bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Murine neutrophils treated with alphaB‐crystallin reduce IL‐12p40 production by dendritic cells
Authors: Finlay Trisha M. , Palmer Alexandra L. , Ousman Shalina S. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryNeutrophils are essential in the fight against invading pathogens. They utilize antimicrobial effector mechanisms, such as phagocytosis, release of proteases and other antimicrobial products, robust oxidative bursts and neutrophil extracellular traps to combat infections. Neutrophils also modulate immune responses through the production of eicosanoids, cytokines and chemokines, as well as via direct communication with other immune cells. This system of high‐intensity offense against pathogens is exquisitely balanced through regulation to limit damage to host tissue. Unfortunately, the control of neutrophils is not failproof. In cases of sterile injury, autoimmunity and even during an infection, neutrophils can cause tissue destruction and become detrimental to the host. For that reason, there is a need to find means to regulate the aberrant activation of these cells. We found that alphaB‐crystallin (αBC), a heat‐shock protein known to have anti‐inflammatory abilities, affects certain properties of mouse neutrophils that subsequently influence the pro‐inflammatory state of antigen‐presenting cells (APCs). More specifically, αBC mediated small but significant increases in the levels of IL‐10 and matrix metalloproteinase 8, and altered hydrogen peroxide secretion by stimulated neutrophils. Further, the heat‐shock protein influenced the communication between neutrophils and dendritic cells by decreasing the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, specifically IL‐12p40, by the APCs. αBC could thus contribute to dampening neutrophil inflammatory responses by impacting the effect of neutrophils on other immune cells.
Thermal conductivity analysis using three‐dimensional microstructures of gelation freezing derived cellular mullite
Authors: Fukushima Manabu , Hyuga Hideki , Matsunaga Chika , Yoshizawa Yu‐Ichi 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe relationship between thermal conductivity and unidirectional cellular mullite microstructures created with the freeze casting route is discussed using actual three‐dimensional (3D) images, in which a homogenization method was conducted with microscopic models created from 3D images, the temperature variation in macroscopic models by the finite element method (FEM), and local heat conduction in microscopic models. The simulation results were consistent with the experimental results. This image‐based modeling technique was thus confirmed to be a strong tool for the prediction of various thermal properties of porous ceramics.
Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the family‐centred practices scale for use with families of young children receiving early childhood intervention
Authors: Mas Joana M. , Cañadas Marga , Balcells‐Balcells Anna , Giné Climent , Serrano Ana M. , Dunst Carl J. 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundEarly childhood intervention (ECI) centres in Spain recently initiated a process of change towards the adoption of family‐centred practices (FCPs). Knowledge about the extent to which practitioners' use FCPs is needed. The psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the FCPs scale were examined.MethodA convenience sample of 105 families of children with developmental delays attending three different ECI centres in Spain completed the FCPs scale and provided information about the ECI centre characteristics and practices, caregiver self‐efficacy beliefs, and family and child demographic information.ResultsThe Spanish version of the FCP scale was found to be both reliable and valid. FCPs were correlated with self‐efficacy beliefs, parents' involvement in their child's ECI program and family decision making.ConclusionThe FCP scale provides practitioners with useful information about their practices, but also has capacity‐building consequences for families. The study is a first step for examining the use of FCPs in Spain.
Barriers faced by adults with intellectual disabilities who experience sexual assault: A systematic review and meta‐synthesis
Authors: McGilloway Connie , Smith David , Galvin Rose 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundSexual violence is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The incidence of sexual violence against adults with intellectual disability is significantly higher than in the general population. The aim of this systematic review and qualitative meta‐synthesis was to explore the barriers faced by adults with intellectual disability in reporting sexual assault from the perspective of different stakeholders.MethodA systematic literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies. A hermeneutic interpretive approach was employed to review and assess the methodological quality of the studies. Findings were meta‐synthesized and juxtaposed to identify themes, concepts and interpretations.ResultsThirteen studies were included. Three overarching themes emerged from an interpersonal, professional and social context, and within these domains, eight subthemes emerged as barriers to reporting sexual assault, including fear, communication, sexual knowledge and understanding, intellectual disability identification, lack of collaboration between service providers, presumption of capacity/credibility, lack of resources, myths and misconceptions.ConclusionThe research demonstrates that deficiencies in communication and collaboration among agencies, a lack of appropriate legislation and specific training needs and education programmes are significant barriers in the reporting of sexual assault by people with intellectual disability. These findings are not unique to adults with intellectual disability and have also been identified among people from the general population who experience sexual assault. However, adults with intellectual disability have additional barriers to overcome in order to access equal rights to healthcare, education and the legal system.
