bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of IL-40, a Novel B Cell–Associated Cytokine
Authors: Catalan-Dibene Jovani , Vazquez Monica I. , Luu Van Phi , Nuccio Sean-Paul , Karimzadeh Alborz , Kastenschmidt Jenna M. , Villalta S. Armando , Ushach Irina , Pone Egest J. , Casali Paolo , Raffatellu Manuela , Burkhardt Amanda M. , Hernandez-Ruiz Marcela , Heller Gina , Hevezi Peter A. , Zlotnik Albert 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
We describe a novel B cell–associated cytokine, encoded by an uncharacterized gene (C17orf99; chromosome 17 open reading frame 99), that is expressed in bone marrow and fetal liver and whose expression is also induced in peripheral B cells upon activation. C17orf99 is only present in mammalian genomes, and it encodes a small (∼27-kDa) secreted protein unrelated to other cytokine families, suggesting a function in mammalian immune responses. Accordingly, C17orf99 expression is induced in the mammary gland upon the onset of lactation, and a C17orf99−/− mouse exhibits reduced levels of IgA in the serum, gut, feces, and lactating mammary gland. C17orf99−/− mice have smaller and fewer Peyer’s patches and lower numbers of IgA-secreting cells. The microbiome of C17orf99−/− mice exhibits altered composition, likely a consequence of the reduced levels of IgA in the gut. Although naive B cells can express C17orf99 upon activation, their production increases following culture with various cytokines, including IL-4 and TGF-β1, suggesting that differentiation can result in the expansion of C17orf99-producing B cells during some immune responses. Taken together, these observations indicate that C17orf99 encodes a novel B cell–associated cytokine, which we have called IL-40, that plays an important role in humoral immune responses and may also play a role in B cell development. Importantly, IL-40 is also expressed by human activated B cells and by several human B cell lymphomas. The latter observations suggest that it may play a role in the pathogenesis of certain human diseases.
Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy: Spontaneous vs in vitro Fertilization
Authors: Bolukbas Filiz F , Bolukbas Cengiz , Balaban Hatice Y , Aygun Cem , Ignak Seyda , Ergul Emine , Yazicioglu Mehtap , Ersahin Suat S 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT

Aim
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is the most common liver disease in pregnancy. Although it was shown that multiple pregnancy and hormone therapies increase the risk of ICP, there is limited information that compared spontaneous fertilization and in vitro fertilization (IVF) from the aspect of developing ICP. In our study, we investigated the potential relationship between ICP and IVF/spontaneous pregnancy.

Materials and methods
We reviewed the records (between June 2007 and December 2014) of pregnancies with ICP who were referred to gastroenterology clinics in three different hospitals. Fifty-nine pregnancies (43 spontaneous fertilization, 16 IVF) with ICP were analyzed from the aspect of age, fertilization type, multiple/singleton pregnancy, delivery week, and biochemical results.

Results
We found that serum bile acid levels were higher in the IVF group than the spontaneous fertilization group (32.8 ± 20 vs 19.6 ± 19 μmol/L; p < 0.05). There was a significant inverse correlation between serum bile acid levels and gestational age (r = −0.42, p < 0.01) in the whole group. There was no difference between IVF and spontaneous fertilization groups in term of age, onset time of symptoms, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total and direct bilirubin levels, prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), and platelet count.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that the serum bile acid levels are higher in IVF than in spontaneous pregnancies with ICP, but its clinical implications are not clear. Further prospective studies with large number of ICP cases are needed to clarify the effect of IVF on ICP.

