bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanoparticle‐based approaches to immune tolerance for the treatment of autoimmune diseases
Authors: Serra Pau , Santamaria Pere 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAutoimmune diseases are caused by antigenically complex immune responses of the adaptive and innate immune system against specific cells, tissues or organs. Antigen‐specific approaches for induction of immune tolerance in autoimmunity, based on the use of antigenic peptides or proteins, have failed to deliver the desired therapeutic results in clinical trials. These approaches, which are largely relying on triggering clonal anergy and/or deletion of defined autoreactive specificities, do not address the overwhelming antigenic, molecular, and cellular complexity of most autoimmune diseases, which involve various immune cells and ever‐growing repertoires of antigenic epitopes on numerous self‐antigens. Advances in the field of regulatory T‐cell (Treg) biology have suggested that Treg cells might be able to afford dominant tolerance provided they are properly activated and expanded in vivo. More recently, nanotechnology has introduced novel technical advances capable of modulating immune responses. Here, we review nanoparticle‐based approaches designed to induce immune tolerance, ranging from approaches that primarily trigger clonal T‐cell anergy or deletion to approaches that trigger Treg cell formation and expansion from autoreactive T‐cell effectors. We will also highlight the therapeutic potential and positive outcomes in numerous experimental models of autoimmunity.
Synthesis of Actinide Fluoride Complexes Using Trimethyltin Fluoride as a Mild and Selective Fluorinating Reagent
Authors: Kagan Benjamin D. , Lichtscheidl Alejandro G. , Erickson Karla A. , Monreal Marisa J. , Scott Brian L. , Nelson Andrew T. , Kiplinger Jaqueline L. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractInvited for the cover of this issue are JaquelineàL. Kiplinger and co‐workers from Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico, USA. The cover image shows the versatility of trimethyltin fluoride (Me3SnF) as a reagent for the conversion of actinide halides to actinide fluorides.
Modelling feedbacks between geomorphological and riparian vegetation responses under climate change in a Mediterranean context
Authors: Martínez‐Fernández Vanesa , Van Oorschot Mijke , De Smit Jaco , González del Tánago Marta , Buijse Anthonie D. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractClimate change is expected to alter temperatures and precipitation patterns, affecting river flows and hence riparian corridors. In this context we have explored the potential evolution of riparian corridors under a dryness gradient of flow regimes associated with climate change in a Mediterranean river. We have applied an advanced bio‐hydromorphodynamic model incorporating interactions between hydro‐morphodynamics and vegetation. Five scenarios, representing drier conditions and more extreme events, and an additional reference scenario without climate change, have been designed and extended until the year 2100. The vegetation model assesses colonization, growth and mortality of Salicaceae species. We analysed the lower course of the Curueño River, a free flowing gravel bed river (NW Spain), as a representative case study of the Mediterranean region.Modelling results reveal that climate change will affect both channel morphology and riparian vegetation in terms of cover, age distribution and mortality. Reciprocal interactions between flow conditions and riparian species as bio‐engineers are predicted to promote channel narrowing, which becomes more pronounced as dryness increases. Reductions in seedling cover and increases in sapling and mature forest cover are predicted for all climate change scenarios compared with the reference scenario, and the suitable area for vegetation development declines and shifts towards lower floodplain elevations. Climate change also leads to younger vegetation becoming more subject to uprooting and flooding. The predicted reduction in suitable establishment areas and the narrowing of vegetated belts threatens the persistence of the current riparian community. This study highlights the usefulness of advanced bio‐hydromorphodynamic modelling for assessing climate change effects on fluvial landscapes. It also illustrates the need to consider climate change in river management to identify appropriate adaptation measures for riparian ecosystems. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NUP98‐BPTF gene fusion identified in primary refractory acute megakaryoblastic leukemia of infancy
