bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Commonality of Ethanol and Nicotine Reinforcement and Relapse in Wistar‐Derived UChB Rats: Inhibition by N‐Acetylcysteine
Authors: Quintanilla Maria Elena , Morales Paola , Ezquer Fernando , Ezquer Marcelo , Herrera‐Marschitz Mario , Israel Yedy 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundLife expectancy is greatly reduced in individuals presenting alcohol use disorders and chronic smoking. Literature studies suggest that common mechanisms may apply to the chronic use and relapse of both alcohol and nicotine. It is hypothesized that an increased brain oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are involved in perpetuating these conditions and that a common treatment may be considered for both.MethodsRats bred as high ethanol (EtOH) drinkers (UChB) were allowed chronic access to EtOH solutions and water and were thereafter deprived of EtOH for a prolonged period, subsequently allowing reaccess to EtOH, which leads to marked relapse binge‐like drinking. Separately, EtOH‐naïve animals were chronically administered nicotine intraperitoneally and tested under either a conditioned place preference (CPP) reinstatement condition or allowed a free‐choice drinking of nicotine solutions and water. Oral N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) (100 mg/kg) was administered daily to the animals to determine its effect on both chronic voluntary EtOH and nicotine intake, on EtOH relapse and nicotine‐CPP reinstatement. Oxidative stress was evaluated in hippocampus as the oxidized/reduced glutathione ratio (GSSG/GSH), and neuroinflammation by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunohistochemistry.ResultsMarked increases in hippocampal oxidative stress (GSSG/GSH) and neuroinflammation (astrocyte reactivity, GFAP) were observed after both chronic EtOH and chronic nicotine treatment. Oral NAC administration (i) fully abolished the increased oxidative stress and the neuroinflammation induced by both drugs, (ii) greatly inhibited EtOH intake (70%) and EtOH relapse binge‐like drinking (76%), and (iii) markedly inhibited (90%) voluntary nicotine intake and fully suppressed nicotine‐CPP reinstatement.ConclusionsData indicate that (i) oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are tightly associated with chronic EtOH and nicotine intake and drug relapse and (ii) NAC inhibits the relapse for both drugs, suggesting that the oral chronic administration of NAC may be of value in the concomitant treatment of alcohol and nicotine use disorders.
Prevention of allergy by virus‐like nanoparticles (VNP) delivering shielded versions of major allergens in a humanized murine allergy model
Authors: Kratzer Bernhard , Köhler Cordula , Hofer Sandra , Smole Ursula , Trapin Doris , Iturri Jagoba , Pum Dietmar , Kienzl Philip , Elbe‐Bürger Adelheid , Gattinger Pia , Mittermann Irene , Linhart Birgit , Gadermaier Gabriele , Jahn‐Schmid Beatrice , Neunkirchner Alina , Valenta Rudolf , Pickl Winfried F. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundIn high‐risk populations, allergen‐specific prophylaxis could protect from sensitization and subsequent development of allergic disease. However, such treatment might itself induce sensitization and allergies, thus requiring hypoallergenic vaccine formulations. We here characterized the preventive potential of virus‐like nanoparticles (VNP) expressing surface‐exposed or shielded allergens.MethodsFull‐length major mugwort pollen allergen Art v 1 was selectively targeted either to the surface or to the inner side of the lipid bilayer envelope of VNP. Upon biochemical and immunological analysis, their preventive potential was determined in a humanized mouse model of mugwort pollen allergy.ResultsVirus‐like nanoparticles expressing shielded version of Art v 1, in contrast to those expressing surface‐exposed Art v 1, were hypoallergenic as they hardly induced degranulation of rat basophil leukemia cells sensitized with Art v 1‐specific mouse or human IgE. Both VNP versions induced proliferation and cytokine production of allergen‐specific T cells in vitro. Upon intranasal application in mice, VNP expressing surface‐exposed but not shielded allergen induced allergen‐specific antibodies, including IgE. Notably, preventive treatment with VNP expressing shielded allergen‐protected mice from subsequent sensitization with mugwort pollen extract. Protection was associated with a Th1/Treg‐dominated cytokine response, increased Foxp3+ Treg numbers in lungs, and reduced lung resistance when compared to mice treated with empty particles.ConclusionVirus‐like nanoparticles represent a novel and versatile platform for the in vivo delivery of allergens to selectively target T cells and prevent allergies without inducing allergic reactions or allergic sensitization.
