bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antinuclear antibodies detection: A comparative study between automated recognition and conventional visual interpretation
Authors: Li ZhiYan , Han RuiLin , Yan ZhenLin , Li LiJuan , Feng ZhenRu 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundThe indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIFA) for the detection of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) was firstly described in 1958 and is still considered the reference method for ANA screening. Currently, an automated processing and recognition system for standardized and efficient ANA interpretation by human epithelial (HEp‐2) cell‐based immunofluorescence (IIF; EUROPattern Suite, Euroimmun) is available in China.MethodsIn this study, the performance of this novel system for positive/negative classification, pattern recognition (including homogenous, speckled, nucleolar, nuclear dots, cytoplasmic, and centromeres patterns) and titers evaluation was evaluated by comparing to visual interpretation.ResultsReferring to the total of 3681 collected samples, there was an agreement of 98.7% (κ = 0.973) between the visual and automated examination regarding positive/negative discrimination. In sera with single pattern, correct pattern recognition was observed in 94.6% of the samples. The efficiency of automated recognition for single pattern varied for the different patterns. The automatically determined patterns were correct and complete in 1071 of 1620 cases and correct and meaningful but not complete (“main pattern”) in another 405 cases, enabling main pattern recognition in 91.1% of all cases. Referring to the titers evaluation, the results within the next titer were considered to be consistent. In 1603 positive sera both by visual and automated evaluation, titers of 1514 sample were consistent, accounting for 94.4%.ConclusionAttributed to the performance characteristics, EUROPattern system is suitable for clinical use as its high degree of automation and result reliability, and may help clinical laboratories to standardize of IIF evaluation.
Application of an electrochemiluminescence assay for quantification of E6011, an antifractalkine monoclonal antibody, to pharmacokinetic studies in monkeys and humans
Authors: Aoyama Muneo , Mano Yuji 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundE6011, a humanized antifractalkine monoclonal antibody, is under development for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. A reproducible assay method has been developed for the determination of E6011 in monkey and human serum by electrochemiluminescence (ECL) assay.MethodsE6011 in serum was captured by fractalkine and detected by ruthenium‐labeled rabbit anti‐E6011 Fab polyclonal antibodies for ECL detection. E6011 in serum was quantifiable from 0.02 and 0.1 μg/mL in monkey and human serum, respectively, with minimum required dilution of 500. The method was then validated in accordance with bioanalytical guidelines.ResultsAccuracy and precision of quality control samples at five concentrations in intra‐ and interbatch reproducibility demonstrated that relative error and relative standard deviation were within acceptable criteria. Recovery of E6011 was 92.9%‐121.7% and 85.0%‐109.3% in humans and monkeys. Dilution integrity, no prozone effects, and no impacts by antigen were also ensured. Parallelism was also confirmed using incurred clinical sample analysis. Various types of stability were assessed, which confirmed that E6011 in serum was stable for 367 and 735 days in monkey and human sera, respectively, under frozen conditions.ConclusionThe developed method was successfully applied supporting pharmacokinetic studies in monkeys and humans.