Authors: Roussy Mathieu , Bilodeau Mélanie , Jouan Loubna , Tibout Pauline , Laramée Louise , Lemyre Emmanuelle , Léveillé France , Tihy Frédérique , Cardin Sophie , Sauvageau Camille , Couture Françoise , Louis Isabelle , Choblet Aurélien , Patey Natalie , Gendron Patrick , Duval Michel , Teira Pierre , Hébert Josée , Wilhelm Brian T. , Choi John K. , Gruber Tanja A. , Bittencourt Henrique , Cellot Sonia 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe advent of large scale genomic sequencing technologies significantly improved the molecular classification of acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia (AMKL). AMKL represents a subset (∼10%) of high fatality pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Recurrent and mutually exclusive chimeric gene fusions associated with pediatric AMKL are found in 60%‐70% of cases and include RBM15‐MKL1, CBFA2T3‐GLIS2, NUP98‐KDM5A and MLL rearrangements. In addition, another 4% of AMKL harbor NUP98 rearrangements (NUP98r), with yet undetermined fusion partners. We report a novel NUP98‐BPTF fusion in an infant presenting with primary refractory AMKL. In this NUP98r, the C‐terminal chromatin recognition modules of BPTF, a core subunit of the NURF (nucleosome remodeling factor) ATP‐dependent chromatin‐remodeling complex, are fused to the N‐terminal moiety of NUP98, creating an in frame NUP98‐BPTF fusion, with structural homology to NUP98‐KDM5A. The leukemic blasts expressed two NUP98‐BPTF splicing variants, containing one or two tandemly spaced PHD chromatin reader domains. Our study also identified an unreported wild type BPTF splicing variant encoding for 2 PHD domains, detected both in normal cord blood CD34+ cells and in leukemic blasts, as with the fly BPTF homolog, Nurf301. Disease course was marked by rapid progression and primary chemoresistance, with ultimately significant tumor burden reduction following treatment with a clofarabine containing regimen. In sum, we report 2 novel NUP98‐BPTF fusion isoforms that contribute to refine the NUP98r subgroup of pediatric AMKL. Multicenter clinical trials are critically required to determine the frequency of this fusion in AMKL patients and explore innovative treatment strategies for a disease still plagued with poor outcomes.
Continuously infused amphotericin B deoxycholate for primary treatment of invasive fungal disease in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Rothenbühler Christoph , Held Ulrike , Manz Markus G. , Schanz Urs , Gerber Bernhard 
Published: February 2018

AbstractContinuous administration of amphotericin B deoxycholate over 24 hours (24 h‐D‐AmB) is better tolerated than rapid infusions. However, toxicity and outcome have not been assessed in a homogenous patient population with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). We retrospectively analysed renal function and outcome in all adult patients with AML undergoing intensive chemotherapy between 2007 and 2012 at our institution. We compared a patient group with exposure to 24 h‐D‐AmB to a patient group without exposure to 24 h‐D‐AmB. One hundred and eighty‐one consecutive patients were analysed, 133 (73.5%) received at least 1 dose of 24 h‐D‐AmB, and 48 (26.5%) did not. Reasons for 24 h‐D‐AmB initiation were invasive fungal disease (IFD) in 63.5% and empirical treatment for febrile neutropenia in 36.5% of the cases. Most patients with IFD received an oral triazole drug at hospital discharge. Baseline characteristics were well matched. Amphotericin B deoxycholate over 24 hours was given for a median 7 days (interquartile range 3‐13). Peak creatinine concentration was higher in the 24 h‐D‐AmB‐group (104.5 vs. 76 μmol/L, P < .001) but normalized within 1 month after therapy (65.5 vs. 65 μmol/L, P = .979). In neither of the 2 groups, end‐stage renal disease occurred. There was no difference in 60‐day survival (90% vs. 90%) and 2‐year survival (58% vs. 58%). Invasive fungal disease partial response or better was observed in 68% of the patients. We conclude that antifungal therapy with continuously infused amphotericin B deoxycholate is safe in patients with AML. An antiinfective strategy based on 24 h‐D‐AmB in first line followed by an oral triazole compound represents an economically attractive treatment option.
Examining the association between exposure to mass media and health insurance enrolment in Ghana
Authors: Kansanga Moses Mosonsieyiri , Asumah Braimah Joseph , Antabe Roger , Sano Yuji , Kyeremeh Emmanuel , Luginaah Isaac 
Published: February 2018

SummaryAlthough previous studies have explored the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Ghana, very little attention is paid to the influence of mass media exposure on NHIS enrolment. Yet, understanding this linkage is important, particularly due to the critical role of mass media in disseminating health information and shaping people's health perceptions and choices. Using data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, we employed logistic regression analysis to understand the relationship between NHIS enrolment and exposure to print media, radio, and television. Our findings indicate that women with more exposure to radio (OR = 1.23, P < 0.01) and television (OR = 1.24, P < 0.01) were more likely to enroll in the NHIS than those with no exposure. For men, more exposure to print media was associated with higher odds of enrolling in the NHIS (OR = 1.41, P < 0.01). In conclusion, all 3 types of media may be helpful in promoting NHIS enrolment in Ghana. However, given that the relationship between media exposure and enrolment in the NHIS was gendered, we recommend that policymakers should pay attention to these dynamics to ensure effective targeting in NHIS media campaigns for increased enrolment into the scheme.
