bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of the tape casting process for the development of high performance silicon nitride substrate
Authors: Duan Yusen , Zhang Jingxian , Li Xiaoguang , Shi Ying , Xie Jianjun , Jiang Dongliang 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn this paper, tape casting of Si3N4 substrate were investigated and optimized. The effects of dispersant content, binder, plasticizer/binder ratio, and solid loading on the green sheet properties were studied. An optimal formulation for the tape casting slurries was proposed, green tape with homogeneous microstructure and higher relative density of 56.08% was developed. After gas‐pressure sintering and annealing, Si3N4 substrate with a relative density of above 99% and thermal conductivity as 58 W/m/K was obtained. Results showed that the combination of tape casting and gas‐pressure sintering is feasible for the development of Si3N4 circuit substrates for power electronic devices.
Temperature‐insensitive strain behavior in 0.99[(1−x)Bi0.5(Na0.80K0.20)0.5TiO3−xBiFeO3]–0.01Ta lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics
Authors: Yu Jingru , Chu Shanshan , Song Xianmeng , Gao Han , Pan Junchen , Hao Jigong 
Published: April 2017

AbstractLead‐free 0.99[(1−x)Bi0.5(Na0.80K0.20)0.5TiO3−xBiFeO3]–0.01Ta (BNKT20–100xBF–1Ta) lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics were fabricated through conventional solid state sintering method. Results showed that change of BF content in the BNKT20–100xBF–1Ta induced a phase transition from ferroelectric to ergodic relaxor phase with a significant disruption of the long‐range ferroelectric order. A large electric‐field‐induced strain of 0.36% (at 80 kV/cm driving field, corresponding to a large signal of ~450 pm/V) which is derived from a reversible field‐induced ergodic relaxor to ferroelectric phase transformation, was obtained in the composition with x=0.01 near the ferroelectric‐ergodic relaxor phase boundary. Moreover, an attractive property for application in nonlinear actuators demanding enhanced thermal stability was obtained in this material, which showed a temperature‐insensitive strain characteristic in the temperature range from room temperature to 100°C.
Review of treatment for alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis
Authors: Kassira Sama , Korta Dorota Z. , Chapman Lance W. , Dann Francis 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAlopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease directed at the hair follicle. Although usually limited to patchy hair loss over the scalp (focalis), AA can present as total loss of scalp hair (totalis; AT) or as total loss of both scalp and body hair (universalis; AU). Management of AT and AU can be challenging, and although multiple treatment modalities have been explored, no therapy is currently FDA‐approved. This review focuses on the evidence for current treatment options for AT and AU. The PubMed database was searched from January 1, 2000, to September 1, 2016, for clinical trials, retrospective studies, and case reports of treatments for AT and AU. A total of 40 studies were retrieved and analyzed. Therapies studied for AT/AU included: topical immunotherapy, steroids, photodynamic therapy, immunosuppressive agents, TNFα inhibitors, and other therapies, such as sulfasalazine, bexarotene, JAK inhibitors, and simvastatin/ezetimibe. Although certain treatments showed significant hair regrowth, no treatment was completely effective. The most promising therapies with the highest quality data include diphenylcyclopropenone, squaric acid dibutylester, photodynamic therapy, steroids, and cyclosporine in combination with methylprednisolone. High‐quality randomized‐controlled trials with large sample sizes are lacking. Unified outcome guidelines are encouraged to facilitate the comparison of future studies.
Comparison of bioactive peptides prepared from sheep cheese whey using a food‐grade bacterial and a fungal protease preparation
Authors: Welsh Grace , Ryder Kate , Brewster Jodi , Walker Christina , Mros Sonya , Bekhit Alaa El‐Din A. , McConnell Michelle , Carne Alan 
Published: April 2017

