bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cicatricial alopecia
Authors: Kanti Varvara , Röwert‐Huber Joachim , Vogt Annika , Blume‐Peytavi Ulrike 
Published: April 2018

SummaryIn the classification of the North American Hair Research Society, primary cicatricial alopecias (PCA) are divided into four groups according to their prominent inflammatory infiltrate: PCAs with lymphocytic, neutrophilic, mixed or nonspecific cell inflammation pattern. The hair loss can begin subclinically and progress slowly so that the exact onset of the disease is often difficult to determine. The diagnosis is often delayed. While most forms of cicatricial alopecia can be clearly diagnosed based on clinical presentation in the acute disease stage, diagnosis can be challenging in the subacute, early or late disease stages. At first presentation, a detailed patient history and dermatological examination of the body, including trichoscopy, should be performed. In clinically unclear cases, a biopsy should be performed. Due to the scarcity of primary cicatricial alopecia, there is little evidence on the efficacy of the various therapies. The aims of treatment are to stop or at least delay hair loss and progression of the scarring process, reduce clinical inflammation signs as well as to alleviate subjective symptoms. Hair re‐growth in already scarred areas should not be expected. Anti‐inflammatory treatment with topical corticosteroids class III to IV and / or with intracutaneous intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injections can be considered in most of the primary cicatricial alopecias. The choice of systemic therapy depends on the type of predominant inflammatory infiltrate and includes antimicrobial, antibiotic or immunomodulating/immunosuppressive agents. Psychological support and camouflage techniques should be offered to the patients.
Safety of nifedipine in threatened preterm labor: Investigation by three‐dimensional echocardiography
Authors: Grin Leonti , Laish‐Farkash Avishag , Shenhav Simon , Piltz Xavier , Ganelin Liah , Rabinovich Mark , Anteby Eyal Y. , Yosefy Chaim 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveTo evaluate atrial and ventricular parameters using real time three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (RT3DTTE) in women treated with nifedipine in the early third trimester (III‐T) of pregnancy.MethodsA prospective single‐subject design study in a university‐affiliated hospital, where each participant served as her own control. We studied 25 pregnant women at a gestational age of 25–33 weeks with TPTL prior to vs 48 hours postnifedipine treatment. Two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2DTTE) and RT3DTTE were used to study 3D left atrial (LA) volumes and indexes, emptying fraction, left ventricular and LA cavities, and total vascular resistance (TVR).ResultsTwo‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography showed a significant increase in LA area (from 15.2 ± 2.62 to 16.16 ± 2.21 mm2, P = .02) before vs after nifedipine; RT3DTTE showed a significant change in LA end‐diastolic volume index (from 23.7 ± 4.2 to 26.75 ± 3.8 mL/m2, P = .008). LA end‐systolic volume and index were not significantly different before vs after nifedipine (from 24.56 ± 8 to 25.3 ± 5.5 mL, from 13.6 ± 5.3 to 14.8 ± 3.4 mL/m2); P > .05, respectively. E/a ratio, E‐tdi, and E/E‐tdi did not change significantly ([from 2.54 ± 4.46 to 2.54 ± 4.1], [from 11.9 ± 1.9 to 11.9 ± 2], [from 7.8 ± 1.4 to 7.6 ± 1.1], respectively, P > .05). Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) did not change significantly from 23.77 ± 4.2 to 23.9 ± 3.3, P = .1. There was a significant decrease in pulmonary pressure (from 25.4 ± 4.2 to 23 ± 2.5 mm Hg, P = .02), in mean arterial pressure (from 80 ± 4 to 76 ± 3 mm Hg, P < .001) and in TVR (from 1160 ± 260 to 1050 ± 206 dyne s/cm−5, P = .04).ConclusionsAccording to RT3DTTE measurements, in pregnant women treated with nifedipine for tocolysis, there were no detrimental cardiovascular effects detected 48 hours postnifedipine treatment. RT3DTTE could show accurately the compensatory response of the left heart to the cardiovascular changes induced by treatment with nifedipine.