MRI UTE‐T2* shows high incidence of cartilage subsurface matrix changes 2 years after ACL reconstruction
Authors: Williams Ashley A. , Titchenal Matthew R. , Do Bao H. , Guha Aditi , Chu Constance R. 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTAlteration of deep cartilage matrix has been observed following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, evidenced by elevated MRI UTE‐T2* values measured in small, 2‐D cartilage regions of interest. This Level I diagnostic study seeks to more thoroughly evaluate deep cartilage matrix changes to medial tibiofemoral UTE‐T2* maps 2 years after ACL reconstruction and examine the relative utilities of 3‐D compared to 2‐D assessments of cartilage UTE‐T2* maps. Thirty‐eight ACL‐reconstructed and 20 uninjured subjects underwent MRI UTE‐T2* mapping. “Small” single mid‐sagittal 2‐D and larger 3‐D “tread mark” regions of interest were manually segmented and found to be correlated in medial cartilage (r > 0.58, p < 0.005). 3‐D analyses of UTE‐T2* maps showed differences to medial tibial cartilage between ACL‐reconstructed and uninjured subjects (p = 0.007) that were not detected by smaller 2‐D regions (p > 0.46). Quantitative comparisons show 14/38 (37%) ACL‐reconstructed subjects have values >2 standard deviations higher than uninjured controls. Among a subset of ACL‐reconstructed subjects with no morphologic MRI evidence of medial tibiofemoral cartilage or meniscal pathology (n = 12), elevated UTE‐T2* values in “small” 2‐D femoral (p = 0.011), but not larger 3‐D tread mark regions of interest (p > 0.13), were observed. These data show the utility of 2‐D UTE‐T2* assessments of mid‐sagittal weight‐bearing regions of medial femoral cartilage for identifying subclinical deep cartilage matrix changes 2 years after ACLR. Clinical Significance: Mid‐sagittal single slice 2‐D UTE‐T2* mapping may be an efficient means to assess medial femoral cartilage for subsurface matrix changes early after ACL reconstruction while 3‐D assessments provide additional sensitivity to changes in the medial tibial plateau. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:370–377, 2019.
Oral infection with P. gingivalis exacerbates autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Polak David , Shmueli Aviv , Brenner Talma , Shapira Lior 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundOral infection of mice with P. gingivalis induces periodontal inflammation and attachment loss. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether infection of mice with P. gingivalis, exacerbates the clinical course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE)—a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS).MethodsInduction of EAE was carried out by immunization of C57BL/6 mice with myelin oligodentrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35‐55). P. gingivalis infection was induced via subcutaneous chambers model and the oral gavage. The severity of EAE was measured using a clinical severity score. Ex‐vivo reactivation of lymphocytes with the encephalitogenic peptide MOG35‐55 was also tested.ResultsSubcutaneous as well as oral infection with live P. gingivalis led to significant aggravation of the severity of EAE. Lymph node cells harvested from mice with EAE following P. gingivalis infection showed augmented lymphocyte proliferation towards the encephlatigenic MOG moiety compared to mice with EAE only.ConclusionsThe present results indicate that oral infection with P. gingivalis augmented the severity of EAE. This may stem from the systemic pro‐inflammatory response triggered by P. gingivalis infection or via antigen mimicking. The present study provides evidence that periodontal infection may play a role as modifier in CNS inflammatory disorders, such as MS.
Alveolar bone resorption and Th1/Th17‐associated immune response triggered during Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans‐induced experimental periodontitis are serotype‐dependent
Authors: Monasterio Gustavo , Castillo Francisca , Ibarra Juan Pablo , Guevara José , Rojas Leticia , Alvarez Carla , Fernández Baltasar , Agüero Amaru , Betancur Daniel , Vernal Rolando 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans expresses several virulence factors that may contribute to the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Based on the antigenicity of the O‐polysaccharide component of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS), different A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes have been described. Among them, serotype b has demonstrated a stronger capacity to trigger Th1 and Th17‐associated cytokine, CC‐chemokine, and CC‐chemokine receptor production on immune cells in vitro. With a murine model of experimental periodontitis, this investigation aimed to analyze the alveolar bone resorption and the pattern of immune response triggered by the different A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes within periodontal lesions.MethodsFor periodontal lesion induction, mice were orally infected with the different A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes or their purified LPS. Alveolar bone resorption was analyzed using microcomputed tomography and scanning electron microscopy. Bacterial infection, receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B ligand (RANKL) and Th1 and Th17‐associated cytokine, CC‐chemokine, and CC‐chemokine receptor levels were quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). T lymphocytes isolated from periodontal lesions were analyzed by flow cytometry.ResultsIn periodontal lesions, serotype b of A. actinomycetemcomitans induced higher alveolar bone resorption and expression of RANKL compared with the other serotypes. In addition, serotype b induced greater levels of Th1‐ and Th17‐related cytokines, CC‐chemokines, and CC‐chemokine receptors than the others. Similarly, higher numbers of infiltrating Th1 and Th17 lymphocytes were detected in serotype b‐induced periodontal lesions.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that periodontal lesions induced with different A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes elicited distinct alveolar bone resorption and immune response. In particular, serotype b was more pathogenic than the others and induced stronger Th1 and Th17 patterns of immune responses during experimental periodontitis.
