bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance evaluation of a chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay for CK‐MB
Authors: Lin Zhi‐yuan , Fang Yi‐zhen , Jin Hong‐wei , Lin Hua‐yue , Dai Zhang , Luo Qing , Li Hong‐wei , Lin Yan‐ling , Huang Shui‐zhen , Gao Lei , Xu Fei‐hai , Zhang Zhong‐ying 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundTo verify and evaluate the performance characteristics of a creatine kinase phosphokinase isoenzymes MB (CK‐MB) assay kit, which produced by Xiamen Innodx Biotech Co. Ltd.MethodsEvaluation was carried out according to “Guidelines for principle of analysis performance evaluation of in vitro diagnostic reagent.” The performance parameters included detection limit, linearity range, reportable range, recovery test, precision verification, interference test, cross‐reactivity, matrix effect, and method comparison.ResultsThe detection limit was 0.1 ng/mL. The assay had clinical linearity over range of 0.1 ng/mL‐500 ng/mL. Reportable range was from 0.1 ng/mL to 1000 ng/mL. The average percent of recovery was 99.66%. The coefficient of variation (CV) for within‐run and between‐run of low CK‐MB sample was 5.55% and 6.16%, respectively. As for high‐level sample, it was 7.88% and 7.80%. In medical decision level, the relative deviation (Bias) of all interference tests was lower than 15%. When the sample had mild‐hemolysis; hemoglobin ≤15 g/L; triglyceride ≤17 mmol/L; bilirubin ≤427.5 μmol/L; rheumatoid factor ≤206U/mL, there was no significant interference to be found. Moreover, assay kit had no cross‐reaction with CK‐MM and CK‐BB. At last, total diagnostic accuracy of kit was 93.24%, when compared with refer kit.ConclusionOverall the results of the verification study indicated the performance of kit is met the requirements of the clinical test.
Evaluation of complete blood count parameters to predict endometrial cancer
Authors: Yayla Abide Cigdem , Bostanci Ergen Evrim , Cogendez Ebru , Kilicci Cetin , Uzun Faik , Ozkaya Enis , Karateke Ates 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundComplete blood count parameters have been introduced to be diagnostic biomarkers for many cancer‐related diseases associated with inflammatory process. The aim of our study was to detect whether there is any relationship between benign or malignant endometrial pathologies and complete blood count parameters.MethodsFour hundred and sixteen patients with a complaint of abnormal uterine bleeding who admitted to Zeynep Kamil Women and Children's Health Training and Research hospital between 2013 and 2016 and undergoing endometrial biopsy were included in the study. The patients were evaluated in three groups as follows: endometrial carcinoma (n: 97), endometrial hyperplasia (n: 135), and healthy control (n: 184) groups. All patients had a complete blood count on the day of biopsy or within the week of the biopsy, and the presence of a relationship between complete blood count parameters and benign or malignant endometrial disease was investigated.ResultsMean corpuscular volume measurements were found to be significantly higher in endometrial carcinoma (P = .018) and endometrial hyperplasia (P = .001) groups compared to the control group. While red cell distribution width measurements were found to be significantly lower in patients with endometrial carcinoma group compared to other groups (P < .01); the area under curve obtained for MPV is 58.7% to determine endometrial carcinoma.ConclusionMean corpuscular volume and red cell distribution width are bio‐markers that we can use as the predictive marker in patients with endometrial carcinoma and which are cheap, repeatable, and readily obtainable from complete blood count panels and promising.