A review of research on bridging the gap between formal and informal learning with technology in primary school contexts
Authors: Jagušt T. , Botički I. , So H.‐J. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis study reviews empirical research articles published in the field of technology‐enhanced learning in the out‐of‐class contexts in primary schools between the years 2007 and 2016 and explores how the body of research has connected formal and informal learning experiences, referred to in the paper as bridging the gap. The review focuses on 43 selected experiments from 41 research papers, which are in detail examined and classified using the 3 criteria: (a) the Bloom's taxonomy for learning, (b) the intentionality to physical settings classification used to differentiate types of learning in various environments, and (c) the characteristics of seamless learning design. The findings confirm that technology can enhance learning in and out of classroom, especially by impacting student interest, motivation, and engagement. The close examination of the subset of studies with cognitive gains shows that they successfully bridged the gap between learning spaces and that such bridging positively correlates with the number of steps in the learning activity design. The successful bridging of the gap between learning spaces could further benefit from including more online social learning activities into the designed learning process and from involving teachers as cocreators of the learning process and resources.
Usefulness of pace mapping in catheter ablation of left ventricular papillary muscle ventricular arrhythmias with a preferential conduction
Authors: Itoh Taihei , Yamada Takumi 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIntroductionPreferential conduction from an origin to breakout sites can occur during ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) originating from the left ventricular papillary muscles (LVPMs). The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence, electrophysiological characteristics, and relevance to radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of such a preferential conduction demonstrated by pace mapping.Methods and resultsWe studied 34 consecutive patients undergoing RFCA of 40 LVPM VAs. Among 78 QRS morphologies during these VAs, pace mapping was performed for 67 QRS morphologies during 37 VAs, and revealed VA‐matched pace maps (M‐PMs) with a latency for 14 QRS morphologies during 11 VAs (30%). Among 47 QRS morphologies with activation mapping, RFCA at the earliest activation site (EAS) was successful in 39, but not successful in 8 despite M‐PMs with no latency. In these cases, RFCA was successful at remote sites of the M‐PMs with latency (n = 6) and a site located between the EAS and site of that with latency (n = 1). Among the remaining 31 QRS morphologies with pace mapping only, RFCA was successful at M‐PM sites with no latency in 17, and at M‐PMs sites with latency in 7. In 3 of those 7 QRS morphologies, M‐PMs were recorded at multiple remote sites, and RFCA was not successful at M‐PM sites with no latency (n = 2) or a shorter latency (n = 1).ConclusionsWhen an M‐PM with latency was recorded in LVPM VAs, RFCA at that site was highly successful. Attention should be paid to latency as well as the score during pace mapping of LVPM VAs.