SummaryNovel bacterial (HT) and fungal (FPII) food‐grade protease preparations were evaluated for their ability to hydrolyse sheep cheese whey (SCW) and the generation of bioactive peptides. Both protease preparations hydrolysed the whey proteins to small peptides over 24‐h hydrolysis time, but the time course hydrolysis profiles were different as evaluated by SDS‐PAGE. The HT whey hydrolysate had considerably higher antioxidant and angiotensin‐I converting enzyme (ACE)‐inhibitor activity than the FPII hydrolysate. Neither hydrolysate was cytotoxic towards Vero cells. OFFGEL electrophoresis of the small peptide pool fraction (<15 amino acids) of each hydrolysate indicated differences in the pI distribution of the bioactive peptides. This likely reflects the diverse hydrolytic specificity of the proteases. Although the antioxidant activity of both hydrolysates was not significantly affected by simulated gastrointestinal digestion, the loss of ACE‐inhibitor activity was greater with the FPII hydrolysate.
Chemometric approach to the analysis of antioxidant properties and colour of typical Italian monofloral honeys
Authors: Castiglioni Sara , Stefano Mariassunta , Astolfi Paola , Carloni Patricia 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe antioxidant and colour properties of nine types of monofloral Italian honeys were analysed and correlated with multivariate analysis to find relationships able to characterise the honey floral source. Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of the honey samples increase in the order Citrus ≈ Black Locust < Sunflower ≈ Eucalyptus ≈ Coriander < Fir Honeydew ≈ Chestnut < Honeydew ≈ Strawberry Tree and mainly correlate with colour. A linear discriminant analysis was carried out to choose spectrophotometric λ able to characterise the colour of the different types of honey. Elaboration of data with cluster and principal component analyses enables differentiation among the floral source of some honey samples, namely Strawberry Tree, Honeydew, Citrus, Black Locust, Chestnut and Fir Honeydew.
Effect of acupressure on pain in Iranian leukemia patients: A randomized controlled trial study
Authors: Sharif Nia Hamid , Pahlevan Sharif Saeed , Yaghoobzadeh Ameneh , Yeoh Ken Kyid , Goudarzian Amir Hossein , Soleimani Mohammad Ali , Jamali Saman 
Published: April 2017

AbstractNonpharmacological methods of pain relief such as acupressure are becoming increasingly popular worldwide. Practitioners often claim that such methods are highly effective and less invasive than analgesic drugs, but available empirical evidence is largely inconclusive.This study aimed to test the hypothesis that, postacupressure intervention, the amount of pain experienced by sampled leukemia patients, who received acupressure in addition to standard care, will reduce substantially compared to patients who received only routine treatment.This controlled trial was undertaken with hospitalized leukemia patients between February and June 2015. Our primary sample consisted of 100 participants who were randomly allocated to 2 groups. One (intervention) group underwent 12 acupressure sessions in addition to standard treatment while the control group received no intervention apart from being given the standard treatment for leukemia. The visual analogue scale was used to measure the levels of pain experienced.No significant differences were found between the 2 groups across 12 interventions. However, each group reported significantly different pain level changes before and after each intervention, suggested that the acupressure method was effective in reducing pain in the short term.Nurses are able to apply this complementary therapy alongside other procedures to manage these patients' pain. It is recommended that further studies be conducted to better understand the specific conditions under which acupressure can provide effective pain relief.
Differences in health‐related quality of life by sleep duration and subjective oral health in Korean adults with coronary artery disease
Authors: Kim Sanghee , Kim Yoonjung , Kwon Haejin 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundHealth‐related quality of life management for patients with coronary artery disease should be considered in the context of sleep and oral health, as both associated with heart health.AimTo identify differences in health‐related quality of life by sleep duration and subjective oral health among these patients and to examine factors influencing health‐related quality of life.MethodsA descriptive cross‐sectional design using secondary data from the 2013 Korea Community Health Survey. Data were collected from August 16, 2013, to October 31, 2013, with 6454 adults with coronary artery disease aged 19 or older.ResultsWe observed a significant difference in health‐related quality of life by sleep duration, subjective oral health, and chewing discomfort. A hierarchical regression analysis identified factors affecting health‐related quality of life: no smoking and no economic activity had negative effects, and highest level of education, having a spouse, no hypertension, no dyslipidemia, no arthritis, good subjective oral health, and no chewing discomfort had positive effects.ConclusionGood subjective oral health and no chewing discomfort significantly predicted health‐related quality of life among study patients. To improve health‐related quality of life of these patients, promotion and education regarding regular dental clinic visits is needed to ensure early interventions.
Children/young people taking long-term medication: a survey of community pharmacists’ experiences in England
Authors: Aston Jeff , Wilson Keith A , Terry David R P 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

Objectives
To determine whether community pharmacists undertake medication reviews with children/their carers and to identify the type of medication-related experiences presented to them when a child is taking long-term medication.