Lipoprotein(a) level associates with coronary artery disease rather than carotid lesions in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Sun Di , Zhou Bing‐Yang , Zhao Xi , Li Sha , Zhu Cheng‐Gang , Guo Yuan‐Lin , Gao Ying , Wu Na‐Qiong , Liu Geng , Dong Qian , Li Jian‐Jun 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundLipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] level is a novel risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), while its impact on the different sites of arteries remains undetermined. We aim to examine the associations of Lp(a) levels with coronary and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with heterozygous FH (HeFH).MethodsA total of 148 patients with HeFH who have received carotid ultrasonography and coronary angiography due to chest pain were enrolled. Plasma Lp(a) was measured using immunoturbidimetric method. Finally, the associations between Lp(a) and coronary as well as carotid lesions were evaluated.ResultsPatients with Lp(a) ≥ 300 mg/L had similar carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT, 0.782 ± 0.16 mm vs 0.798 ± 0.18 mm, P = .579) and plaque prevalence (66.7% vs 65%, P = .833) compared to those with Lp(a) < 300 mg/L, but had a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD, 69.7% vs 50.0%, P = .016) and higher Gensini score (GS, median 27 vs 3, P = .006). Moreover, no correlations were found between carotid mean IMT with either Lp(a) level or Lp(a) year score, while positive relation of Lp(a) with GS did. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that Lp(a), Lp(a) year score, and Lp(a) ≥ 300 g/L were all independent predictors for the presence of CAD (OR = 4.99, P = .007; OR = 4.73, P = .009; OR = 4.46, P = .006, respectively) but not for carotid plaques.ConclusionsThis study suggested that Lp(a) level was associated with the presence and severity of CAD but not with carotid atherosclerosis in patients with HeFH.
Immobilization of alcohol dehydrogenase on ceramic silicon carbide membranes for enzymatic CH3OH production
Authors: Zeuner Birgitte , Ma Nicolaj , Berendt Kasper , Meyer Anne S , Andric Pavle , Jørgensen Jan Hoffmann , Pinelo Manuel 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDAlcohol dehydrogenase (ADH; EC 1.1.1.1) catalyzes oxidation of CH3OH to CHOH during NAD+ reduction to NADH. ADH can also accelerate the reverse reaction, which is studied as part of cascadic enzymatic conversion of CO2 to CH3OH. In the present study, immobilization of ADH onto macroporous membranes of silicon carbide (SiC) was investigated for CHOH to CH3OH conversion.RESULTSImmobilization techniques included physical adsorption directly to the membrane and functionalization of the membrane with polyethylenimine (PEI) or (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) followed by glutaraldehyde (GA) cross‐linking. Enzyme loadings, flux, NADH conversion, and overall ADH reusability were assessed. Enzyme loadings were similar, but substrate conversion was approximately 2 and 2.5 times higher for APTES‐GA and PEI‐GA, respectively, and the relative activity retention was better than for physical adsorption. Membrane surface treatment with NaOH prior to APTES‐GA immobilization resulted in significant improvement in enzyme loading and a doubling of ADH activity as well as higher activity during recycling as the ADH destabilization rate was unaffected.CONCLUSIONSThe results provided proof‐of‐concept for the use of NaOH‐treated SiC membranes for covalent enzyme immobilization and biocatalytic efficiency improvement of ADH during multiple reaction cycles. These data have implications for the development of robust extended enzymatic reactions. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Penguin colony attendance under artificial lights for ecotourism
Authors: Rodríguez Airam , Holmberg Ross , Dann Peter , Chiaradia André 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWildlife watching is an emerging ecotourism activity around the world. In Australia and New Zealand, night viewing of little penguins attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors per year. As penguins start coming ashore after sunset, artificial lighting is essential to allow visitors to view them in the dark. This alteration of the nightscape warrants investigation for any potential effects of artificial lighting on penguin behavior. We experimentally tested how penguins respond to different light wavelengths (colors) and intensities to examine effects on the colony attendance behavior at two sites on Phillip Island, Australia. At one site, nocturnal artificial illumination has been used for penguin viewing for decades, whereas at the other site, the only light is from the natural night sky. Light intensity did not affect colony attendance behaviors of penguins at the artificially lit site, probably due to penguin habituation to lights. At the not previously lit site, penguins preferred lit paths over dark paths to reach their nests. Thus, artificial light might enhance penguin vision at night and consequently it might reduce predation risk and energetic costs of locomotion through obstacle and path detection. Although penguins are faithful to their path, they can be drawn to artificial lights at small spatial scale, so light pollution could attract penguins to undesirable lit areas. When artificial lighting is required, we recommend keeping lighting as dim and time‐restricted as possible to mitigate any negative effects on the behavior of penguins and their natural habitat.