Late potentials abolition reduces ventricular tachycardia recurrence after ablation especially in higher‐risk patients with a chronic total occlusion in an infarct‐related artery
Authors: Di Marco Andrea , Oloriz Sanjuan Teresa , Paglino Gabriele , Baratto Francesca , Vergara Pasquale , Bisceglia Caterina , Trevisi Nicola , Sala Simone , Marzi Alessandra , Gulletta Simone , Cireddu Manuela , Anguera Ignasi , Della Bella Paolo 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIntroductionLate potentials (LP) abolition is recognized as an effective strategy for substrate ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT). The presence of a chronic total occlusion in a coronary artery responsible for a previous myocardial infarction (infarct related artery CTO, IRA‐CTO) is emerging as a predictor of ventricular arrhythmias and VT recurrence after ablation. We sought to analyze the effects of LP abolition, focusing on the high‐risk subgroup of patients with IRA‐CTO.Methods and resultsThis was a single‐center, observational study that screened all patients with prior myocardial infarction and clinical VT, referred for VT ablation at San Raffaele Hospital between 2010 and June 2013. Patients were then included in the study if they had a coronary diagnostic angiography (without revascularization) performed during the index hospitalization. The main endpoint was VT recurrence after ablation. Eighty‐four patients formed the population of the study. An IRA‐CTO was present in 47 patients (56%) and the presence of an IRA‐CTO was a predictor of VT recurrence (HR 3.7, P = 0.005). LP were observed in 51 patients and successfully abolished in 38 cases. LP abolition was associated with lower VT recurrence especially among patients with IRA‐CTO (24% vs. 65%, P = 0.005). The presence of an IRA‐CTO, in combination with no LP abolition, was the strongest predictor of VT recurrence (HR 4.4, P < 0.001).ConclusionsLate potentials abolition is an effective strategy for substrate ablation of ventricular tachycardia. The additional reduction of VT recurrence achieved with LP abolition on top of noninducibility is especially significant among high‐risk patients with IRA‐CTO.
Intensive blood pressure lowering reduces adverse cardiovascular outcomes among patients with high‐normal glucose: An analysis from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial database
Authors: Gong Yan , Smith Steven M. , Handberg Eileen M. , Pepine Carl J. , Cooper‐DeHoff Rhonda M. 
Published: March 2018

The objective of this analysis is to determine the effect of intensive (<120 mm Hg) versus standard (<140 mm Hg) systolic blood pressure (SBP) targets on cardiovascular (CV) outcomes among SPRINT participants with low‐normal or high‐normal fasting glucose (FG). We categorized the 5425 SPRINT participants with FG <100 mg/dL into 2 groups: <85 mg/dL (low‐normal) and 85 to <100 mg/dL (high‐normal). Among participants with low‐normal glucose, there was no significant difference in the primary outcome (PO) between the 2 treatment arms (adjusted hazard ratio, HR: 1.27 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68‐2.37, P = .46). However, the intensive SBP target was associated with 27% lower risk for the PO compared with the standard SBP target in those with high‐normal glucose (HR 0.73, 0.57‐0.93, P = .01). Our results indicate that hypertensive patients with high‐normal FG may benefit from intensive SBP lowering, whereas benefits were inconclusive among those with low‐normal FG.
Reference intervals and percentiles for carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity in a healthy population aged between 9 and 87 years
Authors: Diaz Alejandro , Zócalo Yanina , Bia Daniel , Wray Sandra , Fischer Edmundo Cabrera 
Published: March 2018

There is little information regarding age‐related reference intervals (RIs) of carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) for large healthy populations in South America. The aims of this study were to determine cfPWV RIs and percentiles in a cohort of healthy children, adolescents, and adults and to generate year‐to‐year percentile curves and body‐height percentile curves for children and adolescents. cfPWV was measured in 1722 healthy participants with no cardiovascular risk factors (9–87 years, 60% men). First, RIs were evaluated for males and females through correlation and covariate analysis. Then, mean and standard deviation age‐related equations were obtained for cfPWV using parametric regression methods based on fractional polynomials and age‐specific (year‐to‐year) percentile curves that were defined using the standard normal distribution. Age‐specific first, 2.5th, 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, 95th, 97.5th, and 99th percentile curves were calculated. Finally, height‐related cfPWV percentile curves for children and adolescents (<21 years) were established. After adjusting for age and blood pressure differences with respect to females, males showed higher cfPWV levels (6.60 vs 6.45 m/s; P < .01). Thus, specific RIs for males and females were reported. The study provides the largest database to date concerning cfPWV in healthy people from Argentina. Specific RIs and percentiles of cfPWV are now available according to age and sex. Specific percentiles of cfPWV according to body height were reported for people younger than 21 years.