Liver resection in octogenarians: are the outcomes worth the risk?
Authors: Gupta Aashray K. , Kanhere Harsh A. , Maddern Guy J. , Trochsler Markus I. 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundAustralian life expectancy is high by world standards, largely because of advanced health care. It is therefore important to determine safety and oncological benefits of major surgical procedures in the elderly. This retrospective review examines outcomes of liver resection in octogenarians.MethodsData on all liver resections performed at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital were collected in a prospective database. The primary aim was to determine overall and disease‐free survival, and secondary aim to assess perioperative quality of life (QoL) and functionality outcomes using surrogate markers.ResultsTwenty‐four octogenarians underwent 26 liver resections for colorectal liver metastases (n = 20), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 4), cholangiocarcinoma (n = 1) and benign lesion (n = 1). Median hospital stay was 11 days. There were no major post‐operative complications and only one patient experienced a decline in QoL. There was no 90‐day mortality. Five‐year overall survival and 5‐year disease‐free survival were 47% and 37%, respectively. Median duration of follow‐up was 34 months.ConclusionLiver resection can be performed safely in octogenarians with low morbidity, excellent overall survival and good QoL outcomes.
Deceased‐directed donation: Considering the ethical permissibility in a multicultural setting
Authors: Bianchi Andria , Greenberg Rebecca 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis paper explores the ethics of deceased‐directed donation (DDD) and brings a unique perspective to this issue—the relevance of providing family‐centered care and culturally sensitive care to deceased donors, potential recipients, and their families. The significance of providing family‐centered care is becoming increasingly prevalent, specifically in pediatric healthcare settings. Therefore, this topic is especially relevant to those working with and interested in pediatrics. As the world is becoming more diverse with globalization, assessing the cultural aspect of the ethics of DDD is increasingly salient. We provide a brief overview of DDD across the globe, review prominent arguments both for and against DDD, consider family‐centered and culturally specific considerations, and offer considerations for the development of a policy or guideline. We determine that the practice of DDD is ethically defensible in certain circumstances and congruent with providing both family‐centered and culturally sensitive care. Our analysis is relevant to any country with a diverse population and any healthcare provider or institution that operates under a framework of family‐centered care, such as those in pediatric hospitals.
Cytoplasmic liver kinase B1 promotes the growth of human lung adenocarcinoma by enhancing autophagy
Authors: Liu Mengjie , Jiang Lili , Fu Xiao , Wang Wenjuan , Ma Jiequn , Tian Tao , Nan Kejun , Liang Xuan 
Published: July 2018

Liver kinase B1 (LKB1) as a tumor suppression gene that is associated with various kinds of cancers, including lung cancer. In this study, we found that the effect of LKB1 on tumor growth was dependent on its subcellular expression in A549 and HCC827 cells. Full‐length LKB1 decreased the proliferation and clonogenicity of A549‐LKB1 and HCC827‐LKB1 cells, but increased their apoptosis. Opposite effects were observed in A549‐LKB1s and HCC827‐LKB1S cells that overexpressed truncated LKB1 without the nuclear localization sequence. The truncated cytoplasmic LKB1 enhanced the growth of implanted tumors in vivo. The truncated cytoplasmic LKB1 promoted autophagy, which was independent of AMP‐activated protein kinase and mTOR signaling in A549 and HCC827 cells. Further characterization indicated that higher levels of cytoplasmic LKB1 expression were associated with advanced TNM stage and reduced overall survival (OS) in 190 patients with adenocarcinoma. In contrast, high nuclear expression of LKB1 is associated with early TNM stage and longer OS. The high level of cytoplasmic LKB1 expression was an independent risk factor for poor overall survival in patients with adenocarcinoma. Together, our results revealed that cytoplasmic LKB1 promotes the growth of lung adenocarcinoma and could be a prognostic marker for lung adenocarcinoma.
Announcing the Engagement of Sudoku: An In‐Class Genetic Algorithm Game
Authors: Ernstberger Kathryn W. , Venkataramanan M.A. 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTThis teaching brief describes an engaging, in‐class exercise that introduces genetic algorithms as well as advanced Excel functions and capabilities by modeling the familiar Sudoku puzzle. Student groups are first asked to manually solve a given puzzle and then translate that solution methodology to a spreadsheet model. This exercise can be used to build classroom community and as a launching point for the content area of genetic algorithms and the use of Evolutionary Solver.