Adherence to blood pressure measurement guidelines in long‐term care facilities: A cross sectional study
Authors: Ozone Sachiko , Sato Mikiya , Takayashiki Ayumi , Sakamoto Naoto , Yoshimoto Hisashi , Maeno Tetsuhiro 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the extent to which long‐term care facilities in Japan adhere to blood pressure (BP) measurement guidelines.DesignCross‐sectional, observational survey.SettingJapan (nationwide).ParticipantsGeriatric health service facilities that responded to a questionnaire among 701 facilities that provide short‐time daycare rehabilitation services in Japan.MethodsA written questionnaire that asked about types of measurement devices, number of measurements used to obtain an average BP, resting time prior to measurement, and measurement methods when patients’ arms were covered with thin (eg, a light shirt) or thick sleeves (eg, a sweater) was administered.Main outcome measureProportion of geriatric health service facilities adherent to BP measurement guidelines.ResultsThe response rate was 63.2% (443/701). Appropriate upper‐arm BP measurement devices were used at 302 facilities (68.2%). The number of measurements was appropriate at 7 facilities (1.6%). Pre‐measurement resting time was appropriate (≥5 minutes) at 205 facilities (46.3%). Of the 302 facilities that used appropriate BP measurement devices, 4 (1.3%) measured BP on a bare arm if it was covered with a thin sleeve, while 266 (88.1%) measured BP over a thin sleeve. When arms were covered with thick sleeves, BP was measured on a bare arm at 127 facilities (42.1%) and over a sleeve at 78 facilities (25.8%).ConclusionsBP measurement guidelines were not necessarily followed by long‐term care service facilities in Japan. Modification of guidelines regarding removing thick sweaters and assessing BP on a visit‐to‐visit basis might be needed.
Nonseparating K4‐subdivisions in graphs of minimum degree at least 4
Authors: Kriesell Matthias 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWe first prove that for every vertex x of a 4‐connected graph G, there exists a subgraph H in G isomorphic to a subdivision of the complete graph K4 on four vertices such that is connected and contains x. This implies an affirmative answer to a question of Kühnel whether every 4‐connected graph G contains a subdivision H of K4 as a subgraph such that is connected. The motor for our induction is a result of Fontet and Martinov stating that every 4‐connected graph can be reduced to a smaller one by contracting a single edge, unless the graph is the square of a cycle or the line graph of a cubic graph. It turns out that this is the only ingredient of the proof where 4‐connectedness is used. We then generalize our result to connected graphs of minimum degree at least 4 by developing the respective motor, a structure theorem for the class of simple connected graphs of minimum degree at least 4. A simple connected graph G of minimum degree 4 cannot be reduced to a smaller such graph by deleting a single edge or contracting a single edge and simplifying if and only if it is the square of a cycle or the edge disjoint union of copies of certain bricks as follows: Each brick is isomorphic to K3, K5, K2, 2, 2, , , or one the four graphs , , , obtained from K5 and K2, 2, 2 by deleting the edges of a triangle, or replacing a vertex x by two new vertices and adding four edges to the endpoints of two disjoint edges of its former neighborhood, respectively. Bricks isomorphic to K5 or K2, 2, 2 share exactly one vertex with the other bricks of the decomposition, vertices of degree 4 in any other brick are not contained in any further brick of the decomposition, and the vertices of a brick isomorphic to K3 must have degree 4 in G and have pairwise no common neighbors outside that brick.