Methods
A 13 question semi-structured survey was posted to 354 England-based community pharmacists with telephone follow-up/repeat mailing of non-responders. Participants were asked about their practice as a community pharmacist over the preceding 12 months to children/young people, or their carers, taking long-term medication. The questionnaire covered: medication review, reported adherence, information requests, adverse effects, administration and obtaining medication supplies. The data were analysed using SPSS version 22 and NVivo version 10.

Results
The response rate was 76/354 (21.5%). Eighteen (23.7%) respondents had undertaken a Medicines Use Review (MUR) and 22 (28.9%) a New Medicines Service (NMS) medication review with a child/their carer. Participants reported that patients/their carers had presented to them with non-adherence including stopping medication (24, 31.6%) and changing the dose (28, 36.8%). Respondents were directly asked about the indication (59, 77.6%), dose regimen (63, 82.9%), administration (64, 84.2%) and adverse effects (58, 76.3%) of prescribed medication. Respondents reported patients/carers experiencing difficulties obtaining medication from their community pharmacy (47, 61.8%) and patients’ family doctors declining to prescribe a medication recommended by a specialist (27, 35.5%).

Conclusions
Medicines Use Review and NMS reviews are utilised by community pharmacists in children/their carers. The medication-related experiences presenting to community pharmacists could fall within the purview of a medication review (MUR or NMS). There is scope to further extend this service to this group of patients/carers.
Ageing adversely affects the migration and function of marginal zone B cells
Authors: Turner Vivian M. , Mabbott Neil A. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryMarginal zone (MZ) B cells are positioned within the spleen to capture blood‐borne antigen and immune complexes and deliver them to follicular dendritic cells in the B‐cell follicles. We show that within the spleens of aged mice antigen capture by MZ B cells, and their ability to shuttle between the follicle and MZ, were impaired. The ability of aged MZ B cells to migrate towards the MZ chemoattractant sphingosine‐1‐phosphate was increased, suggesting that aged MZ B cells had a greater propensity to be retained within the MZ. An extrinsic impairment in aged B‐cell migration towards the MZ was demonstrated using bone marrow chimeras. The follicular shuttling of MZ B cells derived from either young or aged bone marrow was similarly reduced in aged recipient spleens, showing that ageing effects on splenic stromal cells were responsible for the impaired follicular shuttling of MZ B cells. MZ B cells rapidly mount T‐cell‐independent (TI) antibody‐responses to microbial polysaccharide antigen. In aged mice the ability to produce immunoglobulins in response to the TI type 1 antigen TNP‐LPS was impaired. These ageing‐related changes to the MZ and MZ B cells have implications for the clearance of blood‐borne pathogens. Indeed elderly people have increased susceptibility to Streptococcus pneumoniae, a TI antigen, and decreased responses to vaccination. A thorough analysis of the mechanisms that underpin the ageing‐related decline in the status of the MZ and MZ B cells will help the design of novel treatments to improve immunity in the elderly.
Phenotypic characterization of regulatory T cells from antiretroviral‐naive HIV‐1‐infected people
Authors: Ambada Georgia N. , Ntsama Claudine E. , Nji Nadesh N. , Ngu Loveline N. , Sake Carole N. , Lissom Abel , Tchouangeu Flaurent T. , Tchadji Jules , Sosso Martin , Etoa François‐Xavier , Nchinda Godwin W. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryRegulatory T (Treg) cells play a key role in dampening excessive immune activation. However, antiretroviral therapy (ART) ‐naive HIV‐1 infection maintains the immune system in a sustained state of activation that could alter both Treg cell surface markers and functions. As Treg cell surface markers are directly linked to their functions the overall objective of this study was to determine how ART‐naive HIV infection affects the phenotypic properties of Treg cells. Our data showed that in ART‐naive HIV‐1 infection, Treg cells are dominated by effector (CD45RA+ CD27− CCR7− CD62L−) and effector memory (CD45RA− CD27− CCR7− CD62L−) cells. In contrast Treg cells from HIV‐negative individuals were mainly naive (CD45RA+ CD27+ CCR7+ CD62L+) and central memory (CD45RA− CD27+ CCR7+ CD62L+) cells. Whereas effector and effector memory Treg cells showed enhanced expression of CD39 (P < 0·05), CD73 (P < 0·001), HLA‐DR and CD38 (P < 0·001); naive and central memory Treg cells showed a significant reduction in the expression of these markers. Overall Treg cell frequencies within total CD4+ T cells correlated positively with plasmatic HIV‐1 viral load. As increased viral load is associated with augmented CD4+ T‐cell destruction; this could suggest a resistance of peripheral Treg cells to HIV‐1 destruction. Hence the modulation of Treg cell phenotype and frequencies could be considered in designing immunotherapeutic strategies targeting immune system restoration during HIV‐1 infection.
CD8 T‐cell regulation by T regulatory cells and the programmed cell death protein 1 pathway
Authors: Penaloza‐MacMaster Pablo 
Published: April 2017