How to cite this article
Bolukbas FF, Bolukbas C, Balaban HY, Aygun C, Ignak S, Ergul E, Yazicioglu M, Ersahin SS. Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy: Spontaneous vs in vitro Fertilization. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(2):126-129.
Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient Measurement in Bangladeshi Cirrhotic Patients: A Correlation with Child's Status, Variceal Size, and Bleeding
Authors: Moben Ahmed L , Alam Mohammad A , Noor E Alam Sheikh M , Khondaker Faiz A , Mohsena Masuda 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTBackgroundHepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) reflects the portal pressure in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension. The aim of the study was to assess the relation of HVPG to variceal size, Child—Pugh status, and variceal bleeding.Materials and methodsA total of 96 patients with cirrhosis of liver were enrolled prospectively and each patient's HVPG level was measured via the transfemoral route. Clinical and biochemical evaluation and upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy were done in each subject. Severity of cirrhosis was assessed by Child's status.ResultsThe mean HVPG was higher in patients with Child's B and C (14.10 ± 7.56 and 13.64 ± 7.17 mm Hg respectively) compared with those of Child's A (10.15 ± 5.63 mm Hg). The levels of HVPG differed significantly between Child's classes A and B (p = 0.011) and Child's A and C (p = 0.041). The mean HVPG was also higher in bleeders compared with nonbleeders with large varices (17.7 ± 5.5vs14.9 ± 4.7 mmHg respectively; p = 0.006).ConclusionHepatic venous pressure gradient seems to be important to assess the severity of liver cirrhosis.How to cite this articleAl Mahtab M, Noor E Alam SM, Rahim MA, Alam MA, Khondaker FA, Moben AL, Mohsena M, Akbar SMF. Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient Measurement in Bangladeshi Cirrhotic Patients: A Correlation with Child's Status, Variceal Size, and Bleeding. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(2):142-145.
Effectiveness of Sedoanalgesia in Percutaneous Liver Biopsy Premedication
Authors: Sezgin Orhan , Yaras Serkan , Ates Fehmi , Altintas Engin , Saritas Bunyamin 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT

Aim
Percutaneous needle liver biopsy (PLB) is frequently associated with pain and anxiety. This may discourage the patients for biopsy, and rebiopsies, if needed. We planned a study to investigate the efficacy of additional analgesia or sedation for PLB.

Materials and methods
The study has been designed as a single-center, prospective study. The PLB was planned for 18- to 65-year-old consecutive patients who were included in the study. The patients were divided into three premedication groups as control, Meperidine, and Midazolam. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to measure each subject's anxiety level. Fifteen minutes before the biopsy, 1 mL 0.9% NaCl subcutaneously (sc), 1 mg/kg (max 100 mg) Meperidine sc, or 0.1 mg/kg (max 5 mg) Midazolam intravenously was administered to patients respectively. Then PLB was done with 16 G Menghini needle. The day after, the patients were asked about feelings regarding biopsy.

Results
Groups were similar by gender and age. The HADS scores prior to PLB and on visual analog scale (VAS, 1—10 points) score during PLB were similar. In the three groups, 7, 12, and 7 patients, respectively, experienced no pain. Other patients explained pain as mild or moderate or severe. The number of patients who agreed for possible rebiopsy was higher in Meperidine and Midazolam groups than in the control group.

Conclusion
Premedication with Meperidine or Midazolam in PLB would improve patients' tolerance, comfort, and attitude against a possible repeat PLB.

How to cite this article
Sezgin O, Yaras S, Ates F, Altintas E, Saritas B. Effectiveness of Sedoanalgesia in Percutaneous Liver Biopsy Premedication. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(2):146-149.
Hemochromatosis Gene Polymorphism as a Predictor of Sustained Virological Response to Antiviral Treatment in Egyptian Chronic Hepatitis C Patients
Authors: Mehrez Mai I , Fattah Dina SA , Azeem Naglaa AA , Saleh Mohamed A , Mostafa Khadiga M 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT

Aim
The aim of this article is to assess HFE C282Y gene mutations as a predictor of sustained virological response (SVR) to anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment in Egyptian patients.

Materials and methods
One hundred and forty chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients were divided into two groups: 70 patients achieved SVR and 70 patients were nonresponders (NRs). All patients were subjected to quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks after therapy commencement. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing for HFE (C282Y) was done by restriction fragment length polymorphism PCR.

Results
Sixty five patients did not have mutation and 5 patients had C282Y mutation (GA) with SVR. While 45 NRs had heterozygous C282Y mutation (GA), 4 patients (5.7%) had homozygous mutation (AA) and 21 patients (30%) had no mutation (GG). The parameters of elevated iron [transferrin saturation (TS; p < 0.001), S iron (p < 0.02), total iron binding capacity (TIBC; p < 0.001), transferrin (p < 0.016), and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR; p-value, 0.001)] were significantly associated with C282Y mutation. However, there was no significant difference regarding ferritin values and C282Y mutation in NR patients.

