumulate virus. Two cell lines, so far undescribed, appeared to be useful for diagnostic purposes. Fr994, a cell line derived from ovaries of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), produced constantly high ISA virus (ISAV) titres and developed a pronounced CPE even at high cell passage numbers, while standard cell lines are reported to gradually loose these properties upon propagation. Another cell line isolated from the head kidney of common carp (Cyprinus carpio), KoK, showed a KHV induced CPE earlier than the standard cell line used for diagnostics. A third cell line, named Fin‐4, established from the fin epithelium of rainbow trout did not promote efficient replication of tested viruses, but showed antigen sampling properties and might be useful as an in vitro model for virus uptake or phagocytosis.
Predictors of Advance Care Planning in Older Women: The Nurses’ Health Study
Authors: Kang Jae H. , Bynum Julie P.W. , Zhang Lu , Grodstein Francine , Stevenson David G. 
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESRelatively little is known regarding predictors of advance care planning (ACP) in former nurses. We aimed to evaluate potential predictors of ACP documentation and discussion.DESIGNCross‐sectional study, 2012‐2014.SETTINGNurses’ Health Study.PARTICIPANTSA total of 60,917 community‐dwelling female nurses aged 66 to 93 years living across the United States.MEASUREMENTSBased on self‐reports, participants were categorized as having (1) only ACP documentation, (2) ACP documentation and a recent ACP discussion with a healthcare provider, or (3) neither. Multivariable log‐binomial models were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the two separate ACP categories vs those with neither. We evaluated various demographic, health, and social factors.RESULTSThe large majority (84%) reported ACP documentation; 35% reported a recent ACP discussion. Demographic factors such as age and race were associated with both ACP categories. In multivariable analyses, race was most strongly associated: compared with whites, African Americans were 27% less likely (PR = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.69‐0.78) to report ACP documentation alone and 41% (PR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.54‐0.66) less likely to report documentation with discussion. Additionally, health/healthcare‐related characteristics were more strongly associated with ACP documentation plus discussion. Women with functional limitations (PR = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.10‐1.20), women who were recently hospitalized (PR: 1.10; 95% CI = 1.08‐1.12) or women who had seen a physician for health symptoms (PR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.35‐1.52) or screening (PR = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.32‐1.49) were more likely to report having both ACP documentation and discussion. Social factors showed limited relationships with ACP documentation only; for documentation plus discussion, being widowed and living alone was associated with higher prevalence (PR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.19‐1.24) and having little emotional support was associated with lower prevalence (PR = 0.84; 95% CI = 0.81‐0.86).CONCLUSIONSAmong older nurses, most of whom reported having documented ACP, 35% reported recent patient‐clinician ACP discussions, indicating a major participatory gap in an element critical to ACP effectiveness. Even in nurses, African Americans reported less ACP documentation or discussion. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:292–301, 2019.
Age‐Normative MMSE Data for Older Persons Aged 85 to 93 in a Longitudinal Swedish Cohort
Authors: Kvitting Anna S. , Fällman Katarina , Wressle Ewa , Marcusson Jan 
Published: December 2018

Background/ObjectivesNormative Mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) reference values in elderly are scarce. Therefore, the aim is to present normative MMSE values for 85–93 year olds.DesignA longitudinal age cohort study.SettingA population study of the residents in the municipality of Linköping, Sweden.ParticipantsResidents (n = 650) born in 1922 during the course of 2007. In total, 374 individuals participated and were tested with MMSE at age 85, 280 of these were willing and able to also participate at age 86, 107 at age 90 and 51 at age 93.MeasurementsMMSE, from 0–30, with lower scores denoting more impaired cognition.ResultsMedian MMSE values for the total population over the ages 85, 86, 90 and 93 years was 28 for all ages investigated. The 25th percentile values were 26, 26, 26 and 27, respectively. For a “brain healthy” sub‐group median values were 28, 29, 28, and 28. The 25th percentile values were 27, 28, 26 and 27, respectively. Comparisons for age‐effects showed no differences when all individuals for each age group were compared. When only the individuals reaching 93 years of age (n = 50) were analyzed, there was a significant lowering of MMSE in that age group.ConclusionThe literature is variable and in clinical practice a low (24) MMSE cut off is often used for possible cognitive impairment in old age. The present data indicate that MMSE 26 is a reasonable cut off for possible cognitive decline in older persons up to the age of 93. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:534–538, 2019.