SummaryThe primary function of the immune system is to protect the host from infectious microorganisms and cancers. However, a major component of the immune response involves the direct elimination of cells in the body and the induction of systemic inflammation, which may result in life‐threatening immunopathology. Therefore, the immune system has developed complex mechanisms to regulate itself with a specialized subset of CD4 T lymphocytes (referred to as regulatory T cells) and immune checkpoint pathways, such as the programmed cell death protein 1 pathway. These immune regulatory mechanisms can be exploited by pathogens and tumours to establish persistence in the host, warranting a deeper understanding of how to fine‐tune immune responses during these chronic diseases. Here, I discuss various features of immune regulatory pathways and what important aspects must be considered in the next generation of therapies to reverse immune exhaustion, understanding that this process is a natural mechanism to prevent the host from destroying itself.
Inflammatory responses to influenza vaccination at the extremes of age
Authors: McDonald Jacqueline U. , Zhong Ziyun , Groves Helen T. , Tregoning John S. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryAge affects the immune response to vaccination, with individuals at the extremes of age responding poorly. The initial inflammatory response to antigenic materials shapes the subsequent adaptive response and so understanding is required about the effect of age on the profile of acute inflammatory mediators. In this study we measured the local and systemic inflammatory response after influenza vaccination or infection in neonatal, young adult and aged mice. Mice were immunized intramuscularly with inactivated influenza vaccine with and without the adjuvant MF59 and then challenged with H1N1 influenza. Age was the major factor affecting the inflammatory profile after vaccination: neonatal mice had more interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α), C‐reactive protein (CRP) and granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GMCSF), young adults more tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF), and elderly mice more interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1RA), IL‐2RA and interferon‐γ‐induced protein 10 (IP10). Notably the addition of MF59 induced IL‐5, granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF), Keratinocyte Chemotractant (KC) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1) in all ages of animals and levels of these cytokines correlated with antibody responses. Age also had an impact on the efficacy of vaccination: neonatal and young adult mice were protected against challenge, but aged mice were not. There were striking differences in the localization of the cytokine response depending on the route of exposure: vaccination led to a high serum response whereas intranasal infection led to a low serum response but a high lung response. In conclusion, we demonstrate that age affects the inflammatory response to both influenza vaccination and infection. These age‐induced differences need to be considered when developing vaccination strategies for different age groups.
Estimates of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus incidences with fraction modeling approach in Baguio City, the Philippines, 2012‐2014
Authors: Kamigaki Taro , Aldey Portia P. , Mercado Edelwisa S. , Tan Alvin G. , Javier Jenaline B. , Lupisan Socorro P. , Oshitani Hitoshi , Tallo Veronica L. 