BDNF/HMW‐HA complex as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal treatment of ligature‐induced periodontitis in dogs
Authors: Sasaki Shinya , Takeda Katsuhiro , Takewaki Manabu , Ouhara Kazuhisa , Kajiya Mikihito , Mizuno Noriyoshi , Fujita Tsuyoshi , Kurihara Hidemi 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundRecently, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMW‐HA) complex with flap surgery has been shown to promote periodontal tissue regeneration. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of local subgingival application of BDNF/HMW‐HA complex adjunctive to scaling and root planning (SRP) on ligature‐induced periodontitis in dogs.MethodsThe dogs were divided into four treatment groups: no treatment (control), SRP alone, SRP followed by local application of HMW‐HA (SRP+HMW‐HA), and SRP followed by local application of BDNF (500 μg/ml)/ HMW‐HA complex (SRP+BDNF/HMW‐HA). HMW‐HA or BDNF/HMW‐HA complex was topically applied to periodontal pockets using a syringe without surgery. Two weeks after treatment, clinical parameters (gingival index, clinical attachment level, periodontal pocket depth and bleeding on probing) were recorded and specimens were collected from anesthetized animals for histological analysis.ResultsThe SRP+BDNF/HMW‐HA group showed significant improvement in all clinical parameters compared to other treatment groups. Histologic analysis showed greater suppression of apical migration of epithelial tissue and milder inflammatory cell infiltration in the SRP+BDNF/HMW‐HA group than in the other treatment groups. Furthermore, new cementum and alveolar bone were regenerated, and collagen fibers were inserted into them in the SRP+BDNF/HMW‐HA group.ConclusionBDNF/HMW‐HA complex as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal treatment has the potential to reduce excess inflammation. Further investigation will be needed to clarify periodontal tissue regenerative effects of BDNF/HMW‐HA complex in a nonsurgical setting.
A spatial simulation model for karst rocky desertification combining top‐down and bottom‐up approaches
Authors: Xu Erqi , Zhang Hongqi 
Published: July 2018

AbstractKarst rocky desertification (KRD) is a serious ecological and environmental issue threatening southwestern China. The evolution of KRD calls for predicting its potential expansion or contraction, to support policy‐making for combating KRD. A spatial model named ‘SDKRD’ for simulating KRD dynamics was developed in this study. The novelty of it is the ability to explore spatially local KRD evolution and integrate this information into a global estimation. The SDKRD model consists of three modules: a global KRD forecast and scenario setting, a local exploration of spatially varying effects of driving forces and neighbourhood influence on KRD evolution, and an iteration module for combining results of aforementioned modules. The SDKRD model was tested in the Changshun County as a case‐study. The accuracy assessment confirmed a spatially visual consistency and a robust statistical result. Spatial KRD maps from 2010 to 2030 were simulated under three scenarios. The historical extrapolation scenario found a spatially global KRD reversion and locally scattered KRD deterioration. Different KRD restoration strategies under the other two scenarios could reverse the transformation of KRD classes at different magnitudes. Intermediate classes in the KRD evolution process could be more easily reversed. Under three scenarios with the increased strength of KRD management measures, areas of no KRD increased by 8.7%, 13.5%, and 16.6%, and areas of moderate KRD decreased by 38.3%, 53.0%, and 53.9%, respectively. SDKRD model presents specific KRD evolution trajectories and visualizes the KRD transformation at each location, which can help find cost‐effective ways of combating KRD with differentiated strategies.