A unique signal sequence of the chemokine receptor CCR7 promotes package into COPII vesicles for efficient receptor trafficking
Authors: Uetz-von Allmen Edith , Rippl Alexandra V , Farhan Hesso , Legler Daniel F 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Chemokine receptors are considered to belong to the group of G protein-coupled receptors that use the first transmembrane domain as signal anchor sequence for membrane insertion instead of a cleavable N-terminal signal sequence. Chemokine recognition is determined by the N-termini of chemokine receptors. Here, we show that the chemokine receptor CCR7, which is essential for directed migration of adaptive immune cells, possesses a 24 amino acids long N-terminal signal sequence that is unique among chemokine receptors. This sequence is cleaved off the mature human and mouse protein. Introducing single point mutations in the hydrophobic core h-region or in the polar C-terminal segment (c-region) of the signal sequence to interfere with its cleavage retained CCR7 in the ER and prevented its surface expression. Furthermore, we demonstrate the correct topology of the 35 amino acids short extracellular N-tail of CCR7 in a deletion mutant lacking the natural signal sequence. This signal sequence deletion mutant of CCR7 is fully functional as it efficiently binds its ligand, elicits chemokine-induced calcium mobilization, and directs cell migration. However, we show that the signal sequence promotes efficient recruitment of the GPCR to ER exit sites, thereby controlling efficient ER to Golgi trafficking of CCR7 on its way to reach the plasma membrane.
A unique cleavable signal sequence among chemokine receptors regulates CCR7 trafficking along the secretory pathway by facilitating coupling to the ER export machinery.
The continuum of monocyte phenotypes: Experimental evidence and prognostic utility in assessing cardiovascular risk
Authors: Cignarella Andrea , Tedesco Serena , Cappellari Roberta , Fadini Gian Paolo 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The monocyte–macrophage cell lineage represents a major player in innate immunity, and is involved in many physiologic and pathologic conditions. Particularly, monocyte–macrophages play a very important role in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Monocyte heterogeneity is well recognized but the biologic and clinical meaning of the various monocyte subtypes is not entirely understood. Traditionally, monocytes can be divided in classical, intermediate, and nonclassical based on expression of the surface antigens CD14 and CD16. While macrophage diversity is now well recognized to organize as a continuum, monocyte subsets have long been considered as separated entities. However, mounting evidence obtained by tracking the ontology of human monocytes help clarifying that monocytes mature from classical to nonclassical ones, through an intermediate phenotype. This concept is therefore best depicted as a continuum, whereas the subdivision into discrete CD14/CD16 subsets appears an oversimplification. In this review, we discuss the evidence supporting the existence of a monocyte continuum along with the technical challenges of monocyte characterization. In particular, we describe the advantage of considering monocytes along a continuous distribution for the evaluation of cardiovascular risk. We make the point that small transition along the monocyte continuum better reflects cardiovascular risk than a simplified analysis of discrete monocyte subsets. Recognizing the monocyte continuum can be helpful to model other pathophysiologic conditions where these cells are involved.
Frontal sinus ontogeny and covariation with bone structures in a modern human population
Authors: Sardi Marina L. , Joosten G. Germán , Pandiani Cynthia D. , Gould María Mercedes , Anzelmo Marisol , Ventrice Fernando 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn humans, the frontal sinus (FS) is located in the medial part of the supraorbital region, sometimes expanded throughout the frontal squama. It exhibits high morphological variability, but its general form appears to be constrained by surrounding structures. The goal of this study is to analyze FS growth and test for covariation between FS volume and the glabellar region, upper nasal region, bone thickness and endocranial size in a human sample from Argentina. The sample comprises 149 reconstructions derived from computed tomography images of individuals aged 0–31 years. Volume of the FS and measurements of the surrounding structures were recorded. The FS growth trajectory was assessed by parametric and nonparametric methods, and covariation was determined using correlations and partial correlations. The FS volume could be measured at an age of about 6 years and older; adults had no aplasia but hyperplasia was found in some cases. Since the most conspicuous characteristic found was variation among individuals, the nonparametric smoothing spline produced very poor fitting. The modified logistic function was the only parametric method providing significant parameters. Sexes differed in the age at which FS growth began and ended, with FS developing earlier but at a slower rate in females than in males. The FS volume did not correlate with either upper nasal width or endocranial volume, but it correlated with bone thickness measurements (mainly from the glabellar region), even when age was held constant. Expansion of the FS at the frontal poles also correlated with frontal bone thickness. Despite the difficulty in modeling and predicting the trajectory and morphology of FS, our results suggest that it is affected by its surrounding bony environment.