Structural plasticity of the TDRD3 Tudor domain probed by a fragment screening hit
Authors: Liu Jiuyang , Zhang Shuya , Liu Mingqing , Liu Yaqian , Nshogoza Gilbert , Gao Jia , Ma Rongsheng , Yang Yang , Wu Jihui , Zhang Jiahai , Li Fudong , Ruan Ke 
Published: April 2018

As a reader of di‐methylated arginine on various proteins, such as histone, RNA polymerase II, PIWI and Fragile X mental retardation protein, the Tudor domain of Tudor domain‐containing protein 3 (TDRD3) mediates transcriptional activation in nucleus and formation of stress granules in the cytoplasm. Despite the TDRD3 implication in cancer cell proliferation and invasion, warheads to block the di‐methylated arginine recognition pocket of the TDRD3 Tudor domain have not yet been uncovered. Here we identified 14 small molecule hits against the TDRD3 Tudor domain through NMR fragment‐based screening. These hits were further cross‐validated by using competitive fluorescence polarization and isothermal titration calorimetry experiments. The crystal structure of the TDRD3 Tudor domain in complex with hit 1 reveals a distinct binding mode from the nature substrate. Hit 1 protrudes into the aromatic cage of the TDRD3 Tudor domain, where the aromatic residues are tilted to accommodate a sandwich‐like π–π interaction. The side chain of the conserved residue N596 swings away 3.1 Å to form a direct hydrogen bond with hit 1. Moreover, this compound shows a decreased affinity against the single Tudor domain of survival motor neuron protein, but no detectable binding to neither the tandem Tudor domain of TP53‐binding protein 1 nor the extended Tudor domain of staphylococcal nuclease domain‐containing protein 1. Our work depicts the structural plasticity of the TDRD3 Tudor domain and paves the way for the subsequent structure‐guided discovery of selective inhibitors targeting Tudor domains.DatabaseStructural data are available in the PDB under the accession number 5YJ8.
Long‐term nitrogen fertilization decreases bacterial diversity and favors the growth of Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria in agro‐ecosystems across the globe
Authors: Dai Zhongmin , Su Weiqin , Chen Huaihai , Barberán Albert , Zhao Haochun , Yu Mengjie , Yu Lu , Brookes Philip C. , Schadt Christopher W. , Chang Scott X. , Xu Jianming 
Published: April 2018

AbstractLong‐term elevated nitrogen (N) input from anthropogenic sources may cause soil acidification and decrease crop yield, yet the response of the belowground microbial community to long‐term N input alone or in combination with phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) is poorly understood. We explored the effect of long‐term N and NPK fertilization on soil bacterial diversity and community composition using meta‐analysis of a global dataset. Nitrogen fertilization decreased soil pH, and increased soil organic carbon (C) and available N contents. Bacterial taxonomic diversity was decreased by N fertilization alone, but was increased by NPK fertilization. The effect of N fertilization on bacterial diversity varied with soil texture and water management, but was independent of crop type or N application rate. Changes in bacterial diversity were positively related to both soil pH and organic C content under N fertilization alone, but only to soil organic C under NPK fertilization. Microbial biomass C decreased with decreasing bacterial diversity under long‐term N fertilization. Nitrogen fertilization increased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, but reduced the abundance of Acidobacteria, consistent with the general life history strategy theory for bacteria. The positive correlation between N application rate and the relative abundance of Actinobacteria indicates that increased N availability favored the growth of Actinobacteria. This first global analysis of long‐term N and NPK fertilization that differentially affects bacterial diversity and community composition provides a reference for nutrient management strategies for maintaining belowground microbial diversity in agro‐ecosystems worldwide.
Prevalence, risk factors and adverse outcomes of anticholinergic burden in patients with advanced chronic conditions at hospital admission
Authors: Sevilla‐Sánchez Daniel , Molist‐Brunet Núria , González‐Bueno Javier , Solà‐Bonada Núria , Espaulella‐Panicot Joan , Codina‐Jané Carles 
Published: April 2018

AimTo evaluate the anticholinergic burden (ACB), the risk factors associated with its onset and the clinical consequences for patients with advanced chronic conditions.MethodsA 10‐month cross‐sectional study was carried out in an acute hospital care geriatric unit. Patients with advanced chronic conditions were identified by the NECessity of PALliative care (NECPAL) test. The ACB was established using the Anticholinergic Drug Scale and Drug Burden Index (DBI) tools. Demographic, pharmacological and clinical patient data were collected with the objective of determining risk factors related to ACB. Measured clinical outcomes were the presence of acute confusional state, bone fractures, length of stay, mortality and 12‐month survival rate.ResultsA total of 235 patients were recruited (mean age 86.80 years, SD 5.37 years; 65.50% women), and 82.10% (DBI) and 93.6% (Anticholinergic Drug Scale) of the patients were treated with anticholinergic medications. Excessive polypharmacy (≥10 drugs) was identified as a risk factor for the presence of anticholinergic medication (Anticholinergic Drug Scale: OR 6.26, 95% CI 1.38–28.42; DBI: OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.60–7.38). High anticholinergic burden (by DBI >2 points) was an independent risk factor for the presence of acute confusional state on hospital admission (OR 2.98, 95% CI 1.04–8.50). However, ACB was not related to bone fractures on admission, length of stay, mortality or survival.ConclusionsPatients with advanced chronic conditions are frequently treated with anticholinergic drugs, with excessive polypharmacy as a risk factor. Anticholinergic drugs are a risk factor for the presence of acute confusional state on hospital admission, but have no other effect in terms of morbimortality. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1159–1165.