Rapid reduction of extremely high kappa free light chains in a patient with myeloma cast nephropathy
Authors: Snozek Christine L. H. , Kinard Theresa N. , Adamski Jill 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTThis report describes a patient with light chain myeloma and acute renal injury. Serum kappa free light chain (FLC) was extremely elevated, >33,000 mg/dL. Treatment with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) started day 2 for biopsy‐confirmed cast nephropathy. Bortezomib‐containing chemotherapy was initiated on day 5, and hemodialysis for tumor lysis syndrome on day 7. TPE alone decreased kappa FLC >70% by day 5, indicating direct FLC removal was successful in this patient. A total of 25 TPE procedures were performed in a 31‐day hospitalization. Hemodialysis was discontinued after 3 months, and the patient's renal function and kappa FLC remain stable. Although the use of TPE for FLC removal is controversial, recent evidence supports its use as adjuvant therapy for acute renal injury secondary to myeloma cast nephropathy. TPE can be effective for rapidly reducing FLC; however, several TPE procedures might be required to reduce the risk of hemodialysis dependency.
Comparison of L‐selectin blood level and gene polymorphism in tuberculosis patients with healthy individuals
Authors: Eini Peyman , Shirvani Maria , Hajilooi Mehrdad , Esna‐Ashari Farzaneh 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundThe inflammatory response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli influences tuberculosis (TB) progression. In this study, we aimed to identify the Phe206Leu polymorphism and serum L‐selectin level in TB patients, compared to healthy individuals.MethodsNinety patients with a diagnosis of TB and 90 healthy controls were selected in this study. The serum L‐selectin level was determined, using ELISA. L‐selectin polymorphism was also evaluated using PCR. For data analysis, SPSS was used at a significance level of 0.05.ResultsAccording to the findings, the mean±SD age of the participants was 57.5 ± 18.4 and 56.5 ± 17.5 years in the TB and healthy groups, respectively. The TB group showed a significantly higher serum L‐selectin level (1721.1 ± 330.9) versus the healthy controls (1624 ± 279). The L‐selectin Phe allele frequencies were higher than the Leu allele frequencies in the main population, whereas the patients and controls were not significantly different. Eight (0.04%) subjects had Leu/Leu genotypes, 84 (46.6%) carried Phe/Leu genotypes, and 88 (48.8%) had Phe/Phe genotypes. Our results showed that the groups were not significantly different regarding L‐selectin genotypes.ConclusionTB patients had a significantly higher serum L‐selectin level, compared to the controls. Based on the findings, the incidence of TB and L‐selectin polymorphism in the Phe206Leu gene had no significant association.
FT‐Raman spectroscopy, µ‐EDXRF spectrometry, and microhardness analysis of the dentin of primary and permanent teeth
Authors: Torres Carolina Paes , Miranda Gomes‐Silva Jaciara , Menezes‐Oliveira Maria Angélica Hueb , Silva Soares Luís Eduardo , Palma‐Dibb Regina Guenka , Borsatto Maria Cristina 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe chemical compositions (organic and inorganic contents) and mechanical behaviors of the dentin of permanent and deciduous teeth were analyzed and compared using X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (µ‐EDXRF) Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy (FT‐Raman) and a microhardness test (HD). Healthy fresh human primary and permanent molars (n = 10) were selected, The buccal surfaces facing upwards were stabilized in an acrylic plate, flattened, polished, and submitted to the µ‐EDXRF, FT‐Raman, and HD analysis. The results of the analysis were subjected to ANOVAs and Mann‐WhitneyU/Student'stmultiple comparisons tests. The data showed similar values for the dentin of the primary and permanent teeth in P content, organic content (amide I peak), inorganic content (– 430 and 590), and microhardness, Nevertheless, Ca content and Ca/P weight ratio were higher, and thepeak was lower in the dentin of the permanent teeth compared to primary teeth. It be concluded that despite permanent teeth showed more Ca element, both substrates showed similar behavior of chemical and physical properties.