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundEstimation of the incidences of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is important for disease control. Previous estimate in the city showed a substantial burden of influenza in both outpatients and inpatients while it did not account for individuals who do not seek medical attention nor RSV.Patients/MethodsA total of 17 674 influenza‐like illness (ILI) and 13 242 severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) cases were recruited, and samples were collected from 6267 and 2962 of ILI and SARI cases, respectively. RT‐PCR assays were performed to detect influenza and RSV in the samples. A health‐seeking behavior survey was conducted from February 2014 to April 2014 to estimate the fraction of infected individuals who did not seek medical attention between rainy and dry season.ResultsAverage influenza and RSV incidence rates in outpatients were 1.6 and 1.4 per 1000 individuals, respectively, and the highest incidence rate for both viruses was found in the of 6‐23 month age group. Average influenza and RSV hospitalization incidence rates were 1.7 and 1.9 per 1000 individuals, respectively. Further, we estimated that the incidence rates of influenza and RSV in individuals who did not seek medical attention were threefold and 1.6‐fold those in the medically attended population.ConclusionsRespiratory syncytial virus and influenza pose a substantial disease burden, particularly in hospitalized cases. The implementation of either a community‐based approach or an enhanced surveillance system in combination with a community survey will allow a better understanding of the disease burdens of RSV and influenza in the Philippines.
Influence of time to diagnosis of severe influenza on antibiotic use, length of stay, isolation precautions, and mortality: a retrospective study
Authors: Akers Isabel E. , Weber Rainer , Sax Hugo , Böni Jürg , Trkola Alexandra , Kuster Stefan P. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundTimely diagnosis of influenza infection in patients might help reduce antibiotic use during influenza seasons and, consequently, antibiotic selection pressure. In this retrospective cohort study, we aimed to evaluate whether time to influenza diagnosis in patients with severe influenza is associated with the duration of antibiotic therapy.MethodsWe retrospectively included all hospitalized patients >16 years who tested positive for influenza A or B by polymerase chain reaction during influenza seasons 2013/2014 or 2014/2015 at the University Hospital Zurich. The primary aim was to assess the association between timing of laboratory‐confirmed influenza diagnosis and duration of antibiotic therapy. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay, duration of isolation precautions, and mortality. Early diagnosis was defined as laboratory confirmation on the day of or the day after hospital admission or symptom onset.ResultsA total of 126 patients were included (median age 57 years). Timing of influenza diagnosis was not associated with the duration of antibiotic treatment, the duration of isolation precautions, or mortality. Early influenza was associated with reduced length of hospital stay (median 7 vs 9 days [P=.014]) in patients with community‐acquired influenza.ConclusionsAlthough the duration of antibiotic therapy and mortality were found unaffected by early influenza diagnosis, our data indicate that it is linked with a reduction in the length of hospitalization in patients with community‐acquired influenza. This highlights a need to also fully understand the effect of time to diagnosis of bacterial pathogens on antibiotic prescribing patterns in order to exploit the potential of early influenza diagnosis in patient care.
Investigation of optical properties: Eu with Al codoping in aluminum silicate glasses and glass‐ceramics
Authors: Gao Yuan , Qiu Jianbei , Zhou Dacheng 
Published: April 2017

AbstractEu‐doped transparent oxyfluoride aluminosilicate glass was prepared by controlling with Al codoping of melt‐quenched glass fabricated under air atmosphere. In the presence of Al input, the photoluminescence emission spectra under 393 nm excitation shows a blue shift by adjusting the ratio of Eu3+ and Eu2+. After heat treatment of glass, the ratio of Eu3+ and Eu2+ of luminescence emission were changed by controlling treatment temperature. The PL intensity of Eu3+ and Eu2+ ions in the glass‐ceramics (GC) was much stronger than in the precursor glass (PG). The possible mechanism responsible for color tuneability of the ratio of Eu3+ and Eu2+ doped was discussed.