A humanized TCR retaining authentic specificity and affinity conferred potent anti‐tumour cytotoxicity
Authors: Chen Lin , Tian Ye , Zhan Kai , Chen Anan , Weng Zhiming , Huang Jiao , Li Yanyan , Sun Yongjie , Zheng Hongjun , Li Yi 
Published: April 2018

SummaryThe affinity of T‐cell receptor (TCR) determines the efficacy of TCR‐based immunotherapy. By using human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐A*02 transgenic mice, a TCR was generated previously specific for human tumour testis antigen peptide MAGE‐A3112–120 (KVAELVHFL) HLA‐A*02 complex. We developed an approach to humanize the murine TCR by replacing the mouse framework with sequences of folding optimized human TCR variable domains for retaining binding affinity. The resultant humanized TCR exhibited higher affinity and conferred better anti‐tumour activity than its parent murine MAGE‐A3 TCR (SRm1). In addition, the affinity of humanized TCR was enhanced further to achieve improved T‐cell activation. Our studies demonstrated that the human TCR variable domain frameworks could provide support for complementarity‐determining regions from a murine TCR, and retain the original binding activity. It could be used as a generic approach of TCR humanization.
Large strain response with low driving field in Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3–Bi1/2K1/2TiO3–Bi(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3 ceramics
Authors: Dong Guangzhi , Fan Huiqing , Shi Jing , Li Qiang 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe (1−x)(0.8Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3–0.2Bi1/2K1/2TiO3)−xBiMg2/3Nb1/3O3 (100xBMN) ternary solid solutions were designed and prepared using a conventional solid‐state reaction. Temperature and compositional dependent ferroelectric, piezoelectric, dielectric features, and structural evolution were systematically studied. At the critical composition of 2BMN, a large bipolar strain of 0.43% was achieved at 55 kV/cm, and the normalized strain reaches to 862 pm/V at a low driving electric field of 40 kV/cm. It was found that the substitution of BiMg2/3Nb1/3O3 induces a transformation from ferroelectric to relaxor phase by disrupting the long range ferroelectric order. Therefore, as the external electric field was applied, a relaxor‐ferroelectric phase transition will be induced. This is contributed to the giant strain. The results above suggest that such a ternary composition is a promising candidate for application to actuator.
Production and characterization of enzyme‐treated spray‐dried soursop (Annona muricata L.) powder
Authors: Chang Lee S. , Karim Roselina , Abdulkarim Sabo Mohammed , Ghazali Hasanah Mohd 
Published: April 2018

AbstractEasily perishable soursop (Annona muricata L.) fruit was converted into powder for value‐addition. Soursop puree obtained from fruit pulp that had been treated with different concentrations (0–2% v/w) of Celluclast 1.5 L at fixed (1.5% v/w) concentration of Pectinase Ultra SP‐L were spray‐dried at various inlet temperatures (130–160 °C) after mixing the puree with maltodextrin (20–40% w/w). Multiple responses optimization from Response Surface Methodology (RSM) indicated puree that was pretreated with 1.3% (v/w) cellulase and incorporated with 37% w/w maltodextrin and spray‐dried at an inlet temperature of 156 °C could be transformed into powder that had the following physicochemical properties: moisture content, 2.03% (wb); Aw, 0.18; hygroscopicity, 29.02 g/100g; stickiness, 173.02 g and yield 70.56% of powder. The glass transition temperature (Tg) was found to range between 46.53 and 58.25 °C, indicating the spray‐dried powder was an amorphous material. Surface morphology of the powder particles, viewed using Scanning Electron Microscopy, showed they exhibited spherical in shape and possessed a continuous wall (crust) without surface cracks.Practical applicationsThis work offers an alternative way of reducing wastage in soursop plantation due to short shelf life and perishable properties of soursop fruit. Soursop fruit was transformed to soursop puree without the addition of water by enzymatic–liquefaction. The soursop puree produced by enzymatic pretreatment is suitable to be used as spray drying feed as the puree produced is smooth. This is significant especially to the food processing industry to understand the potential application of enzyme in pretreatment step to liquefy and reduce the viscosity in the production of puree instead of using conventional method (addition of water). Soursop powder was produced by spray drying which is a commercial method in the production of fruit powder. This indicates it is feasible with the spray drying to produce soursop powder that exhibited amorphous particle characteristic. Production of soursop powder also broadens its potential applications in food industry.