Conclusion
Iron overload was frequently detected in CHC patients and associated with C282Y mutation, while biochemical markers of iron overload and C282Y HFE mutation were negative prognostic factor.

How to cite this article
Mehrez MI, Fattah DSA, Azeem NAA, Saleh MA, Mostafa KM. Hemochromatosis Gene Polymorphism as a Predictor of Sustained Virological Response to Antiviral Treatment in Egyptian Chronic Hepatitis C Patients. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(2):154-157.
Management of Traumatic Liver and Bile Duct Laceration
Authors: Dwivedi Pankaj , Waghmare Mukta , Shah Hemanshi , Tiwari Charu , Khedkar Kiran 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTPosttraumatic major bile leak in children is uncommon, with few cases reported in the literature. These injuries are seen in high-grade liver trauma and are difficult to diagnose and manage. We describe a 7-year-old boy with grade IV hepatic trauma and bile leak following blunt abdominal trauma. The leak was successfully managed by percutaneous drainage and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) stenting of the injured hepatic duct.How to cite this articleTiwari C, Shah H, Waghmare M, Khedkar K, Dwivedi P. Management of Traumatic Liver and Bile Duct Laceration. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(2):188-190.
Effects of CO2 and H2S on Corrosion of Martensitic Steels in Brines at Low Temperature
Authors: Feng Ruishu , Beck Justin R. , Hall Derek M. , Buyuksagis Aysel , Ziomek-Moroz Margaret , Lvov Serguei N. 
Published: October 2017

Corrosion studies were conducted for martensitic carbon steels in 5 wt% NaCl brine solutions at 4°C and 10 MPa (1,450 psi). These studies simulated different subsurface environments relevant to Arctic drilling. Here, two high-strength martensitic carbon steels, S-135 and UD-165, were studied in three different environments: (1) a CO2-NaCl-H2O solution with a CO2:H2O molar ratio of 0.312 in the whole system, (2) an H2S-NaCl-H2O solution with an H2S:H2O molar ratio of 3.12 × 10−4, and (3) a CO2-H2S-NaCl-H2O solution with the same acid gas to water ratios as environments 1 and 2. Results from the CO2+H2S mixed environment indicated that sour corrosion mechanism was dominant when the CO2:H2S molar ratio was 1,000. This impact of a small amount of H2S on the corrosion mechanism could be attributed to the specific adsorption of H2S on the steel surface. Electrochemical and mass loss measurements showed a distinct drop in the corrosion rate (CR) by more than one order of magnitude when transitioning from sweet to sour corrosion. This inhibiting effect on CR was attributed to the formation of a protective sulfide thin film. Tafel analyses of the anodic reaction showed that the Bockris mechanism was unlikely in the conditions tested. When comparisons were made between modeled and experimental CRs, good agreement was found in the CO2-only and H2S-only environments, but not in the CO2+H2S environment.
High-Accuracy Ultrasonic Corrosion Rate Monitoring
Authors: Zou Fangxin , Cegla Frederic B. 
Published: October 2017