Intellectual, adaptive and behavioural characteristics in four patients with 18p deletion syndrome
Authors: Mello C. B. , Bueno O. F. A. , Benedetto L. M. , Pimenta L. S. E. , Takeno S. S. , Melaragno M. I. , Meloni V. A. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe association of behavioural phenotype assessment with cytogenomic characterisation may provide a better comprehension of genotype–phenotype correlations in syndromes caused by chromosomal abnormalities, such as 18p deletion syndrome.MethodWe report on four Brazilian patients with 18p deletion syndrome characterised by cytogenomic techniques and detailed neuropsychological evaluation. Intellectual, adaptive and behavioural characteristics were assessed through the Wechsler's Scales, the Vineland‐II Scale and the Child Behaviour Checklist, respectively. Socio‐economic measures including main caretaker educational level and family income as defined by Brazilian criteria for social class classification were also collected to evaluate a possible contribution of environmental factors in neurocognitive variability.ResultsTwo out of four patients showed intellectual disability (IQ < 70). Wechsler's scale results suggest that in our sample, interpretation of social situations based on observation of non‐verbal behaviour constitute a cognitive strength while judgement of social rules and language skills associated with word knowledge and verbal fluency may be a cognitive weakness. Concerning adaptive behaviour, motor and socialisation domains showed to better develop than communication and daily living skills on the Vineland‐II Scale. Only one patient presented internalising behavioural problems based on the Child Behaviour Checklist. Our results also suggested that socio‐economic status may contribute to overall patient development.ConclusionOur results suggest that some 18p deletion syndrome patients may present average intellectual performance and that the segment deletion size and some families' socio‐economic conditions may influence cognitive development.
EQUITY HOME BIAS: A REVIEW ESSAY
Authors: Ardalan Kavous 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis paper reviews the relatively more recent literature on equity home bias – the empirical finding that people overinvest in domestic stocks relative to the optimal investment portfolio implied by the modern portfolio theory. It reviews six broad classes of explanation of this puzzling phenomenon: (1) hedging home risks; (2) barriers to foreign investments; (3) information asymmetries; and (4) behavioral factors. The consensus is that none of the explanations can account for the full extent of the bias by itself, thus the home bias should be explained by a combination of rational and behavioral factors.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate as an independent prognostic marker for mortality: a prospective population‐based cohort study
Authors: Fest J. , Ruiter R. , Mooijaart S.P. , Ikram M. A. , van Eijck C. H. J. , Stricker B. H. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundA very high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is usually an indication of underlying pathology. Additionally, a moderately elevated ESR may also be attributable to biological ageing. Whether the ESR is a prognostic factor for mortality, regardless of age, has been scarcely investigated. Therefore, the objective was to analyse the association between elevated ESR levels and the risk of mortality in a prospective cohort of the general population.MethodsWe studied data from the Rotterdam Study (1990–2014). ESR levels were measured at baseline and individuals were followed until death or end of study. Associations between moderately (20–50 mm h−1) and markedly (>50 mm h−1) elevated ESR levels and all‐cause mortality were assessed using multivariate Cox proportional hazard models.ResultsIn total, 5226 participants were included, and the mean age was 70.3 years. During a median follow‐up time of 14.9 years, 3749 participants died (71.7%). After adjustment, both a moderately elevated ESR and a markedly elevated ESR were associated with a significantly higher risk of overall mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12–1.35 and HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.38–2.60, respectively]. Although the ESR becomes higher with age, in a group aged above 75 years, without any comorbidities, an ESR > 20 mm h−1 remained associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality (HR 1.29, 95%CI 1.01–1.64).ConclusionAn elevated ESR is an independent prognostic factor for mortality. Despite the fact that ESR increases with age, it remains associated with an increased risk of mortality and warrants close follow‐up.