Linking Neighborhood Context and Health in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults in the Medicare Advantage Program
Authors: Jung Daniel , Kind Amy , Robert Stephanie , Buckingham William , DuGoff Eva 
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVESTo examine whether neighborhood context moderates the relationship between multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) and function in Medicare Advantage (MA) beneficiaries.DESIGNCross‐sectional study.SETTINGMedicare Health Outcome Survey Cohort 16 baseline data from 2013.PARTICIPANTSMA beneficiaries aged 65 and older (N=187,434).MEASUREMENTSWe defined disadvantaged neighborhoods as those with an Area Deprivation Index greater than the 85th percentile. MCCs was defined as having 2 or more chronic conditions. The primary outcome was any self‐reported functional limitations with a basic or instrumental activity of daily living. We used survey‐weighted multivariate linear probability regression to examine whether the neighborhood disadvantage moderates the relationship between MCCs and report of a functional limitation.RESULTSMore than one third (35.6%) of the sample reported a functional limitation. Beneficiaries with MCCs were more likely to report a functional limitation those with 0 or 1 chronic condition (odds ratio (OR)=2.63, 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.50–2.77). Beneficiaries in more‐disadvantaged neighborhoods were more likely to report a functional limitation than those in less‐disadvantaged neighborhoods (OR=1.14, 95% CI=1.08–1.21). In older adults with MCCs, the probability of reporting a functional limitation was 12 percentage points greater in those living in more‐disadvantaged neighborhoods than in those living in less‐disadvantaged neighborhoods.CONCLUSIONNeighborhood context is a significant predictor of functional limitation and moderates the association between chronic conditions and functional limitations. Health plans and public health officials could use publicly available indicators such as the ADI to target interventions to reduce functional impairment.
The GABAergic system as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Calvo‐Flores Guzmán Beatriz , Vinnakota Chitra , Govindpani Karan , Waldvogel Henry J. , Faull Richard L.M. , Kwakowsky Andrea 
Published: April 2018

AbstractGlutamatergic and cholinergic dysfunction are well‐attested features of Alzheimer's disease (AD), progressing with other pathological indices of the disorder and exacerbating neuronal and network dysfunction. However, relatively little attention has been paid to the inhibitory component of the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) network, particularly dysfunction in the gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling system. There is growing evidence in support of GABAergic remodeling in the AD brain, potentially beginning in early stages of disease pathogenesis, and this could thus be a valid molecular target for drug development and pharmacological therapies. Several GABAergic drugs have been tested for efficacy in attenuating or reversing various features and symptoms of AD, and this could represent a novel path by which we might address the growing need for more effective and benign therapies.image
Effect of simultaneously started clomiphene citrate and gonadotropins in antagonist regimes, on cumulative live births, fresh‐cycle live births and cost of stimulation in IVF cycles
Authors: Satwik Ruma , Kochhar Mohinder 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAimThe aim of the study was to compare simultaneously started clomiphene citrate (CC) and gonadotropins (Gn) with gonadotropins alone in conventional antagonist regimes with respect to fresh‐cycle live births, cumulative live births and cost of ovarian stimulation per started cycle.MethodsThis was a single‐center prospective cohort study conducted over 1 year. Women undergoing autologous in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment in antagonist protocols and who consented to participate in the study were divided into two cohorts. The CC cohort (n = 86) received 50 mg CC for 5 days and individualized Gn daily until the hCG trigger, both starting from day 2 and antagonist daily from day 8 of menstrual cycle. The Gn‐only cohort (n = 349) received individualized Gn from day 2 and the antagonist from day 7 of menstrual cycle. IVF outcomes and cost of stimulation were compared between two cohorts across expected ovarian response categories.ResultsThe CC cohort used a mean lower dose of Gn (1741.38 ± 604.46 vs 1980.54 ± 686.42; MD = −239.16; 95%CI = −348.03 to −189.24; P = 0.003) over fewer days (8.54 ± 1.86 vs 9.25 ± 1.97; MD =−0.71;95% CI = −1.17 to −0.25;