Childhood adversity predicts persistence of suicidal thoughts differently in females and males at clinical high‐risk patients of psychosis. Results of the EPOS project
Authors: Salokangas Raimo K. R. , Patterson Paul , Hietala Jarmo , Heinimaa Markus , From Tiina , Ilonen Tuula , von Reventlow Heinrich Graf , Schultze‐Lutter Frauke , Juckel Georg , Linszen Don , Dingemans Peter , Birchwood Max , Klosterkötter Joachim , Ruhrmann Stephan ,   the EPOS group
Published: July 2018

AimDepression and suicidal ideation (SUI) and behaviour are more prevalent in females than males, and common in clinical high‐risk (CHR) patients. Childhood adversities and trauma (CAT) are associated with adult depression and SUI. The role of gender as a moderator and depression as a mediator for the effect of CAT on SUI has not been explored in CHR patients.MethodsIn all, 245 young help‐seeking CHR patients were assessed for SUI (thoughts of killing themselves) with the Beck Depression Inventory at baseline, 9‐month and 18‐month follow‐ups. At baseline, clinical depression was assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV (SCID‐I), and CAT by the Trauma and Distress Scale (TADS) which includes the five domains of emotional, physical and sexual abuse, emotional and physical neglect.ResultsCAT total and all domains except physical neglect predicted SUI over the study period. The effect of CAT on SUI was mediated via clinical depression and concurrent depression symptoms differently for females and males. In females, the effect of emotional abuse and neglect on SUI was mediated via baseline depression. In males, emotional and physical abuse had a direct effect on SUI, and the effect of sexual abuse and emotional neglect was partly mediated via concurrent depression symptoms.ConclusionsFor CHR females, the effect of CAT on adult SUI is mediated via depression, while for males, CAT and its domains have mainly direct effects in maintaining SUI. These gender differences should be taken into account when treating CHR patients with SUI.
Epilepsy surgery near or in eloquent cortex in children—Practice patterns and recommendations for minimizing and reporting deficits
Authors: Jayakar Prasanna , Jayakar Anuj , Libenson Mark , Arzimanoglou Alexis , Rydenhag Bertil , Cross J. Helen , Bhatia Sanjiv , Tassi Laura , Lachhwani Deepak , Gaillard William D. ,   the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Task Force,   International League Against Epilepsy
Published: July 2018

SummaryObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the current practices guiding surgical resection strategies involving epileptogenic zones (EZs) near or in eloquent cortex (EC) at pediatric epilepsy surgery centers worldwide.MethodsA survey was conducted among 40 respondents from 33 pediatric epilepsy surgery centers worldwide on the weight assigned to diagnostic tests used to define the EZ and EC, how EC is viewed, and how surgeries are planned for foci near or in eloquent cortex.ResultsA descriptive analysis was performed that revealed considerable variation in the use of diagnostic tests and resective strategies toward EZ and EC.SignificanceThe wide variation in strategies may contribute to undesirable outcomes characterized by poor seizure control with added deficits and underscores the need to establish best practices in pediatric epilepsy surgery. The survey data were used to formulate a set of recommendations to help minimize deficits and to report them consistently.
Monitoring of tidal ventilation by electrical impedance tomography in anaesthetised horses
Authors: Mosing M. , Waldmann A. D. , Raisis A. , Böhm S. H. , Drynan E. , Wilson K. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryBackgroundElectrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a method to measure regional impedance changes within the thorax. The total tidal impedance variation has been used to measure changes in tidal volumes in pigs, dogs and men.ObjectivesTo assess the ability of EIT to quantify changes in tidal volume in anaesthetised mechanically ventilated horses.Study designIn vivo experimental study.MethodsSix horses (mean ± s.d.: age 11.5 ± 7.5 years and body weight 491 ± 40 kg) were anaesthetised using isoflurane in oxygen. The lungs were mechanically ventilated using a volume‐controlled mode. With an end‐tidal carbon dioxide tension in the physiological range, and a set tidal volume (VTvent) of 11–16 mL/kg (baseline volume), EIT data and VT measured by conventional spirometry were collected over 1 min. Thereafter, VTvent was changed in 1 L steps until reaching 10 L. After, VTvent was reduced to 1 L below the baseline volume and then further reduced in 1 L steps until 4 L. On each VT step data were recorded for 1 min after allowing 1 min of stabilisation. Impedance changes within the predefined two lung regions of interest (EITROI) and the whole image (EITthorax) were calculated. Linear regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between spirometry data and EITROI and EITthorax for individual horses and pooled data.ResultsBoth EITROI and EITthorax significantly predicted spirometry data for individual horses with R2 ranging from 0.937 to 0.999 and from 0.954 to 0.997 respectively. This was similar for pooled data from all six horses with EITROI (R2 = 0.799; P<0.001) and EITthorax (R2 = 0.841; P<0.001).Main limitationsThe method was only tested in healthy mechanically ventilated horses.ConclusionsThe EIT can be used to quantify changes in tidal volume.