Clinical course of type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis patients without steroid treatment: a Japanese multicenter study of 97 patients
Authors: Kubota Kensuke , Kamisawa Terumi , Hirano Kenji , Hirooka Yoshiki , Uchida Kazushige , Ikeura Tsukasa , Shiomi Hideyuki , Ohara Hirotaka , Shimizu Kyoko , Arakura Norikazu , Kanno Atsushi , Sakagami Junichi , Itoi Takao , Ito Tetsuhide , Ueki Toshiharu , Nishino Takayoshi , Inui Kazuo , Mizuno Nobumasa , Yoshida Hitoshi , Sugiyama Masanori , Iwasaki Eisuke , Irisawa Atsushi , Okazaki Kazuichi , Kawa Shigeyuki , Shimosegawa Toru , Takeyama Yoshifumi , Chiba Tsutomu 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundSporadic autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) cases showing remission without steroid treatment have been reported, however, the clinical course of these patients has not been clarified. This study sought to clarify the clinical course in AIP patients with hesitation for steroid treatment.MethodsWe collected clinical data for AIP patients from high‐volume centers in Japan. Data for AIP patients with and those without steroid treatment (steroid treatment vs. wait and see policy or W&S) were then compared. The primary point was the relapse‐free survival rate (RFS) in patients with and those without steroid treatment, as determined using Kaplan–Meier curve. The secondary point was the identification of predictors of remission and risks of relapse in AIP patients without steroid treatment.ResultsThere were 510 AIP patients in the steroid treatment group and 97 patients in the W&S group. Overall, 55.7% (54/97) of type 1 AIP patients in the W&S group experienced transient remission without steroid treatment. The W&S group had a significantly higher patient age and significantly lower incidences of jaundice, diffuse pancreas swelling, proximal‐type sclerosing cholangitis, and stent placement and a lower remission rate than the steroid treatment group (each P < 0.05). The RFS reached a plateau at 10 years in both the W&S group (50%) and steroid treatment group (52.9%). As for the RFS (W&S vs. group with steroid), 89.4% vs. 74.4% within 3 years, 81.8% vs. 65.3% within 5 years, and 50% vs. 52.9% within 10 years (log‐rank, P = 0.064). Female gender (OR 0.340, P = 0.027) and stent placement for jaundice (OR 4.552, P = 0.008) were identified as predictors of transient remission in the W&S group. New‐onset diabetes mellitus (OR 8.333, P = 0.012) and the presence of extensive multi‐organ involvement (OR 35, P = 0.006) were identified as risks of relapse in the W&S group.ConclusionSome type 1 AIP patients without steroid treatment experience transient remission. These cases tend to have lower disease activities than AIP patients receiving steroids. Female gender and stent placement for jaundice may be predictors of transient remission among patients not receiving steroid treatment, however, relapses can occur in these patients with new‐onset diabetes mellitus and the presence of extensive multi‐organ involvement. Therefore, steroid treatment is still imperative for these patients.