Implementing and feasibility testing depression screening using the electronic medical record for patients with type 2 diabetes admitted to the hospital
Authors: Joseph Letha M. , Berry Diane C. , Jessup Ann , Davison Jean , J. Schneider Brian , I. Twersky Jack 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAimIs it feasible to implement a programme to screen for depression in patients admitted to the hospital for diabetes complications and use the electronic medical record to notify providers of their patient's depression score and give suggestions for medication and counselling?DesignA feasibility study was conducted with patients hospitalized with diabetes and depression in the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States.MethodsPatients with type 2 diabetes were screened for depression. The healthcare provider was notified via the electronic medical record about the patients' depression scores. The provider discussed options for management of depression with the patient and initiated treatment.ResultsThe process of screening for depression at admission, notifying the provider by way of electronic medical record that the patient screened positive for depression with suggestions for medication and counseling was feasible and acceptable to providers and patients.
Perinatal guanacos (Lama guanicoe) exploited by hunter‐gatherers from the Holocene of Argentine Pampas
Authors: Frontini Romina , Tomassini Rodrigo L. , Bayón Cristina 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe guanaco (Lama guanicoe) was the most relevant species in hunter‐gatherer subsistence of the Argentine Pampas during the Quaternary. An early Late Holocene (3,184 ± 50 14C years bp) guanaco assemblage with evidence of exploitation, coming from Cerro del Águila site, Buenos Aires Province, is analysed herein. The assemblage is composed by three perinatal individuals; the estimated age at the moment of death ranges from a few weeks before birth to a few weeks old. Cerro del Águila is interpreted as a site where activities of procurement and processing of perinatal individuals were performed. The available information allows raising a discussion on the hunting and exploitation strategies of guanaco in a regional context.
Discrimination factors of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes from diet to hair in captive large Arctic carnivores of conservation concern
Authors: L'Hérault Vincent , Lecomte Nicolas , Truchon Marie‐Hélène , Berteaux Dominique 
Published: July 2018

RationaleStable isotope analysis is widely used to reconstruct diet, delineate trophic interactions, and determine energy pathways. Such ecological inferences are based on the idea that animals are, isotopically, what they eat but with a predictable difference between the isotopic ratio of a consumer and that of its diet, coined as the discrimination factor. Providing correct estimates of diet‐consumer isotopic discrimination in controlled conditions is key for a robust application of the stable isotopes technique in the wild.MethodsUsing a Finnigan Mat Delta Plus isotope‐ratio mass spectrometer, we investigated isotopic discrimination of carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N values) in guard hairs of four Arctic predators; the wolf (n = 7), the wolverine (n = 2), the grizzly bear (n = 2), and the polar bear (n = 3). During a 3‐month trial, carnivores were fed a mixed diet. The δ13C and δ15N values, and the mass (g) of diet items, were monitored weekly for each individual to determine their Total Diet Average ratios.ResultsDiet‐hair isotopic discrimination (Δx) varied according to species, ranging [1.88 ± 0.69‰: 3.2 ± 0.69‰] for δ13C values, and [1.58 ± 0.17‰: 3.81 ± 0.22‰] for δ15N values. Adult wolves Δ13C average (2.03 ± 0.7‰) was lower than that of young wolves (2.60 ± 0.8‰) and any other species (combined average of 2.59 ± 0.28‰), except for the wolverine (2.12 ± 0.23‰). Wolves Δ15N averages (juveniles: 3.51 ± 0.34‰, adults: 3.68 ± 0.28‰) were higher than those of any other species (combined average: 2.50 ± 0.58‰).ConclusionsThe discrimination factors for δ13C and δ15N values calculated in this study could be used in ecological studies dealing with free‐ranging animals, with implications for non‐invasive research approaches. As in other controlled discrimination studies, we recommend caution in applying our discrimination factors when the population structure is heterogeneous.