Creep of a Nextel™720/alumina ceramic composite containing an array of small holes at 1200°C in air and in steam
Authors: Ruggles‐Wrenn Marina B. , Minor Savannah N. , Przybyla Craig P. , Jones Eric L. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractTensile stress‐strain and tensile creep behaviors of an oxide‐oxide composite containing an array of small circular holes were evaluated at 1200°C. The composite consists of Nextel™720 alumina‐mullite fibers in a porous alumina matrix. Test specimens contained an array of 17 holes with 0.5‐mm diameter drilled using a CO2 laser. The presence of holes caused reduction in tensile strength and modulus. Tensile creep tests were conducted at 1200°C in air and in steam at creep stresses ranging from 38 to 140 MPa. Primary, secondary, and tertiary creep regimes were noted in air and in steam. The presence of the laser‐drilled holes accelerates the steady‐state creep rates. Creep run‐out, defined as 100 hours at creep stress, was attained for stress levels <60 MPa in air and for stresses <40 MPa in steam. The presence of the laser‐drilled holes significantly degrades creep resistance of the composite. The retained tensile properties of all specimens that attained run‐out were determined. Composite microstructure was examined; the damage and failure mechanisms were considered. The degradation of tensile properties and creep resistance are attributed to damage caused to composite microstructure by laser drilling.
Zirconium modified calcium‐silicate‐based nanoceramics: An in vivo evaluation in a rabbit tibial defect model
Authors: Doostmohammadi Ali , Karimzadeh Esfahani Zahra , Ardeshirylajimi Abdolreza , Rahmati Dehkordi Zahra 
Published: July 2018

AbstractOver the past two decades calcium silicate (Ca–Si) based ceramics have been introduced as bioactive materials for bone tissue engineering applications and repairing bone defects. Recently, it is reported that zirconium modified calcium‐silicate‐based (Ca3ZrSi2O9, Baghdadite) ceramics stimulate cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts. The aim of this work was preparation, characterization, and evaluation of biological properties of Baghdadite in the nanoparticles form. These nanoparticles were synthesized by sol‐gel method and were annealed at 1150°C. Fabricated nanoparticles were investigated using XRD, FE‐SEM, EDX, and MTT in vitro, then implanted to the rabbit tibia as a bone animal model. The characterization results showed that nanoparticles with expected composition were successfully synthesized using sol‐gel method. According to MTT result, these nanoparticles were nontoxic. In addition, the proliferation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells was increased after 96 hours of culturing in the presence of nanoparticles compared to the control. Histopathological results also demonstrated that the defected bone was completely regenerated when implanted with nanoparticles after 6 weeks. Taking together, according to the results, Ca3ZrSi2O9 nanoparticles as a bioceramic with excellent biological properties can be applied for improvement of bone lesions healing process in the orthopedic and dental application.
Processing and properties of polycrystalline cubic boron nitride reinforced by SiC whiskers
Authors: Li Jian , Shao Gang , Ma Yao , Zhao Xiaotong , Wang Hailong , Zhang Rui 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDense polycrystalline cBN (PcBN)–SiCw composites were fabricated by a two‐step method: First, SiO2 was coated on the surface of cubic boron nitride (cBN) particles by the sol‐gel method. Then, silicon carbide whisker (SiCw)‐ coated cBN powder was prepared by carbon thermal reaction between SiO2 and carbon powders at 1500°C for 2 hour. Then, cBN–SiCw complex powders were sintered by high‐pressure and high‐temperature sintering technology using Al, B, and C as sintering additives. The phase compositions and microstructures of cBN–SiCw composites were investigated by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. It was found that the SiCw and Al3BC3 had been fabricated by in situ reaction, which cannot only promote densification but also improve mechanical properties. The relative density of PcBN composites increased from 96.3% to 99.4% with increasing SiCw contents from 5 to 20 wt%. Meanwhile, the Vickers hardness, fracture toughness and flexural strength of as‐obtained composites exhibited a similar trend as that of relative density. The composite contained 20 wt% of SiCw exhibited the highest Vickers hardness and fracture toughness of 42.7 ± 1.9 GPa and 6.52 ± 0.21 MPa•m1/2, respectively. At the same time, the flexural strength reached 406 ± 21 MPa.