Molecular interactions of thymol with bovine serum albumin: Spectroscopic and molecular docking studies
Authors: Roufegarinejad Leila , Jahanban‐Esfahlan Ali , Sajed‐Amin Sanaz , Panahi‐Azar Vahid , Tabibiazar Mahnaz 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThymol is the main monoterpene phenol present in the essential oils which is used in the food industry as flavoring and preservative agent. In this study, the interaction of thymol with the concentration range of 1 to 6 μM and bovine serum albumin (BSA) at fixed concentration of 1 μM was investigated by fluorescence, UV‐vis, and molecular docking methods under physiological‐like condition. Fluorescence experiments were performed at 5 different temperatures, and the results showed that the fluorescence quenching of BSA by thymol was because of a static quenching mechanism. The obtained binding parameters, K, were in the order of 104 M−1, and the binding number, n, was approximately equal to unity indicating that there is 1 binding site for thymol on BSA. Calculated thermodynamic parameters for enthalpy (ΔH), entropy (ΔS), and Gibb's free energy (ΔG) showed that the reaction was spontaneous and hydrophobic interactions were the main forces in the binding of thymol to BSA. The results of UV‐vis spectroscopy and Arrhenius' theory showed the complex formation in the interaction of thymol and BSA. Negligible conformational changes in BSA by thymol were observed in fluorescence experiments, and the same results were also obtained from UV‐vis studies. Results of molecular docking indicated that the subdomain IA of BSA was the binding site for thymol.
Symbolic computation of the time‐dependent electric and magnetic fields in bi‐anisotropic media with polynomial inputs
Authors: Yakhno Valery , Altunkaynak Meltem 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA new method for the computation of a solution of the Maxwell's equations in bi‐anisotropic media with polynomial input is suggested. This method consists of the reduction of Maxwell's equations to a symmetric hyperbolic system of the first‐order partial differential equations. The solutions of the obtained system are constructed by symbolic computation in Maple for the given polynomial data in an explicit form. For the case when input data are given as smooth functions, an interpolation of the data has been made by polynomials and then an approximate solution has been computed by our method. The robustness of the method is confirmed by computational experiments. The comparison of the suggested method with finite difference time domain method has been done.
Association of Energy and Protein Delivery on Skeletal Muscle Mass Changes in Critically Ill Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lambell Kate J. , King Susannah J. , Forsyth Adrienne K. , Tierney Audrey C. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCritically ill patients experience significant and rapid loss of skeletal muscle mass, which has been associated with negative clinical outcomes. The aetiology of muscle wasting is multifactorial and nutrition delivery may play a role. A systematic literature review was conducted to examine the association of energy and/or protein provision on changes in skeletal muscle mass in critically ill patients. Key databases were searched up until March 2016 to identify studies that measured skeletal muscle mass and/or total body protein (TBP) at 2 or more time points during acute critical illness (up to 2 weeks after an intensive care unit [ICU] stay). Studies were included if there was documentation of participant energy balance or mean energy delivered to participants during the time period between body composition measurements. Six studies met inclusion criteria. A variety of methods were used to assess skeletal muscle mass or TBP. Participants in included studies experienced differing levels of muscle loss (0%–22.5%) during the first 2 weeks of ICU admission. No association between energy and protein delivery and changes in skeletal muscle mass were observed. This review highlights that there is currently limited high‐quality evidence to clearly define the association between energy and/or protein delivery and skeletal muscle mass changes in acute critical illness. Future studies in this area should be adequately powered, account for all potential confounding factors to changes in skeletal muscle mass, and detail all sources and quantities of energy and protein delivered to participants.