NDAMDA: Network distance analysis for MiRNA‐disease association prediction
Authors: Chen Xing , Wang Le‐Yi , Huang Li 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) are attracting an increasing amount of researchers’ attention, as accumulating studies show that miRNAs play important roles in various basic biological processes and that dysregulation of miRNAs is connected with diverse human diseases, particularly cancers. However, the experimental methods to identify associations between miRNAs and diseases remain costly and laborious. In this study, we developed a computational method named Network Distance Analysis for MiRNA‐Disease Association prediction (NDAMDA) which could effectively predict potential miRNA‐disease associations. The highlight of this method was the use of not only the direct network distance between 2 miRNAs (diseases) but also their respective mean network distances to all other miRNAs (diseases) in the network. The model's reliable performance was certified by the AUC of 0.8920 in global leave‐one‐out cross‐validation (LOOCV), 0.8062 in local LOOCV and the average AUCs of 0.8935 ± 0.0009 in fivefold cross‐validation. Moreover, we applied NDAMDA to 3 different case studies to predict potential miRNAs related to breast neoplasms, lymphoma, oesophageal neoplasms, prostate neoplasms and hepatocellular carcinoma. Results showed that 86%, 72%, 86%, 86% and 84% of the top 50 predicted miRNAs were supported by experimental association evidence. Therefore, NDAMDA is a reliable method for predicting disease‐related miRNAs.
Up‐regulated deubiquitinase USP4 plays an oncogenic role in melanoma
Authors: Guo Weinan , Ma Jinyuan , Pei Tianli , Zhao Tao , Guo Sen , Yi Xiuli , Liu Yu , Wang Shiyu , Zhu Guannan , Jian Zhe , Gao Tianwen , Li Chunying , Liao Wenjun , Shi Qiong 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMelanoma is the most malignant skin cancer with increasing incidence worldwide. Although innovative therapies such as BRAF inhibitor and immune checkpoint inhibitor have gained remarkable advances, metastatic melanoma remains an incurable disease for its notorious aggressiveness. Therefore, further clarification of the underlying mechanism of melanoma pathogenesis is critical for the improvement of melanoma therapy. Ubiquitination is an important regulatory event for cancer hallmarks and melanoma development, and the deubiquitinating enzymes including ubiquitin‐specific peptidase (USP) families are greatly implicated in modulating cancer biology. Herein, we first found that the expression of the deubiquitinase USP4 was significantly up‐regulated in melanoma tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, although USP4 knockdown had little impact on melanoma cell proliferation, it could increase the sensitivity to DNA damage agent cisplatin. We subsequently showed that USP4 regulated cisplatin‐induced cell apoptosis via p53 signalling. More importantly, USP4 could accentuate the invasive and migratory capacity of melanoma cells by promoting epithelial‐mesenchymal transition. Altogether, our results demonstrate that the up‐regulated USP4 plays an oncogenic role in melanoma by simultaneously suppressing stress‐induced cell apoptosis and facilitating tumour metastasis.
Diabetic neuropathy and the sensory neuron: New aspects of pathogenesis and their treatment implications
Authors: Kobayashi Masaki , Zochodne Douglas W 
Published: March 2018

AbstractDiabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) continues to be generally considered as a “microvascular” complication of diabetes mellitus alongside nephropathy and retinopathy. The microvascular hypothesis, however, might be tempered by the concept that diabetes directly targets dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons. This neuron‐specific concept, supported by accumulating evidence, might account for important features of DPN, such as its early sensory neuron degeneration. Diabetic sensory neurons develop neuronal atrophy alongside a series of messenger ribonucleic acid (RNA) changes related to declines in structural proteins, increases in heat shock protein, increases in the receptor for advanced glycation end‐products, declines in growth factor signaling and other changes. Insulin is recognized as a potent neurotrophic factor, and insulin ligation enhances neurite outgrowth through activation of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase–protein kinase B pathway within sensory neurons and attenuates phenotypic features of experimental DPN. Several interventions, including glucagon‐like peptide‐1 agonism, and phosphatase and tensin homolog inhibition to activate growth signals in sensory neurons, or heat shock protein overexpression, prevent or reverse neuropathic abnormalities in experimental DPN. Diabetic sensory neurons show a unique pattern of microRNA alterations, a key element of messenger RNA silencing. For example, let‐7i is widely expressed in sensory neurons, supports their growth and is depleted in experimental DPN; its replenishment improves features of DPN models. Finally, impairment of pre‐messenger RNA splicing in diabetic sensory neurons including abnormal nuclear RNA metabolism and structure with loss of survival motor neuron protein, a neuron survival molecule, and overexpression of CWC22, a splicing factor, offer further novel insights. The present review addresses these new aspects of DPN sensory neurodegeneration.