Development of smoothies from dehydrated products of strawberry and banana pulps obtained through foam‐mat drying
Authors: Guazi Julaisa Scarpin , Lago‐Vanzela Ellen Silva , Conti‐Silva Ana Carolina 
Published: July 2018

SummaryDehydrated products from strawberry and banana pulps were obtained through foam‐mat drying and subsequently used for production and evaluation of smoothies. For that, six smoothies were prepared, with different proportions of dehydrated strawberry and banana products (40–60%, 50–50% and 60–40%, respectively), each reconstituted in whole milk or cold water (w/v). Smoothies with 50–50% and 60–40% of dehydrated strawberry and banana products, respectively, reconstituted in whole milk, stood out for their degree of liking of appearance and colour because of the lighter colour and instrumentally measured viscosity. The smoothie with 40% strawberry and 60% banana reconstituted in milk stood out by the degree of liking of its odour, viscosity and flavour, its overall acceptance, ideal intensity of sweetness and fruit flavour, as well by its colour hue. Our study shows the feasibility of using dehydrated products of strawberry and banana pulps through foam‐mat drying in smoothies, highlighting smoothies reconstituted in milk.
Evaluating the analytical performance of five new coagulation assays for the measurement of prothrombin time and activated thromboplastin time
Authors: Kitchen Steve , Geisen Ulrich , Kappelmayer Janos , Quehenberger Peter , Drieß Julia , Lowe Anna , Jones Robert , Boehm Jana G. , Miles Gabrielle , Rozsnyai Gergely 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIntroductionNew methods for coagulation tests require careful assessment before routine use. We evaluated the analytical performance of five new coagulation assays for measuring prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).MethodsPT Rec, PT Owren, aPTT, aPTT Lupus and aPTT Screen assays (Roche Diagnostics) were evaluated on cobas t 711 and cobas t 511 analysers (Roche Diagnostics) at four European centres. Analytical performance and method comparisons with relevant commercially available assays were performed to Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines using residual anonymized samples. Lot‐to‐lot comparison and equivalency of the cobas t analysers were also assessed; reference ranges were determined using samples from apparently healthy volunteers.ResultsOverall, coefficients of variation were ≤1.3% for within‐run precision and ≤6.3% for total reproducibility across all sites. Deming regression analyses showed good agreement between each assay (cobas t 711) and respective comparator method (Pearson's r: 0.964‐0.999, n > 120 samples/assay/site). Passing–Bablok regression analyses demonstrated equivalence of the two cobas t platforms for use with each assay (Pearson's r ≥ 0.995). Lot‐to‐lot consistency was high for all assays and comparisons (Pearson's r ≥ 0.998). Reference ranges (2.5th‐97.5th percentiles; n = 200 samples/assay) in seconds were 8.4‐10.6 (PT Rec), 18.2‐27.2 (PT Owren), 23.6‐30.6 (aPTT), 24.1‐31.7 (aPTT Lupus) and 23.9‐33.2 (aPTT Screen).ConclusionBased on the excellent analytical performance and good agreement with relevant comparator methods, the five coagulation assays on the novel cobas t 711 and cobas t 511 analysers are suitable for routine use in core laboratories.
Are labour inspections effective when labour regulations vary according to the size of the firm? Evidence from Peru
Authors: VIOLLAZ Mariana 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis article analyses the impact of enforcement of four labour standards (pension system enrolment, minimum wage, maximum weekly working hours and written employment contract) on compliance in Peru, where labour regulations and penalties vary according to firm size. The author uses household survey data to analyse a factor not previously studied – adjustment by firms through downsizing to benefit from lower fines and less stringent regulations. The empirical findings indicate that enforcement efforts have little effect on either the degree of compliance or the size of firms.