Online wet oxidation/isotope ratio mass spectrometry method for determination of stable carbon isotope ratios of water‐soluble organic carbon in particulate matter
Authors: Suto Nana , Kawashima Hiroto 
Published: July 2018

RationaleWater‐soluble organic carbon (WSOC) is formed by oxidation of organic compounds in particulate matter (PM) and accounts for 25–80% of the organic carbon in PM. Stable carbon isotope ratio (δ13C) analysis is widely used to identify the sources of PM, but determining the δ13C values of WSOC is complicated and requires a time‐consuming pretreatment process.MethodsWe have developed an online wet oxidation/isotope ratio mass spectrometry method with a reduced pretreatment time. We have measured the δ13C values of WSOC by using this method.ResultsThe method showed high accuracy (0.1‰) and precision (0.1‰) for levoglucosan, and the limit of detection was sufficiently low for WSOC analysis. Using this method, we determined δ13C values of WSOC in PM2.5 samples collected in Japan during the period from July to November 2017 and found that the values ranged from −26.5‰ to −25.0‰ (average, −25.8‰).ConclusionsOur simple, low‐blank method could be used for rapid quantitative analysis of the δ13C values of WSOC in PM2.5. We propose that this online method be used as a standard method for δ13C analysis of WSOC.
A rapid method to determine nine natural cannabinoids in beverages and food derived from Cannabis sativa by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry on a QTRAP 4000
Authors: Di Marco Pisciottano Ilaria , Guadagnuolo Grazia , Soprano Vittorio , De Crescenzo Michele , Gallo Pasquale 
Published: July 2018

RationalePhytocannabinoids are natural compounds produced by Cannabis spp. Some of these compounds show psychotropic effects on humans and are therefore used as drugs of abuse. These compounds are present in food and beverages containing ingredients from hemp, and thus can reach consumers. The Italian Ministry of Health planned to evaluate the intake of cannabinoids from food containing hemp ingredients. Thus, we were asked to develop and validate a multi‐residue test method to determine nine phytocannabinoids in beverages and food.MethodsNine natural phytocannabinoids, hereafter called cannabinoids, were cleaned up from food by solid–liquid extraction, while beverages were simply diluted prior to analysis. The cannabinoids were separated by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography, and on‐line determination was carried out by tandem mass spectrometry using a 4000 QTRAP mass spectrometer with a TurboIonSpray source, in multiple‐reaction monitoring mode, using both positive and negative ionization.ResultsEach compound was determined down to 0.25 ng/mL in solvent. In‐house validation was carried out; the mean recoveries ranged from 83.4% to 101.2% in food, and from 84.5% to 104.5% in beverages. The limits of quantification were 20 μg/kg for food and 2 μg/L for beverages.ConclusionsA reliable and rapid method for the identification and quantification of the psychotropic Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol, its non‐psychoactive precursor Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A, and seven other cannabinoids was developed and validated, to monitor the content of these substances in food and beverages produced using hemp seeds, flour and oil as ingredients.
Variance in Reproductive Success is Driven by Environmental Factors, not Mating System, in Bonytails
Authors: Osborne Megan J. , Sanchez Alyssa V. , Dowling Thomas E. , Turner Thomas F. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractStudying the reproductive ecology of aggregate broadcast‐spawning fishes is difficult because it is generally not feasible to sample all potential parents and unambiguously assign their offspring. We used molecular‐based parentage analysis to gain insights into the reproductive ecology of the endangered Bonytail Gila elegans and to evaluate whether protected off‐channel habitats could be used as an alternative to hatchery production. By genotyping adults and offspring (n = 4,130) that were stocked into two experimental backwaters across 3 years, we determined that most adults (82–97%) contributed to progeny production across years and backwaters, with one exception. Both sexes exhibited multiple matings, and the number of mates and family size were positively correlated. There was also a positive correlation between adult size and metrics of reproductive success. There were strong interactions between sample year and backwater, suggesting that environmental factors are the primary driver of variance in reproductive success. Knowledge of mating systems and sources of variance in reproductive success is important for management of endangered fish because high variance in reproductive success leads to substantial losses of genetic variation when few individuals reproduce successfully. Although variance in reproductive success was observed, most adults contributed to genetically diverse progeny in experimental backwaters. These results support the use of predator‐free—but otherwise natural—backwaters as an effective conservation tool for reintroducing the Bonytail to its native habitat.