Application of functional magnetic resonance imaging in psychiatric clinical evaluation: Controversies and avenues
Authors: Kandilarova Sevdalina , Stoyanov Drozdstoy , Popivanov Ivo D. , Kostianev Stefan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesIn this study, we have attempted to replicate the findings of altered emotional processing in depressed patients compared with healthy controls by means of functional magnetic resonance imaging during passive viewing of positive, negative, and neutral pictures from the International Affective Pictures System.MethodsNineteen medicated depressed patients and 19 sex and age‐matched healthy controls underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging during presentation of affective pictures in a block design. The differences between the blood oxygen level dependent signal elicited in the tree conditions were compared. Within‐group and between‐group analyses were performed with stringent criteria for statistical inference (P < .05 with family‐wise error correction).ResultsIn medicated depressed patients, positive pictures compared with neutral pictures activated predominantly the posterior cingulate cortex and precuneus, as well as occipital and middle temporal areas mainly on the left side, while in healthy controls, only the occipito‐temporal areas demonstrated significant activation. The negative pictures elicited stronger activation of occipital and temporal regions in both groups and of inferior frontal gyrus only in control subjects. The difference between the groups did not reach statistical significance. Positive correlation was demonstrated between activation levels of clusters located in left precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex and left inferior/middle occipital gyrus and Montgomery‐Asberg Depression Rating Scale scores in patients while viewing positive compared with neutral pictures.ConclusionsAlthough the within‐group analysis demonstrated significant activations in both groups with apparent discrepancies, the between‐group analysis did not reach statistical significance under the stringent criteria for statistical inference. These results are further contextualized in the critical debate on the methodological issues of clinical evaluation in psychiatry, more specifically the validity and consistency of the applied methods and the limitations existing in the attempts to provide sound cross‐disciplinary validation of the diagnostic tools by means of neuroscience.
An Optimized Protocol of Protargol Staining for Ciliated Protozoa
Authors: Ji Daode , Wang Yunfeng 
Published: March 2018

AbstractProtargol staining is a crucial method to reveal the infraciliature of ciliates, which is the most important morphological character for species identification. In the present study, Wilbert's protocol of protargol staining was emended mainly toward the highly happened improper bleaching. Through reciprocal treatments, both insufficient and excessive bleachings were much eliminated from the protargol protocol and the tests performed with four different species of ciliates established that the stainings were considerably improved and more reliable with optimized bleaching. Compared to the original protocol, the optimized method was proved to be more suitable for the groups difficult to stain, and it is also friendlier for the beginners and researchers in related fields.
Gazelletta kashiwaensis sp. nov. (Medusettidae, Phaeodaria, Cercozoa), Its Morphology, Phylogeny, Distribution, and Feeding Behavior
Authors: Nakamura Yasuhide , Somiya Rei , Kanda Masaru , Yamaguchi Atsushi , Tuji Akihiro , Hori Rie S. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA phaeodarian morphotype, characterized by the feet surrounded with forked pedal spines with anchor‐like structures, was collected in the subtropical North Pacific. Considering the morphological and phylogenetic uniqueness, this morphotype is described as Gazelletta kashiwaensis sp. nov. The distribution of this new species is possibly affected by the Kuroshio Current. The feeding behavior of living phaeodarians was first filmed: the present new species floated in the water column stretching “protoplasmic webs” and collected diatoms by repeating the expansion and retraction of “pseudopodium‐like tentacles”.