Ultrasonic testing with permanently installed transducers is widely used for online corrosion monitoring in the field. In this paper, a carefully optimized ultrasonic corrosion monitoring technique for performing measurements in the laboratory is presented. It is shown that for thickness measurements of a 10 mm steel component, a repeatability of ∼40 nm can be maintained over the period of a day. The technique has been applied to monitoring the wall losses of a steel sample during driven and free corrosion experiments. All ultrasonic wall loss measurements reported have been validated by optical surface profile scans and, where possible, by analytical predictions based on Faraday’s law. Further analysis of the results shows that wall loss rates of the order of 0.1 mm/y to 0.2 mm/y can be detected within 1 h to 2 h. This state-of-the-art laboratory technique is highly accurate and responsive, and possesses the potential for becoming a powerful alternative corrosion assessment tool that is convenient to use.
Internationalization in an Occupational Therapy Curriculum: A Philippine–American Pilot Collaboration
Authors: Cabatan Maria Concepcion C. , Grajo Lenin C. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. This study is a pilot implementation of an Internationalization at Home (IaH) teaching and learning collaboration to enhance intercultural learning and understanding of concepts of occupation in two cohorts of occupational science and occupational therapy students from the Philippines and the United States.
METHOD. In this collective case study, 149 students (Cohort 1, n = 65; Cohort 2, n = 84) participated. The collaboration included virtual conversations among students, faculty presentations, reflective assignments, and completion of an anonymous online survey.
RESULTS. Analysis yielded three essential themes: (1) perception of increased knowledge about human occupation and the influence of culture, (2) identification of teaching–learning aspects that facilitated intercultural learning outcomes, and (3) identification of factors that were enablers of and barriers to learning.
CONCLUSION. This study provides insights on how intercultural learning experiences can be integrated into occupational science and occupational therapy curricula and can increase understanding of concepts related to human occupation.
Effect of Bathroom Aids and Age on Balance Control During Bathing Transfers
Authors: King Emily C. , Novak Alison C. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Bathroom assistive devices are used to improve safety during bathing transfers, but biomechanical evidence to support clinical recommendations is lacking. This study evaluated the effectiveness of common bathroom aids in promoting balance control during bathing transfers. Twenty-six healthy adults (12 young, 14 older) stepped into and out of a slippery bathtub while using a vertical grab bar on the side wall, a horizontal grab bar on the back wall, a bath mat, a side wall touch, or no assistance. Balance control was characterized using center of pressure measures and showed greater instability for older adults. The vertical grab bar and wall touch resulted in the safest (best controlled) transfers. The bath mat provided improved balance control in the axis parallel to the bathtub rim but was equivalent to no assistance perpendicular to the rim, in the direction of obstacle crossing. These results can support clinical recommendations for safe bathing transfers.
Biomass burning at Cape Grim: exploring photochemistry using multi-scale modelling
Authors: Lawson Sarah J. , Cope Martin , Lee Sunhee , Galbally Ian E. , Ristovski Zoran , Keywood Melita D. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract. We have tested the ability of a high-resolution chemical transport model (CTM) to reproduce biomass burning (BB) plume strikes and ozone (O3) enhancements observed at Cape Grim in Tasmania, Australia, from the Robbins Island fire. The CTM has also been used to explore the contribution of near-field BB emissions and background sources to O3 observations under conditions of complex meteorology. Using atmospheric observations, we have tested model sensitivity to meteorology, BB emission factors (EFs) corresponding to low, medium, and high modified combustion efficiency (MCE), and spatial variability. The use of two different meteorological models (TAPM–CTM and CCAM–CTM) varied the first (BB1) plume strike time by up to 15 h and the duration of impact between 12 and 36 h, and it varied the second (BB2) plume duration between 50 and 57 h. Meteorology also had a large impact on simulated O3, with one model (TAPM–CTM) simulating four periods of O3 enhancement, while the other model (CCAM) simulating only one period. Varying the BB EFs, which in turn varied the non-methane organic compound (NMOC) ∕ oxides of nitrogen (NOx) ratio, had a strongly non-linear impact on simulated O3 concentration, with either destruction or production of O3 predicted in different simulations. As shown in previous work (Lawson et al., 2015), minor rainfall events have the potential to significantly alter EF due to changes in combustion processes. Models that assume fixed EF for O3 precursor species in an environment with temporally or spatially variable EF may be unable to simulate the behaviour of important species such as O3. TAPM–CTM is used to further explore the contribution of the Robbins Island fire to the observed O3 enhancements during BB1 and BB2. Overall, TAPM–CTM suggests that the dominant source of O3 observed at Cape Grim was aged urban air (age  = 2 days), with a contribution of O3 formed from local BB emissions. This work shows the importance of assessing model sensitivity to meteorology and EF and the large impact these variables can have in particular on simulated destruction or production of O3 in regional atmospheric chemistry simulations. This work also shows the importance of using models to elucidate the contribution from different sources to atmospheric composition, where this is difficult using observations alone.
Heterogeneous reactions of mineral dust aerosol: implications for tropospheric oxidation capacity
Authors: Tang Mingjin , Huang Xin , Lu Keding , Ge Maofa , Li Yongjie , Cheng Peng , Zhu Tong , Ding Aijun , Zhang Yuanhang , Gligorovski Sasho , Song Wei , Ding Xiang , Bi Xinhui , Wang Xinming 
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Heterogeneous reactions of mineral dust aerosol with trace gases in the atmosphere could directly and indirectly affect tropospheric oxidation capacity, in addition to aerosol composition and physicochemical properties. In this article we provide a comprehensive and critical review of laboratory studies of heterogeneous uptake of OH, NO3, O3, and their directly related species as well (including HO2, H2O2, HCHO, HONO, and N2O5) by mineral dust particles. The atmospheric importance of heterogeneous uptake as sinks for these species is assessed (i) by comparing their lifetimes with respect to heterogeneous reactions with mineral dust to lifetimes with respect to other major loss processes and (ii) by discussing relevant field and modeling studies. We have also outlined major open questions and challenges in laboratory studies of heterogeneous uptake by mineral dust and discussed research strategies to address them in order to better understand the effects of heterogeneous reactions with mineral dust on tropospheric oxidation capacity.
Ionospheric F-region response to the 26 September 2011 geomagnetic storm in the Antarctica American and Australian sectors
Authors: Correia Emilia , Spogli Luca , Alfonsi Lucilla , Cesaroni Claudio , Gulisano Adriana M. , Thomas Evan G. , Ramirez Ray F. Hidalgo , Rodel Alexandre A. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract. The ionospheric response at middle and high latitudes in the Antarctica American and Australian sectors to the 26–27 September 2011 moderately intense geomagnetic storm was investigated using instruments including an ionosonde, riometer, and GNSS receivers. The multi-instrument observations permitted us to characterize the ionospheric storm-enhanced density (SED) and tongues of ionization (TOIs) as a function of storm time and location, considering the effect of prompt penetration electric fields (PPEFs). During the main phase of the geomagnetic storm, dayside SEDs were observed at middle latitudes, and in the nightside only density depletions were observed from middle to high latitudes. Both the increase and decrease in ionospheric density at middle latitudes can be attributed to a combination of processes, including the PPEF effect just after the storm onset, dominated by disturbance dynamo processes during the evolution of the main phase. Two SEDs–TOIs were identified in the Southern Hemisphere, but only the first episode had a counterpart in the Northern Hemisphere. This difference can be explained by the interhemispheric asymmetry caused by the high-latitude coupling between solar wind and the magnetosphere, which drives the dawn-to-dusk component of the interplanetary magnetic field. The formation of polar TOI is a function of the SED plume location that might be near the dayside cusp from which it can enter the polar cap, which was the case in the Southern Hemisphere. Strong GNSS scintillations were observed at stations collocated with SED plumes at middle latitudes and cusp on the dayside and at polar cap TOIs on the nightside.
Design and validation of a scale to evaluate the impact of implementing a quality management system in schools
Authors: Carballo Santaolalla Rafael , Fernández Díaz Mª José , Rodríguez Mantilla Jesús Miguel 
Published: October 2017