P = 0.0026) to achieve similar retrieved oocytes, (9.19 ± 5.92 vs 9.36 ± 6.96; MD = −0.17; 95%CI −1.77 to + 1.43; P = 0.83), positive bhCG rates (40% vs 29.6%, MD = 10.4%; OR = 1.65, 95%CI = 0.95–2.86; P = 0.078) and live births in fresh cycles (32.31% vs 21.30%; MD = 11.01%; OR = 1.76; 95%CI = 0.97–3.19; P = 0.06) and cumulative live births per initiated cycle (30.23% vs 20.34%; MD = 9.89%; OR = 1.697; 95%CI = 0.99–2.88; P = 0.0501). The dose lowering achieved a 28–40% reduction in the cost of stimulation, which was most noticeable in the hyper‐responder category for both hMG cycles, (Rs.11 602.3 ± 3365.9 vs 19615 ± 2677.1; MD = −8012.7; %age reduction: 40.8%; P = 0.0007) and recombinant FSH cycles (Rs. 22 459.6 ± 6255.3 vs 33 022.1 ± 9891.2; MD: −10 562; %age reduction: ‐32%; P = 0.0001).ConclusionCC started simultaneously with Gn in antagonist regimes helps lower the cost of stimulation without affecting IVF outcomes.
Correlation of quality of life with risk factors for first‐incident hip fracture in postmenopausal women
Authors: Chen Fang‐Ping , Fu Tsai‐Sheng , Lin Yu‐Ching , Fan Chih‐Ming 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to identify the correlation between health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and risk factors of first‐incidence hip fracture in postmenopausal women.MethodsThis case–control study included 99 postmenopausal women with first‐incident hip fracture and 101 women without hip fracture who were matched according to age. Evaluation consisted of clinical factors, 36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36) and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry for bone mineral density of hip and spine.ResultsThe mean age of patients with an accidental first‐incident hip fracture was 78.0 years. Patients with hip fractures had significantly lower scores for SF‐36 domains at enrollment and 4‐month follow up compared with the controls. Mental health also deteriorated significantly 4 months after hip fracture.Aside from lower HRQOL, clinical factors, including increased body height, no experience with estrogen therapy, rheumatoid arthritis, use of walking aids, less weight‐bearing exercise, and diuretics use, were significant risk factors for hip fracture in univariate analysis. After multivariate adjustment, only the use of walking aids and decreased physical component summary were independent risk factors of hip fracture. Besides aging, use of walking aids, weight‐bearing exercise, and psychological medication were the main factors affecting HRQOL when considering their relationship with hip fractures.ConclusionThe occurrence of first‐incidence hip fracture is highly associated with HRQOL. Aside from aging, clinical factors affecting HRQOL correlated with hip fracture incidence. Thus, in elderly women, exercise or physical therapy to improve physical function and mental support is crucial and should be considered the most important factors for first‐incidence hip fracture prevention.
A forest‐based environment as a site of literacy and meaning making for kindergarten children
Authors: Streelasky Jodi 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis study analyses the valued school experiences of 15 five‐ and six‐year‐old Canadian children, through their creation of multimodal texts. Throughout the school year, the students spent a large portion of each school day in the expansive forest on the school grounds, and their texts revealed their significant interest in this natural outdoor environment. Specifically, the data revealed that the outdoor space provided a context where the children could engage with each other and the environment in meaningful, creative and collaborative ways. This research has the potential to contribute to our understanding of the capacity of young children to share their thoughts on their school experiences by drawing on a range of modes and to contribute to our understanding of the power of alternative learning spaces, such as forest environments, on children's literacy learning and development.