Peer counselling versus standard‐of‐care on reducing high‐risk behaviours among newly diagnosed HIV‐positive men who have sex with men in Beijing, China: a randomized intervention study
Authors: Liu Yu , Vermund Sten H , Ruan Yuhua , Liu Hongjie , Rivet Amico K , Simoni Jane M , Shepherd Bryan E , Shao Yiming , Qian Han‐Zhu 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIntroductionReducing high‐risk behaviours (i.e. multiple partnership, condomless anal/vaginal sex, alcohol use before sex, illicit drug use) after HIV diagnosis is critical for curtailing HIV transmission. We designed an intervention to explore peer‐ counselling in reducing high‐risk behaviours among newly diagnosed HIV‐positive Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM).MethodsWe randomized 367 newly diagnosed HIV‐positive men to either standard‐of‐care (SOC; n = 183) or peer‐counselling intervention (n = 184), and followed them for 12 months (visit at 0‐, 3‐, 6‐, 9‐ and 12‐month). SOC participants received counselling on high‐risk behaviour reduction by clinic staff. Intervention participants received both SOC and peer counselling. A generalized estimating equation was used to compare pre‐post diagnosis high‐risk behaviour change; logistic regression was used to assess the likelihood of practicing high‐risk behaviours between intervention and SOC participants. Both intent‐to‐treat and per‐protocol (full‐dosage) approaches were used for the analyses.ResultsFor pre‐ and post‐diagnosis comparisons, multiple partnership fell from 50% to 16% (p < 0.001), alcohol use before sex from 23% to 9% (p = 0.001), illicit drug use from 33% to 6% (p < 0.001), condomless anal sex from 47% to 4% (insertive from 23% to 2%; receptive from 36% to 3%; p < 0.001). In the intent‐to‐treat analysis accounting for repeated measures, peer counselling was more likely to reduce insertive anal sex (AOR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.45 to 0.94), condomless anal sex (AOR = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.64) and illicit drug use (AOR = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.64). In the per‐protocol analysis, peer counselling was associated with a lower likelihood of using illicit drug (OR = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.81) and having condomless vaginal sex with women (OR = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.98).ConclusionsWe observed a 14 to 43% decrease in the prevalence of selected high‐risk behaviours after HIV diagnosis. Peer counselling had a greater impact in reducing condomless anal sex with men, illicit drug use and condomless vaginal sex with women over time. Future studies with exclusive peer‐counselling arm are necessary to test its efficacy and effectiveness among Chinese MSM.Clinical Trial Number: NCT01904877
Occupational future time perspective: A meta‐analysis of antecedents and outcomes
Authors: Rudolph Cort W. , Kooij Dorien T. A. M. , Rauvola Rachel S. , Zacher Hannes 
Published: February 2018

SummaryOccupational future time perspective (OFTP) refers to employees' perceptions of their future in the employment context. Based on lifespan and organizational psychology theories, we review research on OFTP and offer a meta‐analysis of antecedents and outcomes of OFTP (K = 40 independent samples, N = 19,112 workers). Results show that OFTP is associated with individual characteristics and personal resources, including age (ρ = −0.55), job tenure (ρ = −0.23), organizational tenure (ρ = −0.25), educational level (ρ = 0.16), and self‐rated physical health (ρ = 0.16), as well as job characteristics, such as job autonomy (ρ = 0.22). Moreover, OFTP is related to important work outcomes, including job satisfaction (ρ = 0.28), organizational commitment (ρ = 0.41), work engagement (ρ = 0.22), retirement intentions (ρ = −0.37), and work continuance intentions (ρ = 0.16). OFTP is also related to task (ρ = 0.11) and contextual performance (ρ = 0.20). Additional analyses show that OFTP predicts job attitudes and work performance above and beyond the effects of another developmental regulation construct, selection, optimization, and compensation strategies. Overall, the findings of our meta‐analysis suggest that OFTP is an important construct in the context of an aging workforce.
Body fat rather than body mass index is associated with gingivitis – A southern Brazilian cross‐sectional study
Authors: Muniz Francisco Wilker Mustafa Gomes , Costa Ricardo dos Santos Araújo , Cavagni Juliano , Milanesi Fernanda Carpes , Hilgert Juliana Balbinot , Gomes Sabrina Carvalho , Oppermann Rui Vicente , Rösing Cassiano Kuchenbecker 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackground: This cross‐sectional study aimed to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and body fat with gingivitis in 613 adults of Porto Alegre, Brazil.Methods: Individuals with at least four teeth were included in this study. They were identified through a multi‐stage probability sampling, considering the city distribution of sex and age. Structured interviews were conducted by trained researchers in order to collect sociodemographic characteristics, behavioral habits, and systemic impaired conditions. Visible plaque and modified gingival index were assessed by a trained and calibrated examiner. Additionally, weight, height, and body fat percentage were measured. Body fat percentage was determined by bioelectrical‐impedance analysis using a portable electrical micro‐current monitor. The median sites with marginal bleeding was 20%, and used as a cutoff point for gingivitis. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratio by mean Poisson regression with robust variance were calculated. Two multivariable models were performed in order to associate both independent and dependent variables.Results: In the multivariable analysis that included BMI, no significant association with gingivitis was detected. On the other hand, the multivariable model that included body fat showed that very high body fat category (PR 1.22; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.49) was significantly associated with higher marginal gingival bleeding.Conclusion: Very high body fat category rather than BMI was significantly associated with higher positive marginal gingival bleeding in adults.