Implementation of quality management systems in educational organisations is a fact in many countries. Schools adopt systems to establish an improvement plan, based on evaluating everything they do. Evidence of the improvement and changes must be gathered and tools and techniques are thus required to evaluate these changes. This paper presents a questionnaire with a design and an analysis of its technical characteristics. Results show that the overall reliability of the questionnaire is very good, with a Cronbach’s α of .988 and values higher than .92 in each of the six dimensions. The item analysis shows the level of homogeneity, with values over .25. The validity of the questionnaire is also good since the dimensions and subdimensions used are consistent, and the empirical data and the unidimensionality of the construct is proven.
Revenge of the Nerds: Recidivist Masculinity, Identity Politics and the Online ‘Culture Wars’
Authors: Dematagoda Udith 
Published: October 2017

This paper is longform commentary and analysis of Angela Nagle's recent work Kill All Normies Online culture wars from 4chan and Tumblr to Trump and the alt-right. It explores the work's relevance to 'Extreme Masculinties', and places it within the context of the contemporary poltiical situation. The work's main thesis on the aesthetic and libidinal forms and characteristics of the 'Alt-Right' are heavily interrogated and placed within the historical context of previous 'crises' in masculinity. This analysis proceeds to further explore the existence of this contemporary crisis through the broader spectrum of identity politics, and its problematic ideological conflicts and consequences.